BUD AND JULIE-FUN FRIENDS IN VEGAS

Bud Kuball, a Korean War fighter pilot, and a retired career pilot for TWA, traveled to the Panama Canal and back in his motor home with Jim in 2004. Julie flew back and forth to join them several times during that 343 day trip, but not for lack of an adventurous spirit. Julie had some health problems at the time and couldn't stay for long periods on the rough roads.
We joined them for cocktails and conversation for an afternoon with other friends of their's and didn't even think about taking pictures until just before time to leave. Julie, who weighs 96 pounds, is small and mighty. She likes to direct things. "No, you can't take the picture THAT way. We have to pose."

No, Jim, not like that...

Like this:

Bud, at 82, likes to ski and write. He publishes pieces for the TWA magazine about his world adventures, which are many. He sends them to Jim where ever he is on the road.

Their adventures in Panama have been captured in Jim's book, which is available at: http://www.lulu.com/panamaorbust

MOVING DAY

This is moving day in the true sense of the word. Jim and I pulled into my yard in Murphys yesterday. Old reliable, Panama or Bust, with the Bronco and the bike, sit comfortably under the oaks. Jim, a full timer, spent nine years of his life in this rig. Today, we move to my rig, the Terra. It is squeaky clean and I'm its second owner, but the newness hasn't worn off. It doesn't have the storage that Jim's rig has. But, a walk around queen, room to exercise for me. A trade off.
We'll be parked with only short outings for the next four months when we road warriors will be off and moving on wheels again.
The best thing about returning home? Catching up with family, friends and neighbors, and a true, juicy, tasty, sweet, sun burnished, VINE RIPENED TOMATO. Despite all the fruit stands and farmers markets we frequented, there is nothing quite like that gush of backyard tomatos and the distinct smell of the vines.

GOODBYE TO THE BULLET HOLES

I posited yesterday that the time comes for the old stuff to go and be replaced with new stuff. Its a bit sad to watch Jim remove stuff from the old 1984 Bronco and fit it into the shiny "new" 1986 Bronco. Realize that the Bronco is a "toad", vernacular for the vehicle you tow behind your motor home. If I'm remembering right, the 1984 has 275,000 miles on it, probably half of them towed miles. What I'll really miss is the looks people give you on the freeway or in a parking lot when they see all the bullet holes in the old Bronco. Jim's rig has been to Panama and back, eight countries and 16 border crossings in 2004, which he advertises on his toad and motor home. Truth be told, those marks aren't bullet holes. They just LOOK like bullet holes. Even so, its fun. Some people gape and appear frightened by you. Others curious from a distance. Some, affable, friendly, ask questions outright, and they learn there are NO bullet holes.
Shucks, life would be so much more interesting if we could get the 1986 to wear in the same manner, doncha think?