Where are we?
December 2006
Subj: 178. Where are we?
Date: Friday, December 1, 2006
It's Wednesday, November 29, and, although we know where are are, it's
difficult to describe the area since we don't know much about this
area. We are in a small town that we have stopped in a number of times,
but only to fuel up the RV.
Leaving the Manchester Beach KOA was tough. After three seasons and two
winters, leaving the wonderful people at the KOA was not easy. Monday
(our last day of work) we had a going away party. It was great. We had
gifts for every one and we received some wonderful gifts. The party was
great, the food was great, and the company was even better. Although
it's time for us to move on, we met some great people and we will miss
them. But, we will be back for a visit. It's not Adios, it's Hasta La
Vista, or as we said many times in the last several days, "No esta
adios, esta hasta la vista."
Since we last sent an email, we cooked for the Octoberfest at the KOA.
We served dinner to about 90 people, which is more than twice what
we've done before. The menu included Bratwurst (the kind we've wanted
to serve for the past two years and we were finally about to do it),
Hot German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, baked beans, rolls, cookie
fingers, etc. We received lots of positive comments on the food.
Thanksgiving was also as popular as ever, even though we think there
were fewer people than normal. But everyone had a great time and the
food was fantastic, as always.
After leaving Manchester today, we had to stop in Ukiah to have
carnitas for the last time. But we also purchased a couple of pounds of
carnitas for later.
Even with what we've said already, today was really tough. Leaving the
KOA wasn't the problem, leaving the people was.
Where are we? We are spending the night in Corning California. It's on
I-5 about 125 miles north of Sacramento.
The Brauer's
Missing our friends at the Manchester Beach KOA but still
Havin' Fun
Subj: 179. Where are we?
Date: Monday, December 4, 2006
We've been here so many times, it difficult to think of something new
to describe where we are. We are in a city known for a college whose
mascot is a Disney character (at least while they are at home). We are
in an area known for covered bridges, lumber, and the second largest
metropolitan area in the state.
We left Corning on Thursday, November 30, and drove to a town called
Canyonville in Oregon. Now, we aren't sure exactly what Canyonville has
to offer other than the Seven Feathers Casino. We stayed in the casino
parking lot with full hookups. We also enjoyed the casino and two meals
in its restaurants.
On December 1, we left Canyonville for our current location. Now we are
helping Larry's oldest daughter with her wonderful two and a half year
old son and her eight week old daughter. Yes, that's Tristan and
Rachel. So far it's been mostly Tristan we have been taking care of. He
certainly has the typical characteristics of a two year old, but he is
one of the most well behaved two year olds we've met. That may seem to
be contradictory but it's true.
We are also doing a lot of our Christmas shopping in the land of no
sales tax.
Where are we? We are again in Eugene Oregon for a while. So far the
weather has been cold. It will be nice to head to a warmer climate in
the near future.
The Brauers
Havin' Fun
Being typical Grandparents
Subj: 180. Where are we?
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2006
We are now located in a small town in Southern Oregon. We stopped here
because the weather in the pass between southern Oregon and northern
California is supposed to be bad. Consequently, we decided to drive
south to a reasonable place and challenge the pass tomorrow.
We had a great time in Eugene. We spent a lot of time with Tristan
(Larry's 2 1/2 year old grandson) and some time taking care of Rachel
(Larry's 2 month old granddaughter). We were able to give Michelle a
break while Keith was in Wisconsin. We also remembered just how much
work a toddler and an infant can be. Yes, most of what we did was watch
the little ones and take Tristan to Day Care. BUT, even as much work as
it was, it was fun.
Where are we? We are at a KOA in Gold Hill Oregon. Gold Hill is a small
town with a population of about 1000 people and a land area of 0.7
square miles. It seems like the only attraction here is the roadside
attraction called the Oregon Vortex. No, we haven't visited it but it
appears to be an attraction based on optical illusions.
The Brauers
Havin' fun
Heading toward warmer climates
Subj: 181. Where are we?
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2006
We've done a lot since our last email 8 days ago. But right now we are
in a small, high desert town in California. This town is known for it's
Navy Base. Yes, the Navy does have a Base in the middle of the desert
over 100 miles away from the nearest ocean.
We last wrote from Gold Hill Oregon. After Gold Hill, we went to
Redding CA, Patterson CA, Bakersfield CA, and finally Valencia CA. Our
destination was Valencia because two of Adrienne's sons live in the Los
Angeles area and Valencia is just North of LA.
We spent four days in Valencia driving back and forth between Valencia,
Culver City, and Sun Valley. It really was great seeing the kids, their
spouses, and four of our grand children.
Where we are now, we will be visiting two other kids and three grand
children.
Now where are we? We are in Ridgecrest California where we lived for
over thirty years.
The Brauers
Havin' Fun
Always
Subj: 182. Where are we?
Date: Monday, December 25, 2006
We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We hope everyone is
able to spend Christmas with someone special.
Well, after only a couple of busy days in Ridgecrest, we've moved on,
three times. First we went to San Diego for two nights so we could
visit with Denise and Aaron. Then to Yuma for a night just to break up
the trip to where we are now. The state where we are is nicknamed "The
Grand Canyon State." Although we are over one hundred miles from the
Grand Canyon. The city we are in is a manufacturing center and a major
winter-resort area. The city lies in the Salt River Valley, a flat
region ringed by low mountains.
We had a great time in San Diego. It's always good to visit Denise and
Aaron. San Diego is also a good place to visit although it has really
grown over the years and traffic is becoming a major problem.
After San Diego we drove to Yuma Arizona. There were several reasons
for our stop in Yuma. First we wanted to visit some good friends who
winter in Yuma. Plus we wanted to check out the possibility of short
term jobs in Yuma. Although we only spent one night in Yuma the job
prospects look promising.
Today we drove to our current location.
Where are we? We are in the capital of Arizona, which is Phoenix. We
are here visiting Adrienne's Dad for Christmas.
The Brauers
Havin' fun
As always