Keeping it in perspective

September 9-10. 2019

I sure LOVE the Service Center.  The gals give me treats....and they even brought me out my own bottle of cold water.  Yes, I'm pampered here 😉  The area in front of the building has the most lushest grass to play ball in.  And Indiana provided me with the perfect temperature of weather...low 70's so I didn't have any worries about getting overheated.  I was rather excited when the Service Manager told Dad that the black tank swap wouldn't be finished by quitting time on Monday as originally expected.  Something about having to take out the old tank and take it to the tank manufacturer so they could make sure that the holes were cut in the right place for our model.  I guess that was easier than trying to dig up the proper template for our model, but it meant extra time in the repair schedule. 

We were able to sleep in our rig overnight on Monday.....but Momma nnd Dad just couldn't use the black tank.  No worries, The McDonald's just up the road is open 24/7.  I didn't have to share my pet walk area with them. Hee hee!  A tad inconvenient, but I had my own bed/rig to sleep in and Momma didn't have to pack my overnight bag.

Dad was sure getting antsy Tuesday morning.  I tired to keep him occupied with ball throwing, but he kept looking at his clock.  Every time someone would come out to admire me, he thought for sure they were coming to tell him that the repairs were finished.  Well, they were still doing water leak checks and making sure all was well. 

Then everything was put into perspective for us.  While we were sitting outside the Service Center taking a short catch my breath break, a couple arrived.  They had come to the Service Center to see if they could get some assistance.  They purchased a new fifth wheel 2 weeks ago.  They had it parked at a campground, but they didn't stay in it last night as they live locally.  A friend called them at 11 last night and told them that they had better get to the campground.  One of the Montana's that was arriving for the Montana Rally scheduled to kick off on Wednesday made a late night...in the dark arrival .....and attempted ...and failed miserably .....to back into their site.  They not only hit the nose of the this couple's new rig, they continued to back up and got into the bedroom slide.  Can you just imagine?  It's tough enough to have your unit hit, but when it is only 2 weeks in your possession!! 

Now the original plan was, take the new unit to Georgia to visit the son in the air force, then travel to another state to visit daughter and get out of the snow and cold of Indiana.  Notice I said ORIGINAL plan.  When the nice couple came back out of the service center, they were frowning even more.  They had just been told that the service center was currently scheduling into next year.  They had a full schedule for this fall/winter.  Oh my!! 

So Dad, an extra half a day at the Service Center is certainly no big deal ....in comparison!!  It's all about putting things in perspective.

Maybe if we stay here long enough, I'll get to play with the black squirrel.  He sure has a pretty coat.

We hit the road about 1:30 on Tuesday heading east.  Momma had scheduled a quick stop in Fremont, Indiana at the Outlet Shops so she could stock  up on Sechler's Pickles.  I guess they must really like them as she came out of the shop with a box full. 

We traveled until about 5 pm which put us at the Service Center on the Ohio Turnpike near Amherst.  They have about a dozen RV sites with electric and a dump station.  You can stay the night with the honor system of putting $20 in the ticket machine. 

One more overnight stop in Rockwood, PA and we will be camping for the long weekend near Hershey for the RV Show.  Guess what?   I just found out that Momma's sister and brother in law will be at the Hershey Show as well....but they are going to stay in a motel.

I asked Dad if he could figure out a way I could help fill up the new black tank.  It would cut down on the cost of those multicolored poop collection bags they run behind me with.  That would mean more $$ for dog treats for me!!

I'm Chloe

My kind of day

September 7, 2019
Middlebury, Indiana

This is MY day to be pampered.  What a way to begin the day lounging with Dad while he enjoys his first cup of coffee.  One hand for coffee and one hand for petting me

..... put that coffee cup on the table and let's get serious with a two handed massage.  Ahhh😄  

Dad turned the back of the truck into Chloe's Pampering Salon.  I stretched out on the open tailgate, Dad plugged in his dremel tool and it was pedi time.  Now I know pedicures are for feet/toes and manicures are for hands/fingers.  Do you think I could say I also had a manicure because he filed my dewclaws as well? They are kinda like thumbs.  Just thinking......

Then I got to play catch and retrieve the ball on the most lushest grass I have seen in months.  It is thick, long, green and tickles my toes.  And with a temperature of 72 degrees today, it was cool to the touch.  What a great day!!

Momma and Dad went out for a while and I just knew I had hit the jackpot when they returned and opened the door.  There I was standing in the doorway and there Dad was standing at the bottom of the steps.  That put his hands right in line with my nostrils....right in line with that big white box he was carrying....the big white box with the most delicious aroma coming from it.  Is that something for me?  It was Saturday evening and they had been to Hoppers Pike Street Restaurant for Prime Rib Dinner.  That sure looks like a doggy box to me.  I think I could just sniff it right out of your hands.  Hey, what's with the refrigerator?  My dog dish is right here!!

Okay, maybe it's for later.  Want to play?

Let me get my pig

Here you go....just toss it and I'll bring it right back.

Well, you know what happens after a serious game of pig.  The legs get tired, the heart is racing and you just lay down for a quick rest.....and before you know it, the eyelids have slammed shut and you are deep into a dream of tender prime rib.  

I'm Chloe

Just a little blip

September 6, 2019

Today should have been a carefree, easy travel day with only 60 miles on the schedule to arrive at the Factory Service Center in Middlebury, Indiana.  Our appointment isn't until Monday so could have slid up the road on Sunday,  but Dad wanted to arrive on Friday to assure a parking spot with electric at the center.  Now that's his story but if you ask me, I think the REAL reason is the call of Rise N Roll and those ice cream filled donuts.

 No matter what the reason for the Friday travel, it turned out to be an excellent choice as we hadn't even made it out of Fort Wayne when Dad noticed a black streak behind our driver side tires....and no black streak in front of us.  WE were the ones causing that black streak.  We pulled into a large gas station that was conveniently located right by our discovery so we were off the road and in a safe place to investigate the issue.

The discovery.....a broken bolt in the rear spring hanger.....that resulted in bending the spring hanger out of position.  An attempt to straighten the hanger resulted in a bent tool.   Now the repair was looking a tad more serious than just bolt replacement and our tool chest.  But as luck would have it, places are open on Friday and in the very next lot was

the business that saved the day.  We limped next door and a team of 3 quickly had us jacked up, the spring hanger heated and and back in position and a replacement bolt installed to get us back on the road.  

I am so glad we weren't trying this act on a Sunday!!!   It is only a temporary fix as it isn't the right bolt, but it allowed us to make the rest of the trip without incident....and here we are in the heart of RV manufactures where we should be able to snag the proper parts for the more permanent fix.

Just a little blip in our travel plans.... we managed to arrive safe and sound in a timely fashion.  Life is full of surprises but Dad is my champion!!  He rises to the challenge once again.  Go Dad!!!  I think he deserves more than just one donut😉

I'm Chloe

Good Times

September 1-5, 2019

I'm feeling kinda bummed today.  Auntie Carol and Uncle Steve headed out early this morning (Monday).  I think they are kinda bummed as well as they found 96 degree temps.  I guess I'm glad we didn't head out with them, but I'm sure going to miss all the extra hugs and treats.  Makes me a tad sad.

Momma and Dad had a nice surprise.  Some friends happened to arrive in the area Sunday evening so they hooked up for lunch on Monday.

Momma and Dad enjoyed lots of shows while in Branson.  Music, dancing, and illusion at its best.  Everyone is still trying to figure our how Rick Thomas made that helicopter appear on stage.  And then he grabbed a gal from the audience, put her in the helicopter and made everything disappear...although Debra did reappear behind the audience.  Cool for sure!!  And that wasn't all he made disappear and reappear.  All night long everyone kept asking. "How'd he do that?"  

The Hughes Brothers entertained with a cast of 50....all family.  The oldest brother was the largest contributor with 15 children.  Strong musical genes in the family.  They are all homeschooled.  I guess they would have to be with the schedule they keep and all the artistic training.

Tuesday we began a series of one night stays heading back toward Indiana for our scheduled appointment at the factory service center for replacement of our black water tank.  We are now at one of my favorite parks in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The one with the dog park just across the road.  My tongue keeps getting in my way as it is hanging pretty low after all that running and racing.  The weather is perfect for romping at a comfortable 73 degrees.  

So far the weather has been great for traveling but the roads are a tad bumpy and we have traveled through lots of work zones as they work to smooth out the dips and bumps.  

One more day of travel before we arrive at one of Dad's favorite places and a visit  to Rise N Roll for those melt in your mouth donuts.

Having fun on the road.....

I'm Chloe

Feeling at home

August 30, 2019
Branson Stagecoach RV
Branson, MO

Dad thinks I was really getting homesick.  You know that gut aching, heart breaking feeling when you REALLY miss something.  Now I have to admit, I do enjoy my pond when I am home.

I love playing gator and jumping in to cool off after a run or two around the house but it really isn't that hot here and I'm having a great time traveling.

Aunt Carol said she tried to warn us.  She and Uncle Steve had attempted a Branson stop at least 3 times prior to this summer.  She said it was a dangerous path we had set. The bearing/tire issue slowed down our arrival but...we made it sliding in just after 1pm on Friday rather than the prior Sunday as planned.   When we registered at the office, the gal shared with us that the best way/cheapest way/best deals to get show tickets was to purchase at the Purple Buy One Get One building.  It turned out to be a scavenger hunt.  After several 180 turns and a phone call back to the office, we finally located the Purple Building....her directions weren't the greatest!!  We were able to purchase orange tickets that are good for 'anytime'.  Then you have to go to each theater and trade in the orange ticket for an assigned seat ticket.  Map in hand, Momma, Dad, Aunt Carol and Uncle Steve began their scavenger hunt stopping at the various theaters up and down the busy 'entertainment strip'.  They did approach it systematically as they stopped at all the theaters on the right side of the street before turning around and collecting their assigned seat tickets from the theaters on the other side of the road.  That way they didn't have to try to keep crossing traffic on a much too busy street.  Well, by then, the early dinner had turned into a much later dinner so there was just enough time to take a quick break and let me play a short game of ball before heading to the first Branson Show....but that didn't happen.....

Upon returning to the campground, Momma and Dad discovered a 'lake' under their rig.  Now I tried to tell them that all kids need a cell phone and I could have given them a heads up call before the water flow developed into lake status.  I was smart.  I stayed dry as there wasn't any water in the upstairs bedroom or bathroom, but the kitchen/living room area was a pond.  Now you know why Dad thought I was homesick for my pond.  He actually tried to lay the blame on ME for leaving the bathroom tap water on....which filled up the gray tank.....which then backed up and filled the kitchen sink....which then began to overflow on the floor.  And with the long scavenger hunt and dinner break they were gone for quite some time!!  I told Dad I would take the bullet for deed, but I really thought it was either Momma or Dad who failed to turn the level down all the way in the bathroom sink.  And if Dad had opened the gray valve as he usually does when he knows we will be at the site for several days and Momma will be doing several loads of wash, it wouldn't have even been an issue.

Well, as it turned out, the evening entertainment didn't have a single note of music but it did have a lot of dancing with the squeegy  as they 'pushed' the water out the door.  I guess it was a good thing Momma has lots of throw rugs in the center vinyl area that soaked up lots of water.  Then came the task of sucking up the water from the carpeted area by the back window and the strips of carpet along the left and right sides of the room.  Uncle Steve had a wet vac and an RV neighbor loaned us another one so we had tandem vacs working the floor as well as tandem hair dryers. 

Talk about 'having our backs'!!  That is true friendship.  Trading a seat in a theater, sitting back and enjoying a night of musical entertainment for a seat/floor space in a wet rig working to extract water.

After four hours of hard labor it was decided  to let the fans handle the final drying.....that is until they finally let me back inside.  I scouted the wet rug in the back area and left wet tracks on the dry area.  That's when Dad decided the next plan of attack should be removal of that carpet in the rear as the pad underneath was holding way too much water....and out it came.

  It was  a night to remember for sure.

After a visit to the laundromat the next day to wash and dry the scatter rugs, all is back to normal.  It feels like home once again. 

Ahhhhh, a dry bed on a clean dry rug and floor.

I'm Chloe