Bob: Left JoAnne and Niels home about 8:54 this morning and arrived at Misty and Dan's at 4:10. That included 2 rest stops and a stop for gas. Followed the GPS and went north on I-85 to route 29 and then continued north. Looking back I think we would have been much better off to have back -tracked to Charlotte and taken I-77 north. Probably a few more miles but less time. We'll know better the next time.
Spent a relaxing evening after a wonderful stir fry dinner prepared by Misty. For family scriptures Dan read 2 stories from the New Testament. One was about Jesus feeding the multitude with only 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread. The other one was about Jesus walking on the water and Peter not having the faith to do the same. The kids were very attentive and responded to questions about what the verses meant.
Received an email from the Mission President's wife. Looks like we'll be staying in the Mission Home Monday night before going to an apartment on Tuesday. We don't get our final apartment until the following Monday. Just hope the 2 apartments are in the same complex so we can unload most of our things and get the computer set up. Bonnie and I are both tired of traveling and living out of a suitcase. The car is so packed we can hardly move in it. Both of us have items in the floor by our feet plus things protruding from the back in between our seats in front.
Bonnie: How I love grand-kids! Katie will be sharing her patriarchal blessing with us Friday or Saturday and that will be special. After giving Michael a hug goodnight he said in a happy voice, "Best friends forever!" I love it. Sarah took us out to the chicken coop to show us one of the chickens that had been attacked by a fox. She knelt down and the chicken came right up to her and practically jumped into her arms. Ammon showed us some trailers for the new Star Wars movie coming out this fall. He's excited about that. Serenity looks so cute in her tiny, little glasses as we read a story book tonight. I have special memories of Gwyn, Allie Jane and Jackson too. Gwyn has finally warmed up to me and calls me Nana. It was fun building castles with Allie Jane, such a girlie girl with pretty bows in her hair. And Jackson plays a great game of Mexican Train. He won the first hand we played! Dallin is a little taller than his brother who is four years older. He seems like a gentle giant to me. He even let his Pap Pap beat him in chess. It was great to talk to Cooper. He seems to be maturing very well. He graduates in another year. They are both very good young men. We'll publish pictures of the grand-kids once we collect all of them.
Thursday 30 April 2015
Wednesday 29 April 2015
April 29, 2015
Bob: Arrived at JoAnne and Niels about 6:25. Left Lori's about 8:55 so we made decent time. Stopped twice for gas and a Dairy Queen stop. Traffic was pretty good except around Charlotte around 5:30. Wasn't nearly as bad as Atlanta though. Will leave in the morning for West Friendship, Maryland.Will spend the weekend with Misty and Chris' families and then onto Toronto on Monday.
Chris' son, Jonathan, is getting baptized on Saturday.
The car is getting fuller as we go. Picked up a couple of canisters at Eddie's and a printer at Lori and Scott's. Hope we don't have to stop suddenly anywhere as we may get part of the back seat items in the front!
Bonnie: She says good night.
Chris' son, Jonathan, is getting baptized on Saturday.
The car is getting fuller as we go. Picked up a couple of canisters at Eddie's and a printer at Lori and Scott's. Hope we don't have to stop suddenly anywhere as we may get part of the back seat items in the front!
JoAnne and Niels' Home
JoAnne and Bonnie
Bonnie: She says good night.
Tuesday 28 April 2015
April 28, 2015
Bob: Up at 8 this morning, but it wasn't easy. Didn't go to bed till about 2:30 as Eddie and I talked about past history of mom and dad. Eddie said that dad had once told him there were 3 things that if he would do them, then dad would be very proud of him. In order, those 3 things were: (1) Take care of your family; (2) Take care of your mother; and (3) In all your dealings with your fellow man be honest and truthful. Then as an afterthought he added, "Also, don't be intimidated by any tin-horn lawyer!" I believe these principles if applied today would qualify most people as being very successful.
Didn't leave Arcadia till about 1 or a little after. We got up with the intention to leave early, but the rain started and didn't let up till about 12:30. The rain didn't quit then, but only let up enough that I was able, with an umbrella, to get the car packed up. I can't figure out why we need so many things as we travel. Someone needs to teach a course about how to travel and pack lightly.
So we finally got on our way. It was difficult to leave because this might be the last time we will talk in this lifetime. I know there will be time beyond the vale, but that doesn't make it any easier right now. Will miss you brother. God speed and take care. I love you.
Arrived in Clermont just before 3:30 and according to the MAPS app on my phone. MAPS appears to be more reliable and dependable then our GPS. Had a delightful dinner of chicken and dumplings that Scott prepared. Then a zombie, closely resembling Nana, chased Jackson and AJ around the living room.
Bonnie: I am so thankful for families! We had a very sweet visit with Ed and Lorraine. We love you very much and pray for you every day. We will meet again, either in this life or the next that I know! We are here at Lori and Scott's now, contemplating the next leg of our journey which will be to Concord, North Carolina. I am excited that we are getting closer and closer to Toronto from here on out.
Didn't leave Arcadia till about 1 or a little after. We got up with the intention to leave early, but the rain started and didn't let up till about 12:30. The rain didn't quit then, but only let up enough that I was able, with an umbrella, to get the car packed up. I can't figure out why we need so many things as we travel. Someone needs to teach a course about how to travel and pack lightly.
So we finally got on our way. It was difficult to leave because this might be the last time we will talk in this lifetime. I know there will be time beyond the vale, but that doesn't make it any easier right now. Will miss you brother. God speed and take care. I love you.
Arrived in Clermont just before 3:30 and according to the MAPS app on my phone. MAPS appears to be more reliable and dependable then our GPS. Had a delightful dinner of chicken and dumplings that Scott prepared. Then a zombie, closely resembling Nana, chased Jackson and AJ around the living room.
Bonnie: I am so thankful for families! We had a very sweet visit with Ed and Lorraine. We love you very much and pray for you every day. We will meet again, either in this life or the next that I know! We are here at Lori and Scott's now, contemplating the next leg of our journey which will be to Concord, North Carolina. I am excited that we are getting closer and closer to Toronto from here on out.
Monday 27 April 2015
April 27, 2016
Bob: Alarm woke us at 8 this morning. Felt real good to sleep in. It's now 11:10 am and Eddie is taking a nap. Lorraine and Bonnie are outside on the patio while I update the blog. Temperature outside is 89 and plenty of sunshine. Not much planned today, just a day of rest.
Got really hot this afternoon, but a storm blew in and lowered the outside temperature about 15 degrees. Sure made things a lot more comfortable. Went to the store and got some strawberries and short cake for dessert. Now I feel like a stuffed pig.
Some pictures below of Eddie's home and street.
Bonnie: It's been great to visit with Ed and Lorraine! We've caught up on their children, grand-children and great grand-children and lots of West Virginia "stuff ". It's already hot here and very humid. Maybe it will help me appreciate the weather in Canada more! Tomorrow we go back to Lori's for the afternoon and evening and then head for Concord, North Carolina on Wednesday. I am getting anxious to start our mission, even though it's wonderful to visit our family.
Got really hot this afternoon, but a storm blew in and lowered the outside temperature about 15 degrees. Sure made things a lot more comfortable. Went to the store and got some strawberries and short cake for dessert. Now I feel like a stuffed pig.
Some pictures below of Eddie's home and street.
Bonnie: It's been great to visit with Ed and Lorraine! We've caught up on their children, grand-children and great grand-children and lots of West Virginia "stuff ". It's already hot here and very humid. Maybe it will help me appreciate the weather in Canada more! Tomorrow we go back to Lori's for the afternoon and evening and then head for Concord, North Carolina on Wednesday. I am getting anxious to start our mission, even though it's wonderful to visit our family.
Sunday 26 April 2015
April 26, 2015
Bob: Everyone is up and enjoying their morning donut!! Although some are growling about sugar and calories, etc. everyone seems to be enjoying the treat.
No one got up early as we played a game of Mexican Train that kept us all up till about midnight. We don't need to discuss who won!!
Michelle sent me a text this morning that Cooper is being ordained a Priest today. We are so proud of him and wish we could be there. Looking forward to getting a picture of the new Priest. Have to get ready for church and then the drive to Arcadia. Will post more later tonight.
Arcadia: Took about 2 hours from church to get here. The further south we go the hotter it gets! I don't know about my companion, but I can't wait to get up north to a little cooler weather.
Bonnie: We had a very nice church service at Scott and Lori's ward this afternoon. It was fun to talk to the other young missionaries today. I love to see people's reactions as they see us with our name tags. Some turn away real quick and some acknowledge us with a smile and nod of their head. I'm so thankful for the experience of a mission, even though I don't know how good of a job we're doing!
We're at Ed and Lorraine's now just about to sit down to a real West Virginia meal of potatoes, biscuits and gravy. Yum!
No one got up early as we played a game of Mexican Train that kept us all up till about midnight. We don't need to discuss who won!!
Michelle sent me a text this morning that Cooper is being ordained a Priest today. We are so proud of him and wish we could be there. Looking forward to getting a picture of the new Priest. Have to get ready for church and then the drive to Arcadia. Will post more later tonight.
Arcadia: Took about 2 hours from church to get here. The further south we go the hotter it gets! I don't know about my companion, but I can't wait to get up north to a little cooler weather.
Bonnie: We had a very nice church service at Scott and Lori's ward this afternoon. It was fun to talk to the other young missionaries today. I love to see people's reactions as they see us with our name tags. Some turn away real quick and some acknowledge us with a smile and nod of their head. I'm so thankful for the experience of a mission, even though I don't know how good of a job we're doing!
We're at Ed and Lorraine's now just about to sit down to a real West Virginia meal of potatoes, biscuits and gravy. Yum!
Saturday 25 April 2015
April 25, 2015
Bob: We are in Clermont, Florida, at Lori and Scott's home. The drive down today did not start out well. It was pouring rain while he packed up the car and the rain did not let up for over a hour. I had the wiper blades on the maximum setting and we were barely able to see. Lots of cars, including us, were driving with the hazard lights flashing. Thankfully it let up and finally stopped although it started up again later, only lasting about 5 minutes. We arrived in Clermont at about 2:15. It has been a relaxing day since.
The weather isn't too bad. It's about 90 degrees and not too humid. Scott grilled chicken and then we had chicken fajitas for dinner with fresh green salad and corn on the cob. It was delicious.
After dinner Scott took Jackson to a park to shoot basketball. I went with him and watched Allie Jane try to bury herself in the sand box. Below are pictures of her and Jackson taken at the park. Also a picture of their sister, Gwyn, taken at home.
Bonnie: I was worried as we traveled through that rain this morning! We could barely see. We arrived safe and sound, thankfully. I love to play with grand-kids so I am a happy camper at this point.
The weather isn't too bad. It's about 90 degrees and not too humid. Scott grilled chicken and then we had chicken fajitas for dinner with fresh green salad and corn on the cob. It was delicious.
After dinner Scott took Jackson to a park to shoot basketball. I went with him and watched Allie Jane try to bury herself in the sand box. Below are pictures of her and Jackson taken at the park. Also a picture of their sister, Gwyn, taken at home.
AJ
Jackson
Gwyn and Jackson
Bonnie: I was worried as we traveled through that rain this morning! We could barely see. We arrived safe and sound, thankfully. I love to play with grand-kids so I am a happy camper at this point.
Friday 24 April 2015
April 24, 2015
Bob: Left Shannon and Michelle's at about 8:20. Weather was good for driving. We took our time because we thought we had time to spare. However, when we hit Atlanta things slowed down a lot. If it wasn't for the HOV lane we would probably still be in Atlanta!! Took over an hour to get through Atlanta and then, when we thought we were in the clear there were a couple of car wrecks.
From there on it was smooth sailing till we got to Macon. I thought I had the motel address plugged into my phone. We were very surprised when we were taken to a residential street and the phone said we had arrived. Realized then I had not put in the correct address. So I plugged in the address, but the phone would not accept the street name, Bowman Park. Gave me about 3 options so I tried one of them. Still no good. Went to another residential area that was quite run down. Decided to call the motel. They said we were in East Macon and the motel was in North Macon. Hotel clerk gave me directions to the motel then. We had passed the motel so we had to back track about 8 miles.
I had tried earlier to use our GPS and it wouldn't take Bowman Park either. Texted Lori and she found the address on her Iphone. Guess I need to switch to an Iphone. When I got to the motel they said they had been open for 4 years. When I went back to the check-in area to return the luggage cart the clerk was giving another man directions. She told me he said his GPS wouldn't take Bowman Park either.
At our 2nd rest stop in Tennessee we took the pictures below.
Bonnie: I don't have much to add. After checking into the motel tonight we got some much needed exercise walking around a shopping area. The weather here is just about right--not too cold or hot. It's humid but that's to be expected. We gave a pass-along card to a friendly lady, too, who was welcoming us to Georgia.
From there on it was smooth sailing till we got to Macon. I thought I had the motel address plugged into my phone. We were very surprised when we were taken to a residential street and the phone said we had arrived. Realized then I had not put in the correct address. So I plugged in the address, but the phone would not accept the street name, Bowman Park. Gave me about 3 options so I tried one of them. Still no good. Went to another residential area that was quite run down. Decided to call the motel. They said we were in East Macon and the motel was in North Macon. Hotel clerk gave me directions to the motel then. We had passed the motel so we had to back track about 8 miles.
I had tried earlier to use our GPS and it wouldn't take Bowman Park either. Texted Lori and she found the address on her Iphone. Guess I need to switch to an Iphone. When I got to the motel they said they had been open for 4 years. When I went back to the check-in area to return the luggage cart the clerk was giving another man directions. She told me he said his GPS wouldn't take Bowman Park either.
At our 2nd rest stop in Tennessee we took the pictures below.
Bonnie: I don't have much to add. After checking into the motel tonight we got some much needed exercise walking around a shopping area. The weather here is just about right--not too cold or hot. It's humid but that's to be expected. We gave a pass-along card to a friendly lady, too, who was welcoming us to Georgia.
Thursday 23 April 2015
April 23, 2015
Bob: Not much going on today. The traveling caught up with us and we didn't roll out of bed until 9:30. Didn't hear anyone get up and get ready for school or work. Heading to Macon, Georgia tomorrow and then onto Clermont, Florida on Saturday. Will go to Arcadia on Sunday.
Had a fun time playing Sequence with Cooper and Dallin. Cooper and I were partners against Bonnie and Dallin. We let them get up 2 games to 1, but then we put the hammer down and won 2 in a row to win the championship!!
Not looking forward to the drive tomorrow. There are 2 options, either route 65 or route 64. 65 is the shortest, but it shows a lot of construction. Not sure which way to go.
Forgot to mention the other day, but when we took the belt route around Kansas City we drove by the Kansas City temple. It sits atop an embankment and really stands out. Very beautiful.
Bonnie: It's been a very relaxing restful day. We sure love our grandsons Cooper age 17 and Dallin age 13. They are two very loving sons, brothers and grandsons. What a blessing they are!
Had a fun time playing Sequence with Cooper and Dallin. Cooper and I were partners against Bonnie and Dallin. We let them get up 2 games to 1, but then we put the hammer down and won 2 in a row to win the championship!!
Not looking forward to the drive tomorrow. There are 2 options, either route 65 or route 64. 65 is the shortest, but it shows a lot of construction. Not sure which way to go.
Forgot to mention the other day, but when we took the belt route around Kansas City we drove by the Kansas City temple. It sits atop an embankment and really stands out. Very beautiful.
Bonnie: It's been a very relaxing restful day. We sure love our grandsons Cooper age 17 and Dallin age 13. They are two very loving sons, brothers and grandsons. What a blessing they are!
Wednesday 22 April 2015
April 22, 2015
Bob: Arrived in Sellersburg about 5:15 local time. We barely made it though. I wasn't paying any attention to the gas gauge. At the last red light there was a gas station. Bonnie asked me if I was going to get any gas. That's when I noticed I had 17 miles left as my 'driving range'. We had driven over 440 miles! Never would have tried that if I wasn't so tired and had noticed the gas gauge.
Didn't have any problems getting through St. Louis this time. When we went home last fall the ramp from I-64 to I-70 was closed and I missed the detour sign. Drove several miles out of the way to get to I-70. This time I didn't take the first option for I-64 East, but it worked out. Wanted to stop and take a picture of the Arch, but we didn't get very close to it. I didn't want to pull off the freeway into downtown St. Louis without an address so I kept going.
Bonnie: It will be nice to get up and not have to drive all day. There is supposed to be a freeze tonight, but then it will warm up tomorrow. I love feeling so relaxed as we visit with Dallin, Cooper, Michelle and Christian.
Didn't have any problems getting through St. Louis this time. When we went home last fall the ramp from I-64 to I-70 was closed and I missed the detour sign. Drove several miles out of the way to get to I-70. This time I didn't take the first option for I-64 East, but it worked out. Wanted to stop and take a picture of the Arch, but we didn't get very close to it. I didn't want to pull off the freeway into downtown St. Louis without an address so I kept going.
Picture of Christian and Michelle's home in Sellersburg, Indiana
Bonnie: It will be nice to get up and not have to drive all day. There is supposed to be a freeze tonight, but then it will warm up tomorrow. I love feeling so relaxed as we visit with Dallin, Cooper, Michelle and Christian.
Tuesday 21 April 2015
April 21, 2015
Bob: Up at 7, not so bright and early. Wish everyone a great day. We're headed for somewhere in Missouri (have an address in my planner). Will talk to you later.
Actually, we're headed to Concordia, Missouri.
Got to our motel about 8:00. We just aren't covering as much ground as we used to cover. Maybe we're slowing down with old age. Could that be possible? There is an LDS Branch right behind the motel. In fact, the girl that checked us in said she has been a member all her life. The building looks like a phase 1 building. Maybe Scott Crossley can check that out. We are at 301 NW 3rd Street, Concordia, MO.
One thing I have found out, Utah is paying higher gasoline prices than any state we have been in. Even Nebraska is lower than Utah. In fact, Nebraska was the same as Wyoming. That has never been the case before.
I have to figure out how to update my GPS. It didn't do a very good job in Lincoln, Nebraska. We were trying to go from I-80 to Nebraska 2 which runs over to I-29. For some reason the GPS did not want me on route 2. We got most of the way to I-29 before the GPS quit trying to get me to turn around and go another route.
We are looking forward to sleeping in and arriving at Shannon and Michelle's late tomorrow afternoon. We need a short day and a rest day. Then we'll take 2 days to get to Florida.
Actually, we're headed to Concordia, Missouri.
Got to our motel about 8:00. We just aren't covering as much ground as we used to cover. Maybe we're slowing down with old age. Could that be possible? There is an LDS Branch right behind the motel. In fact, the girl that checked us in said she has been a member all her life. The building looks like a phase 1 building. Maybe Scott Crossley can check that out. We are at 301 NW 3rd Street, Concordia, MO.
One thing I have found out, Utah is paying higher gasoline prices than any state we have been in. Even Nebraska is lower than Utah. In fact, Nebraska was the same as Wyoming. That has never been the case before.
I have to figure out how to update my GPS. It didn't do a very good job in Lincoln, Nebraska. We were trying to go from I-80 to Nebraska 2 which runs over to I-29. For some reason the GPS did not want me on route 2. We got most of the way to I-29 before the GPS quit trying to get me to turn around and go another route.
We are looking forward to sleeping in and arriving at Shannon and Michelle's late tomorrow afternoon. We need a short day and a rest day. Then we'll take 2 days to get to Florida.
Monday 20 April 2015
April 20, 2015
Bob: Hope this is working. Left at 8:45 and things were going well. Stopped in Wyoming for a short pit stop and nap. When we restarted we found out that I-80 was closed between Rawlins and Laramie. When we got to Rawlins we were told to go north to Casper then go south I-25 to Cheyenne. So off we went.
I have been to Casper before so I knew a shortcut to Laramie. I tried to determine if the interstate was closed between Laramie and Cheyenne, but didn't know for sure. When I got to the shortcut 3 cars and a tractor trailer turned onto the shortcut, so I just followed. Worked out okay. Saved about 40 - 50 miles but the speed limit was only 65 instead of 75 on the interstate. Got to Sidney around 8:40 so we ended up being on the road for almost 12 hours. Was trying to only travel about 8 hours. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
We didn't have to leave anything at home as our neighbors, the Millers, came over and pushed our doors shut once we got in!! Brother Jackson stopped and wished us good luck too.
Bonnie: It's been a long day and I am glad to be in our hotel room. It was great to have the Millers drop by this morning before we left to make sure we could get the car doors shut! We are packed to the limit, that's for sure!
We had a great day yesterday. After we spoke in sacrament meeting we had a bite to eat at our house and several friends and family stopped by. It was a very special day for us. Thanks for all of the love and support we have received from all of our family and friends. We feel blessed to have you in our lives!
I have been to Casper before so I knew a shortcut to Laramie. I tried to determine if the interstate was closed between Laramie and Cheyenne, but didn't know for sure. When I got to the shortcut 3 cars and a tractor trailer turned onto the shortcut, so I just followed. Worked out okay. Saved about 40 - 50 miles but the speed limit was only 65 instead of 75 on the interstate. Got to Sidney around 8:40 so we ended up being on the road for almost 12 hours. Was trying to only travel about 8 hours. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
We didn't have to leave anything at home as our neighbors, the Millers, came over and pushed our doors shut once we got in!! Brother Jackson stopped and wished us good luck too.
Bonnie: It's been a long day and I am glad to be in our hotel room. It was great to have the Millers drop by this morning before we left to make sure we could get the car doors shut! We are packed to the limit, that's for sure!
We had a great day yesterday. After we spoke in sacrament meeting we had a bite to eat at our house and several friends and family stopped by. It was a very special day for us. Thanks for all of the love and support we have received from all of our family and friends. We feel blessed to have you in our lives!
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