Gathering of A-Frames, Clinton Lake Illinois

We just had a great weekend at Clinton Lake Illinois, near Dewitt IL.

The weather was great, sunshine and blue skies all weekend. Unusual for us. We tested out the new GMC Terrain towing and it was no problem. We averaged 17.7 MPG over 430 miles (not bad, not great, but Ok) which included us running around the campground and towing at 70 on the highway with an AWD car. Carol had a few problems trying to drive to the shower house at night but everything else went good.

We had a good time with the group, an eclectic group for sure. That's what makes it so fun; everybody's different, some are funny, some are odd, some weird, some peculiar, a few are normal. I wonder where I fall in. Who cares, it's just always an enjoyable weekend.

Aliner back in service

After the storm in Amana Iowa when our camper came apart and got flooded we weren't sure what was going to happen. When the rain let up a little we packed it up and drove home. At home when we opened it up, it already smelled bad. The laminate on the countertops was popping off, the cushions were moldy, the curtains were stretched out of shape and drooping. But the mechanical parts seemed ok. State Farm wanted us to take it to an Aliner dealer 2 1/2 hours away and get an estimate for repairs. I knew they would not be able to get countertops, drapes and cushions for an 2004 camper. Then we figured that the prices would be so much that they would total the camper. We decided we had too much in this one to just walk away. We found a local countertop company that would make new tops. Carol picked out material and found someone to make new curtains. Carol was able to clean the cushions and we got new foam. We made a deal with State Farm and they paid for most of it. We did most of the work, taking it apart and putting it all back together. State Farm got off cheap, but we got our camper back. These pictures do not show the true colors. It was dark.

Craig's Birthday

We celebrated Craig's birthday today, one day early. It's hard to believe he is 27.

Aliner update

The curtains, cushions and the countertops have been removed. Now we have to get replacements and then we are getting closer to being on the road again.

A new car. Well, new to me.

My Buick died. I got a GMC Terrain.

Family BBQ

Since my sister and family were in town from Padre Island we had a good reason to get together. We had a great time.

It's hard to believe Kayla is 15, wow!

It was a little warm today.

But we all had a good time and we ate good, too.

Water damage

Tonight I told Carol I was going to check out the microwave and TV that got soaked up in Amana, Iowa during the storm. After the storm I picked up the TV and water poured out of it. They have been sitting in the hot garage since Friday night. Carol made me check them outside in case they blew up. They both worked great. I don't know how long they will work but for now they are OK.





The cushions, drapes and the countertops didn't fair so well. The cushions are all moldy, the curtains are all stretched out, torn screen and the particle board countertops are all swelling up. Water marks along the bottom of the cabinets.



The rest of the Aliner looks like it can be saved. I'm still waiting for State Farm to show up.

Fathers Day

The kids came over today with food to BBQ, pork steaks and bratwurst. They also brought dessert, key lime pie. My favorite. Of course Carol made corn, deviled eggs, potato salad.

A nice day.