A Hard Place to Be In

Today as I was sitting in the worship service I missed my Northwood family terribly.  I kept looking around the room wondering if any of them would become a friend of mine.  Talked to one person and then made our way out.

Then went to work and worked for four hours.  Checked in two new guests ~ a good thing as our guest occupancy was very low this week. 

Ron went to hear the Bacon family in a Gospel Show at Grand Country.  After he got back and I was off work we decided to go for a drive.  We drove around the area, went to Crane, Galena and then decided it was time to head back toward the campground.  Told Maggie, our GPS to take us home the shortest route ~ 26.4 miles.  We drove down some winding roads, up some hills, saw pretty valley's, some quirky colored homes, some beautiful brick homes, cows, cows, and more cows and green trees & bushes.  It was beautiful.

And then I said to Ron "What would you say if I wanted to go home (meaning WA/OR)?"  He didn't say anything for a minute and then he asked "When?"  I told him I didn't know, I just know I need to go home.  I miss having friends.  I love Ron more than anything and told him that.  But just being with him is not enough.  I need to be around friends, I need to have coffee with friends, I need to worship our Lord with friends and not just in a room full of strangers. 

And then more silence.  And tears were running down my cheeks.  I know Ron wants to continue to travel around the US, see more of this beautiful land we live in, see friends and family who live in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and I want those things too but I need friends along the way. 

Branson is a beautiful place and like our jobs and enjoy the perks of free shows and am loving the weather even on super hot days.  We enjoy going swimming in our pool.  We enjoy seeing new areas around Branson but something is missing...friends.  Someone to go shopping with, people to have dinner with, go swimming with, worship together with, friends.

After grabbing a hamburger for dinner and stopping to pick up  some bananas, radishes and cheese & lunch meat we headed for home.  Ron was pretty quiet.  I asked him what he was thinking - he said he knows I need more than just him and he feels bad that I am feeling so alone right now.  He asked me again when did I want to go home...and I said just some day.  I love you (Ron) and want to be with you as you fulfill your dreams of traveling around the US.  And I know in a couple of days I will be back to my happy go lucky self enjoying our lifestyle and where we are. 

Once home I walked into the rig and into the bathroom (where I do lots of talking to God) and asked Him to please send me a friend or two here in Branson.  And I know He will...maybe not tomorrow but one day.  And in the meantime we will continue to try churches till we find "the one," continue to chat with friends on Facebook, via the telephone and email.  And I will continue to pray to my Lord and know that he will supply all my needs.  I know this and believe it with all my heart. 

And I know tomorrow is a new day and after a great night's sleep I will feel better and so I close just asking you to say a prayer for God to bring a friend into my life while we are here in Branson.

Tuesday Night Drive

Tuesday night we went to Landry's Seafood Restaurant in Branson.  We got there in time for happy hour so Ron had a beer and I had a gold margarita and we shared three appetizers: crab balls, onion strings, calamari and spinach, artichoke & crab dip w/tortilla chips.  And me without my camera ~ take it from me it was pretty tasty and was only $26 for the drinks, food and tip so not too bad. 

And then we went for a drive ~ looking for gas stations/restaurants that have those motel coupon books (looking for ways to advertise Branson View Campground.  Didn't find any but what  a nice drive. 

First I commented to Ron that wasn't the sun beautiful and that's all it took and Ron was off to find the spot.  And we found it, it was a dead end into someone's driveway so I took a quick pic:

The sun going down on the horizon.  This was taken through two trees in someone's yard that we pulled into that we thought was a road :)

As Ron was driving I was looking/reading signs and saw this sign for Sycamore Log Church and that sounded interesting.  So off we turned and drove down just over 2 1/2 miles and this is what we found:

Sycamore Log Church ~ built in the late 1920's by the community and the Jones' family.

Little picnic area across from the church.

Other than the electric meter and lights it is just as it was built all those years ago.

Another view of the front of the church.

Not a very clear picture but it was made as a memorial to the founding family and there is pencil drawing also in the plaque.

We couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on so we were pleasantly surprised what pictures we got with the flash.  The pulpit was made from a tree stump that was cut down in 1933.

A stove to heat the building.

The piano with lots of flowers.

Looking from the pulpit out the door.

Another view of the front of the church.

And this was taken standing at the door looking in.  Was pleasantly surprised with all the colors!

And then we continued on our drive, having no idea where we would end up and we both laughed when Ron said "I hope it doesn't dead end somewhere:)"

The road narrowed to less than one lane and just as we started under the tressel a car came roaring up so Ron backed up so she could get through!  So glad she didn't hit us head on.

Beautiful view!

Coming up on another corner.

Looking down over a creek bed.

Looking the other direction.

A peaceful place to sit and relax.

Told each other this is definitely a place we would like to come back and walk/hike around ~ now only if we can find it again.

Looking over a meadow and the horizon.  Such beautiful colors.

One of many large homes we drove past.

This is looking at the campground from the business across the street.  Ron has worked hard getting all those lights to be working ~ and many guests have commented how nice it looks especially in the late evenings.

And that was our night ~ sure hope you enjoyed traveling along with us.

I'm so Happy and Here's the Reason Why

The little song: "I’m so happy and here’s the reason why"  has been running through my mind for most of the last week.  And this morning, it was there again as I began my devotion.





I’m so happy and here’s the reason why;Jesus took my burden all away.
Now, I’m singing as the days go by;  Jesus took my burden all away.
Once my heart was heavy with a load of sin; Jesus took the load and gave me peace within  (my heart and)
Now I’m singing as the days go by; Jesus took my burdens all away.

Last night when I went to bed I could not seem to shut my brain down and it was late - after 11:00 p.m.  I laid in bed and prayed for those who came to mind: Jarrett & Chelsea, Peyton & Conner as they mourn the loss of their little Trek Atlas.  As they step forward in continuing to live and yet missing Trek so much.  For Lauren who's little baby Elijah drowned just over a week ago and who's husband sits in jail being charged with murder and for the four little girls she is trying to love on, take care of and yet deal with the harsh realities of the today.  For my Aunt Joan who has recently been diagnosed with cancer as she awaits treatment.  And for Uncle Don as he stands by her in love and support.  And for our Northwood family heading into a busy time with VBS on the horizon along with fundraising for the Tanzania missions trip next summer.  For our boys: Jamie & Suzanne waiting on word on a house they are trying to buy, for them to have patience with all the request of the bank.  For  Brandon & Danalyn as they prepare to leave on vacation to Michigan today.  For safety as well as little one's who are cooperative and don't get overly tired.  And giving thanks for a hubby who loves me more than words can express.  For all the ways he blesses me each day with his funny homemade songs, fixing me a nice ice cold beverage when it is 104' outside and it is still already 8:30 p.m. and does not seem to be cooling off.  And thanks for new friends and old who love on me/us and encourage us each and every day.  And asking the Lord to help me wake early so I can get all that needs to be done before it is again 103' outside.  And drifting off and sleeping all night long and not waking up till 6:24 a.m.  And waking feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.


And this morning in His word in my devotions: to prepare Him room in our hearts and what that means:  to discard the unsightly, value the good, clean the dirty, tend the true, bring in the fresh and make room for a guest (from Guideposts Daily Planner 2012).  And what jumped out at me: tend the true ~ and what a reminder I needed as once again we find ourselves dealing with the Texas Workforce Center as BOD Pres. Marti O'Hare has once again appealed the decision on Ron's unemployment benefits and once again we pray for the truth to remain and God's mercy to be on us.


And from 1 Chronicles 28:20:  Be strong and of good courage and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed for the Lord God will be with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. - be strong and of good courage, He will not leave you or forsake you.  Thank you Lord for the minder that you are with us each day and we just need to trust in you.


And from Daily Guideposts 2012 ~ Judges 19:6  Be content...and let thine heart be merry. ~~ A reminder I may not like the situation we find ourselves in but God is with us/me and I can be content and have a happy heart knowing that Jesus is with me every step of the way.


Thank you Jesus for the jobs you have provided, for all the wonderful benefits of that job: seeing shows we never could have afforded, meeting such wonderful and friendly people and allowing us to help them have a nice and fun vacation.  For our health, though at times I wonder and worry where the money will come from for things like a new artificial eye ~ yes it is getting to be that time once again.  For providing food and fresh vegetables from strangers who pass through our lives and for the love of so many You have blessed us with both near and far.  Lord help me to remember to count my blessings and name them one by one....wonder just how many I could write down ~ maybe a new type of list is to be made, not what needs to be done but all the blessings of Your love on us.  Amen.

Motor home Remodel ~ Part 1

Have you been wondering what we are doing?  Well after a lot of talking, drawing and what have you we had a plan to do a little remodeling in our rig.  We rarely sit at our dinette - it is usually used to hold things.  We had baskets on the bench, stuff stacked under the table and even a 3 drawer cabinet sitting on one of the benches. 

So the plan was to take out the table and the two benches and put in a desk with a file cabinet giving us more counter top space (oh yes, the convection oven was sitting on top of the table).  Found the desk and two file cabinets.  Demolition day was set for Wednesday, June 27th!!

And this is what we found:

This is the dinette area with the table & benches cleaned off and a glimpse of stuff underneath.

Any idea what this is?  Found under the table in the back corner?  Answer to be revealed at end of post :)

Dinette area without the table

And the cushions are gone!

And what do we find?  Electrical box for power to the front of the motor home and the built in vacuum cleaner.  Umm, now what??????

And under the other bench ~ the wheel well, furnace ducting and more electric outlets.  Ummm, now what???

So now to plan B...

We talked about cutting down the benches giving more room for walking in the rig.  But wait we need the back of the bench by the door ~ it has electric outlet in it, holds the banister for climbing into the motor home, holds the magazine rack.  Oh, and we use it to balance when stepping out of the rig.   And then it was time to go work ~~ all the above happened before 8:00 a.m. :)

So we talked some more, discussed Plan C and came up with getting a cabinet for across the benches, giving us a little storage under the center cabinet.  And so off to Walmart we went.  Bought a cabinet and a file cabinet with two wood drawers.  In the boxes they looked the same color.  Also bought new curtains for the kitchen window and the window behind where the dinette was.  I went back to work leaving Ron to do some demolishing and building.

And this is what I came to after work:

Cabinet in place.  Lighter color cherry wood.  File cabinet is dark cherry wood ~ uh oh, clashes together.  But I got the curtains up:)  Just have to hem them as they are about 6" too long.

Now to plan D,

So we bought two 3 tier cabinets for each side of the cabinet.  And voila ~~~ here we go:

Inside cabinet: center section with my cookbooks!!!! And food storage on either side.

Right corner.  I put contact paper on the benches :) 

Corner with wine cabinet (behind the mirrored door) and my new pigs that hubby bought me the other day.  See the pig picture that I cross-stitched for in our sticks & bricks house.

Another view of right corner.  Not sure if going to leave tray with cactus plant or just put plant directly on the cabinet top.  Ideas???  The lady pig in the top corner is one I bought in 2003 when I went to Georgia to spend time with my longest friend ever, Merel.  She has traveled many miles. 

Stuff under the middle of the cabinet.  Will be buying a couple of baskets to slide under there instead of having stuff just tucked under there that can roll around when we are on the move.

Center & Left of cabinet.  Convection oven on top left.

Left side of cabinet.  Spices are now in top drawer of 3 tier shelf and away from the stove top.

A front view of the remodel.  The board to the right of the picture will be cut out once we get a saw to do that. 

Continuing with other remodeling this weekend: new curtains in the living room, covering the box that hubby built above the driver/passenger seats.  Once that's all done, will post another blog post with pictures.

Whatcha think?  Any suggestions for the top of the wood cabinet?  Not sure I like the tray with the plant, pig, frog...do I leave the tray or take it away and just put those items directly on the cabinet top???

Just Rambling ~ Part 2!

If you have not read Just Rambling - scroll down to read the first half of this post ~ thanks :)

We have been ~~~

~ working as managers here at Branson View Campground (you can like us on Facebook - it is the one with the picture of the look out area) for just over six weeks.  We have met many new people.  Since we started here we have had two events.  First was a Bluegrass Music Concert & Potluck where we enjoyed lots of great food and great music.  Our second event was our Father's Day BBQ & Potluck where we enjoyed lots of great food including strawberry rhubarb pie (YUMMY) and 3 hours of conversation.  We will be planning something for July in the next week or so.

We have 40 RV sites, one tent site and one cabin for rent.  If you are coming to the Branson area we would love to connect with you.  Give us a shout out and lets make some plans.

~ we enjoyed visiting with Ron's cousin's Sharon & Jim and Karen & Lee while they were here on vacation.  It was fun to see family pictures, laugh and tell stories and give/get lots of hugs.  So fun to be with family. 

~ hurting and praying for so many friends.  Two of our friends have lost a baby.  One baby, Trek passed away at the tender age of 18 months after being diagnosed Niemann Pick Type A in January 2012.  You can read his story and about his family and how they loved on him each and every day of his life by clicking on his name above.  Another baby tragically drowned last Saturday in Australia where his family live and travel.  Elijah was only 7 months old.  And then we join our friend Sheila as she mourns the loss of her hubby.  They were married for over 40 years when Larry was diagnosed with cancer.  Sheila and Larry are full time RV'rs and we met them first via the Women's RV Forum that I belong too and then we met in person once in Salt Lake City in 11/09 and then again in February 2011 while we were on our way to Texas. 

~ and then yesterday I found out my Aunt Joan is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma.  She is currently being tested to find the best treatment options.  Many of you know my aunt is my mom's sister and we are very close.  She has always been there for me and a major part of my life.  I remember she came to Las Vegas to be at our wedding (December 1975) and then brought my Grandpa to WA state to see us when we were stationed at McChord AFB (Summer 1980) and in summer of 2009 she came to see us for just a few hours before heading back to CA to pick up Uncle Don from a trip to Alaska.  Aunt Joan & Uncle Don have loved on us, hosted us numerous times at Noyes Ranch, treated us to some wonderful meals and fun times with our family.  Each of us have fond memories of being at the ranch, riding the ATV's and one major wreck (Jamie & Brandon) and many stories, laughter, and visits. 

And so I ask that when you think of me or Ron, to please say a prayer for one or all of our friends and my aunt for God's healing and comfort during the trials they are each facing. 

Ali

Just Rambling

I know it has been awhile since I have written.  I could say it is because we have been so busy ~ yes we have but that is no excuse.  I could say because nothing new is going on and my every day stuff is boring ~ but that is not really true either.  I could say I had writers block ~ but don't really think that is it either.  What was going on was I being lazy, spending way too much time on Facebook and playing computer games (Mahjong is addictive!).

Lots of things have been going on ~~~

~ Ron had his hearing with the Texas Workforce Center; the hearing was a necessity as the BOD Pres. Marti O'Hare appealed the TWFC decision to grant Ron his unemployment benefits.  After reading the 40+ pages that were sent to us from LSC we knew that what was being said/written about Ron was totally untrue.  We received some letters of support and along with those and the documentation that we had: 2 managers reports that we submitted to the LSC BOD and members in Oct. 2011 & Feb. 2012 that were approved at both of those meetings, plus lists of all the projects that Ron completed while working at LSC and tons of prayers the hearing was held.  During the hearing Ron questioned "their witnesses" and then answered questions from them.  The Hearing Examiner said a decision would be made.  The Hearing Examiner upheld the original decision that Ron's unemployment benefits were/will be paid.  We thank the Lord for the outcome as it validated the work Ron did at LSC and that others knew the truth and the the accusations/allegations that he was lazy, did not do the work required of him and spent most of his day playing games on the computer were false. 

~ One week later I had my hearing with the Texas Workforce Center.  As expected I lost my case and that was okay.  I had not received any money from unemployment, I knew I had stepped out of line one time and that was it.  During my hearing I was able to question the BOD Pres. Marti why if they had been having so many complaints about me (she stated since December) why was nothing said to me?  why did they renew our contract?  Her response "well I should have."  Still have no clue what all the complaints were about.  I was also able to question one of their witnesses who said I did not honor his request for some information out of the membership office while the remodeling was going on.  He did concede that he knew that the membership office would be closed for approximately two weeks during the remodeling project.  Two of their witnesses were not available by phone and so their statements were not admissible.  I tried to address the statement by BOD Pres. Marti that I have posted derogatory comments on Facebook and in my blog posts but she said she didn't have the documentation present and could we postpone till later date.  Nope, don't think so, you have no documentation at the time of the hearing, not going to be postponed to another date.  And why did she not have documentation ... could be because nothing was ever posted that was derogatory.

And so now we move on.  Our time at LSC had many fun components.  Did we like how it ended ~ nope, not at all.  Have things worked out the best for us ~ ABSOLUTELY!  God provides for us and gives us many blessings. 

~ I was only unemployed for two weeks and Ron for 4 weeks.  Ron's unemployment kept our bills being paid and we had no problems with the motor home or travels while we made our way from Hondo, TX to Branson, MO.  We have received so many blessings since coming to Branson.  As managers of Branson View Campground we get many free tickets for different shows here in the area.  We have seen almost all the shows at Grand Country, have been to Dixie Stampede, Legend of Kung Fu, Yakov's Dinner Adventure, God & Country Theater where we saw Statlers Revisited and are going to the Showboat Belle for a dinner cruise on Ron's birthday (July 27th). 

We have made new friends since arriving in Branson.  I have connected with a great woman's prayer group (an answer to prayer for a fellowship time with other Christian ladies) and we have attended some great worship services.  And we have a swimming pool right here at the campground for those hot (100' +) days where we can go and swim, relax and enjoy time together.

To be continued at Just Rambling ~ Part 2!

A Day in the Life of a Full-time RVing Campground Manager

A day in the life of a full-time RV'ing Campground Manager.

What can I say, each day is different from the day before and the one that will happen tomorrow.  I want to just give you a glimpse into our life as we are the campground managers at Branson View Campground, Branson, MO.

The Office at Branson View Campground

 Our campground is small, 41 full hook-up sites w/cable, electric, water & sewer and occasionally wif-fi when I can get it to stay on.

Hubby is the Outside Manager and I am the Office Manager.  Other titles for us include: Bathroom Cleaner, Maid (for the cabin), Garbage Picker-upper, Pool Maintenance Guy, Errand Runner, Greeter and Potluck Coordinator.  I am sure there are other names but can't think of them right now.

My typical day begins around 8:30 in the morning in the office.  I have to do the daily reports, count the till, answer the phone, reply to email, post a morning greeting on Facebook ~ oops, forgot to do that this morning, will do it when I am done with this post :), put outgoing mail in the box and then later in the day collect the mail that was delivered, clean the bathrooms ~ there are two on the lower level and two at the upper level by the group picnic area, sweep the office ~ there are so many bugs here in Branson ~ sometimes I wonder where do they all come from.  I also clean the laundry room, dust the shelves in the store, keep the store fridge stocked with cold pop, bottled water and Gatorade.  We have candy bars, cookies and ice cream bars for sell as well along with the typical RV supplies that campers need to pick up occasionally.  Oh and give out the keys to the bathrooms.

A note about cleaning the bathrooms ~ I have to wonder how grown men can pee on top of the urinal which is 4' from the floor?  So far no one has been able to give me an answer that makes any sense.  Also, after cleaning the bathroom after Memorial Day weekend I did wonder if people are as dirty/messy at home as they are here when using a public bathroom.  Toilet paper laying on the floor...ummm  let me see, if you drop the paper on the floor don't you think you should pick it up?

We enjoy being campground managers 99% of the time but there are those times we do wonder what did we get ourselves mixed up with?  Like having to show someone how to start the dryer..umm the button that says START - push it :)   That one made me laugh.  Hubby did not think it was too funny because he couldn't figure out how to start the dryer either :)::))

We enjoy swimming in the evenings and visiting with guests when they check-in or while we are out working in the campground or visiting at one of our Potlucks. 

Our beautiful and clean swimming pool :)

We were so blessed in May to host the Amber Waves Band (the Costello family) and they blessed us back with holding a free concert for us here in the park.  You can check it out at here.  

What a feast!

Eating and listening to the some great music!

Not the best picture, the Costello family singing and playing!

We had a ton of fun and are looking forward to our next Potluck which is going to be a BBQ Potluck.  If you are here we would love to have you join us on June 17th at 5:00 p.m.  Bring your own meat and a side dish to share.  Give us a call to make reservations for your stay here.

Some of the things hubby has on his daily list is to clean & service the swimming pool each day.  We are loving having this amenity to use every day!!  He also does a garbage run, cleans the sites of people coming into the park and the lawn mowing & weed eating.  One of the projects we have done here at Branson View Campground is to clean out and open the Activity Room for guests.  They now have a place to come and read, watch TV, use the internet and soon will be playing games here.

We usually take a lunch break about 1:00 for an hour and then back to work till 5 or 6 depending on the day.  But alas our work is really never done since we live in the park.  We have greeted guests after hours, assisted someone who ran out of gas and coasted into our park ~ they were talking really loud and woke us up at 2:00 a.m. and hubby went out to see what all the commotion was about.  Made me wonder don't people usually try to be quiet when they are outside in the early morning hours at a campground ~ guess not :)

Oh, one of our other wonderful benefits here at Branson View Campground is the huge ice maker in the back room :)  We sell bagged ice for $1.50 a bag but we get all the free ice we want.  Let me tell you it sure comes in handy after a long day  and strawberry margaritas are calling your name.

Hope you enjoyed a peak into a day in the life of Campground Managers.