ttfmcaralliesandmore@blogspot.com

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally - Texoma

2011-11-26T16:03:00.003-06:00

In April we took our daughter to Florida. It was too expensive for all four of them to fly so she asked if we
minded going to Florida so that she and the kids could ride with us and her husband would fly after we got there. I thought it would be a good experience for the grandkids since they had never rode in the coach. The grandkids were 7 months and 3 years old. They were going to Disney and my 3 year old was excited.

Since we made the quick trip to Disney, and weren't coming back until May, we decided that we couldn't make the Texoma Rally. We got tickets for 7 days of Disney. My granddaughter really had a good time and after the whole week of all that excitement, she was not ready to call it quits at the end of the week. My daughter and her family stayed at the Getaway Cabins at Thousand Trails in Orlando while we stayed close by in our coach.

My granddaughter took pictures with most of the Disney characters and there seemed to be hundreds, haha!!!

Here we are: granddaughter, daughter and me.

Another character, another pose.

I have been having a lot of trouble with the blog. Google has changed something or upgraded and that has threw me way off. I have been spending a lot of time trying to figure it out and have even thought of giving it up. It looks like I may be able to maybe post this one but I don't know if I'll be able to keep on going. It is so irritating, very stressful and time consuming so bear with me. The pictures didn't get posted in the order that I added them. It's a good thing that I didn't go to the Rally so I just had very few pictures that I got from Connie. I didn't get birthday or anniversary pictures.

I guess everybody that's coming to the rally or here at Texoma and ready to have good fellowship and a great time and games.

I couldn't get any space on the picture of Donna but she was not feeling too well since she had just had surgery but it looks like she was doing okay.

I guess these are the early members that are here for happy hour.

A few more members.

Tom McDaniel was at the rally. I haven't seen him since he joined in Texoma a few years ago.


The cook and Wagonmaster, Rodger Donnelly, getting some of the food ready.

Rodger's got it going now.

Crystel Walker is probably trying to get the funds she needs for Ronald McDonald.

Let the games begin.

Different games being played and enjoyed by all.

I'm not sure if they are doing happy hour or birthday cake. Either way they are going to be eating.

Well, now I can see, they are having hamburgers.

This is probably happy hour?

This picture is out of place. I guess Larry is grill sitting.

I hope that you all enjoyed the rally. I hated missing it but that happens sometimes as you all know.

Good Nite Everyone. The rally is over. Have safe travels when you get ready to go home or the next park.

TT of Texas FMCA Rally in Columbus

2011-10-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

After our Conroe Thousand Trails FMCA Rally in January, a few of our members go to Tropic Winds in Harlingen, Texas to winter there. This year in January and February, it got pretty cold a few times. It wasn't quiet as cold as it got further north though. We had ice that lasted a couple of days. It was pretty neat but cold. We had icicles all over our coach.

Ice was on trees and plants and everywhere there was moisture.

Even my grapefruits that we left outside had an icy casing on them.

Rise and Shine. Today we will start our Columbus Rally. It is a very good day to start this rally. Everybody is excited about seeing our fellow members once again.

Check in time and Larry & Dianna just happen to be the first ones coming in as far as my camera is concerned.

Time to come on in and enjoy some of the happy hour snacks before we go to dinner at Peter's Bar-B-Que.

Slowly but surely, we're all getting here.

I don't know if Clarence had a head ache because he was assistant wagon master and didn't know what he was supposed to be doing or if he was trying to figure out who else was coming.

Wagon Master Chuck Smith is showing us that he's strong & capable enough to handle it.

Okay, everybody look this way. Chuck has something to say.

Everybody is paying attention. I can't even remember what Chuck had to say to keep people listening.

Still at it Chuck!!! Did you ever realize you talked too long????

Still at it. WOW, it must of been good.

Tommy is working on some electrical outlets so we could have the electricity that we need.

Did you get it or not???

Sara is happy so I guess Tommy did get it done so the cooking could get started.

We went and ate dinner at Peter's. Good food.

Finger licking good, huh Jimmie?

Some of us had to eat in the front room because the back room was full. That's okay, you see who those people are, the best of the best. I'm not saying who they are, you'll just have to figure it out yourselves.

We enjoyed playing games after our dinner.

Our Wagon Master didn't play games but he checked to be sure that we were having a good time. We always have a good time when we play games. We look forward to it.

Our fast track board for 8 is blue.

Jimmie's fast track board is pretty bright. Can you see it, it's yellow.

Time to set up again. What are we having this time. It'll be good, that's for sure.

Breakfast with Joan and Jimmie, yummy!!!

Jimmie and Joan took all the juice as you can see so there was not much for these people.

They are all showing their TT FMCA jackets. Anybody care to buy any???

My feet are tired, I guess I'll sit this way and get my feet off the floor.

Richard Barnes telling us about the services that FMCA has for us.

Here comes the Sherriff with her little black book. I know Jimmie will be in that little black book and probably in every page of that little black book. He loves to get in it.

Okay and Jimmie owes $10.00.

Who else is getting fined??

Okay, Jimmie, I said $10.00 and no more than that. It does have some blanks in it!!!!

See, Jimmie is smiling cause he really wants to pay what the Sherriff says he owes. He wanted to pay more though. It's all for a good cause, huh Jimmie????

Wagon Masters Chuck & Sara Smith and Assistants Clarence & Deloris Crocker getting their rally boots. Job well done.

Time to get in line again and eat some more. It seems like that's all we do.

Oh, and we also talk alot and have lots of fun doing it.

More food.

Got another batch here.

That was pretty good even though Chuck & Clarence sure did play with it a lot before we got to eat it.

Still in line.

Everybody enjoying their meal.

Birthday members for February & March are: Bill Thompson, Joan Watson, Diana Kimble, Dianna Huff, Helen Carlton and Gladys Kana.

Anniversaries for February & March are: Bill & Jackie Thompson, Larry & Beverly Wippert (Larry was sick the whole time of the rally so Beverly went Solo), Dan & Gladys Kana, Roger & Ernestine Bennett and Pat & Joe Watts.

After the rally is over we always have the smart ones that stay so they can eat all the left over stuff.

Clarence dipping some left over ice cream.

More fellowship.

Enjoyable sunny, crispy day.

Richard Barnes had a good enjoyable time at this rally like he always did. We are so very happy that we got to see him at this rally and that several people got to visit with and play games with him. After the rally he had surgery that he did well with and a week later had to have a stent which he didn't recover from. He was a very sweet and funny person and we enjoyed his company. He surely will be missed. Rest In Peace, Rich......

Even John & Romola Laninga made it for the left overs. They were traveling and just happened to make it to Columbus after the rally.

What a beautiful day we had for a gathering.

Also, after the rally I went with Joe & Pat Watts to Schulenburg to see some of the Painted Churches.

They are pretty awesome and we had a good time going through them and seeing the magnificent beauty.

Had a marvelous rally, getting to see our fellow members once again. Everybody have a safe trip back home or to your next park. See you at Texoma in May. Until then Good-Nite!!!!!

Thousand Trails of Texas/ FMCA Rally - Lake Conroe

2011-02-10T10:43:00.000-06:00

Rise & Shine!!!! Another Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally is to take place this weekend at Lake Conroe. We're all excited to meet once again with the members and friends for lots of fellowship, games and food.

Sun coming up over the Wynn's coach which was parked in front of our coach.

Our Wagon Master, Barbara Spade's RV, displaying our TT/FMCA Banner. We had 26 coaches with 48 members and 2 guests attending our rally. Members attending were Richard & Helen Barnes, Roger & Ernestine Bennett, Don & Barbara Berg, Jimmy & Mary Lou Bolton, Melvin & Helen Carlton, Donna Carpenter, Clarence & Delores Crocker, John & Flo Decker, Eula Faye Dougherty & Bobbie Stuart, Randle & Connie Farrar, Lynda Herndon, Tony & Geri Innocenti, Fred & Lou Kennedy, Les & Diana Kimble, John & Romola Laninga, Ronald & Janis McTee, Paul & Karen Pacior, Smitty & Mary Helen Smith, Barbara Spade, Donald Stallings, Art & Faye Tuley, Sam & Crystel Walker, Jimmie & Joan Watson, John & Mary Nan Wehrung, Tommy & Olga Wood and new members David and Carol Wynn. Also our guests were Robert & Kathy Leachman.

Rich Barnes just coming up from under the table. What were you doing there? Oh yea, he was plugging up a cord to keep the dip that they brought warm.

Fred and Lou Kennedy waiting for everybody to get here and get the party started.

Member Flo coming in and getting their meal tickets.

I would say Tommy & Barbara are talking about her satellite and what she can do to make it easier to set up.

Could Tommy & Barbara be talking about why the lights don't turn on, on their toad. They are not able to hook their toad to their coach because of a minor problem. By the way, they just got a new Bounder coach.

Jimmy & Don enjoying the goodies. No calories.

Don Berg ready to eat even if nobody else is.

Come on in and get your tickets.

Connie, are you taking a picture of me, I also took a picture of you. Do you see it???

Tommy & Bobbie just figured out where Bobbie can get her slide fixed so it can come out next time.

Diana Kimble, I think there is still some food on the table. Hope you get what you're praying for.

We'll get started in a minute. We need a longer rest.

What was I going after??? I guess nothing cause the girls got it all under control.

Having a good time and getting to meet members before happy hour.

Mother and daughter, Eula Faye & Bobbie.

I don't like peas so why didn't you save me some green beans, don't you know anything????

Smitty & Mary Helen enjoying their meal. Some people aren't too picky.

It pays to get first in line, huh Fred???

Announcing!!!!! We are going to celebrate birthdays & anniversaries. Having birthday cake and ice cream.

John Decker and Faye Tuley trying to see who's getting older.

Haha, they are older and we're eating cake and ice cream to prove it.

Come on, we still have plenty.

Yummy, that was good, let's get started with our game.

What's going on here?? I don't remember, did you not get enough Don?

It looks like Connie is at the end of the line. Not to worry there'll be enough calories for you too.

Lynda, Clarence and Delores with their spoon in their mouth.

Tony, Geri and Janis got some ice cream also. Is Tony trying to hide his bowl behind his leg???

I want seconds!!! NOT!!!!!

Don Stallings & Les Kimble played 42 with our guests Robert & Kathy Leachman.

Barbara, Richard & Lynda getting ready for another meal.

Waiting on our meals.

Another Happy Hour.... Don't you see everybody here so HAPPY????

The sheriff only got me once. One dollar for Ronald McDonald.

The sheriff, Crystel, and her little black book where the names of the bad guys get written.

Terry, Manager of Thousand Trails in Conroe. Always gives us the scoop on what's going on or not going on at the park.

Fred Kennedy telling us about FMCA and how Lou is not too happy because they only have a few months before he retires from his duties with FMCA. Sorry Lou but everything has to come to an end. I'm sure that you might get to enjoy it and get used to it. NOT STAYING ON THE ROAD ALL THE TIME!!!!!!

Oh My, I forgot what Tony had to say. Sorry but I'm getting older too and that comes with the territory. I'm sure it was something to do with FMCA also.

Everybody was all ears, I was too, but it went out the other.

We got our Wagon Masters boots. Barbara Spade was Wagon Master and Tommy & Olga (Me) Wood and Donna Carpenter were assistant Wagon Masters.

Our guest members, Robert & Kathy Leachman.

New member Carol Wynn. Unfortunately her husband, David Wynn, had some kind of virus all the time and even before and after the rally so he stayed away for fear of bringing it to our rally. Thank you David. Maybe next time you will get to enjoy our rally.

John, you don't seem to be enjoying the conversation. I'm sorry.

Yes, Smitty, those are the new members.

I'm a little late.

I'm taking David his breakfast.

Donna, Barbara & Romola relaxing for a little while after breakfast. Donna is ready to go to church and Babara and Don are headed home today.

These members came too early for breakfast.

This member came too late for breakfast. I hope there's something left for her to eat.

David Wynn made it for breakfast on Sunday. Didn't stay too long, had to go work. He is not retired yet and when we were going to head on to the south, they were going to head on to the east and north and all the cold weather, with their work. Hope it won't be too long.

Birthday Cake.

Birthday Members: Delores Crocker, Bobbie Stuart, Art Tuley, Paul Pacior and Roger Bennett

Anniversary Members: Art & Faye Tuley, Jimmie & Joan Watson, Tommy & Olga Wood, Randle (ill) & Connie Farrar, Tony & Geri Innocenti and John & Mary Nan Wehrung

New Members: David & Carol Wynn from Spring, TX

Guests: Robert & Kathy Leachman from Spring, TX

Sunset at Conroe. It was a gorgeous sunset but I missed it. Got there a little bit tooo late, but Carol & Kathy enjoyed it fully but didn't take pictures.

I still got some beautiful sunset.

Thanks for coming to our rally. We enjoyed it. Drive home safely and safe travels.
See you again at Columbus in March!!!!

Thousand Trails of Texas/ FMCA Rally - Medina Lake

2011-02-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

Another day, another sunrise. Sorry for being so very late with the blog. I am so sick that I lost everything in my computer. Years of pictures have just gone down the drain. I had saved some of my Alaskan pictures but this last year when we went to the Canadian Meritimes, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania and a bunch of other states, I had not saved them yet so I have nothing to show for our trip last year. I have some friends though that took part of that trip, so come on friends "SHARE" please. I also had all of the Thousand Trails Rallies still in my computer, so they are also gone. I will try to save my pictures more often this time. I just happened to still have some of these pictures still in the camera.

As you can tell we are at Medina and getting ready to start another fun weekend.

We have to start with the deer because they are welcoming us and know they will get fed.

The people that made this rally possible. Wagon Masters: Nolan & Willie Blank, Assistant Wagon Masters, Jack & Sylvia Napoles, Eula Faye Dougherty & Bobbie Stuart and also Larry & Beverly Wippert.

Let the Party Begin!!!!

Signing up for meal tickets.

Trying to decide whether they need it or not.

I guess we need a little of this and a lot of that.

Yum!!!!! It all looks so good and plenty of it.

Poor Connie, trying to walk around after knee surgery. She did great and getting better all the time.

Here's the lady with the little black book. They've probably got a conspiracy brewing.

Okay, I'll give you some name badges as soon as I get them untangled.

Getting ready for our meal after all those snacks.

Good little chat.

What do you need Babe, I'll go get it!!

Yummy!!!!

Are there any bigger plates, too much food for these itsy, bitsy plates.

We don't know you, do we??? You're new members.

I guess everybody is checking out Connie's wheels.

Is this a Texas Longhorn FAN????

Always great food at Medina.

Did you all leave me some???

I'm just a little hungry, not too much.

Yea, we're in line.

Proud grandparents of twins.

You look like you ate the whole thing. John, did you also eat your plate???? Just asking!!!! You seem to be pretty satisfied.

I guess there is still some left.

Oh yes, there was.

Enjoying breakfast.

Everybody is all ears, is it that good?????

The treasury report. Do we still have some money????

Pretty interesting.

Here again are the Wagon Masters and Assistants.

The Manager at Thousand Trails telling us about the good and Bad News about the parks and our memberships.

And here she is, our sheriff, trying to collect her fines.

Okay, it wasn't too bad, I only had to pay a $1.00.

This is where our money collected went.

Veteran's program. Don Stallings was Master of Ceremonies. He presented certificates to all the men and women that have served in the Armed Forces. Also he acknowledged other people that have helped in other ways.

Some of the men who got certificates.

Gladys talked about all that the men in the military do and do without so that we can be safe in a safe country.

And away they go.

Up, UP

Letting our balloons go in celebration of Veteran's Day.

Birthday Members: Sam Walker, John Decker, Faye Gardner, Smitty Smith, Beverly, Taylor, Tom Taylor, Barbara Spade, Jimmie Watson and new member Jim Hartmann.

Anniversary Members: Rodger & Diana Donnelly, Clarence & Delores Crocker and Les & Diana Kimble.

New members that joined at Whitney: Jim & Robin Hartmann

New Members that joined at Medina: Bill & Carolyn Payne

After the rally some of us still linger around and keep on eating. Lynda invited us, Joe & Pat Watts and some of her friends to dinner. I don't like to turn down food. It means No Cooking for me. Thanks Lynda.

We also went to Bandera and ate at this restaurant. It was pretty good.

Enjoyed another good meal.

Had some left for the next day. Three days without cooking, yay!!!!

Relaxing after a great meal.

We didn't push the red button, had no complaints.

Ready to go back home. Great Rally, Great Time, Fabulous Fellowship!!!!

Good Nite until next Rally,

See You Then!!!!

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally - Lake Whitney

2010-12-07T09:45:00.000-06:00

Sunset at Lost Lakes (ROD Park) in Owensville Missouri. On our way to Maine and the Maritimes in Canada.

St. Louis Missouri Arch.

St. Louis Arch while on East St. Louis Illinois side. Stayed at the Queen Casino park and visited with friends from UP Michigan. Didn't visit the casino though but had a good time. Nice park but pretty costly.

We couldn't go to the rally at Whitney in September because we were going to have a grandson sometime that month so I'm going to do my best with what I have. I will probably be making up stuff since I wasn't there.

Wagonmasters and Assistant: Rodger & Diana Donnelly and Barbara Spade getting their rally boots, yay!!! I understand they did a great job with a lot of fun and games.

I am trying to read Chuck's lips but I'm not a lip reading so I would asume that he's talking about the next rally at Medina in November.

There's no telling what's going on here but I think that maybe Willie was talking too much and everybody was trying to end the meeting so they could go to their coaches and rest a little before they have to go back and eat some more.

That looks like they didn't get much to eat, so could that be the reason nobody looks too happy. Okay, you all, I'm sure you're going to get some more, it'll just take a few more minutes.

Sorry you had to stop your game playing to pose for pictures, chucks!!!! I see some new faces here.

Some more new faces here. I guess I'll meet them someday.

Another new couple that I haven't met. These are all new members that joined our chapter in Whitney.

I'm sure that, that was some good cake and was enjoyed by everybody except me.

Just socializing and all wondering who ate the left corner of this picture????? Who Dun It, huh, huh????

All having a good time.

Slowing but surely everybody getting their food.

More game playing.

Great game playing and happy hour left overs.

More new member here that I haven't met.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Lynn Griner, Clarence Crocker, Chuck Smith, Mary Lou Bolton, Willie Blank and Mary Helen Smith. Tommy & I should of been in the picture also.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Jimmy & Mary Lou Bolton, Sam & Crystel Walker, Nolan & Willie Blank, Paul & Karen Pacior, Joe & Marie Golleher and Smitty & Mary Helen Smith.

Sunset at Elizabethtown, Kentucky while we were trying to get home by September for the big event, Grandbaby #5.

Till we meet you again at the Lake Medina Rally in November. Have Good Times, Good Laughter, Good Friendships and GOOD EATING!!!!!!

And a Beautiful Life. GOOD NITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU ALL.....................

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally in Texoma

2010-08-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

Our May Rally in Texoma is getting started.

And let the tournament begin. We played a Mexican Train Tournament on Friday.

Everybody had a good time.

A little bit of concentration.

Everybody watching the next play.

1st place winners in the tournament. Larry and Dianna got a pegs and jokers game.

Jimmy and Mary Lou got a fast track game for second place.

Smitty and Mary Helen got CASH for 3rd place.

So now we eat and it was good too.

Waiting on food.

Plenty of food.

Anniversaries: Melvin and Helen Carlton and Chuck and Sara Smith

Birthdays: Helen and Beverly

New Members: Ray & Liz Vils.

New Member Lynda Herndon and Vera.

New Members: Bill and Jackie Thompson.

Members getting ready to leave after the rally.

And this is what we have to do to get going.

Close to Texoma is the birthplace of Gene Autry.

Combination of sunset and rain clouds.

Thousand Trails of Texas / FMCA Rally in Columbus

2010-07-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

Rally is over. Bobby & Dot Ballard and John & Nan Wehrung saying good bye to those people that will be leaving today. A few of us stay for a few days after the rally.

Birthdays for February and March are: Bobby Ballard, Connie Farrar, Terry Griner, Nan Wehrung and Dianne Huff.

Anniversaries for February and March are: Joe and Pat Watts and John and Nan Wehrung.

New members Art and Faye Tuley.

New members Bobby & Dot Ballard.

New members Claborn & Pat Young.

New members John & Nan Wehrung.

New members Dennis Feldman and Patti Chance.

New members Ray and Liz Vils.

Last day of the rally. Wagon Master Chuck and Assistant Joe. They did a really good job.

Always having plenty to eat and having a good time.

Just enjoying fellowship with old and new members.

Registering at our March Rally in Columbus. There were about 30 coaches and 5 new couples that joined our Chapter.

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally

2010-06-14T07:09:00.000-05:00

Telling stories and other things.

As you can see, we still had quite a bit of left overs. We had the left over rally at our space.

After the rally was over, those that didn't leave at that time, got to enjoy the left overs for a couple more days.

We only had one anniversary couple at this rally.

These are the birthday members for October and November.

These members are playing Mexican Train.

We are playing Pegs and Jokers.

This couple didn't play games this night cause they'd rather dance and we did have a band while we were playing games.

Played lots of games, as we normally do.

See our take home boxes and our plates are still full.

We got served real big meals. Lots of us took left overs home so we could eat the next day or two days from now.

We watched as the balloons went up in the air.

We celebrated Veteran's Day while we were at Lake Medina.

Everybody being very attentive. Must of been a very interesting meeting.

Business meeting.

Happy to see members/friends again.

Lots of fellowship, catching up on what's going on.

We had our Thousand Trails Rally in Lake Medina during November 6-8. We had about 30 coaches come in for our rally. We enjoyed lots of food, games and fellowship.

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally - Lake Texoma

2010-05-31T06:56:00.000-05:00

Our Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally at Lake Texoma on April 30-May 2nd was a success. Thanks to the Wagonmasters and assistants, Randle & Connie Farrar and Melvin & Helen Carlton, we enjoyed plenty of food, plenty of fun and plenty of fellowship. We ended up with 29 coaches coming in for the rally. Most of them were our members, some of them were new members and some of them were visitors. We also enjoyed having Roy Beavers come in and talk to us about his chapter. I took lots of good pictures and got too greedy and ended up loosing all my pictures. The memory card in my camera got full Saturday night after I had taken over 200 pictures, well, I was wanting a few more pictures that night and I don't know what I did trying to free some space. The next morning I tried to load my pictures and I had none, zip, nada. I was sick and I kept trying to find them somewhere but they were no where to be found. Next time I'll be satisfied with what I've got instead of being greedy and getting nothing.

We all enjoyed the Mexican Train Tournament. Tommy and myself didn't do very good.

I was even keeping score myself and we still didn't do well.

Lots of good concentration for all these young minds.

Here on the right beside Melvin is Diana Kimble, one of our new members from Nacogdoches. I retired from Lufkin ISD and I still have a daughter that lives in Lufkin, which is next door to Nacogdoches.

Here on the right is June Wimmer and her husband Ron is in front of her to the left. They joined us as visitors.

I don't know what's going on here but everybody is looking around. Could it be they are bored waiting on someone to make up their mind how they want to play?

He looks pretty suspicious, was he the culprit???

How many dominoes does Crystel have hidden over there????? She thinks no one is looking, but we all are. GOTCHA!!!!!!

Is Sam watching what Crystel is doing??? I bet you he won't tell.

Shhhhhh!!!!!

Okay Melba, are you trying to get his attention for some reason? As you can see we had the adult lodge pretty crowded and pretty quiet since everybody was trying to do their best. We had pretty high stakes going on.

Let's call it a night.

Our business meeting. I don't have any pictures except a couple that I borrow from someone.

Dinner on Saturday night.

Lined up for breakfast on Sunday morning. I got my camera back working after I'd discovered that my pictures were all gone from Friday and Saturday. What a waste of good pictures.

We had pretty good sized breakfasts.

Our new members, Ray and Liz Vils.

I just had to put this picture in here. See Charles' head. He had been bald for a while but suddenly he went to bed one night and got up with a head full of salt and pepper hair.

Doesn't he just look so handsome with his new head? Just don't take his cap off!!!

Okay, time to collect badges.

You three people on the counter, are you trying to gang up on the cook?

Our birthday girls. We had three birthday girls at the rally but, since I lost my pictures, I had to do retakes on Sunday and there's one birthday girl that is not a morning person so I didn't get her picture. The birthday girls are Helen Barnes, Crystel Walker and Beverly Wippert. Guess who sleeping beauty is????

We also had 3 anniversaries and the same thing happened here. Another sleeping beauty and her husband didn't make it for breakfast. Anniversaries were Melvin & Helen Carlton, Chuck & Sara Smith and Terry & Lynn (Cheryl) Griner. Can you guess again????

Here they are and they are still sleeping a few hours later. They're acting like they are awake with them big smiles.

Another sleepy head here. His picture was also lost so I got this that somebody took while he was trying to wake up. Tommy won the 50/50 raffle that was being raffled for Ronald McDonald. It was 50 something $$$$.

Larry & Dianna Huff won 1st place in the Mexican Train Tournament. They won a nice pegs and jokers game set that plays eight.

Jimmy & Mary Lou Bolton won a Fast Track game for 2nd place. Our own John Decker made it. Now they need to learn how to play fast track. It is lots of fun.

Smitty & Mary Helen won 3rd place which was "hard cold cash".

Lynda Herndon was a new member that joined in Columbus in March. I am so sorry but I didn't have a picture of her at that time so she was left out. Sorry Lynda. You probably hadn't noticed.

I didn't have a picture of new members, Lester & Diana Kimble, they joined towards the end of the rally. These are the Kimbles at the end of this table. I'll take some better pictures next time. Sorry!!!! Chuck is in the background in a daze.
Another new members that I didn't have pictures of are John & Flo Decker. They joined in Harlingen in February and this is the first time they've made it to one of our rallies.

New members that joined in Harlingen in February also. First time that JE & BJ Thompson have been to one of our rallies.

New members Ray & Liz Vils. They joined in March at the end of our Colorado River Rally.

We also had new members that joined our Chapter in Lake Texoma. They are Chuck & Cheryl Bobbitt. They did not make it to our rally because they were moving his mother to an apartment that weekend but we did meet them before the rally and Connie met them after the rally.

WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS!!!!!! Thank you for coming to our Lake Texoma Rally. I hope you enjoyed it and glad you made it to your next destination safely. We are in Indiana at this time and will be heading to Upper Penisula Michigan by the way of Wisconsin, thru Michigan, Canada and to Maine and winding down through the eastern parts of the U. S. A.

HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL OF YOU THAT WILL BE TRAVELING!!!!!!

Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Colorado River Rally

2010-03-18T10:49:00.001-05:00

Thursday afternoon our new members Claborn and Pat, that we met in Harlingen, arrived at Colorado River. When they opened their door, their step didn't come out. They had that little problem while at Harlingen. Anyway as he parked, of course everybody congregates there to try to help. As you can see Tommy is already under the coach.

Well, the step is out and so is Richard Barnes. Rich also has a step problem and he is parked next door in the pull throughs.

As you can see there was an audience. Tommy and Claborn went next door to help Rich with his step. They got it working, maybe temporary or maybe for good. The dealership had fixed it before and it didn't work after a short time. Tommy got some debri in his eye while he was under the coach and had to go to the eye doctor to get it taken out after a painful night.

The first day of our rally. It looks like it will be a beautiful day and a wonderful weekend even if we do have a little wind.

Registering on the first day of our rally. Be sure and sign the tickets for the door prizes.

Members waiting to register.

Having some snacks, fellowship and waiting for our dinner.

Hi John!!!!

Something is happening over there.

Good eating and plenty of it.

Saturday morning, waiting for breakfast and reading the news.

Dennis and Terri Bloomingdale from Illinois also joined us as guests. They were in Harlingen also and came to Columbus and were here during our rally. They were also at Columbus last year during our rally in March.

Okay, should we go to the business meeting or should we sneak out. They won't have any food at this time?????

Business report.

Wagonmasters Chuck & Sara and Joe & Marie are getting their boots for being wagonmasters at this rally. They did a great job.

Some of the new members are getting the 20th anniversary pins of our Chapter.

Tony is telling us about the New Mexico National Rally at Albuquerque toward the end of the month.

Everybody is listening to what Fred Kennedy has to say.

Chuck is setting up for the door prizes.

These are the members that got the prizes. It looks like there were 7 prizes. After they got their prizes some of them got to choose wheather to keep their prize or trade with whoever prize they wanted. I guess they were all satisfied with their prizes.

Eating Again!!! We had so many meals and so much to eat and we enjoyed every bit of it.

We had great salads.

Joe was a good waiter. We had our food delivered to our table by our wagonmasters.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to: Joe and Pat Watts and John and Mary Nan Wehrung.

Our birthday group. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bobby Ballard, Connie Farrar, Terry Griner, Mary Nan Wehrung and Dianna Huff.

Sara is taking a breather after all the hard work that she's done. It was work for her the whole week-end. Chuck and her didn't even get to play game cuz they chose to take care of us.

Bright and early Sunday morning Chuck and Joe, half of the wagonmasters (wifes busy inside) are outside relaxing and waiting for the group to start coming in for breakfast. They just about got it licked. They really did a tremendous job with everything.

New members: Art and Faye Tuley. We recruited them at Harlingen also. In all we recruited four couples in Harlingen and some others that we talked to might join at a later date. We welcome all these new couples that came to our rally and the others that couldn't make this one.

New members: Bobby and Dot Ballard. We met this couple in Medina right after the rally in November. I talked to them about our Chapter and I took their information. We met them again in January at a hotel at Spring where we went to a meeting where we got suckered into a new membership.

New members: Claborn and Pat Young. We met this couple in Harlingen, TX and got them to join.

John and Mary Nan Wehrung. This is the first time that John and Mary Nan have attending one of our rallies. They joined last year at Columbus toward the end of our rally and then they went traveling to welcome back.

New members: Dennis Feldman and Patti Chance

We had a great rally. We got to fellowship with the people that we enjoy seeing every other month and also with the new people that will be part of our group as we grow. These are two of our new couples that enjoyed the rally and are waving goodbye till we meet again. Drive safely home and take care.

Thousand Trails/FMCA of Texas Rally - Lake Conroe

2010-01-24T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here comes this remote house kat to the rescue. When we went into Thousand Trails early to get ready for the Conroe January Rally, it had been wet and rainy. After looking for a spot to park, we found out that there weren't but a few spots where we could park. We decided to park at one of the new spots at the back. There was water standing on one side of the road so Tommy decided that he was going to pull into a space across the road thinking that it wouldn't be as bad as getting on the ditch and the water on the road. Needless to say, we got stuck so we called a friend that had his crew working somewhere at Montogomery. We went and met the guys cause they had stopped working on account of the rain.

We had a few people watching the show. Some people were impressed with the machine. We used to use these machines in our business. We would spot mobile homes with them. Some guys would take the mobile homes to the locations and drop the homes and other guys would take over putting the house in place and together with the house kat.

Tommy is trying to smooth out the ruts and the damage that was done after our coach was spotted in the space. The coach was matted all the way in the space and even when we moved to another space a few days later, I had to move the mats all the way out.

There we are after we got in our space.

Well, our rally is getting ready to start. We are setting up for our happy hour and some members came a little early either to help out or just to come socialize.

Bobbie was a lot of help setting up. Thank you Bobbie.

Just waiting on members to get here so we can start the party.

More members are coming in. Members are meeting members that they hadn't met yet.

Just waiting and telling stories.

Okay, get the party started.

I've taken some other pictures that look similar to this one with Smitty right there at the front of the line and posing for the picture.

A group of new people. Russ & Roxie and Sylvia & Jack and Barbara Berg who has been a member close to a year.

This is my husband for those that don't know, haha!!!

Time for dinner. We're never late for that so we always have long lines.

We had some pretty good dinners, chicken fried chicken, chopped sirloin or baked ham.

Everybody busy eating.

Say CHEESE!!!!

And now to BEAT the GUYS!!!!

We didn't keep track but most of the time the GALS win. We let the guys win about 20% of the time just so they won't feel bad. Not really, the guys are pretty good sometimes and we just can't win.

We've got to be sure that we make the right moves so it takes some concentration sometimes.

Here's the sheriff, taking notes so she can fine us.

Terry, the manager at Thousand Trails in Conroe, came and talked to us at our business meeting.

Everybody was interested in what Terry had to say.

Some of our new members got a twentieth anniversary pin.

Jack and Sylvia getting their pins.

Wagonmasters and assistants get their boots for hosting the Conroe Rally.

Fred Kennedy is talking to us about the money that we made for working at the Six State Rally in Shawnee, Oklahoma in September 2009. Our Chapter got a little over $4,000.00 for all the hours we worked.

Some members wore their red shirts that we wore to the Six State Rally. Those of us that didn't wear our red shirts got fined by the sheriff.

The members that worked at the Six State Rally had to stand to be recognized. I think it was about 16 couples or coaches cuz there were two single ladies, Barbara Spade and Donna Carpenter.

Whoever is talking, and its not Fred, has got everybodys undivided attention.

It must have really been interesting.

Having Happy Hour again.

Plenty of snacks.

Just visiting before everybody comes in. They all get here slowly but surely.

Having a good talk.

Putting things up so they won't be in the way.

New members Russ and Roxie.

Willie and Beverly took a little time to shoot some pool. I took the picture but didn't stick around to see if they actually hit the balls or put some holes in the table. Who won anyway????

Another meal. It was pretty good. At least we know that there's a few days during our rallies that we don't have to cook or even think about cooking.

Hey John, you sure did get in a bunch of my pictures.

At least we know that it wasn't raining this day.

I don't know what's going on but Jimmie is still eating and he's not interested.

Okay, rally is almost over, how long are you all staying?

These are the birthday members for December and January: John Burke, Sylvia Napoles, Delores Crocker, Bobbie Stuart and Paul Pacior.

These are the December and January Anniversary members: Jimmie and Joan Watson, Larry and Dianna Huff, Randle and Connie Farrar and Tommy and Olga Wood.

New member: John Burke

New members: Jack and Sylvia Napoles

New members: Russell and Roxie Foster

For a few years, a few of our members have been heading to Tropic Winds at South Texas after our January Rally. The Bennetts, the Crockers, the Laningas, the Farrars, the Woods are already here. The Orsheks and the Napoles are also supposed to be coming this way. In Harlingen, a few blocks from Tropic Winds they have an Iwo Jima Monument and Museum. I was raised in this part of the woods and I didn't know it was here. After we started RVing out here I noticed it but never had gone to see it. We finally went and it was pretty neat. They have a short movie about the battle of Iwo Jima. The small island of Iwo Jima lies 660 miles south of Tokyo. One of its outstanding geographical features is Mount Suribachi, an extinct volcano that forms the narrow southern tip of the island and rises 559 feet to dominate the area.

In February 1945, U.S. troops recaptured most of the territory that the Japanese had taken in 1941 and 1942 but Iwo Jima was still uncaptured. Almost 30,000 Japanese and 6,000 Marines lost their lives in this battle. On February 23 1945, when the slopes of Mount Suribachi were cleared of enemy resistance, the U. S. flag was raised by five marines and a Navy hospital corpsman. This is the statue of the marines that put up the U S Flag after they took the Island of Iwo Jima. This memorial was given to the Marine Military Academy by Dr. de Weldon. It is the original working model prepared by him for the casting of the bronze statue that is erected at Arlington National Cemetery.

This was an 18 year old Marine that was at the base of the flagpole, pushing it into the volcanic rock. He was from Weslaco, Texas which is just a few miles from here. Six days after the flagraising, Corporal Harlon H. Block was killed in subsequent fighting in Iwo Jima. If you put on your spectacles, you can read about him in the picture above.

In 1995, during a ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, Corporal Block was enshrined here next to the Iwo Jima Memorial.

We enjoyed hosting the rally and playing games with you. We hope we see you again soon for some more good fun. Invite some friends, its always so nice to get new members. Sorry it took me so long to post this blog but my computer got pretty sick. It's doing a little better now but it's still a long way from getting well.

Until we see you again, stay healthy, drive safely, great travels, enjoy life and your HOME on wheels.

Thousand Trails/FMCA of Texas Rally - Medina Lake

2009-11-13T17:53:00.000-06:00

Smitty visited with Floyd and Georgia Pilgrim before the rally. They were really wanting to attend but unfortunately they weren't able. They were in very good spirits though. Floyd had an accident sometime in September and as you can see he looks okay except for having to wear a neck brace. You're in our prayers Floyd and Georgia.

Here we are in San Antonio. We will be having our Thousand Trails Rally at Medina Lake and we will sure be having a lot of fellowship, games and food.

Donna and I went to the Riverwalk and I took a few pictures. I'm sure that most of you have been there and seen that but it doesn't hurt to have it in pictures.

Didn't go to the Alamo because we had been there before and we had a hard time getting change for the meter so we went on to do a Riverwalk tour.

The tour guide told us these were the bells representing the first five taco bells in the state. He just made that up but he didn't tell us what they really did represent.

This was just a statue along the way.

This is a hospital along the Riverwalk. I can't remember what it's name is, but it looks like its just a thin high wall.

Along side the Riverwalk.

A Statue along side the Riverwalk.

There were several tour boats on the river at the same time.

We normally get to the parks early when we're having a rally so when we got to Medina Lake there was not too much to do but feed the deer, take pictures of the deer and wait for our rally members to start arriving.

This was a pretty buck. There were several of them around the park.

This little killer dog was trying to chase the deer away. She thinks she is bigger than what she actually is.

Some of the deer will eat out of your hand but don't make any sudden moves.

There were several baby deer which still had their spots.

Not much water at the lake. We had to get our binaculars to see it.

Randle and Connie and us were the only ones parked at R sections and all of a sudden our members started coming and it got congested pretty quick at R section and we loved it. Its like a little community.

We finally got some members where we could start getting together and having a good time. We always seem to have a good time when we get together.

I don't know what they were talking about or who they were talking about, but they were pretty serious about it.

Everybody seemed to be pretty serious. I guess everybody was trying to decide what to play. This was a day or two before the rally.

Picture time Smitty. S M I L E !!!

We weren't eating or playing yet, we were just trying to catch up on what we had been up to since we last saw one another.

Finally, the snacks are here.

After a little energy from our snacks, we can start playing and having a good time.

Some people really concentrate on what they're doing. The girls are great, don't know why, we just know how to play.

We had some music a few days. We also had a dj one nite and that was okay except when they turned off the lights so we could see some stars or something on the ceiling. We didn't really care to play games in the dark. It didn't last very long, but our games just had to go on.

Some people would dance anytime they have a chance. Good for them.

Sam and Crystel sat out from playing games and are waiting for the music to start.

Socializing before we start the games.

Set up so we could get our meal tickets. It looks like they've done a good job, most of the envelopes are gone.

Everybody has a lot to say.

And they talk,

And they talk.

Everybody in the above pictures were just sitting around talking and I wondered why they weren't playing or eating and when I got to this picture, it all came back, we were waiting on the window to the kitchen to come up so we could get our dinners. DUH!!!! And the meals were big and good. I think we ate 4 days on 2 meals. In fact, I think I still have a baked potatoe in the fridge but its fixing to go out.

Wasn't it good Joe and Jimmie!!!!!

How about it Connie???? Tom, are you giving thanks for a good meal or praying for more?

It seems like whatever it was, it was pretty interesting.

Don't bother these people at this time, they are pretty busy.

As you can see, my plate is there but I'm not. Pictures have got to be taken and somebodys got to do it.

Game time again, after a full stomach.

There are a few pictures with new faces in them and that is because we had a few couples that joined our club at Lake Medina. They are posted at the bottom of the blog. We have also talked to a few people that might join, maybe in January.

And then we ate cobbler and ice cream.

Randle and Connie came late to play games, but it doesn't bother Randle cause he's always got his iphone that he can play with.

At Medina Lake, they were going to celebrate Veteran's Day on Saturday after our Chapter Meeting. They were handing out Flag pins to veterans that were there.

Maybe Don was telling Crystel to look the other way because he did get fined for wearing his hat in the building.

They're probably talking about all the money that we made at the Shawnee Rally in Oklahoma. I try to read their lips but sometimes it doesn't work.

We're not saying much but I'm almost as tall as Barbara and I know she's tall so I must not be too short.

Having an interesting conversation.

The meeting has come to order.

And everybody is listening.

Assistants to the Wagon Masters, Dan & Gladys Kana & Rich & Helen Barnes. Thank you all!!!

Joe and Pat Watts getting the Wagon Masters pins. They did a good job and we all had plenty to eat and had a really good time.

Crystel and Sam Walker, Smitty and Mary Helen, Jimmie and Joan Watson and Randle and Connie Farrar were being acknowledged for all the extra hours that they put in over and above the time that we put in at the Rally at Shawnee.

They didn't let you stand up, Joe???? I know you put in a few hours also.

Sylvia Henley is giving the sunshine report. It seems like she sent cards to a few people that were under the weather. Archie was under the weather, too, but he's her husband so he doesn't count. Shame on you Sylvia!!! Just Kidding.

After the meeting we met to honor our Veterans.

Nolan Blank recited a beautiful poem about our Flag, and he did a good job at it.

And we send off balloons in celebration of Veteran's Day.

UP,

UP, and AWAY!!!

GONE, GONE, GONE!!!!

Eating again. Of course, thats one of the reasons we come to these rallies.

Good Pose!!

Plenty to eat again. I got a box to take my big meal home for tomorrow, so did Don.

Notice where they are playing. At one time when the dj was there, the lights were turned off so this group of players didn't want to stop playing for five minutes so they moved their table by the store and were playing by candle light, I mean flash light. They took a little break so Pat took advantage of it and scratched her back.

Yes you, these are the guilty people playing romanticly by flash light.

October and November Birthday Members: Smitty Smith, Jimmy Bolton Barbara Berg, Randle Farrar, Sam Walker, Beverly Taylor and Tom Taylor.

We only had one October Anniversary couple at the rally: Clarence and Delores Crocker.

New Member: Bobbie Stuart

New Member: Eula Faye Dougherty

New Member: Edward Ringgold

New Members: Ron and Janis McTee

This couple aren't new members but we didn't have a picture of them in our directory. They are from San Antonio so Connie and I went and had a nice visit with them at their home and we got their picture. They are Bob and Barbara Will.

We also took their picture with their coach which was sitting in their driveway.

Our Rally is over. We had a very good enjoyable time and got to visit with a few members that we don't see much. We'll have another good time rally at Conroe in January. Y'all COME!!!

36th Six-State Rally - Shawnee Oklahoma POW-WOW

2009-10-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

. Joe and Pat Watts being greeted by some greeters while arriving at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center at Shawnee Oklahoma for the 36th Six-State Rally. Our Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Chapter was picked to volunteer to be parkers and greeters at the rally, we also worked at a few other places. We arrived on September 20th and three of our members came in one day ahead of us. Volunteers that came to Shawnee early were Smitty & Mary Helen Smith, Sam & Crystel Walker and Jimmie and Joan Watson. Volunteers that came on the 20th were Richard & Helen Barnes, Nolan & Willie Blank, Melvin & Helen Carlton, Ronal & Lenell Dunn, Randle & Connie Farrar, Joe & Marie Golleher, Larry & Dianna Huff, Charles & Sara Smith, Joe & Pat Watts, Donna Carpenter and Tommy & Olga Wood. We also had other members that came in a day or two later: Paul & Myra Chevalier, Barbara Spade and Terry & Lynn Griner. Other members that were at the rally were Michael & Judy Wade (vendors), Tony & Geri Innocenti, (Immediate Past President) and Fred Kennedy (SRA President).

First day we got to Shawnee we were invited to a get together for cake and ice cream to celebrate Mary Helen's birthday, being that she was 110. Jimmie thinks she looks good for
her age and we agree. It was on Sunday and the Cowboys were playing so Jimmie decided to cheer for the team. I do believe the Cowboys lost but we gained by celebrating and doing what we do best, eat. We had a good time socializing with everybody.

Fred & Lou Kennedy and some of their friends came over to socialize with us and have some cake and ice cream.

We had a good time.

Happy Birthday young lady!!!

It looks like what somebody else was caught doing. Can you guess?

Fred is doing what he likes to do best.

We were all parked together.

Here are some of the greeters, hard at work.

The follow me golf carts and their drivers were hard at work also.

They are taking a break from all the hard work and they are also taking turns holding the pole.

Is he trying to stop somebody, that was his job?

This is the Expo, where the rally took place in Shawnee.

This was Bob, one of our bosses, I guess.

Joan was in training and Jimmie went for the ride to be sure that she trained well.

I guess she learned it all, she's pretty sure of herself but Jimmie said according to him, she failed the training.

All these guys are waiting for coaches to come along. The first couple of days were pretty slow because the coaches weren't supposed to start coming until Tuesday and Wednesday.

I guess we're still celebrating at Jimmie.

The desserts were great.

Today it got pretty cool. Larry and Tommy were parkers. They did a good job parking lots of coaches today. I think there were over 300 coaches. I had to take them some hot chocolate to warm them up.

Here comes another bunch.

At the end of the day, another meal. Randle and Connie treated us to halibut that she caught when they were in Alaska. Their freezer was runneth over and who else to help them with their problem but their friends. Everybody brought lots of trimmings and it was all real good. Thanks Randle and Connie.

We enjoyed it all and now we'll relax a little.

Nothing going on at this time. Waiting!!!!

How about these water boys!!!!

Everybody seems to be waiting for work. They were coming slowly at the beginning but there were times that it really did get hectic.

I guess Joan's doing okay. Marie and Mary Helen don't seem to be worried.

Some more people waiting for work.

At the end of this day we had a dinner for the volunteers. It was pretty good. We had pork and/or fried chicken.

Another day!!! I believe today is Wednesday so it'll be pretty busy again.

Unhooking their tow cars.

They all went through with no problem.

Water boys went all over the place making sure that everybody had plenty to drink.

All these are greeters. They are waving and greeting everybody that drove in.

Here are some more parkers at another location. Not too busy at this time.

Barbara Spade came in on Wednesday and we made sure that she parked with our group. Tommy and Larry came over from their location to park her with us because she hadn't joined our chapter yet when she made her reservations.

At the end of the day we planned to have sandwiches at our place. It just makes it a lot of fun to get together and not have to cook a whole meal. We always have plenty to eat and enjoy each others company.

I set up the computer outside in case somebody wanted to see the blog.

Tonite we got entertained by by Indian Dancers Kevin Connywerdy, Zack Morris and Steve Littleman. The Homesteaders also entertained.

This is another entertainer that belongs to the Seminole tribe. He played different kinds of music with different kind of flutes.

Seeing to it that everything is going well.

Joan is supposed to be working and there are no stores in the middle of the road so what is she doing with her purse???

The greeters were stationed at different parts of the roadways.

Water Boys taking a break.

Happy at the end of their shift.

More greeters.

Waiting for coaches to come in. They sure waited a long time.

More greeters!!!

Working the door prize station. We had three of our members win prizes: Chuck & Sara, Paul & Myra and Barbara Spade.

This people were at the red hat luncheon. They are checking their numbers and also getting some 50-50 tickets.

Yummy!!! Three o'clock ice cream. It wasn't the small size either. Pretty good but not as good as Blue Bell.

Even the workers got to eat on the job.

Fred and Lou making the rounds.

Joan is tired of sitting.

What happened??? I guess she's still tired of sitting. Things happen!!!!!

Checking out the wares. Do you know how it works Joe????

Jimmie is spending some of his money and Sam is trying to find out how much!!!!

Is Paul giving you some kind of advice????

What could Jimmie and Tommy be planning????????

Terry & Lynn Griner also making the rounds.

Looks like these people are getting ready for something.

Yep, they were. Time for ding-ding again. Today Joe and Pat Watts are treating us to lasagna. We had plenty of food and desserts. Everybody enjoyed themselves. What a life!!!

Everybody still eating.

Tommy is still playing or tearing up his toys??????

There were some old tractors displayed.

They had a tractor pull during the day.

Lots of people watched the tractor pull.

Tommy got some windshield wipers installed from one of our members that was a vendor, Michael Wade. He also got a chip on the windshield repaired.

This time Sam & Crystel treated us to grilled hot links. We had all the trimmings to go with it. Lots of food and relaxing before we go to our last entertainment of the rally. We enjoyed every bit of it.

Another group of volunteers.

And another group.

And still another. What a group of good looking folks.

Having a good time.

Barbara Spade got to work after all, holding the flag so our group could find where we were suppose to seat. She's enjoying her job.

Fred Kennedy letting us know how well everything went and thanking everybody for their services.

Fine looking happy group. Some people were missing: Randle & Connie, Melvin & Helen, Nolan & Willie and Tommy.

Steve and Bob took a picture with our group. Safe travels home or wherever you might be headed. See you at TT/Medina in November.

Lake Whitney Rally

2009-09-19T17:46:00.000-05:00

Our Thousand Trails of Texas/FMCA Rally was held at Whitney on September 11-13, 2009. It was a rainy weekend but we made the most of it. We went there to do what we do best, like eating, playing games and staying up late. Our wagon master, Rodger Donnelly, is posing for a picture, while Paul Chevalier is trying to take a nap.

Roy Beavers and Joe Golleher are deep in conversation.

Helen and Melvin Carlton were gossiping or telling secrets.

Notice who the people at the front of the line to get their food are. They are new members that didn't know that we always took pictures to see who the hungriest people are.

And here they are, already eating while we're still waiting in line.

A group of hungry people getting after it.

Do you think Smitty and Chuck wanted their picture taken or what?

Okay, we're finally ready to start the meeting, after Roy went and got his things he left behind and Connie finished copying pictures.

What is this new member John Vaaler trying to show us? I can't really tell but he looks like he's trying to show us how to put on a shirt or showing us a new shirt or something.

Wagon Masters Rodger & Diana Donnelly, assistant wagon masters Jimmie & Joan Watson getting their boots for a job well done. Where is Smitty & Mary Helen, they were also assistant wagon masters? And Jimmie, what is he doing?, it looks like he's getting last night's meal or picking his nose, don't know which.

Joe Watts is trying to take on a new job as Treasurer at his age. Do you think he'll give us all a stimulus package? Sure do hope so.

And look at Crystel, having a grand ole time doing what she does best at the rallies, TAKING EVERYBODY'S MONEY!!!!!!!

Okay, does everybody know what they're going to do at the Six State Shawnee Rally in Oklahoma?

We had our June, July, August and September Birthdays and Anniversarys. That was a pretty cake and it sure was good, too.

These are birthday people: Roy and Annetta Bevers, Paul & Myra Chevalier, Joe & Pat Watts, Tommy & Olga Wood, Chuck Smith and Mary Helen Smith. All the birthday people are couples except for Chuck and Mary Helen, they do happen to have the same last name. How weird or funny???!!! Melvin Carlton also had a birthday.

These are our anniversary people: Jimmy and Mary Lou Bolton, Joe and Marie Golleher, Paul and Myra Chevalier, Paul and Karen Pacior, Smitty and Mary Helen Smith and Sam and Crystel Walker.

These are new members that came to the Whitney Rally. Barbara Spade from Cypress, John & Barbara Vaaler from Malakoff and Bob and Mary Douglas from Hillsboro.

Chuck & Melba Orshek were at Whitney also. They are new member that came to our Texoma Rally in May. They didn't participate in our rally in Whitney because they weren't suppose to be there. They were supposed to be heading for Branson Missouri to work as workkampers but they had problems with their jacks just before they were getting ready to leave so they had to order them and get their coach fixed. They got it done and so by now they are at Branson. Good luck and have fun taking all those shows.

What!!!!! Eating again???? Were you hungry Melvin, Smitty wouldn't share??

I guess they're waiting for their breakfast.

Randle and Connie went to the store early in the morning to get milk to drink with their breakfast. Do you think they asked us if we wanted any????? NOT

Marland & Margie Knight from Sanger, Tx. I just saw Sanger. At first I thought Sanger California, I have some cousins in Sanger, CA. This is Sanger Tx, between Denton and Gainesville.

New members John & Barbara Vaaler from Malakoff.

New members Bob & Mary Douglas from Hillsboro, TX

New member Barbara Spade from Cypress, out of Houston.

New members Larry & Beverly Wippert from Ft. Worth, TX.

Connie and I decided that we wanted to have a blog so that the members can have a chance to see the pictures that we take during the rallies. We are new at this, so please bare with us. Please don't take any offense on my wording, its just adding a little bit of humor. We had a good time, enjoyed your company and enjoyed meeting and playing with new people. Until we see you again, good health, good travels and enjoy it all.