Sunday, July 31

5:46 a.m. - Yesterday really turned out to be a beautiful day for weather.  We had a pool day, cooked supper on the Blackstone, and then had a picture perfect night for a backyard campfire - complete with family, conversation, smores, laughs, a few bats flying around...just wonderful.  

Today, I'm hoping to get a visit with Chase.  First, I have to take care of animals.  After the visit with Chase I'm hoping to attend church service at RUMC.  The rest of the day is a question mark...probably another pool day.  It's nice to have a short list of jobs that need attention around the house.

Today, for me, marks the end of summer.  When August rolls around, I typically start leaning into the school year.  I'm not going to start doing anything "official", but I do find myself trying to get my brain and thoughts going.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• check on "the farm" for the weekend and Shawn's place - morning and night until next Saturday
• Iowa volleyball rules meeting and test
• Illinois volleyball rules meeting and test
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22) - still haven't received a response (7/27/22)

August

7-31 -- 9 a.m. - visit Chase

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:00 a.m. and then Country Companies inspects trailer around 10 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close - Braeden and Shawn may be going)

22 - Rockridge HS open house; VB at Morrison with Braeden - removed

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - at Geneseo FRVB - 5 p.m.

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - BLOCKED OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - VB at North Scott FR - 6 p.m.

12 - VB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Saturday, July 30 - I wish I was running the Bix

6:08 -It's Bix morning, and I used to run it every year.  Now I haven't run the course in many years.  I'm too fat and the knee has too much arthritis in it.  Maybe some year at least one of those things will be different to let me give it a go again.  Today?  Good question...after getting a lot of things of the list done yesterday, I'm not sure what I'll do once I check on animals.

8:40 a.m. update - I finished my chores this morning, and I really don't have anything on "the list" that is pressing to finished.  Right now, I'm going to go on a walk, but I'm waiting for my phone to charge.  I think tonight we are going to have a backyard campfire, and I'm going to break out the tiki torches that we've had for probably 3 years, and I've never used.  Plus I have some sticks I need to burn which will be a good fire starter.  So I picked up some firewood at Shawn's when I was there.  I'll start to make the campfire setup when I get back from my walk.  Anyway, when I was in route to doing my chores, I had a chance just to relax and enjoy the drive down the back gravel roads and county blacktops.  I know this sounds crazy, but the sights and sounds and smells of "country roads" are amazing...especially this time of the year with the corn tassels and the mowed hay and the weeds...it all just screams HOME!  

10:18 a.m. update - I got a walk in...I'm calling it a hike according to my watch.  This would be two days in a row of hiking for over an hour.  Yesterday I was at Black Hawk Park, and today I just walked around town - both times with my nordic walking sticks.  I want to weight myself tomorrow to get an update on weight.  While walking I also listened to my intermittent fasting video blogs, and I was able to listen to several episodes.  This is something I need to do because I have not been consistent with an intermittent fasting routine nor listening to episodes.   I really need to get into a strength training routine, which is something that should be easy for me to do.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• check on "the farm" for the weekend and Shawn's place - morning and night until next Saturday
• Iowa volleyball rules meeting and test
• Illinois volleyball rules meeting and test
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22) - still haven't received a response (7/27/22)

August

7-31 -- 9 a.m. - visit Chase

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:00 a.m. and then Country Companies inspects trailer around 10 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close - Braeden and Shawn may be going)

22 - Rockridge HS open house; VB at Morrison with Braeden - removed

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - at Geneseo FRVB - 5 p.m.

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - BLOCKED OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - VB at North Scott FR - 6 p.m.

12 - VB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Friday, July 29

5:38 a.m. - Today's tasks that would be good to get done are spraying the weeds and washing the camper.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure if either will get done.  I think grandchildren are coming over, but it's not exactly a great pool day because the temps are going to be cool for this time of year.  If I could get out and spray weeds before the breeze arrives and the dogs are in the backyard, that would be helpful.  I could also spray weeds in stages to try to stay away from the dogs.  It's too bad we aren't camping; it would be a beautiful weekend to do that.  It should be a good day to do a little exercise, so maybe I'll do a little of that in the morning to get off to a good start.  Today should be a "pay day", which will be nice to have in the checking account.

Last night I was watching CNN, and I heard the "opposition" from Republicans regarding additional taxes for the wealthy and corporations.  The rationale is this - if we tax the wealthy and corporations, then it won't do Americans any good because those folks will just pass down more costs to consumers in order to make up for the increase in taxes.  So in my brain I'm thinking....so the best way to raise money to pay for important items or pay down national debt is to increase taxes on the poor folks because they don't have the power to pass down more costs to consumers...is that the philosophy?  In the past, I've heard Republicans claim that by giving the wealthy and corporations more money, that benefit will then trickle down to consumers.  That doesn't seem to be working...the wealthy and corporations just get wealthier and don't pay their share in taxes.  So if I'm hearing all this correctly....there is no way deal with the wealthy or corporations that won't encourage those folks to have a little less for the common good for all.  Supply the wealthy with more money will only give them more money; tax the wealthy will only cause them to increase prices for consumers, which will allow them to have as much or more money.  It doesn't make sense that the country's economic situation should be on the shoulders of the poor and middle classes, but it seems those folks just don't have the power that the wealthy do.  Sometimes I'm glad I'm not an economist.

I start taking care of animals later today...not my animals...well, in addition to my animals.  I start taking care of animals (and checking in on my dad) at my parents farm today; in addition, I start checking in on Shawn's house today.

6:37 p.m. update - Today was a pretty good day other than losing my ass in slots.  I got the weeds sprayed which is a big task, and then I got the oil changed, and then I got the camper washed, even though all the bug guts didn't come off the front like I had hoped.  And yes, today wasn't a good day for slot play, but we did have buffet meals and I won a "free gift", which was basically a set of tupperware things.  I think I'm going to ditch the book I've been trying to read and start a different one.  Sometimes books just don't resonate, so then it's time to get something else.  

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• check on "the farm" for the weekend and Shawn's place - morning and night until next Saturday
• Iowa volleyball rules meeting and test
• Illinois volleyball rules meeting and test
• wash the camper
• oil change in the truck
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• spray weeds
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22) - still haven't received a response (7/27/22)

August

7-31 -- 9 a.m. - visit Chase

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:00 a.m. and then Country Companies inspects trailer around 10 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close - Braeden and Shawn may be going)

22 - Rockridge HS open house; VB at Morrison with Braeden - removed

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - at Geneseo FRVB - 5 p.m.

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - BLOCKED OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - VB at North Scott FR - 6 p.m.

12 - VB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Thursday, July 28

6:26 a.m.- This morning I'm scheduled to go on a bike ride with Amber and then run some errands.  I'm not sure when we will get home, but I'm hoping to put the mower back together when we return, so I can have some more room in the garage.  Right now I have the mower deck right in the middle of my side, so I'm parking the car outside.

Yesterday was a productive one because I got the ditch weed wacked.  That's a big job, but it was made easier with the cooler temps.  In the morning I also got my beginning of the month bills mailed out.  

3:21 p.m. update - Amber and I went for a bike ride and completed some errands.  Then we came home, and I successfully put the mower back together and decided just to mow the yard.  I then attempted to tackle the problem with the bike rack on the camper.  The best I can figure out is that I left the keys in the lock and the keys bounced out and are lost, or I took them out and lost them somehow.  With that in mind, I just went ahead and ordered another set of keys and a spare knob.  It seems to be the simplest solution.  If the keys don't work, then I'll just use the knob that doesn't have a key lock.  Now, I have had a couple of adult beverages, and I think I will sit out by the pool with the women for a bit.  I'm not sure what I'll be doing tonight.  It's been a good day.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• call Country Companies back - left message 7/28/22
• put mower back together
• wash the camper
• oil change in the truck
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• spray weeds
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22) - still haven't received a response (7/27/22)

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close - Braeden and Shawn may be going)

22 - Rockridge HS open house; VB at Morrison with Braeden - removed

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - at Geneseo FRVB - 5 p.m.

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - BLOCKED OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - VB at North Scott FR - 6 p.m.

12 - VB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Wednesday, July 27

6:46 a.m. - Cole came over yesterday, and he helped me with the dirt project from neighbor Bob's yard.  Getting more dirt on that camper pad area is something I've been wanting to do for awhile, so that was a solid accomplishment.  Speaking of campers, I received one estimate yesterday of $8,000-$10,000 to repair the water damage in the camper - needless to say I can't afford that and am considering other options.  After the dirt project, I somewhat assisted Cole with working on his car.  He did most of the work of replacing headlights and fixing up some damage that had occurred on an accident he had been in awhile back.  Of course, then I learned that he is driving to Los Angeles starting this morning to attempt to pursue a career in acting.  That was a gut punch...I was hoping he would reconsider, finish up school, stay close to home, and settle down with his life.  I'll miss him...video calls, phone calls, texts, and emails just aren't the same.  Speaking of sons, my son Chase canceled a public visit I had tried to schedule with him today in the Mercer County Jail.  He's been in jail apparently since my birthday, which occurred when we were on vacation.  I don't know the details of his incarceration other than theft, damage, and disorderly conduct and a preliminary trial date for August 15.  Substance abuse and addiction are awful things.  Talk about another gut punch.  

Today there are multiple people coming over to the house for a pool party.  I think I'm going to make a run to Aledo to try to get some mower blades sharpened, and then come back and tackle the weeds in the ditch.  The weather seems to be cooperating to get outdoor projects done before the summer heat returns next week.

I weighed myself this morning - 235 lbs.  I'm not sure how that happened....I expected much worse after all the eating I did over the vacation stint.  Hopefully I can lose weight before the start of the school year.

We saw a movie yesterday afternoon at the 53 Cinemark....Where the Crawdad's Sing...apparently it's based on a book I've never read.  I was told it wasn't a love story nor chick flick....it was both.  It was okay, and the ending was a little surprising, but not something I would go back to see again.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• Joe's volleyball clinic - August 20? send check
• $35.00 payable to Foremost - Joe Thompson
  1035 Dayton Drive
  Galesburg, IL  61401-1310
• weed wack the ditch
• put mower back together
• wash the camper
• write beginning of month checks and mail (and Joe's volleyball check)
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• spray weeds
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22)

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close)

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

    - Rockridge HS open house - I will need to address this.

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - at Geneseo FRVB - 5 p.m.

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - BLOCKED OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - VB at North Scott FR - 6 p.m.

12 - VB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Tuesday, July 26

7:19 a.m. - We are having good weather here, so I need to take advantage of it.  I started on the dirt moving project yesterday and will be back at it today.  My neighbor Bob had some dirt and sand removed from his new pool project, and he offered up to me to use on my camper pad next to the house.  I'm also using his wagon he offered, so it's making the project a little easier.  I moved the camper out yesterday, and I hope to get this part of the project done today and move it back before this afternoon.  I think Amber and I are going to a movie this afternoon, so I want to get all of that done today.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• Joe's volleyball clinic - August 20? send check
• $35.00 payable to Foremost - Joe Thompson
  1035 Dayton Drive
  Galesburg, IL  61401-1310
• write beginning of month checks and mail (and Joe's volleyball check)
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• check on Chase
• have to go through securis to schedule a visit
• I submitted a request for a public visit Wednesday, July 27 at 9 a.m.
• Chase canceled
• spray weeds
• finish moving dirt from Bob's yard to camper spot
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• received response today 7/26 - $8,000-$10,000 estimate
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22)

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close)

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

    - Rockridge HS open house - I will need to address this.

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - OPEN

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - OPEN

12 - OPEN

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Monday, July 25

6:49 a.m. - Okay it's not 6:49 a.m.; it's actually 5:06 p.m., and I'm not sure but I think I didn't save my thoughts this morning.  So I'll try again.  It's been a pretty productive day - mowed the yard, cleaned the pool, got Amber's bike and changed the seat, put some gas in the truck, made some phone calls around repairing the camper and visiting Chase, and got started on moving dirt from Bob's over to the spot by the house that I park the camper.  Just now we grilled up some beef filets and had veggies and baked beans too.  It was sooooooo good.  Those beef filets are amazing.  It's now 5:08, and Tucker, Rosie, and Kourtney are here, and I think tonight I'll read my book.  Oh, and glancing below I noticed that I also returned my clothes from the camper, and I made a deposit in the bank.  I hope tomorrow is as productive as today.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• complete IHSA concussion test
• Joe's volleyball clinic - August 20? send check
• $35.00 payable to Foremost - Joe Thompson
  1035 Dayton Drive
  Galesburg, IL  61401-1310
• write beginning of month checks and mail
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA after Aug. 1
• check on Chase
• have to go through securis to schedule a visit
• I submitted a request for a public visit Wednesday, July 27 at 9 a.m.
• make deposit to bank
• mow the yard
• spray weeds
• finish moving dirt from Bob's yard to camper spot
• get Amber's bike from Shawn
• pass IHSA concussion test
• vacuum the pool
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked
• J&J Camper - (309) 792-2795
• 1501 IL-5, East Moline, IL 61244
• send pics to service@jjcamper.com (Jason) (7/25/22)
• Quad Cities Camper Services - (309) 797-4390
• 5443 3rd Ave, Moline, IL 61265
• left a voicemail (7/25/22)

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2 - OPEN

3 - OPEN

4 - OPEN

5-6-7 WEEKEND - Sat. Ava's birthday party at our house

8 - OPEN

9- OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30 p.m.

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND - watching Kenzie's dogs (would have to stay close)

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30 p.m.

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic - 9 a.m. at Galesburg High School (would have to stay close)

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

    - Rockridge HS open house - I will need to address this.

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden - 5 p.m.

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH - 4:30

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND - Rosalea's birthday party (would have to stay close)

29 - SB at MerCoJH - 4:30

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden - 5 p.m.?

31 - OPEN

September

1 - OPEN

2-3-4-5 - Labor Day Weekend- Camping somewhere?

6 - VBJV at Wilton 4:30 p.m. 

7 - OPEN

8 - VB at Riverdale - 5 p.m. with Braeden

9-10-11 - OPEN WEEKEND -- Wilson Lake?

12 - VB at Bettendorf - 6 p.m.

13 - VB at Muscatine JH - 4 p.m.

14 - VB at MonRose 5 p.m. with Braeden

15 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.

16-17-18 - OPEN WEEKEND

19 - VB at Wethersfield with Braeden 5 p.m. 

20 - VB at Erie with Braeden 5 p.m.

21 - JHGBK at Orion - 5:30

22 - JHGBK at Knoxville 5:30 p.m.

23-24-25 - OPEN WEEKEND

26 - Carmen's Birthday - JHGBK at MerCo with Marcus - ?  5:30 

27 - VB at MerCo HS - 5 p.m.

28 - VB at Washington JH - 4 p.m.

29 - OPEN

30, 10/1, 10/2 - OPEN WEEKEND

October

3 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden 5 p.m.

4 - VB at Kewanee with Braeden 5 p.m.
5 - JHGBK at Merco with Shawn 5:30?

6 - OPEN

7-8-9-10  - OPEN WEEKEND -- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND - Wilson Lake?

11 - OPEN

12 - OPEN

13 - FRVB at Geneseo - 5 p.m.

14-15-16 - OPEN WEEKEND

17 - VB at Sherrard with Braeden - 5 p.m.

18 - VB at Erie with Braeden - 5 p.m.

19 - OPEN

20 - OPEN

21-22-23 - OPEN WEEKEND

24 - OPEN - Volleyball Regionals Begin...my volleyball season is over

25 - OPEN

26 - OPEN

27 - OPEN

28-29-30 - OPEN -- Final Weekend of Camping -- Loud Thunder

31 - OPEN

November

1 - OPEN

2 - at ROWVA JHGBK

3 - OPEN

4-5-6 - OPEN WEEKEND

7 - JHGBK at Orion 5:30

8 - at MercoJHGBK with Shawn

9 - at ROWVA JHGBK

10 - at ROWVA JHBBK

11-12-13 - OPEN WEEKEND -- HS basketball begins next week

Sunday, July 24

8:52 a.m. - The list of visited sites was - Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Deadwood, Badlands, Wall Drug, Yellowstone/Old Faithful, The Center of the Nation, 1880 Train ride, and we rode bicycles on the Mickelson Trail.  If I have forgotten anything, I'll list it later.  Our campground was the Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort, and it was top notch.  I have to go now because we have five grandchildren, two children, and two dogs here, so my time is limited.  I'm hoping for a relaxing day sometime.  I need to get a little work done on balancing my checkbook and updating my officiating/umpiring schedule.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• complete IHSA concussion test
• Joe's volleyball clinic - August 20?
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA
• record softball checks that arrived during trip
• update all the arbiter games that have been assigned and send out corresponding emails
• present to Shawn
• present to Jack
• present to Mom
• check on Chase
• balance checkbook spreadsheet with bank
• make deposit to bank
• answer KOA/camping surveys
• mow the yard
• spray weeds
• move dirt from Bob's yard to camper spot

• FOR trip from South Dakota
• return clothes from closet
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND - Joe's volleyball clinic

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Saturday, July 23 - Back from Vacation!

5:33 p.m. - Today's drive from Sioux Falls to home was a long one, but the camper is parked by the house in its spot and most of the important stuff has been unloaded.  Apparently we will have dogs and grandchildren here tonight...I don't know how long I will last...I'm really tired.  I will try to describe the highlights of the trip more in depth later, but for now I'm feeling really blessed that we had no major truck or camper problems that disrupted the trip too much.  We had a clogged toilet drain, but we worked through that, and we discovered some water damage on the inside of the camper that will need to be addressed soon.  To be honest, I don't know how long that water damage has been there.  It's possible we purchased the camper with the damage, and I didn't notice it.  I'm also feeling very blessed that the weather really cooperated.  Mother Nature was very good to us.  We had a couple of days with winds, but there were no storms.  The heat here today is more uncomfortable than the same temps or hotter we experienced there - so much humidity accompanies the hot temps here.  Finally, winning a hand pay jackpot at the casino for over $1,000 was a huge blessing.  That eased the financial picture a bit because the high gas prices and the repair work that was completed on the truck prior to the trip really took a bite out of my budget.  The dogs are here...I'll talk more about the trip later.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• complete IHSA concussion test
• Joe's volleyball clinic - August 20?
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA
• record softball checks that arrived during trip
• update all the arbiter games that have been assigned and send out corresponding emails
• present to Shawn
• present to Jack
• present to Mom
• check on Chase
• balance checkbook spreadsheet with bank
• make deposit to bank
• answer KOA/camping surveys
• 
  

• FOR trip from South Dakota
• return clothes from closet
• check on work needed to be done for water damage
• and have brakes inspected and bearings repacked

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Wednesday, July 13

5:15 a.m. - The Eagle is hooked up and ready to go; just have to connect the lights, disconnect the power, lock up the storage compartments, and be on our way.  The house (and grounds) is ready to go...stocked for Gma Cathy to care for it and for Jack to maintain the pool.  Departure day from home is mixed with excitement, adventure, worry, and a little bit of fear of the unknown.  The weather is going to be hot, but that's to be expected of South Dakota weather in late July.  We are going to have to "pinch some pennies", but that should be okay.  I've been working on planning this trip since April, so it's been a long time in the process of working it through.  I worked my tail off umpiring softball and working basketball to help finance repairs to the truck and pay for the vacation - that umpiring and officiating was tiring but worth the effort to know go explore.   Today we are starting the trip by heading to south central Iowa with Shawn and Mary.  We are hoping to stay at an Iowa State Park campground called Roberts Creek near Pella, Iowa,....hoping because we don't have reservations and are hoping the walk-up campsite areas have a couple of open spots.  I tried to look at sites availability yesterday, and I think we are going to be okay, but you never know until you arrive. 

In other news, a form was sent out at the beginning of this week for Rockridge Teachers Association members to vote on the tentative agreement reached with District #300.  The voting ends Thursday afternoon, so we should have results by Friday I would think.  I'm hoping the members will pass the ratification vote with at least an 80% approval.  

The January 6th Committee had another hearing yesterday regarding the Jan. 6 riot.  It's interesting to see how the news and news commentary outlets are handling the coverage.  I bristled last night while watching Tucker Carlson on Fox News; rather than reporting and commenting on the hearings, he was instead commenting on the recent news in Sri Lanka.  At one point he was attempting to call the actions occurring in that country a real insurrection - nothing like the incident at the capital in Washington, D.C. that was a man wandering around the building with horns on his head.  It's just disappointing and disheartening that some people watch his bullshit and believe him.  They don't understand the persuasive techniques that are utilized by commentary entertainment shows like that to distort truth and reality.  And they walk away with perceptions and opinions that just are counterproductive to people living together in simplicity and acceptance.  I realize social media is an influential beast, but news commentary media is a beast as well, and it's all about sensationalism to attract viewers which then allows them to make money on advertising that is pushed out during the shows.  The January 6th riot was a direct result of President Trumps efforts ... period.  He influenced the event through his words, his actions, his relationships with various people looking to create trouble and profit from President Trump remaining as president.  He's a dumb ass; he's un-American; and his dereliction of duty and process should have consequences - legal consequences.   He should be treated as though he contributed or perhaps even originated domestic terrorism that occurred on that day.

Things to do

• Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
• That's Dick Proenneke territory!
• complete IHSA concussion test
• find closer volleyball clinic?  Sterling is July 14
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA

• FOR South Dakota TRIP - start Iowa trip 9 a.m. at RHS bus barn
• check air pressure in camper tires
• make sure to have
• receipts of reservations
• checkbook
• medicine and toiletries bag
• charging wires
• wallet
• both sets of keys for truck and camper

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Tuesday, July 12

10:09 a.m. - I'm a little late to the computer today...the Harrison kids stayed with us, and they will be with us today too.  I've still been able to accomplish some stuff.  Yesterday, I was able to pick up some needed supplies for home while we are gone at Farm-n-Fleet, and I also filled up the truck and the spare gas can.  When I got home, I mowed the yard and packed my clothes in the Eagle for the upcoming trip.  I also was able to vacuum the pool.  (I'm still pretty proud of myself for replacing the seals on the pool motor.)  Yesterday I spoke with Mr. Strachan on the phone, and we have a plan for our little excursion to south central Iowa.  We are going to Roberts Creek campground near Pella, Iowa - leaving tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  Shawn and Mary and Chloe will be coming home on Friday; Amber and I will be headed to Sioux Falls for our overnight stay to break up the drive to Spearfish, S.D. 

This morning after taking a bike ride with the grand children, I went ahead and loaded our bicycles on the hitch behind the camper....I think I'm getting better at that process.   The only thing I really have to remember to do now is dump some chemicals in the pool and fill the chlorinator with tabs late tonight or early tomorrow morning before we leave. 

2:47 p.m. update - The house is empty.  I'm filing the pool, and next I will probably go to the bank and get some cash for the trip.  Next I will probably get the truck hooked up to the Eagle for tomorrow morning.  And if there is any time left, maybe I'll go fishing just because I have some free time.

• Things to do

  • Check out Wilson Lake Campground - 2195 220th Street Donnellson, IA 52625
  • That's Dick Proenneke territory!
  • complete IHSA concussion test
  • find closer volleyball clinic?  Sterling is July 14
  • purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA
• FOR South Dakota TRIP - start Iowa trip 9 a.m. at RHS bus barn
• check air pressure in camper tires
• make sure to have
• receipts of reservations
• checkbook
• medicine and toiletries bag
• charging wires
• wallet
• both sets of keys for truck and camper
• AT HOME
• fill chlorinator and put in two chlorine jugs

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Monday, July 11

5:50 a.m. - Yesterday was nice.  I did get in some exercise, and I happened to go by an estate sale and noticed a dolly for sale.  I've had my eyes on one of those for years, but I just wasn't ever wanting to purchase a new one.  I picked up this dolly for $20, so I said Happy Birthday to Jay.  We had friends and family over yesterday for my "party" that apparently I needed to have.  I got to blow out candles to my German chocolate cake with Tucker, Brinley, Luke, and Brooklyn, so that was fun.  And I got to see mom and dad, and even Cole made a visit after his umpiring was over.  Plus, Greg was here, so we got to visit and solve the world problems that currently exist.  

This morning we are supposed to have some thunderstorms moving through, so after I get up and going, I'll probably head to Muscatine and fill up with gas and pick up a couple of things needed for home while we are gone.  That will give the grass some time to dry out, and then I can mow.  I still need to load the camper with clothes too, which will take a little time.

Things to do

• complete IHSA concussion test
• find closer volleyball clinic?  Sterling is July 14
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA
• FOR South Dakota TRIP - start Iowa trip 9 a.m. at RHS bus barn
• fill truck and fill extra gas can with fuel for the SD trip
• check air pressure in camper tires
• make sure to have
• pack clothes - 8 days
• receipts of reservations
• swimming trunks/stuff
• checkbook
• medicine and toiletries bag
• charging wires
• wallet
• both sets of keys for truck and camper
• AT HOME
• mow yard
• fill chlorinator and refill tab bucket....vacuum pool and put in two chlorine jugs
• Farm-n-Fleet - birdseed, cat little, cat food

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Sunday, July 10

6:21 a.m. - This morning I was watching U.S. Farm Report, and there was a very good explanation about the high gas prices.  He really just made it simple, and it's based on a capitalist economy.  The supply of crude oil is not the problem.  The number of refineries producing gas is on decline, and the demand of gas by Americans is very high.  Even though the refineries that do still exist are producing at a high rate, there is no incentive to restart refineries that have been shut down or build new refineries because profits are very good right now.  Plus, with more and more switchover to alternative fuel sources such as solar and wind and electric vehicles, the refining industry recognizes that its opportunity to profit from refining oil is decreasing.  So why would companies restart old refineries or build new ones when the extended future looks like alternative fuel sources are on the rise.  Basically, the gas refinery people are going to make money while they can...and until the demand for gas fuel decreases...nothing really can stop them.  When people finally are over their "pandemic things" and travel less, and when the transportation industry starts using less diesel and gas (trucks, planes, trains, etc), then gas will come down but probably never return to prepandemic levels....why?  Because the oil refinery people want to make money as long as they can.

https://video.farmjournal.com/category/videos/john-s-world

Today...I think we have friends and family coming over for a pool/cookout day.  Amber is throwing together some type of birthday celebration for me, even though it's not my birthday.  We are going to be out of town on vacation, and while I generally don't view my birthday as a reason to celebrate July 15 every year, it will be nice to have a "pool day" today.  In the meantime, I think I'm going to get a little exercise in this morning.

Things to do

• complete IHSA concussion test
• find closer volleyball clinic?  Sterling is July 14
• purchase volleyball and basketball umpiring mechanics booklets from IHSA
• FOR South Dakota TRIP
• fill truck and fill extra gas can with fuel for the SD trip
• check air pressure in camper tires
• make sure to have
• receipts of reservations
• checkbook
• medicine and toiletries bag
• charging wires
• wallet
• both sets of keys for truck and camper
• AT HOME
• mow yard
• fill chlorinator and refill tab bucket
• Farm-n-Fleet - fill birdseed bucket and get cat another cat litter refill

August

1 - Jay Dentist - 7:30 a.m.

2-9 - OPEN

10 - SB at MerCoJH

11 - OPEN

12-13-14 - OPEN WEEKEND

15-16 - back-to-school institute

17 - RHS students return

18 - SB at RidgewoodJH

19-20-21 - OPEN WEEKEND

22 - VB at Morrison with Braeden

23 - VB at UTHS with Braeden

24 - SB at RidgewoodJH

25 - VB at Cambridge with Braeden

26-27-28 - OPEN WEEKEND

29 - SB at MerCoJH 

30 - VB at Riverdale with Braeden

Saturday, July 9

6:37 a.m. - Yesterday was special.  Carmen and I went to see Mr. Kargl at NW Mutual.  I wanted to get her started thinking about long term financial planning.  My intention wasn't to get her to purchase or commit to anything...just to get her in touch with someone I know to get her and her husband started.  Then after that, we completed a to-do item and picked up some liquid chlorine.  And then after that we went to The Olive Garden and had a nice lunch, which she insisted on paying for a birthday present for me.  The little things like that from your children are priceless.  It wasn't a bad day to do all of this because it was cloudy and then rainy for most of our adventure.  After that we stopped by the farm to visit awhile with Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Jim.  Then it was just a little hang out time at the house with more conversation and stories and laughs.  It really was a nice day...even longer for Carmen since she drove from her home in Fort Madison to get here.  I love that girl.

Today the weather will hopefully cooperate a little better.  The big project today is to do a little maintenance work on the pool motor.  This job should be a little easier and simpler since I had some work done on the electrical hookups to the motor.  I can't say I'm excited about doing this, but I am interested to see if the process is a little simpler.  Amber is headed off to the Farmer's Market while I'm doing this, and I think the Harrison grandchildren may be making a visit.

The rest of the day will depend on the length of visit from the grandchildren, but I may be working more on the camper and truck.  I'd really like to see how waxing the nose may help bring a little life back to the finish.  I'm not expecting brand new look, but I was hoping to lessen the fading effect a little.

1:14 p.m. - update -- I'm not sure the "wash-n-wax stuff" I bought really is much more than soap.  I'll wait until tomorrow to see if there is a noticeable difference.  I just did the bottom of the nose to see if I can tell anything different. I did wash all of the camper, which was a little bit of work, especially using the magic eraser to get the bugs and tar specs off.  Only Brinley came this morning, so there weren't all of the grandchildren.  Tucker and Rosie are here now, so I'm going to go out to the pool with them next.  I did get my bills written out and mailed, and I did go to the bank and make a little deposit.  I also cleaned out the truck and the bed box and reorganized my tools.  It's been a productive day so far.  I'm now drinking a beverage, and it's tasting good.

Things to do

• FOR TRIP
• fill extra gas can with fuel for the SD trip
• vacuum the truck out and put tools in bed
• make sure to have
• receipts of reservations
• checkbook
• medicine and toiletries bag
• charging wires
• wallet
• both sets of keys for truck and camper
• check air pressure in camper tires
• write out and mail bills for - NW mutual and Edg. Water and VISA
• put new seals in the pool motor

Friday, July 8

7:52 a.m. - The weather is dreary for a Friday.  I'm a little tired because I didn't sleep well, but that's okay because today shouldn't be too stressful.  I'm not really very certain what today will be like at all.  I don't think I'll get a lot of "to-do" stuff done, but that's okay.  Not every day can be as productive as ones like yesterday.  Sometimes we just need an "unproductive day" to relax and chill out.

Things to do

• check air pressure in camper and truck tires
• write out and mail bills for - NW mutual and Edg. Water
• get more liquid chlorine from Central Pool
• Tyler Kargl appointment with Carmen - Friday, July 8? at 10:30
• 1704 E. 54th St Davenport, IA 52807
• put new seals in the pool motor

Thursday, July 7

7:21 a.m. - Yesterday's meeting with the teachers' association went well.  We weren't able to vote yet on the tentative agreement, but hopefully we will be able to do that in the next couple of days.  After returning home, I mowed the yard and cleaned the pool.  Then I set my energy efforts on the camper to clean the slide rails.  Unfortunately as I was attempting to fix a problem, I found another one, and it's a problem I have contacted Shawn about helping me fix.  Hopefully we can fix it later today.  This morning the weather is cloudy, so I think I'm going to run some errands and get some things done off "the list" below, and then perhaps I'll return and work on that pool motor - something that's been on my mind for awhile. 

Healthwise, I think I'm up to about 90%, which is good.  Getting out of the house and doing some things yesterday helped.  Plus, later in the day 5 of the 6 grandchildren were here and even Cole paid us a visit.  We watched a great movie yesterday called Hustle - a Netflix movie starring Adam Sandler.  I really liked it because it was a basketball movie.

6:20 p.m. - What a productive day today was!  With Mr. Strachan's help, the Eagle is more ready for the trip out to South Dakota - slide tracks have been cleaned, wire track under the dining area slide is reattached correctly, rear right stabilizer assembly is corrected, dirt and bugs on the nose and under the nose have been removed, and the wheels have been greased.  And he brought beverages and cheese curds from Wisconsin!

Things to do

• check air pressure in camper and truck tires
• write out and mail bills for - NW mutual and Edg. Water
• fix wire track bracket on camper
• fix foot to lippert rear stabilizer - ordered two....install when arrive July 11
• get more liquid chlorine from Central Pool
• Tyler Kargl appointment with Carmen - Friday, July 8? at 10:30
• 1704 E. 54th St Davenport, IA 52807
• get a haircut
• HHR oil change
• put new seals in the pool motor

Wednesday, July 6

7:26 a.m. - I've been out of commission for a few days.  Amber gave me her cold, and it hit me very hard.  I did manage to get the camper back in place on Monday morning, and since then, I've pretty much been miserable.  This morning I'd say I'm back to about 60% health, but that's a lot better than I have been.  Our camping trip was pretty nice for the most part, but having the Harrison grandchildren for so long when they were so tired was challenging.  It's not their fault; any kids that are already tired are going to be a challenge.  

Today, we have a meeting with the Association to discuss the proposed contract.  I hope that goes well.

After the meeting, I'm not sure what I will do.  I need to mow the yard, but the weather is supposed to be bad again.

Things to do

• clean the pool and fill chlorinator
• write out and mail bills for - NW mutual and Edg. Water
• mow the yard
• fix foot to lippert rear stabilizer - ordered two....install when arrive July 11
• get more liquid chlorine from Central Pool
• Tyler Kargl appointment with Carmen - Friday, July 8? at 10:30
• get a haircut
• HHR oil change
• put new seals in the pool motor
• July 6 - 9 a.m. - association meeting

Saturday, July 2

7:35 a.m. - We are camping at Loud Thunder!  Well, right now I'm at home typing away, but the camper and Amber are back at Loud Thunder.  The beauty of camping 10 minutes away is the opportunity to travel back home, check on the cats and the pool, take care of anything I want to take care of (feeding the birds, weeding the flower bed, checking the mail, checking email, etc), and then head back to the campground!  I'm going to load up the kiddie bikes and carts for the Harrisons arrival on Sunday; I think I'm going to load up the fishing gear too and maybe do a little fishing today sometime.  

The really nice thing to see is no umpiring on my list.  I actually may do some umpiring next weekend for some extra cash even though I really don't want to.  

Okay...I'm going to get some work done here and take a shower and get back to the campground.

Things to do

• fix foot to steadyfast system
• get more liquid chlorine from Central Pool
• Tyler Kargl appointment with Carmen - Friday, July 8? at 10:30
• get a haircut
• HHR oil change
• put new seals in the pool motor
• July 6 - 9 a.m. - association meeting

2022 SOFTBALL UMPIRING

Fri., July 1 through Monday, July 4 - camping at Loud Thunder

Friday, July 1

6:13 a.m. - Five games yesterday was a bit much, but I got through it.  My partner last night at Burlington was amazing.  He made me look like an old man.  He was younger, slimmer, and a college guy, so his mechanics were awesome.  I didn't get off the field until 9:30 last night.  The morning games with Jason went fine, and then we went to A Guy and A Grill and had lunch.  In between games I did go check out Geode Park, but I wasn't impressed.  It would not be a place I would be interested in staying if we wanted to camp close to Tyler and Carmen in Fort Madison.

My truck is done, so that's good.  I need to go get it this morning and get the Eagle all hooked up to have a peaceful relaxing weekend at Loud Thunder.  I found out yesterday that the Bakers are supposed to get their trailer back and should be able to go too.

Things to do

• get more liquid chlorine from Central Pool
• get firewood from Shawn's
• Tyler Kargl appointment with Carmen
• get a haircut
• pick up officiating shoes
• HHR oil change
• get truck back from Slayden's
• make sure National Passes are in camper/truck
• put new seals in the pool motor
• July 6 - 9 a.m. - association meeting

2022 SOFTBALL UMPIRING

Fri., July 1 through Monday, July 4 - camping at Loud Thunder