Sycamore, IL - We Are Going To Miss You!

We spent the last two months in Sycamore, IL and it may have been our favorite location since we began our travels.  That may be surprising to people, but when you full-time RV, there is more to a location than just fun attractions.  We have stayed in places where the folks have had to search for places they felt safe shopping and eating. Mama knew from the moment we drove through Sycamore that it was going to be her type of town. She was able to walk to town and then when Buddy arrived, she rode all over without fear.

Our campground, Sycamore RV Resort, had so many places for us to walk. We walked at least two miles a day. We only had one encounter of someone who didn't have their dog on a leash and that was on our last night.  It was a small dog and his Mama thought it was fine because he plays with a Great Dane.  His Mama may be sorry one day when he approaches a dog that is not a friendly as we are.  One of our neighbors has a container vegetable garden and he brought over a big bag of lettuce for us Monday.  He has lived there for 17 years.  He doesn't like weekenders. We didn't think he liked us, but once he heard we were leaving, he came over a number of times to talk. BOL!

The folks visited an apple orchard/pumpkin patch/Christmas tree farm a few weeks ago.  They said it was a great place for kids, but no pets were allowed.  The place has a huge store and the folks bought apples, caramel apples, apple cider donuts and popcorn. The sign said the baby rice popcorn melts in your mouth and is hull-less.  Mama loves making popcorn on Survivor night, so she bought two bags of popcorn.

The popcorn is small and it is hull-less, but it does not melt in your mouth.   We haven't tried the other bag yet.

We left Sycamore yesterday morning.  We were ready at 6:15 a.m..  Our stabilizer jacks came up easily.  They can be a real problem. We thought we were ready to go, but the motor home wouldn't start.  The battery was low.  We feared the worse because we only had one day to get to our new location because Dad had to be at work today.  Finally, we were able to hit the road!

So, where are we?

Clue #1 - We drove through this state.

Clue #2 - We stopped at this rest area.  It has buffalo made out of metal.

We didn't have time to sniff them.

Buddy is on the back of the Jeep.  He got wet yesterday.

Clue #3 -Our new location is near a Presidential library that the folks hope to visit.  It is currently closed because of the government shutdown.  GRRR!!!

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Tired After 10 Hours Of Traveling (Clue #4)

John Deere Historic Site

Since this is our last weekend here, Dad told Mama she needed to find something fun for them to do today.  She came up with a few things, but decided on visiting the John Deere Historic Site.   In all honesty, Mama didn't know if would be fun, but they did it anyway.

The John Deere Historic Site is located near Dixon which is where Ronald Reagan's boyhood home is located.  They visited there in August.  You can read about it here. 

The folks said that the John Deere Historic Site was fun and educational.  The tour includes the archeological site.  In 1963, college students found the exact location where John Deere built his blacksmith shop. This is where he made the self-scouring steel plow. The plow did not have to be wiped off constantly like other plows. The first year he sold one, the second year he sold two.  Business picked up after that. 

This is the original blacksmith shop. This area is behind glass. The area is marked so that visitors can see what was in each "hole".

A short film is shown in the old blacksmith shop about John Deere.  It was very interesting.

The next stop is a replica of the blacksmith shop where a blacksmith does a very good demonstration. 

Plows

The next stop on the tour is the house that John Deere built for his family.  It started out as a three room house.  The only part of the house then was the portion on the left hand side.  He added the rest of the house later.

Mama did not take any photos of the inside of the house because 1) she only had her cell phone and the battery was running low and 2) none of the furnishings inside the house belonged to the Deere family.  The furnishings are not even what they would have had because the furniture was from the East and not from here.  The only thing that Mama wishes she would have taken a photo of was a doll that was found inside one of the walls of the house.  It was a very small doll that must have belonged to one of the Deere girls.

The final stop on the tour was the gift shop.  The folks bought a magnet that was made by the blacksmith.

Handmade magnet

 You may be asking yourself  "Where are the green tractor?"  Well, John Deere was dead for 30 years before the tractor was invented.  The blacksmith said that if John Deere had been run over by a tractor, he would have asked what it was.  When Mama was planning the trip to the site, it never occurred to her that there would not be any tractors there.  She said when she thinks of John Deere, she thinks of tractors and not plows.  She didn't get to ask her question which was "Why are the tractors green?"  BOL!   I guess she will have to Google it.

Mama didn't think there would be many people at the John Deere site, but it was packed.  Their tour had 50 people in it.  A tour bus full of people showed up as they were leaving, so it seems to be a popular place to visit.

The price of the tour is $5.  The folks were probably there for two hours or more. The folks are very happy that they went.

FYI:  Did you know that John Deere's wife's maiden name was Lamb?  Mama thought it was cute that her name was Lamb and his was Deere.

Joey,
The Greyhound Whose Sock Monkey Lost An Arm Today

Scout Took A Shower

We learned last night from our friend, Donna, who lives in the next town over that there is a self-service pet wash near us.  It is really near us.  Like it is across the street.  BOL! Mama thought it was a full-service place and a doggy day care. (She didn't want Scout to have to be crated at a full-service place.)  Mama looked at the pictures online and saw the steps going into the tub and decided that it would be too hard to get Scout to do the steps.  Today, Mama and I attempted to walk there and check it out in person. The traffic was so bad that we couldn't get across the street.  Mama said Scout would just have to take a shower outside because she still had the odor.

I wanted to go out and watch, but Mama said "STAY INSIDE, JOEY!"  I know it would have been fun.  Mama hooked up Scout's cable to a picnic table and then adjusted the water so it was nice and warm. Scout just stood there. She didn't do anything.  Mama said it was easier than giving her a bath in a tub. She should have done it three days ago. So, folks, she is now clean and all we smell right now is baby powder scent since Mama used puppy shampoo on her.  We hope the smell doesn't come back.

After the shower, we were given our frosty treats, pumpkin favor, since Scout was so good.  It's nice when you both get rewarded if one of you is really good.  BOL!

No, the bed is not back. We didn't feel like posing for a new picture.  BOL!

Guess what?  We are leaving here next week.  Yep, we were supposed to leave right before Thanksgiving, but Dad is needed more elsewhere.  Mama was really sad when she found out. We were going to walk in the Pumpkin Fest parade with Greyhounds Only.  The Pumpkin Fest is HUGE here.  Pumpkins fill the town square and it is quite a celebration. She also wanted to do some shopping at their reunion in November.

Mama has been riding Buddy a lot this week and doing all the things that she wants to do before we leave.  She planned on going to garage sales today, but it was pretty cloudy this morning and too cool.  She said that even with the visor on her helmet, she has tears running down her face when it is chilly.  The wind really gets to her.  Anyway, it is pretty windy now, so I think she is just going to stay home with us.  Mama doesn't think she will be able to ride Buddy at our next destination because we are going to be in a rural area and not near town.  We will have to wait until we get there to know for sure.  Mama is a lot happier when she is able to get out and shop.  BOL!

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Glad He Didn't Have To Take A Shower
 

Why Does Scout Stink?

No, she didn't get sprayed by a skunk and I didn't pee on her.  It is still 50% my fault.  She says it is 100%, but I think she needs to take half the blame.  Okay, so here is what happened.  We came back from a walk on Tuesday and I ran in the house and drank some water, then ate some food, then drank more water, than ate more food and then drank more water and then went to the end of the big rug and threw it all up.  It was pretty impressive.  Mama wasn't happy because: 1) she has a weak stomach and sometime when I loose my cookies, she almost looses hers, 2) Dad wasn't home to clean it up and 3) we were out of paper towels.  So, Mama started cleaning it up with towels.  She actually gave me permission to help, but I declined and went back to my bowl and ate some more.  She told me to stop, but I was hungry.  The clean up process took a while since Mama was coughing and carrying on.  The rug was still pretty wet, so Mama folded it over so that the underneath could dry.  It is a 5 X 7.  She should have just put it outside, but she was scared we would slide on the floor.   Mama left to buy paper towels and when she got home, she found Scout sleeping on the wet, stinky carpet.  The smell from the carpet is now stuck to Scout and it is like that Seinfeld episode where Jerry's car stinks.  The smell seems to be multiplying.  It is on Scout, her collar, the bedding.  IT IS EVERYWHERE!   The solution would be to give Scout a bath.  Well, we don't have a shower that is big enough.  The next option is to give her a shower outside, but Mama is concerned with doing that by herself. However, that may still may happen.  We had baby wipes on hand, but they didn't do anything.  Mama tried plain water and also some light perfume.  Yesterday, she bought doggy wipes and puppy shampoo.  Today, she bought carpet cleaner.  We have lots of different odors going on in here now.  BOL!

Joey,
The Greyhound Whose Sister Stinks Less Today Than Yesterday!  BOL!

Sock Monkeys!!!!

Mama stopped by Petco today to find something to de-stink Scout and guess what they had?  Sock Monkeys!  Guess how much they were?  They were on clearance for $.70.  Their tag said they originally cost $12, but the sign said $19.99.  Regardless, they were $.70 today. Mama bought each of us one!

OMG! Sock Monkeys!

Give them to us!

Bite, bite, bite

He smells or maybe it's me or the carpet.

I think mine is broke.

Not mine.

He likes to wrestle.

His arms and legs are going every which way.

Take that...sock monkey.

Thanks, Mama, I love him!

 Joey,
The Greyhound Who Posted Twice Today Because He Couldn't Wait Until Tomorrow

Almost Wordless Wednesday - 10/09/2013

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Laughing Because Scout Might Have To Get A Bath Today And It's Kind Of My Fault - Probably Not The Reason You Are Thinking

So Many Channels....

and nothing to watch. 

Scout,

The Greyhound Who Can Never Find Anything Good To Watch On TV

Another Rainy Day

We think rain is BORING. It rained yesterday, today and probably tomorrow.  However, it appears that we could have it much worse.  We could be in a blizzard or a tropical storm/hurricane or having severe storms.  Our country is having some wild weather right now. I guess a boring, raining day is not so bad.

Mama and Buddy went out on Monday and Wednesday of this week.  Mama's top speed is now 42.  She still prefers being in traffic than going fast.  She said she now has to watch her speed so she doesn't get a ticket.  Dad put a basket on the back of Buddy and now Mama can really shop. She has a cargo net that goes over the basket so nothing flies out.  Wednesday, she shopped at Walmart and even stopped and picked up lunch on her way home at the Country Store.  She had a Big Steak Burrito.  Country Store is a butcher/catering shop near us that has awesome food.

Mama is hoping to go out later today, but it really depends on the weather.  Mama really likes Buddy now.  She wasn't so sure if she was going to like riding him.  She really didn't think it was fun at first.  BOL!

There is not a whole lot going on in our campground.  Many of the full-timers are leaving and heading south for the winter. We were sad to say good-bye to a pair of Italian Greyhounds that were here.  Their folks are wanting to adopt greyhounds when the Iggy's go to the bridge.  A couple from Florida, who are thinking of adopting greyhounds, left last week.  It was sad to see them leave.  There is a dog behind us that doesn't like us at all is leaving next week.  I don't think we will be sad to see her go.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Going To Sleep This Rainy Day Away

Almost Wordless Wednesday 10/02/2013

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Isn't As Worried As He Looks

Sock Monkey Museum

The folks traveled to Rockford to visit the Sock Monkey Museum.  It is located in the Midway Village Museum.  Mama has never been a fan of the sock monkey until now.  She always thought they looked a little scary, but now she likes them.

Sock monkeys are made from "red heel socks" which were manufactured by the Nelson Knitting Mills beginning in 1890 in Rockford, IL.  The socks were unique because they were made without seams. Nelson Knitting Mills was the first company worldwide to manufacture socks. In 1932, the red heel was introduced to distinguish their socks from their competitors.

During the depression, Nelson Knitting Mills did not layoff employees.  They lowered the prices of their socks to keep everyone working.  Can you imagine that?  Mama said it makes her want to buy their socks for that reason alone. Nelson Knitting Mills sold their business to Fox River Mills in 1992 and the socks continue to be produced today.

The sock monkey was created by some clever crafters. In 1951, Nelson Knitting Mills started including instructions for sock monkeys with their socks. 

This is thought to be the largest sock monkey.

Knitting machine

The museum also had a display for the Rockford Peaches. This was a women's baseball team that started during WWII to keep people interested in baseball.  They won four championships and played from 1943 to 1954.  If you have seen A League Of Their Own, then you are familiar with this team.

The folks were disappointed in the exhibit because there was nothing about the movie. They thought they would say something about it and possibly show the real players and the people who played them in the movie.

Mama thought the sock monkey exhibit was pretty interesting.  There were other exhibits such as several doll houses and a re-created town outside. The town is closed for the season, so visitors are only allowed to walk around the outside of the buildings.  It is probably more interesting if you can go inside the buildings.

The cost of  the museum is $7 a person.

The Millhouse.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Did Not Get A Sock Monkey, But Is Really Hoping For A Mr. Bill Toy

Joey Vs.

Joey vs. The Bunny

Joey 0, Bunny 3
There is a bunny who is roaming the campground.  Mama says it is teasing me.  I just want to sniff it... honest.

Joey vs. The Vacuum

Joey 0, Vacuum 4
I hate the "shark".  I have tried to bite it three times.  Mama says I am going to get hurt.  Last week, I took off running while "the shark" was in action and I got tangled in the cord.  I ripped the cord from the outlet and bent the prongs.  Luckily, I didn't get hurt, but the cord was wrapped around my bad leg and I limped for a little while.  The vacuum definitely won that battle and maybe the war. 

Joey vs. The Fly

Joey 1, Fly 0
A fly kept bothering me, but I taught him a lesson.  I ate him.  BOL!

Yesterday was Scout's "gotcha day".  She has been here for six years!  I am five, so she has been around longer than I have been alive!  We celebrated with a family day.  The folks worked around the RV and Scout and I enjoyed lounging in the sun.  Do you know what we ate for dinner?

Prime Rib

Okay, we didn't eat the whole thing.  We only got a small portion of it.  Actually, we have been eating our share over the past few days because Mama said we shouldn't have too much at once.  We also had our yogurt treats "Elvis style".  Elvis style is peanut butter and banana.  We think they are good!

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Good At Catching Flies But Needs To Make Sure He Is Catching Flies And Not Bees

Varoom, Varoom

It seems like we are hearing a lot of varoom, varoom lately.   Mama has been venturing out more and more.  Tuesday, she reached her goal which was going to Target.  She had to travel a four lane road in traffic and with traffic lights.  She thought she would be smart and take a side street and avoid some of the traffic.  However, the side street turned into a four lane street and the speed limit was 45 mph.  Mama's top speed up to that time was 30 mph. She reached 35 mph but that was as fast as she wanted to go.  She said even with her visor on, the wind was making her eyes water.  Mama got a little scared because she kind of got lost. She knew she could turn around, but she really didn't want to have to go back that way.  She ended up making some turns and eventually she ended up back at the street she had left.  She took the way she knew back home.  She has decided she prefers riding in traffic rather than going fast.

Today, she headed out again and went to Petco, Walmart and Kohl's.  The trip is about 13 miles round trip.  It is the next town.  She said she needed socks. It sounds like an excuse to me. She wanted to buy shoes, but she doesn't have enough storage space yet to carry them.  She will have to wait until next week for that.  No, she didn't buy us anything at Petco, but I know she went there looking for a Mr. Bill toy for me.  I really want one.  I think that is what I am getting for my birthday in November.

We have not told you about our Emeals in a long time.  Last week, we had some really good meals. The pictures don't do the food justice since the food is on paper plates and/or foil.

Mexican Pizza - the tortillas are fried in oil and then topped with ground beef, refried beans. The second layer had picante sauce, green onions, tomatoes and cheese.

Mama said it was really good and Dad agreed.

Tilapia with Lemon Caper Sauce

 The folks had this a few years ago at a friend's house and Mama was delighted to make it herself.  The tilapia is breaded and then fried and the lemon caper sauce is put on top.  Mama added noodles as a side item.

Fantastic Banana French Toast with hash browns and sausage

Mama fixed this for breakfast instead of dinner.  The french toast is actually croissants.  Pecans and bananas are heated in the syrup which is maple syrup, corn syrup and brown sugar.

We have been using the Emeals program for two years and still love it.  We have had a few repeat meals lately.  Dad said "We did?"  I guess it is a lot less than if Mama was planning the menu on her own.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Likes When Mama Brings Him Lunch

Almost Wordless Wednesday - 9/25/2013

 

 Joey,
The Greyhound Who Enjoys A Sunbeam On A Cool Autumn Morning