We Move to Sister Roxy's - Skagit River Bridge Collapses

Today was another rainy, drippy day. We emptied the grey and black water tanks and flushed them out well this morning in preparation for a few days without a sewer connection. We left the Travel Inn Resort in Elma about noon and headed for my sister and brother-in-law's home just outside of Olympia.

Brother-in-law Rich had gone to Home Depot and picked up a 30 amp box for his shop, so we have electric and water. It was interesting to maneuver through the gate into their place and park over by Rich's shop. (It's going to be even more interesting to back out and get turned around when we leave...) It was raining pretty hard while we were getting parked. By the time we got the jacks down, the slides out, and the electricity hooked up, I was drenched.

Sister Roxy had a cup of hot tea ready for me when I got to the house -- along with a towel to dry my hair! So good to get to visit with her and see all the treasures she has accumulated from their travels to Africa, Panama and Italy (all since the last time I had been here!). We spent most of the afternoon catching up on both activities and family. Roxy made a crock pot of white chicken green chili for supper. It hit the spot on this rainy chilly day.

While we were talking and sort of half watching the news after dinner, we saw the news about the collapse of the I-5 bridge across the Skagit River between Mount Vernon and Burlington. The news broadcast said there were cars and people in the water. So of course, I immediately got on the phone and called Daughter Mary Mae, who lives in Mount Vernon with her family. The house phone line was busy; her cell phone immediately went to voice mail; but I finally got through on Son-in-law Scott's cell phone. They were all at home and fine -- in fact, they hadn't even heard about the bridge collapse yet.

From later reports, it sounds like there were three people rescued from the collapsed bridge and two were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. It also sounds like an oversize truck load may have hit the upper portion of the bridge.

A Birthday and A Trip to Aberdeen

May is always a busy month of celebrations for us. First it's my birthday, then Mother's Day, then our anniversary and now today is Forrest's birthday. He's seventy-four years young today. And we still have Grandson Micah's birthday to go next Monday. And that's just our immediate family -- we seem to have lots of friends who are "May Babies" as well. Indeed it's a very busy month!

It was another rainy, drippy day today. But at least we are parked pretty much out in the open here at Travel Inn RV Park, so it isn't so terribly dark.

We were badly in need of bread and milk and orange juice, so drove over to the Safeway in Aberdeen. (It has a gas station and we had gas discounts to use up before the end of the month!) My, what a busy store. It sure had nice produce and bakery sections. I even bought a chocolate cupcake for Forry's birthday along with lots of licorice in anticipation of family card games this weekend perhaps...

On our way home, Forry's cell phone rang and he was treated to a Happy Birthday serenade from Daughter Mary Mae and her family. We're sure looking forward to seeing them this weekend!

When we got home, I fixed green salads while the potatoes were baking. I used our Foreman grill to broil a rib steak for us to share. I'm glad yesterday's mail included a new supply of bourbon smoked salt -- we sure like it on our steak. I also ordered some bourbon smoked pepper and some bourbon smoked paprika that I'm looking forward to trying.

Brother-in-law Rich sent a note this morning saying that he had checked out putting a 30 amp electrical receptacle in his shop so that we could park Auntie Violet at his and Sister Roxy's place. We'll move over there tomorrow and help get ready for the mini-family reunion that is rumored to be happening there this weekend.

The Fix-it Guys Do It Again!

Once again I am impressed by the crew at Uhlmann's RV Service Department! We cannot speak highly enough of their work ethic and workmanship!

Auntie Violet got her oil changed this morning complete with a new oil filter and a new air filter. The ABS light coming on got taken care of (the wire and sensor was damaged, so was replaced). With the hydraulic hose and the water leak both taken care of already yesterday, we were ready to roll by 2:30 this afternoon. And thanks to their work with our Extended Warranty, the bill was half of what we had anticipated!

We pulled into Travel Inn Resort in Elma, which was less then an hour away from Chehalis. We'll stay here the next two nights.

Then we went to the Lemon Grass in Tumwater to meet my Sister Roxy and Brother-in-law Rich for dinner! It's been a while since we have seen them. So good to visit -- and a good meal on top of it. We'll see more of them over the weekend as it seems a goodly portion of the clan is heading for their house to celebrate Memorial Day.