Month: September 2019

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September 26-28, 2019 Maumee Bay (Lake Erie), OH

I thought we were “large” on the road, but compared to the real trucks we’re “just a toy”. We pulled into Maumee Bay State Park by mid afternoon after a straight forward interstate highway trip.

Very nice campsite, somewhat secluded from neighbors by large trees and hedges.

We drove to the public beach inside the State Park – It was a beautiful WINDY day! Enjoyed being the only ones on the beach (too chilly to get in) except for the birds.

YIKES! We discovered a hole in our closet floor! The 2×4 that I used to hold the weight of clothes in the middle of the clothes bar, broke through the floor into the storage space underneath!

Glad we had a free day! We drove into Toledo, Ohio (Lowes) and purchased some lumber. Thankful I  brought my tools…we’re learning quickly there’s always something to fix when you’re RV traveling!

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September 19-26, 2019 Pure Michigan!

We made it to Niles. MI! Driving into NIles felt like “coming home” since we lived there for about 11 years. It was so fun to get reacquainted with Jeremiah and Asia and spend time with Ray & Sarah. We camped at River Front RV Park on the North end of Niles – beautiful place!

Of course Jeremiah and Asia camped out with Papa and Nana! We enjoyed snuggling with them when the sun came up.

Ray had a few projects that we helped with, trimming trees and putting up dry wall in a hall closet.They fed us well – real fresh smoked ribs from his smoker. Sarah showed Nana how to make Chinese dumplings – yum! They also gave us some smoked cheese that they had done.

The kiddos (even Ray and Sarah!) loved riding the electric bikes and showing us their games. Jeremiah and Asia have sure grown – they are getting smarter than Papa and Nana!

We had so much fun – thank you Ray & Sarah, Jeremiah and Asia for great memories! Now that we’re traveling we’ll be back more often!

While we were in NIles we took care of business as well. Lorree got her laptop upgraded at Revive Our Hearts Ministry. It was great to see a lot of our old friends and co-workers. Our visit went too fast – but we’ll be back!

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September 17-19, 2019 Sangchris Lake State Park, Deer Run Campground, Rochester, IL THE SUNSET!

We traveled into Illinois today -about 6 hours. another long day of driving. I want to mention that God has protected us times with “almost” accidents (side swipes, head-on’s, and rear-end crashes) HE had certainly put guardian Angels out to protect and defend us- Thanks God!

At Sangchris State Park (We are liking State Parks!) we were overwhelmed with the setting AND the sunset by the lake!

We saw fish jumping, cranes swooping, and squirrels chasing! It was a treat to sit here and take it all in!

It was great to just relax. We’ve shared with each other that it’s really hard to remind ourselves that “this is not a vacation” This is our new life – WOW -so blessed and grateful for the years of hard work that got us here. Thank you God!

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September 15-16, 2019 Wallace State Park – a place to relax and enjoy the country.

We traveled about 5 hours today – we were ready to get off the road. Wallace State Park is beautiful….and humid! We “dripped” the whole time we were setting up. SO thankful for God’s creation and air conditioning!!

Lorree continues to work part time at Revive Our Hearts from “home” We have enjoyed great reception on our unlimited data plans – either AT&T or Verizon – so she has been able to connect from everywhere we’ve been!

The next day the humidity was low and we enjoyed being out in our “sun room”

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September 13-15, 2019 All we said was…”Can we help?” Painting, Camping, some soccer, and a Birthday Party!

Before we left home, we offered to help paint if Becki and Jon were ready for that. They took us up on our offer and we were able to help paint the Kitchen and Dining Room while we were there. The color didn’t change, but everything looks fresh and new again!

In August, the four older girls traveled to Canon city and spent the weekend with us. Now it was the four younger kiddos turn. Audrey and Haley came first and then Caleb and Ryan. Great memories sleeping in Papa and Nana’s camper and eating bacon and eggs for breakfast!

We also were able to get in a game of Soccer – Caleb is a tough player!

It was great to have fun with the family and enjoyed celebrating with Becki on her Birthday!

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September 12, 2012 Electric Bikes, Volleyball and a Castle! – Newton, KS

Thursday was our fun day with the Busenitz family and we enjoyed every minute! We started out unloading/unfolding our electric bikes and let the kiddos have fun in their cul de sac.

The kids had so much fun – we left the bikes at their house and they rode them every day!

We all loaded up in their big van and headed to Salina for a volley ball tournament. Megan, Valerie, Lindsey, and Sarah all play for the Panthers – a homeshool co-op team. This is Megan’s senior year at homeshool and honored at a later game.

They won a few and lost a few – but it was fun to watch them play hard!

After the game we traveled back toward Newton – Jon took an exit and said he had a surprise to show all of us. A castle in the middle of Kansas!

The castle was built in 1936 as part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration). It is on top of Coronado Heights (one of the high places in Kansas ) It is alleged to be near the place where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado gave up his search for the seven cities of gold and turned around to return to Mexico.

We enjoyed a beautiful Kansas sunset and made some great memories!

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September 11, 2019 “Uneventful” on our way to Newton, KS… -NOT!

We left Rocky Ford knowing that we had a full day (8-10 hours) of drive time ahead of us. But we had a new truck new tires, all seemed grand. This was our first big travel day and we were ready.

Lorree got out the step stool to wash our windows while fueled up.
Lorree took a turn at driving – pulling the rig down the highway for a few hours – she did great!

For lunch we stopped at a truck stop and enjoyed some down time off the road. Things were going smooth – until we came back to the trailer and saw a flat tire!

  • After inspecting – we found we had picked up a nail causing the flat.

So…my Harbor Freight 12 ton canister jack had leaked its oil and wouldn’t lift the trailer. A very helpful truck stop attendant came out with his big floor jack and did the job – SO thankful for people that God puts in our lives!

We arrived late evening on Wednesday Sept 11 at East Lake Harvey County Park. Nice to be under some big cottonwood shade trees next to the lake.

We were able to get the tire fixed. The next day Caleb and Ryan came to help Papa change the tire and put the spare back (for next time!)

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September 7 – 11, 2019 Dirt Bikes, Electric Bikes, and Smash Burgers! – Rocky Ford, CO

We arrived in Rocky Ford, CO at Ben & Heather’s (Josh, Jeremy, and Jayden) early afternoon on Saturday. We were able to “Mooch-dock” in their driveway under shade trees. We enjoyed a full day of catching up with the kiddos, riding our electric bikes and watching Jeremy on his dirt bike.

Sunday we attended church and enjoyed connecting with old friends. Ben and Heather have been serving in their church for many years – it was good to see them in action, leading the music and providing leadership with the Pastor and others.

Jayden helped make smash burgers for the fam….so good Yum!

We were able to get a truck cover for the back of the new truck and then rebuild the bed slide. The Avalanche truck bed was only the size of this box we built.

We enjoyed our the family-It was great to be able to feel “safe at home” while we were there.

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September 6 – 7, 2019 A New Truck! (We didn’t get very far)

So…We had quite a few friends and family a little concerned when we left town pulling our trailer with our 2002 Avalanche. After coming down the mountain into Colo Springs last Friday, our faithful truck said “no more”. Engine failure along with trying to stop with only manual brakes, we ended up at a nearby dealership. 

After praying and asking for much wisdom, we felt led to look at buying a new truck. 

We felt Him guiding us with this, “I affirm what you are doing, but let’s do this right!”

We were at the dealership until 8:30 pm, pouring rain, working to move all of our stuff from the old pickup to the new one. We were SO tired – emotionally and physically!.  We left the trailer in the dealer parking lot and got a motel room for the night.  We are so thankful that God protected us and has provided the resources for a brand new truck!

We’re blessed beyond measure, and feel safe and confident as we begin our journey all over. Thanks for those praying for us, we wanted you to know how God answered❤️☝️!

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September 1 – 5, 2019 Our first stop: Mueller State Park, Colorado

It was a bit tense as the Avalanche showed all the dash warning lights for most of the way. It never affected the drive-ability, but just nerve wracking to wonder if it would get us there. About 3/4 of the way, the dash light situation quit and never came back on. All was well.

Creation proclaims His majesty! Our new backyard!    

I love how Lorree gets up early to work her part time job, leading others to know the Truth of Gods Word. ❤️ (👍)

Able to keep connected with today’s technology !

We thoroughly enjoyed our 1st guests to our new home! Thank you Duane and Ruth for making a trip to see us!!! And sure enjoyed our time with Kay yesterday! Thanks for coming up to see us!!!!  …and Nick stopped by for a few minutes after hiking another 14er 🙂

Getting ready to do some electric “biking” around the campground! 

Mueller Park has a number of trail heads with lots of trails. We chose to do a 5 mile round trip hike (of course it was up hill all the way!)

It was a beautiful hike this morning- ahh the splendor and majesty of God seen in His creation☝️❤️

It was a great first stop on our journey – much needed rest and relaxation after a hectic busy full past six months! Sweet!