Camp Hosts – Week 7 & 8
Sunday, February 12, 2017
We had a slow on the go morning as we watched MANY campers pull out. Perry spent a good bit of the day clearing their firepits & blowing off the campsites. I did a deep clean of the bath house in the afternoon & now everything is back to normal.
We ran home for a short while to check on the cats & do a few needed chores. Our cats are missing us & follow us around “talking” in a big way. It won’t be long before we will return full-time & then they will ignore us again.
Back at camp we had a crockpot meal with fresh veggies & salad & then just mellowed out as the day came to a close. Quiet days are welcome sometimes.
Monday, February 13, 2017
After our standard breakfast we did a quick clean up of the bath house & then headed home for the day. I had MANY mail orders to handle & some products to make for a special order. We did laundry & handled some paperwork while we were home, too.
We drove over to Athens to do our grocery shopping at the WalMart Grocery store. It has the dog food our girls prefer (gotta keep the pups happy) & it carries Perry’s preferred creamer that most stores seem to be discontinuing. The man needs his fru-fru creamer!
We stopped back by the house to get the clean laundry & the pups & headed back to the park. I made a casserole on the grill that turned out perfectly. Using the grill on low is just like cooking in the oven. Who knew?!?
Perry had to make a quick trip to the store – we forgot eggs for breakfast – & he came back with a vase of roses, chocolate covered strawberries & a Valentine’s Day card for me. He’s such a great hubby!
Another successful day concluded.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
When we left the park, my intention was to get home to make soap – Monday is my regular day for that but I had other things that took priority. Then I decided to go to lunch with my friend Tracie & Perry & I did a little shopping in downtown Statham at Casto’s Trading. Love that store! So, it looks like a day of soap making may not be done this week. YIKES!
I loaded some store orders up & put them in the car for next day delivery. I also made a Bridal Shower Favors order & a gift basket I will be donating as a fundraiser item.
We joined our friends Charles & Rhyse at Carabba’s for Valentine’s Day dinner. These two are very important to us & we LOVE meeting them regularly for dinner & lively conversation.
We picked the pups up at home & returned to camp where all was quiet. Perry appeared to be sniffling & had a headache. Hoping it’s not the flu trying to get him!
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
UGG! Perry sniffled & coughed through the night so I think the crud got him! He did eat breakfast but wasn’t feeling much like doing anything but watching TV after that.
I went home, got a fast shower & drove over to Winder for a meeting & then lunch with my friend Shannon. 2 ½ hours later we felt we had resolved all the world’s problems so we dispersed. Perry did make it home at some point during the day because the pups smelled all freshly bathed when I got in later.
I delivered the Bridal Shower Favors to my friend Kay for the event this coming weekend. I also delivered her Sweet Tea’s Soaps & Stuff products she will be carrying in her brand new store in downtown Jefferson. When she announces the opening, I’ll share the name & details!
Then I drove down to My Sister’s Antiques in Loganville to drop off more products. I filled that store a couple weeks before but they have been busy selling so much they already needed more. I moved on to Sander’s Consign & Design in Monroe after that. WOW, did they need products! I hadn’t been in since before Christmas so they needed LOTS of stuff. I will be taking even more now that I have seen what moved quickly.
My next stop was to the Barrow County Courthouse for a training meeting for the Planning Board of which I am a representative. The County Attorney lead the meeting & hit on several topics – it was enlightening & much needed by all of us.
I returned to camp at 7, a bit late to make dinner so Perry & I went to Mistico on Hwy 81. Good, but we LOVE Fajuita’s in Statham more. Perry was looking & acting pretty poorly during dinner so I sent him HOME after we got back to camp. He needs to be in his comfy bed with all the things nearby that will likely make him feel better. AND I really don’t want to catch whatever he has either. I disinfected EVERYTHING as soon as he was gone, hoping those germs don’t find me.
A night with just me & the pups in the camper …
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Mornings in camp seem really lonely without my mate. I did the bath house chores & went home for a shower & to get a couple mail orders out. I also gathered products together for a new store in Winder but I didn’t have enough time to drop it off. Without Perry in the park I can’t be gone that long. The park is busy getting ready for a full house of campers all weekend so I REALLY need to stay in camp for anything that comes up.
I did make two batches of No Bake Cookies I will be sharing with campers over the weekend. And this time I was careful to watch my pups so one or two wouldn’t disappear while my back was turned. Spice loves to sneak a bite!
I had taken chicken out to thaw the day before but Perry & I went out to eat instead. So I called my friend Nikki & invited her to dinner. We had the chicken, yellow squash, asperagus & a salad. And great conversation about MANY topics. Nikki definitely stimulates the brain!
After Nikki left, I cuddled pups who were acting needy for attention. That’s usually Perry’s job as he will sit still & watch TV for longer periods of time than me. I’m not good about sitting still. We did make it an early night & got some peaceful sleep.
Friday, February 18, 2017
It’s a beautiful day in Georgia! And campers started arriving EARLY for the weekend! I love to see all the campsites fill up & hear the sounds of families having fun!
I did a quick run into Winder to deliver the order I got together yesterday. Sweet Southern Company on North Broad is our newest retail location for Sweet Tea’s Soaps & Stuff. I had to do a Dash & Drop & get back to camp quickly. I did post about our soaps being in the store & Candace, the proprietor, said people started coming in right away so she placed a second order!
My friend Shannon Waldon who owns Head Games Salon in Winder & is the biggest promoter of our products ever, sent me a message saying she needed some specific products. She was going to be in Statham around lunchtime so I sent a message to my sick husband & had him bag it up & put it out on the porch for her to pick up. Easy peasy.
Because it was such a pretty day, I got out all the remaining baskets of soap butts & sat outside, cutting them, packaging them & bagging them to be given away at festivals we will be doing this coming Spring & Fall. I now have over 1000 little bags. I had a LOT of soap butts. This won’t carry me through all the festivals but it’s a start. I’ll be making more with soap that is being made this year to MAYBE get me through the Fall Festivals.
Because I was outside, I was able to visit with several campers who were walking about. THIS is my favorite part of camp hosting. It’s a great way to connect with people who have like-minded interests.
Perry came to camp at about 6 – he was missing his dogs. LOL I had attempted to start a fire & all I managed to do was make smoke. Fires are Perry’s job so he got it going & it was a great fire that lasted until well after 10. We sold a little firewood & Perry even helped a young father get his fire going down at the tent area so they could roast hot dogs & keep warm as the temperature dropped.
At about 8 a brand new camping couple arrived with a brand new truck & trailer. It’s a VERY good thing Perry was here & could help them back in to the site next to us, level, disconnect the truck & connect to water & power. I can’t imagine doing that for the very first time in the dark! And I’m glad these people are right next to us so we can help them over the weekend.
Perry did leave to go back home a little after 10. He met up with another camper at the gate (it closes at 10 so Perry was able to let them in) & told them the only site left was #3 so they could get into it quickly. I didn’t go out to greet them – too late – but will in the morning.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Rain is expected today. The sun is hiding! This is keeping people inside their campers making this Saturday morning very quiet. I did get to meet the camper who came in after 10 though. They were sisters who came from Texas so one sister could run in the race the park was hosting. This park attracts so many people for so many reasons!
I dashed home to shower & pick up a couple things – more jam, Christmas lights to replace those that have burnt out in my funny night light – & to check on Perry. He said he was feeling better & would be coming to camp a little later.
The afternoon was filled with helping people with directions, selling firewood & dropping off No Bake Cookies to various campers. Giving cookies gets you smiles. It’s great! Perry did make it back to the park & seemed to be much better. He helped start fires for a couple campers & guided a visitor to the Adventure Cabins where his friends were having a get-together. Back to his “Happy Camper” self.
I made a crockpot dinner – hearty & healthy. After watching a little TV we called it a day & snuggled in for a good night’s sleep.
Sunday, February 18, 2017
The campers in the neighboring campsite may get up a little too early – 6:00 on a Sunday morning. So, we started a pot of coffee & got on with the day. Bless their hearts.
After breakfast we did a light clean up at the bath house but knew it was going to need a lot more attention once the campers got up & out. Many were scheduled to leave today & only a few were coming in. The report said two new ones would be arriving yet we counted at least six pulling in. Tomorrow is President’s Day & the weather is PERFECT so maybe some decided to camp at the last minute. We love when the park is being used so completely.
The new campers next door needed help getting their truck hooked back up to the trailer & securing things before they pulled out. Perry even went to the dump station to show them how to do that chore. Of all the “beginner” lessons we fumbled through when we started this camping adventure, the dump station was by far the most challenging to us. Glad he took the time to show these folks it isn’t really bad at all.
Perry rode around in the Gator the park provides & emptied firepits as people vacated the sites. Several sites were selected by new campers as soon as he was done. It was like a graceful dance – awesome! I did a deep clean in the bath house & was pleased to hear several people express their gratitude on the cleanliness there as well as the rest of the park. It truly is beautiful & the staff does an outstanding job.
Perry & I rearranged a bench that we have at the campsite so it’s facing the road people pull into & is covered by our pavillion canopy. We sat out there in the perfect weather & greeted people as they went by. Many stopped to chat, ask questions & just enjoy the weather with us. Perry will be enhancing this spot during the week to make it even better. It’s a perfect spot for a camp host to sit!
We had grilled steaks, zucchini & squash spears & a salad for dinner. Delish! And we will be going to bed earlier than usual to make up for our early-to-rise morning.
Monday, February 20, 2017
My intention was to go home & make soap after breakfast but SOOOO many people were departing the camp today we decided it best to stay & clean up after they left. Perry cleaned firepits sporadically as we saw campers move out. I waited until after noon to tackle the bath house. It was a bigger job than usual so I’m glad I did.
We also expanded the seating ring by the road, moving the rock ring out some & filling it with gravel Perry found over by Campground #2. Darnell is another camp host & he thoughtfully brought us 3 loads of wood chips the park had made over the last few days. The Gators the park provides the camp hosts have a dump truck bed which made off-loading the chips pretty easy. Perry spread them out around the front “yard” of our site & it looked fabulous!
At 3 we went home to shower, wash clothes & check on the cats. We had dinner at Cheddar’s in Athens instead of returning to camp to cook so late. Love that place!
No campers were due to arrive but there were at least 4 that spontaneously dropped in. That isn’t an option on the weekends as Ft Yargo is usually full with pre-paid campers.
We enjoyed a quiet night & a restful sleep.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
We did more work on the camp site to enhance it for future hosts. And our replacement hosts actually stopped by to visit today. A lovely couple, originally from Holland, who currently live in Lawrenceville. The husband is the enthusiastic camper & the wife enjoys it but not as much. They will probably have the same arrangement as Perry & I have – he stays in the park more while I “escape” to work or lunch with friends. They will work it out, I’m sure.
We went home for the afternoon so I could get mail orders out & a wholesale order put together.
Perry had a City Council meeting which only lasted 45 minutes but I stayed home & made some product that needed replenishing. I stepped out into the backyard & through the side gate to take a look at a car that has been “hanging around” for a few weeks. Suspicious activity for sure. But there was a dark figure in the alley that was approaching me. I slipped back into the fence just as they passed by. A bit disconcerting to say the least. And my back light is out – that’s THREE light bulbs that were working just a couple days ago. I don’t like that! My RING has not notified me of anything suspicious so I’m not sure what happened to the light. Perry will be fixing that this week!
Again, we were running later than planned so we went to dinner at Rafferty’s. The salmon there is the best. It’s been a while since we were there & it was a treat.
The pups needed to be picked up at home on our way back to camp. While there, Perry checked the alley again but no one was lurking around that he could see.
We had a good campfire when we got back to camp which made the evening perfect.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
It’s our Camp Host partner’s day off so we did the audit & then got breakfast going. I bought some different sausage during our last grocery outing & have decided we would go back to our Jimmy Dean’s next time. It was NOT good. At home, we eat a light breakfast but when camping we like a complete breakfast. I guess because it’s a slower pace & I feel we have time to enjoy the experience.
The new, improved seating area was calling our names so we took the pups out there to enjoy the morning. Many people stop & chat – campers & park employees. Dustin is one of the maintenance staff we particularly like. He came by with the COKE truck driver & delivered a new soda machine that was placed at the bath house. Once it was there, we realized it needed to be moved to one side so the plug wouldn’t be exposed. But it weighed 600 lbs so we had to call the maintenance guys back to help move it a little. Opps!
Dustin also got the dog poop bag holder sign I saw a couple weeks ago installed. It’s super cute! He had some Community Service workers put it in next to the woodshed. I bleached all the mold & dirt off of it to make it really stand out. Another improvement down!
Perry restacked wood & cleaned out the wood shed & then Dustin arranged for a delivery of firewood. The man in charge of that project offered to deliver another load so now the wood shed is PACKED. The next host won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon!
Again, taking breaks in our new covered seating area proved to be ideal. Several people were driving through the park, checking it out for possible future camping. We were able to tell them about the park & give them maps. And encourage them to make advance reservations because the park is VERY popular as the days get warmer.
We had grilled chicken, zucchini spears with parmesan cheese on them & a salad for dinner. Delish! And a little TV before bed made it a day.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
New campers began to arrive as early as 8am. Check in time is actually 1pm but if there are sites available for them, they are welcome to set up. Perry got out early & made sure all the sites being vacated were ready for new arrivals. That’s an ongoing thing as people leave at various times.
I went home to shower & get some mail orders out but had to get back to camp in time to do the afternoon audit before 5. I was amazed at all the people who arrived in the short time I was gone. Perry went home to shower & pick up a few groceries on his way back to camp. With a small refrigerator, we have to buy just a little stuff at a time or we run out of room. So $10 – $14 grocery store receipts is what I see most with the debit card reports.
Back at camp it was a busy evening with still more arriving campers, some that needed reminding about camp etiquette. No problems, just enthused & excited children & a few adults. We met one gentleman who was up from Florida for a funeral. He was in need of a sympathetic ear as he talked about his friend who passed. Sometimes, just listening is loving your fellow man.
I had forgotten to take something out of the freezer for dinner so Perry made a late run to Publix for sub sandwiches. And then we sat at the blazing fire as the day marched to a close.
Friday, February 25, 2017
Morning breakfast was quickly followed by cleaning & such. Then I ran home for a shower, packaged more mail orders & delivered them to the post office. I delivered a wholesale order to Sweet Southern Company in Winder, their second good sized order in a week. Those people are rocking!
Just as I arrived back at our campsite, one of Perry’s former coworkers arrived for a visit. Perry Hidalgo had the office next to Perry’s & the two were great friends for years. It’s good to see them keep in touch. I brought some little individual pizzas from home so I cooked them on the grill for the three of us as we visited. An unexpected pleasure & a great conversation.
After Perry H. left, Perry went home for a shower & to pick up the standard treats our Lily likes as she was coming to spend the night. Fritos are her favorite. I sat out in our greeting station & spoke with people who passed by, handing out park maps & answering questions. I wish we had created this space earlier in our stay as it has proven to be perfect for what we are here to do – make people feel welcome & help the campers.
Robby, Lisa & Lily arrived at 5. We grilled steaks & a potato dish & I made broccoli (Lily’s fav vegetable) & a salad. Inevitably, campers stop by in abundance when we sit down to eat, wanting to buy firewood or borrow pliers, etc. It’s laughable really – magnetic.
Robby & Lisa left right after dinner & we got on with the campfire time. We had smoores & then Lily did her fire bomb thing – burning a marshmellow off the poker after it has expanded to capacity. She bursts into giggles every time.
A brand spanking new trailer arrived to set up right next to us at about 8. The people were experienced tent campers but had never had a trailer. The gentleman had done a good bit of research though as he actually had some knowledge on most of the set-up, just not the experience. Perry spent a couple hours helping him through the process for which the couple was very appreciative. Again, they didn’t know to turn on the gas at the tank so it was good to have the voice of experience – makes cooking breakfast & having heat when needed a little easier.
The gaggle of kids who were running about earlier in the evening had quieted down by 10. It was the parents Perry had to remind of quiet time this evening. They were understanding & all was well. Sometimes, time passes faster than we know – no one has gotten upset about the gentle reminder.
Meanwhile, Lily & I had our chat as we settled in for the night. This time we talked about our old cat Mini-Me. He came to us when he barely had his eyes open, abandoned by his mother. He was so small he fit in the palm of my hand. Robby named him Mini-Me because of his tiny size. This lovely gray stripped cat grew in height, length & width … & attitude. His weight topped 22 lbs at one point, similar to Oliver TLC’s now. But it was his personality that made him special. Robby would tie string to his tail which made him crazy mad trying to get it off. He would also hold him, belly side out, & shake his stomach fat. Mini-Me would retaliate by systematically peeing on any magazine that was Robby’s or an article of clothing that the boy child left on the floor. One time, Mini-Me climbed into the back of Robby’s brand new Magnum while he had the back open & peed on the mat. Thank goodness it was a rubber mat that was easily removed for cleaning. Lily had a good laugh over the antics & enjoyed the stories of her dad growing up.
Sweet dreams followed soon after …
Saturday, February 25, 2017
What a sweet sight my granddaughter Lily is as my eyes open in the morning! She had her arms wrapped around Spice as if she were cuddling a stuffed animal, Spice not minding one bit. Perry drew the curtain back that separates the room & let the pups out for a quick potty break. Then we all (including the dogs & Perry) scooted to the head of the bed for morning cuddles with coffee & hot chocolate.
Breakfast was boiled eggs & toast because that’s what the Princess requested. It was followed by a little Harry Potter movie watching with her Pops. I updated my blog as I watched campers moving about through the windows. One observation: when responsibly picking up your dogs doodie with a plastic bag, one should probably complete the disposal process by putting said bag into a trash container instead of dropping it at the side of the road. YUCK! Good thing Perry has a pincher arm thingy he carries on the Gator so he can pick up after you. Sheesh!
Robby & Lisa came to pick Lily up at noon so she could get to her soccer practice – Robby is her coach this year. Perry & I had lunch & then checked on the bath house cleanliness. With a full camp ground, the bath houses are seeing a lot of activity. We drove over to the maintenance shed & got additional supplies but, for the most part, we stayed close to our campsite to help the campers as needed. With the wind whipping around, not a lot of campers were interested in buying firewood to burn – a little – but not the normal amount.
We grilled some pork steaks & had a delicious dinner inside Wilbur – the temperature dropped during the day & it was nippy. At 10pm, Perry walked our loop & reminded a few campers it was quiet time. He wears his ball cap provided by the park, & carries a clipboard that makes him look like Ranger Rick – official & all. Everyone was understanding & packed it in for the night. Peaceful sleep insued.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
This is our last day as Camp Hosts at Ft Yargo. We woke to sunshine & no wind. Breakfast was sausage, eggs & toast. I even used peach preserves – my last jar from the epic canning project I participated in with my friend Debbie Weber last year. I hope we do it again this year.
I ran home to shower while Perry cleaned a few firepits from sites that had been vacated early. I also got a soap order out the door while at home thanks to my friend Stephanie.
When I got back to camp, we grilled the last couple mini pizzas I had in the freezer & had those for lunch. Perry cleaned a few more firepits as most of the campers due out had departed. There was a line of 8 RVs waiting to use the dump station when I came back to camp, frustrating I’m sure. That was inevitable with 30 scheduled to depart on the same day. I got on the bath house cleanup & boy was it needed. Teen girls can really make a mess.
Perry went home to take a shower & managed to back into another car along the way, causing it’s front hood to buckle a little. Not good but life happens sometimes.
When he returned to camp we got the rest of the firepits cleaned & started packing up a few things to make the morning departure easier. Loading the Corn Hole Game Boards (which we never did use afterall) & the gazebo tent alone will cut down on time in the morning.
We had another crockpot dinner since I scrubbed out the grill for transporting earlier in the day. Easy clean up & delish! After cleaning up, we pulled the bed down & climbed in to watch the Oscars. I slept through much of it. But I was awake for the HUGE flub at the end over Best Movie. YIKES!
Monday, February 27, 2017
The time has come to hit the road. We got breakfast out of the way & everything cleaned up quickly. Then I secured all inside Wilbur as Perry checked tire pressure, drained the tanks & got the truck hooked up to the trailer. We had a long visit with our favorite co-host Darnell before we pulled out. I stopped at the office to drop off our host box & the keys & to say goodbye to the staff. We were home with Wilbur parked before 11.
Now to unload stuff (all blankets, sheets, towels & the like that need washing) & restock the supplies that remain aboard, preparing for any spontaneous trips we may dream up. But first, a LONG soak in the jets. I have missed my “tub time” the last few months!
We will do this Camp Host gig again someday. It was a delightful experience & a great place to volunteer!
Remember, not all who Wander are lost …
