Slow Days

Judy and I have finally slowed down a little since her retirement.  We have continued to reorganize certain aspects of our life. She has put additional documents into our safe deposit box.  Much of it has to do with her retirement. Judy has always been able to put her hands on needed documents since we first got married.

I managed to go have a beer and some wings with a few of my former teacher friends Wed in the PM. at the "Brick"  While I was catching up with my friends Judy kept her appointment at Serenity Day Spa for her scheduled "peti and mani". We both got home around 6:30.

Today has been a low intensity day.  Neither Judy or I did much measurable work today.  She had a lunch date with a bank manager friend. She was nice enough to bring me the "dogie bag" left overs. I spent the morning out on the lake doing a little fishing and enjoying a great day.

We are still prepping to return to the CG Tue.  Tomorrow is Judy's B'Day and I am looking forward to celebrating!

Thanks for stopping by.
Next Post: Mon

Internet Solution

Tue was a busy day.  We took a trip into Milledgeville to take care of several errands.  We went to the Post Office and upgraded our PO box.  Stopped in at WalMart to pick up several items Judy and I identified while at the CG that would be useful to have. Two of these items are an electric skillet and a two burner hot plate. As nice to have as the items probably are, they were not the most important.

Judy and I both agreed it is imperative that we be able to connect.  So we went back to the Verizon store to take another look and have some questions answered. The young man that assisted us was simply awesome.  He was knowledgeable, professional and he demonstrated a couple of musical apps I could use on my Droid. He also explained the various plans available to us.  The price of the Mifi plan that was explained to me about a week or so ago was $80.00 for 5G. Tue the price was a more reasonable $50.00 and the device was $20.00 with a two yr contract. So now we should be able to connect when on the road.

We also think we may need a wireless fax/printer. I think it may take some more deliberation before we make it a reality.  The Office Max here does carry them in stock. Judy and I looked at a HP all-in-one today. The unit cost $100.00.  I will be looking on-line over the next few days to find some others to compare with the one we looked at today.

Thanks for stopping by.

Training Days

Wed.  (Mar 21)

Judy and I traveled back to Blanton Creek Park for three days of training. Wed. was a paid travel day. Since the Cardinal was already in place,  we drove our CR-V the 140 miles to the park. Once we arrived,  Judy got the Cardinal organized with food, dishes, and our clothes put away. I rechecked all the connections, turned the water on and set-up the site.

After we completed our domestic chores,  we went over to the office to talk with Char and Ed the host couple who would be training us.  We still had to complete our “drug screen” so we left the park to drive into Columbus, Ga. to take care of that matter. Our day went down hill from there. Once we arrived at “Lab Corp,” we were told we didn’t have the correct “paperwork”!  Judy got on the phone with our contact in Atlanta, who told us to call the Birmingham, Al. office. Long story short,  additional paper work would have to be faxed to us. By now it is 4:15 PM and we know it is not going to happen today. At this point we know this process had a few flaws.

So we now head to the nearest “Walley World” to pick up a few things.  Judy and I headed north thirty miles or so back to Blanton Creek Park. We put our stuff  away and went over to the office to hangout with Char and Ed. Even though Wed was a travel day, we began our training. A lot of campers were calling in and making reservations. That enabled us to observe the registration process and by the time Ed and I locked the gate at 9PM,  Judy and I had a pretty good handle on the process. Judy worked with Char on the administration part of closing out the day and I observed Ed’s tasks for closing. It had been a long day so Judy and I went to bed as soon as we walked over to our rig. 5:30 AM would come real soon!



Camper Registration - Blanton Creek CG

Thur.  (Mar. 22)

Five-thirty AM did come early! I made it easy for Judy by going to take my shower at the CG comfort station. I am  sure she stayed in bed a little longer. Once back I made coffee for me, Judy doesn’t like coffee. She was struggling with how she was going to do her “make-up” routine. I knew better than to get involved with that. Judy decided the table would be the spot, so she arranged all the stuff she needed and went to work! I sat back and enjoyed my coffee. At 6:40 I met Ed at the office to observe the opening routine. We walked out and unlocked the gate at 6:57 AM.

Ed and I returned to the office and talked and watched the morning news shows. Not a lot happening at 7:AM. Judy arrived at 7:30AM. We all talked for about thirty minutes, and then Judy and I headed over to the “GA Power” land management office about 8 miles away. Robin, the office manager faxed the paper work to whoever we were directed to fax it to for us. About twenty minutes later, Judy got a call and was given an invoice number for each of us to give to Lab Corp. We drove the thirty miles back to LabCorp to get our drug screen. What could go wrong? Judy completed her in-processing and I go to the window to complete mine. I put my hand in my pocket to retrieve my wallet – the one with a photo ID. I am  pretty sure all the color drained from  my face. My wallet was not there. Where could it be??  I placed it with my cell phone, reading glasses and loose change like I always do. Judy then says “I moved it and put it in your top drawer last night because I did not want to leave it out.” I did not say anything but I did think to myself, we are in a campground behind a ten foot locked gate with only a few older campers who didn’t seem to pose any risk. Knowing there was no way I would be getting the “drug screen”, I just let it roll off my back. I knew I would be making a return trip to LabCorp.  Judy completed her screening and we headed back. To Judy’s credit, she did say she would accept half the blame for me not having my wallet.  I thought that was reasonable. That is why we have been married 37 yrs. Once back at Blanton Creek CG, Judy ran in and got my wallet and brought it to me. She went over to continue training and I headed back for my “drug screening”.

I returned a few hours later. Judy had the “reservation” process down pretty well. By closing time I also had the system down. Judy and I took most of the calls and entered the info into the reservation system. Char and Ed made sure the training went smoothly and answered all of our questions. They were right there with us when we got a little off track and got us back on track.  At 9PM we locked up and closed the books. Another day was completed.

Judy is ready for the next call!

Friday/ Sat (Mar 23-24)

We continued training. Activity picked up with the arrival of the weekend. Campers were coming in throughout both days.  Judy and I were taking care of most of the operations with Ed and Char providing answers and guidance when needed.  Ed and I made four golf cart patrols of the camping areas. We did not encounter any “situations”. Ed said they are inevitable though. On Friday and Sat the gate is closed at 10PM instead of 9PM, making the day a little longer. Ed and Char introduced us to the regulars as they checked in. Sat. afternoon when things slowed down a bit, Judy and I had the opportunity to prepare supper. We used the site grill for hand made hamburgers and Judy used Char's electric skillet to make her famous baked beans. The office is really nice and large so we set up the table and had the meal there. I think Ed and Char really enjoyed the break from the routine. Several check-ins said “that smells so good”, when they came into register. I know I should have taken photos.  By closing time Saturday, Judy and I felt very confident that we were ready to start. While we were here,  we were informed that the schedule had been rearranged. Instead of taking over Wed the 28^th  we are now scheduled to start Wed. April 2^nd.  In my weird way of thinking,  it would have made more sense to go from the training session into our first week instead of having a week and a half break.  Not to mention we would not have had to make an extra trip (140 Miles). As they say now, “it is what it is”.

Tent Area

Sun

I went in at 6:45 to help Ed open and Judy slept in a little.  Once Judy got up she packed for the trip back to Milledgeville and loaded the car.  What a wife!!!!  We have a long list of things that we now know we need to help us live more comfortably. One important item is an alarm clock. Since we are so close to Alabama,  the cell phones often shift to central time. We operate the park on Eastern Time. After we had a problem of almost being late,  I had to work around the alarm by using the “timer” countdown function on my smart phone.

We spent some time with Ed and Char before leaving to come home.  They went out of their way to make sure we were trained and well taken care of. We know we are going to enjoy this assignment.  Judy and I both look forward to returning.

Boat Ramp

Thanks so much for the comments we received on our departure day entry.  Judy and I are now convinced that we are going to have to sort out the internet situation. We will be exploring all the suggestions we received and hopefully we will have access before we return to the park.  Judy likes the retirement lifestyle!  Thanks for stopping by.  I almost forgot to welcome our newest follower John and Bridget

Just a Maintenance Day

Today was just a “get things done” kinda day. Judy and I had a quick breakfast at the locale Huddle House – think “Waffle House”.  Then we headed into Milledgeville for a few stops. The first stop was the bank to complete a change of address form. With  the planned travel we thought we should get a PO box. That eliminates the need to have someone get our mail. Judy changed the type of safe deposit box to a pay box since she no longer works at the bank.  The one she settled for is $90.00 per yr. but with the bank accounts we have it was discounted to $45.00. 

She dropped me off at home around 12:15 and returned to Milledgeville to have lunch with Laura, one of her friends.  What did I have for lunch?  I had a roast beef sandwich, fritos, and a diet coke. I bet I had a nicer view than her and Laura. I ate out on the porch looking out over the lake and also enjoyed the sounds of nature. While she was gone I mixed up some Round-up weed killer and sprayed around the yard and driveway.

Judy returned home around 3PM. She said, “ I have a Pilot club meeting at 7 PM .”  That meant another trip into Milledgeville. That would be the third trip in for her.  I told her that I would ride back in with her and she could drop me off at the Black Bird Coffee shop. I could use a couple of hours of “me time” until her meeting was over.  So that is where I am now, having an ice mocca listening to some relaxing music and writing a blog entry which I had not planned to write.

Relaxing at the Black Bird Coffee Shop

HELP: I have not solved my lack of internet access for the time we will be at the CG. I checked at Verizon yesterday. The only thing offered was MIFI at $80.00 a month. That is not going to happen. If anyone has another suggestion please let me know via email or in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Next blog – When I have internet access

Blanton Creek–Set-up Day

Thurs morning was an early day for Judy and I but we missed our 5:30 AM depart time. We didn’t get on the road to RV World (Buford GA.) until about 6:30 AM.  We had to pick up the Cardinal. We took the truck and the CR-V. Judy drove the CR-V so we could leave the truck at the CG and drive the CR-V home.  It was also nice having her behind me once we picked up the Cardinal as we drove through Atlanta on I 85S. It made it so much safer to change lanes. She would advise me via walkie talkies.
Once we arrived at RV-World, we met with Justin our service writer. He informed us that everything was completed and checked out except the Blu Ray DVD player installation. We had it with us and he took it to Matt, the Satellite tech. Matt had checked out our Winegard travlr Direct TV slimline system, and upgraded our home theatre system. Matt gave us a system overview once he had the DVD installed, and answering the questions we had. He also said we could call him if we had questions later.  Justin did a great job tracking our service work and keeping us informed. Matt and Justin did an outstanding job with customer service.
               
The Good Sam extended service warranty paid $1400.00 of the cost of replacing/installing a new hydraulic pump and 32” flat screen Toshiba TV. I was responsible for the  $200.00 deductible. The sat/entertainment work cost $300.00.
With everything taken care of at RV-World we hooked up the fifth wheel and headed South on I85. The distance to Blanton Creek CG is approx 125 miles. Judy kept me informed about lane changes and I kept her informed about what was up ahead. We arrived at the CG around 4:30. We had covered about 230 miles since leaving M’Ville.
             
When we got there we went into the office to talk with Ed and Char and just relax. Thur was opening day for the CG, and a lot of campers were calling and making reservations. After a break Ed and I left the office to get the Cardinal set-up. Judy stayed in the office to talk to Char and observe the reservation process. Ed directed me as I backed into the site. I was surprised at how level the site was. I did not have to level side to side, it was perfectly level. We got the rest of the set-up taken care of then returned to the office.
       
By then it was almost time for supper. Ed and I left the park and picked up a couple of Marco's Pizzas. They were delicious. Ed and I went and closed the Park gate at 9PM. It was time to get a good night’s sleep.
Judy and I had a leisurely Friday morning. With the Cardinal in its resting spot for the next six months Judy and I went over to talk with Char and Ed before returning to M’Ville.
      
We will be returning to the park 21 Mar.
Thanks for stopping by. Thanks to Jessica and Harry, Laurie and George, and Karen and Al for your comments.

Thurs Plans

I was notified Mon. that the Cardinal is ready so arrangements were made to go to pick it up Thur.
After thinking about the mileage and the cost of fuel Judy and I have decided that instead of bring the Cardinal back to Milledgeville we are going to take it to the camp ground we will be working at. The distance to M'ville from Buford is about 100 miles.  The distance to the CG is approx 120 Miles. If we left from M'ville it would be an additional 125 mi. I'm not sure if you can follow all this but the point is we will save about 130 miles of towing.  Not to mention the cost of fuel.

Ed and Char are already at the park. I am sure they will help us get settled in.  We will be returning to M'ville for the weekend and then back to the park for our first scheduled training session on the following Wed.

I hope to make an entry tomorrow but I am not sure if I will have Internet access. If not it will be posted Sat. Judy and I are planning to be on the road by 5:30 AM in the morning for the drive to Buford. Well that is it for now, I need to get some sleep!.

Thanks for stopping by.
Next Post: Sat

Wasted Trip - Revisited

I got on the road for the drive to Dublin Chrysler, Jeep about 6:30AM.  The service manager called last Thur to inform me that the parts were in to complete the "recall service".  I was anxious to have the repair completed since it is a safety issue.

The repair was completed around 10:30, just as I finished "The Book of Eli" dvd.  The service manager had me sign that the work had been completed.  It would have been a nice gesture had he said "Mr. Maddox, I sure am sorry about inconveniencing you", but he didn't.  Not much on customer service, I guess.

One of my high school friends works at the VA Hospital in Dublin. We had made plans to have lunch at 11:00 AM. I called Carl and told I was through and he wouldn't have to pick me up. I met him at the "Ole Time Country Buffet".  Mrs. Obama would not be happy with the menu, but as I didn't see any federal food monitors I went in and enjoyed some really good country cookin!!  Carl and I enjoyed our social time together but alas he had to return to work and I headed north to Milledgeville.

The Line

Much better than those healthy chicken nuggets!!

The trip was the way I like it, uneventful.  Once home I got a call from RV World of GA letting me know the Cardinal is ready for pick up. Justin said the repairs were complete and the slides were working perfectly. I would have been a little concerned had the slides worked less than perfectly.  I don't know what day I am going to pick it up.  Maybe Thursday.

Welcome to new follower, Karen.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.