Hi All: Well, we got to Marengo, ILL about 1330 I think. Trip was uneventful. We did go the long way around to keep from driving thru Chicago, and trying to keep off of all the Toll Roads up here.

When we got here I found that we did not have Harry's phone number. I have it in my land line phone at home, and Guess what?? It is still at home. When we got here and I got some things set up and I got on line, I sent Harry an email asking for his phone#.. Wonders of Wonders, he calls me on our cell phone and told me he sent the number online, but was afraid I may not check the mail. Any way, we got set up and went and had a nice visit with Harry and Alecia. We have set up a dinner out tomorrow with them at a Steak place we went with them the last time we were here.. Looking forward to it. Told him the dinner is on us, and he says NO. So it may be interesting when the check comes. I think I may be able to beat Harry???? hee hee.. Good luck Harry. hee hee.

I needed a new head for my electric razor so we found a Walmart with Alecia's directions, but , They did not have any new heads for my type or razor, SO, I have a new Fathers day present. A new razor... My old one would not cut my tough whiskers?? And Amy complains a lot. hee hee.

Since Amy took no new photo's today except a couple State signs I am enclosing one of when we left New Castle. They had just set up some cones on the hiway coming out of the campground to keep traffic in one lane. Well, they left no room for us to come out of the campground. I hit one of the cones and tried to not run over it, but if you look close it is under the frame of the tow dolly. When I pulled in to get gas someone came over and told me I had a construction cone under the car. Could not get it loose, so I continued down the road. I watched to see if I could see it come loose but never saw it.. When we stopped at a rest area I noticed it was gone. Hope it didn't hit anyone....

Well, we are here, and eating in tonight. I get to have a "Toddy" tonight also. Will try to get some photo's for the next blog.

Semper Fi

Don & Amy & Pharaoh

Hi All: We got underway from New Castle about 0730 and got in to Yogi Bears Campground in Plymouth, Indiana at about 3:30 (1530). Woke up to rain this morning and left the campground in the rain. Rained most of the morning , but let up around Noon and we had off and on rain along the route. We decided to take a different route thru Ohio and Indiana than the Turnpike that would have required us to float a loan to pay the toll. We took US Rout 30 and it was a real good route. No problems at all, and a better route than some Interstates that we have taken. A few more traffic lights in Indiana than I would have liked, but a good route. Only problem is a gas station for RV's like ours that we can get in to and OUT of. We did find a Pilot station just before our camp ground and we got to fill up and are now all set for tomorrow..

We are in a Thunder Storm Watch here now also. The campground is a nice one. Lots of sites, and a lot of them are full. We just need a spot to stop for the night though. Will not be using any of the things to do here at this campground. Will be up and out in the morning, heading for Marengo, Illinois to Visit Harry and Alicia for a couple days...

Have local TV here off the Antenna, Satellite TV, and the Internet. We have it all. AND Amy is making "Prime Rib" with Salad, and Mashed Potatoes for dinner.. Also Can have a little "lord" before dinner here. All is good...

Above are a coupe photos's... Pharaoh is in his usual position. "Sleeping", We walked around and found these dumb things to stick our faces in and Amy just had to use them. Also my Sweety next to Yogi Bear....

Semper Fi

Don Amy & Pharaoh

Hi All: We had a good time and Jo and Ken's beautiful home last night. They had a Shelar get together with cake and "Home Made" Ice Cream. It was a super time. Thanks so much Ken and Jo. got to visit with Uncle Jerry who will be 102 years old this November I think. He still bakes cakes and mows the lawn. A great man...

Lot of Amy's relatives showed up. To many to list here. I knew most of them, but some I didn't. I think they scheduled it as Amy could not make the Shelar Reunion in August, so she got to see a lot of them last evening. It was a great time. Thanks to them all for coming out..

The pretty lady above is Aunt Beryl who has cooked so many dinners for us while we have been here. She could claim us on her Income Tax as a Tax deduction. The dinners were all great, and she even put some of her cherry's in a pie for me, and this evening had some more of her cherries on a cake with ice cream. I sure didn't lose any weight while here. hee hee. Love you Aunt Beryl.

The other picture of the beautiful couple is Ken and Jo Harlan who had us all in their beautiful Home for the Shelar get together. Their home is beautiful in itself, and has a super view of a beautiful valley from top of the hill there. Will miss them all.

We will be leaving in the morning for a campground in Plymouth, Indiana. We'll be there for one night, then on to Marengo, Illinois for a short visit with Harry and Alecia Tippins. Harry and I used to play music together in a band in 29 Palms California in the early 60's We didn't make much money, but had a good time. We were both in the USMC at that time. Have not seen him in years. Looking forward to the visit. We will be there for two nights, then on the road again toward the North and visit the "Mall Of America", then on across the top of the states to Montana and then up in to Canada and the Alaska Highway...

More later.

Hi Georgia & Family...

Semper Fi

Don, Amy & Pharaoh.

Hi all: We are still in New Castle. The rain has stopped the last couple days, and it has been great the last two days. Even a little warm.

Not much to report. I got my hair cut yesterday and we went to Aunt Beryl's for dinner. Amy did some washing of sheets etc, and I did some book reading.

Today was about the same. We cooked breakfast here at the motor home, and Amy had her hair done, then we went to Walmart for some stuff Amy had to have. We went to a place called "Four Bush for "Frozen Custard". They make the best Ice Cream I've ever had. Had a Black Raspberry flavored cone. Was super. Amy spent the rest of the day with Aunt Beryl, and I read some more. Went to her place for dinner again.

The photo's above are of Amy's childhood home in Princeton. Also a photo of Amy with her Uncle Bob who was in WWII. Not doing to well now I fear.. The other gentlemen is Amy's Uncle Jerry who will turn 102 this November. We will be going to His place and his son Ken's place for a Shelar type get together for cake and ice cream tomorrow. He's sure in good shape for his age. Amy was there and he gave her some cake he had just baked to bring home. It was real good..

Getting close to leaving. We will be leaving Tuesday to continue our trip. Will stop in Plymouth, Indiana one night, then the next day we have reservations at the KOA near Harry Tippins place in Marengo, ILL for two nights. Hope to be able to visit Harry some while we are there. He and I used to play music together in a band in California in the early 60's. Had a great time. He is a super guitar player....

Well, That's about all for this time.

Semper Fi.

Don, Amy & Pharaoh

Hi All: Had a real nice dinner with Jan and Gary at their place last night. A very good visit.

Took a couple photo's of our Grandfathers house. The red brick house. Sure seemed bigger than it does now. I guess all things were larger when you were 6 years old. Also a picture of our old house across the road from Grandpa's house.. It also looks a lot smaller than I remember. I see that someone lives there that works on his car like we did when we lived there????

Also, a photo of Jan and Gary with their new 5th wheel RV. It's a beautiful rig and I'm sure they will have lots of fun in it. They plan a trip like we are on when Gary retires in a year or two. Way to go guys....

We went to our Sisters restaurant this morning and had breakfast, then went to the post office and I sent a pistol I had in the Saturn back home. Cannot take a pistol in to Canada. I do have my shot gun that they will let me take in IF I pay for the permit, which I will...

Amy is washing clothes here at the Campground today. We had rain all day yesterday, but today so far is beutiful out. Nice blue sky and lots of sun. We go to Aunt Beryl's this afternoon. I want to check a light that she is having trouble with a switch on, and Amy will stay there and I will take the car and run away. But will return in time for dinner. hee hee.

Getting close to leaving Next Tuesday..

Semper Fi

Don, Amy & Sleepy Pharaoh.

Hi All:

It's another rainy day here in New Castle. WE did have a nice day yesterday, but the sun wasn't out long enough to make the soggy ground dry up. Now with this rain it will be even worse.

Amy and I went to the Coney Island Hot Dog place for hot dogs for Lunch/Supper. They were pretty good. Know they are not healthy for us, but that is all we'll eat here. Might buy a pint of the hot sauce to take with us for later in the trip when I can cook a couple hot dogs on an outside fire to a crispy condition. hee hee.

Photo's above are of our camp site here, AND the Johnson Sisters Cafe where we have breakfast now and then. Good breakfast, and fairly close to the campground.

We also went to visit Amy's Uncle Bob Harrison. He could not get to the gathering of Harrisons last Sunday due to health. He was in the Army during WWII and was a paratrooper during the Normandy Invasion area, and also jumped in to Holland during that time. He's one of our Hero's from WWII. Sure hope he gets over his health problem. He's 85 now. A great guy...

Amy planned to go to the Outlet Mall around here this morning. Not sure she is going or not with all the rain. But I suspect she will go. I will hold down the fort here. Cannot let myself get wet?? hee hee.

Going to Jan and Gary's for dinner this evening. We were with them a few nights ago and went out for a great dinner. Jan is cooking at home this time. I'm sure it will be a good night. Enjoy visiting them...Gary loaded me up with ice cream cones from his company he works for. "Joy" Ice Cream Cone Company. Great Ice Cream Cones....

Well, better get on with the day..

Semper Fi

Don, Amy & Pharaoh

Hi All: Sorry I have not been on line for a few days. We are still in New Castle visiting relatives and friends. Not much to report about that.


It's been raining off and on since we got there. The campground is a soggy mess. We didn't get any of the tornado stuff around here, but it was only a few miles North of us. Just got some wind and lots of rain.


Have had a good time visiting folks around here.


Had dinner with Jan and Gary who have purchased a new 5th wheel RV and a beautiful big truck to pull it with. They are getting ready for both of them to retire and do some traveling around the USA. Go Guys!!!!


Had a great visit with Pete and Edie yesterday, and they took us to a restaurant for "Beer battered Cod".. WE had that one time before and it was just as good this time. Had a nice visit with them also. Ate to much though. Had super Pie and Brownies at their home after dinner.

Thanks Guys...


We still have a week here visiting before we hit the road West towards Montana where we turn North in to Canada...Be glad to get on the road.....

Semper Fi


Don, Amy & Pharaoh