10th Anniversary

Kirk and I celebrated our 10th anniversary very quietly this year while at Chapparal Campground in Wonewoc, WI.   We decided that after my assignment(s) are completed WI, we will take a 2 week vacation  to celebrate our anniversary before heading south for the winter.  This past 10 years has definitely been an adventure.  We were married in Iowa, moved immediately to Texas, lived there for 7 years, then downsized to a motorhome, and have been on the road for the past 3 and 1/2 years.  Chuy and Lily are also tagging along.  To be continued.............

 At the AT&T Center in San Antonio getting ready to see our Spurs play!

 At a wedding in Laredo, TX for one of my San Antonio co-workers.

 Golf Tournament......in memory of my brother, Bob...Monmouth, Il

 Halloween at Dave and Karin's in SA....Kirk went as a golfer.

 On the Riverwalk in SA.....we love going there just to people watch.

 Attending another co-workers wedding in SA...need to work on evening out my tan.

 In Corpus Christi ...one of our favorite spots to go in the RV for holiday weekends.

 Nashville, TN.....what a blast we had there.

 Arlington, TX...at the market picking up our Hatch green chili's and heading back to Rudy and Bev's to can.

 The Woodlands, TX....10-10-10 for Nate and Lindsey's wedding.

 Kennedy Space Center, FL...Fun and interesting place.

 Bringing in the 2011 New Year in Daytona Beach, FL

 Key West....a quick weekend trip....now this is a fun place.

 Our marriage license...only the beginning!

 Tempe, AZ...the Hawkeyes playing at the Insight Bowl....tailgaiting was so much fun!

 Dancing to our song at our "surprise" going away party in SA

 Greenbay, WI...Lambeau Field...home of the Greenbay Packers.  Great Tour!

 Chuy and Lily posing for a Christmas picture.

 Kickapoo River canoe trip with friends from Chapparal Campground in Wonewoc, WI

 Door County....Eagle Tower (75 feet high) at Peninsula St Park.

 The Everglades in FL....Wear your earplugs on this ride.

 Florida, waiting to see the last shuttle launch..

 Hoover Dam, NV...we are on the walkway of the new bridge....great experience.

Orlando, FL at Epcot Center.....met the girls and Ady for a day of fun.

Austine's Graduation May, 2013

I know that this may be hard to believe for those who know us, BUT, our oldest granddaughter graduated from high school.  Yes, May 19, 2013 Austine Nelson got her high school diploma.  I've only known her for 10 years, as I married her grandpa about that long ago, but I've watched her grow from a grade school, little girl, to a beautiful, young lady.   She has excelled in sports, dancing, education, and fun.  She is attending Simpson college in Indianola, Iowa.  She is one smart girl and her grandpa and I know she will do well in whatever it is she sets her mind to.  Congratulations Austine!  We love you!

 Austine, one happy young lady!

Finally, ......I'm outa here!

Ben's 30th Birthday weekend

Benjamin Robert Ryner turned 30 years old on April 26, 2013.  He is my middle child and my only son.  This 8 lb 13 oz baby boy is now an amazing man.    Ben has grown into a wonderful husband, father, brother, son.  He has an adorable wife, Nicki, and 2 awesome children, Bella and Isaac.  Ben is a cranberry grower/musician.  He does both exceptionally well.  When Ben does something, he gives it his all.
Ben celebrated his 30th birthday weekend in Minneapolis with his family and friends.  Kirk and I stayed at Kristy and Robyn's place and provided entertainment for the grandkids while the kids and their friends participated in a scavenger hunt in downtown Minneapolis, and partied.   There are no words to adequately express how proud I am of him.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!  Love you so much.

 Ben and Nicki out on the town during the 30th BD weekend.

 Ben and the 2 Gingers.....Dani and Nicki

 Isaac and Bella.....just so dang cute!!

I think we are being mustacherious here..... :)

Chapparal Campground 2013

We arrived at Chapparal Campground on April 8th.  The weather was cold and snow was predicted.  This was not what we had expected for Spring weather.  However, we are in WI, and anything goes when it comes to the weather.  We literally had to dig around looking for our heaviest, warmest clothing.  The heater was running non-stop to keep it half-way warm in the RV.  We were so excited to see Dennis and Dianne, owners of the Chapparal.  They had talked to Kirk earlier in the past month or so to see if we would be staying in this area as we would be their hosts, but we just couldn't commit at the time as I didn't know where my next assignment would be.  So, they hired another couple (Scott and Sue) to be their hosts.  When I got my assignment in Elroy (which started 4/10), we knew we'd be staying at the Chapparal.  It was too late to be hosts, but they found work around the campground for Kirk (he loves to keep busy), and we are now their 2nd set of hosts.   Kirk works all day around the campground with Ronnie and Dennis, and at night we take firewood around to the campers, and do anything else that may arise.  Of all the places we have been so far, this campground is one of the most spacious and beautiful.

 Snow and ice in April at Chapparal Campground, Wonewoc, WI.  View from our RV.

On the road to WI 2013

Kirk and I had a little over a week to travel from my job in Mesa, AZ to my next assignment in Elroy, WI.  After stopping at Carrie's in Payson, UT, we hit the road traveling around the mountains near Salt Lake City and ending up at our first stop in Rawlins, WY.  We stayed at the Western Hills RV park.  The staff there was great and very accommodating.  Kirk and I were hungry for Thai food, and ate at a great little place downtown called Agnong Thai food.  Who would have thought that you could find great Thai food in Wyoming!

 This picture does not do the mountain justice, going around Salt Lake City.

Another beautiful mountain near SLC...even a greater view from the RV.

Our next stop was Ogallala, NE.  Since I have taken sooooo long to catch up my blog, I really can't remember where we stayed in Ogallala.  I had notes, but did not write that down.  I'm wondering if maybe we just kept on driving and stopped in North Platte, NE?  There I know where we stayed, where we ate, and who we met.  We only spent one night in the park.  However,  I met the family in the very decorated RV parked next us and also only passing through and spending the night.  They were the Watts family of Watts in the World Everyday Family.   A TV family of 5....father, mother, 2 girls, and a boy.  They are on the road for a year and are from Salt Lake City.  Mrs Watts blogs their adventures which you can read about in Wattsintheworld.com.

Very interesting Watts family parked next to us in North Platte, NE.

Our next overnight stop was Pine Grove RV park in Greenwood, NE.  This was a campground basically on farm land.  I started to feel my sinus infection return.  So after leaving Greenwood, I was able to find a doctor in network with my insurance in Waukee, IA.  You can imagine the look on everyone's face at the doctor's office when a 43 foot RV pulled up in their parking lot.  Loved this doctor! I got my Z-pack.  Took as directed, and have not been sick since.  It's so nice when doctor's actually listen to you.

Kirk and I were now headed to Nate and Lindsey's in Granger, IA.  There really wasn't anyplace close that could accommodate our RV, so knowing there was a Barr-Nun trucking company right across the road from their house, I called.  I was directed to a guy named Dwayne.  I was told he would be the one to talk to about parking overnight in their parking lot.  Kirk and I arrived and went in to meet Dwayne.  Very nice, and interesting guy.  He told us he has been with the company since it started.  Thanks for everything Dwayne. We stayed the night without incident and had a great visit with Nate, Lindsey, and Mason.  That Mason is getting so big.  He loves his Papa Kirk.

 It's a very special person who can get Papa Kirk down on all fours.

Mason Kirk Nelson...about 7 months old in this pic.

As much as we hated having to leave that handsome little fella, we had to say good-bye and head to Mavis' (Kirk's mom) in Gladbrook, IA.  We spent 3 days with her.  While we were there, Heather and Damon visited, as did Bev and Al.  We celebrated Mavis' 86th birthday.  I think she enjoyed having everyone there. As always, Kirk did odds and ends around the house getting it ready for Spring and Summer. He loves doing that stuff for his mom.  Of course, while there, we all went to Zeno's in Marshalltown for pizza.

Chuy and Kirk worn out after a de-winterizing Grandma Mavis' house.

Easter in Utah 2013

After leaving Mesa, Kirk and I decided to take the long route to Wisconsin.  Carrie (Kirk's daughter) lives in Payson, AZ with her husband, John and hers, his, and their kids.  Six kids in all.  We were so excited to see Kyler, Kael, Taylor, Jasmine, Braydon, and Dakota. Their is nothing like grandkids.  We took them all (including John's parents) out to eat Easter Sunday, and then returned to our campground to let the kids play, and just hang out.  I really do think everyone had a great time.  I know we did.

 Kael, Braydon, Kyler, Jasmine,Dakota, and Taylor......whew!!!!

 Mountain view driving to Utah....breathtaking.

 They all had a ball....what a beautiful background and foreground :)

Jasmine's art and message to Grandpa Kirk and Grandma Reina.  Love you too!

Mesa, AZ 2013

Unlike my other blogs, this one is going to take the form of a Christmas letter.  You know those letters in a Christmas card, and sometimes just an envelope, where you get a summary of one's whole year of things that you find interesting, and other things you could care less about.  Well, being this is kinda like a journal for me, and I'm not sure anyone reads this but me, I will include those things others probably care less about, because I will surely enjoy going back and reading about them, maybe wishing I had written more detail.   

Christmas Day 2012 will be remembered as the year that Kirk gave Banner Baywood in Mesa, AZ a gift.  His gallbladder.  He went into the hospital with severe pain and was diagnosed with pancreatitis.  Although, there were no stones, the doctors convinced him that having his gallbladder removed would take care of the problem.  So, after a mega amount of questions and hesitation, that's what he did.  Angela, my sister, was a huge support and help during this time as we had just arrived in Mesa a few days prior to Kirk going into the hospital and I was just starting my new assignment.  Don't know what I would have done without her.

Chuy and Lily taking care of Kirk, just home from hospital, while I am at work.

I Started my new assignment in Mesa just a few days before Christmas at Mi Casa Nursing Center.  Now these were a great bunch of people to work with.  I was covering for a maternity leave and was EXTREMELY busy.  They were great team players, which is what I love the most when working with other therapists.  I met some awesome people there.  Just about the entire time I was in Mesa though, I had a sinus infection, which also turned into laryngitis, an ear infection, and fluid in both ears.  Regardless, I did have a few "good" weeks, where I felt better.  Yes, I did go to a Dr who refused to give me a Z-pack (which is the only thing that touches my sinus infections).  He gave me some other antibiotic, which didn't help. So, I stayed sick most of the time in AZ.  I worked in Mesa from December 2012 til end of March 2013. 

From January 18-20, Kirk and I took off to Quartzite, AZ.  We had gone last year, and thouroughly enjoyed the experience.  This was also close to Kirk's birthday (23rd) so we celebrated that.  We met some new friends, Paul and Linda from Thousand Oaks, CA, along with many other Tiffin "boondockers".  The happening "Ruffs" put on a great outing.  Even had omelets in a bag for the first time.

The Happening Ruffs in Quartzite, AZ.  All Tiffin motorhomes.

The Waste Management PGA Open in Scottsdale, AZ (1/28 - 2/3 ) was a week long adventure for Kirk and Angela.  Angela is a veteran volunteer and was able to hook Kirk up with doing the same this year.  For any of you who know Kirk, you know he LOVES to golf, and do anything golfy.  He volunteered at the LPGA last year, but was ecstatic about being able to do the PGA.  The highlight of his week, was actually saturday (his day off), when he took me,  and we got to walk the last 3 holes with Phil Mickelson.  You won't see a picture of this though, as NO PICTURES ALLOWED!!  They were very strict about that rule.  He was able to see a side view of himself on the 16th green on the Golf channel.  While walking the last 3 holes, I met Debbie Rolfing (wife of NBC golf commentator) and had a nice chat with her while walking to the NBC trailers.  She is a very sweet lady. 

 Kirk's first day volunteering at the PGA...you'd have thought it was his first day of school...happy boy!

 The famous 16th hold at the Waste Management PGA in Scottsdale, AZ

 Me and my new BFF Deb Rolfing....who took this picture anyway.

Kirk and I having some fun at the Waste Management PGA tent.

Kirk also volunteered at the LPGA in Scottsdale in March.  Anglea, Rudy, and Bev (sister, brother, sister-in-law) also volunteered.  They all had a great time and one of the perks of volunteering was a round of golf on the same course ( The Wildfire).  Two rounds for those who worked the extra hours. 

 The Guys love Paula.

 Bev, Angela, and Kirk.  I can see why they were so tired when they got home :)

 Rudy and Kirk cruising the Wildfire....not sure what they were cruisin for though.

 The guys and Paula.  I'm pretty sure this made their day.

Their hard work paid off.  Rudy, Kirk, Bev, and Angela starting off a round of golf at the Wildfire.

Kirk and I drove up to South Mountain before leaving Mesa.  We had tried last year, but that time it was closed for a bike run.  We had been told that if you want to see a gorgeous sunset, go to South Mountain.  Well, everyone was right.  Absolutely, beautiful sunset!   While waiting for the sunset we got an added bonus.  A film crew was doing a documentary of Jerry Lawson's life.  We did not meet him, but did meet his wife, Julie, and talked quite a long while with her.   Jerry used to sing with The Persuasions.  Him and Julie now live in Scottsdale.  If you want to know more about Jerry, you can go to Jerrylawson.biz. 

 Jerry and Julie Lawson (He sang with the Persuasions) during a documentary shooting.

South Mountain sunset......ahhhh!!!

Elena and Jim (sister and brother-in-law) visited Mesa while we were all there.  So, it was kinda like a small family reunion.  Rudy and Bev, Kirk and I, Jim and Elena, Angela, Stacy and Aaron.  It's not too often that we all get together.  We had a ball!   Our Uncle Dan, Aunt Wanetta, Karla, JR, and Rylie also live in the area.  Marcus and Nicole also visited while Kirk and I were there. 

 Get together at the RV park...Jim, Angela, Elena, Wanetta, Bev, Rudy, and Kirk

 Celebrating St Patty's Day....green beer and lemonade.  Kirk, Rudy, Bev, Angela, and Me

 Can't imagine my life without these ladies...me, Angela, Elena, Bev, and Stacy

 Siblings always...Angela, Stacy, Elena, Rudy, and me

 Cutest couple ever...Elena and Jim

 Aaron and Stacy...having a good time.

 Don't know what she did, but she just made up.....and he liked it...Bev and Rudy

Sista's......Reina, Bev, Angela, and Elena

 Grandma Angela and darling Rylie.

 Karla, JR, and Rylie....cutest family....Angela's daughter and her family.

Marcus and Nicole....all the way from Illinois....Angela's son and his lady.

Kirk, Angela, and Rudy took a private tour of the Ping Factory in Phoenix.  Kirk was told that every player who wins any professional golf tournament with a Ping putter is given a gold plated putter and Ping puts a gold putter in the vault, I believe with the player's name on it.  I will do more research on that and edit this information if I need to.  All in all they had a great tour. 

Kirk, Rudy, and Angela....Can't quite recall how they managed to score a private tour.
Aside from from my persistent sinus infections, Kirk and I had a great time in Mesa this past Winter.  I enjoyed my Saturday morning patio sale shopping with Angela and Wanetta.  Kirk was able to get lots of golf practice in and even joined a mixed league that Angela also belonged to.  Mesa even has TWO Costco's.  Our favorite was the one on the west side as all ages were there and generally polite.  The other Costco was mainly frequented by the Winter Snowbirds.  I'm not trying to be judgmental, but some of them can be quite rude.  If you aren't aware....I love shopping at Costco, and I like it being a pleasant experience.  We enjoyed the mostly nice weather, the road trips, and all the wonderful people that we met.  It was great being able to have Rudy and Bev also spend a month in Mesa at our park.