Look for more pics on the photo pages!Monday, March 30, 2009
Newbies
About 3 months ago I decided I wanted a camper. I've posted about this before and the end result is a 1995 Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher. It's a class C RV and that was a must for me because I wanted to have the cubby over the passenger and driver seats that the kids could have as their own. There is a TV up there and their pillows and blankets and I don't have to convert/make beds everyday. They can pull the curtain and it's their own little world. It's perfect.
Have we used it? You betcha! We took our maiden voyage to First Landing State Park. It was just on the other side of town so if there were any major problems we could just go home. For less than we would spend on dinner we were able to spend the night on the beach. We took food from our fridge, grabbed a change of clothes and off we went. Samantha Sue came along too so we didn't have to trouble anyone with watching the dog and she still got to keep my feet warm. It was way to cold for swimming but my kids didn't care. They were happy just being on the ocean- playing sand soccer, trying to catch a fish, watching for dolphins and collecting sea shells. They made friends with other campers and had fun digging in the sand together.
Kevin and I had fun just setting everything up and playing house in our new camper. We pulled out the awning, laid down the mat, lit the fire and sat around very proud of ourselves. Around 2:30 in the morning we discovered our error. We had left the awning extended and although there was no wind the night before, it had picked up and was flapping our awning around and banging the pole into the camper. I woke Kevin and we hustled outside to save the awning from being permanently ripped away. We were new at this so I had a flashlight held firmly in my teeth while holding the flapping awning and Kevin was trying to remember which mechanism to unlock first to get the thing down. The end result? We learned a valuable lesson and gained a 2 inch tear in our awning.
The next morning we looked out at the class A beside us. They had the USA map on the side with most states filled in and were obviously not new to RV travel. They had pulled their awning in and their chairs were folded neatly and stacked underneath. I continued picking up our blown over chairs wishing I had payed more attention to those experienced travelers.
The second trip we took was up to Ocean City to Whaley Town Campground. It was their St. Patty's weekend celebration so even though it wasn't quite camping season they had lots of activities. We all made charm key chains, played nightly bingo, searched for pots of gold and hunted for shamrocks.
Our campsite was right on the lake and Kev and the kids had a blast fishing. It was catch and release so when Tara caught the first fish the antics began. Daddy ripped the hook out of it's mouth and handed it to Tara who immediately dropped it shrieking "Ooohhhh!! Gross!" Daddy then gave it to Tyler trying to convince him that he really could put his finger in it's mouth because the fish had no teeth. Tyler put his little finger in it's mouth and tried to hold on like a bull rider at a rodeo. That flopping flipping fish won but it should have just hung limply. Once it hit the ground the boys began to kick it toward the lakes edge. The water was only an inch deep, so then they grabbed sticks and began to try and flip it out to deeper water. The poor fish eventually swam away. I just hope it lived longer than the 5 min I was giving it's life expectancy.
On that trip we had no wind so we pulled our awning out and even attached the clever little lights, broke out our chairs and kept the fire lit. Along with the usual marsh mellow cooking the kids also cooked their hot dogs on a stick. What did we learn? The kids definitely needed to bring their bikes. Both weekends the camping kids all had bikes and this campground was large so the walk back and forth to the activities was a good distance.
This weekend we went south to the Outer Banks. Grandma Judy was very excited to hear we stayed in Rodanthe since she had just watched the movie. We stayed at Camp Hatteras. This and the KOA are both pricey in season but we were also able to scout out other smaller campgrounds that are right on the beach, smaller, with a pool and 1/2 the price.
The kids were out of school today so we stayed Saturday night and Sunday night. I love the nights when we go camping because we sit around and play games like Uno, Rummy and Bingo. Having cable is also a nice feature cause the kids can watch Disney till they drift off to sleep. (Nobody said the Fureys are roughin' it when they camp!!)
Sunday I really wanted to take the kids up the coast, past Corolla and drive the beach in search of the famous mustangs that have roamed the beaches there for 400 hundred years. My DH was a little leery of taking the kids out to 4 wheel drive the beach when we have had so much rain. I finally bugged him until he relented and off we went.
The kids were very excited at the prospect of seeing the wild horses. Kev and I were a little nervous. Nervous enough that as we went through Corolla I added a new number to my phones contact list. A-1 Towing. Call me if you ever get stuck and need the number.
As we headed down the beach we stopped and collected a few shells and played by the lapping waves. We ventured a little further inland and began going up and down all the little side "streets". The kids were screaming and yelling like they were on a roller coaster as we climbed sand hills and splashed through watered out roads we didn't know if would make it through. The Jeep did great and we powered through the deepest of waterholes. It was fantastic!! As we were laughing through yet another huge puddle we saw them. Four ponies, wild and free the way nature intended, were nibbling on grass outside of someones fence. We pulled the Jeep over and wandered up close. I snapped pictures and the kids watched in awe. The ponies didn't mind us and just kept munching away. We hopped back in the Jeep very excited we had seen what we had been searching for.
We headed back beach side and drove until the fence blocked us from going further and headed back driving along the surf. We stopped at on point to see what was washed up and discovered many dead sting rays, star fish and even conch shells. I was amazed. These were the largest shells I have ever collected on the Outer Banks and conch shells were everywhere. I've seen starfish in Florida but never here. The kids were again fascinated and very excited. I was beginning to wonder where in the Jeep we were going to have room to keep all their treasures. We kept driving and just ahead saw 2 more ponies. One was standing at the crest of a dune almost like it was posing. The other was on the beach. My camera was again taking lots of pictures. (Baby Trey is fascinated with his wiener so he took it as his duty to inform everyone that the ponies were boys because they had wieners!!!) We drove away very pleased and excited to come back again in the summer to play by the water's edge and watch for the beautiful ponies. I'll post pictures when I get home.
There were no lessons learned this trip except maybe the realization that even if it's windy, raining or even a tornado watch, it's worth every minute and precious memories are always made!
Have we used it? You betcha! We took our maiden voyage to First Landing State Park. It was just on the other side of town so if there were any major problems we could just go home. For less than we would spend on dinner we were able to spend the night on the beach. We took food from our fridge, grabbed a change of clothes and off we went. Samantha Sue came along too so we didn't have to trouble anyone with watching the dog and she still got to keep my feet warm. It was way to cold for swimming but my kids didn't care. They were happy just being on the ocean- playing sand soccer, trying to catch a fish, watching for dolphins and collecting sea shells. They made friends with other campers and had fun digging in the sand together.
Kevin and I had fun just setting everything up and playing house in our new camper. We pulled out the awning, laid down the mat, lit the fire and sat around very proud of ourselves. Around 2:30 in the morning we discovered our error. We had left the awning extended and although there was no wind the night before, it had picked up and was flapping our awning around and banging the pole into the camper. I woke Kevin and we hustled outside to save the awning from being permanently ripped away. We were new at this so I had a flashlight held firmly in my teeth while holding the flapping awning and Kevin was trying to remember which mechanism to unlock first to get the thing down. The end result? We learned a valuable lesson and gained a 2 inch tear in our awning.
The next morning we looked out at the class A beside us. They had the USA map on the side with most states filled in and were obviously not new to RV travel. They had pulled their awning in and their chairs were folded neatly and stacked underneath. I continued picking up our blown over chairs wishing I had payed more attention to those experienced travelers.
The second trip we took was up to Ocean City to Whaley Town Campground. It was their St. Patty's weekend celebration so even though it wasn't quite camping season they had lots of activities. We all made charm key chains, played nightly bingo, searched for pots of gold and hunted for shamrocks.
Our campsite was right on the lake and Kev and the kids had a blast fishing. It was catch and release so when Tara caught the first fish the antics began. Daddy ripped the hook out of it's mouth and handed it to Tara who immediately dropped it shrieking "Ooohhhh!! Gross!" Daddy then gave it to Tyler trying to convince him that he really could put his finger in it's mouth because the fish had no teeth. Tyler put his little finger in it's mouth and tried to hold on like a bull rider at a rodeo. That flopping flipping fish won but it should have just hung limply. Once it hit the ground the boys began to kick it toward the lakes edge. The water was only an inch deep, so then they grabbed sticks and began to try and flip it out to deeper water. The poor fish eventually swam away. I just hope it lived longer than the 5 min I was giving it's life expectancy.
On that trip we had no wind so we pulled our awning out and even attached the clever little lights, broke out our chairs and kept the fire lit. Along with the usual marsh mellow cooking the kids also cooked their hot dogs on a stick. What did we learn? The kids definitely needed to bring their bikes. Both weekends the camping kids all had bikes and this campground was large so the walk back and forth to the activities was a good distance.
This weekend we went south to the Outer Banks. Grandma Judy was very excited to hear we stayed in Rodanthe since she had just watched the movie. We stayed at Camp Hatteras. This and the KOA are both pricey in season but we were also able to scout out other smaller campgrounds that are right on the beach, smaller, with a pool and 1/2 the price.
The kids were out of school today so we stayed Saturday night and Sunday night. I love the nights when we go camping because we sit around and play games like Uno, Rummy and Bingo. Having cable is also a nice feature cause the kids can watch Disney till they drift off to sleep. (Nobody said the Fureys are roughin' it when they camp!!)
Sunday I really wanted to take the kids up the coast, past Corolla and drive the beach in search of the famous mustangs that have roamed the beaches there for 400 hundred years. My DH was a little leery of taking the kids out to 4 wheel drive the beach when we have had so much rain. I finally bugged him until he relented and off we went.
The kids were very excited at the prospect of seeing the wild horses. Kev and I were a little nervous. Nervous enough that as we went through Corolla I added a new number to my phones contact list. A-1 Towing. Call me if you ever get stuck and need the number.
As we headed down the beach we stopped and collected a few shells and played by the lapping waves. We ventured a little further inland and began going up and down all the little side "streets". The kids were screaming and yelling like they were on a roller coaster as we climbed sand hills and splashed through watered out roads we didn't know if would make it through. The Jeep did great and we powered through the deepest of waterholes. It was fantastic!! As we were laughing through yet another huge puddle we saw them. Four ponies, wild and free the way nature intended, were nibbling on grass outside of someones fence. We pulled the Jeep over and wandered up close. I snapped pictures and the kids watched in awe. The ponies didn't mind us and just kept munching away. We hopped back in the Jeep very excited we had seen what we had been searching for.
We headed back beach side and drove until the fence blocked us from going further and headed back driving along the surf. We stopped at on point to see what was washed up and discovered many dead sting rays, star fish and even conch shells. I was amazed. These were the largest shells I have ever collected on the Outer Banks and conch shells were everywhere. I've seen starfish in Florida but never here. The kids were again fascinated and very excited. I was beginning to wonder where in the Jeep we were going to have room to keep all their treasures. We kept driving and just ahead saw 2 more ponies. One was standing at the crest of a dune almost like it was posing. The other was on the beach. My camera was again taking lots of pictures. (Baby Trey is fascinated with his wiener so he took it as his duty to inform everyone that the ponies were boys because they had wieners!!!) We drove away very pleased and excited to come back again in the summer to play by the water's edge and watch for the beautiful ponies. I'll post pictures when I get home.
There were no lessons learned this trip except maybe the realization that even if it's windy, raining or even a tornado watch, it's worth every minute and precious memories are always made!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 09
Kevin was due home the first week of March. Due to Grampa Barney's passing, he arrived with much fanfare the 23rd of February. This is a perfect example of every cloud having a silver lining. When we got the call Saturday morning it was a huge coordinated effort to get us out of here and on our way. Kevin was catching the first flight out so he would arrive Monday morning in KC. We could get buddy passes but we wouldn't arrive till late afternoon Monday. After 4 months without Dad the homecoming is not to be missed!
That Saturday I was at home cleaning house, doing laundry and laying out clothes to pack. Joe Goz gave me a call when he heard the news and asked how he could help me get out of town. I, of course, professed that I needed nothing. He completely ignored me and came over to take The Van for an oil change. When he got back he pulled suitcases out of the attic. I have said it before but the guys in this squadron are just the best. Thanks!
We took off that evening and I drove to the West Virginia line where we woke up to 3 inches of snow. It made the drive beautiful and was a much better backdrop than driving through the rain.
When we got to the airport the whole family (immediate family I should say) was there! That's about 14 kids and 10 adults. Everyone had posters, balloons and a big huge welcome home banner. Kevin said it was the best homecoming ever!!! I grabbed my camera in my rush to get out of the house bit I failed to grab the SD card. Dear Tammy is supposed to send me pics!!!
It was wonderful to visit with everyone but I am over going to KC for funerals. It's about time for a nice happy lake visit.
When we left we decided at the last minute to head down to Pensacola and pick up the camper. LOL! Sure, lets drive south for 14hrs spend the night and then drive 15 hrs home!! Not a problem!!! We ended up driving through 15 states. The kids were counting.
We stayed with Pete and Emily and without them the camper thing would have never happened. Thanks gang for checking it out for us and going over everything with us at your house and for letting us plug in and camp in your driveway!! We are waiting to return the favor!!
So, we made it home with the new camper and Daddy. It is wonderful to have him home. It is fabulous to also have our camper. We camped at First Landing State Park right on the beach. The next weekend we stayed in Ocean City at Frontierland? Campground right on the lake. The weather hasn't been the best but both weekends were a hit and the kids had a blast!! I'll tell you more about our first camping trips later, for now I have to go!!!
That Saturday I was at home cleaning house, doing laundry and laying out clothes to pack. Joe Goz gave me a call when he heard the news and asked how he could help me get out of town. I, of course, professed that I needed nothing. He completely ignored me and came over to take The Van for an oil change. When he got back he pulled suitcases out of the attic. I have said it before but the guys in this squadron are just the best. Thanks!
We took off that evening and I drove to the West Virginia line where we woke up to 3 inches of snow. It made the drive beautiful and was a much better backdrop than driving through the rain.
When we got to the airport the whole family (immediate family I should say) was there! That's about 14 kids and 10 adults. Everyone had posters, balloons and a big huge welcome home banner. Kevin said it was the best homecoming ever!!! I grabbed my camera in my rush to get out of the house bit I failed to grab the SD card. Dear Tammy is supposed to send me pics!!!
It was wonderful to visit with everyone but I am over going to KC for funerals. It's about time for a nice happy lake visit.
When we left we decided at the last minute to head down to Pensacola and pick up the camper. LOL! Sure, lets drive south for 14hrs spend the night and then drive 15 hrs home!! Not a problem!!! We ended up driving through 15 states. The kids were counting.
We stayed with Pete and Emily and without them the camper thing would have never happened. Thanks gang for checking it out for us and going over everything with us at your house and for letting us plug in and camp in your driveway!! We are waiting to return the favor!!
So, we made it home with the new camper and Daddy. It is wonderful to have him home. It is fabulous to also have our camper. We camped at First Landing State Park right on the beach. The next weekend we stayed in Ocean City at Frontierland? Campground right on the lake. The weather hasn't been the best but both weekends were a hit and the kids had a blast!! I'll tell you more about our first camping trips later, for now I have to go!!!
Grampa Barney
This should of been posted weeks ago.
We will all miss him greatly but his legacy lives on....
Robert (Barney) Maguire, 98, passed away Friday February 20, 2009 at home surrounded by family and friends.
The Rosary will be prayed Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 5:00PM in More Hall at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd with visitation following until 8:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00AM Wednesday February 25, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 East 75th St. Kansas City, MO. Burial following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.
Barney was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 19, 1910. He moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri in 1918. Barney had a deep love for automobiles, airplanes, motorcycles and all things mechanical. His tremendous thirst for knowledge was an inspiration for all.
Barney attended St. Aloysius Grade School, Rockhurst and Northeast High School. He worked for Pratt & Whitney in Kansas City and Hartford, CN. In 1948 he and Rosemarie founded Allied Concrete Products which is currently run by third generation family. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus in the Bishop John Ward Assembly 0292, a member of the Trailblazers Organization and More Friends. He was a charter member of National Precast Concrete Association holding several board positions.
Barney witnessed many changes in technology through his life and not one did he let escape without his full immersion and quest to understand. From learning the printing press, to building an experimental airplane in high school shop class, to reading the complete Book of Knowledge more than once, to starting his own business, to using his computer daily-- Barney was always eager to learn.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Cora Belle (McClure) Maguire, sisters Mary Michael Maguire and Katie Kimbrell sons-in-law Bill Garies and Mike Furey, grandchildren; Mickey Furey & Amy Furey; great grandchild Cristina Furey.
Barney is survived by his loving wife of 75 years Rosemarie; daughters Shiloh Garies, Esta Setter and husband Dave, Judy Furey, Kathy Maguire and husband Tom Fritts; 17 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and 2 on the way; sister Frances Cowick; sisters-in-law Marilyn Meiners, Teresa Scheerer (Dick) and brother-in-law Bob Meiners (Claire).
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the St. Thomas More School Technology Fund or the St. Thomas More Capitol Campaign.
We will all miss him greatly but his legacy lives on....
Robert (Barney) Maguire
1910 – 2009
1910 – 2009
Robert (Barney) Maguire, 98, passed away Friday February 20, 2009 at home surrounded by family and friends.
The Rosary will be prayed Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 5:00PM in More Hall at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd with visitation following until 8:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00AM Wednesday February 25, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 East 75th St. Kansas City, MO. Burial following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.
Barney was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 19, 1910. He moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri in 1918. Barney had a deep love for automobiles, airplanes, motorcycles and all things mechanical. His tremendous thirst for knowledge was an inspiration for all.
Barney attended St. Aloysius Grade School, Rockhurst and Northeast High School. He worked for Pratt & Whitney in Kansas City and Hartford, CN. In 1948 he and Rosemarie founded Allied Concrete Products which is currently run by third generation family. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus in the Bishop John Ward Assembly 0292, a member of the Trailblazers Organization and More Friends. He was a charter member of National Precast Concrete Association holding several board positions.
Barney witnessed many changes in technology through his life and not one did he let escape without his full immersion and quest to understand. From learning the printing press, to building an experimental airplane in high school shop class, to reading the complete Book of Knowledge more than once, to starting his own business, to using his computer daily-- Barney was always eager to learn.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Cora Belle (McClure) Maguire, sisters Mary Michael Maguire and Katie Kimbrell sons-in-law Bill Garies and Mike Furey, grandchildren; Mickey Furey & Amy Furey; great grandchild Cristina Furey.
Barney is survived by his loving wife of 75 years Rosemarie; daughters Shiloh Garies, Esta Setter and husband Dave, Judy Furey, Kathy Maguire and husband Tom Fritts; 17 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and 2 on the way; sister Frances Cowick; sisters-in-law Marilyn Meiners, Teresa Scheerer (Dick) and brother-in-law Bob Meiners (Claire).
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the St. Thomas More School Technology Fund or the St. Thomas More Capitol Campaign.
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