Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: February 22 - 28 2026

[SouthernBreeze]

Our high today is 68 and 58 for our low, tonight. Tomorrow, rain, but the temps will be in the 70's starting tomorrow through Monday. Checking ahead for the temps in Gatlinburg for the weekend says 50's and 60's. That won't be too bad at all. Sunny skies, too. I'll check the temps/weather there again tomorrow.

I went ahead and packed out our luggage for the trip this morning. Only last minute items remain, and I made a list for those. Meds, toiletries, etc.

Just sandwiches and chips, tonight. I made a big meal last night, so I'm giving myself a break.

 

[Meemur]

Prayers said for you and Cary, SB!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Prayers said for you and Cary, SB!

Thank You!

 

[hd5574]

Excellent Meemur!! We'll take it.
Yes, new good tires on everything.

Back over 10 years ago....DH and I were running hard and fast back and forth between Central Virginia and the Phoenix area of AZ...his parents and a disabled half brother had moved to that area..his mother and brother had passed... leaving just his father..developing health problems in his mid 80s..
We have a 2010...Toyota truck with extended cab a four door type...not a crew cab....with a SIX foot bed...with an A.R.E. top..we have the spray insulation in the top not sure if all other brands of tops offer this type of insulation...and have a Bed Rug liner in our truck kind of like indoor out door carpet....we had done this shortly after buying the truck also added the shields over the front door windows...can crack windows..in rain without rain in cab...since no more vent windows...the insulated top and bed rug...insulated the bed...and this stopped all condensation...
After it became necessary to make trips back and forth...we had to travel fast..because DH only had limited time off work...we basically ran straight through from Central Virginia to Oklahoma City...slept and then rocked into Phoenix...the next day..
We purchased a mattress full size topper ..fitted in the bed of the truck..then two old sleeping bags on top....the our two...newer zip together bags..on top of those zipped together..small battery alarm clock have light in the top
..added our pillows ..comfort of home...and a heavy quilt on top..it was cold.when we were on the road...we had rectangular down sleeping bags..in case of brutal weather..the top insulation allowed us to use stick on velcro...we got the inexpensive foil type emergency blankets ...and cut window covers from them... for top...this made the windows..no look in..we just couldn't afford the gas..over 2500 miles one way and hotel rooms...this was during the high gas prices of Obama..one fillup in AZ was $5 per gallon...I about gagged...we found that this made a super comfortable way to sleep..we used the back part of the cab..for things we needed..

We found out that Flying J and Pilot truck stops...have no problem letting you sleep in their lots free..would get up and go in the restaurant and get a good breakfast...we also had the card from the TA truck stops but never stopped there as much..the Flying J have the cleanest restrooms on the road...we can also get a shower and wash clothes at their truck stops...great coffee..and not the worst fast food...even hot soups..biscuits and gravy..
I also found that if I removed a small amount of water from the normal bottled water..and tipped them a little side ways...I could freeze them..and then put in a cooler they slowly defrosted...so we had cold water all the way across country..that was ubber important because we were in long stretches of desert..with limited places to stop...
The truck stops are for truckers and RV's that basically live on the road..

There are some credit cards that give you 3 cents back on gas...plus we had a card from the truck stop that gave a discount..plus Good Sam's club gives discounts on gas also ...they also publish a big book of all the camp grounds up dates every year,
We got a paper back book...."what's at the next exit"..it tells you for the interstate exits....also a book of all the walmarts
You need to have AAA. Get the best level one longer tows if needed..they will bring you a battery if needed..or a tire and install them..you have to pay for the battery or tire..but not delivery or install...it works everywhere..they will also send you free paper maps...no internet...no GPS..no problem....they will get you off the road... the AAA has discounts on some restaurants..Dennys is one..
Know your situation is different...but maybe a few ideas that might..help
We did 5 trips back and forth to AZ before his dad passed...we learned a lot about the road...

 

[anna43]

Computer weather says 34º/feel like 45º and partially sunny. In actual fact it's 27º and snowing very lightly. Computer does not show snow overnight, but radio says possible heavy snow overnight. Wish it was multiple choice rather than you take what comes.

My grandson has AAA and swears by it. My dad had it and was stranded on I 35/I 80 (they are the same for a while) and AAA would not come out. Fortunately, my son was with them and walked a few miles for help. Also, we had friends visiting here who had AAA and called for help and when he didn't hear in an hour called back and was told they'd dispatched truck from Minneapolis which is at least 4 to 5 hours from us. Ridiculous as a local mechanic was AAA. Don't recall how that one worked out but my guess is dh called the local guy directly.

I went to courthouse and renewed my driver's license today plus paid property taxes. I am so happy that I can renew there because if I go to DOT office, I have to take a number and wait and wait and wait. I was in and out in 5 minutes. Friend who went with me had business at Recorder's office and they spent 45 minutes helping her and the only other person who came in was selling office supplies (or trying to anyway). Always makes me wonder why they need two people in the office!!

Stopped at Fareway and got exactly 4 items on sale. One was a roasted chicken which they have for $5 on Wednesdays. Usual price is $8.99 so I don't usually buy. I had a leg and wing for lunch and will have more for supper, just need to figure out sides. Seems like 95% of my protein is chicken and although I crave steak I don't buy it.

I have Bible study at 4:00 so guess I should get going.

 

[feralferret]

Although it has been a number of years ago, my wife and I preferred staying in Kimberling City rather than Branson proper. Better prices, less crowded, nice resorts on Table Rock Lake, and still only a few miles from Branson.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Although it has been a number of years ago, my wife and I preferred staying in Kimberling City rather than Branson proper. Better prices, less crowded, nice resorts on Table Rock Lake, and still only a few miles from Branson.

Table Rock Lake is where the "Chateau On The Lake", our hotel, is located. It's right on a mountain top overlooking the lake. Cary even made reservations for us to take a paddle boat (Mississippi River type paddle boat) ride around the lake. A meal will be served on the boat ride.. Also, reservations to take a scenic train ride through the mountains. I'm really looking forward to this trip more than the one this weekend. I've been to the Smokey Mountains so many times, already. The Ozark Mountains are a different story. We've never been. Now, we wait. Anything can happen before September.

 

[Meemur]

Oh, yes! I got some $5 Fareway chicken on the way home! I will have rice and a salad with it, and pull off the chicken that's left for sandwiches.

Added: SB, you'll have a great time if you get to go. Lots of people in my area love vacationing down there.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Oh, yes! I got some $5 Fareway chicken on the way home! I will have rice and a salad with it, and pull off the chicken that's left for sandwiches.

Added: SB, you'll have a great time if you get to go. Lots of people in my area love vacationing down there.

I sure hope nothing comes up, before then. This trip will be for mine and Cary's 50th wedding anniversary, so it will be special for us. Cary made all the reservations this morning. Even our hotel room will have a scenic view with a large balcony. Cary requested it, and that's what we got. We'll be splurging on this trip. You only get one 50th anniversary!

 

[moldy]

Officially finished with therapy until the implants are put in. I will miss the opportunity to nap each day. I will not miss the 1.25 hour each way commute.

Trying to finish up taxes today and work on a bunch of other little things. But I really want to finish the taxes before Saturday.

 

[Meemur]

Congrats on finishing therapy for now. That's got to be a relief!

 

[patriotgal]

SB, you made the right decision choosing Branson over Eureka. Eureka used to be quaint and fun. Branson is much more family oriented, to put it politely. If you get a chance, go to the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor show. If you like sweets, the fudge shops are great. You can watch them making it and try samples.

 

[WanderLore]

Back over 10 years ago....DH and I were running hard and fast back and forth between Central Virginia and the Phoenix area of AZ...his parents and a disabled half brother had moved to that area..his mother and brother had passed... leaving just his father..developing health problems in his mid 80s..
We have a 2010...Toyota truck with extended cab a four door type...not a crew cab....with a SIX foot bed...with an A.R.E. top..we have the spray insulation in the top not sure if all other brands of tops offer this type of insulation...and have a Bed Rug liner in our truck kind of like indoor out door carpet....we had done this shortly after buying the truck also added the shields over the front door windows...can crack windows..in rain without rain in cab...since no more vent windows...the insulated top and bed rug...insulated the bed...and this stopped all condensation...
After it became necessary to make trips back and forth...we had to travel fast..because DH only had limited time off work...we basically ran straight through from Central Virginia to Oklahoma City...slept and then rocked into Phoenix...the next day..
We purchased a mattress full size topper ..fitted in the bed of the truck..then two old sleeping bags on top....the our two...newer zip together bags..on top of those zipped together..small battery alarm clock have light in the top
..added our pillows ..comfort of home...and a heavy quilt on top..it was cold.when we were on the road...we had rectangular down sleeping bags..in case of brutal weather..the top insulation allowed us to use stick on velcro...we got the inexpensive foil type emergency blankets ...and cut window covers from them... for top...this made the windows..no look in..we just couldn't afford the gas..over 2500 miles one way and hotel rooms...this was during the high gas prices of Obama..one fillup in AZ was $5 per gallon...I about gagged...we found that this made a super comfortable way to sleep..we used the back part of the cab..for things we needed..

We found out that Flying J and Pilot truck stops...have no problem letting you sleep in their lots free..would get up and go in the restaurant and get a good breakfast...we also had the card from the TA truck stops but never stopped there as much..the Flying J have the cleanest restrooms on the road...we can also get a shower and wash clothes at their truck stops...great coffee..and not the worst fast food...even hot soups..biscuits and gravy..
I also found that if I removed a small amount of water from the normal bottled water..and tipped them a little side ways...I could freeze them..and then put in a cooler they slowly defrosted...so we had cold water all the way across country..that was ubber important because we were in long stretches of desert..with limited places to stop...
The truck stops are for truckers and RV's that basically live on the road..

There are some credit cards that give you 3 cents back on gas...plus we had a card from the truck stop that gave a discount..plus Good Sam's club gives discounts on gas also ...they also publish a big book of all the camp grounds up dates every year,
We got a paper back book...."what's at the next exit"..it tells you for the interstate exits....also a book of all the walmarts
You need to have AAA. Get the best level one longer tows if needed..they will bring you a battery if needed..or a tire and install them..you have to pay for the battery or tire..but not delivery or install...it works everywhere..they will also send you free paper maps...no internet...no GPS..no problem....they will get you off the road... the AAA has discounts on some restaurants..Dennys is one..
Know your situation is different...but maybe a few ideas that might..help
We did 5 trips back and forth to AZ before his dad passed...we learned a lot about the road...

Love this!
When my youngest 4 kids were little, I had a conversion van. I'd throw them and supplies in and go. 2-6 week trips from NW ohio.
No GPS or cell. Used paper maps and atlas.
We had great fun. Hiked into many camp spots in the mountains even.
I had a small RV TV and vcr player. That could run 3 hours at night so they fell asleep to it.
We went all over, even to Key West. Then on to Missouri.
Most of this in winter months so campgrounds were usually free. Stayed at plenty of truck and rest stops.
Once we drive to Miami with 2 kids bikes and a big wheel tied to back, going 45mph down I-95..LOL
We traveled like this for over 3 years. Kids slept in bed in back and captains chairs laid down.
One time we were camped at Pom de Terre state Park in Missouri. It was Mother's day.
My 10 year old daughter got up early, made coffee and breakfast on the campfire for me, put on a tray with a note and flowers. Brought it to me. Note said "Sorry I couldn't find you an axe"..
She had been looking at every thrift store in small towns we stopped at for one.
Lots of crazy stories.
We had roadside on our insurance but it doesn't really cover anything. We've had Triple-A off and on for many years. They got to where if you use them once they would raise your rate or cancel. But we will definitely have something.
We'll take our time go slow. I hate driving on interstate. We'll find a work around.

 

[WanderLore]

One time when we were staying at that State Park in missouri, it started snowing it hadn't been cold before then so we stayed at a 10-room motel right outside the park. It was cheap. Met the maintenance man Nick. He showed us all over the place. One day just before we checked out he showed up at the hotel door in a long-sleeve dress shirt and boxer shorts with a piece of pound cake and a spoon ring on it. Asked me to marry him haha
Then before we left he hooked me up with a guy he wanted me to meet and chat with about prepping this was just before y2k.
So kids and I drove up outside of Kansas City and got a hotel room. The guy came and sat and chatted with me all night in the lobby while the kids had pizza. He was quite interesting.
You told me a story about a church that he and his wife and four boys had attended. Seems one of the congregation men split from the church took several of the members with him and settled in southeast Ohio.
Well like I wish crazy and rented a farmhouse for everybody and they ended up murdering a whole family in the barn. The guy telling me this story is actually a member of the Johnson & Johnson family and lived in compound outside of Kansas City.
I thought it was crazy. Then many years later after Scot and I got married I was watching Cold Case files one night at home. And there's the story about all this happening and it was true. The guy that was in charge of the cold and the murders, was now sitting on death row. The guy who's wife left to go live with this cult leader, actually stayed in the area to be close to the leader, he was in prison I think he's dead now.
Just crazy stuff.

 

[WanderLore]

Sorry about typos!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Today will be spent cleaning the house and doing laundry. I'm just making one large load. Throwing everything in that's dirty. Emptying out all garbage cans in the house. Get the timer set on a lamp that we will leave on while we're gone. Trying to think of anything I've overlooked or forgot to pack.

DS will pick up the van this afternoon when he gets off work. He'll be going on to pick up DDIL's mom to spend the night with them, tonight. That way, they will just have to pick us up, and we'll be on our way. Will be leaving around 8 am in the morning.

Making bacon cheeseburgers and chips for tonight.

 

[Meemur]

WanderLore, that must've been back in the day when it was a lot safer to do that!

I had a Vega Hatchback and would sleep in it if I slept sideways. I drove that car all over the Great Lakes area whenever I had time to go camping. I spent a lot of time in Ohio because of the free camping (those sites had outhouses without showers). I fell in love with the Hocking Hills but never could get work in that area, so I ended up in Findlay, OH.

Yes, there were a lot of characters out there! But they were harmless, for the most part. That's how I decided I'd be fine with moving to Ohio. That worked out until Columbus went into the toilet.

 

[hd5574]

WonderLore...things have really changed as far as sleeping at rest areas.....it has become a no do...even most of the big rigs ...are avoiding them....i imagine that the ones using them are the illegals driving big rigs....because of all the illegals...now..they are filthy also....even problems in some of the truck stops...but only in the big rig parking areas...even years back when we were on the road...not the RV sections...at Flying J....they are in the front of the buildings...
Good Sam's also has roadside...so another option...call your insurance co..a lot of companies do still offer towing as an add on..be sure to check to see if they cover the type of trailer you might be towing....things have changed..as to coverages.and covered trailers...even since we were running back and forth...Good Sam's does cover RVs but not any other type of trailer for a tow..they covered everything...before....the RV industry is on the ropes...might be better to find..a used small RV trailer...and fix it up...we have one that is 10' long..but stopped taking it when obama had gas so expensive..we had propane, cooking, baby propane fridge , heat and tiny bathroom....might be able to find one super cheap ..now..ours was inexpensive even new..but they lose value quickly...
We also got a pocket size book at one of the truck stops that listed all the truck stops by mile marker on the interstates...was very handy...marked it with red (bad ones) and green (good)colored pencils..as we stopped...at different ones..

 

[SouthernBreeze]

WonderLore...things have really changed as far as sleeping at rest areas.....it has become a no do...even most of the big rigs ...are avoiding them....i imagine that the ones using them are the illegals driving big rigs....because of all the illegals...now..they are filthy also....even problems in some of the truck stops...but only in the big rig parking areas...even years back when we were on the road...not the RV sections...at Flying J....they are in the front of the buildings...
Good Sam's also has roadside...so another option...call your insurance co..a lot of companies do still offer towing as an add on..be sure to check to see if they cover the type of trailer you might be towing....things have changed..as to coverages.and covered trailers...even since we were running back and forth...Good Sam's does cover RVs but not any other type of trailer for a tow..they covered everything...before....the RV industry is on the ropes...might be better to find..a used small RV trailer...and fix it up...we have one that is 10' long..but stopped taking it when obama had gas so expensive..we had propane, cooking, baby propane fridge , heat and tiny bathroom....might be able to find one super cheap ..now..ours was inexpensive even new..but they lose value quickly...
We also got a pocket size book at one of the truck stops that listed all the truck stops by mile marker on the interstates...was very handy...marked it with red (bad ones) and green (good)colored pencils..as we stopped...at different ones..

Cary's best friend was a cross country trucker. He's retired, now. Oh, the stories he would tell of his adventures at different truck stops. They are full of filth, nudity, and vulgarity. Lots of prostitution, too. Women hopping from one truck to another all night. You wouldn't find me in one. This has only been in the last 5 years.

 

[WanderLore]

The used campers here are ridiculous. Its cheaper to get a new small cargo trailer. Don't need a big one. Just basically for sleeping. Schooling myself on all of it. Its a lot.

 

[WanderLore]

We will be avoiding the interstate as much as possible. Going slow. Take our time. Going down to NC to see my sisters first, then figure out where to go from there. The idea is to travel a little and look for a small bit of land as a winter homebase.
Sheree you guys will enjoy your trip!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Now, if someone could give me some tips on avoiding bed bugs! That is always my greatest fear when staying in different hotels and resorts. We tend to stay in the more expensive hotels, but that doesn't always help. Picked them up at an expensive hotel when traveling to Kentucky a few years ago, and don't ever want a repeat of that! We never saw a bug the whole time, either. We had to have our whole house treated, and it was expensive.

 

[WanderLore]

I don't know Sheree, maybe take your own bedding? But there is the furniture and carpet.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I don't know Sheree, maybe take your own bedding? But there is the furniture and carpet.

They can hide anywhere, apparently. Chances are, you'll never see them out in the open, either. I already know to check the bed with a flashlight.

 

[ginnie6]

Well the grocery shopping is done for 2-3 weeks except for perishables. I'll need to get more of those as we need. I even bought more toilet paper lol. Now to spend the afternoon putting meat up. I've got chicken cooking now for a big batch of chicken salad. That sounds so good!

I've got to be at church tomorrow morning to cook for a breakfast Saturday morning. So that's two days I'll spend a good bit of time there. I don't really mind except this is dh's last weekend off for a bit. He's going on 6 day weeks while they push to get things done.

Yesterday I partitioned off a small section of the main chicken run for a mama and her babies. Also built a little lean to that her nest box slides right into so they're protected from the rain. Glad I got it done yesterday since its pouring today. Already had to go out and "rescue" one baby as it came out of the nest box and couldn't get back in. That issue has now been fixed. I also went to TS to see if they had chicks as I was going to get a few more to slide under her. Of course they were out and I think the window to add more has passed. Oh well. I do want to add a few more to the flock. Preferably some that WON'T go broody as I have enough of those! We've hatched out about 10 since last year I think. Some were sadly roosters though and had to go. I have two out there now that I need to take care of. They're trying their best to get ladies and the main flock roo is not having it. So before someone gets hurt I'll tend to them. All those years wanting broody hens when the kids were young and nothing, now they go broody when you look at them lol.

And last but not least I got SO mad last night! Like get in the car and drive to MA, go southern grandma bear on someone, and drive back. DD texted me about 8 still steaming. Her mil......have mercy that woman wears the pants and thinks she should for her kids/grands too. She insisted on keeping the baby yesterday. She's been bucking for this since he was born, never mind she didn't keep the others this early. He was 4 months old the 14th, 4 months, and this thang let him cry for 6 damn hours when he wouldn't take a bottle before she called dd. So 6 hours of NO food and no nap, cause he's hungry, before she called dd. I'm ready to go up there except it would cause problems cause I would NOT be nice!
I'm just hoping now that dd stands up to her. This is my MOST outspoken dd too so I just don't get it. I guess she's trying to keep peace......

 

[Meemur]

When the time gets closer, WanderLore, do a little research on the free camping sites in the areas that interest you. They still exist. I just looked up some for NC. Now, how safe those are might be another consideration, but you might want to print out some of the addresses and put those into a hard copy folder or notebook. I also recommend getting the Delorme map books for the areas that interest you. Those will give you much better details than most other maps. If you're going to be boon docking or otherwise driving on back roads, they can really help. I wouldn't trust any of the online maps for the South. Too expensive? Look for used copies at book sales and such. I've found them as low as $2. They are well worth it!

 

[WanderLore]

Love that! Yes. I have 4 pages of notes now. There are plenty of free camping there. State parks etc. Shouldn't be a whole lot of people there when we are but that's ok too. We'll be able to get up and go.

Oh my on the baby thing. Right there with you! That's just wrong. Hopefully DD won't be allowing that again.

 

[hd5574]

Cary's best friend was a cross country trucker. He's retired, now. Oh, the stories he would tell of his adventures at different truck stops. They are full of filth, nudity, and vulgarity. Lots of prostitution, too. Women hopping from one truck to another all night. You wouldn't find me in one. This has only been in the last 5 years.

That is where the 18 wheelers park...different section...of the truck stop
Not what I am talking about....

 

[anna43]

Our only three-week vacation was spent camping at a Corp of Engineers camp on Table Rock Lake. We always tent camped. We visited several private and state parks first and although they had restrooms and showers, they were filthy. The park we were at had only an outhouse and spout for water. It's been so long I don't recall exactly but I think we got a motel once a week, so everyone got a bath and hair washed plus used a laundromat. We didn't stay overnight at the motel, just used the facilities! It was one of those serendipity things that family from Illinois was there the same time, and their kids were the same ages as ours (5 & 10) plus they had a boat. We shared meals and the kids played together. They found out their new Sears tent leaked like a sieve while our Coleman did not. Oh, to be young again!

The passion play at Eureka Springs is well worth the time and cost. My youngest wasn't in school yet and she remembers it. After they retired my in-laws lived at Golden, Mo. and we stayed with them which had both Branson and Eureka Springs within an easy day trip. Beautiful country. The Branson area was bumper to bumper traffic which was not fun. Don't know if that has changed or not. My youngest is now a grandmother to teenagers so it has been a very long time ago since we were there.

I love tent camping but as an old lady, I do not feel safe camping by myself. Also, I'm not sure how adept I'd be at putting up and taking down the tent plus loading and unloading everything else that goes with it. Then there is the issue of walking to the restroom two or three times in the middle of the night. I decided a few years back to just enjoy my memories.

Today's newspaper says snow Saturday and Sunday. Computer weather just has cloudy. Hope computer is correct.

 

[nomifyle]

It’s one am and 60 degrees out side, next week it supposed to be in the low 80’s, I’m not ready for that. Had to turn on the ac this afternoon, whe I get hot I sting all over. Must be from the chemo

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We are getting ready to leave. Just waiting on DS to get here to pick us up.

If Trump should attack Iran while we are gone, we'll be monitoring the situation, closely. DS is set up to receive news alerts as they happen. Should anything major begin happening here in the US, especially close to our area, rest assured, we will start back home, immediately. Otherwise, we will be home late Sunday night.

 

[Meemur]

Prayers are ongoing for you, SB! Have fun!

Judy, will ice packs help? That happened with my mom for several months. It did go away on its own. I think she just had problems the summer after she received her chemo.

 

[nomifyle]

Prayers are ongoing for you, SB! Have fun!

Judy, will ice packs help? That happened with my mom for several months. It did go away on its own. I think she just had problems the summer after she received her chemo.

lol turning in the ac solves the stinging issue, can’t put an ice pack all over my body.

I’m glad I’m not worried about war, although I’m also not taking a trip, God bless Sheree

 

[nomifyle]

Up date on changing toilet paper and paper towels to unbleached and made from bamboo, it’s kinda been an adjustment, I’m use to the 1000 sheet rolls, these rolls are smaller. Instead of just grabbing a handful I count out the squares, I know pain, but it’s okay. It’s working and same with the pt, different but it’s working, will I keep it up, since I still have supplies from several years ago, maybe.

When I started chemo I could not stand to drink regular water so I drank mineral water, now I like the taste of it again. And I’m drinking less tea, I’d like to cut way back on that, rarely drinking any sodas which is a good thing

 

[Wildwood]

Our only three-week vacation was spent camping at a Corp of Engineers camp on Table Rock Lake. We always tent camped. We visited several private and state parks first and although they had restrooms and showers, they were filthy. The park we were at had only an outhouse and spout for water. It's been so long I don't recall exactly but I think we got a motel once a week, so everyone got a bath and hair washed plus used a laundromat. We didn't stay overnight at the motel, just used the facilities! It was one of those serendipity things that family from Illinois was there the same time, and their kids were the same ages as ours (5 & 10) plus they had a boat. We shared meals and the kids played together. They found out their new Sears tent leaked like a sieve while our Coleman did not. Oh, to be young again!

The passion play at Eureka Springs is well worth the time and cost. My youngest wasn't in school yet and she remembers it. After they retired my in-laws lived at Golden, Mo. and we stayed with them which had both Branson and Eureka Springs within an easy day trip. Beautiful country. The Branson area was bumper to bumper traffic which was not fun. Don't know if that has changed or not. My youngest is now a grandmother to teenagers so it has been a very long time ago since we were there.

I love tent camping but as an old lady, I do not feel safe camping by myself. Also, I'm not sure how adept I'd be at putting up and taking down the tent plus loading and unloading everything else that goes with it. Then there is the issue of walking to the restroom two or three times in the middle of the night. I decided a few years back to just enjoy my memories.

Today's newspaper says snow Saturday and Sunday. Computer weather just has cloudy. Hope computer is correct.

We use to camp like that with my sister and her family...best times ever. We camped at Table Rock Lake too. I 'd also love to tent camp again too but we are afraid to leave our place for more than a day out. We've spent so much rebuilding DH' tools and equipment back to where they need to be to chance someone stealing everything out here in the country. That is really sad. Back then my parents lived next door but now I worry about the people next door.

 

[Wildwood]

We are getting ready to leave. Just waiting on DS to get here to pick us up.

If Trump should attack Iran while we are gone, we'll be monitoring the situation, closely. DS is set up to receive news alerts as they happen. Should anything major begin happening here in the US, especially close to our area, rest assured, we will start back home, immediately. Otherwise, we will be home late Sunday night.

Try not to worry and have yourself a good time...sounds like so much fun. I wish we could leave this place long enough for a vacation, even a short one.

We use to camp like that with my sister and her family...best times ever. We camped at Table Rock Lake too. I 'd also love to tent camp again too but we are afraid to leave our place for more than a day out. We've spent so much rebuilding DH' tools and equipment back to where they need to be to chance someone stealing everything out here in the country. That is really sad. Back then my parents lived next door but now I worry about the people next door.

On a happier note, they turned DH's electric on for his shop yesterday...I posted a while back about having to set a new pole since the other one burned up in the fire...been running his shop off our home electric but his new wood drying kiln had to have something a little more juiced up. It took him a year to build the special building for it and it's all but done. We will be paying two electric bills again but we are happy to have accomplished the building and the electric.

 

[hd5574]

We owned 45 acres ..about 2 miles back in woods..on a dirt road..
We tent camped there for years in the summer..just to get away and hide from the stress of work ..all...but used the truck with insulated top..for camping during hunting season...deer season went until early January often with friends hunting
We moved here to eleven acres...about 25 years ago...in the same county....about 5 miles down the road from the turn off to the land..we are so country here at the house that we just stopped camping....

 

[WanderLore]

Pretty much LOL

 

[WanderLore]

Couldn't sleep and the dog was tearing up the pillow. He will get fixed end March that's the soonest I could get him in.
Reading about the possible war and making some bread. Hoping that Sheree and Cary having a good time on their trip.
Son left yesterday for a 36 hour shift.
Weather has been pretty good.

 

[Digger]

We have had beautiful weather this week. We did get a surprise thunderstorm Thursday. We need whatever rain we can get.

We picked up the last of the split wood out of the pasture. There was about a rick and a half. We stacked it in the wood shed. My sciatica pain is almost gone. I have some pain at the end of the day if I have been working, but it's not bad. It's so good to be able to get some things done again. I have weeded most of the asparagus bed and used leaves to mulch it. Part of the leaves came from the ditch that I needed to clean out before the rains next week. I also got all the prunings from the fruit trees picked up.

Since it looked like things might pop off overseas, we took our fuel barrel to town and filled it. We needed to anyway. That runs our tractors and generator. We also had to get 2 batteries for one of the trucks. Batteries have really gone up in price. Both of our diesel trucks require 2 batteries each.

Our son came up Thursday. He worked on the pasture fence. It's slow, but coming along. He stayed in his travel trailer at the barn. He works this weekend so he only had a couple days to work.

We met friends for dinner last night. It was a restaurant that we normally don't go to. The food was ok. But it wasn't crowded. I am sure they are struggling. We left our waiter a good tip. I would hate to see them close. They are having to overcome the reputation of the former restaurant that was there. Their food is much better than before.

Next week Hubby has an appointment with his pain specialist out of town. I am so glad we don't have to go to Little Rock for it anymore. It's just a 2 month check up. We will go to Sam's Club while we are in Conway.

I have starting seeds on my "to do" list. I should have already started them. I will have to get out the cover for my mini greenhouse. I don't know if we will have more winter weather or not. We are not safe from frost till April 20th.

I got my first Turkey eggs this week. That's always exciting.

Have a blessed day everyone