Children of the Corn

When you camp in private or public areas, you are bound to run into some "less-desirable" types every now and then. Up until now, we haven't had any complaints about any of our neighbors.  Most people are quite considerate, honest and friendly.

Three nights ago, at 9:45 pm, 2 large, older, modified-types pulled into spaces to our left. Their license plates claim they are from the great state of Arkansas, however, we think they are the Nebraskan demons that were the inspiration for Stephen King's book, "Children of the Corn." They are unfriendly, unkempt, dark and a bit scary. So far, two other RV'ers have complained to the office about their behavior and language.

Last night, when I went to dispose of our trash in the dumpster, I walked past their rigs and I waved to the group at each space. Not one, of a total of eight people, acknowledged my wave, even though they were quite obviously staring directly at me. I will take a different route back from the dump and won't be making corn on the cob anytime soon.

This turns out to be my last entry for the month of May. Thirty-one days blew by in the blink of an eye.  

Today, I needed to drive by our home, and while driving down Tate Avenue I started laughing at the condition of the road.  I've nicknamed it Varicose Vein Lane due to all the liquid tar filling the cracks. It makes me want to remain in Gracie all-the-more, despite the gravel, dirt, ants and creepy neighbors.

Deep thought for the day: Even when people do not look or act like us, it doesn't mean that you can't treat them with respect.  However, if your respect is not returned, cut your losses and move along.  Quickly.

New favorite spot

Memorial Day

Yesterday, we commemorated Memorial Day with a barbeque.  Along with us, my in-laws and neighbors we celebrated the birthday of our "Man of Honor." It was a beautiful, sunny and warm day. "K" and I put out quite a spread and we enjoyed barbecued burgers, dogs, shrimp and salmon. Of course, we had all the side salads and veggies to round out a delicious feast. We were able to christen "The Clam," and it sure lived up to its reputation by keeping the food safe from the sun and bugs.

The special birthday menu

Ketchup being poured by the nephew wearing camo...Now we know why.

"K" and "G"

Robert Burns described the day best in his poem called, "To a mouse," with the line, "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men." Due to someone not communicating in a clear and concise manner (name withheld to protect the guilty party), the big birthday bash was enjoyed by everyone, except the birthday boy! He did manage to get here in time for cake and ice cream, but he missed the fabulous spread. We were sure to let him know, often, how good everything tasted.

The highlight of the day was getting locked out of the RV and discovering that we don't have roadside assistance! Best for it to happen here, while still close to home. A phone call to a local locksmith solved the problem right quick. Thanks to our quick-thinking neighbors, all the food was saved from the warm temps and stored in their refrigerator.

Birthday boy, "R" and "K"

Today, we are heading out to pay our lock picker, as we had no checks, not enough cash and he didn't take credit cards. The locksmith turned out to be someone who knew my family, so he agreed to wait until today to receive his payment. Nice to know there is still a fair amount of trust and honesty left in the world.  All-in-all, it was a learning experience that could have been much worse had we not taken our maiden trip so close to home.

So, how did we get locked out? We are not absolutely sure, but the consensus is a certain "nephew" may have accidentally hit the lock switch before exiting. I only mention it because he is one, of only a few people, who would just love to have done it or take the blame. Regardless, we are almost glad it happened.

After cake and coffee, the day came to a close, friends returned home, our family drove off, and we spent about an hour masacaring Mosquitos and other annoying insects that made their way into the RV after dark.

It was a fun day, spent with good people, good food, good conversation and gorgeous weather.

"G" and "Me," with eyes closed

Making a wish...

"C" and "L" AKA: My in-laws!

Deep thought for yesterday: Being human, entitles us to make mistakes. Making the same mistake twice is, as Judge Judy says, "ridiculous."  Keys are being ordered tonight!

I will end here with a "thank you" to all of our service men and women, past and present, without whom we could not enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Oooh, that smell. Can you smell that smell?

There is an old Lynyrd Skynyrd song called "That Smell," that is actually about drug addiction and bad life-choices that rot a person.  Today, I uttered those lyrics to "G" because there was a terrible odor coming from "la toilette."  It seemed we made a poor life-choice and it was rotting in our holding tank. We were able to quickly narrow down what was causing the disturbance, and it turned out to be Lucy's, so-called, flush-able litter.  It seemed to have clung to the tank walls and was fermenting. Oooh, that smell....

Our neighbor gave us some advice, and "G" set out on the sewer job without hesitation. At one point during the process, there were four of us staring at the draining pipe and saying, "Oooh.....Ahhh."  We laughed at how ridiculous we must have looked to our other neighbors.

I'm happy to say that all's clear now and we are up and running just fine.  Good thing we had an expert on board Gracie and a helpful friend.

On this gorgeous, sunny and warm day, we had to move out of space 37 and across the road to space 40.  We were told that 37 was booked, yet no one has shown up and I doubt anyone will. We don't think the lady in the booking office likes us. Moving caused Lucy to revert back to hermit-like behavior and she will probably need a couple of days to adapt again.

I was unable to take a walk today, but I did get a good workout making the move.  So many things needed to be moved, re-set up and re-organized.   I think we shall both sleep well tonight.

I am ready to head off to bed...I have a Scentsy heating up in the bedroom.  Tonight's scent is lavender. Oooh, that smell, can you smell that smell?????  It's much better than this morning's!

Simple things

Today was spent witnessing an array of interesting weather.  We had a repeat of yesterday, with a mixture of sun, clouds, thunder, and torrential rain.  I decided that I needed to come up with a reason to be happy about all the wet weather we are having and, boy, was I able to come up with a good one: "G" and I continue to get along and laugh often, despite being inside the RV so much. You only really know, and get closer to someone, when things aren't going perfectly.

During my daily walk, I came upon several groups of "real" campers - those in tents. Since is is Memorial Day Weekend, more people have arrived at the campground. About 4 out of the 12 cabins are occupied and 4-5 tent sites are bursting with tents, grills, tables, cars, fishing gear and a bunch of excitedly happy young families.  It made me think of my son and grandchildren who recently camped out in tents in North Carolina. I guess being young helps. I think I'm too old to be the "roughing" it type anymore.

Back in 1972, I spent the summer on the west coast and camped in Oregon and Northern California.  Part of the time was tent-camping, but the majority was spent camping out of a pop-up trailer. Those are memories that have made lasting impressions upon me, and of which I am so grateful to have experienced.  I'm hoping for the same with my son, and his family.

While torrential rain fell during dinner tonight, forcing us to eat inside, I kept thinking about the people in the tents.  I was hoping that they were having fun, laughing and making the best off their damp situation.  Guiltily, I enjoyed the warmth from the heat I was treated to when "G" turned on the furnace to take the chill out of the RV.  Oh, I'm so spoiled.

Cute little driftwood craft store.  Closed for awhile.

Interesting "face" staring out at me during my walk.

Deep thought for the day:  Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest, and longest lasting impressions.  May you have many simple pleasures.

Bird Watching

Today's weather was quite interesting.  It started with rain, the sun broke through for a couple of hours, I began this post during a thunderstorm, and now it is just raining lightly.

I decided to take advantage of that break in the rain to get in some exercise.  I tried a different route today, daring myself to be adventurous, and believing I knew how strenuous of a trek I would encounter.  Throw Type I diabetes into the mix, and any exercise at all becomes more challenging. I followed my normal routine of testing my glucose levels and packing up my backpack with a snack and cell phone.  "G" was not at camp, and I wanted to feel independent, so off I went into the wild blue yonder.

The walk was breathtakingly beautiful.  I climbed up to the highest point of the park and was able to see far up and down the Hudson River due to the clear skies.

I met up with a couple of bird watchers and we exchanged small talk about birding.  I was in awe at how they identified so many birds just by their songs, like Barn Swallows and Thrushes.  I was able to narrow down one or two, but there was one that sounded just like a cricket, except it only "chirruped" once instead of twice. The birding couple didn't recognize it either. I have seen a Baltimore Oriole, while here, that literally took my breath away. Birds are so entertaining to the  visual and auditory senses.  Have I mentioned that before?????

Once our pleasant chat ended, they headed east, while I ventured westward.  About 20 minutes into my walk, my blood sugar began to drop, so I suspended my insulin pump, had my snack and continued walking, but more slowly.  I ended up walking another half-mile before reaching the campground and I felt my level dropping lower and lower.  I had thought about stopping, but that wouldn't have prevented my blood sugar from dropping.  I made it, but just barely.  Next walk will find me hauling a heavier backpack loaded with snacks and a juice.  My conundrum....eating causes me to gain weight - exercise results in my needing to eat.  Hummm. As Kermit The Frog sang, "It ain't easy being  green."

Lucy update:  Today, she was out for two hours this morning and about 5 hours tonight.  She has made her favorite spots known; two of them being the dashboard and back window sill.

Deep thought for the day:  Don't be afraid to take risks or push yourself.  Just always be prepared!

Croton Rain Forest (?)

Today was another rainy day that only afforded a few moments of sunshine, but when it did shine, it was noticed and appreciated.  I spent most of the day back at the house doing laundry.  The whole time there, I kept thinking about Gracie sitting at the park.

Yesterday, "G" ordered a little screen room and it was delivered today!  It's remarkable how I could mail a priority letter to Albany and it took 4 days (it went to Alaska first), yet a box containing a screen room arrives in less than 24 hours.  Click HERE to see it!  It's a really cool addition to RV life, because eating outside, in any weather, is almost impossible due to bees, bugs and flies. I don't think "G" or I would be well-suited to tent camping.  We are too spoiled by all the creature comforts of home.

At times, I feel as if I'm in a deep rain forest, surrounded by birds of every species.  Just walking back and forth to where the trash is dumped provides a cacophony of tweets and chirps.  The biggest pay off of the rain (besides providing sustenance) is that the birds seem to sing so much louder once it stops. I fear we will never stay in a place as peaceful and serene as this one.

Walking back from throwing out the trash.

Approaching our rig

Where's Waldo

There is a cute children's book called "Where's Waldo" that had the drawing of a man, named Waldo, on each page dressed in a red and white striped shirt and blue pants.  He is hidden among other people and things of similar colors and it is no easy task to find Waldo, but when you do find him, you feel like you accomplished a major fete.

Finding Lucy (a.k.a. Vampira, a.k.a. Waldette) out and about and enjoying the RV are moments that are just as exciting as finding Waldo.  She is getting better, but still has a long way to go.

A big step!

Eavesdropping on Ray

Where's Waldette?

A bit of catnip did the trick here.

Today was spent taking a lovely walk and admiring the trees and sounds of the birds.  I've yet to use my ear buds when walking, because I don't want to miss out on all that is going on around me. I feel that the music would detract from all the beauty that is found in the auditory sense.

The needles of this pine tree are, surprisingly, as as smooth as silk.

A magnificent pine tree.

The sounds from the campground.

Phew...

Today was a busy day, filled with errands (gas station, Dollar General, Big Lots, Walmart, A&S deli and A&P).  After getting everything sorted and put away, I took a long walk, up hill, both ways!  No fooling.  I got in some nice exercise and, except for the pain in my feet, I'm seeing a bit of improvement in my stamina.  Lucy has no stamina.  She has continued her Vampira behavior and prefers to hide under the blanket most of the day.  "G" is getting some nice bike rides in, so besides the up-keep of daily RV life, we are each finding some nice "me" time by doing what we enjoy most.

"G" finalized our reservations here, and he managed to get us booked straight through until June 12, which will make our total stay here one full month.  I recall someone ("G") telling me that we would probably be bored after one week!  I'm so glad that we are both in agreement about the level of comfort and contentment we are finding in Gracie.

The main challenge we are facing is managing in the small bathroom.  Tonight, I banged my knee on the vanity and am icing it down as I compose this post. I don't know how "G" does it, being almost a full foot taller than me.

As Nora Jones sang so soulfully, "The long day is over."

Deep thought for the day:  Sometimes, the best things appear after sunset.  Moonlight, stars, fireflies and Miss Lucy Lu.

Surprise, surprise, surprise...

Jim Nabors always uttered the line, "Surprise, surprise, surprise," in just about every episode he played the country bumpkin, Gomer Pyle, on the Andy Griffith Show.  Well, today, "G" became my Gomer Pyle when he surprised (shocked) me with the suggestion that we go down to the office and book two more weeks.  That would make our stay extend to five weeks, in total.  I had no problem agreeing with the idea, but he surely "surprised" me!  I don't know how long we will actually be staying, but it will definitely extend another week, at least.

Poor "G" had a dentist appointment today and is now giving Gracie her first bath.  It's a big job - a lot bigger than washing my Nissan Sentra - and will take a couple of hours to complete, but, boy, did she need to be cleaned.

After lunch today, I took a walk with my camping neighbor, "R" and it turned out to be an adventurous day full of "surprises" and historical finds.  We came across yews that had been planted in the 1850's by one of the Underhill brothers and oyster shells on the shoreline of the Hudson River from the days when Native Americans inhabited this area.  Archaeologists claim that these middens, which are the oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic coast, are approximately 7,000 years old. I picked up two, of the thousands of shells and shell pieces, to save as a remembrance of my discovery.

Look closely, upper right, at the "v" to see the hawk.  Bad shot, but it was a sort of "point and click" moment.

A view through the trees

One of the four yews

Oyster shells I found along the shore.  Holding them in my hands, thinking how old they were, and that Native Americans could have eaten what they contained, was a moving experience. 

Beautiful Bleeding Heart Bush in perfect bloom

Deep thought for the day:  I find that learning something new makes me feel so excited.  Today, I learned several things about Croton Point Park and "G."

Weed walk

Today we saw the much-welcomed sight of the sun after a night of torrential rain.  I had visions of walking out of the RV and seeing a lake surrounding us, but luckily, we fared well.  There were some sites that had huge puddles, and that taught us to be wary of the terrain of (seemingly level) spaces.

We had a visit from my "Man of Honor."  He so thoughtfully offered to pick up sandwiches for us all and we had a very nice lunch with our camping neighbors.  They had camped together for many years when their children were growing up and I think we just might have put a "bug" in ACR's head about getting a small camper for himself.  Wouldn't that be a hoot!  We chatted about their camping days with all their kids, swapped photos, reminisced and enjoyed the food, conversation and company.  Of course, "G" had to prove true, his reputation for his wry sense of humor, by waiting until all the children's photos had been shown and shared, before pulling one up of Lucy on his phone to show the group and announced that this was "our kid."  That humor is just one of the things about him that I love so much.

We sure are learning a lot of helpful hints and making notes for future experiences.  We actually booked another week here and we also booked a week in June for a rally that our neighbor here is planning.  We are already thinking ahead to when and where we can go next. It is so exciting.

This afternoon, I took, what I have named, "My Weed Walk."  I walked a mile stretch around part of the landfill and was so impressed by the beauty of the dirt, puddles, mud, gravel and yes, even the weeds. After all the rain we had, even those were a pleasure to view.

What follows, are photos of the pesky plants we don't want in our own yards, yet I found that they caught my attention so much so, that I needed to photograph them.  They spotted the grey, gravel pathway with splashes of color and texture.

A lovely day to be retired, in love and camped in a gorgeous park.


Deep thought of the day:  Reputation should not cloud your opinion of beauty.

Listen to the music of the falling rain....

Portion of lyrics from the song, Rain, by Creed
I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
With every tomorrow comes another life...

All day today we have dealt with on-and-off heavy rains that are beginning to affect our immediate camping area.  The ground is softening and the RV seems to be settling into the gravel and mud. Puddles are forming in the roadways and gullies, and boots will become a necessity if it doesn't let up soon. Gracie, "G" Lucy and I are handling it just fine.

We spent most of the day on a shopping spree at Camping World up in Kingston, NY with our camp neighbors.  We had a list of "Needs" and "Wants," and it seems like too many "Wants" found their way into our basket along with the many "Needs."  I'm bad, but apparently, "G" is worse, but we did get some pretty nifty things. We got a very much needed outdoor rug (thank you Teri), a welcome mat, tire covers, windshield scrubber, bucket, Swiffer, mattress cover, key holder, wall-mounted shampoo dispenser, trash can, towel hooks, picnic table cover and padded bench covers (I didn't even know they existed!). It's amazing the things you need/want with RV life. 

Lucy peering out of the booth

The list that remains is longer than the items we already purchased, but it will forever be a "Never-Ending List," just like the "Never-Ending Story."  

Although "love" is never in question, "G" and I still do like each other, in spite of the close quarters, missing our recliners and adjusting to a simpler and less cluttered life. I am finding it both wonderfully relaxing and invigorating.  

Lucy is finding more and more comfy spots.  Tonight, she is hanging out in the dinette booth. A new spot, and one that offers a prime view up and down the coach.  

The rain is pounding on the roof, and, if it continues, will provide a soothing sound to lull me to sleep. So, as the lyrics to Creed's song goes, "Let it rain down and wash everything away."  Just as long as it's not Gracie with "G" Lucy and me aboard.

RV Event of the Day:  Last night we accidentally left one of the exhaust fan vents open and I was greeted with a puddle of water on the counter and floor. Nothing a bit of paper towel couldn't handle.

Deep Thought of the Day:  "Rain, rain go away, come again another day. "G" and "V" want to play."

These are just baby steps for Lucy...

 Lump in bed = Lucy's "spot" 90% of the time.

Bird watching

Someone dared to speak outside...

What a view!

Happy with my daddy.

Still not all that comfortable in the front of the coach. 

Singin' in the rain...

During the night and early this morning, we were treated to the rhythm of the rain, followed by the sweet music from the robins and sparrows.  There was such excitement outside the windows, that being huddled up inside wasn't unpleasant at all.  It was cozy, quiet and quite peaceful.

Around 11 am, the steady rain ended and I was able to take a long walk/hike around the park.  I have been eager to get to the old wine cellars, and today, I finally found them.  It's hard to believe they were erected in the mid 1800's and so much of it remains.  The bricked-up portal prevents you from entering, but I've read that most of what lies behind it is intact. I'm sure no wine remains. I was also able to locate the area where the vineyards stood, thanks to happening upon the caretaker's wife. She was a wealth of park history and of the Underhill brothers - Richard and William.  Richard was the wine maker and William took over the family brickyards.  Many original brick buildings remain - a testament to old world craftsmanship.   If you explore this park, on a damp, spring weekday, you may not see anyone, except for an occasional park worker, and tons of robins.

RV event of the day:  This morning, I caused an inconvenient problem by tripping the electrical circuit while drying my hair.  No TV!!!  Poor "G" had to wait until the rain subsided before being able to go out to reset the switch.  I'm so glad to be close to home-base while we are still getting our feet wet (literally and figuratively).

Deep thought of the day:  Into each life some rain must fall.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Croton Point Park - Photos

Time, patience and switching to "G's" laptop, worked magic on uploading the photos.  What follows are a few shots of the park.

t

Entrance to the tent, RV and cabin area.

Taken at the furthest point of Croton Point Park

Saving Grace in Space 37

View outside RV

This is a very clean, well-maintained Westchester County park.  It's the only place in the entire County where you can park and hook-up an RV.  It is only half-occupied, peaceful and full of walking/hiking paths. It is rich in Native American, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 history. The remnants of wine cellars dating back to the mid 19th century are located on the property.

Three-story barn from the 1800's

Top of the hill (can't believe this was a former landfill)

Path to wine cellar

Entrance to wine cellar

Close up of wine cellar entrance

Overcast view from wine cellar area

The site where the land was signed over by the Chief of the Mohigan Tribe. It felt sad to read the plaque, realizing all the beauty that was sold off to the Dutch settlers.

My long hike ended at the top of a steep hill.  This is the sign that greeted me. Very apropos.