January 24, 2021

 June 25, 2020

 As I said in the last installment of our Adventure’s Blog, we didn’t know how much longer that we would continue to publish this newsletter.  After much thought we have decided to bring the newsletter to an end.

 It’s been a good ride over the past twelve years.  Joyce and I have seen so many great places and done a lot of things that most people only dream about.  Here are just a few of the highlights of our travels:

1. All of our beautiful National Parks and Monuments all over the United States that we have visited. Joyce and I experienced over fifty of them, from Crater Lake NP in Central Oregon to Arcadia NP in Maine.  Probably the most memorable were the five in Utah; Arches, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.  As one lady said to me, “The whole state of Utah should be a National Park”.  I have always said if you have never seen Crater Lake, you don’t know what the color blue really looks like.
2. Then there was Independence Rock and the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites near Casper, WY.  Joyce and I along with her sister Pat climbed to the top of the Rock and while there, we reflected on the real hardships that the folks traveling west went through.  If you visit the Handcart Museum, and you should, make sure you take a hankie with you.
3. Another “bucket list” for me was to visit our former president’s library’s.  We did get to a few including those for President’s Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Reagan and George W. Bush.
4. Although we didn’t get to tour President Jimmy Carter’s library, we did visit his home in Plains, GA.  The highlight of that trip was to attend President Carter’s Sunday School Class at the Maranatha Baptist Church.  To be in the presence of a President is one thing but to have one teach you about the word of God takes that experience to a whole new level.
5. When folks ask us where we have been during our travel’s we always tell them about our visit to the Warm Springs Ranch in Booneville, MO, home of the Budweiser Clydesdale’s.  It’s an amazing place.
6. While staying at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL we made a day trip to Selma, AL.  The city is one of the places on the United States Civil Rights Trail and the center for the fight for African-American voting rights.  We met a lady (for the life of me I can’t remember her name), the sister of the youngest girl arrested and jailed during the march to Birmingham.  That was a very humbling experience to say the least.  Also while in the area we toured the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, AL.
7. I am huge aviation fan and will never pass up an air museum anywhere I can find one.  Joyce and I have paid a couple of visits to the National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. We have also toured the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, NE.  Another we really enjoyed was the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR., the home of the Spruce Goose, built and flown by Howard Hughes
8. Speaking of Washington, DC, we spent a week there several years ago touring as many of the sites and museums as we could.  Two of the highlights of that visit was Arlington National Cemetery and the National Archives.  Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was amazing.  Then to stand in front of the original documents that formed our great nation was something we will never forget.  We also toured the White House along with the House of Representatives and Senate chambers.  The latter two tours were lead by a representative from Congressman Peter DeFazio’s (Oregon) office.
9. One day while we were in Washington Joyce and I split up at Union Station.  Joyce took a train to the U. S. Botanical Gardens and I headed off to tour the National Air and Space Museum.
10. Do y’all know that there is a national museum for quilts?  I didn’t either but Joyce found the International Quilt Museum, located on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln, NE.  They have quilts dating back to the 1700, all stored in climate controlled rooms and some so delicate that they are never displayed.  We learned more about quilts in one day than most folks learn in a lifetime.
11. If you have never been to the Precious Moments Museum in Carthage, MO we highly recommend you go. Just the tour of the chapel is amazing and another place your going to need a hankie.
12. When you are in Arizona make sure you visit Sedona and when there make sure you check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  Another thing to do is take a 4-wheel ride out on the rocks.  There are several companies in town from which to choose.
13. We spent several winters in Texas, usually staying at the Hidden Valley RV Park in Von Ormy that is just southwest of San Antonio. I wish I had the time to mention all of the places we visited in Texas but below are a few of our favorites.
14. “We’re goin’ to Luckenbach, Texas.  Willie and Waylon and the boys”.  Ya gotta visit there at least once in your lifetime.
15. Gruene, TX just outside of New Braunfels.  One of the sights there Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.  We went there several times, once to see Randy Travis a few months before he suffered a stroke in July 2013.
16. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of our favorite towns, Goliad, TX.  Located in the area of south Texas where the Texas Revolution began and we believe one of the friendliest towns anywhere.  We made some life-long friends in Goliad and hope to get back there soon.
17. When visiting Texas you have to see Bandera, “The Cowboy Capital of the World”.  One of the major attractions in Bandera is the 11th Street Cowboy Bar where you can get a cold Lone Star or my favorite, Shiner Bock and maybe do some boot scootin’ as well.  If you’re there on a Wednesday evening be sure to bring your own steak to cook.  If you need a new cowboy hat or maybe a new pair of Wrangler’s be sure to checkout Gunslinger’s.

All of you that are reading this know that Joyce and I spent every summer and a few winters volunteering in state parks.  Here is just a few of the highlights:

1. Although we camp hosted in several Oregon park’s and have over 4000 hours volunteering time, our favorite by far was Smith Rock State Park near Terrebonne, OR.  Our first gig there was in July 2008 and we went back there every year.  If you have never seen this unique and beautiful park put it on your bucket list.
2. I mentioned Goliad earlier and our main reason for being there was to host at the Goliad State Park and Historic Site.  We also camp hosted at Anatasia State Park in St. Augustine, FL.  That was a great gig and being close to family during that time was amazing.

 I wish I had the space here to mention all of the park ranger’s and manager’s we worked with over the years (I can’t remember all of they’re names anyway) but here are a few that stand out.    A very special thank you to Ranger Josie Barnum at Smith Rock.  From the very first time we met at Tumalo State Park to our last time at Smith you have be not only an associate but one of Joyce and my best friends.  We love you Josie!  Take care of our girl Dan Hayes.  Thanks also to Matt Davey, Manager at Smith.  Damn, we are sure glad we introduced you and Kacey.  Speaking of Kacey Davey, we enjoyed all of the times together and especially at your beautiful wedding.  Ranger Kelli Leiby at Tumalo gave us the leeway to do our thing and has become a great friend.  And we will never forget Ranger Eric Eisman at Smith who taught us more about Central Oregon that we will ever remember.  Another wonderful leader is Janie Lascano, now the Manager at Devil’s Lake State Park in Lincoln City, OR.  When we were hosting there she was the Ranger II and was always positive no matter what the challenge that came her way. 

Joyce and I think that the best part of full-time RVing was meeting new friends, some of which will be our friends for life.  I wish I could name everyone but that would be impossible.  But, here are a few:

1. Jerry and Marilyn Howlett were with us at the Host Rendezvous back in the spring of  2008 and we have been really close friends ever since.  Thank you all the happy- hours at Smith guys and when we get through Arizona we’ll be sure to stop in for another one.
2. Jerry and Suzan Wentzel were also at the Host Rendezvous but not as new hosts but were already seasoned volunteers. Again, let’s have another happy hour soon.
3. We met Jerry and Susan Howell at Devil’s Lake and have fond memories hosting with you.  Thanks so much for your friendship.
4. We met Brandy Haskins at the Sunflower RV Resort in Surprise, AZ who was the Manager of the deli.  Brandy is one of the warmest and fun people we know and we hope to visit with her more since she now lives in Destin, FL.  We will never forget that zip line day with you Brandy.
5. While at Sunflower we also met Ed and Cindy Kopic both who are retired from the U.S. Navy.  Joyce and I have visited with them several times over the years.  We love y’all and hope to see you agin in the near future.
6. One day a few years back Joyce and I were pulling into the Hidden Valley RV Park and getting ready to back into our site.  There was a couple of folks sitting out in front of their RV and enjoying a glass of wine.  The gal said, “It’s happy hour.  Want to join us?”  We have been friends with Dave and Jan Sasse ever since.  Can’t wait for your winter’s in Florida and more Fast Track games.  We love y’all dearly.
7. Thank you Dave and Patti Rose for all the great times at Tumalo.  We miss y’all. 
8. The first time we hosted at Goliad State Park we made a run into town looking for a cold one and stumbled across Ervie Jay’s Beer Garden.  Jay Harvey and his wife Stephanie owned the joint but the funny thing is, Jay was also the town Mayor.  Thanks for all the fun evenings y’all.  We had a ball!
9. The next time in Goliad we stopped in at the new (to us)  Commercial Street Bar, sat down at the bar and ordered drinks.  Shortly after that several ladies came in and sat down in the chairs in a circle.  Pretty soon one of the group came up to Joyce and said, “Honey, you don’t need to be sitting up here with all these boys.  Come on over as sit with us.”  We have been friends with another gal in the “Kacklin’ Hens”, Patricia Lumpkin ever since.
10. We met Mark and Terri Blaschke the first year we started full-time RVing when we stayed at Hidden Valley RV Park, where they are managers.  From the very first day we became friends and have remained so all of these years.  Love y’all.
11. We met Jim and Linda Holtz when were camping at Lockhart State Park in Lockhart, TX. They have become more than just friends to us and we love them so much.
12. We met Ron and Katie Cutler at the Sunflower RV Resort and have been very good friends over the years.  We get together as often as we can. Y’all are very special to us and can’t wait to see you again.

 Here is a special shout-out to folks that came to visit us and in a lot of cases making long drives.  Y’all warmed out hearts in a lot of ways.

 I could go on and on about all the friends we have made over the years but space prohibits that.  Just know that Joyce and I cherish all of you and we hope to see you in the future.

 Also, we are blessed to have Rick and Patty Stills as our good friends.  Thank you for all the times we stayed in your back yard and, well just being there for us.  

 We’ve been asked a couple of times if we would do the same thing again.  Absolutely, without question.  We would have probably change a couple of things but for the most part we would still do it.  

 Now we begin a new chapter of our lives with a new home here in Green Cove Springs, FL and being much closer to our family.  We can see Michelle, Abigail and Skyler much more and we’re just a few hours up to North Carolina and Washington, D.C. to see Justin, Adrian, Travis and Victoria.

 On a final note we want to thank Jim and Jeanne Glaspey for all of your support over the years.  You have given us a place to stay numerous times and a lot of encouragement, not to mention letting us stow our trailer on your property.  There is no way that we could have done what we did without you being there for us.  We love y’all.

August 27, 2020

 Joyce and I had decided to close out our newsletter back in April but we did make a trip to Randolph, MN to visit Dave and Jan Sasse.

 On Saturday the 15th we left home, did some back-road driving and finally go on I-10 west.  Next, we turned onto I-75 north and after getting through heavy traffic and some nasty weather we stopped at the Tru by Hilton in Kennesaw, GA.  Tru’s are “minimalist” hotels that offer the very basic amenities.  We won’t stay in one of those again.

 After checking we went out looking for some dinner and because it was just down the street we picked a Red Lobster.  In the past we have had some bad experiences with the Red lobster but this one exceeded out expectations.

 We got a so-so nights sleep then headed out for out next stop at the Riverview Bed and Breakfast in Metropolis, IL.  What is in Metropolis?  Well, this is the home of Superman that’s what.  So after checking in, William gave us directions to the Superman statue and the Superman Museum.

 After taking some pictures in front of Superman we then toured the museum.  If there is anything related to Superman and especially toys, they have them.  In fact, some of the toys are first editions and all are in their original boxes.

 The Riverview is just across the street from the Harrahs Casino so of course Joyce had to go over and make a donation.  Joyce said they had a lot of Covid-19 restrictions and we will tell your more about those later.

 We got a good nights sleep and after a great breakfast we headed out for our next stop at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, IL.  Joyce and I really like staying in Embassy’s even though they are a tad spendy.

 After a “bag breakfast” at the Embassy we headed up to Randolph and arrived at Dave & Jan’s home about 4:30.  They met us with open arms and a glass of wine to boot.  Later after a great dinner we got in a couple of games of Fast Track with Dave and I winning both.

 During the drive up through Iowa we passed through Cedar Rapids the heart of the devastation caused by the derecho that went through that area.  We saw several corn fields completely leveled, trees down on homes and a lot of other damage.  While having lunch in A Subway we talked to a lady that told us about her experience.  She actually choked up a couple of times when telling her story.

 On Wednesday we went out to get some shopping done and generally just goofed off.  We did play a couple of more games of Fast Track with the girls winning both of them. 

 On Thursday we haded out for a day of sight-seeing.  Our first stop was in Red Wing, MN, the home of Red Wing Shoes.  Since it was time for a snack we made a stop at the Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop for some of their “low cal” offerings.

 We then crossed over into Wisconsin, turned south on Highway 35 that follows the Mississippi River.  After meandering along for a while we arrived at the Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, WI.  The first thing was to do a wine tasting.  Joyce and I are familiar with wines made from there Cabernet, Shiraz and Pino Noir grapes so this was a new experience for us.  They make their wines from the Foch, Marquette, St. Pepin, Prairie Star, LaCrescent, Frontenac Gris and Frontenac Blanc grapes.  All that we tasted were outstanding.  Next up was to have lunch in their restaurant.  We had some really great bread and delicious pizza’s accompanied by glasses of wine.

  Next we drove down to Buena Vista Park above town of Alma, WI.  The overlook there is high above the town and the Mississippi River and was spectacular.

 On Friday we went to the local outlet mall and had lunch at the local Panera Bread store.  In the evening neighbor’s Gary and Linda came over for happy hour and supper.

 Unfortunately all good things must come to an end.  On Saturday morning Joyce and I packed up, said our goodbye’s and headed south.  We stopped at the Embassy Suites in Peoria and then at the Hampton Inn and Suites outside Hopkinsville, KY.  Ron Phillips who lives in Clarksville, TN. Came over for a short visit.  Ron was Joyce’s boss at the 60th Airlift Wing Aerial Port Squadron at Travis.

 Our next stop was scheduled at the Home2 Suites in Macon GA. but our plans changes dramatically.  When Joyce went up to the room she had a full-blown asthma attack caused by the cleaning chemicals they used.  So, after checking out another hotel with the same results we just decided to just drive on home.

 After running into some nasty weather around Valdosta, GA and after turning onto I-10 we finally arrived home at 10:30 PM.  We were very tired but happy to be sleeping in our own bed.

 Here are some observations concerning traveling in the age of Covid-19:

1. Some folks are heeding the advice of medical experts about wearing a mask and some aren’t.  In fact, in Georgia most people act like they wasn’t a pandemic at all.
2. Hotels are “super” cleaning and are using some really harsh chemicals.  Expect that and adjust.
3. Most restaurants we used are doing the social distancing thing with spacing tables and limiting the amount of patrons.  All servers were wearing masks except one place in Kentucky.
4. Hotels that advertise free breakfasts are serving meals in a bag and no happy-hours.  Oh, and they didn’t lower their prices.

 It has been almost a year since I started writing this addition to our newsletters and a lot has happened this bast 10 months.  I’m not going to bother you with all the details but I can say it’s been a ride.  

Well, I think that about wraps it all up.  It has been fun writing this newsletter over the years and we hope y’all enjoyed it.  Take care of yourselves and each other.  God Bless!

 If you are ever in our neck of the woods please come for a visit.

Barry & Joyce

April 15, 2020

April 6, 2020

 Joyce and I have been staying close to the house as much as possible, washing our hands often and just trying to stay safe.  We have had to go out a couple of times for a doctor appointments and to do some necessary shopping.  Yesterday we made the decision to start ordering more things we need online and only go to a store if it is absolutely necessary.

 After closing on our new home we started moving things in from our RV and the storage locker we rented.  We also had several delivery’s including our bedroom furniture, the new refrigerator and our living room furniture.

 The first thing that was delivered was our new Lazy-Boy chairs.  These guys are very comfortable and look great.

 Next Orange Park Furniture delivered the new couch and dining room set.  The couch is also comfortable and the table/chairs are beyond beautiful.

 Then the new LG refrigerator was delivered.  We ordered that from the Sears Outlet store in Jacksonville so there are a few dents but the price was right and it’s working great.

 The next delivery was our bedroom furniture from Costco.  The delivery guys put the boxes in the bedroom and living room, we signed for them and that was it.  So we spent about five hours unpacking and assembling the bed, dresser and the two night stands.  All were fairly easy to put together but the stuff was heavy and bulky.  But we got it done and we’re really happy.

  We bought the mattress at Costco a couple of weeks ago so we got that unpacked, rolled out so it would poof up and on the bed’s platform.  Since it was in a box we couldn’t try it out but it did come highly recommended by a couple we met in the store.  It is very comfortable so Joyce and I are very happy with the purchase.

 Then came the new washer and dryer from Best Buy which is a whole other story.  Best Buy has changed their deliveries due to this Covid-19 to your door.  We were able to talk them into the garage.  Dan, our Building Superintendent and his assistant Aaron came by to do the installation.  They thought that that would only take thirty minutes or so but it wound up taking them a couple of hours.  I can tell you that we rewarded them handsomely.

 Last week I had the followup with my cardiologist to go over the results of my stress test.  He said that although there is some blockage, he is satisfied that it is all good for now.

On Thursday Gov. DeSantis sent out a “stay-at-home” order in an effort to help stop the spread of the virus.  Everyone has to stay at home except for essential tasks.

 On Friday I had an ultrasound done on my legs at First Coast Heart and Vascular in Fleming Island.  I will be going back to see Dr. Kaveti on the 10th to get those results.

 In addition to all of that we had the AT&T cable and internet installed.  The internet does slow down some at times but for the most part it works good and the U-Verse cable is great.

April 12, 2020

 Joyce and I have been very busy the past days since I last wrote.  We’ve also been staying close to the house, only going out for essential shopping at the Winn Dixie and a couple of doctors appointments.  Wd did go down to Palatka for Joyce to get blood work done. While there we went and got some stuff out of our RV.  Hopefully we will be finished with that chore soon.

 We got some end tables delivered from Wayfair and got those assembled along with a new barbecue grill that we ordered from Home Depot.  On Thursday our TV/fireplace and a corner table for the dining room was delivered so we’ll get those put together in the next day or so.

 When we first moved in the house I called to setup our accounts with the utility and garbage companies.  The lady I talked to at the garbage company told me that they were running behind with delivering our containers but said that we could just put the bags on the ground for now.  After a few days Joyce called to ask about the status of our cans and was told that they don’t give us garbage cans, just recycling containers.  So Joyce had to go over to Home Depot and get a couple of them.

 Joyce had decided that she wanted to paint the kitchen and living rooms a different color so on that some trip she brought home a couple of color samples.  One was a light blue with the other being a beautiful light green.  After studying on both colors she decided to go with the green.

  When If we were at the design center we elected to not have the garage finished since the price was $2500.  We thought that we could beat that price having it done later.  So I asked Dan if he could have his painter contractor give us a quote for that job.

 So Eric stopped by and said he would do the garage paint for what we thought was a great price.  While he was here we also asked about doing the kitchen/living room and he again came back with a really great quote.  Eric said he would have his buddy who did texturing to give me a call.

 So, on Thursday afternoon Jose showed up and textured the garage walls and ceiling.  Then yesterday Eric and Freddie came and painted the garage and the living and kitchen.  We are very pleased with the way everything turned out.

 When we decided to buy this house we wanted to get a device that would help us turn it into a “smart home”.  We purchased an Echo Show 5 at the NEX Jacksonville and got that running after we moved but, we found out that model was limited on how many and the type devices it will connect with.  So we then ordered the larger and more powerful Echo Show 8.  The 5 model will work well in Joyce’s hobby room when we get that setup.

 After doing the initial setup of the Echo Show I installed the Alexa app on my iPhone.  Now we can control the thing from anywhere in the world as long as I have an internet connection.  In the coming months we plan to get devices where we can control our house lights, TVs, thermostat and more.  Shortly I am going to install a Ring doorbell so we can see who is at the front door without actually opening the door.

 Speaking of really cool technology, I ordered a module for our Rainbird sprinkler controller so that I can now talk to it with my phone.  The Rainbird app allows me to start watering, change the times we water and even adjust the programed watering times and duration of watering.

 I’m really not sure how much longer Joyce and I will continue to write this newsletter.  Since we aren’t traveling as much and not RVing any longer we really are not having “adventures” like we did before.  We’ll see.  I am considering putting all the newsletter’s in a book format.

Barry & Joyce

April 5, 2020

March 21, 2020

 Wow!  Life has changed dramatically in the last few weeks as I am sure all of yours has as well.  I’m not going to dwell on it here but to say that Joyce and I are doing a lot more praying for all of our friends, our men and women in uniform, first responders and all the medical care folks on the front lines.

 We are very surprised at all of the folks here in the Palatka area that seem to not be taking this pandemic seriously.  Joyce and I have both experienced folks sliding right up next to us and of course we’ve seen the spring-breaker’s on the news.

 We’re trying to limit our travels as much as we can.  However, we both have had medical appointments that we couldn’t cancel and of course grocery shopping.  Since we living in a motorhome for now we have to shop more that other people.

 So far the closing of our house is still on track for March 30th and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.  We are also optimistic that all the furniture and appliances that we have on order will be delivered on time.

 We got up very early this morning so that I could be at the pharmacy at NAS Jacksonville to pick up some medications.  They open the drive-thru windows at 0800 and I knew that it was going to busy.  I dropped Joyce off at Costco first so she could pick up a few things and then back-tracked to the NAS.  I’m very glad I got there when I did because there were long lines at all three windows.  I did get through in forty minutes which made me happy.  BTW, when I drove past the Commissary there are limits for the amount of folks allowed in at one time.

 When Joyce went through the door at Costco the folks at the front were handing everyone  a case of Clorox Wipes (one per cart).  She was also able to get a package of chicken thighs and some TP bur no hamburger was available.

 We don’t have to go out again until the 24th for my angiogram. Gov. DeSantis has not issued a “stay at home” order but both Joyce and I think that will come very soon.  That order will be very problematic for us closing on the house and getting our new furniture and appliances delivered.  We’re praying for the best but planning for the worst, following the news here in Florida closely.  The good news is we have a place to live until all of this go’s away and life gets back to normal.

March 22, 2020

 During this time Joyce and I have been calling friends that we haven’t talked to in a long time.  I’ve reached out to CMSgt’s Troy Fore, Jack Pledger and Carl Parker.  I also talked to SMsgt Percy Raleigh and come to find out he and Nancy live just thirty minutes from us.  Joyce has talked to several folks as well.  We are also keeping in touch with family more that we have in the past.

March 25, 2020

 Yesterday we to Green Cove Springs for the initial walk-thru of our new home.  We spent about two hours going through the house looking for things that need correcting, using all of the appliances, running the sprinkler system and learning some of the features.  We did find a few minor things that will be fixed before the final walk-thru and closing of the house on Tuesday.  We’ve got our fingers crossed that the governor doesn’t shut the state down before then.

The warranty representative from Richmond also stopped by to go over the procedures for getting warranty work done and how to get work scheduled.  It’s all very simple, especially the appliances.  We will have a General Electric app on our phones and all we have to do is scan the barcode, enter the problem and when we want the repair done.

March 28, 2020

 Joyce and I have been staying close to the house the past couple of days.  Joyce did get out yesterday to make a run to the grocery store for some necessary supplies.

 I have been contemplating for a couple of years about compiling all of our Barry & Joyce’s Adventures newsletters and putting them in a book.  Since I am confined to the house now I thought I would get started on that project.

 I’m finding that it’s really interesting going back and reading the newsletters and reliving all of our travels. Joyce and I are truly blessed in more ways than one.

March 30, 2020

 We got up early this morning and after stopping at Micky D’s for a biscuit, we drove up to our new house to do our final walk-thru.  Dan, our Superintendent went over our all of the things that they have fixed from our initial walk-thru.  Then he told us some of the items they didn’t get to that would have to be done later.  As we expected he is having trouble getting tradesmen in to do the work right now because of the Chinese Virus.  

 Next we drove up to Jacksonville for our appointment with Fidelity National Title for our closing appointment of the house.  Murna, our Title Officer told us that they had not yet received the closing cost funds from our credit union.  We were a little surprised to hear that since Joyce did the wire transfer request last Thursday morning.  She told us that we’ll go ahead with the document signing and check on the transfer after we finished.

 So, we pressed on with the very boring document signing.  When that was completed Murna again checked on the wire transfer and told us it had not be recieved.  Then we tried to call First Tech Credit Union and had to wait on hold for forty-five minutes.  The gal that answered said that she would forward the information to someone and that they would get back to us within twenty-four hours.

 Next, I called Travis Credit Union to see if they could help.  They said sure but told me that a wire transfer would take seventy-two hours.  That was not what I wanted to hear.

 We finally left and headed back to Palatka with hopes that the wire transfer would get there sometime in the evening.  On the way Joyce decided to call WyHy Credit Union in Wyoming.  The lady that she talked to said that they could get the transfer done in about two hours.  So with that news we turned around and drove back to Fidelity’s office.  Keep in mind we now had two wire transfers for the closing in the works.

 We waited for about three hours and at the last minute before the office closed they told us that the had received the wire transfer from First Tech.  We now are the owner’s of our fifth home.

 I’ll write more about the moving process later.

Barry & Joyce

February 22, 2020

 The healing process after the pacemaker surgery is going well.  I still have some soreness but that is diminishing more each day.  I have a followup with the surgeon today and we’re hoping that he will give us the permission to do our cruise on Sunday.

 Yesterday our friends Dave and Jan Sasse came up for a visit.  We made a drive up to Orange Park and had a great lunch at Sam’s Seafood St. John.  The food there is all fresh and delicious.

 After lunch we drove by our new house.  The drywall is up and our superintendent says that we may be closing by the end of March.  That’s good news.

 So, on Thursday I had a followup with Dr. El Sabbah who did my pacemaker surgery.  The good news he is happy with the way the wound is healing.  The bad news is that my blood pressure was high.  It seams that when Dr. Kaveti prescribed Micardis/HCT she never told me to stop taking Losartan.  When I was in the hospital they stopped the Micardis but never told me not to start taking it again when I was released.  Wait, there’s more.  Since I was taking the two blood pressure meds the doctor is concerned about an elevated potassium level.  So I had get another blood test that will not get to the doctor until Monday or Tuesday.

 With all of this going on we decided to cancel our cruise that is leaving tomorrow.  Normally we would loose all our money since we didn’t buy the cruise insurance.  Joyce called Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and they offered to move our cruise to one on May 2nd.  The new cruise is eleven days instead twelve but Celebrity upgraded us to a better cabin, gave us drink packages and internet for both of us.  And they are sending us a $250 refund to boot.  We think the only reason for Celebrity doing all of this is because of our Diamond Plus status with Royal Caribbean.

2 March 2020

 We got word from our mortgage company the other day that we are going to close on the new house on March 30th.  We’re pretty excited!

 We went by the house on Thursday and they had the forms up for the sidewalk and driveway cement pour.  We think they will have the cabinets installed and a lot of the other stuff done this week.

Meanwhile we have been looking at refrigerators, televisions and other stuff.  On Saturday we ordered bedroom furniture from Costco.  We ordered enough the we got their $500 off the price.  We also bought a 32” TV that will go in one of the spare bedrooms.

 We also have made an appointment to have our cable TV and internet installed by AT&T which is why we bought the small TV.  AT&T needs it to check the cable installation.

 On the 26th we went down to Palm Coast to visit Dave and Jan Sasse.  They are in their last month here in Florida so we’re trying to get together as much as possible before they return home to Minnesota in April.

March 3, 2020

 Yesterday we made a trip to the Sears Outlet store in Jacksonville to look at refrigerators.  I wasn’t too optimistic finding anything that would fit our needs but what the heck, ya never know.

 Joyce doesn’t like stainless steel and did not want ice and water in the door.  She also want’s a counter depth model so that the unit doesn’t stick out in the room too much.  After looking around we did not see anything that would fit the bill but then Nancy, the saleslady came over and told to to come look at her “purdy one”.

 We followed her over to one that had just come in on Monday, an LG Model LRFVC2406S that was of course stainless steel with water and ice in the door, exactly what Joyce didn’t want.  But, it is counter depth and the price was right.  So, after hashing over all the pro’s and con’s we bought it.  Regular price was $3600 and we paid $1800, a 60% savings.  There are a couple of dents on the sides that won’t be noticeable after it is installed.

March 6, 2020

 Good Morning from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

 We got up early yesterday morning, leaving Lynch’s Landing RV Park at 0730 and headed over to I-95.  Traffic was fairy light going up through Jacksonville so we made good to Savannah, Georgia. There we ran into rain that lasted all the way to Southern Pines.  The rain was very heavy in places causing a lot of slow-down’s.  We also ran into a couple of accidents, one of which was very bad.  The drive should have taken us around seven hours but given the driving conditions it took us nine hours.

Travis and Victoria are growing up like weeds.  Travis very active and is carrying on complete conversations.  Victoria loves to chase a ball and laughs a lot.  We hope to get back up that way in June.

Show me your tounge and belly.  LOL!

March 10, 2020

 After saying goodby to Justin, Adrian and the kids we left Southern Pines around 10 AM.  

 Since we both had doctor appointments in Jacksonville on Monday, we decided to spend Sunday night in Brunswick, GA..  It was nice to only have a 5-hour drive so we arrived at the Best Western Plus around 4 PM.

 On Tuesday morning I met Dr. Angel, my new pulmonologist.  We went over my medications and checked my CPAP settings.  He seems to think all is good for now.

 Joyce met with her doctor at the VA and all is good.  She was really happy with Joyce’s blood sugar numbers.

This beautiful young lady is now 14!

That’s all for now.

Barry & Joyce

P.S.  Things are changing rapidly right now.  I will write about all of this in the next newsletter.