The Hughes ClanRuss & Randy nominated for Dads of the Year!
(Otherwise known as "Search for the Wii")
Yes, much to the amazement of Mom & Dad (Roger & Twylah) - our grown sons (supposedly of sound minds) - actually spent the night in front of a Target store in order to buy a "Wii". Their long - and cold - wait was rewarded - and the grandkids were very excited when they discovered what was under the tree. But to be honest - as the dust settles - one wonders just who wanted it more - I think the 'grown-ups' have played with it more than the kids.
And Grandma even got a sore shoulder 'bowling' - who would have thunk it!
but, in spite of it all . . .
Welcome 2007!
Ours began with us 'holding the fort' with two of the grandkids on New Year's Eve (Hunter & Hayden). Hayden is growing and has the most beautiful smile! Can't help it - you just have to smile when he breaks out in that grin of his. Hitting the big '3 month' mark on Dec. 20th, he is beginning to 'talk' - especially to Grandma & Grandpa! Grandpa Roger has definitely found a 'buddy' - and delights in spending time with him - even changing diapers. (As our sons remind us often "this is not the Dad that raised us!")
Hunter had big plans to play board games until midnight - then toast the new year with sparkling grape juice. She even coerced Grandpa Roger into a game of Clue and Sorry. When we took a time out to feed and change baby brother, Hunter went off to watch a little TV. When we went to tell her it was getting close to midnight, we found her sound asleep in the middle of Mom & Dad's bed. We didn't have the heart to wake her. However, Hayden was still wide awake and ready to greet the New Year. (And his mom & dad said he slept through the night!) We finally got him down about 12:30, with Grandma right behind him. However, Grandpa got to playing computer solitaire and was still up when the 'grownups' came home from their New Years Eve bowling tournament at 2:00 a.m.
A few days later - with 2007 hardly 'out of the box' - Roger was chomping at the bit to head north to Chanute, Kansas to explore the NuWa factory (which makes the Hitch Hiker brand fifth wheels). It's only about a 4-hour drive from home, but with the tours starting at 9:45 a.m., it necessitated an overnight stay. So on Wednesday afternoon - after dropping Hunter at her cheerleading practice - we headed north. Stopped in Tulsa for supper at one of our favorites - Cracker Barrel - and then arrived in Chanute about 9:00 p.m. Found a Super 8 just down the road from the factory.
Problem 1: a very long flight of stairs to our room. Normally not a problem - but since it had only been 5 weeks since my knee replacement, it was a challenge! But, slowly, and surely I 'conquered that mountain!'
Having already asked and received information on the 'best breakfast place in town' - we set out for "The Grain Bin" - which seemed very appropriate when you are in the middle of Kansas wheat country! We found it to be a very typical small town 'cafe' - with very typical menu offerings. Thinking I would be 'safe' to order the 'western omelet' - that's what I did. However, it was no omelet like I have ever seen! Every omelet I have ever eaten consisted of scrambled eggs (well cooked) with selected additions. This 'omelet' consisted of one over-medium fried egg, topped with ham, onions, & bell peppers, then topped with another over-medium fired egg - all topped with a piece of American cheese. Interesting. The 'saving grace' was the hot gravy ladled over the top of the hash browns. It was ok - but I would definitely not order this 'omelet' again. Just one of the things that makes exploring new places interesting; but also makes us appreciate our old favorite - Jimmy's Egg.
One thing we have discovered about us - is that although we love to explore - we have become quite fond of our 'favorites' when it comes to meal time (like Cracker Barrel, Denny's, etc.) Reckon that's why franchises do so well. But we venture into 'local places' just enough that we occasionally find something absolutely wonderful - that keeps us always willing to try a new place.
We really enjoyed our tour through the factory - learned a lot - and came away with a lot of good information to take with us to Billings in March. Although we like the floor plan in our current Montana fifth wheel, we have had several major maintenance problems since getting it 3 years ago. So after checking with our boss, we began the search & research for a brand that is perhaps better suited to our demanding travel needs. Our trailer is scheduled to be replaced in 2008 - so we wanted to get all the info to the 'powers that be' in plenty of time. Mission accomplished - for now.
As I approach the 6-week mark since my knee replacement, all is going extremely well. One more week of therapy ahead of me, but I see the doctor on Tuesday - and get to start driving again! Whoopee! Know Roger will be glad, too.
Stay tuned!
