South Dakota Trip

Well bout time I update this journal. It has been a while. I will start with my SD trip in August. I combined a trip to my hometown of Marvin, SD and annual trek to Sturgis for the rally. Trip was great except as we all know time spent is just too short. Started out and spent time with my Dad which is always good to do. I lost my Mom 3 years ago this month so the month of October is not always the best of times, but we all learn to cope.
The first week home was road trips during the day and evenings at the Marvin Bar gotta get up there for the evening cocktail hour as we like to call it. In the meantime two of my friends Russ and Carolyn came through, they were on the way back from Alaska. They managed to ride their Honda Trike all the way up there and back and had a good trip. They worked with me here in Wichita. So while we were there, gave them the tour of the local area and then off to the bar at night.
The night before we left for Sturgis, my friend Joe, his brother Larry and another friend showed up so we all had a great old time. Drinking beer, shaking the dice and just telling lies etc. On Friday morning we left for Sturgis and spent the next few days out there. If you have never been to the rally, it is a sight to see with all the bikes, RV’s, you name it-you will see it. By the way all the young ladies etc. will add a special treat. It is hard to describe, you just have to be there. The riding in the Black Hills is some of the most beautiful country you can ride through. But a word of warning, you have to be careful as there are thousands of bikes on the roads. It is not something to take lightly. With over half a million folks there you can see why. And this year being the 70th rally it was a huge event.
The entertainment at night is something else to see. I have seen some of the best top name rock bands ever. Just to name a few that I have seen: Steppenwolf, Jethro Tull, Whitesnake, Heart, ZZ Top, Journey, Blue Oyster Cult, Styx, Kid Rock, Nickelback, Tesla, Toby Keith (not a rocker but a great country artist who loves this country). My favorites were Jethro Tull and Styx. Jethro Tull is not an individual but a British band, Ian Anderson is the lead singer and one heck of a flute player. Very unique style of music. Styx also great with the keyboard player who spins that keyboard around, he makes the show. Course there are many others, just too hard to remember them all. The ones above really stood out. Of course the "parade" as we like to call it is also a sight.  You will have to ask me about that one.
Also went down to Crazy Horse and met my friends Mike and Leslie. We had a nice lunch there then off to where they were staying in Custer, SD. A very nice campground and I know they liked it a lot as evidenced by their journal entries. So a brief summary of the August trip. I will make a separate entry for the trip home as that is another tail and I need to tell it as it has some important lessons there.

New Toy

Just trying out my new toy.  Brand new laptop.  Will update more later.

House Closing

I have been wanting to discuss the closing of the house.  Been a while since I commented on this.  I am amazed at how fast the sale went.  I listed the place in January 2010 and closed in June 2010.  I fully expected it to be a lot longer, but I am glad to be rid of it.  Amazed at how I got rid of bills every month, especially when I hear of rate hikes etc.  The folks that bought the place seemed to be good people and really loved the place.  It was a brother and sister along with their mother.  There were some issues as we got close to closing which I commented on in earlier posts.  They agreed to what I offered on the window replacement and that was a good thing.  Saved me a lot of work.  The delay on the closing had to do with money for new homebuyers from the government.  Once they got that squared away and the down payments were covered, we finally got to close.  It was around 2 weeks later than planned, but it all worked out good.  Couple of times I was getting anxious on whether we were going to close.  But, it finally worked out and I am glad for that.
 I love living in my rig, I do not feel closed in even with long times spent in it.  If they ever say about fulltiming that you won't spend much time in the rig, think again!!  That is why when you look at rigs, take your time, look at lots of models and floorplans.  Get the one that has the "it" factor for you.  Every one of us is different on what our desires are, likes and dislikes.  I strongly feel this area is very important for one to be successful in this lifestyle.  Football season is upon us and winter will be here before we know it.  That will be the test here on how well I survive it.  Being from up north, I understand what the cold can do and should be able to take precautions as needed.  I have also had the pleasure of having some mentors in this undertaking which has been a huge help.  So thanks to Ed and Marilyn, Mike and Leslie, and Howard and Linda.  The one downside is I wish I had someone "special" to share it with me. 
Speaking of football, I hope the Dallas Cowboys can pull it off this year, especially since the Super Bowl will be played in "Cowboys Stadium."  So lets hope they can do it.  "Go Cowboys!!"  Yes, I am a Cowboys fan and proud of it!!!
Ok, enough for this day, am going to get out of here for a while, then on to the bar for a cold beverage and enjoy a good cigar.  Now we have to smoke on the patio or outside due to the recent smoking ban.  That will be a rant for another day.  I have made my point clear at times but, guess we will have to accept it for now.  Last thing I will say is make sure you vote in November.  The right to vote is one of the greatest freedoms we have and I cannot emphasize the importance of exercising that right.  Holiday tomorrow, so this cat may hiss and howl a bit.   

How we doing

Will make it short, been trying to update my email etc and getting this account to work.  Think I finally got it.  Nice cool nite tonite, cold front blew in and low should get down in the 50's.  Will write about my vacation when I get the urge, hang in there it will be soon.  Guess I had better before I forget all about it.  But for now this lazy cat is going to call it a night. 

Marvin SD

Back in SD and great to be here.  Only got to 85 yesterday, 109 in Wichita yesterday.  Having a great time here.  More freinds from Wichita will be here tonite and back to the Marvin Bar.  Two days we leave for Sturgis and the rally.  This is the 70th year of the rally so should be a big one.  We shall see.  Short post today, got some things to do before we leave. 

Hot day and ready to hit the waterin hole:)

Hot again today, good news, you do not have to shovel 90 degrees.  Got some foil insulation for some of the windows in the rig.  It helps darken it a bit, but will help Mr. AC and he will thank me for that.  Should make a difference.  Ready to go to SD, just 2 weeks from today I will be there.  Short post tonite as this Kitty Kat is going to clean up and hit the bar.  A cold Bud Light draft beer and cigar are waiting for me.  "Sleepy Truckers" at the bar tonite, good bunch of guys that play good old rock and biker type tunes. 

Great time with my daughter

Guess, I could make a post here and let you all know what is happening.  Been a good visit with my daughter Becky and my two grandsons Christian and Sean.  They will be leaving and heading back to Brazil, IN tomorrow.  So I wish them well and hope to see them again soon.  Have been dug in here at the trailer park as the kids were in town so did not want to make that drive to and from the lake while they were here, not sure if I will get back there before I go back to SD and Sturgis.  Less than a month away and I am looking forward to that.  Speaking of the lake, it rained all weekend of the 4th so just as well be here. 
I keep saying I will comment on the house sale, maybe soon when I get a wild cat hair and decide to do it.  I can say that I enjoy living in the rig and do not miss the house.  Guess I am getting used to it, but sure nice not to pay the extra bills.  This will aid in the debt reduction plan.  So I will make it a short one tonite and howl at the moon.