Back to What's in a Name (and a Little Less Venting)

 Well, here we are again, still soaking up the lakeside vibes at Dana's and Tom's Lake House – or as we affectionately call it, the Lake House, nestled on the serene Fox Lake. And speaking of names, it seems I'm stuck in a bit of a linguistic pickle, thanks to Susan.

Now, I don't want to be seen as lamenting, or heaven forbid, venting, but Susan has laid down the law. No more "venting," even if we're perfectly able to. Apparently, we now have to "lament." Which, honestly, doesn't sound quite as cathartic, but I suppose it has a certain old-world charm, doesn't it? Though, if we're being honest, I'm still quite able to vent, and sometimes, a good vent is just what the doctor ordered.

But here's the kicker: I can still vent. And why, you ask? Because I'm able to, for starters! And perhaps more importantly, very few of you seem to be playing along with my little game of "What's in a Name"! This is your golden opportunity to dust off those brain cells and join the fun. Let's get those gears turning!

---

Gus's Much-Needed TLC

So, while Susan's busy rebranding our emotional outlets, what have I been up to, you might wonder? A whole lot of overdue maintenance on Gus, AKA the bus. You know how it goes – those nagging small repairs that you just keep putting off? Yeah, those.

For instance, I've been tackling the grab bars. During Gus's original construction days, someone decided self-tapping screws were a perfectly acceptable substitute for a proper drill and tap. Let's just say I now own a tap and die set, and I'm meticulously redoing all those mounting holes to ensure a truly tight fit. No more wobbly grab bars for Gus! Including the hinge plates for the entry door. 

Beyond that, I've been immersed in a flurry of rewiring projects. This isn't just about getting things to work; it's about cleaning up the messy bits and, crucially, installing chafe material and tubing to protect the wires from fraying. Because nobody wants an electrical headache down the road, especially not on the bus.

---

So, there you have it. A bit of a linguistic update from the Lake House, a peek into Gus's ongoing transformation, and a gentle nudge to get those "What's in a Name" gears turning.

Are you more of a "venter" or a "lamenter"? And seriously, what names have you been pondering lately?

I did forget, one of you was Venting in your comments. 

I Quote " What No Lake Pictures" ?

Now for some of you I am expecting you to lament in your comments. Especially Venting about What' sin a name. 

So, check our our route as we head to Gillette, Wy. You can click on the map ( the "Broken Square" upped right of the map to enlarge it, and then click on the Legend Icon. 

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Moving - and What's in a Name

Moving to the Lake: Dana and Tom’s Big Transition

Our travel plans just arrived, leading us to Dana and Tom’s stunning new lake house! Nestled on a canal of Fox Lake, this home is already feeling like a fresh start. The plan is to eventually move here full-time, closing the southern house and settling into lake life.

Since purchasing the home, Dana and Tom have made remarkable progress with remodeling. Though we weren’t around for the demo and rebuild phases, we’re lucky they installed a 50-amp service—a handy addition for future needs! Of course, there are still a few finishing touches in progress, but the major work is done.

As we settle in, I’ve already jumped into the lake lifestyle—starting with installing a receiver hitch on the Honda. After all, living on the lake practically requires a boat. And not just any boat! For some, it’s all about relaxing on a fishing boat. But for others, speed is the name of the game—a jetboat slicing through the water in pure exhilaration.

And speaking of lake life adjustments, I had a moment of fashion contemplation. It’s one thing when I accidentally rip-my-pants, but buying pre-ripped ones? That’s an entirely different choice! When I tear my pants unintentionally, I always get the look—that classic “What-Did-You-Do-This-Time” stare from everyone around me. You too, may have gotten that same look, when you state, I Rip-My-Pants.

Lake life, fresh beginnings, and fashion dilemmas—this move is shaping up to be an adventure! Did you read where they installed a 50-amp service? During renovation, Susan asked if it was possible. Not only that, but could they locate the clean out for the sewer. What more do we Rver’s need.

Oh, did you catch the Play What's in a Name ?

If you did, who is it?

Stay Safe and Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv & Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Travel Day 7, End of Part 1.

 Bandera to Springfield: A Journey Through New Roads and Familiar Memories

We departed from Bandera, heading toward Dallas, with our first stop at the rest area just east of Kerrville on Interstate 10—a familiar stretch to start the day. From there, we transitioned onto US 87 North, passing through the scenic Fredericksburg area. In Fredericksburg, we turned right onto US 290 East, then continued north on US 281.

This route took us through Lampasas, a town we hadn’t visited before. From there, we made our way to Belton, where we joined Interstate 35 North for the final stretch into Dallas. This was our first time traveling this particular combination of roads, especially the Fredericksburg–Lampasas–Belton segment, and we were pleasantly surprised by the fresh scenery and smooth flow. The variations in Texas landscapes and the small-town charm along the way always stand in stark contrast to the hustle of big-city driving.

Driving through Dallas required not only skill but patience. Thankfully, the generosity of fellow drivers helped tremendously as we merged into and out of traffic.

Our time in Dallas was meaningful, especially visiting Sebastian—but you already know that.

On June 1st, we packed up and headed north toward Joplin, Missouri, with our destination being the Downstream Casino, where each person is allowed one free night of RV parking. As we departed, a severe thunderstorm rolled in over northern Dallas. With high winds and torrential rain, we were forced to reduce our speed to 55 mph, and at times even 45 mph. Eventually, we outran the worst of the storm and continued safely.

We spent that night resting and reminiscing about past visits to Joplin—especially the year we followed Route 66 from Arizona all the way to Joplin. So many great memories tied to that historic highway.

On Monday, we departed Joplin with our next goal being Springfield, Illinois, where we stayed at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for just $30 a night.

As we left Joplin, we realized that we’d be traveling on new-to-us roads once again. We had never taken Interstate 44 through St. Louis or Interstate 55 north to Springfield. Aside from some construction and rough patches, the drive went smoothly with a few planned stops. It turned out to be another successful leg of our journey.

Just some of the places we saw as we traveled through Saint Louis, MO.

Our arrival at the Fairgrounds iin Springfield, IL

Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus the Bus

P.S. have no Fear, What's in a Name will return with the Next Name.

Day 5

5 Days Traveling and Being on the Road

It’s been five days on the road since we left Show Low—five full travel days and eight days parked along the way.

There’s been no sightseeing, no excursions, and no real adventures to speak of—just the basics. Even our outings for purchases were brief and frugal.

All in all, it’s been a quiet, uneventful journey. Not unpleasant, just… uneventful. Due to this journey, very few photos have been taken. You see we have been this way many times in the pass. 

So, where do we/I go from here? I have many more stories for What's in a Name, to be told.

We are overnighting at the Downstream Casino just outside Joplin, Mo. All you have to do, go inside, get a club card and you have a free night. We have 50 amps and water, along with a dump station if needed. 

We have been traveling about 350 miles per travel day. The one thing going on is Dakota, you see she is 14 1/2 years old. As she ages sometimes her hind legs give her some issues. We know her time on this earth is growing short. Susan and I treasure each and every day we spend with her and Tilly (Taz). 

Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus da Bus

What's in a Name

A Life Well Lived

Mike was always good at making decisions and enjoying life. He lived with ease—not because things were always easy, but because he chose wisely. His thinking was grounded, his curiosity endless. He knew the right questions to ask—and he kept asking, not out of doubt, but from a deep desire to understand and grow. He taught us that wisdom isn't about having all the answers, but about knowing which questions matter.

And so, we go on—living life to the fullest, cherishing old friends, making new ones, and exploring this great country together. In every mile we travel, in every conversation shared around a campfire or across a kitchen table, we carry Mike’s spirit with us: his joy, his wisdom, his ease.

This journey isn't just about the places we visit—it's about the people we meet, the stories we gather, and the memories we create. Life, as Mike showed us, is not a destination but a series of meaningful moments strung together by love, laughter, and the courage to ask the next question.

I remember one particular day when Susan and I were traveling back to Arizona. I had been reading a post on the Alfa Forum about a fellow Alfa owner who was having trouble with his recently purchased 2002 Alfa See Ya. As fate would have it, we discovered where he, his wife, and their pet were camped.

As we’ve always done, we made it a point to stop and introduce ourselves to fellow Alfa owners we came across. So there we were, cruising down the highway—miles off our intended path—when we decided to take a 50-mile detour just to find this couple. Not because we had to, but because it felt right. Helping someone on the road, especially a fellow traveler, was simply part of who we were. And that, too, was something Mike lived by: people matter more than plans.

So, we knocked on their door. When they answered, we said, "Hi, we're Susan and Dale Prichard. We heard you were having issues with your Alfa, and we came to see if we could help get you back on the road." While I was working on the coach, Susan was busy in her own way—strong-arming the wife in her usual loving fashion: “Hi! We belong to the Alfa Roadrunners Chapter. Here’s an application. Please fill it out, add $10, and you, too, will be a member of the Alfa Roadrunners. We’re a Framily. You’ll always be a Roadrunner—even when you no longer own an Alfa.”

That’s how it has been, all these years. Stopping, introducing ourselves, meeting new people—and watching them become friends. A part of our Framily. Roadrunners.

Well, it’s time to continue our story—and our travels.

Where are we now? We decided to make a stop at the Elks Lodge in Dallas, Texas. And no, we weren’t visiting Dallas for the sights or the skyline. This stop had a purpose.

We came to see Sebastian Gefeke—the son (yes, the “anchor baby,” as we lovingly call him) of our dear friends Rudy and Beate.

For those who know Rudy and Beate, you already understand why we’d go out of our way. Their friendship has been one of those deep, steady connections that make this lifestyle so rich. And now, watching their son grow into his own life and path—it felt only right to swing through and say hello, share a meal, and hear what’s new.

Because that's what this journey has always been about: not just the roads we drive, but the people who become part of our ever-growing Framily. And sometimes that means taking the long way, just to share a laugh, a story, and a hug with someone who matters.

More miles ahead, more stories to come.

Oops, one more thing, I did forget to take photos. Sorry Rudy, Beate I did not take a photo of all 3 of us.

Oh, you were wondering who the new Alfa Owner was?

Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus Da Bus

---