Three course lunch

Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT

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Common Sense is ill named since Sense is not so common.
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RV LIFE:
Things are much nicer now that we are at this RV park. As was stated on Metamorphosis Road blog, "Luckily our RV park, Jim and Mary's is an oasis of green amidst the rolling golden hills just outside the hubbub of town." This is a beautiful pine sheltered park, with nice spacing between sites. The weather is still high, but with the pine shade covering our site and the lush green lawn and breeze, it is delightful to sit outside.  Tuesday, I spent all day outside. I had to keep moving around to avoid the sun rays that kept peeking through. What a great day enjoying nature.

I have stopped reading "Twilight". Not because it isn't good, but the only reason I was reading it was because of our recent stay in Forks, WA where this book takes place. I was hoping to relate to more references of places we've been. But, I just had no desire to open the book. I listened to the audiobooks, I saw the movies, so I know what happens. There are so many books to read, I have a difficult time re-reading a book. Scott on the other hand, couldn't put the books down and re-read all FOUR books in the series (Kindle version) one after another and I was only half way through the first book. Scott was also the one that had a difficult time purging all his paperbacks, because he does re-read books. But now he is totally hooked on Kindle books, that he won't even read a print book even if we have a copy of a book he wants to read. He'll pay to have it on his Kindle. I prefer the Kindle, but still can't turn down a "free" book at the campground book exchanges.
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FOOD CART REVIEWS:
Out to Lunch - Missoula, MT
Every Wednesday during Summer 11am - 1:30pm
What a nice event. This is held in Caras park. There is municipal parking nearby. Normally, there is a charge for parking, but during "Out to Lunch", it is free, with parking attendants helping you find a parking spot. If the parking lot is full, there are other public parking areas and a free shuttle to the event.
Although dogs are not allowed at this event, it only pertains to under the tent. There is plenty of lawn to sit and eat with your furry friends.

The smaller covered area on the right is the bandstand, which had a pretty good country rock group playing.
We started off with a slice of pizza from Clove Cafe Pizza Peddlers. Our rating 4.5 out of 5. This is a traveling pizza oven, shaped like a garlic clove!

Peddler in their name has double meaning, not only selling their wares, but also, the Clove Cart besides being towed, can also be moved with pedal power! 4 seats, 4 sets of pedals to move the cart.
And to top off this cool Clove Cart, the pizza is GREAT! Really nice crust.

Scott had the regular pizza on left. I thought it looked burnt, but Scott said it was really good and he would get this again.  I had the chicken white pizza, which was delicious. This is the first time in my life I didn't finish eating the crust. I put the crust in a clean doggie bag for our pups at home. I wanted the crust, but I knew this was our first stop among many food vendors, so I was trying to save room.

For my next course, I stopped at Kadena's and chose a chicken salad stuffed into a baguette. My rating 4 out of 5. What a concept! They hollowed out the baguette and scooped the salad into it. Very convenient to eat that way. The chicken salad was delicious. A light mayo dressing, with celery, onion, tomato, chicken and cashews. Nice.

For Scott's next course, he chose an Indian dish from Masala Food Cart. There was quite a line, so he figured it must be good. Scott's rating 2 out of 5.  I believe he ordered a sampler plate. He said it was very bland.

Kindle always at hand to pass the time

And for desert...
Big Dipper Ice Cream! Big Dipper does have a store front. My rating 4.5 out of 5.
Very, very creamy smooth ice cream. I had a double scoop. Yep, that's why I'm the weight I am. Huckleberry and Mexican Chocolate. The Huckleberry was delicious, but actually lacking just a little umph, meaning it was really good, but seemed to need just a little more Huckleberry flavor. I opted for the Mexican chocolate, because of "Yelp" reviews. I didn't like it. Not that the ice cream was bad, but I guess I don't like Mexican chocolate. There was some weird spice in it. Looking for Mexican Chocolate ice cream recipes, I suspect there was a touch of Cayenne Pepper in it. Yeck! I bet their regular chocolate is delicious though. I plan to try it!
Scott had white chocolate mint ice cream. That is delicious. Of course I had to have a taste!!!
So there you have it...my three course lunch...Chicken salad (well it is salad), pizza (Main course), ice cream (Dessert)
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SIGHTS:
On our drive from Idaho to Missoula, MT, we were looking at the beautiful mountains and blue sky. But some of the clouds looked odd. Scott said he thinks that is smoke among the clouds.

Sure enough, there is a huge forest fire in Lolo, MT, which is only 20 miles from where we are now. So far 9500 acres have burned. Very sad.
This is a beautiful area of the country even though it is dry. But a lot of irrigation makes for beautiful green landscapes. I love looking at the golden mounds in the distance. But I doubt if we would decide to settle here. The winters are probably a little more severe than we'd like, but also, all Income is taxed, even pensions, plus property taxes.
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CRAFTS & PETS:
When the Ratkins first arrived, Devin would push the cage with his snout and then creep onto the table to get closer. Devin is now trustworthy loose at night and no longer is obsessed with the Ratkins. We had been blocking the bedroom door, so he had to stay in the bedroom with us, but he's being a really good boy and leaving the critters alone.
I am growing very attached to Ratkin, Patches. He comes to greet me when I open the cage. If I give her a little treat, instead of grabbing it, she will eat it out of my hand. Chino is quick. She grabs and goes. Patches and I have been having quality time with her laying on my shoulder while I pet her. She fell asleep on me this afternoon.
Chino & Patches sleep a lot during the day and cuddle with each other. I decided to crochet a cozy hammock for them.

Patches checked it out

Chino has laid claim to it and has been sleeping in it all day.

Now you can't possibly tell me rats aren't cute!
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BUSINESS REVIEW:
This review is from our time in Deming, NM in March of 2013. Told by Scott.
Jack Key Ford - Deming, NM
Our rating 5 out of 5 (Service Dept.)
We were having problems with the "Check Engine" light coming on in the truck. It's been a dirty EGR valve which is a fairly expensive part on a diesel. It's been cleaned twice, so when the warning light came on again, I decided it was time to replace the valve. I first stopped at the Autozone car parts store just up the road from the Ford dealer. Autozone has a great deal, they'll check any error codes on your vehicle for free, saving about $100 at the dealer. Sure enough error code P1335, EGR valve bad or dirty. At the dealer, I told him the code#, so they pulled the Valve, very dirty, but they'd try to clean it, or I could replace it. They'd have the part Monday. He cleaned the valve a bit then reassembled everything. No charge, very nice.
Monday morning, they replaced the valve, ran a free maintenance check (rear brakes worn, still ok) then washed the truck and windows. The repair even came in below their estimate. So, if you happen to need a Ford repair while in Deming, NM, Jack Key Ford's not bad.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214