Another busy week has passed us by. Everyday involved working a bit on the garage and a bit getting ready for The Big Event. On the garage front, we got the north (back) side all done and of the east side walls done where our enclosed trailer is going to be housed. We also got the first few panels of steel on the front done, until I ran out of J-Channel which brought that to a stop.


So, we worked more on the inside putting OSB up on the walls.
Trim around the garage doors and ridge cap on top of the roof rounded out the week.

We got some new critters on the critter cam.
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Tanager and a Robin |
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Flicker |
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Two Robins and a Red Squirrel having a chat |
This was out coolest capture of the week, a bobcat!
I got chastised again for not including dog pictures last week, so here is two of them. The first is pretty funny.... I'll give you one guess as to where the bunny rabbit is hiding...
Here is a picture of Dakota trying to act invisible as she knows she is not supposed to be on the couch! What is not invisible are the "fibers of love" she leaves behind. I am not exaggerating when I say Barb vacuums every day. Anyone who has owned a lab knows what I speak of. If you skip a day all of a sudden you have balls of fur scurrying around the house like they are trying to morph into another puppy.
But all of that is not why you are still reading this post. You want to know what our big event is. Well, the day is here. Today eight travelers from far and wide are arriving here in South Dakota. I do not even remember how it all started. Over a beer no doubt, someone must have said "You going to be around next fall? We were thinking of stopping by." or either Barb or I said, "Let's invite a few RV friends to the house next fall" Maybe one of the participants could shed some light on it as my memory is a little foggy.

Next thing we knew 5 couples were going to converge on our South Dakota oasis in late September of 2025. Steve and Dianne from British Columbia, Dave and Leslie from Alberta, Dino and Lisa from Minnesota. Fulltime RV'ers Steve and Deb, and Harry and Vicki from wherever they happen to be at the moment were all coming to our house! You know how things go, a lot of great plans are made over a few cocktails never to be spoken of the next day. But this plan grew legs and momentum. Over the next few months Barb and I started planning, still not really thinking it was actually going to happen. What to do, what to eat, where to put people?!?! One of the couples (Steve and Dianne) had to back out, but the rest of the crew were making plans of their own, several even changing original plans and jumping through hoops to make it!
The six of us (couples, now 5) met years ago at separate times, but eventually all came together to become good friends. We met most of this crew in Quartzsite Arizona where we wintered in the desert for several years: Steve and Dianne (December of 2014), Harry and Vicki (January of 2016) and Dave and Leslie (January of 2018). Steve and Deb, we met in January of 2015 in Abbeville, Louisiana. A few short weeks later we met Dino and Lisa in Arcadia, Florida.
You may recognize some of these "characters" from my tall tale; Harry the Dog Hater (and his lovely wife Vicki), Dino and Detective Oliveri (Also known as Onid and Asil in another tale), Chief Roche and his bubbly wife, Leslie and of course who can forget the Forensics Officer, Steve and his Dispatcher wife, Dianne. I think the only two who have not been subjected to my storytelling are Steve and Deb. That just might have to change soon!
So when we were not working on the garage we were busy cleaning the house. Nothing like having a bunch of people over that makes you clean areas you have been ignoring for months! The garage has probably not been this clean since we moved in. Then as I was sitting on the couch, Barb goes upstairs. Next thing I know she appears in front of the upper-level window! She had opened the bedroom window up there, climbed out of the porch roof and started cleaning windows!
The next day she asks me to bring in the big ladder and up she went!
Well, we are ready. People should start to arrive sometime after 12:00 today for which will no doubt be a week filled with fun, laughter and debauchery. Barb has a full menu planned as well: hikes, drives, events, games, bourbon, beer and cider tastings. If I am able, I will give you a recap next weekend, that is if our livers survives......
I loved seeing the birds and critters at the water tank- Enjoy all of your friends coming in-sounds like a lot of fun and good eats,
ReplyDeleteDoes Barb ever rest? smiles
She does rest for like 30 seconds to a minute at a time, then she is up again doing something else. Used to drive me nuts.
DeleteThat is indeed a big event. I would say, “Have fun,” but I don’t think you’ll need any encouragement in that area.
ReplyDeleteOh, fun will be had for sure!
DeleteSounds like a great plan!! I applaud Barb for washing the windows. I'm pretty sure I haven't washed mine in five years ... or maybe it's been eight. So nice of you to provide an escape route from the water trough. And yes, I've had several labs. White are the worst btw, but who can turn down that sweet face!!!
ReplyDeleteA lesson learned the hard way after finding a critter or two who had fallen in the tanks and could not escape.
DeleteI don't think one can fully grasp the hundreds if not thousands of details that go into building a new structure until one had built a new structure themselves.
ReplyDeleteagree-a lot of work for sure in our younger days we built two-me I made all the food-haha
DeleteEven I forget what all goes into building a structure like this. A nailer here, a support there, bracing for winds, the detail of the trim and J-Channel. Had I thought about it all at the beginning, I probably would not have built it!
DeleteWe were trying to keep our trip a secret but now you have let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. Now I will have to notify our security guy to especially be on the look out for marauders and low life's. I also wanted to wait to see how this big soiree of yours went before we admitted to anything. See you in a few.
ReplyDeleteCat's out of the bag now, of taking a crap in it's cage, one of the two....
DeleteI bet it is comforting knowing that you have a live-in security guard watching over your house while you are gone, fighting off zombies, keeping the septic tank active and such.
What a beautiful series of photos.
ReplyDeleteIt's also lovely to see the squirrel and the birds by the water tank.
Your dogs are adorable.
Greetings Irma
It is so interesting to what appears at the water tank, you just never know what you are going to see!
DeleteI am sure you al will have a fabulous time. Kinda Quartzsite revisited. Steve and Dianne told us they were sad that they had to decline your wonderful invitation this year. Can't wait to see your next post. lol
ReplyDeleteIt IS kind of like Q revisited! We were talking about all the good time we had down there, it is hard to believe that it has been over 10 years since we started going down to Q.
DeleteThat's a huge event. I hope you have a blast.
ReplyDeleteYour country is well represented by Dave and Leslie. I am surprised they let them across the border!
DeleteI still remember the day we first met. You sent me a text on my flip phone before your arrival in Quartzsite. I was technically challenged back in the day and had never texted before. This was when you had to push the ABC button three times if you wanted C for example. Man I was in a panic because my techno gal Dianne wasn’t there to help me but I managed to respond to you. We have treasured your friendship ever since that day and are truly saddened that we can’t be there to participate in all the debauchery. We’re looking forward to hearing all about it on your next blog.
ReplyDeleteCheers 🍻 and Enjoy! ❤️❤️
We are sorry you did not make it as well. I did not know/remember that story about your texting, that is funny, you have come a long way in your technological knowledge!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYour big event does sound fun! It is great you all have met and became such good friends. Barb is like the energizer bunny getting everything done. Love all your birds images at the water tanks and your cute doggies. Have a fun week.
Although we met almost all of these friends individually, we all have become friends as a group as well, if that makes sense. I am always surprised to see Tanagers around here. I rarely see them in person.
DeleteI also kick the cleaning into high gear when visitors are expected.
ReplyDeleteIt is the motivation we needed to get a couple things done that we have been putting off for a while!
DeleteEnjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh, we are/will!
DeleteThe garage project is coming along so well, and the critter cam captures are amazing. I love that you got a bobcat! And the dog pictures are so funny and relatable. It's so sweet that you're hosting all your friends, and I hope you all have the most amazing, fun-filled week.
ReplyDeletewww.melodyjacob.com
That is a HUGE event - have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good!
DeleteLet the fun begin!!
ReplyDeleteGreat having you guys here!
DeleteHow fun!!! A grown up "play date" with a great group!!! Have a blast !!!
ReplyDeleteThat is funny, but yes, that is pretty much what it is!
DeleteWhat a big event! Love seeing your adorable dogs, the birds and squirrel!
ReplyDeleteThey are both pretty loving and mellow dogs. We have one other dog visitor with us this week and they all seem to get along.
DeleteSounds like you'll have fun. I love the critter cam. I love squirrels. The dogs are so cute.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking that squirrel is living his best life over there, he/she has all the comforts it needs provided right there in one spot!
DeleteAlways love the critter capture photos. A bobcat! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be quite the event! Can hardly wait to see and hear all about it! Maybe you'll have to have reunions in the future. Enjoy! Enjoy!
Loved the pic of the dogs after the rabbit. ;)
Who knows! It is a lot to ask people to drive over a dozen hours to meet up, they are good friends indeed!
DeleteA bobcat…WOW! Would love to be a fly on the wall. We might even hear the laughter and ruckus from here! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteSo far, we have not received any noise complaints from the neighbors, but we are just entering day#2!
DeleteI think I once heard that Woodstock got started by five couples just sitting around talking. Vern
ReplyDeleteLet's hope not, the neighbors would not be happy!
DeleteHave fun!!! Nice Bobcat and the dogs seem to want a rabbit!
ReplyDeleteI do not know what they would do if they actually ever caught one. Part of me thinks they would try to play with it, another part of me thinks they would try and tear it apart!
DeleteYou could live in the garage I'm sure when it's totally completed.
ReplyDeleteGood to see creature from the outside cams. Yes, I know about dogs fur inside from the past, goes everywhere, we also had a Shitsu who didn't shed hair but the Lab did.
Have fun with your visitors and it's always great to make friends that we've met on the road.
We have always had dogs that shed as we have yet to find a non-shedding breed that fits our lifestyle. So, we will continue to vacuum everyday sucking up all those fur bunnies as they escape from under the couch.
DeleteWhat an epic gathering! Be sure to get that housewrap covered up before Dino gets there. Love the bobcat. It still amazes me how tall they are.
ReplyDeleteSo far, he has not seen the house wrap, at least if he has seen it, he has not commented on it!
DeleteThe slopping board is a great idea for access for the short-of-leg! The bobcat is a real treat for sure. As are all the pals at your abode this week! I'm confident they are all appreciating that the high windows are clean. I would need full climbing gear to brave that ladder! The friends made on the road are the best. What a blessing so many of you are able to gather. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteYou know, now that you mention it, not one person mentioned how clean those windows are. How unappreciative!
DeleteHave fun with your guests. And I'm glad we got to see the pups this week. The hubby, dogs and myself have been in NOva Scotia for the last 10 days. Will be heading home tomorrow, so am keeping this comment short. Enjoy your guests.
ReplyDeleteSo jealous! We love Nova Scotia and are going to visit there someday again.
DeleteOh boy, sounds like good times ahead! Can't wait to hear all about it. I dont envy you the cleaning though.
ReplyDeleteDay two is in the books. It is 5:45am on day three and everyone is still going strong!
DeleteThat sounds like great fun! Now is the perfect time to come out to the hills. The leaves are changing here at the Northern end. The weather has been fabulous. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, this is one of my favorite time of the year to explore this area. Fewer tourists, perfect weather and the colors of the aspens are incredible!
DeleteThat sounds like a blast.. enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWe are having a blast!
DeleteTruly, a Big Event!
ReplyDeleteHoping by now you're having a great time catching up with everyone's stories.
Sounds to me like a good old-fashioned family reunion. Enjoy!
We have never had a family reunion with family, but I guess you are right, this is what one would look like.
DeleteThe projects around your house are coming along nicely. Yes, we've had dogs all our life, and at one time, we had a Lab. They are pretty gentle dogs. That's a cool sighting of the bobcat. Have a wonderful time with your friends who are coming for a visit.
ReplyDeleteHappy first day of Autumn!
~Sheri
The 22nd is the first day of fall, isn't it?!?! The projects have come to a standstill this week, but the weather has cooled and we are ready to hit it hard next week!
DeleteSounds like you'll be busy and have lots of fun at the same time. But, oh my, thats a lot of work! Great memories to be made, stories to tell.
ReplyDeleteLots of stories are being made/told! We are halfway through the week today, just a couple days left!
DeleteCan't wait to hear all the stories and see all the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe stories and pictures shall be coming, but I might need a couple days of rest first!
DeleteYou sure have adventures! I'm up to my eye balls planning for a simply Thanksgiving dinner next month!
ReplyDeleteP.S. We do have wolves, Jim, just not very many. They are further north in Algonquin Park, for example.
Ah, we too are looking forward to Thanksgiving! I was curious about wolves. Good to read that they are not abundant in your area, they can put the hurt on a deer herd!
DeleteFun to read today and it will be fun to invite everyone over. She used to have many family-friend gatherings and now life has gone a little quiet that way. Great to see all the critters at the water tank. Love your sweet dogs, so cute. I had occasion to meet three Boston Terriers last week and it was a great experience. I have them on my blog a few back. The man told me that they were bred to chase squirrels. Is that right? Barb continues to impress me as do you both. Have a great end of the week.
ReplyDeleteI had to look it up...it says Boston Terriers were originally bred to fight vermin? I guess a squirrel could be considered vermin, but I am thinking rats and such. Since squirrels and rats are distant cousins, I guess that would be a correct statement.
DeleteOh, how wonderful. What a fantastic week this will be.
ReplyDeleteI hope you all have a great time and look forward to hearing about everyone's experiences.
My positive energy is coming to you.
The week is coming to an end and we had a great time. Tired, but fun!
DeleteI know it's been a great week! What fun...I have a camper....wish I was there!
ReplyDeleteNo bloody way I would get up on that ladder to clean a window
ReplyDelete