Carlyle Lake Once Again

This past weekend was potentially our last family trip weekend trip of the season and it was a very low key event compared to some of our other trips. I can see it getting harder and harder to do as the kids get older. It makes planning out the season even more important because the RV industry is really booming now. Getting a good camp site on a quick notice is almost impossible and in some cases requires a year in advance booking. This past weekend at our favorite spot on Carlyle Lake, there was not a single available site in the loop we like. I snagged this site over 2 months ago and it was the last one available. We were in site 15, in the less desirable middle area. Plenty of shade, but not great privacy or lake views. 

We also seemed to avert disaster with the water supply. While outside using the water sprayer cleaning up after dinner, I noticed that the water pressure was lacking. After investigating I found a supply line essentially crimped off. It had to have been there since the RV was built because it was "forced" into this arrangement. Over time and bumpy roads, a pin hole developed and as I was trying to move the lines around a leak started. If this would have happened int he middle of the night it would have been disastrous. Another reason to always shut off your water supply when leaving for the day! I would not want to come back to water pouring out the doors. Luckily I had all the stuff to fix it and we were good in about 20 minutes. 

Another thing that was very evident, is that the kids really need a more than a 2 day trip to get comfortable. The first day is usually somewhat crap because everyone is just out of rhythm. On Sunday, everyone was mellow and totally in the groove. It was hard to pack up and leave. 

The damaged water line. 

"I'm going to sit next to this tree and eat bread"

This is what a kid looks like with out an Ipad in his hands. 

The great thing about this place is the PAVEMENT!! Large enough to move about, do chalk drawings and walk barefoot without worrying about mud. In the event of a rainstorm, a site like this is a huge plus.  I do like the parks that are more spartan, but with kids having hard surfaces to run around on, this is hard to beat. 

Full Swing into Fall....

Finding time for pretty much anything these days is tough. Spending a lot of time at work on things that are not making any money so I figured I would go ahead and take a few minutes and give you an update since on things since early August. 

Hatch Peppers are in!!! Last few years these little babies have found their way into the STL area via some produce company who has hooked up with Schnucks. If you don't know anything about them, don't know what to tell you. They are essentially an variation Anaheim pepper, but grown in a certain soil in New Mexico and roasted over an open flame at time of purchase. The season for these is measured in days, not weeks so they are long gone now. If you are like me, I buy a bunch and freeze them for use thought the year. They are awesome in Chili, Dips, Eggs and most recently in my Beans  From the photo above, it would seem I have gotten involved with some Black market drug operation.

Even the Dog Likes Hatch Peppers

Another Good Find....

The Garden has Started to Produce (No pun intended)

A few weeks ago we had a few good storms roll through and I happened to catch the lightning above. This was easily the most intense lighting storm I have ever seen.

A photo that was snapped in the middle of the nightly screaming spectacular (Meal Time)  while things were relatively calm. Notice the freshly painted kitchen walls?

And Finally, Sams first day of Kindergarten!