Croton RV - 05-08-15 to 05-22-2015 - Update 1

As I enter my second week here at Croton's RV park, I thought it appropriate to document what's been going on during my first 2015 camping adventure.  It has been busy, different, and enjoyable.  Busy with airport trips, dinners, and functions; Different with the changing temperatures, downpours, and the explosion of green that occurred over a week's period.  This is my first stay here in early spring; and it's so Enjoyable being here at this quiet RV park.  The birds are the first thing any visitor would notice. The most notable are the robins; I've never seen them in such abundance.  From pre-dawn, around 4:30 am until well after dusk and into the late evening hours, around 9:30 pm, their song fills the otherwise quiet, serene environment.  Just close your eyes and you are transported to your childhood days playing outside getting the most out of a summer's evening with friends before those street lights went on.  This marked the time to head home.  But only at these times were the robin's song so typically melodic, the true sign that spring was here. There is a nesting pair in a nearby pine tree and to watch their daily, non-stop, activity of looking and listening for worms and other sub-soil treats for their chicks is impressive.  It is during these times when their chirps of annoyance replace their characteristic song.  It usually indicates the presence of an unwanted visitor and possible threat to the nest. They take on any and all threats no matter the size of the intruder.

My feeders are up and as close as I am to them, some brave ones still come to enjoy the treats. The most common seen thus far include: chickadees, doves, tufted titmice, sparrows, starlings,  brown headed cow birds, and grackles. 

The weather has been terrific.  One day the AC is on only to have an evening or two with the heat on, it goes with the season.  Hot, sunlit days in cloudless blue skies as well as overcast cloudy ones that provides torrential downpours late evening or early morning.  I so love the sound of rain beating on my tin can home.

It was good to see familiar faces of some of the seasonal residents here like Tricia, Craig and their dog, Georgia and Frank & his dog, Cierra.  Each have their daily career routines while I smile with satisfaction at having paid my dues and now enjoy the retired life.  There are others but names are unknown. Vicki & George are here once again and friends, Ray & Kathy are due in on June 1st.

I've been to a birthday party, had 5 airport trips, celebrated Mother's Day, went to a concert in Stamford featuring " The Hit Men".  CLICK HERE to see a 5 minute clip of what daughter, Marybeth and sister, Judy, enjoyed.  The 55 minute version featuring the group at the Mohegan Sun can be viewed HERE.  I've enjoyed dining out with friends as well as being their dinner guest at their sites.  I even made bread in a crock pot.  Delicious.

Monday, 5/18, marked the first bump in my road.  For the second time, the check valve on my hot water heater malfunctioned.  It happened in Myrtle Beach and I had it fixed under warranty at the local Camping World.  No one around here, including Camping World in Kingston will be able to get to my problem this time.  Would you believe that the Kingston Camping World is just getting around to looking at RV's that were dropped off in APRIL???? Having no hot water will be problem with me going to NH next Monday.  Fortunately, Ellen at Camping World gave me a name and number for a "mobile" RV service,  Wayne's RV repairs. Because he works out of the hamlet of Phoenicia, NY, it would be costly for him to make a "house call" here at Croton's RV park.  So I'll drive Winnie up to a parking area just past the toll booths in Kingston and meet Wayne there for what I hope will be a 1-2-3 job at 10 am. On my way home, around noon, I will side track to Renegade Stadium in Fishkill to watch Marist play Quinnipiac with my friend, Mark Swertfager behind the plate for Marist.  This is the first game of the MACC Championship.   After the game, I'll drive back to Croton--with hot water, I hope.

Stay tuned for the next update.