Ronan's new haircut

After several unsuccessful attempts to get some cooperation from Ronan concerning a haircut, he just told his Mom, "Cut my hair." He wanted it out of his eyes. So Jocelyn got his bangs cut. I thought perhaps during our "morning time" while Mom sleeps in, Ronan might let me cut a little off the length. He did and I was able to even it up a little. I am no hair stylist, but after having done this little bit of trimming, I think he might sit still for a real haircut. . . maybe something like "Cartoon Cuts" or something similar. They don't have those around the Goshen area or I would have tried. Anyway, with his blond hair, he looks like a little surfer, especially in his new Ron Jon surf shop short outfit!

We left Goshen this morning and traveled to Mahomet, Illinois, where we are camped for a few days. Jocelyn and Tom's tent is right next to our rig. I think they will be comfortable. I put Ronan in the garden tub and he really liked his bath. He is asleep in our bed, but when Jocelyn retires, she will take him and Whiskey to the tent.

I think tomorrow they are going to go visit Tom who finishes up his coursework on Saturday. They will be heading back to Virginia on Sunday. We will stay here an extra day to avoid the Brickyard traffic as we head to central Indiana for a doctor appointment.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Lots of quality time with Ronan. . .

We are still here in Goshen spending time with our grandson. We are certainly enjoying him and he seems extremely comfortable with us. Today Jocelyn was out for several hours and he played pretty much non-stop for me. Sometimes I played with him, other times I was busy but in the same room. He talks constantly whether in his play or to me or the dogs. He is such a sweetie.

Yesterday we all went south to my sister Nita's house. My parents also have a place there in their woods. Hers is a five dog household and we got along very well. The dogs are quite used to children now and pose no problem for little ones. A couple are more interested in pleasing the adults in the room.

Nita and I took Ronan and went out on the go kart. We just went slowly around the drive until we started feeling raindrops. Ronan really liked the kart and it was nice to be able and visit with my sister.

Tomorrow we are having some maintenance done on the apartments so we will be here all day. We are also getting stuff packed back into the motorhome for the trip Thursday. We have reservations for 2 campsites in a park near Champaign, Illinois. Jocelyn brought their camping gear and we will be in the motorhome. We will camp for 3 days. When Tom finishes class on Saturday, he will join us. Then Sunday they head back to Charlottesville and we will make a stop in central Indiana for a doctor's appointment.

Till next time. . .

Dale

More Family Time!

My parents were over the other night, so I got some pictures of them with Ronan. Mom sat with him and played trains and he got up on Dad's lap. Later, Mom, at 84 years young, took a spin around the garage on the plasma car. Hope I can do that when I am her age! You go, girl!

Whiskey, our daughter's chocolate poodle is a really skittish soul. But I have been constantly working with him and tonight I was able to get the leash on him. Actually, that is the easy part. He usually decides he isn't going to go anywhere, but he went with me tonight. Jocelyn and Ronan were outside and he wanted out, so he indulged me to get him outside. Once outside, we worked on leash training a little. One time he plopped down, but eventually he came with me without any prodding other than a verbal, "come." I walked him a bit around the yard and had him sit on the porch while I petted him. I think we are going to be friends.


We took Tom to the South Bend airport this afternoon to catch the South Shore train to Chicago, then the train to Champaign/Urbana where he is starting graduate work. Terry and I kept kidding him about his "vacation" and that we KNEW he only had 2 days of class and tickets to Cancun! Haha.


Till next time. . .


Dale

Family Time

Ah, puppies. I can’t resist them. This is Nigel, the English Bulldog at 10 weeks old. He is the granddog of friends Tab and Deanna and came to visit while we were camped at Camp Pull-Tab. He was such a cutie and insisted on carrying his own leash. Our visit with Tab and Deanna was brief, but sufficient hugs were passed around and we left to come to Indiana so we could get ready for the arrival of grandson extraordinaire Ronan and his parents.

They arrived on Saturday evening and it has been non-stop since then. He is a rambunctious 2+year old and loves the attention he gets from his grandparents. We try and give mom and dad a break by playing with him as we know his time with us is all too short. Jocelyn and Ronan will be with us about 10 days as Tom moves to campus in Illinois on Wednesday to begin his graduate work. We will be taking Jocelyn and Ronan over close to campus to camp before Tom finishes up as they plan to leave from there to go back home to Virginia. Sounds like a plan.

Ronan has a new chocolate poodle, Whiskey, who is gorgeous. His coloring is very unusual and since he is a rescue, his background is unknown, but he has certainly won our hearts. He has some issues, but we are working on them this week and trust he will learn to love us like we love him. He is in the final recovery stages of heartworm treatment, so he cannot run and get excited, but he certainly wants to play with Neal. I heard Neal tell him he was retired and doesn’t play anymore but that hasn’t stopped Whiskey from trying.

We bought Ronan a “plasma” car. They are low to the ground and on flat smooth surfaces, the kids propel them by moving the wheel back and forth. It’s pretty cool and Ronan hasn’t completely figured it out, but he can certainly move it on his own power and he will soon get the idea.

I think I hear him now, so I better get off here and get ready to hone my “grandma” skills.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Ronan time

Sorry I haven't gotten around to posting. We are in Goshen and grandson Ronan and his parents are here visiting. It's been busy. . . what can I say. A two-year old who never stops.

I will try and post more, but I am a little busy right now!

Till next time. . .

Dale

Happy Birthday America!

Happy birthday to our great country! Thanks to all service men and women past, present and future who work to keep us safe and out of harm's way.

We are in Asheville, North Carolina, and what a respite from the oppressive heat and humidity of Florida and Georgia. Now, I love those two states, don't get me wrong. But when you travel with a dog or any pets for that matter, you worry about leaving them in the rig for any length of time. Fortunately, we were able to take Neal with us when we went to Brandon's. He and Jax got along great and Brandon's house is nice and cool. But the few times we ventured out without him, we didn't stay out long. The campground manager, Keith, however, was very helpful and said he would know if any power went out and call us if we needed to get back. He was really nice and the park, while not the best we have stayed at, was very friendly and in a nice location.

What a change when we arrived here in Asheville. It is in the mountains and the climate is absolutely wonderful. It is cool in the mornings and evenings to the point that if you are out for an extended time, you will want a jacket on. During the day it is in the 80's and the humidity is in the 40% range. I could retire here I think.

Yesterday we went to see the greatest attraction here. The Biltmore house. If you have never been there, it is worth a trip. We spent about 5 hours there. I always said I would never pay money to see it as it is a monument to one man's gluttony and that nearly bankrupted him, but it is spectacular. I have changed my mind about that a bit and decided it is really a treasure and should be maintained. Photography is not allowed inside, but you can take pictures outside.

We are here until tomorrow when we break camp and head north.

Till next time. . .

Dale