MOC--dinner, factory tour, relief sale and catch up days

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Back In Site #429


Last night the Montana Owners Club members went to Miller's Country Kitchen for an Amish dinner.  We went last year and didn't hesitate at all to sign up for it this year.  

Yep, that's a bowl of homemade ice cream.

The food was delicious and plentiful.   I'm not sure how many different kinds of pies they had, but there were some I'd never heard of.  

Bill and I had ordered some cinnamon swirl bread to take home.  By the number of tables that the bread was on, most people must have also ordered bread.  

We waddled back to the coach and called it an evening.

This morning we rode with Susie and Bud to the Montana factory tour.  Due to waiting on trains, we arrived later than expected.  We only had time for one donut and a cup of coffee before our tour started.   

They were very proud of the fact that Lippert frames were right next door and they just rolled them over.

Notice Gloria and Sharon, it's Friday and I wore red--remember everyone deployed.  

The building in this photo is new and 300,000 square feet. They build the High Country model in it.j

I also learned why Montana's are so popular in cold climates like North Dakota.  All the other manufacturer's run their water lines inside the frames.  No wonder people have their water lines freeze.

Mark Krol answered every question we had, and explained what Montana does better in the construction and why.  

Last year when we toured our guide didn't take us upstairs.  I was amazed how they made the roofs stronger and lighter.  

I had internet problems and today is Monday, and I'm trying to remember what happened on Friday.  Not an easy task for this under developed brain.  One thing I did like was the plug in for the solar is standard.  

After the factory tour, we were shown the brand new prototype models.  Everyone was handed a questionnaire asking our opinions of new things they have added.  Bill and I liked the rear den model best but unfortunately they built them too well and don't wear out.   We're happy with ours.  I do like this year's exterior much better than last years.  Bill said having the 12 volt heat strips in the floor, would be nice on a cold night in the bedroom or bathroom.  I was surprised when they said the price had dropped by about $6,000 from the year before.  

Lippert had an afternoon seminar explaining their products and maintenance.  

The Mennonite Relief Sale started at 5 pm.  We hurried over to try and beat the crowds.  

We didn't get a chance to try the haystack last year but it was worth waiting for.  It must have weighed 5 pounds by the time we got through the end of the line.  

The quilts that they auction off are beautiful and photos or words will never be able to convey the work.  They were all hung in plastic.  There were hundreds of them.  Bids of over $15,000 are about the norm.  

  Thank goodness, the MOC has prepared a booklet for every attendee.  It is 56 pages long and has the photos of everyone as well as the events.  There is so much happening, I have to go back to the book and see what we did on Saturday.  

The day started out with a potluck breakfast.  I'm amazed at how much food you can consume for breakfast.  

This was the rows of hot food.  There were six more tables of the cold foods.  

It's a good thing I took a photo of Jim Fischer and John Kohl measuring our height or I would have forgotten.  This is one of the things that didn't get put in the schedule.  

We didn't think the last time it was measured that it needed to be hitched to the truck for an accurate measurement.  Thirteen two, thirteen two, now don't forget to correct that in the Rand McNally GPS.  

We skipped the day night shade class as we repaired one by ourselves when we had the Cardinal.  

John Kohl and George Persons are the official photographers for the rally.  Everyone stood in front of the red barn for the photo.  

 John had the timer set and took a couple of shots.  George and John also took couples photos. 

Susie and Bud Walsh

Marilyn and LC Boyer

There was a yard sale going on the whole day, but we didn't buy anything.  We did participate last year and sold everything we had out.  

John Kohl was in charge of the "tips 'n tricks".  It was probably the class I enjoyed the best.  We came away with good hints on how to do some things.  

Terrie Ames had a quilting class.  Someday, I'm going to sign up for that early, as it fills up quickly.  I did manage to make a bracelet that looks nice in Lynne's class.

One of the highlights of the rally is the wine and cheese party.  It does seem to get pretty noisy the later it gets.  

I might have had too much wine in this photo.

A few of the prize tables.

Okay I'll just say a little bit about Sunday and call this the end.

Jim Fischer gave a good class on hand signals and we learned some new tips.  

I was still having problems with my new phone so we skipped a couple of classes on full timing, work camping, water softener, Alaska and just went to town.  We got back in time for the pot luck.  More food just what we needed.  

The Dometic class today was very informative.  Bill came away with more hats--just what he didn't need.

The ladies luncheon was a lot of fun.  I drove some ladies to the bag factory.  

We had a nice luncheon at the Trolley Cafe.  I think the highlight of the stores was the thrift store.  

We're off to the free dinner in Elkhart for the MOC members.  I'll try and catch up tomorrow.  

Turtle Safely......

MOC--Thursday

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Site #429

I have been so busy with the Montana Owners Club Rally that I haven't had much time for blogging.  There was a short break for lunch, so I'm eating lunch and writing this.  

There are 77 rigs in attendance and I think about one third are newbies.  It's nice to meet the new people and see them totally amazed about this MOC family--and it is a family.  

Last night was the "meet 'n greet".  I think I counted 10 eight foot tables of food last night.  Ron Lichtenberg explained what the events are for the week.  

Believe it or not, I'm not a public speaker, but I had to get up and tell them what we are doing as coordinators for the 
white elephant gift exchange.  

Today was the ladies driving school and this year, Montana brought the new rigs for the ladies driving school to the fairground.  I think there were some men peeking behind trees, to watch their wives drive for the first time.  But if anyone saw them, they removed them.  

 Bill took this photo of John Kohl at the ladies driving school tent.  Now, do you think he was there to steal some donuts?  What are you doing in there?   We all know he doesn't need driving lessons, he could be teaching them.  

I forgot to mention that one couple that are newbies had a badge on from the town my sister used to live in.  I told them my sister's name and they know her.  It's a small world.

Gary Wheeler, from Moryde, gave an excellent seminar.  I even understood some of it.  

Dexter Axles also had a seminar that was very informative.  It's nice to know that Keystone uses reputable companies and components when building the Montana's.  

At the coordinators meeting Mary presented everyone with a gift bag in appreciation of us volunteering.  Guess what was in the bag?

Anyone who knows us, knows we don't pass up candy factories.  There's one just down the road from Pine Ridge RV Resort in Greenwood, Nebraska.  They really know how to show their appreciation with Baker's Chocolates.  

Montana also gave everyone a laminated certificate of attendance.  The goody bag was filled with all kinds of useful stuff.

Here we are in our excellent location.  This was taken early in the day.  

Bill and I walked down and watched them put up the tent for the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale which will be going on tomorrow.  By the time we walked back up the coaches started rolling in.  

And in....

And in....

And in.....

Tonight is the Amish Dinner and we are looking forward to that.  By the time you get back, they have a campfire and by the time you go home you just climb into bed.   because they have a walking group at 7 am and coffee at 8.  

One Quarter Mile

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Site # 429

Last night we had some terrible winds and rain, it didn't last long, but it was loud enough to wake you up.

I thought I'd do the driving and the parking today.  Just as we got hooked up the sun went behind a cloud and it started to sprinkle.  I drove the entire way without even taking a break.  Yep, a whole quarter mile or less.  I put the trailer in perfect the first time, until Bill told me our site was the next one over.  Then the fun began.  I kept trying to put it in so our macerater hose would reach the sewer.  We finally figured out that we had to straddle the hook ups and to have it within about 3 inches of the water on one side and maybe 5 inches from the electric on the other.  It took some doing, but it's in there and we can reach the sewer which is right below where the electric plugs in.  

Susie called and said she and Bud had about 300 miles to go and should be in about 6.  We checked and their assigned site was open. They were going to go to the Lux when they arrived so we said we'd go with them.  

They arrived a little after 6 and we jumped in the truck and headed to the Lux.  Bill and I already knew what we were going to order.  When we pulled up, the lights weren't on.  The sign on the door said Sunday hour was 7 am to 3 pm.  How could they do that to us?  We're loyal customers.  

Right behind the Lux was a Chinese restaurant so we decided that nobody can ruin Chinese food.  When we walked in we noticed that it was a buffet but had lots to choose from.  The steam was coming off the buffet so it looked fresh.  

  Notice how happy the four of us looked.  Well it was because we were excited to see each other, not because we enjoyed the food.  The food was tasteless.  The last straw was when the fortune cookies arrived.  They were terrible!  How can something wrapped in cellophane be that bad.  Nobody could ruin a fortune cookie, but they did.  

Oh well, we decided it would be a memorable evening.

We all decided that we've been there and tried it, and we won't be back.  

Turtle Safely......

Uncovered after 25 years

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Site #212

It was another beautiful day and we thought about going to Nappanee for the Apple Festival.  By the time we got ourselves ready to leave, we changed our minds.  We would have been cutting it close to be back in time to leave for Das Dutchman Essenhaus.


By the time we returned from a quick trip to Walmart to refill a prescription, it was almost time to leave for Middlebury.  

I had a surprise when Bill walked out of the bathroom.  It's been 25 years since I've seen this.  It will take time to get used to this.  

Notice anything different?

We picked LC and Marilyn up as they have never been to Das Essenhaus.  The MOC rally doesn't start until Wednesday but 15 people went to dinner tonight.  

We were seated on the main floor back in a corner.  It's a good thing too, since everyone seemed to be happy and loud.

Here's some photos:

This fairground has something going on all the time.  Today it was a Lippert Picnic.

We knew something was going on when we saw all of this coming out of the back of a truck.  They must treat their employees very well, to put on an affair like they did.

Turtle Safely.....

Hot Water

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Site #212

Yesterday we drove up to the RV salvage in White Pigeon, Michigan.  There wasn't anything we needed other than we've been looking for a new couch.  As we were scouring the boxes, to see what hidden treasures we might find, I looked up and saw Rondo aka Ron and Mary Lichtenberg.  They are the hosts for the Montana Owners Club Rally.  They were on their way to visit Charlie and Judy Benton, another MOC member near Colon.  Due to health issues the Benton's won't be attending, but they will be missed.  

We've passed this place up so many times, and yesterday wasn't anything different. 

I had three places to visit from there, The Ruthmere Mansion, The RR Museum and the Super Heroes Museum.  We headed for the Ruthmere Museum.

Okay, this looks good--an impressive entrance.

There was a doorbell to ring and a note that said the tours were on the hour.  We missed the tour by 5 minutes.  
It was a perfectly beautiful day so we decided to go to the RV Surplus store and check it out and then come back.  By the time we got out of the surplus store, we were too late for the next mansion tour.  

It's getting late so we decided to head back to Goshen and make a stop in Sam's Club.  

After dinner we went for a walk, and stopped at LC and Marilyn Boyer's Montana.  They had arrived a couple of hours earlier.  We sat and only solved half the world problems before I had to get back and make my nightly call to my Dad.  

This morning Bill changed the anode in the hot water tank.  I will be so happy to get away from the awful water in this area.  I wish I had a photo of some houses I saw that had orange stains on the side of the homes where the water from the sprinklers hit it to show you.  

I had this little rod to clean out the water heater, and it is one of the things I like to do.  The plastic broke on it and the water went everywhere.  I was drenched.  

We rode over to the fall festival in Middlebury that we attend when we're here.  The festival was on both sides of the road this year.  I found a neat basket that I bought.  I had the camera with us, but since there were so many Amish present, I didn't take any photos since they do not approve of it.  The weather couldn't have been nicer.  

We decided to go try the restaurant across the street from Das Essenhaus for our lunch.  We'd seen it advertised when we were with Jim and Sandie Dixon.  We walked in and they had a buffet for $6.95.  We looked at it and it was mostly pasta and pizza.  Neither one of us was in the mood for that kind of food, so we checked the menu.  Nothing sounded like anything I wanted so we left and headed for the Lux.  

We've never been disappointed when we eat at the Lux.  Bill and I both had the all you can eat fish dinner for $7.99.

When we returned LC and Marilyn dropped by with their three girls.  We'll make the sacrifice and take them to Das Essenhaus before the rally starts since they haven't been to it.  They haven't been to Shipshewana yet either.  Oh, the sacrifices we make.  

Our assigned site for the MOC rally is empty but the RV Dream Rally is going on so we'll wait for them to move out before we change sites.  

I was just ready to post this when we had someone at our door.  It sounded like John Kohl but it didn't look like the John I knew.  I let him in anyway and when he gave me a big hug, I recognized him.  Good to see you John but he won't read this since I didn't post any photos.  Yep, he was a Marine.  

Turtle Safely........ 

All day to do nothing

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairground
Site #212

I had made an appointment to get my hair cut this morning, so we were up and ready to go out the door by 9 am.  It's hard to believe 9 o'clock makes us rush.  I remember the days when I used to get up at 4:30 am.  In the early days of retirement, we were ready to pull out of an RV park no later than 8 am.  Those were the days.....

We had enough time to stop at the post office to send a certified letter and still get to the hair salon by my 9:30 appointment.  Can you believe we drove through Goshen without encountering a train?

Next stop was the laundromat.  Wearing sweatshirts and jeans like we did last week, makes for bigger laundry loads.  
Now it was Bill's turn for a haircut.  We've passed a barber shop that has the pole outside so it was time for Bill to try them out.  No appointments and he got a very good cut.  Did you notice that I didn't mention how my haircut went?

I just needed a loaf of bread so we went in Walmart.  I forgot my prescription that needed refilled so we'll have to go back another day.  Can you believe that loaf of bread cost $55.00?  

We took a walk around the fairgrounds and I thought I'd share some photos in case some of the readers have never been to Goshen.  

This fairground is old but very well maintained and probably the prettiest we've ever been to.  The only drawback is trains.

You can see the train behind the trees.  They run all night long.

This vine is covered in old teapots.

Purses and a birdcage are used for flowerpots

Here's what you could call a bag tree.

This photo shows boot birdcages.

What a great use of an old pair of jeans.  

This was my favorite.

Here's a better shot.  It's an ironing board for the body, baseball bats for legs, dryer vent for the shoulders, vacuum hose for the arms, bowls for boobs, a bucket for the head and steel wool for hair.  Someone is very clever.

I thought I'd taken photos of these when we were here in May but we were so busy with all the activities from the Escapade, that I wouldn't have had time to post them.  

Now that we have all of our chores done, tomorrow Bill and I can play tourist and I know just the place to go.  

Turtle Safely..........