Summer Update

After  many months of weighing the pros and cons of, "Pet or No Pet" we started the looking process. We really did try to do the adopt a pet plan, but after searching many animal shelters, we decided that this was not going to work for us. While in Nappanee, Indiana we searched the Internet and ended up at some pretty scary puppy mills! I now understand all of Karen's concerns! The local vet steered us to a lady who raised Yorkie. We called and made the visit, only to be met at the door by Bailey! The cutest little 2.5 pound mix of Maltese and yorkie. That would be a designer dog :) Of course, we could not resist and ended up owning this adorable and charming guy! Little did Bailey know that he would become the Land of Memories Camp Assistant.

Rick and I started our new job of host and manager at Land of Memories Campground in Mankato, MN in April. We entered the park in a snowstorm! Cold and dark skies kept us company for a few days. When the weather finally broke, we started the clean up the park process. A little problem of NO WATER made it a bit difficult. But, the day before the camp was to open, a makeshift water system was in place. It was one busy day of cleaning restrooms! We were wet from head to foot! But, the bathrooms were clean! 

Our job had some definite benefits, and one of them was seeing Autumn, our grand daughter and family! I loved being on call to babysit and help out. Luke and Kendall were so gracious as to let us wash clothes and shower at their home. As we became familiar with the town, we found things to do and places to visit. Rainy days were meant for movie theatres. Other days Rick was busy with many situations. 

Our summer job was full of adventures! Drug deals to prostitution, car shows and Indian Pow Wow, and meeting many great families kept was on our toes. Our boss, Erik said the park has not looked so good in 25 years! 

We will hold fond memories of the college kids who worked for us. Vanessa and Rick had a few head to head disagreements, but in time became very close. Bryce was dependable and great to work with. He even babysat Bailey while we flew to DC to help Jess and Rob move into their new row home.

As summer became fall, the time came to move on. We left Land of Memories Campground mid October to come back to our home in Wisconsin. The renters have moved out and Rick would like to stay in our home or sell it. With one week home, we pulled out the few pieces of furniture that we had kept and cleaned the house! We purchased a couch, TV, and two beds. It was now time to pack suitcases for a preplanned cruise.

Cruising from Venice, Italy to Barcelona, Spain would be our next adventure. We left two days early as we were flying stand by with Nancy and Ak on Buddy Passes. Getting from JFK to Venice proved to be a challenge! So, we flew into Milan, Italy and from there took a train into Venice. Always remain flexible! 

Two days were spent exploring Venice and the island of Murano.  We even took advantage of a scalper giving us a free and private water taxi ride to the Murano Glass Factory. I am sure he had hoped on making big bucks on the Americans. We enjoyed the close up tour and oohhhed and aahhhed over the very pricey pieces of art work in the upstairs studio. But, we did leave empty handed and wandered down the street to buy some glass souvenirs. Rick and I really enjoyed this quiet laid back island as we sat and enjoyed our coffee near the water. 

On October 21 we boarded The Legend of the Seas cruise ship. This Royal Caribbean ship would be our home for the next 9 nights.