May all your roads be smooth ones.
Saturday, May 16
RVTravel.com
For anyone interested in the RV lifestyle I have placed a link on the side for future reference. And today go visit RV Travel.com and sign up for their newsletter.
May all your roads be smooth ones.
May all your roads be smooth ones.
Thursday, May 14
Another chance?
Last weekend Butch Jason and I went out to Squirrel Hollow. The guys wanted to look for mushrooms. They found evidence that mushrooms were there but someone had beat them to it. I forgot my camera and I really wish I had it. The Raccoon river is particularly pretty in that area and we visited an old cemetery. Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Pleasant Hill Church and Squirrel Hollow Park. I had never seen or visited that cemetery before. It is very old and thus very interesting. Another interesting side note is that there is a stage coach marker near the cemetery that marks the trail from Des Moines to Sioux City. It operated from 1850 to 1866. It could not have been an easy ride!! I plan to go back and take my camera.
Butch is playing golf today. No news there
Monday, May 11
More detail
The horse was carved of different wood and added later and the "cord" beneath the horse head is carved and stained.
Detail
Here you can see where Jason carved a ball inside the cage he also carved. The ball contains a magnet that works to hold the ball quiet or you can shake it loose to create noise to warn wildlife of your presence.Click on Picture for close up view.
Walking Sticks by Jason
Jason has made walking sticks for some time but received additional inspiration while visiting us at Snow Mountain Ranch a couple years ago.
Jason is explaining to Butch how to make a whistle out of wood. His walking sticks are adorned with whistles, compasses and other accoutrement's.
Jason is explaining to Butch how to make a whistle out of wood. His walking sticks are adorned with whistles, compasses and other accoutrement's.
A Walk in the Rain
I took this picture with plans to identify the bird later. So far I haven't done it. If you know inform me and save me the research.
Friday, May 8
We are in Jefferson Iowa
We arrived in Jefferson this morning after our final doctor appointment. We both received good reports on all fronts...except I have been encouraged to schedule a colonoscopy for this fall. Hmmmm... that and a mammogram. Sounds like fun huh?
Now I have to get that out of my mind so I can have a fun summer.
Now I have to get that out of my mind so I can have a fun summer.
Thursday, May 7
The Lineman
I was looking over a back up CD and found this poem. I do not remember who sent it to me. I am sharing.
The Lineman
They sings of the men as goes down to the sea;
Of the heroes of cannon and swords;
An, writes of the valors of dead chivalry,
An, the bravery of old knights 'n lords.
They sighs 'cause the romance of knighthood is past
'Cause there ain't no ideals any more;
They says that this world's a rollin' too fast
To develop that "esprit de corps."
But them as complains are the ones as don't know,
Who sits loose where it's warm and then kick -
They ain't never seen a line saggin' with snow
An' had to get Service back - quick!
They ain't never struggled with Death at their side,
A-snappin' and hissin' and pale -
Nor clung to the towers and grimly defied
The assaults of the blizzards and gale.
They sit and are served with never a thought
Of the fellers out pluggin' like hell -
To supply at their touch the service they've bought
With a light, or the sound of a bell.
These fellers ain't togged out all shinin' in steel.
They don't ride around on no hoss -
They don't sing no songs about how they feel
In the gales when the feeders may cross.
They don't wave no banners embroidered in gold,
In Latin nobody can read;
They don't do no bragging of deeds that were bold,
Their motto is "SERVICE AND SPEED.'.
Their armor ain't nothin' but slickers an' boots
Their weapons are climbers and pliers
Their battles are fought up where hi-tension shoots
An' Death lurks unseen on the wires.
They're fightin' the gales and the blizzards an 'ice,
Protectin' the towers and span
With effort no measured in hours or price
For one Cause - just Service to man!
So here's to the Lineman - The Son-of-a-Gun
That can do without sleep for a week!
That sticks to the job 'til it's every bit done
And the feeders can carry the peak.
For his is that Knighthood that's noblest by far
That highest and mightiest clan,
That's fightin the battles of Things-as-they-are, in the cause of the Service of man.
Contributed by TradeMasters (Bruce Masse) bmasse@axionet.com
The Lineman
They sings of the men as goes down to the sea;
Of the heroes of cannon and swords;
An, writes of the valors of dead chivalry,
An, the bravery of old knights 'n lords.
They sighs 'cause the romance of knighthood is past
'Cause there ain't no ideals any more;
They says that this world's a rollin' too fast
To develop that "esprit de corps."
But them as complains are the ones as don't know,
Who sits loose where it's warm and then kick -
They ain't never seen a line saggin' with snow
An' had to get Service back - quick!
They ain't never struggled with Death at their side,
A-snappin' and hissin' and pale -
Nor clung to the towers and grimly defied
The assaults of the blizzards and gale.
They sit and are served with never a thought
Of the fellers out pluggin' like hell -
To supply at their touch the service they've bought
With a light, or the sound of a bell.
These fellers ain't togged out all shinin' in steel.
They don't ride around on no hoss -
They don't sing no songs about how they feel
In the gales when the feeders may cross.
They don't wave no banners embroidered in gold,
In Latin nobody can read;
They don't do no bragging of deeds that were bold,
Their motto is "SERVICE AND SPEED.'.
Their armor ain't nothin' but slickers an' boots
Their weapons are climbers and pliers
Their battles are fought up where hi-tension shoots
An' Death lurks unseen on the wires.
They're fightin' the gales and the blizzards an 'ice,
Protectin' the towers and span
With effort no measured in hours or price
For one Cause - just Service to man!
So here's to the Lineman - The Son-of-a-Gun
That can do without sleep for a week!
That sticks to the job 'til it's every bit done
And the feeders can carry the peak.
For his is that Knighthood that's noblest by far
That highest and mightiest clan,
That's fightin the battles of Things-as-they-are, in the cause of the Service of man.
Contributed by TradeMasters (Bruce Masse) bmasse@axionet.com
Wednesday, May 6
One more to go...
We have most of our appointments taken care of. Butch had his teeth checked and cleaned. He has so many crowns there isn't much that can go wrong there.
Our blood draws have been done and we both have good results on all counts. I thought the "Candy Man" might have to pay the piper for his bad habit but since he follows me around on our walks all the time he has successfully dodged that bullet as well.
The Diabetic Education Center checked out my meter and my results were all in range.
Our eye exams have been done and we both will be getting new lenses and frames.
TIP: If you or your spouse required safety glasses for their job you both may be eligible for safety lenses and frames. Considerably cheaper. The only negative is the selection of frames is small. I would much rather pay $150 as opposed to several hundred.
Angel had her Vet appointment yesterday and she got her vaccinations for rabies and distemper. She has been off her feed today. Hopefully she will be back to her normal self tomorrow.
One more appointment on Friday with our Family doctor to get our prescriptions renewed for the year and then we will be good to go for a year.
Monday, May 4
Fascination
This little girl had a real fascination with the water and this spot in particular. Every time we went for our walk this weekend she was peering into the water
Saturday, May 2
'The Mayo Piano'
'The Mayo Piano'
Click on the link below!
If you need a good smile and enjoy piano playing this will "Lighten" your heart!!
In the Mayo Buildings there is a piano and sometimes people stop to play.
This is the cutest little Video of two older folks playing the piano in the Gonda Building,
and is worth watching.
http://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2009/04/07/mayo-clinic-music-fun/
Click on the link below!
If you need a good smile and enjoy piano playing this will "Lighten" your heart!!
In the Mayo Buildings there is a piano and sometimes people stop to play.
This is the cutest little Video of two older folks playing the piano in the Gonda Building,
and is worth watching.
http://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2009/04/07/mayo-clinic-music-fun/
I do to golf
This was taken in Georgia. I do golf on special occasions and on Tuesdays in Texas. Pictures of me are rare on this site so decided to add this one that Butch took.
Friday, May 1
Enjoying the pace
I am so enjoying the slower pace of being at Lake Anita. There are 6 other RV units here but most are not visibly occupied. We have been able to get my mandatory two walks per day in and my blood sugar readings have reflected the results. It can be a bit of a challenge to get enough walking in while traveling. The rain showers haven't been too much to work around but I could do with less. Butch took the tow car sheild off the car when we arrived and put it on the picnic table, cleaned it up and we have been waiting for it to dry enough to put away ever since.
Thursday, April 30
Plum Blossoms =Childhood Memories
We had plum trees right next to the driveway. Wonderful perfume in the spring-terrific mess in the fall!
Wednesday, April 29
From a Nurse we know
The Pandemic flu planning group has been meeting frequently since Sunday to evaluate the information known about the cases of Swine flu (H1N1) in the U.S. and throughout the world and is in contact with the Department of Health. There are 50 cases confirmed in the U.S. at this time, with one person hospitalized and most cases very mild. No cases have been identified in SD, Minnesota, Iowa or Nebraska.
On Monday afternoon, April 27, the World Health Organization changed the Pandemic alert level from 3 to 4 (out of a possible 6) indicating that human-to-human spread has resulted in sustained "community level outbreaks. Level 4 indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased but not that it is inevitable. The WHO levels guide the levels of emergency response throughout the U.S. and at Sanford. You may remain up to date with recommendations from CDC and WHO by accessing this web site:
http://www.sanfordhealth.org/AboutSanford/SwineFluUpdate/index.cfm
Consider this as the start of another influenza season with newly heightened awareness for cases of influenza.
Travel precautions: At this time CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
Vaccination: There is no swine flu vaccine available at this time. It is not yet clear that the 2008-2009 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against this H1N1 strain of influenza. Therefore hand hygiene, cough hygiene and compliance with contact/droplet precautions are essential prevention strategies.
Personal Preparations: Now is the time to begin thinking about how you will meet the needs of family and the needs of work should cases of the H1N1 flu occur nearby which could involve implementing additional measures to prevent spread.
Precautions when caring for patients suspected/known to have influenza A:
* Private room with standard, contact and droplet isolation to enter the room including gown, mask, and gloves.
* Frequent hand hygiene with either soap and water or waterless hand sanitizers – instruct visitors and patients
* Cough etiquette using tissue or sleeves to cough into, discard tissues, follow with hand hygiene – instruct visitors and patients
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth - that is how the virus can spread to you
Symptoms: Any of these can occur - Fever of 100º F or more, headache/body aches, fatigue/malaise, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, GI symptoms of nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, shortness of breath and altered mentation.
Transmission: Transmission is by droplet or contact with a coughing or sneezing person.
Incubation period: 1-4 days from exposure
Infectious period: From one day prior to the onset of symptoms until 7 days following onset.
Treatment: Those who are ill can be treated with anti-viral medications. Treatment guidelines have been distributed to physicians and mid-level practitioners and will be updated as needed.
Preventing Illness: If you get sick stay home from work, school and avoid contact with others.
This is a situation that can change in a moment. You will be updated as the information changes.
Sent on behalf of the Pandemic Planning Team
Sharon Rockman RN BA CIC
Sanford Health Infection Preventionist and Coordinator
On Monday afternoon, April 27, the World Health Organization changed the Pandemic alert level from 3 to 4 (out of a possible 6) indicating that human-to-human spread has resulted in sustained "community level outbreaks. Level 4 indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased but not that it is inevitable. The WHO levels guide the levels of emergency response throughout the U.S. and at Sanford. You may remain up to date with recommendations from CDC and WHO by accessing this web site:
http://www.sanfordhealth.org/AboutSanford/SwineFluUpdate/index.cfm
Consider this as the start of another influenza season with newly heightened awareness for cases of influenza.
Travel precautions: At this time CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
Vaccination: There is no swine flu vaccine available at this time. It is not yet clear that the 2008-2009 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against this H1N1 strain of influenza. Therefore hand hygiene, cough hygiene and compliance with contact/droplet precautions are essential prevention strategies.
Personal Preparations: Now is the time to begin thinking about how you will meet the needs of family and the needs of work should cases of the H1N1 flu occur nearby which could involve implementing additional measures to prevent spread.
Precautions when caring for patients suspected/known to have influenza A:
* Private room with standard, contact and droplet isolation to enter the room including gown, mask, and gloves.
* Frequent hand hygiene with either soap and water or waterless hand sanitizers – instruct visitors and patients
* Cough etiquette using tissue or sleeves to cough into, discard tissues, follow with hand hygiene – instruct visitors and patients
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth - that is how the virus can spread to you
Symptoms: Any of these can occur - Fever of 100º F or more, headache/body aches, fatigue/malaise, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, GI symptoms of nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, shortness of breath and altered mentation.
Transmission: Transmission is by droplet or contact with a coughing or sneezing person.
Incubation period: 1-4 days from exposure
Infectious period: From one day prior to the onset of symptoms until 7 days following onset.
Treatment: Those who are ill can be treated with anti-viral medications. Treatment guidelines have been distributed to physicians and mid-level practitioners and will be updated as needed.
Preventing Illness: If you get sick stay home from work, school and avoid contact with others.
This is a situation that can change in a moment. You will be updated as the information changes.
Sent on behalf of the Pandemic Planning Team
Sharon Rockman RN BA CIC
Sanford Health Infection Preventionist and Coordinator
Spreading the Word
Someone you may know who would be a perfect fit for this position at Snow Mountain Ranch.
The Gift Shop Supervisor is a paid position for 24 hours per week that provides full room and board. We are looking for someone who would be willing to commit to a year at this position. Please see the attached job description for responsibilities and requirements. Interested candidates should fill out an application on-line at: smrjobs.org – then click on Seasonal Application.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, and thank you in advance for spreading the word about this great opportunity!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, and thank you in advance for spreading the word about this great opportunity!
#################################################################################
JOB DESCRIPTION
SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
POSITION: GIFT SHOP SUPERVISOR
EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal, Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Guest Services Director
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Gift Shop Supervisor is responsible for providing a high level of service to Snow Mountain Ranch guests and staff. The Gift Shop Supervisor trains, supervises and guides all gift shop employees & volunteers. This individual is responsible for correct cash procedures, a clean shop and a well-merchandised sales floor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
1.Possess a positive attitude towards serving guests and supervising staff.
2.Train all new Gift Shop employees & volunteers.
3.Make weekly work schedules.
4.Complete and review mid season and end of season evaluations with Gift Shop employees & volunteers.
5.Responsible for pricing procedures on incoming merchandise.
6.Perform and/or oversee daily inventory.
7.Maintain appropriate levels of inventory by assisting the Guest Services Director in ordering and re-ordering merchandise.
8.Monitor daily income reports.
9.Communicate job performance concerns with the Guest Services Director.
10.Operate the cash register, telephone and credit card machine.
11.Clean facilities and equipment. Maintain a neat and well-organized work area.
12.Restock merchandise on a regular basis.
13.Maintain an accurate and balanced “Daily Income Report.”
14.Maintain accurate accountability of money in cash box and register. Able to count back change to customers.
15.Complete opening and closing procedures as scheduled.
16.Take initiative and motivate others to find things to do during slow times.
17.Operate commercial popcorn popper & coffee cart.
18.Speak English fluently
19.Be able to move throughout the Gift Shop for an eight-hour shift.
20.Perform basic math functions with calculator.
21.Reflect YMCA core values in all functions - caring, honesty, responsibility, respect & faith.
OTHER FUNCTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
1.Lift 30 pounds.
2.Participate in annual inventory (early January).
3.Communicate maintenance needs to B&G.
4.Move merchandise from attic storage to Gift Shop as needed.
5.Other duties as assigned.
DRESS CODE:
In addition to the grooming standards outlined in the Seasonal Staff Handbook, the following applies:
A staff vest or shirts with the YMCA of the Rockies logo will be issued to each seasonal employee from May to August and December to April. You will be required to wear this uniform while on duty. A neat and clean appearance is required at all times. Work boots or hiking boots recommended. No open toed shoes. Long work pants/jeans. No shorts.
Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.
The Gift Shop Supervisor is a paid position for 24 hours per week that provides full room and board. We are looking for someone who would be willing to commit to a year at this position. Please see the attached job description for responsibilities and requirements. Interested candidates should fill out an application on-line at: smrjobs.org – then click on Seasonal Application.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, and thank you in advance for spreading the word about this great opportunity!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, and thank you in advance for spreading the word about this great opportunity!
#################################################################################
JOB DESCRIPTION
SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
POSITION: GIFT SHOP SUPERVISOR
EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal, Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Guest Services Director
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Gift Shop Supervisor is responsible for providing a high level of service to Snow Mountain Ranch guests and staff. The Gift Shop Supervisor trains, supervises and guides all gift shop employees & volunteers. This individual is responsible for correct cash procedures, a clean shop and a well-merchandised sales floor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
1.Possess a positive attitude towards serving guests and supervising staff.
2.Train all new Gift Shop employees & volunteers.
3.Make weekly work schedules.
4.Complete and review mid season and end of season evaluations with Gift Shop employees & volunteers.
5.Responsible for pricing procedures on incoming merchandise.
6.Perform and/or oversee daily inventory.
7.Maintain appropriate levels of inventory by assisting the Guest Services Director in ordering and re-ordering merchandise.
8.Monitor daily income reports.
9.Communicate job performance concerns with the Guest Services Director.
10.Operate the cash register, telephone and credit card machine.
11.Clean facilities and equipment. Maintain a neat and well-organized work area.
12.Restock merchandise on a regular basis.
13.Maintain an accurate and balanced “Daily Income Report.”
14.Maintain accurate accountability of money in cash box and register. Able to count back change to customers.
15.Complete opening and closing procedures as scheduled.
16.Take initiative and motivate others to find things to do during slow times.
17.Operate commercial popcorn popper & coffee cart.
18.Speak English fluently
19.Be able to move throughout the Gift Shop for an eight-hour shift.
20.Perform basic math functions with calculator.
21.Reflect YMCA core values in all functions - caring, honesty, responsibility, respect & faith.
OTHER FUNCTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
1.Lift 30 pounds.
2.Participate in annual inventory (early January).
3.Communicate maintenance needs to B&G.
4.Move merchandise from attic storage to Gift Shop as needed.
5.Other duties as assigned.
DRESS CODE:
In addition to the grooming standards outlined in the Seasonal Staff Handbook, the following applies:
A staff vest or shirts with the YMCA of the Rockies logo will be issued to each seasonal employee from May to August and December to April. You will be required to wear this uniform while on duty. A neat and clean appearance is required at all times. Work boots or hiking boots recommended. No open toed shoes. Long work pants/jeans. No shorts.
Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.
Sherri's Daycare
Friend Sherri runs a daycare in her home. We stopped in yesterday and she had cuties Olivia and Tyler on her lap.
Current Location Lake Anita Iowa
Pictured below are Coots on Lake Anita. Butch gets a charge out of making them take off for the water. Of course, it is easy to do.
We are at Lake Anita, a favorite spot while doing our annual doctor business. Our first appt. is Thursday when Butch visits the dentist. Next one is Tuesday when we both see the eye doctor in the morning and Angel sees the vet in the afternoon. Final appt is Friday the 8th when we see our family physician for annual refills on meds. Then we will be good to go!
Next stop- hometown Jefferson Iowa.
We are at Lake Anita, a favorite spot while doing our annual doctor business. Our first appt. is Thursday when Butch visits the dentist. Next one is Tuesday when we both see the eye doctor in the morning and Angel sees the vet in the afternoon. Final appt is Friday the 8th when we see our family physician for annual refills on meds. Then we will be good to go!
Next stop- hometown Jefferson Iowa.
Monday, April 27
Visiting Missouri Kids
Amanda and Brad fixed supper for us and then we went for a walk.
Amanda and Brad have a new puppy. Eva Noel was born on Christmas eve. We have here a family photo of Amanda holding Eva and Brad holding Shelley Belle.
Susan holding Eva
Friday, April 24
Posts aplenty
I have been busy posting pictures from our trip across the south. If I put them all on here at once it would take FOR...EVER. We left the park in Texas on April 1 and have been moving pretty steadily ever since. It has been a fun and memorable trip.
Today we were able to get our MoHo fixed and will be moving on again tomorrow. We stayed here at Big Cabin for one more night due to wind. It IS Oklahoma!
I made doctor appointments for all of us including Angel. So we will spending some time with our Lees Summit kids and then mosey on north to Lake Anita where spring will be in full bloom. We hope!!
Our stop at the doctors should be brief and then we will be in Jefferson for a short time before heading for Colorado.
Try to keep up!!! hehehe
Today we were able to get our MoHo fixed and will be moving on again tomorrow. We stayed here at Big Cabin for one more night due to wind. It IS Oklahoma!
I made doctor appointments for all of us including Angel. So we will spending some time with our Lees Summit kids and then mosey on north to Lake Anita where spring will be in full bloom. We hope!!
Our stop at the doctors should be brief and then we will be in Jefferson for a short time before heading for Colorado.
Try to keep up!!! hehehe
Dutch and Lum's Party Boat
Dutch and Lum share ownership of the party boat and they entertain friends with trips up and down the Wolf River and into the Bay of St Louis. There is a potty on this party boat. Good thing too!!!
Lum and Donna's Mississippi Home
Lum and Donna's home in Mississippi. These are the "outbuildings" Their NEW motorhome is not totally visible in these shots but you can see a portion of it next to Lum's greenhouse.
Love my duck!
Lum planted my duck with a white geranium. I think he looks quite handsome. Thanks Lum
From Palacios Pictures
These pictures are from my Palacio 2009 collection. One is a discarded piece of rope from one of the shrimp boats and the second one is ocean front property in Palacio. There are some beautiful homes there.
Wednesday, April 22
Mad Dash
We are in the middle of a mad dash for Big Cabin OK to get the moho serviced. When we left Magnolia Park we started noticing an oily smell whenever we stopped. Butch saw evidence of oil in the wheel well. We knew not where it came from. Butch finally called the servicing people in Big Cabin and it was determined to be a faulty wheel hub seal. He said we could safely make the trip to Oklahoma for repair if we made sure we replenished the oil in the hub periodically. We have done that. We should arrive in Big Cabin tomorrow and it will be a relief to get the repairs done and servicing at the same time.
The traveling has been great. We have finished listening to The Gatehouse by Nelson DeMille. Tomorrow we start on The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I have read the book but enjoyed it enough to listen to it along with Butch. The miles really fly by when otherwise entertained by listening to a book.
I am way behind in posting. My plan is to backtrack a bit and do some posts on New Orleans and Pass Christian. Lum & Donna and then the Georgia kids, grandkids and GREATgranddaughter!!
Tuesday, April 21
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