Seeing Our Community From a New Perspective

Ride Along with Officer Hoffman

The Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) experience is going well. We are a number of classes along and not yet halfway through all of the meeting times. I am learning so much about my community. As part of LGT, Saturday I went on my first ever ride along with the Topeka Police Department. I was a bit nervous about going, but Officer Hoffman was great answering all of my questions. We did not have any crazy calls while I was on the ride along. Well, at least not crazy calls as compared to some of the other stories he shared with me.

I have wanted to do a ride along for a few years, but never had the energy to start the process. Thanks to the LGT, I was able to accomplish this goal. Officer Hoffman asked me about the LGT and what I get out of the process. I shared with him it is learning about our community, having us involved, and helping to lead in our community is the goal that I see from being involved in LGT. I further shared that doing the ride along is providing a better understanding of what our fellow citizens are doing to protect are city.

A few weeks ago at LGT, we did a tour of the Topeka Public Library where they shared the process of a book return to the library. Something most people do not see. What happens when a book is returned that does not belong to the library? Well, they have a process for that and it automatically drops into a bin to transport to the correct library. I also did not realize that they have years books for most schools in Topeka.

Returning to the day I just had and the ride along, I found it interesting learning the process of the officer for which I was riding with today. The view of traffic stops and how to deescalate an issue was interesting to hear how he goes through the process. How he enters a situation can directly impact the outcome. I often times think of this as I go into different situations whether those be personal or work. Sometimes I do not go in with the right attitude and the issue escalates needlessly. 

Thank you for the ride along Saturday, Office Hoffman, and the Topeka Police Department. It was shared with me that ride alongs happen throughout the week and they are booked out weeks in advance.

Our First RV Camping Adventure

Driving Down the Highway with an RV

We were finally able to use our new hitch and brake controller this past week with our first RV rental. After doing some research, we decided to use Outdoorsy for the rental. Everything came together quickly—less than a week before our scheduled trip. The brake controller was installed the Thursday before we left, and with that, we were all set and excited to hit the road

After checking out a few different sites, we landed on Outdoorsy. The process was straightforward, and after browsing several RVs, we chose one located in Gardner, KS. We mapped out our route—about an hour from Topeka to Gardner—and booked our campsite at Melvern Lake, on the outlet side of the dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A few weeks earlier, we had driven through the area to pick out our spot.

Hello Camper!

Once we booked through Outdoorsy, the hosts provided all the information we needed to prepare. They were quick to respond to messages, and I kept them updated on the brake controller installation. Overall, the process was very smooth. When we arrived in Gardner to pick up the RV, the hosts walked us through everything and had us review and sign a few forms before we were ready to depart.

Carrie Greeting you from our RV

It had been years since I last drove with a trailer, but it came back quickly as we pulled out of the hosts’ driveway. Driving went smoothly, though I had forgotten how much you feel the trailer’s push, pull, and jarring motion. After about an hour, we arrived at Melvern Lake. Backing the RV into our spot went well, and we got to work setting up camp.

Sleepy Boy in Wagon

Setup was quick—much easier than tent camping. We simply moved our gear from the back of our Pilot into the RV. We put Oliver inside while we got everything arranged.

For dinner that first night, Carrie made Chicken Divan, which we heated up and enjoyed. It was delicious and made for a relaxing evening. We spent time by the water with a fire going and were in the RV by midnight. A successful first night—we were thrilled to be camping in a new way.

I woke up around 7 the next morning and took Oliver for a walk around the lake. It was beautiful. Oliver had a great time sniffing everything and “protecting” me from other camping dogs. After our walk, I spent some time finishing a blog post I hadn’t completed before the trip. Sitting by the water with a cool breeze while writing was incredibly peaceful.

Carrie in the Water

Later, I did a little fishing—no luck—but then joined Carrie and Oliver to relax. We had decided the night before to visit the beach that afternoon. We packed up, locked the RV, and headed out. We did need to make a trip into town to pick up some ice and some other supplies such as a lighter that had stopped working the night before. Then we would head to the beach.

Beach Was All Ours

We ended up going to the beach both Monday and Tuesday. It was great both days. We stayed in the shade, got Oliver into the water to cool off, and set him up in his wagon with fans. After settling down from seeing other dogs and kids, he napped while we relaxed. Carrie and I both read a lot, and I finally finished a book I’d been working on for months.

I Caught a Fish

Back at camp, we spent more time by the water. I fished again and actually caught one fish—the only one of the trip! Carrie captured the moment for me. That evening, we kept it simple with cheese and crackers for dinner and watched The Accountant 2 in bed with Oliver sleeping between us. A perfect end to the day.

Tuesday morning, we slept in a bit but aimed to get to the beach earlier since it was going to be hotter. We arrived before noon, and at one point, I took Oliver to the car to cool him off with the AC. We stayed until mid-afternoon before heading back to camp.

Wet Oliver After Swimming

 

Reading While Oliver Sleeps

Happy Boy at the Beach

More Fishing

It started to hit us that our adventure was coming to an end. We were sad knowing we’d be returning the RV on Wednesday. The experience had been amazing—waking up to coffee brewed in the RV, cooling off in the AC, and enjoying the comforts of glamping. We loved it.

Oliver by the Fire

That night, we stayed up late with the fire going, talking about our next adventure—and maybe even buying an RV someday. We finally went to bed around 2 a.m., not wanting the day to end.

Checkout time was 4 p.m., and we needed to return the RV to Gardner by then. We had a lazy morning, I fished a bit (no bites), and we slowly packed up. By mid-afternoon, everything was loaded, and we started going through the RV return checklist. It took longer than expected, so we arrived after 5 p.m., but we kept the hosts updated.

Oliver Enjoying Camping Life

If you couldn’t tell, we absolutely loved our RV camping experience. We’re not giving up tent camping, but RVing is definitely something we want to do again—and maybe even own one someday. I highly recommend the experience, and Outdoorsy made it so easy. I’m hopeful our next rental will be just as smooth.

Until next time, have a great rest of your weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

First Day Jitters, Second Day Snuggles: Oliver's Dog Hotel Story

Oliver's First Day at Dog Hotel

Last weekend, Carrie and I went to Des Moines, Iowa (see post) for the weekend and we decided to try out a new place to have Oliver stay while we were away on our trip. We are lucky to have family that is willing and able to watch Oliver when we cannot take him with us on trips. Joan and Eddie have watched him numerous times, my mom in Lawrence has watched him for extended periods, and we have tapped our friend Brenda to watch him at times too. We had been wanting to try a spot in Topeka in case of emergency or no one is available, so this was the weekend to give it a try.

We selected TLC Pet Nursing Hotel that Carrie and I had checked out about a year ago and did a tour of the facility. We liked what we saw through the walk through and wanted to give it a try with a short trip. We dropped Oliver off around 7 am on Friday, November 15. Gave directions for feeding, what he needed through the day, and confirmed contact information. 

Photo of Oliver at Dog Hotel

Oliver had a nice set up at the dog hotel with his own room, bed, and we could leave things from home with him such as his own bed, blanket, and toys. The staff would walk him a few times throughout the day and then he had a cuddle/play day too on Saturday I believe. For an extra $3 a day, we could have pictures of him shared with us which of course we paid to have available. Overall, it was rather expensive to have him stay at dog hotel and get the pictures, but worth it to know we have it as an option if the need arises.

Oliver Second Day at Dog Hotel

His first day at the dog hotel and he looked nervous in the pictures that were shared which consist of the first two pictures provided thus far. He does not look content and still wondering what is happening. By the second day, he looked a little more at home in the pictures that were shared. He still looked to be wondering what was happening, but a little more receptive to those taking care of him and ready to snuggle in for a night of sleep.

Dog hotel taking Oliver for a walk

Oliver went on walks a few times a day and it showed when we picked him up on Sunday mid-afternoon, he slept the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. I think we all went to bed early that night and he was so ready to head to bed, he ran up to the bed and was sleep by 9. 

Overall, I think it was a good experience for Oliver. They took good care of him at TLC Pet Nursing Hotel. We will keep them in mind for the future, but hoping we can continue to use family and friends to watch our little guy. We so appreciate having Oliver watched by our family/friends and keeping us updated on how he is doing while we are gone.

Thanksgiving Turkey with Pictures and my Experience

This was posted on the Big Green Egg Forum too at https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1226480/thanksgiving-turkey-with-pictures-and-my-experience.

Had a fun two days preparing for Thanksgiving. Nothing special, but did a turkey back-to-back days. I used the same process on both. A pecan seasoning we got from our local BGE store a year ago which is really good. We used it all up and I forgot to get the exact name, but I know our local store carries it, so I will go back to get some more.

Both turkeys were about 12 lbs. I did the first one on Wednesday after I got home from work. Sprinkled the pecan seasoning all over the turkey. Stuffed it with celery, carrots, and apples. Pretty simple, but it worked out well. I put it on the BGE with a raised rack. Cooked about 2.5 to 3 hours. It turned out good, but a little black on the top. No pictures from this one cook, but the meat tasted good. Nice and moist but a little black on the top.

For the second cook, yesterday, I did not use the raised grill and kept the bird down a lower. Again, this was another about 12 lb turkey and cooked it for 2.5 to 3 hours. Lower gave it a nice color on the outside. Used the same seasoning and stuffed it with everything we did the day before except for apples.... we ran out.

Pre-picture before going on the grill. Had it in a pan to catch drippings for gravy. Some onions, celery, and chicken broth in the pan. Did this for the turkey the day before too although did not keep it filled throughout the entire cook. Started it off to give a little moisture and basically to catch drippings.

Had to get a picture of my dog helping me with the lookout. He wears himself out going in and out of the house with me anytime I grill. He gets very excited each time I grab the lump to take out and start getting ready.

While it was cooking, did not open the lid at all. Let it cook and trusted the process as I have seen on here many times. Target temp was 325 which it went to immediately for this cook. In the cook the day before, I had a difficult time getting the temp up to 325. Odd how some days I go to cook and it is easy to get high temp and other days it is difficult.

I think it came off looking really good. Better than the one the day before. It had one of those temperature pop-out sticks in it. My wife pulled it before I snapped the picture. I was pleased with how it looked as a final product.

A final picture of everything on the table. Made a lot of turkey this year as we were giving it out to my family as we were social distancing and sharing food with one another. We made the turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy for us and shared it with everyone else too making plates for them and delivered on my in-laws driveway about 3:30 during the day. Ham was done by my brother-in-law and then two different kinds of dressing. I forgot we also did giblets and neck in the gravy which we had not done in a long time... it was so good!

Following dinner, we played Yahtzee and I probably had way too much to drink. It was a good day even though completely different from any other Thanksgiving, it was the first Thanksgiving that my wife and I had together with just the two of us since we were married which in a way made it special.

I wanted to share as I had not done pictures of previous turkey dinners I had cooked. Last year was the firs time I had ever done a turkey on the BGE and it turned out great, but did not take pictures or document it at all. I wanted to get this one recorded so I could reference back next year to what we did.