Our Adventures Continue...come along with us!

Tuesday, 2.27.12 Birmingham, Alabama

2012-02-27T22:48:00.000-05:00

We travelled from Americus, Georgia to Birmingham, Alabama to visit Chris Cosby. We had a great meal, Barbecue and then got some ice cream for dessert at home. And speaking of home, here we are and our friend Chris and Lucinda.

Great RV Site, just a parking lot near a baseball field, but full hook ups and free WiFi

Home Sweet Home

Chris Cosby and Lucinda

A very beautiful area of Birmingham, AL

2.26.12 Sunday Townsend's

2012-02-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

Before we leave Americus we wanted to meet Elizabeth
Mike & Joy Towsend's new child.
Great new person for this world.

Saturday 2.25.12 Ruby Tuesdays with friends

2012-02-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

Had a great time at our favorite restaurant 'Ruby Tuesdays' with Nancy Barnes and Margaret Yankowski. Americus is such a nice little small town, it is good to be here for the weekend.

Friday 2.24.12 Detroit-Savannah-Americus

2012-02-25T15:02:00.007-05:00

Sorry I have been so lax in updating my blog. So much has happened since Eleanor's passing! We all went to and participated in her funeral in August, and drank till dawn as her friends knew she would have...

We have been lots of places since then and went home for the month of December to be with friends for Christmas holidays. We spent 3 beautiful weeks at Don's Detroit property

We then went to Chicago for Christmas at Mike and Sophia's place and visited her family at Christmas. It was great seeing Mike, we really miss him alot.

We left Michigan and came back to our RV in Brunswick where we worked on two houses until February 24th when we left for Americus, Georgia to see old friends and make new ones.

But on our way we stopped in Savannah for Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral and spent some time with our friend Bill Fitzgerald. What a great time we had. Be sure to check out Leopolds Ice Cream Parlor if ever you are in that neck of the woods.

January, working on our project

2012-01-31T15:23:00.000-05:00

We had a great time working on Ms Cassie's house in Brunswick. Here I am using a nail gun to secure the fence we were constructing.

Pray for my Friend

2011-08-03T13:24:00.002-04:00

I am asking you to pray for my friend Eleanor.
She is ill and in Gods hands...
may He hold her and comfort her...and we pray!

8.2.11 Riding the cornfields

2011-08-03T13:11:00.004-04:00

Danville, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana, biking with the Fuller Center Bikers.

Miles and Miles of either corn or soy beans. But HOT and hotter!

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

2011-08-03T12:36:00.006-04:00

The guys just in from 111 miles of biking, hot and thirsty. They took showers, then we had a Wendys then back to Danville we went.

Tony & I are now in Indianapolis, Indiana after the Fuller Center Bike Adventure went through town. Tony & son Mike biked from Danville, Illinois to Indianapolis 111 miles. This ride is to raise money to build houses for those in need. Fuller was founded by Millard Fuller who founded Habitat for Humanity. Millard passed away but his spirit and dream live on in Habitat and Fuller Center.My participation was driver and picture taker but son Mike took some pictures also. I drove Tony to Danville, then I drove back 90 miles. After the ride I drove Mike back to his car in Danville then 90 miles back, so that is what I mean by driving.

Stay tuned.

June 1st What we are up to...

2011-06-01T23:04:00.005-04:00

We are finally back home in the small town of Allenton, Michigan, I can hear the corn growing. We are home to visit family and friends and get our shots...so that we can hit the road in August for more parts unknown.

Had a great cruise in April, saw Mike and Sophia at her condo on Hilton Head Island before we got back to Americus to get our Rig.

Last Saturday night we got together with old friends at our favorite Irish Pub O'Maras in Berkley and had a sing-a-long with our friend Ron Coden and the group. It was great seeing old friends again for a relaxing evening out. Thanks Jerry & Cathy for the fine dinner.

Hilton Head Spring Break with Mike & Sophia

2011-04-18T16:01:00.005-04:00

Visited Mike & Sophia on Hilton Head after the Cruise

Cartegena, Colombia 4.14.11

2011-04-14T17:52:00.000-04:00

Picture found in a gallery in Cartegena, Colombia that caught my eye...

April 14, 2011 Cartegena, Colombia

2011-04-14T17:19:00.001-04:00

Let me tell you this was a big ship.

April 13, 2011 Panama Canal, Panama

2011-04-13T16:47:00.005-04:00

Through the Locks

The Bridge of the Americas

Panama

Huatulco, Mexico April 8 2011

2011-04-08T16:02:00.000-04:00

We made local friends while we were in Huatulco. It was such a great Cruise.

April 6, 2011 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2011-04-06T18:46:00.000-04:00

This is where I caught up with Tony after my adventure in San Diego

April 3, 2011 San Diego, CA Boarding

2011-04-03T19:14:00.001-04:00

Big Ship, can't wait to board.
My favorite thing isn't flying but I had a great flight from San Diego

Saturday, January 8, 2011 Brunswick, Georgia

2011-01-08T15:10:00.003-05:00

Here we are in beautiful downtown Brunswick, Georgia meeting up with some of our RV Care-a-vanner friends. Larry & Mem Halstead and Larry & Tracy Saulsgiver dropped by to share happy hour with us.

Tuesday - December 28th-Brunswick Georgia

2010-12-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

We are now settled down at the Fairgrounds here and I'm loving this high speed internet access. Working on the RV Desk every day. Tony is working on the build site, they are building 3 houses here. Mary & Dave Vandeveld are doing an outstanding job making it all happen here.

We have had a great year and next year promises to be even better.

I will be looking for a replacement to take over the RV Care-a-vanner desk in 2011 so I can get back to retirement, but in the meantime I am having a great life!

We are praying for all of our friends and loved one to be healthy and happy and live 'in the moment'. Hugs to all...

Thursday, December 9 - We're still here!

2010-12-09T06:36:00.003-05:00

Yes, we left yesterday for the warmer, friendlier states (we were hoping) but it was not to be. Got on the ramp from 26 mile road in Washington, Michigan and all of a sudden I noticed that the tow vehicle, our Safari Minivan was kissing the back end of the RV. Hmm I said, that shouldn't happen, "Tony what's going on". Well it seems that one side of the hitch broke clean off. So there I was in freezing weather directing folks to not get on the ramp, to go around and get on the I-94 some other way.

That lasted for 30 minutes or so until Tony got the Safari engaged and off we went. He stopped for gas in the truck and I trundled on to Camping world where, I am sure there was a brand new hitch in our future.

So, it is 6am on Thursday and me with a bad cold can't sleep. My nightly duties were to get up ever hour and run the water so the pipes don't freeze. We just have to get out of town earlier. Thanks for listening...

December 5 - Focus Hope Music Festival

2010-12-05T06:59:00.002-05:00

Again I apologize for not keeping up my blog. Maybe now with my new Laptop and moving out of the 'dead zone' I will be able to keep up.

Of course you know I am still running the Habitat for Humanity RV Care-a-vanners desk so I have little time for anything else. I am looking for a replacement so I can get on with retirement. Anyone interested.

Anyway, today we are going to church with Norbert, Tony's brother and breakfast then we will travel down to Rosedale Park in Detroit for the Music Festival. It will be our 35th.

Next Tuesday we plan to leave for warmer climate in Georgia for now, then Mississippi. Hope you all are having a great holiday season.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

Had a great dinner at Jackie's and the family was there. We live there with electric from the barn and Jackie and Mel are so good to us. Thanks.

October 29 - We are in Washington DC...the excitement is building...

2010-10-29T18:07:00.003-04:00

Well here we are in Washington DC to 'Restore Sanity' to this country. The trip was awesome, the leaves are multi colors of golden, greens and browns. What a nice ride down from Michigan.

Tomorrow we go to the Mall and have coffe with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and just soak it all in. I'll keep you posted.

Saturday 9-11 Bushbakers in Indianapolis, IN

2010-09-28T22:46:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful friendship. Great kids, great life in Indianapolis, and Jackson is a treasure...

Friday, May 21st - Boy are the kids growing

2010-05-26T11:40:00.004-04:00

Liam 8

Rhys 5

We visited the grandkids in Twinsburg, OH. They sure are growing. I will try to do a collage to show how they are growing. Thanks Bill and Molly for sharing your life with us. Hugs...

Important Vote for Detroit Residents and Friends

2010-05-13T22:04:00.006-04:00

We have some friends David V and Dan from our old neighborhood in Detroit who are restoring their home on Berkeley Street and are vying to win....please go to the link below and vote for their kitchen, I have seen it and it is really something very special.

http://www.rejuvenation.com/advice_ideas/contest/entrant.html?rid=66

Please Vote!

May 3rd, 2010 - Mike's 36th Birthday - OMG

2010-05-04T22:43:00.003-04:00

What can a mom say when her son calls to tell her he has just stepped out of a plane other then OMG and I never swear....but he landed safely. I'll have to pick on Sophia for encouraging him in this endeavor...wait till I get my hands on her....

April 24, 2010 Saturday Night

2010-04-24T22:40:00.002-04:00

I'm just messing around with a video for my friends Gail & Kevin Bushbaker. I am going to try to put up this video for them to see about our old neighborhood and houses.

we are still in Georgia dodging the tornados. Leaving here in a week heading for a 'shuttle launce' and then home by way of Twinsburg, OH

April 15, 2010 - Americus, Georgia

2010-04-15T19:31:00.004-04:00

We are in Americus, Georgia at Habitat for Humanity Headquarters,

working on getting the 'on-line registration' program up and running.

We will leave here in a week and travel to Florida to see a

shuttle launch, one of the last.

Then pick up some RV batteries and start for home.

April 15, 2010 - Sorry again for not updating sooner...

2010-04-15T19:23:00.003-04:00

Met Mike and Sophia on Hilton Head Island.

What a beautiful island, what a great time we had. Thanks Sophia.

April 4th , 2010.

March 5 - Boy forgive me for not keeping up

2010-03-05T12:17:00.002-05:00

Now that Sir Tim may be watching I'd better get you folks up to date.

Tony & I are in Alice, Texas on a Habitat build for another week. It has been so good, what a community of fine folks supporting Habitat for Humanity's main directive good affordable housing for those in need.

We travel on to Americus for a month of bonding with Habitat folks, a couple days on Hilton Head with son Mike and Sophia, then a quick visit to family in Florida, watching one of the last Canaveral Launches and home to Michigan for the summer.

Since I have this new volunteer job I have no time to do pictures and videos and all that but I love you and want you to know I will try to do better in the future. Stay tuned, pictures are coming...

November 15, the Grand Kids

2010-01-01T20:34:00.001-05:00

And Liam, what do you think he is thinking. Boy is he ever growing tall.

November 15 - Visiting the grand kids

2010-01-01T20:29:00.001-05:00

There he is, what do you think Rhys is thinking?

December 24 -2009 I miss my kid...

2009-12-24T09:25:00.003-05:00

I am posting this from my 'Habitat' computer so I don't have any pictures to show you, but check the date. It is Christmas Eve and we are in Mobile, Alabama sitting in the RV at Chicasabogue Park and its raining and 55 degrees and our RV is all decorated for Christmas thanks to my wonderful husband and I am missing my son Mike. For the past 35 years we have opened our presents on Christmas morning, the three of us. And for the past 40 years we have sung in the Choir for midnight mass at our church.

This year we decided to come south before our pipes froze. Our wonderful kid lives in Chicago and has someone and a family to be with at Christmas so we thought it would be okay if we headed south early. Well it is sort of okay, warmer....but I miss my kid...Only at this season do I miss my house all decorated, big tree, big kitchen, big parties. Come January 1st I'll come to my senses and be loving being on the road, but for today, for right now, I miss Mike.

Brunswick 09 - A Great Build

2009-12-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

The Brunswick Build was great, a wonderful team and a great Team Leading, but now we are onto our next adventure in Mobile...

March 2009 Focus: HOPE 40th Anniversary

2009-12-04T13:35:00.000-05:00

And we are all here. These are most of the original cast, missing WTC, Charlie, Dario, Dr. Naud and too many more. So that you know that Tony & I dress up sometimes...

June - Habitat for Humanity Team

2009-12-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

These are some of the folks at Global Village that we worked with. What a great job they are doing.

June 13 - Knoxville, a new diesel engine

2009-12-04T11:45:00.000-05:00

We have decided that we want to continue this lifestyle so we are opting for a new engine.

In the Smokeys we were having some 'over the hills' problems until the 'STOP ENGINE' light came on, then we knew we were in trouble. We were towed to Knoxville where we spent a week and $17,000 to get Bessie up and running again.

July 24 - My GM Buddies

2009-12-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

I love these folks, Bill DeSalvio our Materials Show Coordinator, Judy Haywood, Show coordinator par excellance and Darlene Reiss the BOSS of this outfit. We will be friends for a lifetime.

August 2nd - Chicago Half Marathon for PAWS

2009-12-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

Look at them they are so proud they just finished a half Marathon raising money for PAWS in Chicago.

Our Adventures Continue...come along with us!: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Planning Begins

2009-12-02T17:29:00.002-05:00

View Larger Map

Bessie is all propaned up, new tires and raring to go. We are heading for our 2010 adventure, Americus, Mobile and Alice Texas with lots of stops on the way and after the builds. We RV Care-a-vanners have to hit the road and head south, that's what is called 'winterizing'.

September - Gilbert's Ice Cream

2009-12-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

We had a great bunch of RV Care-a-vanners here in Marquette, Michigan.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

2009-11-21T14:09:00.002-05:00

We have been home since mid August and it has been great.

Mel & Jackie are such great neighbors and relatives and friends. We have done so much and I have not taken many pictures to post here, when I get a free minute I will try to add some pictures.

Since April I am still running the RV Care-a-vanner Program from the RV and so far loving it. Just so you know it takes my whole week and lots of nights to keep up, I'm hoping soon that it will even out and I won't be so busy. I think I can manage this until 2011 or 12 but then its going and maybe sooner.

Tony is good, keeping up his medical process to make sure the cancer he had taken out is still out. He is going to bike next summer with Fuller Center again. Their trip will be from Niagra Falls New York through Washington, DC to New Orleans, boy what a trip. I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to go or stay home and eat pumpkin pie for 2 weeks.

Stay tuned...

September 22 - This is for my friend Linda

2009-09-22T21:52:00.005-04:00

This is a build site in Marquette, Michigan

we had 5 houses to work on and 15 people

worked our butts off...

This is our great team!

September 18, 2009 The Year is Speeding By

2009-09-18T22:01:00.002-04:00

Well here i am again with my excuse of not having time to take pictures and update you on all that we have been doing.

We just got back from Marquette, Michigan in the UP in time to go to a fund-raiser for the Optomotrists Assocn for our friends Thom Armstead and Frank Rashid, to help the blind.

We were in the UP with our Habitat for Humanity Build for two weeks, met some great people and renewed friendships with others. Gained a couple of pounds but I'm working them off.

We will be staying here until the first of December when we leave for Georgia and Americus the home of Habitat. We will also be building with Mobile AL build coordinator Mary and Dave Vandeveld in January. We plan on building in Alice, Texas in February.

We have done so much this year it is impossible to tell you everything. Tony so far is cancer free after his operation in Georgia this summer.

I am coordinating the RV Care-a-vanner program for US/Canada and that is taking all my time for now. Hope it gets easier. Hope you all are having a great summer and fall and we touch bases with you here or there...

August 20 - Thursday

2009-08-20T11:58:00.002-04:00

Sorry again for leaving you so long...I have been really busy and so much is happening and no time to tell you about it.

Visited son Mike in Chicago for his Music Hall of Fame run for PAWS, I have pictures but of course MY computer is just recovering from a 'hard drive wipe' so nothing is loaded on it that is very helpful for picture taking. Mike is joining up with girlfriend Sophia Panos for a half marathon in Las Vegas in December to fight Crohns disease, catch up with her on www.sophiapanos.blogspot.com. They are trying to raise $6,100 together and I am sure they will do it.

Tony has had his scans and so far no news is good news. I am 'working' every day for Habitat and it is quite fulfilling but also quite busy. I have signed up about 15 NEW Care-a-vanners a month so far and that is so good. 1,500 RVers out there building houses for folks that are in need, and all with a smile and happy heart while they work.

We have our build in Marquette, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula in a week and a half and I am looking forward to it. We meet up with old friends and meet new friends on every build we are on.

So forgive me one more time for not getting those pictures out there and keeping you up to date. I will do better soon. Hugs

July 13 - The spoke breaker strikes again...

2009-07-14T10:09:00.004-04:00

Okay Peter is this one better?

Some things never change Ryan...Here is Tony AGAIN with a broken spoke

Thank goodness he is not doing the whole ride

He might have outdone himself with 6.

Have a great time gang, wish I had a group shot of you...

June 25th - The day after our 37th Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

On the 24th we traveled from Indianapolis to Chicago. Do you know how scary it is driving a 40' rig with a car attached through 'rush hour' in Chicago? Boy it really takes a big man to do that, oh, I forgot, I'm a little women.

We made it to the Sams Club where we usually park. Son Mike came and we went to a fast foods rib place and had great ribs. Great talking to Mike, I got my hugs and I am content until I see him in 3 weeks.

Of course I always lean on him to rebirth my computer once a year and yes, he did it one more time. My computer, he and I bought 5 years ago at Best Buy and it is a great machine but I download so much stuff that after a while it gets too bogged down with junk.

Any way not to bore you, we will be heading toward home through non-rush hour traffic and maybe take 2 days to get to Mel's. I will be really happy to be home for a while.

June 18, 2009 Knoxville, TN

2009-06-18T07:05:00.008-04:00

We are in Knoxville because Bessie got sick in the Smokies and we had to be towed to the nearest Cummins dealer for repair. Come to find out it is the ENGINE. Yee gads!!!! They took out the oil filter and it was full of metal debris. A rebuilt engine is on order and it should be in today. If we are lucky we will be on the road by Monday. The poor little thing was sitting out behind the RV yesterday looking so forlorn, feels sick that it let us down. We are sort of feeling sick that it let us down also$$$$$$$$$$$, but what is is what is.

So we are hole up at a Super 8 with wifi, king size bed, cable, pool, free continental breakfast and somebody makes the bed and cleans the room every day...I can handle that. Tony, however is not a happy camper, they promise free wifi but they do not deliver that to your room, you have to go to the lobby. It seems the wifi system is down but they are working on it. So its no TIVO and its no wifi, he's a bear!!!!!!!!!!

A new engine will have a warranty and some pep going through the mountains that will be good. Thanks for checking in...keep in touch...

June 14 - Sunday somewhere in North Carolina

2009-06-14T20:44:00.002-04:00

Tony and I have some sorrow at leaving Americus, Georgia and Habitat for Humanity Internationals Global Village. We stayed so long they became our second family. They were happy to support us so that the RV Care-A-Vanner Program can survive. We worked at Habitat for 2 months plus and got to know lots of folks there and our great Care-a-Vanners.

May 18th - Americus Georgia

2009-05-18T19:18:00.005-04:00

I am so sorry, I have been remiss in letting you guys know where we are and what we are doing. In a nut shell, we have been here working at Habitat for Humanity International Global Village to save the RV care-a-vanner program. They have had to make some cuts at Habitat and we were afraid the program would suffer and die. So Tony and I volunteered to keep it going, at least for a while and Habitat agreed they would let us run the program from our RV. So in a week or so we will leave here with the program and do our best to keep it going. don't know what that really means so far but I am going to give it a try. So visit www.habitat.org/rv and take a look at the build lists and ongoing build lists to see where you can volunteer if you have the desire to give back. No experience is necessary, it is a teaching program. Hope to see you on the road.

April 3rd - Finished the Minden/Randall House

2009-04-04T17:16:00.002-04:00

This is one great bunch of folks to build with.

We had a great time.

Johnny Walker, the new homeowner.

Affordable housing, we are building hope one house at a time.

Friends for life, the builders, the affiliate and the homeowners

and their wedding. Congratulations!

April 4th - I guess my Las Vegas Friends have relocated to Indianapolis

2009-04-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

March 28th - My 3 mile walk in Minden, Louisiana - Thanks Mike for the encouragement..keep in mind that I add another mile on a track....

2009-03-28T23:25:00.003-04:00

03/28/2009 Minden LA at Fair Grounds
Find more Walks in Minden, Louisiana

March 27 - Johnny & Christine's New House

2009-03-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

When Tony & I arrived in Minden, Louisiana, the Walker house was begun.

This weekend we had the dedication and

the wedding of Christine and Johnny Walker

Congratulations!

March 7 - Focus: HOPE's 40th Anniversary

2009-03-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

All our dear friends were there representing 240 years of fighting for the rights of all. What a wonderful Gala affair it was.
Congratulations Focus: HOPE on your accomplishments.

March 2nd - Our friends Dan & Annette Bramos

2009-03-02T12:06:00.002-05:00

We visited the Pensacola Naval Airplane Museum. Spectacular

We had the most delightful time with our friends Dan & Annette Bramos.

These folks are working for Trailer Life evaluating RV Parks in the east.

What a treasure these people are. We had lunches and dinners together and and love their life style. Basically for fun, they evaluate RV Parks then from November to March they just kick back and enjoy the rest of the year. You go guys and keep in touch.

March 1st - Pelicans at Breakfast

2009-03-02T11:00:00.003-05:00

We are staying one more night here in Pensacola then on to Montgomery, AL to catch the plane to Detroit for the Focus: HOPE Gala 40th Anniversary. WTC would be so proud.

March 1st - Pensacola RV Park

2009-03-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

This is a beautiful RV Park, we are staying one more day so we can watch the Pelicans having breakfast every morning. We have met up with old friends Dan and Annette and are having one wonderful time. Everyone should be so lucky.

February 24th - Ann Carter my friend and her Tom

2009-02-24T11:28:00.002-05:00

What a great time we had in Leesburg with my friends Ann Carter and Tom. We were there for their Mardi Gras Party. We stayed at their place and parked across the street. We even met the Campbells our old friends from Michigan. Let's always keep in touch.

February 14 - One of my all time most romantic moments so far in 2009

2009-02-14T15:42:00.006-05:00

I am a romantic and I gave Tony a Valentine card but one of the most romantic moments in all
of my life was this.

February 6 - The Amherst House

2009-02-06T19:07:00.008-05:00

What we love to do is build...

Watch the video and keep tuned!

February 4 - Millard Fuller's Farewell

2009-02-05T17:21:00.009-05:00

Millard Fuller died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning...

He was buried next to his friend Clarence Jordan at Koinonia Farms

where his journey began for Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing.

He was layed to rest beneath the pecan trees on Picnic Hill

A sad day for us all.

May the peace of the Lord be with you Millard

and with Linda and your family.

January 30 - Ms Jones house is looking good!

2009-01-30T22:27:00.003-05:00

It takes a long time to sturdy and straighten

the house in this condition. But now it is straight and true

and we can begin to set the trusses for the roof and

sheet the outside walls.

This house is going to be sided with Hardiboard so that will

be a new experience for Tony & I. Stay tuned....

January 26 - Monday 1005 Amherst New House

2009-01-26T14:52:00.002-05:00

A little 3 bedroom, 1,000 square feet house on the corner.

We marked the walls and layed out the 2 x 4s then

called it a day. We will build the walls on Wednesday.

Everything is looking good so far.

January 24th - Brunswick Habitat Build

2009-01-25T14:48:00.004-05:00

We have been working on the MLK Blvd. house for Ms Lillian Quinn.

Tomorrow we go on to a new slab on Amherst Street and start framing.

One things for sure about working with Mary & Dave

here in Brunswick, there is no end to work.

But today 4 of us went onto Jekyll Island

and biked 10 miles for exercise and fun.

2.21.2009 Chop Saw Time

2009-01-21T15:56:00.000-05:00

I remember this build well. I was the chop saw person for the vinyl siding for this entire house for a Mary V Project and we have hardly any mis-measures or shortness of siding in Brunswick, Georgia.
May I say it was really cold that year in the south.

January 15 - We Love These Kids

2009-01-16T11:38:00.006-05:00

We Care-A-Vanners and affiliate are so blest to be able to work with these volunteer students from the University Of Wisconsin-Madison. What a great time we had and all the work we got done (double click the image for larger view)

.
Thanks To:
Top row Zack, Emily and Matt
Second row is Matt and Liz
Third row is Maggie and Sarah
Fourth row is Nick and Lizzie
Fifth row is Andy and Brooke

We couldent have dun it wit oucha!
Love you guys, safe journey home
Send us your email addresses to soupysmom@yahoo.com.

January 14 - Toothpic caper solved!

2009-01-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Darlene for her suggestion, we looked up in the cupboard once more and discovered that the tooth picks could have fallen down the back and then dispensed from there...BUT it was quite errie having one or two tooth picks at a time and some time 10 just appear in our sink. All during the time we were parked they would also appear every few days. So we are not convinced that this is the answer but for now...NO MORE TOOTHPICS for the time being. Thanks Darlene for directing our attention one more time to the cabinet above.

January 8th - The TOOTHPICK Saga

2009-01-08T20:05:00.004-05:00

Well, here goes. Like I said in part of the previous post, I thought that we had gotten to the end of the mysterious appearance of the toothpicks in the drain in the kitchen sink. But I was wrong. Today I found 15 toothpicks, at different times and places in and around the kitchen drain from no apparent cause. Tony and I are completely baffled. First he thought I sleep walked and planted them, but hid them and taped the box shut. Then we thought it was a critter but can't find any showing of that, no knawing or turds or spottings.

If anyone out there thinks they have the answer or possible answer to this riddle PLEASE let us know. And if you are reading my blog and are following it at all please sign up as a follower so I know who you are. Or at least make a comment on a day so I know your watching. And for pete sake if you can solve this let me know.

Here is a picture of our hike today...

January 2009 - Michigan to Brunswick Georgia

2009-01-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

Tonight we are camping at an 'Escapees' Park (that is our RV Club's name, no jailbirds), in Knoxville Tennessee. Our first night south was in Cincinnati Ohio camping at the FMCA Headquarters, our usual first stop. We had dinner with our very good friends Jean and John Pike at our favorite restaurant and then hit the pillow for a 5 hour drive here.

We hiked the Avoca Rail Trail for 40 minutes this morning so that we could start the year off with exercise. we hope to keep it up.

Our saga with the tooth pics continues. Oh, I forgot you don't know about our saga. Well here goes. About 2 months ago I noticed that there was a tooth pick in the trap in the kitchen sink and thinking it was Tony's just thru it out. Well that went on for about a week and I didn't think much of it. I began to find not just one but several, 3 or 4 in the trap and on the sink. About 10 days ago I finally told Tony and he took the box of toothpicks out of the cupboard and duck taped them and hid them just in case I was a sleep walker...and still the toothpicks appear every day. Yesterday I had a feeling that it had come to an end, that was the last I would have seen of them, but guess what. When we returned from our hike on the trail, wahlah! there they were, one in the trap in the left sink, one on top of the sink and 2 in the right sink. It is driving me crazy. We have found no animal signs or droppings so I don't know....keep tuned.

Buddies Tribute to Carl & Karen

2009-01-02T14:18:00.003-05:00

We had a grand time toasting Carl and Karen and hoping we get together soon.
Buddies is the special place we like to go to be with friends of Focus: HOPE.

Can't wait to see you at Carl and Karen at the 40th Anniversary. Hugs

2009 - Happy New Year

2009-01-01T12:49:00.008-05:00

This is a neat story about how we are all connected to one another. Sometimes we don't know how close we have come to an old friend we would love to see but no longer would recognize or an old sweatheart from high school and he might be passing us in the next car....

Anyway, I lived in Detroit for 30 years and for the last 5 years we had such great new neighbors (Gail and Kevin Bushbaker). A young couple and we knew they wouldn't be there long just enough time to upgrade the 4,000 square foot 3 car garaged house next door, enjoy it and then move on. Luckily for us they moved on to Las Vegas and as you know WE TRAVEL so Las Vegas we went in 08 and dropped in on them and their week old new son Jackson. Wow what a treat and we stay close.

Gail, Kevin and Jackson Bushbaker live in Las Vegas

...and the rest of the story is this. It just so happens that Gail's mom who we have met and lives here in Washington Michigan not far from our 'storage' unit was having dinner with an old high school friend and his wife and they got to talking about friends that travel and it turns out that this friend Al Seely from General Motors used to work with me at the Design Center and I might add a great guy. And they were talking about THIS BLOG.

My Friend Al Seely

Al if you read this know that I am always pleased when friends keep in touch through my blog. And make an effort to let you know where we are and what we are doing. So for your benefit I will say we are leaving Michigan after all the friends and family stuff is over on the 6th of January for Georgia where it is 74 degrees some days and we will join our friends Mary and Dave Vandeveld who are running a Habitat for Humanity Build in Brunswick. We will build with them for a month then travel to Minden Louisiana to work on the Fuller Center for Housing project for a month. We will bum around the Gulf States looking for volunteer work until May when we return to Berville, (if you have never heard it is north east of Romeo, north of Armada 7 miles) where Tony's brother Mel will be celebrating his 60th birthday. We will stay home for the summer for the 2 bike rides 'Michigander' and PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) and then another Build in Marquette in the upper for August and then we might just head for warmer weather earlier this next year. Keep tuned. Anyway I will keep updating my blog as we go along and hope that in some way those watching will enjoy the ride on our Adventure...

December 20th Winter Wonderland

2008-12-20T11:44:00.002-05:00

As the sun sinks slowly in the west and the snow drifts against the wheel wells, we have visions of sugar plumbs and Brunswick Georgia where it is 74 degrees and sunny.

But there is no place like home for the holidays and so we won't leave until early January. We are having a great adventure, what a life.

December 17 - It is a time for giving!

2008-12-17T09:12:00.002-05:00

This Holiday Season if you feel like helping someone in need with a LOAN across the world, log onto http://www.kiva.org and help someone or a group get their business going so that they can repay you. It is a very worthwhile endeavor.

December 8th our visit from Kevin, Gail & Jackson

2008-12-13T19:57:00.007-05:00

We are so blessed to have friends like

Kevin, Gail and Jackson in our lives.

Thanks for sharing. We took Jackson out for

his first field trip when he was one week old,

and now look at them. They have a great life and

a great kid so full of happy laughter.

Have a Merry Christmas neighbors and keep in touch.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T08:17:00.002-05:00

I recently received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. I tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else I could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. I shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. So, in desperation, I threw up my hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that I'd hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the door to thefreezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto my outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." I was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As I was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

YES WE DID!

2008-11-04T12:16:00.001-05:00

Thanks to son Mike for the inspiration and picture here!

What a day this is for all of us. A new direction, a new leader, a new America

Yes We Can

2008-11-03T12:55:00.001-05:00

At last...how these wonderful farmers harvest!

2008-10-26T12:22:00.000-04:00

Finally I get to not only watch but actually ride in a combine.

I've been waiting all year for this moment...

October 8th - We have a lot to be thankful for!

2008-10-08T13:02:00.003-04:00

One thing NOT to be grateful for is my sticky shift-key that won't let me do capital letters, but I can live with that.

The THING I am grateful for is that my cancer screening biopsy came out clean, whew! that kind of thing could take years off a gals life, oh I guess that would make me MUCH younger then Tony then....I could live with that. I thank my family and friends for all their prayers and thoughts!

The other thing I am grateful for is that Autum is again upon us living here in the country is one of the best ways to experience the seasons.

September 14 Son Mike's Sleepover

2008-09-14T10:56:00.000-04:00

Mike came to Detroit from Chicago for the weekend and he came by the RV for a sleepover.

He is so great. I have a CD/DVD drive in my laptop that hasn't worked on the DVD side for 3 years. I could always view/load CDs but not DVD's. With his council I purchased a drive from HP and when he came by he changed out the old drive for the new. What a wonderful guy.

We talked alot and had breakfast and off he went on his way back to Chicago.

September 7 - Autumn Bay City Trail

2008-09-08T10:56:00.000-04:00

We are back home and getting organized again. We biked the 20 mile Bay City Trail through beautiful downtown Bay City from Bay City State Recreational Park. We biked along the Saginaw River. I fell and scraped my knee on the cement but other then that it was an interesting and great scenic ride.

September 6 The ODRAM Ride

2008-09-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

Bob Bruttell joined us for the smaller Epic Journey across Michigan. Tony finished the larger Epic Journey across the USA so this should be a snap. I am so amazed and delighted over Tony's thinner self and how he is keeping fit. He is really looking good. I'm not prejudiced in any way.

Bob and he take off at 7:00am on September 6th from Minert State Park in Montague, for their 150 mile ride across the state. We had great fun that day. They rode and I SAGed. Every 20 or 30 miles I would stop, TXT them where I was and they would meet me and refresh themselves for 5 minutes and then be off. They got stronger as the day went on.

September 1 - Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-01T10:14:00.009-04:00

Tony & I are kicking back and

getting ready for the ODRAM

(One Day Ride Across Michigan)

150 Miles next Saturday.

Tony & Bob Bruttell are going to ride

their bikes across Michigan and yours truly will be

supporting their efforts.

I am going to take plenty of pictures from my perch in the RV.

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August 23 - A great Wedding!

2008-09-01T10:08:00.001-04:00

Contratulations

Brian and Amanda Campbell

The Family continues to increase!

August 16 A Wedding Party to Remember

2008-09-01T10:02:00.003-04:00

Congratulations

Joanna Bruttell Anderson & Ryan Anderson

on the first moment of the rest of your lives.

End of the Ride Thanks by the Leader Ryan Iafigliola

2008-08-14T09:02:00.002-04:00

From riding east to riding high
My writing is too clumsy to adequately describe the joys of our final days of riding all the way to the coast, and my words are too limited to properly express the gratitude that I feel to so many. Thankfully Katherine's words aren't as clumsy and she already wrote a wonderful post (see www.fullercenterbiketrip.blogspot.com) for our last day's ride down Victory Drive (that was the real name of the street), so that leaves me with "only" needing to attempt to express the tremendous sense of gratitude I feel towards so many.

Here goes...My biggest thanks and "Oyee" goes to each of the riders who boldly responded to the call, including Chris Cosby who was ready to sign up for it even before I was ready to announce that it was happening! Thank you for putting your faith in us and for putting your faith into action. You are the heroes of this trip.But you aren't the only heroes. How could we say thank you enough to each of the hosts, with whom we touched paths for just one short instant, and yet whose hospitality and friendship we will always remember. Thank you to the over 500 donors who supported us with their resources, and to the countless others who supported us with prayer.

Thank you to the riders who kept things interesting for us by joining with us for a day or part of a day as we traveled through different cities, especially Ruth who joined us in Minden, LA on her 86th birthday.

Thank you to those who lined up to welcome us at different points along the way, cheering us on as though we were stars. And thank you to the readers of this blog for allowing us to entertain and - we hope - inspire you. Perhaps you will consider joining us on the road next year or getting involved with The Fuller Center in other ways, such as by coming to the Millard and Linda Fuller Blitz Build in El Salvador in November.We finished our ride on Friday, which happened to be 8/8/08.

Oddly enough, there were five other 8's to add to those three (5+3=8) that lined up at the conclusion of our ride:- 8 riders went the whole way coast to coast- It took us exactly 8 weeks to do it.- We had raised just over $80,000 in cash when we finished.- Our youngest rider (on a tandem) was 8 years old.- We rode in on Route 80.Kind of cool, huh? All while riding in with our police escort on "Victory Drive." I couldn't possibly plan these things.

Clarence Jordan, Millard Fuller's spiritual mentor and the founder of Koinonia Farm, translated Hebrews 11:1 in his Cotton Patch Gospel as,“Now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds; it is betting your life on unseen realities.” You have turned my dream into deeds, into reality. I cannot thank you enough for your faith.

Ryan
P.S. Coming soon to this blog...the final details of all our fund raising efforts!

August 11 Tony's Tribute to the bikers!

2008-08-11T21:26:00.002-04:00

Can't Stop Singin' (or getting flats)
First off, thanks to the Shenks for hosting a great post-goodbye-party goodbye party. Oyee Colin for a delicious meal.For those who did not attend, came late or were preparing food, and especially for Auntie "M", here is the full Savannah version of the O Susanna song.And, by the way, when I got back to the RV my front tire was flat. Anyone have more than 13?

O I left my home in Michigan for Californ-i-ay.

I was headed to Savannah, gonna make it any day.

San Diego, O don’t you cry for me,
‘cuz I made it to Savannah, just my bicycle and me.
–repeat after each verse

I’m from Chattahoochee Valley, I’m a builder don’t you see.
And as well a lifelong cyclist, what a perfect ride for me.

Well, we both came down from Jersey, though from vastly different exits;
and a person from New Jersey is the only one who gets it.

Well, I went out West from Florida, the sunshine was the same.
Soon’s I set foot in Savannah I’ll be off to Notre Dame.

I’m from Cleveland – NO Americus, the leader of the pack.
Biked from East to West Coast last year, now I’m cycling my way back.

I’m a runner from Kentucky, it was quite a feat for me.
Had to bike with my torn ACL besides a busted knee.

I’m a journalist from San Antone, thought I’d give this ride a whirl.
Though I may not have and accent, I’m a sho’ ‘nuff Texas girl.

O I came from Philadelphia, my dreidel left behind.
When I got to Albuquerque, well, I just took cuts in line.

O we came to bike for just one week from C-A to A-Z,
We are gone but not forgotten, he is Zach and I’m Kelsey.

Well she biked to Albuquerque with the other Notr’Dame guys,
but I don’t think I’ll reveal her name; I’ll keep it a Surprise.

O her name is Jenny Hartwig and she came down South by bus;
Well she made it to Savannah and she did put up with us.

Well the Merchants joined in Auburn, Gerri, Rhonda, Jack and tykes,
Zach and Caleb rode beside them on recumbent tandem trikes.

Well he rode with us in spirit ‘cuz he let us use his truck;
And had Kirk not been so gen’rous, boy, would we be out of luck!

Then he joined us with son Levi, they both found us in West Point.
Then they served us dinner at their home, a quite impressive joint.

Well I made it to Savannah but I wasn’t all alone;
Mary brought the RV to Lanett, so I’m already home.

San Diego, O don’t you cry for me, ‘cuz I made it to Savannah, with my wife, bike and RV.

August 8 The End of a Perfect Ride!

2008-08-09T11:55:00.003-04:00

Thanks for hanging in there for Tony, he made the Atlantic and dipped his front tire into the water. The bikers were overjoyed to be at the finish line, but this is just the beginning of a lifelong commitment for them to help others and spread the word!

Final statistics for Tony’s bike trip across America

Total days: 56
Total biking days: 45
Average miles per day: 75
Total miles: 3322
Less truck driving days and breakdowns (broken spokes, etc): 404
Miles biked by Tony: 3017 (probably among the top 3)
Total broken spokes by Tony: 5
Total broken spokes by everyone else: 0
Total flats by Tony: about 13
Total flats by everyone else: unknown – one person only had 3

Total money raised to date: $5,088 which means somewhere in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo an entire house will be built with
the funds raised by my friends and relatives – THANK YOU!

August 4 The Bikers & Me with Jimmy Carter and Millard Fuller in Plains Georgia

2008-08-07T20:51:00.005-04:00

August 7 - Coming to Savannah

2008-08-07T16:00:00.003-04:00

We stayed at Richmond Hills, United Methodist Church for the night and they fed us dinner. Great people, showers and air conditioning.

It was an 85 mile day but with 3 or 4 rest stops it went fast and the folks were in. Some of Chris' folks came to be with us.

We had a presentation and showed our video. Bed early.

Up at 7:00am helping Chris cook breakfast. What a great group this is the all chip in and help.

They biked 15 miles into Savannah and I brought the trailer in to the First Presbyterian Church. We all went out to dinner at Blue Moon Brewery down by the river. What a feast. It began to rain at 3:00pm and we scurried back to our homes. Tomorrow is the last 15 mile day.

Let's ride!

August 5th, I know, I know, I haven't posted lately

2008-08-05T21:11:00.003-04:00

These Bikers have kept me so busy, with their gettings up at 5am and their pool parties and their house renovations, I have not had time to get my thoughts together.

Tony is having the time of his life and enjoying every minute of it. Right now he is zonked out on the RV bed zzzzzzzing! They had a 110 mile day today from Americus Georgia to Hazelhurst. I followed along, they sang, they laughed, they ate and drank gallons of water. In the end they were one happy group when the contact at the United Methodist Church of Hazelhurst packed them all in the church van and took them for showers.

We ate at the local Chinese Buffet, yum! and they might have danced the night away but Tony and I (the ole folks) are tucked away for the night in the RV.

These kids are awesome. I say kids loosely. One in his 50's one in his 40's, the rest in their 20's or almost and then there is Tony my 61 year old kid.

We have pictures galore but I haven't enough energy to try to up load them at this time. I will try to post some. There is a video being made and maybe somehow we can get it on the blog. Please stay tuned....

July 28 the Adventure will Continue

2008-07-27T14:28:00.002-04:00

Well folks Monday the 28th I will be heading to Georgia driving Bessie to join the bikers.

This should be exciting.

Tony crossed the Mississippi and is in the home stretch to Savannah

and Tybee Island.

Thank you all for your support either financially or just by

checking in on us from time to time.

July 11th Happy Birthday

2008-07-14T19:34:00.002-04:00

Dinner was on Tony, but it was fun being with Mike for the weekend.

July 14th and I'm Busy!

2008-07-14T17:51:00.003-04:00

Sorry for no updates. It seems that everyone is checking with Tony's ride through the link http://www.fullercenterbiketrip.blogspot.com/ so I had nothing to do so I just skipped over to Chicago and visited son Mike for a while. He is so good, he is taking me to dinner, we are going shopping, he made chocolate chip cookies (my personal favorite) instead of a birthday cake, did I say we went shopping, I got a iPod and he helped me get songs that I like for it, we watch movies and just generally are having the time of our lives. Did I say that Mike is renewing my computer by wiping the hard drive and starting over? Yes and it is purring like a kitten.

I kinda hate to leave tomorrow for Michigan, but all good things must come to an end with my gratitude. I have to get home to get ready for the field trip to Georgia to retrieve the biker when he finally decides to come home.

Keep in touch I will have pictures shortly as soon as I reload my camera software. Hugs.

The 21 Stages of the Tour de France - 42 Stages of the Tour de Fuller!

2008-07-08T09:42:00.002-04:00

Hey these 'Tour' guys are wimps they are only biking 2,212 miles, our guys are going 3,300. And our guys are going for around 42 stages of the Tour de Fuller! But thought you would like to know you are a part of a growing movement, building houses, building lives and building muscle. Check out the tour as of now!

The 21 Stages of the Tour de France - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

Day 22 Lamar CO to Garden City, KS

2008-07-07T22:06:00.004-04:00

Some interesting statistics on the ride of a lifetime. Hang in there gang only 30 more days to go...

Total miles biked: 1,556
Average miles per day: 78
Total feet climbed: 59,230!
Most feet climbed in one day: 7,416 - Payson
Longest day- mileage: 103 – Buena Vista
Longest day – hours: 12+ Taos
Longest stretch without a day off: Days 1-12
Days over 100 miles: 2 – back to back Buena Vista and Colorado Springs
Fastest downhill speed: 49.87 – Tony – Santa Fe
Hottest day: Brawley – 122 degrees
Hottest day, runner up: - Surprise – Record temp - 117
Shuttles required to avoid expressways: 2
Shuttles required to avoid lightning: 2
Rain delays: 1 - Taos
First flat: Doug
Most flats by one person: Doug - 6
Most flats in one day: Doug
Least flats: Dani - 0
Worst day for flats: Taos – 2 by Tony; 2 by Chris
Total flats remembered: 31
Tires replaced: 5 – 2 by Tony with a third on it’s way.
Highest point in the trip – geographical: Wilkerson Pass, 9500 feet
Highest point in the trip – spiritually – probably different for each person, but Josh’s sharing a yesterday’s service is my choice
Highest point in the trip – intellectual / emotional: Hearing the energy and progress and enthusiasm of all the people involved in the conference call this morning.
Riding as a group at 18.5 mph singing songs in the sunshine - PRICELESS

Day 18 thru 21 They made it through the mountains

2008-07-06T11:36:00.001-04:00

One of Tony's big concerns was how it would go through the mountains. It turns out that it was a challenge but now they are on their way down.

Day 17 Alamosa, CO to Buena Vista, CO

2008-07-02T22:15:00.003-04:00

They are having the time of their lives and today they have been biking 2 and 1/2 weeks.

Today they have traveled to 9,000 feet. I think that this is probably as high as they will be going for this ride. They are all in great shape and spreading the word for building affordable housing one house at a time. Make sure you check out http://www.fullercenterbiketrip.blogspot.com/ to get every bit of their adventure. Tony is doing great. He had to create a new notch on his belt. I am sure he is gaining muscle and losing weight. All good. Happy trails to the bikers.

Day 14 Albuquerque NM to Santa Fe

2008-06-29T11:11:00.004-04:00

Elevation 5,000 to 7,000, happy trails!

Just so you know, Tony is biking from San Diego, CA to Savannah, GA

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