They can be a real pest, [you need to control them] luckily, there are not too many around here. It always amazes me how much work they can do for winter prep...gathering food, whatever is around,..nuts, any fruits & seeds, mushrooms etc...come spring, I'll be cleaning out filled nesting boxes with dried up mushrooms. [at least they make sure for the disbursing of seeds and planting the garden for you lol.] About 25 years ago when camping at Pocahontas Campgroud /Jasper, about this time of the year, these critters were chopping down white spruce cones just over the camper and littered the ground,..picked some up and grew new trees from them, got more then a hundred now about 20 foot tall.

Hey Rusty! Gas was outrageous to say the least! Most of my driving was through the campground with the exception of a trip to town about once a week! The biggest place I felt the pinch was in filling the boat! The gas price at the marina went up to $4.25! We had to pay for the gas and then pay to have it shipped into our remote area before pumping it out to our customers! Unfortunately, no employee discounts on gas! It's been a hard year or two but I think things are back on track again. So, maybe you'll start hearing from me more often again! Very interesting thought chuckwagonjack. Never really thought about what you are saying and yet I do believe you're right on! I can never understand why people would want to go camping where it's crowded and noisy. When I camp I don't want to see another person! I definitely cannot stand hearing people play their music! So, yes, I think you are right--people feel a sense of security near others or enjoy the social aspect. Even my permanent summer site (I call it "outdoor living" is not in the popular part of the campground but back in the woods and quiet! My real week of camping is when we take off in the boat and go to the water accessible only site where I nearest neighbor is a mile away!

I can certainly understand your DH's insistance on seeing a Cubs game at Wrigley Field! There are a couple of state parks maybe 40 miles or so to the north of the field. One is right on lake Michigan, just north of Waukegan, and the other is to the west maybe 18 miles. Never stayed at either one, but just heard about them from someone else who had to stop off and see a Cub game while towing their popup camper to another place! (1) Illinois Beach St.Pk. (2) Chain O'Lakes St.Pk. Might be something to think about. Dale

Hi Gram, Good for you! I think most of us know that painting is so good for us. Gives us the creative outlet we need, quiet time to mull over life's blessings and the blessings in disguise sometimes too, and we end up with a thing of "beauty". What a great "vision" you had when you saw that wedge and thought "watermelon". And you are right, the bark is perfect for the rind. Obviously that lady really enjoys them, or she would have just thrown them away instead of bringing them for a touch up. Good story, glad you shared it with us. Luvs