Clean -----  I wish?  More on that later.

It’s 4:30 in the morning and as I look out the windows of the ‘Tininthewind’ it is as bright as mid-day with light towers surrounding us and the scene off in the dark is as spooky as the scenes from “Middle Earth” from the movie                       .

Got your interest, do I??

This past year Kathleen and I got to discussing the heavy hit we are giving our 401K with our nomadic lifestyle as we enjoy our retirement travels and decided to take a break occasionally from the life of leisure and go back to work ---- but only when we wanted to.  Now --- that is a tall order to fill when both of us are up a ways on the senior rung of the ladder.

In mid- December we met with “Gate Guard Services” out of Corpis Cristy, Texas.  Through their desire to bring us on board we were schooled, tested, finger printed, subjected to background checks, and are now Texas State Licensed Level II Security Guards.

The oil field business is booming, especially in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and of course the Dakota’s.  Security to entry and exit of the various oil facilities is paramount and who better to provide that service than retired folks, with their house on wheels, and the desire to provide that security 24/7.

We are currently providing as independent contractors through “Gate Guard Services” security access and egress to the DL Ranch and Murphy Oil a little North and East of Tilden, Texas.  The Tininthewind is parked on a gravel pad and hooked up to electric, water, and sewer service.  We are surrounded by huge, high in the air light towers and as I stated earlier we are “lit up”. 

We log everyone and everything thing through the gate.  Murphy Oil has drilled four wells on the ranch and will now begin the process of bringing those wells in to production through various techniques, one of which is fracking.  We are about to get very busy with many trucks of equipment, water, sand, chemicals, support personnel, etc, etc, coming and going.  We can expect to be on site here for the next 6 to 8 weeks and more if they have any trouble.

We are paid pretty well we feel for what we do considering that everything is provided for us at no charge.  All of the essential services that I mentioned earlier plus all the bottled water we want, catered meals as we are included with the crew when they bring in a caterer---one could maybe get tired of rib-eye steaks I suppose.  The pay stub goes ca-ching every day for us at the minimum of $125.00 and can progress on up at an added $75.00/day depending on increased activity.

We have met both the day and night bosses, called simply the “Company Man”.  Leo the day boss, said on shaking my hand, “anything you need just let me know”.  I asked for a 5 gal jug of drinking water and about 2 hours later a “roust about hand” stopped with two jugs.  I mentioned that the entry through the gate was a little dark at night.  Shortly a huge light tower showed up, was erected, and we have daylight 24/7.  Everyone we have let through the gate has been extremely friendly, jovial, and fun to be around.  We of course are overwhelmed by the huge equipment coming on site from portable housing units for all the men to portable shower buildings, to porta potties, to you name it.  They have it. 

The wells are about 1.5 miles back on the ranch from the gate.  We have neumatic lines strung across the road on both directions that “ding” a bell if someone is coming or going so we get plenty of warning to step out the door to log them in or out.  Never fails though ---- go to the bathroom, drop your pants and the bell will ding! The drivers are patient though---been there, done that, I suppose.

We will stay on with this crew and rig for the duration 6 to 8 weeks or so and will then hang up our Texas Spurs till some time next fall.  When we come back as Winter Texans if the fish aren’t biting we will pull in to the “Gate Guard Services” yard in Whitsett, Texas and let them know we are ready to do it all over again.  Hopefully we get another gate as nice as this one seems to be.

In coming posts either Kathleen or I will try to give a little more detail to our daily activities and routines.

Oh, and as to Clean ---- The dust at times can get a little heavy but all will wash off.  Just dust off the windshield of the car occasionally to run to the store (nearest is 35 miles N) for supplies

Stay busy and well friends ----We are!

Hello, Kathleen here

We spent several days at Choke Canyon State Park in Mid-Texas. Nice spacious sites next to a beautiful lake full of fish and crocodiles (we saw none). I followed a path to the waters' edge until it began to get weedy and swampy. I feared a "creature" from the depths of the lake might be lurking so I returned to safer ground.

We did see lots of deer. They casually walked through the campground and never showed any fear. One evening we eyed a fairly large spotted deer. He was almost too big to be called a fawn. We couldn't get a photograph of him; he was following several other deer and they disappeared quickly. The next two pictures are of a lone deer right next to our coach. The next picture shows the sunset over the lake. Look closely at the lakeshore. To the left, an egret is fishing. To the right a deer is getting a drink.

One evening we took a drive and spotted a flock of vultures or buzzards just settling in for the night. There were dozens and dozens of them roosting on trees just off the road. They reminded me of cartoons of old, when they sat all hunched over just waiting for some creature to fall. Maybe in Wile e Coyote vs the Road Runner or maybe it was Bugs Bunny. Those were the days when kids got a thrill out of the enemy being an ugly old red headed buzzard following the heros of the story. I got a few photographs of them. I wondered if I walked over close and plopped myself down in the ditch, would they cruise on down and, well I of course didn't do that.

We have left the park and now are right next to a very small town called Whitsett. Still windy. We have gone to a few restaurants in this area. Barb-b-que is all that they offer. George loves it. I am tired of it already. The menu consists of BBQ ribs, sausage, briskitt and chicken. A choice of potato salad, coleslaw, hashbrowns, or beans and more beans. doesn't look too bad really but I'm hungry for a hamburger or maybe just a big dinner salad. We'll be in this area a little while longer. Not too much going on.

Be sure to always put the curser on the picture and it will identify what it is.

Love you all. Until next time, God bless and stay well.

Hi George & Kathleen,

I hope this message finds you well. I came across your website during
my research for a new TV show that I'm working on, and I had to
contact you immediately.

My name is Kiran Malhotra, and I'm a producer currently casting for a
new TLC show about the RV lifestyle. In our show, we will document 3
or 4 different people who are involved in RV lifestyle and celebrate
their nomadic living situations. I would love to hear more about your
story: your lifestyle, your goals, and what brought you to where you
are now. If this is something that interests you, please email me
asap, as our deadline for casting is next week.

Would you also be willing to post our casting call on your site to get
the word out to others in the RV community? I've included the text at
the end of the this email.

Thanks so much for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Best,

Kiran Malhotra
Coordinating Producer
Sharp Entertainment


CASTING CALL

RV Owners: Major TV Network Wants to Hear Your Story!

Major cable TV network is currently seeking RV owners for an upcoming
pilot. If you live in any type of home-on-wheels and love the open
road, we want to hear from you! Seeking all personalities and
lifestyles. Whether you have a unique story to tell, or have an RV
like no other, please tell us a bit about yourself by emailing:
RVcastingUSA@gmail.com

Ms. Malhotra,

I can imagine with your reach out marketing such as this you get many
reply's that are lengthy and filled with detail and find many that hold
interest. From us you will not get such. Our life story, or at least most
of it, has already been written in our web site www.tininthewind.com or
better yet told in the day to day, week to week, month to month blog
archives of www.tininthewind.com/blog/ and thus it is there for you to read
in whatever great length your heart desires.

We can tell you up front we have no interest in becoming part of anything
that would be a reality thing portrayed as somewhere between Jerry Springer
and the Kardashians.

We are currently doing what any full-time retired RV'er should be doing and
that is enjoying our "geritol gypsy" life style.

If you still have interest in us after following the leads above please feel
free to jump on a plane bound for San Antonio, TX, when on your way to your
departure airport, e-mail us (we check our e-mail often). Plan to rent a
car on arrival in San Antonio and we will tell you where to find us about an
hour from there.

I assure you, upon arrival, you will meet two of the most interesting people
to cross your casting couch.

Sincerely,

George and Kathleen Brosius

PS: The next update to our blog we may include your casting call request.



-----Original Message-----
From: RV Casting
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:24 PM
To: george@tininthewind.com ; riverjones@tininthewind.com
Subject: Seeking RVers for TLC Show

Hi George & Kathleen,

No Kathleen, my love, I will not ride in the limo with three yipping mutts and two cats!

We have bid farewell to Falcon Lake and Zapata-George says the fishing leaves a lot to be desired and so does the weather. We headed south and are now parked in a Coast to Coast RV Park along a sharp bend in the Rio Grande River. Mexico is stone's throw away from the park. As we approached the park, we drove along part of the "fence" that keeps us from sneaking into Mexico. We found it interesting that just beyond the border, the farmers were burning off the sugar cane fields. Billowing black smoke blackened the sky. Thankfully, the wind was blowing south and away from Rivers Bend RV Park. Following are a couple of photographs.

After a few days visiting the area, we'll probably head north. More news and more photos coming soon.

Here it is January 1, 2013. I wish all of you a healthy prosperous year.

George and I are in Zapata, but plan on leaving in a few days. We hope to travel north toward San Antonio. When we get settled in, we'll let you know. George hates to leave Falcon Lake but right now the old lake just isn't giving up any fish to speak of. The water level is still quite low and the bass are difficult to locate. We need a change in scenery.

We have met a lot of great folks here in Zapata. Our closest friends are Teri and Corinne Reynolds from Urbana, Ill. George and Teri have caught many really big bass-mostly last year. Corinne and I have traveled to Laredo quite a few times to Walmart and other shopping sites and to a movie now and then. They had us over the other night for some of Corinne's fantastic spaghetti.We had a great time, as always, with them.

This morning George and I drove around the area looking at the various RV parks that overlook the lake. We are always looking for a spot where we can come and set up houskeeping on a more permanent level. George knows that I am not interested unless I can see water. Of course right now, there is no water. Not much anyway.

We watched New York City bring in the new year last night, but after that we both fell asleep. All seems OK on this first day of the new year. I pray that your world is Ok too. I've posted a couple of photos to amuse you.

Until next time. God bless and keep all of you well.

     I keep busy here in our little home. Lots of projects are on the shelf waiting for my attention. My first love has become writing and I spend a lot of time at the computer, sometimes staring at it, a lot of time researching stuff. I spent a whole day trying to figure out if there was a highway through the Cascade Mountains back in 1910 for a story I am writing. You know, ya gotta get the facts right.

     We are parked on the shore of Falcon Lake. Although the water is low, it is still a beautiful place. I love to look at it. Not the old Mississippi but almost as beautiful.

     Following is a poem that I recently wrote for an on-line writing club. As Christmas is upon us, I decided to share it with you. I hope that you enjoy it. We wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a grand 2013. We promise to stay in touch, as we have a new adventure on the horizon to talk about.

Papa, a Star

Papa, Papa, is that a star?

Papa, Papa, is this the night?

I'm ready to go. Will Mama go too?

May I take my pet lamb? She's very light

You have told me the story

You have taught me well

A Savior is coming

Old Prophets doth tell

The star is so big

And it hovers so low

I hear voices singing

Papa, Papa I think we should go

Please take me Papa

I wish to go see

Does He know who we are?

Papa, will He really know me?

I know it's not far

We must follow the star's ray

We're not lost Papa

The star's showing the way

Papa, please lift me up high

I want to see what you see

Oh Papa! Oh Papa!

It's a tiny baby

The great star, Papa

Look at it now

They are angels, oh look

Before Him, they bow

Papa kneel with me now

Please kneel, all of us

For there is our Savior

Baby Jesus

I want to give Him a gift

Papa what shall it be?

Something pure and soft

My baby lamb, with love, from me 

by Kathleen M. Brosius

     Our first excursion off the ship was in Juneau Alaska and we chose to go to a "Salmon Bake In The Wood", rain or shine.  Need I say it was raining.  As I mentioned in a previous post this probably was the highlight of all the excursions in spite of the rain.  The setting was beautiful.  We arrived in the ole' standard yellow school buses and were treated to quite a laid back event, far removed from the uppity hoop-la of the huge cruise ship.  Maybe that is why I felt so much comfort.

     I have included a short video of the outing and hope you enjoy.  The setting, food, and everything associated with it were awesome.  Click below to see.      

                                                               Short Video

     Our cruise began by us leaving early in the morning of June 22nd for a drive to Vancouver Canada from the Seattle area so we could stay in a hotel overnight and be prepared to board our ship, Ms Zuiderdam about mid day June 23rd.

     The boarding of the ship was confusing as we were herded here and there to complete various processes prior to boarding.  We had spent a lot of time on the computer during scheduling and completed numerous pre-boarding forms but alas that seemed all for naught.  Once we complied with all, we were again herded in to a large room with chairs so tight together that only half of my bu_ _ fit (yes I know I have a big bu _ _),  We were told the ship was not ready to board and we would be called by rows in about 45 minutes.  The lady beside me decided she wanted the half of the seat that I already didn't have and we had quite a bu _ _ fight.  No it wasn't Kathleen, and no I didn't enjoy it.

     Once released from there we headed for the "gang plank" to the ship itself.  I had studied the deck floor plans and knew right where to go to find our stateroom.  This was a pleasant surprise as the room was very nice and our checked luggage was already there.  Opening two large deck doors and one could go out on the Veranda to sit and enjoy the scenery that was soon to be as we passed by.

     I should add here that we drove in rain to Vancouver, slept with rain falling all night, boarded the ship with rain falling, spent the next seven days with it raining most of the time, and loaded back in the car for the trip back to the "tininthewind" in the rain.  The drive back to the Seattle area was probably in the heaviest of rain we had seen all week.

     In spite of the weather the scenery was spectacular at every turn.  We did three shore excursions.  The first in Juneau was a salmon bake out in the rain forest at picnic tables.  Now you would think I would be complaining about that-----not-----it was probably the highlight of the trip.  I hope to put up some pictures and just blog about that in a future posting.  Our second excursion was a 40 mile or so narrow Gage train ride up a mountain out of Skagway that basically followed the route that the 'gold stampeder's' took in search of that Klondike Gold.  The ride was in rail cars with huge windows and again the scenery was awesome.  Our third excursion was a cultural tour of some of the highlights of Ketchecan.  This was enjoyable but for the most part a bus ride with the driver pointing out where so and so was shot and buried, etc.

     Food on the ship itself was to die for as there was literally anything and everything your little ole' heart desired.  No doubt the 'heart' took a big hit on this trip.

     I must confess that I am one who suffers from motion sickness at the drop of a hat.  This big boat was no exception.  I spent four out of the seven days on the ship just on the edge, and one night way over the edge.

     This was a once in a life time experience, with the emphasis on 'once'.  I am glad we did it bu _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Scenes between rain drops:

         One of the first things we wanted to do with our new retired life back in 2006 was make the "Inside Passage Cruise" to Alaska but due to other things or just plain procrastination we just never got it accomplished.  Well, that is about to change.  We have our trip scheduled and are about as excited as two newlyweds who just headed for the motel room.

     The decision to go this summer was enhanced when our pilot son Scott reminded us that we could take advantage of his 'Interline' privileges and book a trip at nicely reduced rates as parents of a pilot.  We began to explore the possibility and found that our budget could indeed handle the cost.  The rest is history, our boarding passes are in hand.

     Expect in future posts to this blog to be treated to a lot of stories and pictures of the trip.  We will try to take you along vicariously with us as we make this beautiful passage aboard the Holland American ship ms Zuiderdam.

     Here is a little tease that I hope will get you to come back and see our photo's and video's that we will put together on return from our trip.  Click on happy face below.

                                                             Alaska Adventure

              Above are pictured just four of the reasons that we hussle ourselves out to the North West for the summer.  Place your curser over the picture and each will be identified.   I know I am biased but these four are the best grandkids, ever!  We love having them around and look forward to a lot of visits from them throughout the summer.

             After leaving Texas our stop in the Mid West for family visits and our medical check-ups went well.  We got to see all Jim and Alyce's family and especially the little ones.  We look forward to that every trip.  My mom is still doing well with her stay in assisted living and we sure enjoyed our visits with her. Seeing and spending a little time with long time friends is always a treat.  We had an uneventful trip out here after our visits and medical stuff in the Mid West. 

            The weather here has been the typical spring NW weather, one day nice then 4 or 5 straight days of drizzle or rain.  That will soon change for the summer and when that happens there is not a better place on the planet to spend the summer.

           We have some interesting things going with us looking at some property out here for our future when we slow down a little from our travel on wheels.  Not to worry, those of you who travel along with us on our travel blog as we are not looking to settle in one area just yet, just thinking about our possible future needs.  If we come to any decisions or secure a spot I will be sure to let you all know.

           I hope to do a better job of keeping up with entries to the blog now that we have landed in an area for awhile.  More pictures coming soon.

     The two pictures above are two views of the fish caught today, literally on my last cast, before calling it a day.  Now we begin the packing up of the coach and getting ready to head North in two days.  This was my last day to fish Falcon Lake until we return next fall.  (The good lord willing and the creek don't rise, we will return).

      Teri and I headed to a cove on the Mexican side of the lake that we have fished before and for my last day, the fish did not disappoint.  We fished a little over 5 hours and boated 43 nice bass.  We didn't have any monsters, but we did have 3 that went 6 lbs each.  We usually don't photograph anything under 8 lbs but since the one above was my last cast I just had to have a picture to remember it by.

     I could write a book about how fantastic this winter in Texas has been.  The fishing for me has been the highlight, and of course for Kathleen the highlight has been her book and becoming a published writer.

     Not having a big high powered Ranger Bass Boat anymore has not really been a negative situation for me as I have fished with four different guys who do have nice boats.  Jerry from Dubuque Iowa, Joe from Urbana Illinois, Larry from Kansas, and of course my primary partner and new friend Teri Reynolds from Urbana Illinois.  When one of the above didn't ask me to go I would go out in my little Sea Eagle pontoon bass boat and have a blast.

     My challenge for this winter was to get a personal best double digit fish.  I had a couple slightly over 9 lbs that I actually caught off my own little boat early in the winter stay here but getting the double digit didn't occur until a few days ago when I finally landed one that tipped the scales at 10.1 lbs.  Pictured below.

      We leave with heavy hearts as we have made so many wonderful friends but we are anxious to see family and look forward to getting the wheels rolling on the 'Tininthewind'.  Next stop will be Wisconsin/Iowa for the month of April and then in early May we will head for our summer stay with the boys and their families in Washington State.

     Have I told you yet how much we love our retirement and the life style we have chosen.  We will continue to be thankful for every future day that we are blessed to have and will be just as excited about what is around the next corner as we are for what we did today.

              March 2nd 2012 Teri (pictured by his boat) and I departed the boat landing here on Falcon Lake, Zapata Texas at 6:30 a.m. The morning already was calling for only shirt sleeves as the temp was near 70 and expected to get in to the 90's. The big 'Merc' roared to life and we were up on plane headed North up the Lake to a small arm/cove and creek channel on the Mexican side.  At 6:40 we had reached our destination and we came down off pad to begin fishing a rocky shore line with a few flooded bushes thrown in for good measure.

     We slowly fished along this shore and by 10:00 we had boated 40 quality Bass. We continued just working along this shore line and when we reached 55 Bass boated we decided that when we hit 60 we would quit.   At 1:00 we were back at the landing and loading the boat.  Sixty Bass Boated, many 6's, 5's, & 4's.  We estimate that approx. ten more jumped after being hooked, tail walked across the water and came off before being boated, and probably 10 more that came off without us getting to see them.  Thats 80 quality Bass in a relatively short period of time.

     It may be a long time before we break that total.  But, then again----maybe not.  We will probably go give it a try tomorrow.

P.S.  I am still working on boating that DD (double digit).  You will be the first to know when it happens.

     It is cool (43) this morning and raining.  The one shown is 7 lbs 10 oz and was one of many caught yesterday.  We have been having some cool wet weather lately but the fish have continued to be active.  The females are full of eggs and have been or will spawn very soon.  Days like this with the cool and rain are good for regrouping and working on tackle, rods, and reels to get ready for the next trip out.  Looking ahead at the weather we are to be back in the 80's in a few days.

     This area of Texas has been having an extreme drought so any rain is welcome.  The desert cactus are about to bloom and this rainy period happens just in time to support that event.

     The Falcon Lake Resort here in Zapata is a commune of those who like to fish.  The boats range from fancy bass boats to aluminum walleye boats, flat bottoms with small engines, and then of course mine---a two seat inflatable pontoon with only a trolling motor.  There are approximately 300 sites here in the Resort.  The sites vary from just a grass pull through site with enough room for the RV and a place to park the car and boat, to a more permanent structure such as a 5th wheel next to a cement patio, or even a mobile home either single or double wide.  The winter residents come from all corners of the country but for sure there are more Minnesotans than anyone else.  I suspect that the bass fishing is the biggest draw but there are those who fish exclusively for catfish or crappie, both of which are abundant.  One fellow from Iowa, one street over, has his smoker going full of catfish almost every day.  People walk or ride bikes for exercise throughout the park and clusters of folks visiting or exchanging fishing stories can be seen everywhere.  Most people seem to know me, I suspect because of my unique boat, and will always stop to talk if I am outside working around the 'tininthewind'.

      We have approximately six weeks left here and look forward to every day. 

     This has been our third winter here at Fun-n-Sun and we will leave behind many friends that we have become acquainted with.  As long as we don't commit to anything too permanent in Zapata I guess we can always work in a stay in this area during coming winter seasons.

     My fishing buddy, Teri and his wife Corinne have alerted us that a water front site has just come available and we may well end up passing on the one we have now and seeing if we can swing a deal to acquire that one.  The couple who has it for sale has a 5th wheel on it and wants to include that in the sale.  That is something that we would not be interested in.

     Our nomadic life style has grown on us and neither of us are sure we are ready to settle for just one place to return to year after year even if the fishing is the best to be found.  We have many RV friends who have secured semi-permanent lots to return to each year but then say that they envy us being able to go where we please on a moments notice.

     I think the best thing for us is to wait till the kids are threatening to take the keys away before we put down too permanent of roots.

      It is that time of year that I like to reflect on the wonderful life style that Kathleen and I have.  The beautiful places we have been and those that are yet to come.  We are truly thankful that we are able to do what we do, as we explore this beautiful USA.  I further am grateful to live in an age when the technologies available to us can challenge the mind and encourage us to do things we never dreamed possible.  The following is a slide show with sound that I experimented with the other day.  I thought I would share.  If the sound is too much for ya, you can always mute it.  Ha.

                                                                     Click Here