Turkeyville

June 20-22, 2019
Turkeyville RV Resort
Marshall, Michigan

I wonder if I would like turkey.  I know I like chicken as that is in my dog food, but turkey???  I know Momma and Dad LOVE turkey.  At least they kept raving about the scrumptious turkey dinner that they had at the dinner theater performance on Thursday afternoon. 

It was a rainy day so the reservations they had made for the dinner theater afternoon turned out to be an excellent choice.  The performance was "Mid-life Crisis" which made fun of all the aging woes the two legged face as age increases.  Heehee  Funny until you begin to start living the issues Dad said.  

I thought I was going to have a crisis.  It was REALLY pouring so Momma dug out my raincoat.

 Momma said it was stylish but Dad kept laughing at me.  Needless to say, I just couldn't seem to go when I was all dressed up.  That sure made Dad grumble!!

There is a gift shop as well as an ice cream parlor at the Turkeyville complex.  They even have an ice cream challenge for the brave or foolish.

We have had two different sets of neighbors that we met and both have been GREEN.....as in newbies.  The first set even had a big 3 ring binder the female read from as the male performed the set up tasks step by step.  It's a good thing they arrive early enough in the afternoon or it would have been dark long before they got set up.  Momma and Dad chatted with them and they were like sponges soaking up all the answers to the questions they asked.  After they left, another couple set up for the third time in their ownership of their rig.  They were in awe of how quickly we got hitched up and ready to roll the next morning.  I think we spent more time talking with them when we had completed our packing up routine than it took us to complete our tasks.  Nice couple who are nearing retirement and have a world of opportunities opening up for them.  RVers are such great people!!

We enjoyed our scenic trip from Michigan to Indiana.  It was evident by the short sprouts peeking thru the dirt in fields that the wet ground has delayed the crop planting by a month or more.  We knew we were getting close to our destination as we drove thru beautiful Middlebury with the lush hanging baskets of flowers lining the streets and the horse and buggies out and about.

We are in Amish country once again.

Today we are joining another great group of RVers at the Open Range Owners Rally at the fairgrounds in Goshen, Indiana.  A nice RV park with green grass just made for running after my ball.  And my cousin, the black lab will be here as well with Aunt Janice and Uncle Robin.  I sure hope Momma and Dad don't get too tied up in all the rally activities to make lots of playtime for me.  

I'm Chloe

Travel Day

June 19, 2019
Turkeyville RV Resort
Marshall, Michigan

Today was travel day...but with a laid back departure.  After all, how could I pass up one more trip to the dog park before we hit the road.  I guess Momma had planned it that way as we only had a 91 mile haul to arrive at our new location in Marshall, Michigan.  Every time I have been to the park, there are new friends and I always find a two legged who is willing to toss the ball for me over...and over...and over until I have to flop down and take a rest.

Once again, the Rain Angel was looking over our shoulders.  As we approached our destination, the road was pretty wet but we just encountered a sprinkle.  By the time we arrive at the RV Resort, the rain had stopped.  The gal at registration asked if we had to travel thru that nasty 40 minute downpour.  Nope, not us!!

We have the set up and pack up routine down as we have been flitting around for a while but this 'Resort' came with a new challenge.  The cement patio pad is a nice touch, but they really need to add additional stones to the parking area.  We were parked in a mud puddle that had to be tip toed around in order to complete our setup....unless you wanted to dive in and get wet shoes/paws. 

We were just completing our set up when the skies unloaded once again.  We scrambled inside and let the rain fall outside while we stayed high and dry once again.  Whew!!  Talk about great timing!!!

Rainy afternoons are good nap days.  I had just spent an exhausting 4 days at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Dog Park😉

I'm Chloe

Man the hose

June 18, 2019
Fort Wayne, In

Do you realize if I had been born back in the day of horse drawn fire engines, I could have been a firehouse dog?  I know, I'm not a Dalmatian but the truth is out.  Most Dalmatian dogs are deaf and really don't make good firehouse dogs. The aristocrats sought the spotted dogs because they were unusual and everyone took notice as they were eye catching.  But a good firehouse dog was a worker.  They protected the team of horses from the local dogs who would try to nip at their legs as they were rushing to answer a call. 

Loyal to the fireman and team of horses as well.  The best firehouse dogs were not Dalmatians.

By 1927, the horses were replaced by motors.

When the depression hit, Fort Wayne firemen were determined to upgrade their equipment so they purchased International trucks and the necessary equipment and outfitted/built firetrucks at a substantial savings using the expertise of the mechanics at the Fire Shop.  'The Home Built Fleet'.

The old Firehouse Number 1 is now a museum a couple of blocks away from the new Firehouse Number 1

I am here to attest that firemen are not the only ones who can man a hose.  

It was tailgate tubby day!!  I'm so clean I sparkle.  

I'm Chloe

I might have been worried...

June 17, 2019
Fort Wayne, In

If I had of known where they were going, I might have been worried.  About 12 miles NE of Fort Wayne is a small Amish community named Grabill.  Now that isn't a real concern but when they decided to check out the HUGE, OLD building that had been turned into a Flea Market

....a maze....

I worried that they may never find their way out.  

 It was a two story building that must have been built onto as there where multi levels within the first floor with twists and turns weaving among the displays.  But there really wasn't any reason to worry, as the floor was marked to guide the way out.

I should have known that Dad and Momma had a plan. Whenever they came to an intersection within the building full of antiques on display, they always turned to the right.  

They were on a mission.  No one is claiming responsibility but it seems that there was a slight casualty on the last relocation and the three tiered dish holder made it to the floor the hard way.  It never got secured for the ride.  But only one of the three dishes disintegrated and needed to be replaced and they were on the hunt for that replacement.  And no, it wasn't the dish that holds all my cookie bones that broke...thank goodness!!  I would have really been sad for sure!!  After all, it's important to have my treats ready and available at all times.  I would have volunteered to help Momma pick up all the treats tossed all over the floor, but I wasn't invited.  Go figure.

Momma and Dad visited another old building in Grabill.  This 1791 building was 'rescued' from destruction when it was moved to Grabill from Green County, Pennsylvania.  It is now a Coffee Cabin and sandwich shop.

 They don't lay flooring like that in this century.  

The trip was rounded out with a visit to the bulk food store but none of the goodies purchased were for me. I'm not worried.  Momma stocked up from Chewy on all my favorites before we left home.

I'm Chloe 

Kindness of the Rain God

June 16, 2019
Johnny Appleseed CG
Fort Wayne, Indiana

The rain Gods were kind to us today, although if you look at our rig, it does have that 'I've been on the road' look to it right now,  The forecast was for rain....on our pack up travel day.  We haven't packed up or set up in the rain in quite a while so it looked as though we were going to get caught up on that.  As it turned out, rain coats were NOT needed as we pulled in the water hose and the power cord, but we no sooner got out of Millersburg and the wipers were working to clear the windshield as the clouds were shedding their moisture load on us.  About 1/3 into our 200 mile trek the skies cleared and we even had a dry rest stop.  Once again, the rain coats could be left in the truck.  Just as we were approaching Fort Wayne, we received a tease of a sprinkle and a road challenge.  The sign said "Bridge out:  Road Closed".  Hmmm  and no detour signage.  But I guess no detour directions were really needed as a right and a left put us right back on track to make our landing approach to where we will spend the next 3 nights.

Now this park is definitely a family favorite.  Dad loves the cheap nightly rate...$22 a night.  Okay, so you only have water and electric with a dump station..but it's 50 amp service.  The price is worth not being able to dump tanks at our site. Momma loves the location close to all the stores and restaurants and I LOVE the dog park.  Yes, Momma paid $2 a day for my entry card but it is so much fun.  

Today at the dog park I got to run/show off for a 2 year old Dalmatian, a brindle mix about my age and an old timer lab.  You see, the gal would toss the ball and with my lightning speed, I would snatch it up for the gang and bring it back for another toss.  And she didn't get tired of tossing that ball for us.  Yes, it was a great day at the dog park.  It was just a short walk back to the campground but my feet weren't stepping as lively coming back as they were going.  I kept stepping on my l o n g  tongue that was hanging out from all the romping.

Bed was calling me when we got home and I didn't even miss Momma and Dad when they headed to one of their favorites...Culver's for a Father's Day ice cream treat. 

Enjoying Johnny Appleseed Campground....

I'm Chloe

Windy Ohio

June 14, 2019
Berlin, Ohio

Ohio wind has been blowing off and on ....more on than off....since our arrival.  It has really helped me tone my Frisbee catching skills.  Dad tosses the Frisbee and it floats on the air getting a slight lift from the wind as it flies above the grass and just as it begins its downward decent, with a burst of energy, I leap in the air for a successful snatch.  Now I'm not perfect, but I've got a VERY high rate of success.  

Dad has found the wind a tad challenging as well.  He tuned in our satellite dish on the tripod when we arrived and secured it as usual.  He has also set it up an additional two more times until he went into wind protection mode.

Now we have blue as well as yellow securing bands keeping the set-up in place.  The wind has tried, but it hasn't been successful in toppling the dish since the added security measures.  Go Dad!!

It may be windy, but it hasn't kept the goats off the rooftop.

Hershberger's  Farm and Bakery has a pulley system set up as a gimmick.  Customers can purchase feed that travels from the ground to the rooftop via the pulley system to the eagerly awaiting goats.  It is entertaining and a crowd pleaser.  Clever idea.

The wind hasn't kept the Amish horse and buggy or bicyclist at home either.  They are still sharing the roads.

And the fields are still being worked.

The young men handling the reins were very much attuned to the needs of the team of horses, allowing them rest breaks and not overworking them as they turned the soil.  One team was plowing while the second team was disking the plot of land.

Thank goodness I don't have to tow a buggy or a plow.  I am a true athlete ..... a master of Frisbee snatch!!

I'm Chloe

Dad's Day

June 12, 2019
Berlin, Ohio

Dad was in heaven.  As he walked through the door and took in the scene in front of him as his pulse began to race and he began to salivate.  Welcome to Keim Lumber Company.  Just look at ALL those tools.  Now this doesn't even compare with Lowe's or Home Depot. Keim's has class and a broader range of stock.  Even the flooring is quality.  No hint of warehouse here.  

No need to wonder what it will look like as the display shows you first hand.  Check out the patio flooring options.  

  

Need hardware for drawer pulls?  Way too many choices....it would make the decision a tough one with such a selection.

Momma fell in love with this kitchen stove/oven.  It's style screams  antique but the function is very modern.

Even the check out area has beautiful woodwork.

If you can't find it at Keim's, it probably isn't available.  All in a very appealing ambiance. 

 And when you are tired of shopping and need a lunch break, just head upstairs to the Carpenter's Cafe for a reasonably priced, delicious lunch as you look over the railing at the wares on display below.

Momma  and Dad made a smart purchase while at Keim, borrowing an idea from Uncle Steve and 

Auntie Carol.  It'll definitely help me from getting in trouble.  You see, when someone knocks on the door, it is startling and I bark much to the disapproval of Momma and Dad.  We now have a doorbell that plays a delightful, non-startling tune and there is no need to bark.  Dad won't have to trade me in for a cat after all!!!

I'm Chloe

The Secret is Out

June 11, 2019
Berlin, Ohio

I told Dad, "It's an amazing day, let's not waste a minute of it!"  But there he was kicked back in his chair yakking on the phone to one of his buddies.  Well, at least let me talk to Heidi (the white German Shepherd) on the phone.  I climbed onto his lap to show him that LOVE is a four-legged word.  Would you believe it was after 10 am before the first game of the day of Frisbee began?  Are you trying to teach me patience?  

The question of the day was:  Where do you go to send a UPS package?  It started out as an elusive mystery.  You see, Dad had purchased a Gas Stop at the Good Sam Rally in Perry, Georgia in March.  For some unknown reason, the indicator was pointing to the red....no propane. But when the Gas Stop was removed, it showed the tank was really half full.  After conversation with the seller, it was determined that the Gas Stop was faulty and needed to be replaced.  Dad was given a UPS return shipment number and then the search was on.  They asked in the campground office where to find a UPS sending location and the gal said she believed Sugar Creek Bulk Store would be able to send it, but check locally at Troyer's Bulk Store and see if they can send it or know of a place here in Berlin.  All they got were blank looks.  The next stop was Tractor Supply for an errand and low and behold, there was a sign:  Free UPS shipping here.  Now that sure looked encouraging but what the sign meant was, if you order from the Tractor Supply Warehouse, you will not be charged for UPS  shipping if you have it sent to the store for pickup.  Pooh!  That didn't help.  

Guess where the next stop was?   Yup, they drove Sugar Creek.  They had received a coupon  when they registered at the campground for 1/3 pound of colby cheese so maybe they could claim their cheese and unload the package in one stop.  The gal at the register said they could ship the package, gave them a form and called another gal to handle the request.  Success....almost.  I guess the detail that the receiver of the package would be paying for the shipment was a bit confusing for the gal.  After browsing the store and picking up a couple of tasty items....the ham salad sample hooked them.....they had trouble at the checkout as the gal wanted them to pay for the UPS shipment.  Another lady was called and said, "Well, if the receiver is paying, that's a whole different process."  Thankfully, she knew how to process the shipment.  It was touch and go there for a while!!

Momma and Dad once again were enjoying the views of the countryside. Everything is green and colorful with bright flowers.

Even the gardens looked healthy with growth.  That corn was up a foot or more already.

The back country roads are quite narrow and don't even have a center line.  Can't even begin to imagine navigating with duel wheels. You really had to think "skinny" as you met oncoming traffic.   The Ram was plenty wide enough to just sneak past. The secondary roads are much easier to navigate on.  Once again, horse drawn buggies and bicyclists were a common site.

  How they could possibly manage those hills on a bicycle...and then it all became clear.  The secret is out.   They are using electric bikes.  No wonder they can get up so much speed. 

Another beautiful day in Berlin, Ohio

I'm Chloe