Peppy's Dream Moving Adventure Blog

As you know, for five years Peppy's Dream was the collectibles, crafts and consignment shop I owned and operated in New Hyde Park, Long Island. I closed in February and Eric and I sold our house of 21 years in Whitestone in August and are moving to San Diego, California. We will be traveling the country in a small RV -- a Chinook Concourse. This blog will chronicle our adventures as we travel the country for the first time, heading towards our new home! 

We should have stayed in the RV a few days while we were still in Whitestone. We should have taken a shower in it. We should have gone to the bathroom in it. We should have packed it long before we left. There are lots of things we should have done, but we were also selling and moving out of our house of 21 years and shipping everything we owned to San Diego. At least we should have shipped everything we owned to San Diego, because we took MUCH too much stuff into the RV. By the time we realized we were trying to fit 3 rooms of stuff into a tiny RV, our stuff was boxed and out of the house and there was really not much we could do.

So, with the help of my darling friends, Maria B. and Susan R., we stuffed everything into the compartments on top and on bottom, using every single inch of available space. We made it all fit, but now Eric and I have NO idea where some things are!  We need a few days just to take everything out, see what we’ve got, and perhaps even pare down before repacking. We just don’t need everything we brought!  I tried to bring as few clothes as possible, and as few accessories, shoes and jewelry, but it still seems like I have too much.  Eric has WAY too much clothes, partly because we packed him and then took more clothes out of the dryer and off the clothes line and brought that into the RV, too.  He just doesn’t need seven pairs of jeans!!!!  He also has all his bicycling stuff, which includes gloves, helmets, armor (for mountain biking), camelbaks (like a backpack — to hold drinking water), jerseys, pants and shorts, bicycling shoes, and a myriad of other mountain biking necessities. His bicycling stuff takes up more room than anything else!

Before we ever got on the road, Eric noticed that the radiator fluid was low.  He added a lot, and it seemed to be going down pretty fast, so he knew there was a leak somewhere in the radiator.  This was troubling, but he kept a close eye on it and added fluid whenever he felt it needed it.  Nevertheless, this was something that needed to be resolved -- and soon!

The first night we had the RV on the road, we didn’t sleep in it. We stayed at our old and dear friend Marygrace’s house, with her and her husband Bill in Massapequa.  They were kind enough to let us stay with them. After a wonderful meal of Mexican food at Don Juan Restaurant with Marygrace’s brother Michael also joining us, we slept over.  Our last night in a house!

We ran a few errands, including going back to New Hyde Park and saying goodbye to Cindy at Sunshine Nails (and seeing her improvements to my old shop, which she is now moving into and renovating). She put down a new floor, installed a new ceiling, and put up lots of walls for massage rooms, waxing rooms, etc. It looks beautiful already!

Then we headed upstate to Mahopac to visit Eric’s old friend, Jim and his wife, Esther, two daughters — Hannah and Mary – and his Mom, Mary. We had a wonderful time. Their house is magnificent and the children are so beautiful. I so enjoyed talking to Jim’s mom, Mary. Esther and Jim had company all week and were expecting more company the next day, so they were not able to hang and talk much, but we were just glad we got to see them before we headed up to New Paltz. We got to New Paltz at around 9:00pm and hoped my sister and her family would be home from their Alaskan adventure, but they were not. We went to dinner at Blockheads, a Mexican restaurant in town, and our waitress was one of my customers! Now THAT’S a small world! Emily recognized me and then I realized who she was. It was just so strange to see her in such a different environment! She is a lovely college student who lives in New Hyde Park, but is going to school and working in New Paltz. She used to come into the shop for costume jewelry and was always so sweet and beautiful. She told me that her favorite pieces were those she purchased at Peppy’s Dream. That made my day!

We headed back to my sister's house and used their shower, bathroom and even did laundry, but slept in the RV (and, again, slept like babies – love that bed!!!).

Hung around New Paltz for a while, then headed to Saugerties to the Saugerties / Woodstock KOA Kampground.

We arrived there and immediately had a million questions for our host, Wayne Hampel. He was very patient with us and, for that, we are very grateful. He showed us how to dump (not too complicated or gross) and then helped us hook up the electric and water. Eric is still trying to figure everything out and it makes me feel so helpless, because I am no good at any of this, and he is so great at it. I don’t know how people would ever do this if they weren’t handy, or knew electrical and plumbing, as Eric does. He’s pretty much an expert in a house, and is just trying to figure it all out in an RV. I am so grateful to have him, because he is just determined to get it all down and figure it all out and be an expert and I love him so much for that.

I took my first shower in the RV. It’s not bad as far as water and heat are concerned, but the shower is SO small. Eric said it wasn’t bad, but I can’t believe it, because he’s so much bigger than me. It really is the smallest shower you can imagine. Just imagine taking a shower in an airplane bathroom and you’ve got the picture. It really is no bigger than that!

So, now, here I sit, relaxing and typing, and waiting for Eric to come back inside. I guess he’ll have to come back in when it gets dark, although he might be out there with a flashlight, if I know him!

Above: Miss Lucy's Kitchen in Saugerites, New York and Eric Enjoying His Lunch

We ate lunch at a fabulous little restaurant called Miss Lucy’s Kitchen. Their motto is “We aim to feed.” It was the longest wait we ever had for a meal, but it was worth the wait!  We started to talk about how people outside of NY just aren't in the hurry that New Yorkers are.  This is something we're both going to have to get used to -- especially me.  I'm Peppy!

We then toured the town of Woodstock, which is chock full of art galleries, book stores, hippie shops (tons of tie-dye to be found!) and great restaurants. We walked around there for a few hours and then headed back to the KOA Kampground. Eric found a friend, Ted, whose RV is next to ours, and he showed us how to get the TV going. Wheeeeee! I haven’t watched TV in almost a week and really didn’t think of it much, but I must admit I’m happy to have it again!
 
The Madonnas are finally home from their Alaskan Adventure and we will be going back there tomorrow afternoon and will stay overnight. We can’t wait to see my sister, Lenae, brother-in-law, Rich, and niece and nephew, Keri and Eddie. I hope we’ll get to play a game of Scott’s Granny’s Game!

Tonight, after a dinner of leftovers, and watching the grand finale of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Eric and I reorganized a lot of the cabinets in the RV. We fit a lot more stuff and the place looks better than ever!

Above: Our New Friend, Greg, with Eric and Their Bikes

This morning we woke up VERY early, because Eric wanted to get a ride in on Jockey Hill Road in Woodstock. Eric geared up and drove over there while I was still laying in bed. That’s a new and exciting way to travel! I loved the fact that I could stay with him without even having to get out of bed!

When we got there, we were confused and a little lost, because the map the guy had given us was not very specific and the road said “Private,” so we were just sitting there in the RV when a man came down another private driveway with some mountain bikes on the back of his car. Eric stopped him to ask directions and he was kind enough to take us up the hill (we DID have to go on the private road) to where the trails were.

He asked if I was going with Eric and when I said I wasn’t, he said if Eric would wait for him to gear up, he’d take him through the trails. Of course Eric was thrilled to have someone to ride with, so we waited for him to return.

We had mentioned that we forgot to buy bottles of water, and the water filter we have in the RV dispenses hot water (go figure!), so he brought us back four bottles of water. What a guy!

While they went mountain biking, I turned on the generator and read all my emails (over 40!). I was not even finished when they returned and Eric said Greg wanted to give us a tour of his 40 acre homestead and the house he was renovating. The driveway was flanked by two giant wood bears that Greg had carved himself. Up at the top was a beautiful house, which he had gutted and was in the process of re-doing. He had lots more carved bears, eagles and other animals on the property, which were fabulous. His work inside the house was very impressive, too, and he told us of all his plans.

Then, he took us in his truck and showed us the quarry where he is now mining blue stone and it was amazing! He was a great guy and we were so happy and lucky to have met him!

After that, we went back to the KOA Kampground, took showers, dumped again (our new favorite activity) and then went to lunch at a fabulous little restaurant called Café MezzaLuna, where I had a delicious lunch of vegetarian chili and a veggie quesidilla, and Eric had cold pear and celery soup, and a grilled chicken wrap. Yum! We bought home-made gelato in Tiramisu and Mango flavors to bring to New Paltz!

Above: Outside the Cafe Mezza Luna and Eric Sitting Inside

We took the long way to New Paltz (Route 32 all the way) and got here about 4:00pm. We hung out, talked a lot, and then Rich, Lenae and Keri made a delicious dinner of grilled seafood, sautéed veggies and a big salad. Ed had to go to work, so the rest of us hung out until 11:00pm when Keri went out with friends, Ed came home from work  and Eric and I went to sleep in the RV. It was cozy when we went to sleep, but it got cold out and in the middle of the night I had to get up and get us blankets.

We awoke at 9:00am and took showers in my sister’s house, so we would be ready when my friend, Scott called. He had called previously to let me know that he was going to Saratoga with some friends today and he wanted to stop off at New Paltz to see me, Eric and the Chinook. So, we went to the thruway to meet him and say hi. We took a few pictures with him and his lovely friend, Dana, hugged, gave them the tour of the RV (which takes about 5 minutes) and then they left to go to Albany and then on to Saratoga for the races.

Eric and I then went to Starbucks for coffee and a little breakfast and then went to get massages. Ahhhhhhhh! I got an hour; Eric a half-hour. Fabulous! We then went to the Water Street Market to see the antique shop where my friends, Adrienne and Jim have a booth. They weren’t there, but we got to see their merchandise, which was very impressive. Then we went to lunch at Biggy’s BBQ and I had a shrimp cobb salad (fabulous) and gazpacho, and Eric had a grilled barbeque chicken wrap and came back to the house feeling renewed and refreshed!

The boys are off at the Renegade’s baseball game in Dutchess County. Eddie is an intern with the team and got four tickets, so Rich, Eric, Scoop and Peter went and the girls stayed home, watched TV and organized!

I was ready for a big project and I told Lenae I wanted to reorganize her hutch, which had a gorgeous collection of teapots, including the Bailey’s cookie jars, cups/saucers, sugar and creamer and coffee pot set I had given Lenae. It took me about two hours, but now it looks fantastic and Lenae was SO happy! I really love projects like that. Wish I could make a living doing it!

We’re having grilled chicken and salmon pinwheels for dinner. I’m starving after all that organizing!!!

Stayed in the RV overnight and woke early to get on the road to Sunsetview Farm Campground in Monson, Mass. We left my sister's, went to the supermarket to get bottled water and a few necessities, and then stopped for gas.

Eric has been worrying about the radiator since we left. It seemed to be losing fluid and he was sure there was a leak. It has been weighing on his mind since we got the RV, and he was determined to figure out what it was and get it fixed. Eric is so fantastic and I really respect him, because he knows all about cars and he is very pro-active and always wants everything to be perfect. He is very meticulous about things, and looks after everything so well. I always call him Mr. Maintenance!

Anyway, after we got gas, he climbed underneath and immediately saw what the problem was. It’s some kind of plug in the block and it was leaking the radiator fluid. We decided it was not wise to get on the road with this problem, so we headed back to my sister’s house. Since it was Sunday, there was no one we could call, so we just enjoyed the day. Eric took a ride and I relaxed with the family. We spent a fun night together. Lenae and Rich made another delicious dinner and we watched THE LAST KISS.

This morning Eric and Lenae made a million phone calls, trying to find a mechanic who could look at the RV.  Even though Eric is sure of what the problem is, they won’t order the part until they see it themselves.  Eric headed up to Kingston himself in the RV and waited for them to take a look, see the problem, and order the part.  It was what he thought it was (my genius!), so he came home and will go back tomorrow when they get the part.  It’s so frustrating, because we just started this journey and already there’s a problem.  I know we’re lucky, because we’re comfortable at my sisters and able to do anything we need.  They have cars, so we’re not stranded, and we are happy to be visiting with them, since we so rarely get to see them.  We also have no set schedule, and no where to be at any specific time.  I just feel bad for Eric, because he takes care of all the mechanical stuff, and this has been bothering him since we got the RV and I just want it to get fixed, so we can get on our way and he can have peace of mind.

Eric got back and spent the rest of the day servicing the generator (whatever that means) and working on the RV.  I told you I call him “Mr. Maintenance!”  I didn’t do much except spend some quality time with the family, and we went to Beso, on Main Street, the best restaurant in New Paltz.  I say that in part because my nephew, Eddie, used to work there, but mostly because it really is!  We had the most fantastic meal and came home stuffed, but very happy!

Lenae, Keri and I watched another episode of BIG LOVE.  That show keeps you on the edge of your seat!  So much going on – such a tangled web of lies! 

Tomorrow is a big day – hope to get the RV fixed!

Eric was up at the Ford Dealership in Kingston to get the RV repaired by 10:30am.  I kept my fingers crossed (even though it makes typing REALLY hard!) and hoped they would have the part and the Chinook would get fixed, so we can head out tomorrow morning.  All went well and Eric was back in the afternoon and our little Chinook is back in business!

That means just one more day with my family, which is a little depressing, because we’ve been having such fun.  It’s been such a beautiful time and I really think this is the most consecutive days I’ve ever spent with them!  This has been a blessing, because I love my sister, my brother-in-law, and my niece and nephew so much and we never get to see them, because we live 2 hours away from each other.  Lenae and Rich have been so good and so caring and so considerate and it really has meant the world to me that they have helped us out so much.  Rich, Lenae, Keri and Ed have made what could have been an RV disaster into a wonderful vacation in New Paltz!  I have enjoyed every minute and I know if Eric wasn’t so concerned about the RV, he would have had a better time, too!  I also feel bad, because my sister, Audrey, lives in Albany and we are so close to where she is, yet not able to visit with her.  She was on vacation for the first week we were here in New Paltz, and is now back to work, so unable to make the trip down to see us.

Lenae made the most delicious lasagna dinner for us and, since Eddie is leaving for Cortland on Saturday to go back to college, she made a tray for him and his 5 new roommates.  I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.  It was SO good!

We played Scott’s Granny’s Game tonight, which is a variation of Contract Rummy.  It's a really fun card game, but it's got 7 rounds and can last for hours!  I’m not used to playing with more than 4 (we were six), so it took a really long time!  I didn’t play really well tonight, but it was still a lot of fun.

Good news!  First thing this morning I got a call from Wayne, the driver of our moving truck, telling me our things were in San Diego.  He said everything was in great shape and he was going to bring it to the warehouse.  I then got a call from Dave, our rep at VBO Mayflower in San Diego, saying everything was great and our stuff was being warehoused.  What a load off our minds, knowing everything arrived.  We won’t know what condition it’s all in until we get there in a month, but at least it’s all there!  I have to tell you that, so far, Mayflower has been fantastic.  Dave in San Diego has been a pleasure to deal with, the guys they sent to pack and load us were just the greatest, and they estimated that our things would arrive on the 22nd -- and they did!  Isn't that amazing!  I will tell you when I finally see my things in San Diego whether or not I would recommend them, but so far -- so good!

We finally left New Paltz (even though my family was teasing that we were going to be living in their driveway permanently), and headed to Massachusetts.  We stopped for lunch in Springfield, Mass., because we had heard there was a giant doughnut somewhere since Springfield is the name of the town where the Simpsons live.  Eric is a huge Simpson's fan, so it sounded like fun.  We couldn’t find the doughnut (no one knew what we were talking about, so maybe it's an urban legend), but we did have a great lunch at Friendly’s.  I love Friendly’s, and have gone there with my friends, Loretta, Lauren and Lizzy in New Hyde Park, and also with my friend, Artie in Syosset.  There wasn’t one in Queens, so I didn’t frequent them before, but I love their food!!!

We got to the next campground, Sunsetview Farm in Monson, Mass., at about 4:00pm.  We dumped (interesting, I know), hooked up to water and electricity, and then took a nap.  Isn’t this the most interesting blog you’ve ever read? 

Tonight we spent about an hour on the computer, because we wanted to find a state park with great mountain biking in Maine and we did – Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine, which is right near the town of Freeport.  We will be heading there tomorrow, instead of Acadia, because Eric found out Acadia doesn’t have single-track, which is the most challenging ride.  He would be bored with double-track or carriage trails, which are more for beginners. 

It’s nice not to have a real itinerary, so we can change our plans anytime we like.

We left Sunsetview Farm campground in Monson, Massachusetts at 2:00pm and headed for another campground in Bellingham, Massachusetts — about an hour away.  Circle CG Farm is advertised as a country western campground with goats, a horse, and bathrooms titled “Cowboys” and “Cowgirls.”  It’s a little fancier than the ones to which we’ve previously been, so of course that appealed to me immediately!  Our view is of a beautiful pond and, as usual, we are surrounded by woods. 

Our plans have changed so much in the past few days.  Our goal from the beginning was to go to Acadia National Park, but we found out their mountain biking is geared more towards families with double-track, carriage trails, etc.  Eric has no interest in that kind of riding, except maybe to ride with me, and since he’s trying to get in some real mountain biking, we researched single-tracks and came up with Bradbury Mountain State Park, and then found Vietnam Trails Mountain Bike Trail, which Eric had read about in his mountain bike magazines.

The Vietnam Trails Mountain Bike Trail is just a few miles from here and we are headed there tomorrow, so Eric can do their challenging single-track.  He’s very excited about that!

We are staying at this campground until Sunday morning and hope to go to Cape Cod for some seafood on Saturday!

Took the best shower I’ve had since leaving New York City!  This place is really nice.  Here’s what has happened since leaving the city:  I’m hardly wearing make-up anymore.  I’m the kind of dress-up girl that rarely leaves the house without make-up, and would never DREAM of going anywhere without taking a shower first.  Now, because I’m taking showers in campground bathrooms, I’m walking around first thing in the morning – straight from bed -- with my hair going in every direction possible, no make-up and wearing a t-shirt, shorts and slippers!  I wave and say hello to every person I pass, and they don’t scream in fright, so I guess I must look okay!

There’s a freedom to knowing you’ve never seen these people before, and you’ll never see these people again.  You don’t worry about being judged.  It’s liberating!  That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop wearing make-up.  No, not at all.  I love my make-up, my jewelry, and my high heels.  I’m a dress-up girl forever!  It just means that I’m adapting to our life on the road, and actually enjoying it!

After our showers, we went to Milford, about 5 miles from the campground, where the great mountain bike single-track trails are located.  There is also a great greenway, called “Upper Charles Trail” which is all paved and easy riding for a novice like me.  We rode for a couple of miles, passing others on foot, bicycle, roller blades, and lots of families with kids in strollers, or on the back of the bike.  It was really pleasant riding and very scenic, too.  Now, Eric is off finding his challenging single-track, while I sit here in the RV with the generator running, and the air conditioner on, typing this blog.

Eric came back and we went to Milford Bicycle, the mountain bike store.  They told Eric that riders are at the trails between 8:00am and 10:00am, so we’ll be there tomorrow and he will try to hook up with some riders to do the trails.

After the bike shop we saw a Jiffy Lube and Eric wanted to get the oil changed (Mr. Maintenance!), so we stopped in.  They were FANTASTIC and Eric and I HIGHLY recommend the Jiffy Lube in Milford, Mass. — if you’re ever in the neighborhood!.  They did an oil change, an oil treatment, changed the lube in the differential, and a transmission flush and topped off all our fluids.  Eric said they were so efficient and thorough and he really has peace of mind now, traveling so far across the country.

After the Jiffy Lube we were STARVING, so we saw a nice restaurant nearby called Casa Brasil Buffet.  It was SO delicious and we really enjoyed eating something different. Then, Eric got a haircut — #1 buzz.  Short and sweet!

We’re back at Circle CG Farm and we’re excited about Eric’s ride tomorrow!  Then we're off to Cape Cod for the day.  We're looking forward to some fabulous seafood!

Got up at 6:00am, so Eric could be at the Vietnam Trail to meet up with other riders.  We got there at 8:00am and it didn’t take long for all the mountain bikers to show up.  He headed out with a bunch of guys and I was happy to be on the phone and the computer while I waited for him to return. 

We ended up in beautiful Cape Cod 

I spoke to my friend, Adele, for a while catching up on what’s been going on here with us and there with her and her family, and then I gave myself a manicure.  I actually got very spoiled, because my shop was right next to SUNSHINE NAILS (2219 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park) where they give the best mani/pedi’s in town!  Cindy, the owner, is a good friend, and I was in there every other week, getting my nails and toes done, getting my eyebrows waxed, and getting massages.  The girls there are so sweet and do such beautiful work.  They’re the BEST!!!!

Anyway, that lifestyle is over for now, and it’s not luxurious and there’s no massage involved, but at least I can still manage to do my nails myself and it looks passable.

So, Eric got back from his ride about 2 hours later, exhausted but happy.  He had a really challenging ride and said the guys he was riding with were hardcore.  Dana, his brother, Jim (who is visiting from Ft. Lauderdale) and Vincent “had a blast and showed Eric what Nam had to offer.”  Dana took video with his camera and will be emailing us pictures.  I can't wait for you to see them on this blog.  Here are some pictures I took:

Eric and His Biking Buddies Hit the Vietnam Trail 

We left Milford and headed back to Circle CG Campground.  We were just going to take fast showers and head to Cape Cod.  Well, you know what they say about “the best laid plans…”  We were backing into our site and Eric accidentally hit the metal post with our site number on it.  It got caught underneath the generator and cut the ground wire in half.  Eric was so upset and mad at himself.  I was pretty mad at him, too, because I had offered to get out and direct him, and he said he didn’t need me.  It’s just horrible when I’m right (not).   Anyway, being the genius that he is, he had it fixed in less than an hour.  So, I can’t be mad at him, because – as I told him – “You f___ed it up, but you fixed it up!”  I guarantee he WILL be letting me direct him from now on!

So, we headed to Cape Cod and made it in just over an hour.  We went all the way to Woods Hole, since Eric’s new friend, Jim, told him it was a great place to eat and walk around.  It’s right by the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, which I never knew was right near Cape Cod, but geography IS my second-worst subject (after math)!  We had a great time, walking around, seeing the sights, and had a delicious seafood dinner at “Waterfront Dining at the Captain Kidd."  There was a separate Captain Kidd restaurant, but it was more like a pub.  This place was fancier and had a nicer menu.  I had my absolute favorite thing in the world – lobster.  It was magnificent!

Peppy and Eric and a Great Lobster Dinner in Cape Cod

It started to drizzle, so instead of walking around more we just headed back and were back at the campsite by 9:00pm. 

So, here I sit typing this blog and feeling lucky that we were able to go to Cape Cod, even though we had a minor disaster this afternoon.  I told Eric that even though bad things have happened twice now (the problem with the radiator and, today, hitting the metal post), it’s always the best scenario of a bad thing.  Bad things are always going to happen, but you have to go with the flow and it will all work out in the end.  At least that’s what I say, because I’m an eternal optimist!

This morning we left Bellingham a little before noon and wanted to find a place to eat brunch, before heading on the road to our next destination – Verona, New York.  We drove for at LEAST five miles and didn’t see one restaurant, until we finally saw a little place called “Judy’s Place – Breakfast and Lunch.”   We walked in and the waitress said, “Sorry, we’re closing.”  We thought we were on Candid Camera or something (I guess I’m dating myself with that reference).  Then she said, “We close at noon on Sundays.”  We couldn’t believe it.  What kind of town IS this?  Anyway, we then found a place called “Coffee Sensations,” which must be a chain, because we noticed one in Cape Cod, too.  We had delicious wraps and got some desserts to go.  You don’t realize until you leave New York how lucky we are that there is a restaurant on every corner.  There’s just so much variety in the city and there’s slim pickin’s outside the city, unless you go to a real tourist town – like Woodstock or Cape Cod.

We got on the road to Verona after brunch, and arrived at around 5:30pm.  We are staying at The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park, an enterprise of the Oneida Indian Nation.  It’s right down the road from the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.  The place is very fancy and all the sites are paved, with lawns around them.  I think it’s much nicer than dirt roads, although the woods and ponds in other campsites are picturesque.  The truth is, I’m just NOT a nature girl – never will be!  I used to say that my idea of "roughing it" was a motel, instead of a hotel.  Well, I've been roughing it since we left Whitestone, because our Chinook is not the height of luxury, but it's cozy and romantic, and camping has been fun and totally different than anything I've ever done before. 

We left the casino $10 up!

There’s a free shuttle that picks you up right at your campsite and brings you to the casino – 24 hours a day – 7 days a week!  The last time Eric and I were at a casino together was 23 years ago – September 27, 1984 – the day my niece, Keri, was born.  My in-laws asked us to join them on a trip to Atlantic City.  We discovered VERY quickly that we are NOT gamblers.  We’re sore losers.  It was exactly the same tonight.  We started with $100.  We played some of the slot machines, but they’re no fun, because you don’t even pull the one-armed bandit anymore.  You just push a button.  We also played roulette, but our favorite was the Money Wheel.  We played that for about an hour and left with $110.  We were so happy we were up $10.  I’m sure Turning Point will soon be inviting us for a free weekend, since we’re such high rollers!!!!!

We’ll be heading to Niagara Falls tomorrow.  My parents honeymooned there 56 years ago, so I’m really looking forward to seeing it for myself!

Last night was the worst night’s sleep I’ve had since we left New York.  It wasn’t my cozy, comfortable bed.  Oh, no.  It was the fact that Turning Stone Campground is right near a railroad and every time the train passes (which seemed to be every half hour), they blow that loud horn!  I felt like I was in MY COUSIN VINNY.  Remember that scene?  Very funny.  Not so funny when it’s you and you were at a casino until midnight and didn’t go to bed until 2:00am and are being woken up every half hour! 

Anyway, we’ve been on the road for over 2 weeks now, and I haven’t driven the RV at all, so I told Eric today was the day!  I practiced on the grounds of Turning Stone Campground, where the speed limit is 5 miles an hour.  Just my speed!  I actually found it very comfortable and easy to drive (although I won’t be parallel parking it anytime soon). 

We left Turning Stone at 12:30pm (with Eric driving) and headed north for Niagara Falls.  After about an hour, I took over driving.  I think driving on the thruway is easy, because you just have to concentrate on staying in your lane.  There’s nothing else to worry about.  Eric put me on cruise control, so I didn’t even have to work the gas pedal!  I kept saying that line from RAINMAN, “I’m an excellent driver.”  We stopped for lunch and I was able to park it by myself.  Wheeeeeeee!

After lunch, Eric took over again (he’s really a much better driver) and we got to Niagara Falls Campground at 5:30pm.  I did some laundry and Eric worked around the RV.  He opened the awning on the side, which is really nice.  Every campsite has a table and benches, so we can eat outside if we want, and not be in the sun!

Eric received an email from his Vietnam Trails riding buddy, Dana, with three pictures  he sent of Eric doing some jumps.  Pretty awesome, eh?

Tomorrow we hit the Falls.  Can’t wait!

Here’s what I realized this morning:  Campgrounds are very quiet places.  This is our fifth campground and it hit me that the only sounds I’ve ever heard are children playing and dogs barking – and the dog barking is very rare.  Campgrounds have quiet times – usually 11:00pm to 8:00am.  I’ve never heard a sound during those hours.

There was a dog that woke me every morning while we were still living on Leggett Place.  I named him Sir Yap-a-lot, because he was little and the sound he made was more of a yapping than a barking.  That doesn’t mean he wasn’t loud.  He was!  Anyway, I hated this dog.  I was SO mad at this dog.  I was like Elaine in that episode of SEINFELD when she hires Newman and Kramer to kidnap the dog. 

Through some investigation, I found out that the dog had been rescued by my lovely neighbors, Skip and Carol, and he really was the cutest thing.  He just liked to bark a lot at midnight and 6:30am every day and, being the light sleeper that I am, I always woke up.  I used to get mad, because I thought people were putting their dog out for the night, but he has one of those little doors that lets him come and go as he pleases.  Once I knew the story behind his being on Leggett Place, I didn’t get mad anymore.  I was just happy they rescued him and were giving him a nice home!  I also knew we were leaving, so it was just something to put up with until we sold the house!

Back to the campgrounds:  People in campgrounds are quiet, respectful, law-abiding citizens.  It’s not like I expected anything else, but I did imagine lots of teenagers or young twenty-somethings having parties.  I haven’t experienced that at all.  It’s mostly families.  They really keep to themselves, but are always ready with a “hello” and a smile when they pass you.  It would be an amazing story to find out where each family had just come from and where each was going.  I’m sure if you knocked on their door and asked them they’d invite you in, give you a tour of their RV and tell you their life stories.  I’m sure of it.  I just don’t have the nerve to knock!

Let me tell you something else.  Ours is always the smallest RV in the park.  There might be a tent set up somewhere (campgrounds DO include real campers, too!), or someone might be towing something smaller than ours, but most of the RVs are mini-mansions with pop-out sides and big TVs and most of them tow cars, so when they get to the campground they can drive around.  I’d really like to see inside one of those but — again – no nerve.

Our RV is the perfect size for us.  It would be more convenient to tow a car behind, so we could just leave the RV hooked up and drive around, but that would be just one more complication, and we were trying to simplify!  It also makes driving a lot more difficult and I don’t think I’d have the confidence to drive with a car being towed behind!

Drove just about 10 miles to NIAGARA FALLS.  First we went to the AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA, which was fabulous.  We really enjoyed looking at all the fish, and of course Eric knew each species without even reading about them.  He should have been a marine biologist!

We were able to leave the RV in the aquarium parking lot and just walk across a short footbridge to catch the trolley to the falls.  We bought tickets for THE MAID OF THE MIST and put on our blue plastic ponchos.  What a sight!  What a feeling!  First of all, just looking at the falls is overwhelming, because they’re so huge and it’s just such an amazing sight, but going on the boat and traveling right past them – with the water spraying you like you’re in the shower – was just so much fun and so exciting.  It was totally exhilarating!  We met a lovely mother and daughter on vacation from Wisconsin – Mary and Gina – and we took photos of them with their camera and they did the same for us.  Then, they took a picture of us and we took a picture of them.  I hope they will check out this blog to see themselves!

After the Falls we got back on the trolley and got the full tour of the area.  We could have gotten off the trolley at different spots and seen even more, but we wanted to head back, because we were hoping to get to our next campground before dark. 

We got back on the road and arrived at our campground at around 8:00pm.  INDIAN CREEK CAMPING RESORTS is in a beautiful town called Geneva-on-the-Lake.  It is, literally, right on Lake Erie and Eric and I caught a beautiful sunset on the lake.  The lake is so large it looks like an ocean.  You can’t see land ANYWHERE.  Amazing!

This campground is fabulous.  We had a late dinner at a restaurant right on the campgrounds – FARONE'S – and it was delicious!  We had the nicest young waiter – Ron – who just graduated from college in May and will be leaving here next week to start a great job in Columbus.

We’re so excited, because we’re heading to Cleveland tomorrow to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Rock on!

Got up this morning and drove into town to Mary’s Kitchen for a lovely home-style breakfast.  Then we headed to Cleveland for the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, which is only 45 miles away. 

The ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME is an amazing building.  Right now, there is an exhibit of giant guitars on display outside the main entrance, called GUITARMANIA.  Many artists were asked to decorate the guitars in their own style and the result is an amazing array of beautiful and creative works of art by sculpting, painting, or creating mosaics on the surface of the guitars.  Here are a few of my favorites:

There are six floors to the Hall of Fame and Museum and we spent the next six hours covering every inch.  We did it all, but did it quickly, without reading every word or looking at every single item.  If you wanted to do that, you could easily spend 2-3 days in the museum.  We loved it, but it was a little over-stimulating for me, and a little bit TMI (if you know what I mean).  Eric had more patience to read and examine in more detail.  We loved learning more about our favorite artists and bands, and finding out about some we didn’t know anything about.  The amount of memorabilia in there is absolutely amazing – from John Lennon’s report cards and swimming certificate to Jim Morrison’s Cub Scout uniform, to the original written song lyrics of some of rock’s greatest hits.

There was a film showing every artist that’s been inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME and a 12-minute video called, “Video Killed the Radio Star” showing how video impacted the music world.

In the picture above, Eric is standing next to one of Roy Orbison's favorite cars. 

We loved it all and I know Eric was really looking forward to this.  He wore his favorite Door’s t-shirt!  There is a Doors exhibit now through October and, of course, that was his favorite part.  Tons of trivia and memorabilia.

All in all, it was a great day and we would recommend it highly to anyone who has any interest in the history of rock.

It was a fast drive back to the campground, and we’re on our way to Chicago tomorrow!

Left Geneva-on-the-Lake this morning.  Such a beautiful place.  We’ll never forget the view of Lake Erie.  Decided to drive as far as New Carlisle, Indiana today (about 270 miles) to a campground called LAKESIDE RESORT.

Had lunch in Westlake, Ohio at a FRIDAY'S.  Then had a special treat – STARBUCKS.  My first in a week.  Anyone who knows my addiction will understand how happy this made me.  We drove past Toledo and into Indiana.  Lots and lots of cornfields on either side of the thruway and not much else.  Also very flat.  Not Eric’s kind of place.  He likes mountains and trees, and plenty of ‘em!

Got to LAKESIDE RESORT at 7:00pm.  Our RV is about 100 feet from the railroad tracks and we've already heard the loud horns.  Uh oh!  Is this going to be another night like THE VILLAGES AT TURNING POINT and that scene in MY COUSIN VINNY?  I hope not.  The good thing about getting a bad night’s sleep is I don’t have to get up early and go to work tomorrow!

If I don’t get a good night’s sleep tonight, because of the trains, I know I can nap sometime tomorrow!  Am I lazy, or what?  That’s another thing that people who know me will know for sure:  I love to sleep.  I may be Peppy, but I need to recharge my batteries and work best on a good eight hours a night.

Here’s something else that’s fabulous: Taking a nap on the couch while Eric drives.  I’ve always been one of those people who fall asleep in a car.  There’s something so soothing about the movement and I always doze off.  I’m lucky Eric doesn’t mind, because it happens if I’m in the car for more than a half hour!  This is twice as nice, because I actually get to lay down with my own pillow and blanket!

Anyway, I'll nap while he drives and he’ll wake me if the GPS starts talking (we call her “Betty”), so I can help navigate.  Betty is the best investment we've ever made.  I SO highly recommend GPS systems, because -- as our friend, Larry, says -- "It takes all the anxiety out of driving someplace new!"

We’re excited about getting to the next campground tomorrow -- WINDY CITY CAMPGROUND in Tinley Park, which is only about a half hour from Chicago.  Our friend, Jerry, lives in Chicago and we are looking forward to spending the weekend seeing the sights with him.  I’m sure he’ll know the best places to go, and the most fun things to do!

Eric bought a fishing rod in Geneva-on-the-Lake and since LAKESIDE RESORT is, literally, right on the lake, he’ll be fishing tomorrow morning.  This I have to see!  I will definitely take pictures, so stay tuned!

No pictures today, but I guess you saw enough of us at NIAGARA FALLS and the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME!

Well, it was exactly as I thought, only more so.  The train was much closer than it was at TURNING POINT.  I know, because I actually walked from our site (which was right by the main office) to the railroad and it was only 100 steps.  The pictures below were taken standing in front of the RV and then 100 steps closer!

I had the foresight to take two sleeping pills, which really helped.  I still woke up every time the train went by, but I was able to fall right back to sleep, instead of laying there awake.  So, not the best night’s sleep, but still – I slept!

Other than that, the place was actually very nice -- right on Hudson Lake and very quaint and picturesque.

We both got a late start this morning and, since checkout is very early here (11:00am), there was no time for fishing.  We could have stayed, but Eric wanted to get on the road.  So, our fishing adventure will have to wait!

Had breakfast at “The Diner” in New Carlisle and found out that yesterday we had entered a different time zone and didn’t even know it.  The campground where we slept is an hour behind, but a few miles away, where we head breakfast, it was still Eastern time.  It was 11:20am and we found out the place closed at noon (like the other place in Bellingham!).  We rushed over there and were lucky enough to get served before they closed.  We had pancakes and tried something new – fried mush – which is flat squares of fried cornmeal.  Not bad, but wouldn’t order it again!

Got on the road and arrived at Windy City Campground at 2:00pm, but by now we had entered the next time zone again, so it was only 1:00pm.  We parked the RV on our site and Eric discovered that the door covering the LP (liquid propane) heater had fallen off the RV while we were driving.  After many phone calls and aggravation, Eric was able to order a replacement door over the phone and is having it shipped to my parents’ house in Florida, where we will be next week. 

It's always something!  It’s just like Murphy’s law – whatever can go wrong, will go wrong – but, again, we were lucky that we were able to order the part and, in the meantime, he covered it with a piece of cardboard and some packing tape (very attractive).  It’s fine, as long as we don’t use the water heater (and we never need hot water in the RV, because we take showers at the campgrounds).

I felt like I needed some pampering, so we drove a couple of miles to a shopping center and I got a manicure/pedicure while Eric did a load of laundry a few doors down.  I felt bad letting him work while I got my nails done, but I do most of the laundry, and he volunteered!

It felt great to have my nails done, but I sure do miss Cindy and the girls at SUNSHINE NAILS (2219 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park).  No one compares to them!  They are so sweet, do such a beautiful job, give you a great massage, and treat you like gold.  This place was okay, but none of the amenities of SUNSHINE NAILS!  And, believe it or not – it was MUCH more expensive!  I can’t believe some things are cheaper in New York!  After that, Eric and I went to dinner at a little Italian place and came back to the campgrounds. 

Eric decided it would be a good idea to rent a car for the weekend, since parking the RV in the city of Chicago would be very difficult.  So, we’re driving a rental car up to see Jerry tomorrow and we’ll go around the city, seeing the usual tourist sights.  Can’t wait to see Jerry – and Chicago!