The Tree Project

There was a dead pine tree at the entrance to Chicago NW KOA that looked pretty ugly. Tried to get the owner to cut it down while we were working there summer 2010, but no go. Wasn't ready to cut it. This summer, 2011, I offered to sculpt the stump if the owner would cut the tree. Agreed, and I had a month-long carving project. Results are posted here.

De-barking and prepping the stump

Forming in some detail, after the chainsaw work.

Continuing with the detail work.

Nearing completion. The smaller "branch" has been carved into a squirrel with an acorn-in-a-cage feature.

Completed project. Finish is two coats of boiled linseed oil. Every camper coming to Chicago NW KOA is greeted by this welcome sign.

Back in California for the winter

We're back in California for the winter a the same old KOA, Glamis North KOA near Niland. Looks like the summer here was really HOT. So glad we weren't here. Back to work doing all the usual campground chores; Pat in the office and Dave out fixing things. October 22 the mid-day temp was 110 degrees, so that doesn't mean that fall/winter on the calendar translates to the type of weather we're more accustomed to "up north". But then, that's why we spend our winters here.

In a few days we'll be receiving delivery of our new Cedar Creek fifth wheel. Hadn't planned to replace our Wilderness Advantage just yet, but we went to the Dallas RV show and fell in love with the Cedar Creek. And if you've ever shopped, you would know that you get the best deals during the shows.

This is Mike Hartley, of Funtown RV, in Cleburne TX. Mike showed us how we could afford to buy a new house now in stead of waiting two years. Thanks Mike, now we have something we haven't had for several years - a house payment.

Here's Pat lounging in our new home in front of the 42" flat screen TV.