Financial Folly?
-
Has the financial impact of high gas prices, the shrinking dollar,
joblessness and homelessness finally caught up with the Hulsebus family?
Have they now ...
16 years ago
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dave's Parents Arrive in Florida!
In an effort to stay current with our blog here is a catchup post. As mentioned we stayed a night at The Great Outdoors, RV, Nature & Golf Resort in Titusville, FL. In the morning the boys and I got all cleaned up. We cleaned the inside of our motorhome, did the laundry and all took showers in preparation for my parent's arrival. We even got a car wash for our Saturn Vue "pull car." It was great picking up Pop and DeeDee from the Orlando airport and welcoming them into our "home." I gave up the "master bedroom" to my folks and decided to give our new leather pull-out coach I installed the other day an overnight try. The next day, after a run, homeschool, and some business I had to attended to, we we're off. We really didn't get very far though as we decided to stay the night at the Jetty Park Campground in Port Canaveral. This location is right there where cruise ships sail out into the Atlantic. (A few years ago Pop and DeeDee celebrated their 40th Anniversary and my mom's 60th birthday by taking the whole family, 14 in all at the time, to Disney World. The vacation included a 3 night stay on Disney's cruise ship, The Wonder. It was a fantastic family vacation!)
After getting set and giving the kids a chance to climb a tree, we headed out for a bite to eat at a Mexican restaurant. After dinner we stopped by the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach to pick up some much needed gear for Florida's playgrounds (bathing suit, flip-flops, volleyball, boogie board, skim board, etc). A little more laundry at night, then bedtime.
We had a long day of driving on Friday (Saturday Cindi arrived into Miami) so after a run on a beautiful beach we headed south. We stayed on Florida's scenic A1A and hugged the coast to get an occasional gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean out on the left and intercoastal waters on the right. We veered inland near Vero Beach and realized this was once Dogertown back in the day (I grew up a huge LA Dodgers baseball fan). So we took a minor detour to check out the old facilities. And that is pretty much what we found old facilities. Dodgertown is now ghostown. So we took a couple pictures and moved on. Over the last several days I had my eye on pulling through the only Blue Beacon Truck/RV Wash in Florida.., at Fort Pierce. Having been parked outside over our 7 week holiday trip to California she needed a good shower. That is exactly what she got. Then the 65mph blow dry. For dinner, nothing too exciting. We truthfully stopped at one of those rest stops with food (common back east but not at all out west). After the stop we continued south until Miami where we tried to stay a night in the parking lot of the Miccosukee Casino west of Miami. Since it was Friday night it was absolutely packed. So we do what we always do and drove to a WM near the Miami Airport.
After getting set and giving the kids a chance to climb a tree, we headed out for a bite to eat at a Mexican restaurant. After dinner we stopped by the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach to pick up some much needed gear for Florida's playgrounds (bathing suit, flip-flops, volleyball, boogie board, skim board, etc). A little more laundry at night, then bedtime.
We had a long day of driving on Friday (Saturday Cindi arrived into Miami) so after a run on a beautiful beach we headed south. We stayed on Florida's scenic A1A and hugged the coast to get an occasional gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean out on the left and intercoastal waters on the right. We veered inland near Vero Beach and realized this was once Dogertown back in the day (I grew up a huge LA Dodgers baseball fan). So we took a minor detour to check out the old facilities. And that is pretty much what we found old facilities. Dodgertown is now ghostown. So we took a couple pictures and moved on. Over the last several days I had my eye on pulling through the only Blue Beacon Truck/RV Wash in Florida.., at Fort Pierce. Having been parked outside over our 7 week holiday trip to California she needed a good shower. That is exactly what she got. Then the 65mph blow dry. For dinner, nothing too exciting. We truthfully stopped at one of those rest stops with food (common back east but not at all out west). After the stop we continued south until Miami where we tried to stay a night in the parking lot of the Miccosukee Casino west of Miami. Since it was Friday night it was absolutely packed. So we do what we always do and drove to a WM near the Miami Airport.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Kennedy Space Center
A few months ago I checked out NASA's website and "discovered" (not meant to be a pun) the Discovery Space Shuttle was scheduled to launch on Thursday, Feb 12. So a few months ago I knew where I was going to be with my family on Feb 12.
Years ago, I had to conduct some business in Florida so Cindi and I were in Daytona Beach using free nights at the Hilton (with all my free points) excited about watching a shuttle launch. "8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3..." They stopped the launch due to some technical whatever. Bummer. We did get to see it go up from the Orlando Hilton parking lot (an hour + drive away) a few days later but it wasn't the same. So I was not going to let this opportunity escape. What a great experience for the kids not to mention us.
We ventured south from our oceanfront spot and ended up getting into Titusville, FL after dark so placed the RV in a Cracker Barrel parking lot for the night. For those who don't know, Cracker Barrel is a homecookin' restraraunt with a county store, almost always on a main highway. They happen to pride themselves on being RV friendly. It was about then that I discovered the Space Shuttle launch, set for Thursday, had been POSTPONED! Suck! At that point the websites stated the Shuttle would launch no earlier than Feb 22! My first thought was... we might be able to work that into our schedule... (the fact is... we really don't even have a schedule ;-) ).
With the change in launch date I decided to change our plans as well. I decided to take the kids to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor's Complex. I thought it might be crowded so I got there at 8:15 am. That certainly wasn't necessary. At 9, when they opened I think there were 9 cars (and 1 huge RV) in the parking lot. Hey, good for us though. The prices were a bit steep at $38 for me and $28 the kids but the tickets were good for 2 days. We headed first to their newest attraction, the Shuttle Launch Experience. Kind of like a Disney Star Tours but better. You basically simulate a Space Shuttle takeoff. A good start. Then we hit the IMAX Space Station 3D movie followed by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Bus Tour. The first stop on the tour was the LC-39 Observation Gantry. We could see in the not so far distance Pad 39A&B. 39A actually already had the Discovery Shuttle on the pad ready to go (well apparently not so ready). The second stop was the Apollo/Saturn V Center with some very cool stuff (it's getting late--can you tell?). The third stop, the International Space Station Center, we didn't even go to as there was an ammonia leak. That was about all the kids could take for the day. They did enjoy the freeze dried space ice cream (Pey) and the Space Dots Ice Cream (Tan & SC). We crashed that night at one of our old favorites, WM.
The next morning I leisurely pulled into the KSC at 9 am. No big crowds. Believe it or not there were quite a few attractions we still had yet to experience. We toured the Robot Scouts exhibit, the Rocket Garden, and the Children's Playzone. One of the highlights for me was the Astronaut Encounter where we listened to a real astronaut, in our case it was Roger Crouch (payload specialist). He talked for about 30 minutes then we all got a photo with him after his presentation. There were several interesting things he said in his presentation but one thing that stuck with me was this. Someone asked if going up in space was the best thing he's ever done. I guess part of you expects him to say, "yes,' because the whole astronaut things is so amazing and so few people actually get such an experience (approx. 500), but he actually nonchalantly said he lists it in his Top 10. ?!? He went on to say that finding love and marrying his wife, raising kids, and having grand kids, rank so much higher. It really makes sense though. It is awesome to see the Earth from space and see all the stars and be in awe of God's creation but what really brings happiness is family, giving, faith, hope and love.
OK got deep there. We then lightening our day up by going to the Mad Mission to Mars (described as a Zany Kid's show). Sterling volunteered to hold Mars on stage which was fine till he started to ham-it-up and dropped Mars--good thing there are no living life forms on the planet. Lastly we caught another IMAX movie about our moon entitled, "Magnificent Desolation." To finish off the day we drove a few miles to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Lots of reading, plaques, articles and memorabilia. Hate to say it, but that was exactly what the kids didn't need. So we took the abridged self-guided tour of the building and called it a day.
We finally actually stayed at a RV Park, The Great Outdoors, RV, Nature & Golf Resort in Titusville, FL.
Years ago, I had to conduct some business in Florida so Cindi and I were in Daytona Beach using free nights at the Hilton (with all my free points) excited about watching a shuttle launch. "8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3..." They stopped the launch due to some technical whatever. Bummer. We did get to see it go up from the Orlando Hilton parking lot (an hour + drive away) a few days later but it wasn't the same. So I was not going to let this opportunity escape. What a great experience for the kids not to mention us.
We ventured south from our oceanfront spot and ended up getting into Titusville, FL after dark so placed the RV in a Cracker Barrel parking lot for the night. For those who don't know, Cracker Barrel is a homecookin' restraraunt with a county store, almost always on a main highway. They happen to pride themselves on being RV friendly. It was about then that I discovered the Space Shuttle launch, set for Thursday, had been POSTPONED! Suck! At that point the websites stated the Shuttle would launch no earlier than Feb 22! My first thought was... we might be able to work that into our schedule... (the fact is... we really don't even have a schedule ;-) ).
With the change in launch date I decided to change our plans as well. I decided to take the kids to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor's Complex. I thought it might be crowded so I got there at 8:15 am. That certainly wasn't necessary. At 9, when they opened I think there were 9 cars (and 1 huge RV) in the parking lot. Hey, good for us though. The prices were a bit steep at $38 for me and $28 the kids but the tickets were good for 2 days. We headed first to their newest attraction, the Shuttle Launch Experience. Kind of like a Disney Star Tours but better. You basically simulate a Space Shuttle takeoff. A good start. Then we hit the IMAX Space Station 3D movie followed by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Bus Tour. The first stop on the tour was the LC-39 Observation Gantry. We could see in the not so far distance Pad 39A&B. 39A actually already had the Discovery Shuttle on the pad ready to go (well apparently not so ready). The second stop was the Apollo/Saturn V Center with some very cool stuff (it's getting late--can you tell?). The third stop, the International Space Station Center, we didn't even go to as there was an ammonia leak. That was about all the kids could take for the day. They did enjoy the freeze dried space ice cream (Pey) and the Space Dots Ice Cream (Tan & SC). We crashed that night at one of our old favorites, WM.
The next morning I leisurely pulled into the KSC at 9 am. No big crowds. Believe it or not there were quite a few attractions we still had yet to experience. We toured the Robot Scouts exhibit, the Rocket Garden, and the Children's Playzone. One of the highlights for me was the Astronaut Encounter where we listened to a real astronaut, in our case it was Roger Crouch (payload specialist). He talked for about 30 minutes then we all got a photo with him after his presentation. There were several interesting things he said in his presentation but one thing that stuck with me was this. Someone asked if going up in space was the best thing he's ever done. I guess part of you expects him to say, "yes,' because the whole astronaut things is so amazing and so few people actually get such an experience (approx. 500), but he actually nonchalantly said he lists it in his Top 10. ?!? He went on to say that finding love and marrying his wife, raising kids, and having grand kids, rank so much higher. It really makes sense though. It is awesome to see the Earth from space and see all the stars and be in awe of God's creation but what really brings happiness is family, giving, faith, hope and love.
OK got deep there. We then lightening our day up by going to the Mad Mission to Mars (described as a Zany Kid's show). Sterling volunteered to hold Mars on stage which was fine till he started to ham-it-up and dropped Mars--good thing there are no living life forms on the planet. Lastly we caught another IMAX movie about our moon entitled, "Magnificent Desolation." To finish off the day we drove a few miles to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Lots of reading, plaques, articles and memorabilia. Hate to say it, but that was exactly what the kids didn't need. So we took the abridged self-guided tour of the building and called it a day.
We finally actually stayed at a RV Park, The Great Outdoors, RV, Nature & Golf Resort in Titusville, FL.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Beverly Beach, Florida
The kids own and love watching the Pink Panther (Steve Martin) on DVD. So when we saw advertisements for the Pink Panther months ago we earmarked Friday, February 6. We went to a Cinemark Theater because we had free everything coupons from Century Theaters (Cinemark acquired Century). As with many sequels the first one was better than the second one. Actually can anyone think of a movie where the follow-on was better? I thought Toy Story II was better than the first athough I enjoyed both. Tanner says the Harry Potter movies. BTW, Tanner just finished the 7th, and final, Harry Potter book. A major accomplishment!
I just watched a beautiful sunrise his morning over the might Atlantic. We'll get back to that.
After the movie we drove south, hopefully to warmer parts Florida. Actually the warmer weather is headed into the entire state. I picked out an RV Resort right on the beach but at $85 per night it would break our high night record and since it was late we crashed in a Camping World parking lot (with the other 6 overnighters). First time overnight in a Camping World, but I bought some stuff there in the morning which help makes it OK. Then, after topping off the Monaco diesel tank we locked Beverly Beach into "Lola" (our navigation system). We paid $2.15 per gallon. OK, no one is going to get too excited about this but I sure did. Every time we're about to refill our 100 gallon diesel tank we log onto gasbuddy.com. This is a website that helps find the cheapest gas prices. Well... last week after we reloaded our motorhome with the 11 pieces of luggage, dragged on the plane, and left the Atlanta area, I needed to "fill 'er up." I found a Kroger Supermarket gas station with diesel for $1.97! This was at least 15 (where is the cents key? It used to be on our OLD typewriter when I was growing up) cheaper than any other place. But more importantly it was $1.97! I even joined there dumb Kroger Club for 12 seconds (that's how long I had their Club Card before I threw it in the trash can). (Question for our English readers? Do you call it a Rubbish Can?) By joining their club I saved an additional $.03. So I paid $1.94 per US gallon (not Imperial gallon). That is definitely a record and far from the $5.00+ I paid in Canada. OK, where the BEEP was I?
On our way to Beverly Beach we passed through St. Augustine. This cities claim to fame is --> where North America was Discovered. Alright we've been traveling for 9 months (less the 7 week Christmas break we took back in CA) and do you know how many places claim to be thee first? In Massachusuetts we learned it was the Pilgrims, but that was 1620, then we went to Virginia where the Virginians said Jamestown was settled in 1607. St. Augustine says they have the first historical site where Ponce de Leon (I remember this guy from the 5th grade--explorers) came ashore to landmark and record "for all time the first moment of our nation's history -- the Discovery of North America." Wait a minute. What about, "1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue?" He hit some islands considered to be part of North America, right? What about Leif Ericson who landed in NewFoundland in the year of our Lord 1001! Huh? ... Huh? Not to be out done we ALL know who really discovered North America though -- the North American Indians!!! Approximately 10,000 years ago!!!! Much earlier on our motorhome trip we did visit the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America. It was a Hopi Indian Village called Oraibi, settled around 1100. We have our winners!
Back to Ponce de Leon. You could say that he pretty much failed actually. He was looking for the Fountain of Youth. Fool! A fountain that keeps you young forever. He sailed all the way across the Atlantic thinking he'd actually find such magical waters. Didn't they have Bibles in Spanish back in 1513? All he had to do was read one. You know, the part that says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Oh well, hope he eventually found that one. I HAVE! ... HAVE YOU? You all better say "yes" blogger friends. I want to see you all later.
Anyway we passed on the not so magical waters and made it to Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort. Our RV spot was right on the beach. It was awesome! I would have loved to stay and kick back for several days but because the Daytona 500 is next weekend the 85 bucks (58 quid) Saturday rate was elevating to $115 so we just stayed for 1 night. The kids and I had a great time on the beach. Tanner favors golf, Sterling football with a little baseball mixed in and Peyton castles and digging serious holes looking for treasure. I managed to get a 52 minute run (scratch that--jog) in early in the morning after I woke up early and watched the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and a few scattered clouds. It was beautiful. Only Cindi would have made the scenery more beautiful. It's places like this that are worth it.
(I'll try to post some pics at some point)
We are really excited that my folks, Pop and DeeDee, are flying out this Wednesday for a week to visit us. Unfortunately the Space Shuttle launch set for Thursday has been delayed but the Keys won't escape us!
I just watched a beautiful sunrise his morning over the might Atlantic. We'll get back to that.
After the movie we drove south, hopefully to warmer parts Florida. Actually the warmer weather is headed into the entire state. I picked out an RV Resort right on the beach but at $85 per night it would break our high night record and since it was late we crashed in a Camping World parking lot (with the other 6 overnighters). First time overnight in a Camping World, but I bought some stuff there in the morning which help makes it OK. Then, after topping off the Monaco diesel tank we locked Beverly Beach into "Lola" (our navigation system). We paid $2.15 per gallon. OK, no one is going to get too excited about this but I sure did. Every time we're about to refill our 100 gallon diesel tank we log onto gasbuddy.com. This is a website that helps find the cheapest gas prices. Well... last week after we reloaded our motorhome with the 11 pieces of luggage, dragged on the plane, and left the Atlanta area, I needed to "fill 'er up." I found a Kroger Supermarket gas station with diesel for $1.97! This was at least 15 (where is the cents key? It used to be on our OLD typewriter when I was growing up) cheaper than any other place. But more importantly it was $1.97! I even joined there dumb Kroger Club for 12 seconds (that's how long I had their Club Card before I threw it in the trash can). (Question for our English readers? Do you call it a Rubbish Can?) By joining their club I saved an additional $.03. So I paid $1.94 per US gallon (not Imperial gallon). That is definitely a record and far from the $5.00+ I paid in Canada. OK, where the BEEP was I?
On our way to Beverly Beach we passed through St. Augustine. This cities claim to fame is --> where North America was Discovered. Alright we've been traveling for 9 months (less the 7 week Christmas break we took back in CA) and do you know how many places claim to be thee first? In Massachusuetts we learned it was the Pilgrims, but that was 1620, then we went to Virginia where the Virginians said Jamestown was settled in 1607. St. Augustine says they have the first historical site where Ponce de Leon (I remember this guy from the 5th grade--explorers) came ashore to landmark and record "for all time the first moment of our nation's history -- the Discovery of North America." Wait a minute. What about, "1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue?" He hit some islands considered to be part of North America, right? What about Leif Ericson who landed in NewFoundland in the year of our Lord 1001! Huh? ... Huh? Not to be out done we ALL know who really discovered North America though -- the North American Indians!!! Approximately 10,000 years ago!!!! Much earlier on our motorhome trip we did visit the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America. It was a Hopi Indian Village called Oraibi, settled around 1100. We have our winners!
Back to Ponce de Leon. You could say that he pretty much failed actually. He was looking for the Fountain of Youth. Fool! A fountain that keeps you young forever. He sailed all the way across the Atlantic thinking he'd actually find such magical waters. Didn't they have Bibles in Spanish back in 1513? All he had to do was read one. You know, the part that says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Oh well, hope he eventually found that one. I HAVE! ... HAVE YOU? You all better say "yes" blogger friends. I want to see you all later.
Anyway we passed on the not so magical waters and made it to Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort. Our RV spot was right on the beach. It was awesome! I would have loved to stay and kick back for several days but because the Daytona 500 is next weekend the 85 bucks (58 quid) Saturday rate was elevating to $115 so we just stayed for 1 night. The kids and I had a great time on the beach. Tanner favors golf, Sterling football with a little baseball mixed in and Peyton castles and digging serious holes looking for treasure. I managed to get a 52 minute run (scratch that--jog) in early in the morning after I woke up early and watched the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and a few scattered clouds. It was beautiful. Only Cindi would have made the scenery more beautiful. It's places like this that are worth it.
(I'll try to post some pics at some point)
We are really excited that my folks, Pop and DeeDee, are flying out this Wednesday for a week to visit us. Unfortunately the Space Shuttle launch set for Thursday has been delayed but the Keys won't escape us!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Jacksonville, Florida
I went outside to take a run early this morning and there was FROST on the ground. This is FLORIDA people! It's supposed to be warm... isn't it? Well it is early February. At least were still not back in Ely, Minnesota where it was -5 degrees the other day. I'll take Florida. Plus I see some 80's in the near future.
OK, we're back on the road and I need to keep up with this blog thing. After briefly touring Savannah, Georgia we headed south through some rain and into Florida (our 37th state!). We crossed the boarder and took the Visitor's Center exit. It was closed but we decided to shut it down for the night and hang out with all the other RV'rs. (See this trip isn't always that glamorous and exciting). In the morning, after getting free orange juice, in the Visitor's Center we headed further south to Jacksonville. Anyone see the Denny's commercial during the Superbowl, "Free GrandSlam Breakfast to everyone in America... really." We weren't kidding ourselves, we knew it would be packed but we thought we'd swing by anyway. It was crazy. Like a downtown soup kitchen on Thanksgiving. Free food draws out the multitudes. We thought about standing in line for a couple seconds but then I figured with 5 large orange juices (don't think those were free) and a huge, generous tip it would have cost about the same as going a different day. Maybe we'll just go on a birthday and get one free meal. But then again, maybe not. I don't think I've ever actually done that. Do they still give you a free meal on your birthday?
We planted the RV at the Flamingo Lake RV Resort. Sorry no pictures. We spent 3 nights here just getting back into the grove. Taking homeschool seriously first and foremost, stocking the refrigerator and cupboards with food, doing laundry, getting organized, and all the other fun stuff. Cindi had a flight out Thursday early. She has a show in Palm Springs then heads off Sunday to Hawaii. That must be tough. Actually in her defense she doesn't get to see the outdoors much. So for the next 10 days it is me and the kids and I'm looking forward to it. It will be work hard (school) and play hard (serious fun). OK that's it for now--just trying to get something logged here so I don't fall behind. Chow!
OK, we're back on the road and I need to keep up with this blog thing. After briefly touring Savannah, Georgia we headed south through some rain and into Florida (our 37th state!). We crossed the boarder and took the Visitor's Center exit. It was closed but we decided to shut it down for the night and hang out with all the other RV'rs. (See this trip isn't always that glamorous and exciting). In the morning, after getting free orange juice, in the Visitor's Center we headed further south to Jacksonville. Anyone see the Denny's commercial during the Superbowl, "Free GrandSlam Breakfast to everyone in America... really." We weren't kidding ourselves, we knew it would be packed but we thought we'd swing by anyway. It was crazy. Like a downtown soup kitchen on Thanksgiving. Free food draws out the multitudes. We thought about standing in line for a couple seconds but then I figured with 5 large orange juices (don't think those were free) and a huge, generous tip it would have cost about the same as going a different day. Maybe we'll just go on a birthday and get one free meal. But then again, maybe not. I don't think I've ever actually done that. Do they still give you a free meal on your birthday?
We planted the RV at the Flamingo Lake RV Resort. Sorry no pictures. We spent 3 nights here just getting back into the grove. Taking homeschool seriously first and foremost, stocking the refrigerator and cupboards with food, doing laundry, getting organized, and all the other fun stuff. Cindi had a flight out Thursday early. She has a show in Palm Springs then heads off Sunday to Hawaii. That must be tough. Actually in her defense she doesn't get to see the outdoors much. So for the next 10 days it is me and the kids and I'm looking forward to it. It will be work hard (school) and play hard (serious fun). OK that's it for now--just trying to get something logged here so I don't fall behind. Chow!
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