BATTLESHIP TEXAS BB-35

We took a tour on the Battleship Texas. We had a walk thru History as we climbed the decks of the mighty old ship. This battle ship came to life in the early nineteen hundreds. Lunched in 1912 Texas is 1311 ft. long. Top speed was 24 mph. that’s not bad as her load was total gross weight at 34,000 tons. the total crew of 1645 men. This ship has seen duty in WW I & WW II. Fitted for the second world war the guns were changed to 10  Fourteen inch guns with a range of 13 miles. The guns could each shoot a 1,500 lb. round of armor piercing. They could fire off a round every 45 seconds wow that’s pretty quick too. Walking the ship was truly a walk thru history. I wondered if the old girl could talk she would have a lot of stories too. 

I have never been too much for the old history, but you can see I have taken a new interest in it.

Texas State Parks

We have found the beauty of the Texas State Park system. Wow they sure make the Illinois park system look bad. We have stayed at three different parks. The first was Atlanta SP this was a nice park but we didn’t stay long enough as we were only the hours. Just long enough too sleep and of course walk Yogi.

Our next stop was Brazos Bend SP. This was a great place as we stayed for a week. This park is located near Sugar Land Texas so close to relatives. With the city of Houston only miles a way we had some nice day trips too.

 

The next stop on the bus for us was Goliad SP. This area is loaded with history I mean Old History too. The state park was great too and Cheap as they all were. Marti & I liked this park the best as we stayed two weeks at the park. The weather was still cold at all the parks. Funny part was after a bad storm one night. The power was off for hours I guess a tree hit the power lines. I was out doors a the Park Police come buy to ask if we are OK !!! I Never had that before. That was Texas Hospitality !!   

We made it to Texas Finally !!!!

We were loaded up and Headed out on Thursday. Rolling at 4:50 AM all signals GO !! The Black Pig was up for the Task too. My goal was Texarkana Ar. Well we blow threw there and finally bedded down at Atlanta State park in Texas. The day’s ride was some 822 miles my personal Best with pulling the Big Dog Designer. This Atlanta park is really a great place. Yogi took me for a nice walk in the morning.

The next morning we were up and anthem and rolling by 8:30 am. we started out on US 59 a good road but running thru a lot of towns. We pulled into  Brazos Bend State park. They were booked full-up for the week-end. Well they told us we could go into the over flow area. The Ranger Lady said we could go into the Host site. Heck I think it’s the best site in the park.

On the Road Again …… Not !!

Well we started for the Highway on Wednesday Jan. 5th at 5:30 AM things were Good. Truck was packed, animals ready, Marti was loaded up and were off. We were Rolling, the weather was cooperating too. Things were great till around Paxton IL. Suddenly the Truck slowed down I had it floored and a speed of 55 mph. Well I got off into a Rest Area and that was good. I thought my fuel had Gelled so I added the anti gel and left the rest area at a whopping 30 mph. That’s not too good on the Interstate. Some 12 miles later we got off. Turned around to go home well the speed picked up to 55 mph that’s not too bad. We finally made it home un hooked the trailer and off to the dealer.

As you would know it the truck ran great at top speeds all to Peotone. I shook my head thinking what the #### We are waiting our turn into the Garage. I just called to try to find out and they said SOON so here we sit.

Well we’re not on the side of the road so that’s a Plus and we are Safe. Guess we will be on the road soon I Hope !!   

Our Year End Review for 2010

 

Well I sitting here in the Ice & Snow thinking time for a Year End Review. Ok well here goes I hope not to bore you too, much.

We started late with our trip to Texas as we didn’t leave till February. I was so happy to finally hit the road we drove 758 miles the first day. Woke up to 4 inches of snow WOW. Well we are from the snow belt so no problem. Texas was Great I visited with my Aunt & Uncle and my Cousins and of course Blondie !!!  We travel to a lot of places in Texas I really Loved this life style too as a Gypsy.

We got home in May as we had to finish the Basement apartment. We had some workers getting everything ready.  Took delivery of our new Amish Cabinets WOW they look great. We moved down stairs in July and I love it.  

We were back on the road in August for four weeks. We went to three rally there. I learned a lot of good stuff at those rallies. Thanks to a lot of smart people. Marti took a driving school where she learned to drive the truck and trailer. Heck she can back the rig up better than me. I’m thinking Marti will get some seat time in Alaska next year too. Maybe on the Ice Road too.

Come the end of October we were off to New Orleans. We stopped for a couple days in Tunica Ms.they are noted for the Casinos. I donated to the slot machines, but had fun. We had a great trip as we toured the Big Easy. I guess the best way to say it was It Was Different Big time!!

We got back for some Dr. appointments the Sad news was Marti’s Cancer had returned. They suddenly I lost my Best Friend of 46 years Ron E Boy.

Marti has had the Cancer removed and had some Chemo treatments we are hoping the Cancer goes away.

We look forward to the Christmas Holidays being home with Friends & Family. Of course I look forward to getting the Heck out of here too.   We have planned to spend more time in the 5th wheel next year as looking at some in Texas this winter. Then a quick trip to Alaska. Ok we are planning our trip for some four months. With 3 months in Alaska!!! 

Ok I’m Done !!! Now your Job is to Leave a Comment !!!!

Thanks Wayne

Loss of My Best Friend Ron E Boy

Well then late Wednesday night that I lost my Best Friend of 46 yrs. Ron Cernaskuas  and I went to Richards High School. Ron and I hung around everyday in school. Then Ron got Drafted, We a laughed when I got Drafted on Ron's birthday. We both went to Viet Nam and returned to life in the Good Old USA.

We always talked but not as much lately. Then in the ninety's we moved closer to Ron and his new wife Mary. Together they had opened a Trucking Company and worked together as Partners. The two of them joked back in forth all the time. They are two of the Hardest Working people I know. Ron truley met the Love of his life as him and Mary were two Love Birds.

Ron would always say Ruddy (some stupid nickname he tagged on me some 46 yrs ago) I work 24/7 !! I always asked how do you do that when on vacation his answer was "he did".

Ron was friend to everyone and liked by all !! He enjoyed golfing and always liked playing cards. Of course Winning was always important too as Ronnie hated to lose. Heck he hated to lose in Dominioes too. I seemed to always lose. Ron would always do a victory dance. 

Well when I got sick (Heart Attack) Ron & Mary were at the Hospital every day. I had a new value for friends as I almost shook the Death Rattle. After I retired Ron would call me almost every day. The wife's would always laugh that were like two old lady's. I would give anything to here the phone ring again. 

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Ron you will be missed by all.

Five Times a Charm (I Hope & Pray)

Well we came back from New Orleans as we need to get some Dr. check ups. Well Marti had to go in for her six month Cancer check-up as I sat in the waiting room (I Prayer for Good Results) I always look for a Smile or a Frown as Marti comes out of the office. Today I got a Frown as the Cancer had come back. I think my heart skips a beat as I learn the news. I know that Marti has a great out look to fight this dreaded disease. Well on December 8 Marti goes in for surgery and this time Chemo.

  

Marti told the Dr. that she needed this surgery ASAP as she needed to get to Texas. WOW that’s my girl !! Marti will Fight This Battle as she has before with a winners altitude.