The event included rehearsal as well as rehearsal dinner allowing both families to meet and interact with the wedding party.
Kiehl's stand-in best man organized a perfect bachelor party at an indoor trampoline park.
The wedding was held outdoors in central LA with Temperatures reaching 104 degrees. The temp had no effect on how cool the wedding was and the beauty of the Bride. Madison was so beautiful she could easy be in Bride Magazine!
Kiehl was so happy and in love he was at risk of melting on the spot!It was a spectacular event that went off without a hitch due to all the tremendous planning that this new 'Smit Team' put in prior to their special day.
The reception and party that followed was fitting for the perfect couple on the perfect day. See the album here.
Once the wedding was over it was time for Kevin and Theresa to settle in to the activities of GVP.
The days at GVP generally involved morning coffee while walking “ZIN” ,the dog, for her morning duty. This was then followed by Kevin and Theresa grabbing the pickleball paddles (see What is Pickleball) in an effort to get in as many games as possible from 8-10AM during “open play”. Theresa would then headed to the gym to do her 30 min Beachbody workout followed by 20-40 min on cardio machines. Kevin continued playing pickleball until they both met back at the RV by noonish. On some days various local restaurants would offer pool side specials for lunch.The rest of the afternoon was consumed with visiting Theresa's mom, Kevin flying his 2 planes (1 new one he purchased and built as a 3D Acrobatic) or the drone, uploading the latest Mr. Opinion Podcast or taking care of errands or RV projects. Two Park tribute band concerts (BeeGees and Doobie Brothers) were attended and much dancing and socializing was done!
Both Kevin and Theresa participated in 2 pickleball Tournaments as well as the ladder play, they did OK but are still mediocre compared to some players. Pickleball players are ranked from 1 – 5. Both Kevin and Theresa are likely ranked at 3 to 3.5 depending on how good a day they have.
Early in November, Theresa's sister, Dorothy (a nurse, who is the primary person that takes care of her Mom) tripped and fell, in the Library where she was volunteer, breaking both arms and her kneecap! After surgery with pins, wires and a plate to hold her together she was then placed in a rehab facility for one month. Theresa stepped in by juggling with helping not only her mom but her sister as well! Dorothy made very quick progress and thank goodness was able to resume taking care of their Mom.
Kevin and Theresa celebrated their 40 year anniversary along with Kiehl and Madison's 40 day anniversary in San Diego with many of the old SDH3 friends. It was great to see everyone and catch up on the latest events and challenges in their lives!
During Dorothy's recovery time, Theresa's other sister, Carol (who lives just north of Hemet, CA) fell and broke her arm and wrenched her back! Is there a Tripping Gene in the family? Carol lucked out and did not need surgery but was in lots of pain. Thanksgiving had been planned and was held at Carol & Bobs . The Allbaugh's were in full attendance with all kids, and grandson. Kiehl and Madison came out to join in as well and all the 'kids' (they are all grown adults) pitched in to put together a wonderful thanksgiving feast!
While in Hemet the RV not only received a much needed washing and waxing (see video) but also got a few upgrades and repairs. A new flatscreen TV was purchased to replace an older model that has been custom mounted above the front dash. Kevin and Theresa took on the challenge of
a) figuring out how to get the old TV out
b) how to mount the new larger TV securely in the same spot so it would travel.
a) figuring out how to get the old TV out
b) how to mount the new larger TV securely in the same spot so it would travel.
With the help of Google, YouTube and a call to Tiffin Motors the old TV was removed with out any damage to the RV's cabinets nor any blood shed by the demo team.
A mounting arm that was recommended for an RV application was ordered online. Several mounting options were discussed and sketched as Kevin and Theresa assessed the limitations of the now empty frame in the front of the RV. With only 2 trips to Lowes for supplies, the new TV was mounted and operational!
A mounting arm that was recommended for an RV application was ordered online. Several mounting options were discussed and sketched as Kevin and Theresa assessed the limitations of the now empty frame in the front of the RV. With only 2 trips to Lowes for supplies, the new TV was mounted and operational!
The only other repair items for the RV was a leak in the Cooling system that was supposedly fixed on the arrival to CA service visit. Kevin was able to remove the defective part and plug the whole with duct tape. A call was then placed to Frieghtliner to see if there was a replacement part. It was discovered that the broken part was no longer available due to its poor design that would lead to failures (really?). A newer part made of brass vs plastic was recommended. The nearest service dealer that had the part was a 40 min drive West. The morning's Pickleball was sacrificed as the $10 part(plus a spare) was retrieved. Kevin easily installed the new part and refilled the antifreeze. No more leak and the best part was no costly service bill to fix what had already been paid for to repair. AAArrrrgggggg.
During the multi-month visit to Hemet by the Smitanic, Amazon Prime (AKA RVer's BFF) frequently made deliveries to Theresa's Mom's address suppling personal, as well as needed RV items with free 2 day shipping! Just hope it all fits in the RV for travel.
Kevin and Theresa hosted several visitors who stopped in to visit and take advantage of the resorts many amenities. Kiehl and Madison made 2 visits, fellow RVers Ron and Tracy Clanton came up from San Diego where they were camping. Long-time Hasher friends Bumps and Low Impact came up to spend a couple of days. The long time Hashers enjoyed a hike in the hills above Hemet, pickleball, and an evening outdoors grilling and soaking in the hot tub.
The evenings in Hemet were mostly chilly and even the new Big Red gas camp fire did little to take the edge off, so most gatherings gravitated to the warmth of the indoors. Many new friends also stopped by for a traditional 4pm evening Happy Hour as chairs gathered in circles outside the RV. Tails of travel, life journeys as well as RV woes and recommendations were exchanged.
Kevin and Theresa hosted several visitors who stopped in to visit and take advantage of the resorts many amenities. Kiehl and Madison made 2 visits, fellow RVers Ron and Tracy Clanton came up from San Diego where they were camping. Long-time Hasher friends Bumps and Low Impact came up to spend a couple of days. The long time Hashers enjoyed a hike in the hills above Hemet, pickleball, and an evening outdoors grilling and soaking in the hot tub.
The evenings in Hemet were mostly chilly and even the new Big Red gas camp fire did little to take the edge off, so most gatherings gravitated to the warmth of the indoors. Many new friends also stopped by for a traditional 4pm evening Happy Hour as chairs gathered in circles outside the RV. Tails of travel, life journeys as well as RV woes and recommendations were exchanged.
Christmas was spent in LA for a few days enjoying time with the newlyweds and Madison's family along with replying old family videos that Kevin had transferred from VHS to DVD.
For Kiehl's birthday in early February, Kevin and Theresa were able to drive into LA and partake in Kiehl's running of his age (35 miles) on his b-day! The tradition stems from Kevin's many years of running his age (35th to 49th birthdays). Kiehl has adopted the tradition in his own way by running his age once every 7 years since he was 7 yrs old! This year's start was at 1:30 am at the Santa Anita race trace with the finish near the Santa Monica Pier. This had Kiehl running thru the heart of LA during the very early hours of the day. Kevin, Theresa and Madison would allow Kiehl a 3 mile start then drive past him on the route to each 7 mile mark and wait with water, food, cloths and support! He finished just about 11 am and was still able to move! Kiehl honored himself in this very special way and looked great doing so. Job Well Done.
For Kiehl's birthday in early February, Kevin and Theresa were able to drive into LA and partake in Kiehl's running of his age (35 miles) on his b-day! The tradition stems from Kevin's many years of running his age (35th to 49th birthdays). Kiehl has adopted the tradition in his own way by running his age once every 7 years since he was 7 yrs old! This year's start was at 1:30 am at the Santa Anita race trace with the finish near the Santa Monica Pier. This had Kiehl running thru the heart of LA during the very early hours of the day. Kevin, Theresa and Madison would allow Kiehl a 3 mile start then drive past him on the route to each 7 mile mark and wait with water, food, cloths and support! He finished just about 11 am and was still able to move! Kiehl honored himself in this very special way and looked great doing so. Job Well Done.
After the Birthday Run the proud parents bid a-due with hugs and kisses then drove back to Hemet to pack up and begin the month long eastward journey to Florida to spend a few weeks with Kevin's mom and sister before finally heading up to home in NC.
The route to Florida had two recommended RV parks (mainly because they had lots of Pickleball) would be on the first stops on the route. One in Yuma, AZ the other in Casa Grande, AZ.
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