Back at the Park

We are back at the park having fun.The activities here at the park are endless.Wine tasting,Bunco,dinners,stage shows,movie nights,and holiday parties.For our annual Halloween party, Jeni and  I dressed up as our Grandson's favorite character..."Super Mario and Luigi!

The park sponsored a trip to Oakhurst,Ca. which is 16 miles north of the park for their annual car show.this isn't one of the cars in the show.This car belongs to one of our members.It's a 1980's Buick Riviera in mint condition.It should of been in the show.Jeni sure loved it. It is a convertible.

This Chevy 1960's "Apache Step side"pickup caught my eye.I used to own one like it.Mine was a 1959 with a long bed and green.What a classic!

The park sponsored a trip to "Cat haven" which is a sancuary for wild cats.They had Tigers,panthers,Jaguar's,lions,Bobcats,and many others in their natural habitat.The place is located east of Fresno up the "kings canyon Highway".This little Bobcat was keeping a wary eye on us.

This Black panther is letting us know he sees us.We found out that a black panther is actually a Jaguar that is black. The people that run this place are doing research in Africa on the Jagures..

This tiger wishes we would go away as he is trying to nap!We had a great day here.There is a member of the park that sets all these excursions up for us and we sure thank her. they try to have 2 or three a month.So far we have been to the theatre in Oakhurst,a butterfly ranch,wine tastings,Cat heaven,and attractions in and around the Fresno area.Thanks Val!

In October the park had its annual meeting where we elect new officers for our board of directors.Its a week of the various committees also electing new officers. Jeni was elected again to head up the DPC(disaster preparedness committee.) We also have dinners,themed lunches,and our famous "Hitch up Breakfast" on Sunday.The highlight of the week is our "Variety Show" which features our members.Jeni was again the MC for the festivities(She does a great job and the members just love her) There were some great acts,and....... 

....Ole Phil was again called upon to perform!This time we performed to the song"YMCA" by the"Village People".I was the construction worker.Fun Fun Fun!

In early November we got over to see our son Dan and his sons Aiden,and Nevin.My how they have grown. Aiden is 10 and Nevin is 5. While we were there,even in November,it was warm.So we took them to the water park.They had a ball,and even "ole Grandpa" got wet.

The next week,we headed to Sacramento to see our girls and their family.We took the train instead of driving and we actually loved it.It was about the same as driving money wise and we saved an hour.I would do it again.Our Grandson DJ broke his arm and got lots of attention from Grandma.Those" monkey bars"always get little people!

Grandpa got lots of time with DJ and new Grandson Waylan.DJ just turned 6 and Waylan is 5 months.

This is the "Lil devil" Waylan in his Halloween costume. Very cute!

These two are Aiden and Nevin as "Iron Man" and "a Storm Trooper". in their Halloween costumes.Very nice!

When we were in Sacramento we went to "Apple Hill" with the family and had a great time.Sunday evening we rode the train back to Fresno and drove back to the park,Its been a great fall so far and there's plenty ahead as we head into the holiday season.Jeni has been very busy at the park as she wears many hats.In addition to "chairing" the DPC,she is involved with the "sunshine Girls"(decorating and party planning committee)The "Hello Squad"(greeting,new member info,movie night committee) The Budget committee,takes care of the soda cooler(buys and stocks all the drinks for the park)These people drink a lot of soda! And on top of all that,she works in the office. Also she just got elected Asst Treasurer for the park.'HOLY  COW"! That's a lot.Me? well I'm just working in Maintenance and helping with cleanup for the dinners. That's enough for me. And, Oh yea, my acting gigs on the Park Sierra stage.I've got to stay in character so I can't do too much.....right? All kidding aside,we are enjoying ourselves and looking forward to the Holidays.It's great to be...Back at the Park.

Summer 2012 in review

The summer of 2012 was a blur for us as we packed a years worth of memories in just 4 months. We hit Folsom lake May 1st to start our camp hosting duties at Beals Point, Folsom. We have hosted here many times and its always nice to come back and see all the staff from State Parks. They are the best.The main reason for us being here is to see our family and welcome in our new Grandson Waylon, who was born in June.Of course Grandma and Granddaughter Alyx had to get in some quality time at the RV doing puzzles.And of course enjoying sunflower seeds.We had a lot of fun.. 

My new BBQ can hold a lot of food. Its a Weber.We had a lot of BBQ's this summer.

My son in law, Billy was a big help.In addition to cooking,he helped weed eat around the site.

We went to my Grandson DJ's baseball games. That is him playing catcher



We visited the Folsom prison museum and got some pics of the actual prison No I'm not in the "big house",I'm taking the picture .



                                                                       Jeni having a good time on her Birthday at "Dave&;; Busters"

This is the day use area at Folsom lake.We had a great summer

                                                        Well it was a great summer for us and we are loading up to head south to Park Sierra for the winter.Thanks to all the Rangers and Bill,the other camp host we worked with(he was super) for making it a great experience for us. We Will be back! Well,that's the summer of 2012 in review. On to the park. 

STAGECOACH DAYS 2012

Park Sierra was the place to be this week as our annual Stage coach days celebration was in full swing.Ole "Philly and my buddy RJ were driving the hay wagon again. Friday was the "wild flower" ride with Sharon Nixson our wild flower expert giving the tour. This is always the most popular ride with guests and all 5 tours were full. Our trusty steed The "480 case tractor" never let us down as Saturday we ventured over Coarsegold creek into mythical Mexico where the "banditos are just waiting to cause kaous with our passengers.Sunday,it was the "Park history tour. Our tour guides, Diane White and Brenda Calvert.were great as they pointed out historical facts as we meandered through our beautiful park.

RJ chatting with passengers before we head out.He is a very colorful character and always knows just the quote to keep the passengers in a festive mood. He is the spitting image of "Yosemite Sam".

 


  

The entertainment for the four nights was fantastic. Thursday night was "Casino" night.Friday and Saturday night were great entertainers. These two gals had the place rockin. Everybody was up dancing and partying til after 10pm,which is late for us "Geezers."

This duo had us in stitches as they mixed great music with funny stories of the RV life style.Their title..."The Dump Station Review"!

Yes we had guests that were pretty famous here at Stage Coach Days."Indiana Cluck" and Barbie Boop were the hit of the clubhouse events.During the day the clubhouse had games,raffles,crafts,games,and food goin on.

  

We also had a Sheriff and a jail in the clubhouse. If anyone got a little out of hand. The "Cluck" spent a lot of time behind bars.

Sunday night was the "Park Sierras" variety show. Showcasing our member talent.This is the act I was in The mens synchronised swim team.We were a hoot.I heard the video may have made it onto Utube!



The pretty Emcee of the Variety Show was none other than Jeni! She did a fantastic job keeping the show moving and reading right through the dialog like a pro.She was certainly the Queen of the event."Ole Philly couldn't have been prouder.



Dinner for over 300 every night was a challenge but we had great meals all four nights.This was done  by members as we all pitch in on every task.from food prep all the way to cleanup.We are an all volunteer park and we are very proud of it!

Because Jeni and I were very busy we didn't get many pictures of the "Variety show".This is two of our members,JD and Ray "pickin and grinin".

This was the members doing a rendition of  Disney's"Trashin the Camp".They played the Disney video on the screen above while the band played improvised instruments that sounded like the ones on the video.Jeni is way to the left as she was also in the band besides being the Emcee. She was one busy lady!

All in all it was a week to remember. A week that went too fast. A week that Jeni and I will always remember."What A Blast"!
I just wanted to mention a little about the Swim Team Skit that I was in,we all met once a week to practice under the direction of Betty and Barb,and at first we were terrible. But these two great ladies whipped us into shape and made us the hit of the Variety show.So a special thanks goes out to them from us.And speaking of us,I mean my team mates.I wish I could of got a picture of us in our outfits but that just didn't happen. The picture of us in the blog was at our "Cast"party we had last night. If you reference that picture,the swim team,from left to right is, John Kidd, Andy Wood, Warren Mudd, Dave Ellis, Lance Wilson,and "Ole Philly"..for me, it was a bonding experience.Thanks guys
Well all good things have to come to an end.Jeni and I have to get ready and head out for the summer to Folsom Lake for our summer volunteer duties.We will be leaving Sunday and saying good by to our "Park Sierra" family but we will return in Sept. Jeni and I will get to see our Daughters and Grand kids this summer and, we will have a new Grand son some time in June. We are so excited! So let the summer fun begin at Folsom Lake.Well,that's it! Another great adventure....Stagecoach Days 2012.

TO SACRAMENTO

Happy spring to you.The weather at

the park has been delightful.Its been in the 70s all week and bright sunshine.Jeni has been working on the "new members dinner" scheduled for Saturday.Its a pot luck with the park providing salad,rolls,and cake...yea! The park inducted 12 new couples into the fold.After the dinner they were all brought up on stage and introduced to the membership.Over the past 2 years,younger,new members have breathed new life into the park.We have more able bodied volunteers and more social events going on. Jeni and I look forward to volunteering along side these new energetic members.


One thing about park sierra,the members might be a little picky about what they have for dinner but when it comes to goodies,they are all in. The new member cake at the right....gone! any other sweets set out for any social gathering....gone!I don't know how they keep so thin when their staples consist of sweets!Jeni and I would like their secret.Well its 2 weeks and counting for our annual fund raiser"Stage Coach Days". The preparations are in place.This year Jeni will MC the Sunday night talent show,and handle all the proceeds for the various booths IE the treasurer. And me,well I and my partner RJ will be at the reins of the hay wagon giving rides on Fri-Sun.Also I got roped into a part in the variety show!I'm still trying to find out who signed me up. Right now I'm sworn to secrecy concerning my part but there will be pictures on the next blog for sure.

Easter weekend we headed to Sacramento for Katie's baby shower which was on Saturday. Now I know your thinking "a baby shower! whys ole Philly going. Its just for the ladies right?"Wrongo! When my daughter and her husband put on a party,everyone is invited,and its a happening event.This is by far the best baby shower Ive ever been to! Jeni and I had a ball. They say your only as rich as the friends you keep,well if this is any indication,Billy and Katie are millionaires! What a fun group.That's my daughter(kinda looking like me) and her husband.I don't think its sunk in yet that he is going to be a father.

They had everything going on at the shower,primo barbecue,I ate myself into a coma!

An Easter egg hunt for the kids.Yes I said kids,everybody was invited.This was no "pinky sipping doyle laced crumpet and tea affair,this was a party man! Notice who was in the front of the pact waiting for the egg hunt to start,"ole Wiley" DJ my Grandson. He is an "ole egg huntin expert"."OUCH!...OK Jeni,I'll lay off the adjectives and stick to the story".

DJ scored a bunch of eggs,he is a happy little guy.

Even "trucker" the kids dog enjoyed the baby shower.Although he stayed close to the BBQ for clean up duty. If the chef dropped anything "trucker" was on it.

The kids even got to "whack" a pinata full of candy. The kids made "mincemeat" out of it in record time. There was also a horseshoe tourney,and a DJ...no! not my Grandson, a disc jockey. He played some fine music that even appealed to Jen and I.








They had hung a rope from a tree for the pinata,so after the pinata was history they let the kids swing on it.This was a favorite with them as they had a line of kids waiting to swing. Although there was one kid that was taking cuts in line to get her turn......

Wait a minute,I know that kid. Its my wife! Jen WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?.....That's my wife,a kid at heart.

We had a great time at the shower and Sunday we went over to Jackie's house for Easter.We played games and ate and ate.Its Doran tradition.I got a great picture of the "mommy to be" Katie with her daughter Alyx and Alyx's boyfriend Cody. It was a proud Dad and Grandpa taking this picture. What a great weekend we had partying,and seeing the kids. Its the best.






Back at the park,we are all getting ready for "Stagecoach Days". It starts next Thursday.Jeni and I are going to be busy little bees. We will be leaving the park April 29th for Folsom Lake for the summer.It will be nice to spend the summer with the kids and Grand kids.DJ,and Alyx will be spending a lot of time with us enjoying the park. And DJ will be riding "Shotgun" in the "Gator" with Grandpa. We have some engine noise in the RV,a bearing in the fan or something going out so I will have that checked at Village RV when we first get into town. Hopefully nothing serious. We start at Folsom Lake campground Monday the 30th as "Camp hosts".We will be there til Labor day, site#D. Its been a great fall and Winter at Park Sierra but its time to head out as most of the members do for their summer travels. But we will all meet again next fall in the park to swap stories of our travels,and start planning another great fall and winter at the park. The next 2 weeks will be a blur and before we can catch our breath, we will be off to Sacramento. Adios for now.

A BUSY MARCH

AH,now there's a face only a Grandma could love. That is our Grandson Nevin playing in his first baseball game. Jeni and I headed down to Riverside last weekend to celebrate our grandsons birthdays. Nevins was March 5th and Aidens was the 17th. We got in early enough to see Nevins game and have an elequent dinner at McDonald's afterwards.

Here is "Mighty Nevin" at the plate. He hit a 2 run single. I think I spotted one of the SF Giants scouts in the stands.....could he be taking a look at my Grandson?......Season tickets for ole Grandpa at Pac Bell park......OUCH!....Jeni elbowed me, back to reality.

Saturday Dan,(our son) put on a great birthday party for the boys.It rained all day but Dan still fired up the ole BBQ and cooked delicious hamburgers and brats for us all. After cake and ice cream,it was time for presents. We had a great time. We couldn't be prouder of our Grand sons,they are growing up so fast.Aiden is 10 and Nevin is5. Dan has done a great job with the boys, Its hard enough being a parent but a single parent, my hat is off to him. Your the best Dano.

When we left for the park Sunday, we ran into some wintry weather on the Techapi's. Not bad though just beautiful scenery. Once we were down in the valley it was sunny. We stopped in Fresno for some stuff at Costco and then headed up the hill to the park.Half way there we encountered rain and when we pulled in......

...WHAT THE HECK! SNOW! And very cold. Oh well, its almost spring. Jeni has been planning for a big exercise for the park.As you know she is Co chair of the "disaster preparedness committee"and the park has to have an annual evacuation exercise per state law. She has been planning for months and the time has come.so Wednesday was the day.

The fire dept. was here observing our evacuation because the parks number 1 probability of disaster is "wild fire."

Also the Red Cross was here.They gave a seminar on being prepared in the event of a disaster.

The Red Cross even gave out disaster supplies in little red backpacks for our members. Very cool.

Jeni conferring with the firemen prior to the event. All her team wore hard hats and vests and had radios to monitor and direct the evacuation.

The Red Cross did a splendid seminar of informing our members on the challenges of disasters and being prepared.












Jeni thanking the members for a very successful evacuation. Her committee when planning this exercise figured a turnout of maybe 50% 100 or so members. they had over 150 members participate. Counting the people out of the park when the evacuation happened the committee figured over 75% turnout. The Fire Dept and Red Cross were very impressed and praised the committee and the members for their efforts for a very quick and smooth evacuation. I was very proud of Jeni. This was a tough assignment for her, but in true Jeni form,she took charge and prevailed. Now she can relax and know that all of us at the park say"job well done!" The weather has turned spring like and the park is buzzing as planning for Easter and Stagecoach days is in full gear.After Stagecoach days,we will head to Folsom lake for our summer job at the campground and "baby watch" as our daughter Katie gives birth some time in June to our 5th grandchild.We are so excited!
Well its been a busy March and were bracing for an even busier April for P&J Adventures.See you in April.