Dave Violette - The Quirky Observer

More than 600 volcanos

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:40:49 GMT

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - We were shocked to learn that this area we have driven through many, many times has over 600 volcanos

J and H RV Park, Flagstaff

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:26:56 GMT

Flagstaff, AZ - This is a great park, well-kept, with good clean sites

An old society lived here - Wupatki

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:52:53 GMT

Wupatki National Monument, AZ - A fascinating look at where an ancient civilization built and farmed and lived for many centuries

Finally...

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:15:48 GMT

Phoenix AZ - After several delays we are finally on our way out of Phoenix

The weigh we go

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:21:31 GMT

Phoenix AZ - I weighed our new Phaeton today and learn some truths about motorhome design

My new desk

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:06:15 GMT

Phoenix AZ - I now have a custom 74x30-inch desk that matches the interior of our Phaeton

We say goodbye to Cassie

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:05:45 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Our friend, Cassie Slater, passed away after her body rejected lungs two years after transplant

Dinner at Pappadeaux

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:47:34 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We shared an excellent Cajun-style meal with some friends

Toad towing and braking

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:01:06 GMT

Mesa, AZ - We have added the towing and braking systems for our new Chev Equinox so we can tow it behind our new Phaeton motorhome

Busy, hectic day

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:34:35 GMT

Mesa, AZ - Phaeton was at dealer for punch list items, we ran our butts off doing errands

Here for a while longer

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:26:51 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Our rent was paid thru today, but still have some work to get done

More shelves means more storage

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:32:36 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Adding some shelves in several cabinets gives us more storage in our new Phaeton

Doing manual labor

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:30:13 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Yes, me, doing manual labor. As in laboring over manuals for our new motorhome!

We bought a new toad

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:31:24 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We replaced our old toad with a new one yesterday

Hot, hot, hot in April in Phoenix

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:36:27 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Yesterday saw 105 temperatures in Phoenix, a record for the date

Relaxing Sunday morning; Elaine surgery

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:22:33 GMT

Phoenix AZ - They're taking it easy on a Sunday morning

Phaeton: cord and rope storage

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:28:39 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Modification for a cabinet for storing cords and ropes

K Street empty

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:48:51 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Snow birds have left their winter nest and Royal Palm RV Park is becoming empty

Basement storage in OurHous

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:07:29 GMT

Phoenix AZ - I struggled with how to arrange stored items in our new motorhome

OurHous (new)

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:46:34 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We took possession today of our new motorhome - a 40-ft Phaeton

Gizmo - progress

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:03:47 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Gizmo's sutures are removed and his eye looks better

Eye problem for Gizmo

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:22:27 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Our new Shih Tzu puppy, Gizmo, has a problem with his left eye

To Wyoming for funeral

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:41:49 GMT

Green River WY - We went to Wyoming to be with family after the unexpected death of Bobbie Jo Behrman Zueck

A neighborhood party

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:51:58 GMT

Phoenix AZ - About 14 neighbors got together for a Sunday afternoon cookout and get together

Tiffany and Dennis, and a community yard sale

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:37:06 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Tiffany Murphy brought some of her crafts over to join with Elaine's in the community yard sale

Gizmo joins our family

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:01:17 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We delight at the antics of Gizmo, the 12-week old Shih Tzu who joined our family

Quiet lately? Me?

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:46:29 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Computer problems have caused me to not publish here lately, but I hope they are fixed now.

Tuberculosis colony then, thriving community now

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:42:22 GMT

Sunnyslope, Phoenix AZ - No longer a community of canvas tents with porches, Sunnyslope predated Phoenix but is still a community apart

Metrocenter Mall - undergoing renewal

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:24 GMT

Phoenix AZ - One of the first, Metrocenter Mall drew shoppers from as far away as Tucson and Flagstaff

A school becomes a shopping center

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:57:11 GMT

Phoenix AZ - The architecture of this shopping center is unusual, so I decided to investigate why

The strange and wonderful world of Quartzsite AZ

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:31:49 GMT

Quartzsite AZ - We made a day trip to Quartzsite AZ to check out some RV items

Royal Palm Neighborhood - a real mixed use

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:48:51 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Where else can you find llamas, ostriches, and cattle in the middle of a city?

The flowers are abloomin'

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:15:41 GMT

Phoenix AZ - It's getting colorful and the flowers starting blooming

Computer updates

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:28:10 GMT

Phoenix AZ - A couple of days work in updating our computers, getting ready to take Elaine's in for cleaning

Jo and Bobby Jo visit

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:58:33 GMT

Phoenix AZ - Elaine's sister Jo and Jo's daughter Bobby Jo were in Phoenix for a wedding and we had a good visit on Friday.

65 is the new 40?

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:18:58 GMT

Phoenix AZ - "65 is the new 40" proclaimed the banner at Gerri Clark's birthday party

Out of the cold (auto trip)

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:28:16 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We continue our trip back to warmer Phoenix, with some sights in UT and AZ

Heading south again (auto trip)

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:09:33 GMT

Beaver UT - We left Green River WY this morning, heading south and back to warmer weather

Subscribe to our news stories

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:56:03 GMT

You can now subscribe and receive our news stories daily, once a week, or once a month

Powell's Colorado River Expedition

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:01:55 GMT

Green River WY - Powell's 1869 expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers brought the Grand Canyon into public knowledge

Stacie's family

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:10:10 GMT

Rock Springs WY - We got to see Stacie, Jeremiah, and our great-grandchildren while visiting in WY

Shane's family

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:17:08 GMT

Green River WY - Shane and Kyle came over for a visit one night, and we have seen Shane a couple of other times as well

Shauna, Shane

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:06:23 GMT

Green River WY - We had dinner with twins Shauna and Shane

Elaine made a big change

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:24:52 GMT

Green River WY - Elaine made a big decision today that she has been vacillating about for a couple of years

Even the rocks have names

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:44:21 GMT

Green River WY - Many rock formations in this area have picturesque names

Arriving in Wyoming, by auto

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:56:06 GMT

Green River WY - We finished our trip through Utah and into Wyoming today

Traveling north, by auto

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:29:15 GMT

Beaver UT - We're on our way to Green River WY to visit family

The clan gathering

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:35:00 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We're back with our friends at the Royal Palm RV Park

Back in Phoenix

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:01:18 GMT

Phoenix AZ - We are back in the sunshine of Phoenix for the winter

Drip no more

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:26:16 GMT

Deming NM - Had leak, found and fixed it, finally

Wildlife viewing and ecoregions

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:20:10 GMT

Fort Stockton TX - We saw deer, antelope, elk, javelina from the road today

Christmas Dinner with 70 friends

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:41:50 GMT

San Antonio TX - We shared a Christmas dinner with 70 or so of our closest friends - closest in distance, that is!

Christmas Eve Brunch

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:40:15 GMT

San Antonio TX - We shared a special meal with neighbors in the RV park this noon - a potluck brunch!

Dinner at the Tower

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:24:16 GMT

San Antonio TX - Dinner while revolving 750 ft above San Antonio was a treat

Ken and Dede Michaud and family

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:05:37 GMT

San Antonio TX - A visit with Ken and Dede Michaud was a highlight of our stay in San Antonio

San Antonio Riverwalk

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:05:20 GMT

San Antonio TX - A magical place in the heart of the city yet set apart

Mission San Jose

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:03:33 GMT

San Antonio TX - The history of the San Antonio River Valley starts with the Spanish missions

Traveler's World RV Resort

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:19:17 GMT

San Antonio TX - A wonderful place to stay!

Just a short walk to breakfast

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:18:08 GMT

League City, TX - We had just a short walk to our Saturday morning breakfast - right next door

The beach at Galveston

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:27:58 GMT

Galveston TX - We got to walk the beach for the last time for a while

Old Galveston

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:16:13 GMT

Galveston TX - We loved exploring some of the old elegant mansions in Galveston

Light my steps, please

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:02:16 GMT

Livingston TX - What wasn't broken is now fixed

Escapees RV Club

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:20:10 GMT

Livingston TX - A visit to where our mail goes

Multiple (Nonserious) Maladventures

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:18:59 GMT

Livingston TX - Today has been "interesting", to say the least!

Natchez Under The Hill

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:27:12 GMT

Natchez MS - Known in the past for being a rough place, Natchez Under The Hill is quite tame now.

Natchez City Cemetery

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:51:48 GMT

Natchez MS - You could spend many hours here exploring the history or just seeing the styles represented

Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gin

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:54:43 GMT

Frogmore LA - The old cotton ginning and plantation operations have been preserved for us to tour today

William Johnson: Barber/Diarist

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:27:21 GMT

Natchez MS - A freed slave, Johnson left 16 years of diaries describing everyday life in Natchez 1835-51

River View RV Park

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:41:28 GMT

Vidalia LA - A quiet stay on the banks of the Mississippi

Melrose Plantation: When cotton was king

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:20:24 GMT

Natchez MS - One of the finest plantation homes in the Natchez region

Rosalie Mansion

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:10:35 GMT

Natchez MS - The Rosalie Mansion has seen many chapters in American history

A visit with cuz Tony

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:18:03 GMT

North Little Rock, AR - We met with Tony Violette and his wife, Kay, while we were in the Little Rock area

Cock of the Walk

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:56:42 GMT

North Little Rock, AR - We dine with "cousin" Tony at Cock of the Walk catfish restaurant

The Enchanted Forest - Christmas light display

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:23:15 GMT

Sherwood AR - Step out of the ordinary and drive through the Christmas light display in Sherwood AR

Sitting downtown and riverside

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:38:55 GMT

North Little Rock, AR - The Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock is perfectly located to explore the area

Why "Little Rock"?

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:33:08 GMT

Little Rock, AR - Why is the city called Little Rock? It is really simple - the Big Rock is further upstream!

The Old Mill

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:02:17 GMT

North Little Rock, AR - Fantastic and fascinating - The Old Mill. You have to see it.

The Clinton Library

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:07:06 GMT

Little Rock, AR - Bill Clinton was memorable to me partially because he was the first President younger than I

Ducks redux

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:39:03 GMT

Little Rock, AR - We found another Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, and sure enough, they have ducks!

Marlowe's - A place to pass by

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:09:21 GMT

Memphis, TN - Highly overrated, in our opinion

Peabody Hotel Memphis

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:06:37 GMT

Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN - The lobby has elegant Christmas decorations, plus some legendary ducks in the fountain

Beale Street Memphis

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:46:46 GMT

Beale Street, Memphis, TN - Blues music pours out from parks and joints all along Beale Street

Downtown Memphis

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:58:42 GMT

Memphis, TN - Downtown has a great Main Street with a section for trolleys, horse carriages, and foot traffic only

Down at the end of Lonely Street

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:39:46 GMT

Memphis, TN - We're down at the end of Lonely St, behind the Heartbreak Hotel

Three meals, three states

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:15:19 GMT

Memphis, TN - Breakfast in AL, lunch in MS, dinner in TN. For the fifth time recently we have had our three meals in different states the same day.

U. S. Space and Rocket Center

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:45:51 GMT

Huntsville, AL - So much, so big, it is hard to get it all in the picture

3-2-1 Launch!

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:18:12 GMT

Huntsville, AL - Watching kids launch model rockets they built takes me back 40 years

Downtown Nashville

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:15:29 GMT

Nashville, TN - We took a windshield tour of downtown Nashville TN and found a fascinating city

The Corvette Museum

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:42:13 GMT

Bowling Green, KY - Even if you have only dreamed about owning a Corvette, this is a great place to visit

Shop Sears for Christmas

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:48:11 GMT

Sears not only keeps jobs open for those serving in the military but makes up the difference in pay and keeps their benefits active. Other companies do this as well.

Back to shorts and Central Time

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:32:21 GMT

Franklin, KY - 76 degrees=shorts. Central Time=TV at good hours.

A wonderful visit with Joy

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:22:32 GMT

Black Mountain, NC - We've enjoyed our visits with Joy and Nathan in western NC

Unimaginable Biltmore lifestyle

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:56:14 GMT

Asheville, NC - Living a life larger than large, the Vanderbilts at Biltmore Estate

At Mama Gertie's

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:49:59 GMT

Swannanoa, NC - Never been in a campground cut into a hillside like this!

Bootless in Winston-Salem

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:15:17 GMT

Winston-Salem, NC - Elaine got good news today - her broken leg has healed enough so that she does not need to wear the walking boot!

Our visit with Monica and Terry Cox

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:42:54 GMT

Winston-Salem, NC - We had a great visit with Monica and Terry

More than a Market - a community

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:06:19 GMT

Winston-Salem, NC - We were introduced to the Farmer's Market and found a caring community

Historic New River Gorge

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:37:52 GMT

Lansing, WV - You would never know today that this stretch of New River once had 15 towns!

Dry lake in winter

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:14:02 GMT

Summersville, WV - We were surprised to see a mostly dry Summersville Lake

Mountain Lake Campground

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:33:49 GMT

Summersville, WV - Sharing a campground with some deer friends

Snowdocking

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:39:03 GMT

Lebanon, PA - RVing in snow - we develop some new approaches

Hershey RV Park

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:00:52 GMT

Lebanon, PA - Our visit in central PA was at the Thousand Trails Hershey RV Park - a great place.

We go as far as Intercourse

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:08:25 GMT

Intercourse, PA - Exploring Amish country in PA we visit Intercourse

When in Hershey, do chocolate!

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:18:27 GMT

Hershey, PA - We do the Create-Your-Own chocolate bar at Hershey's Chocolate World

Annville PA prospered in the 1800s

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:08:04 GMT

Annville, PA - Begun around 1720, this town shows its large growth in the mid-1800s with the housing styles

Visiting cousins

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:38:36 GMT

Willington, CT - Part of our reason for stopping in CT was to visit some cousins I don't often see

Jacks up, jacks down... oops

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:37:41 GMT

Willington, CT - Our leveling jacks would not operate when we were setting up, but a hydraulic fluid addition was all that was needed.

A Visit with Tracy

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:08:39 GMT

Willington, CT - It is not often that I get to visit with my daughter, Tracy, but it was great to do so today!

Wilderness Lake Campground

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:52:19 GMT

Willington, CT - A pleasant place to stay in a woodsy setting, with a lake for boating and fishing

Elaine's broken leg

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:54:53 GMT

Warner, NH - Elaine is in a walking boot as a result of a fall that broke her right leg.

On the road again

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:20:15 GMT

Willington, CT - We are on the road again, heading south from NH and then west

Better wireless Internet coverage

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:47:43 GMT

Warner, NH - The wireless modem-router at my parent's house did a fair job but with some changes it is excellent

Every boy should have a barn growing up

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:47:31 GMT

Warner, NH - A place to let his imagination roam and grow

A Sunday flea market

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:17:56 GMT

Warner, NH - Nephew Mickey invites us to a local flea market

Ployes as a Sunday supper

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:46:35 GMT

Warner, NH - Never had a ploye? You're missing a healthy treat.

The benches at Iron Mike

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:15 GMT

Bear Brook State Park, NH - Dad and I attach plaques to the benches at the Iron Mike statue commemorating the CCC

Kerby loves blackberry frozen yogurt

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:28:27 GMT

Pembroke, NH - Who would have known - this dog goes crazy for blackberry frozen yogurt!

Attending St John High reunion

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:08:43 GMT

Concord, NH - We attended the annual joint reunion of St John High; I was in class of 1956

A Change in Plans

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:44:56 GMT

Warner, NH - We've changed our plans and will now stay in Warner NH for the foreseeable future to help with my parents

Paradise Park Resort, Campground

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:16:56 GMT

Old Orchard Beach, ME - Here's a great place to stay if you are in Old Orchard Beach

At Old Orchard Beach

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:58:53 GMT

Old Orchard Beach, ME - A visit to the beach with grandson Corey and great granddaughter Vivi

Back in the USA

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:22:41 GMT

Eddington, ME - We have had a great visit in Canada for the last month and are back in the USA today

The Mural Capitol of Atlantic Canada

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:00:39 GMT

Sussex, NS - Twenty six murals on buildings create a reason to explore this city

Exploring Saint John

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:39:12 GMT

Saint John, NB - Falls that reverse direction with the tide, a great city marketplace, this is Saint John

Francois Violet at Hammond River

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:32:39 GMT

French Village, NB - I visit where my great-great-great-great grandparents made their home from 1770-90

US TV is back

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:38:37 GMT

Sussex, NS - We are close enough to the US again so that we can receive DirecTV satellite service

A brief visit in Halifax

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:25:02 GMT

Halifax, NS - Seems like a great and active city - a place we want to visit again and stay longer!

Fortress Louisbourg - Part 2

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:29:01 GMT

Fortress Louisbourg, NS - More exploring the reconstructed Fortress Louisbourg to get a feel for what my ancestors' lives might have been like

Dinner in 1750

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:28:38 GMT

Louisbourg, NS - Was that Charles and Marie-David Violet spotted on-the-town last night?

Fortress Louisbourg - Part 1

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:29:11 GMT

Fortress Louisbourg, NS - Fortress Louisbourg is important to my roots, for my great-great-great-great-great grandparents came here in 1749 from France

Kerby - scritchin' the itch

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:31:46 GMT

Poor Kerby, he's had a skin irritation for about a month now but we may finally have it under control

Saying goodbye to the Rock

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:26:54 GMT

Port aux Basques NL - We leave Newfoundland tonight after a short, four-day visit, wishing we could have stayed longer

Newfoundland Insectarium

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:54:48 GMT

Deer Lake, NL - Butterflies and bugs, spiders and scarabs, all on display at the Newfoundland Insectarium

Humber Arm

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:13:44 GMT

Humber Arm NL - Exploring the Humber Arm from Corner Brook to the sea.

Gros Morne National Park

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:08:23 GMT

Gros Morne National Park - We toured a portion of Newfoundland's northwest coast today, through the Gros Morne National Park

Welcome to Newfoundland

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:33:02 GMT

Southwestern NL - We arrive in Newfoundland and are greated by a new landscape

Ferrying to Newfoundland

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:38:40 GMT

Port of Basques, NL - A 7-hour early morning ferry ride brought us from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland

Exploring the PEI Green Gables Shores

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:24:14 GMT

Green Gables Shores PEI - Part of the charm of PEI is the variety it offers: seacoast to farms, cities to towns

Green Gables

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:33:26 GMT

Cavendish PE - One of PEI's most known places is Green Gables, site where Lucy Montgomery got her ideas for the setting of the famous books

A city with charm

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:10:57 GMT

Charlottetown PE - We did a short windshield tour around downtown Charlottetown PE and found a charming city

A cemetery with mailboxes?

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:49:12 GMT

Prince Edward Island - Now that is not something I ever expected to see - a set of mailboxes in front of a cemetery!

A big bridge to a small island

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:16:01 GMT

Prince Edward Island - At eight miles, Confederation Bridge connecting New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is the longest over ice-covered waters.

Musée Acadien, Bonaventure QC

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:17:10 GMT

Bonaventure QC - The Musée Acadien of Québec promised to be a definitive place to learn about Acadia, but it wasn't

On the bar at Carleton-sur-mer QC

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:55:28 GMT

Carleton-sur-mer QC - Carleton QC is a large tourist attraction, partly due to its barachois - a lagoon separated from the sea by a sand bar

Built on the backs of salmon

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:52:21 GMT

Campbellton, NB - Campbellton NB is on the Restigouche River and was created as a salmon-fishing center

Some limits of technology

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:06:12 GMT

Gaspé, QC - We are finding the limits of our electronic technology as we travel out to the edges of our continent.

Rained out in Gaspé

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:48:06 GMT

Gaspé, QC - Rain all day and rain forecast for next 3-4 days. Not much fun for exploring

Gaspésia North Coast

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:58:56 GMT

Mont-Saint-Pierre, QC - An awesome day's drive along the North Coast with a stop for lunch in Mont-Saint-Pierre

In Gaspésie

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:24:32 GMT

Matane QC - I've long wanted to visit the Gaspé Peninsula and have finally made it there!

Violette Family Reunion

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:56:22 GMT

Van Buren, ME - We enjoyed the triennial Violette Family Reunion, held this year in Van Buren ME

Camping on "family lands"

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:24:22 GMT

St Leonard NB - Camping Grand Riviere is located on lands once owned by my great-great-great-grandfather who settled the area in 1790.

Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, Hermon ME

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:37:26 GMT

Hermon ME - An overnight stay on our way to Van Buren ME/St Leonard NB

We meet a Great-Granddaughter

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:22:11 GMT

Auburn ME - We stopped in Auburn ME for lunch this noon so we could see our Grandson Corey Lawrence and meet his daughter, Vivian (Vivi).

An update

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:28:04 GMT

Warner, NH - I know it has been some time since my last entry here, but it is time to get back in the stream again.

Picking blueberries

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:21:04 GMT

Warner, NH - We picked 10 pounds of high-bush blueberries - a delicious treat

Oldest log cabin in VT

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:46:19 GMT

Grand Isle VT - Raising a family in a 20x30 home; twice the size of our motorhome!

Apple Island Resort

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:48:18 GMT

South Hero VT - What a great place to stay! Quiet, convenient, and wonderful accommodations.

Church St. Burlington. Pedestrian. Shop.

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:20:20 GMT

Burlington, VT - Four blocks of Church St in downtown Burlington VT is closed off as a pedestrian mall.

A roll-out tool tray

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:46:58 GMT

A roll-out tray makes getting at heavy tools easier

Lake Champlain Islands

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:24:15 GMT

South Hero VT - The charm of Vermont, the feel of an island

Kerby and the birds

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:07:04 GMT

Kerby goes nuts when he discovers birds feeding at a feeder at the window!

The Erie Canal

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:05:34 GMT

Rome, NY - Once a vibrant lifeline for a young growing nation, the Erie Canal lives on as a recreational waterway

Mayfair Campground

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:31:28 GMT

Mayfair Campground, NY - Large, open lots border an old river loop

Making OurHous homey

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:03:46 GMT

Blossvale, NY - Making our motorhome setting more homey at each stop

Newfoundland sneaks up on us

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:29:42 GMT

Lewiston, NY - A Newfy in line at customs saw the map on the back of our motorhome and takes action

Digging into 13,000 years of history

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:45:38 GMT

London, Ontario - We visited the oldest continuously-excavated site in Canada

Internet by satellite

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:47:07 GMT

London, Ontario - No worry now when we can't use Verizon broadband for Internet - we get it by satellite!

Sears failing as a brand? Sad.

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:41 GMT

I grew up with Sears, Roebuck & Co and was sad to read today that Sears is predicted to cease to exist as a brand.

Built a new table over steering wheel

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:49:23 GMT

Elkhart, IN - I built a new table for plants and whatever for over the steering wheel while parked.

Amish Acres, a step 130 years into the past

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:38:20 GMT

Nappanee, IN - Our visit to Amish Acres takes us 130 years - or is it 300 years - into the past.

The RV Hall of Fame

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:31:21 GMT

Elkhart, IN - Travel back in time. We wonder how a family could fit in one of the small, older, campers but then they weren't living in them full time.

Touring the Newmar factory

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:39:11 GMT

Nappanee, IN - Newmar is an innovator and manufacturer of quality motorhomes. We took a factory tour today.

Reading on the Kindle

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:37:56 GMT

As avid readers and with little space to store books, Kindle helps us out

Now a Parkway - The Hennepin Canal

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:24:56 GMT

Sheffield, IN - Once connecting the Mississippi River with the Great Lakes, the Hennepin Canal is now a 96-mile state park

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 15

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:19:23 GMT

Rock Island, IL - Watching a tug and barges lock through

Our electronic life

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:17:10 GMT

We have been upgrading and updating the electronics associated with our full-time motorhome life

Cruisin' the Mississippi

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:26:06 GMT

Moline, IL - We took a 1.5 hr lunch cruise on the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities area

Update to visited states map

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:16:15 GMT

Geneseo, IL - We updated Kerby's peed-on state count and our visited states map for the first time since 2007, by adding Illinois

Windy and rainy Clear Lake, IA

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:33:24 GMT

Clear Lake, IA - Wind and rain, and wind a sun. But a beautiful and large RV park.

OurHous back home

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:58:52 GMT

Forest City, IA - Our motorhome was at the factory for a few fixes

Iowa's state capitol

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:22:37 GMT

Des Moines, IA - A visit to Iowa's elegant state capitol building

Green and sunny Waukee, IA

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:38:07 GMT

Waukee, IA - Green, sunny, warm, nice breeze. What a change!

An awning came loose

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sun, 22 May 2011 01:12:46 GMT

Council Bluffs, IA - Our awning deployed while driving shortly after leaving the campground this morning.

Don't stop at this one!

David@Violette.com (David A. Violette) — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:17:30 GMT

Council Bluffs, IA - I made a poor choice - Bluff's Run RV Park is a parking lot. Lousy TV, lousy Internet speed!