VitaTour 2009 comes to its end

Huntington to Portland brought us past Pendleton, The Dalles, the dams on the Columbia River and on into Portland. All beautiful sights that we have shared on previous trips. The Multnomah Falls are incredible. Rather than bore you with the same pictures, take a look at the VitaTour 2005 blog.

When we got here it was overcast (typical of the northwest). Gosh, it’s good to be back in the part of the country that doesn’t boil you from the inside out.


We were invited to a BBQ at Dina and John M’s home. We had the chance to meet a nice bunch of gals that Dina is leading to health and a new life. Most have DS or Sleeves. It was fun and, of course, great food. Dina, thank you ever so much for inviting us to your gathering. It was good seeing you and John again.

Tomorrow we head home, the last couple of hundred miles. We would much rather turn west and spend some time on the coast, but that will have to be left for another time. We do have to be home when the Gra’s come into town. If you don’t know, we have had the pleasure of hosting “Grad Weekend”. For us, this has become a tradition and has been the real end of our VitaTours.

This all started when some of the gals on the OSSG Graduate board decided on making Puyallup a meeting place to have an annual get together. Even though a few guys have come, it has been pretty much a weekend slumber party. It is a great time of friendship and encouragement.

Next year, VitaTour 2010 will be to Las Vegas. Michelle is already planning the route. One place I know we are going to for sure is the Grand Canyon. Hopefully it will all be west of the Mississippi River.

2011 the conference is to be in Florida so we will have a chance to meet up with many more folks. I am hoping to take her into New England then, but who knows……

Let me wrap up VitaTour 2009 with expressing our thanks to our sponsor Bio Tech Pharmacal for allowing us to join them in their booth this year. We also appreciate the samples we shared on the trip, provided by Allmax, Bariatric Advantage, Country Life, Continental Vitamin Co, Syntrax, Wellements, Colorado Biolabs, Pharmics and IDS.

Most importantly, Michelle and I want to thank every person and group that came out, and for the prayers that made this trip a success. Please know that these trips have been an incredible source of inspiration that carries us through the year. Every one that took the time out of their busy life to come out and let us meet them is special and is much appreciated. We wish each and every one of you health in your journey and long term weight loss success.

And of course, see ya next year.

Laramie to Huntington, OR

We stayed two nights in Laramie, WY before we finish take on the last (sob) leg of VitaTour 2009. One night was spent catching up on chores and the next day, the 4th, was to be a day off. We had dinner in a cute little local restaurant after running around town a bit, looking for a place to view the local fire works.


As we had dinner a storm came rolling in with thunder and lightning. We headed home in a down pour, even had to pull over because the wipers couldn’t keep up. We just curled up and watched a movie and hit the sack. So much for fire works, at least the public ones (I bet that gets edited out, LOL)

I did get a picture or two of this late 1920’s International Gas Transport Truck. I remember having a die cast metal of this truck when I was a kid. Wish I still had it. It’d be worth a small fortune today. But I’m sure, not as much as the real thing though.










The next morning we continued across the Wyoming plains into Rock Springs RV Park. This is a nice little RV Park which joins eras of the old and new. We spend a quiet night with our email.

Sue S sent us a message and invitation to visit her in Ogden which we happily accepted. We cross upper Utah and head north toward Ogden. There is a spot on the road indicating a view point ahead. There is some road work right now but I did manage to pull over, safely. Devil’s Slide is an amazing rock formation, making a slide between two parallel rows of jutted rock. Quite pretty with the sun light on it just right.

Sue S met us at our camp site in Ogden. She is a long time friend (M: back from our era of surgery, mid '90's ) and customer. Sue is one of many that have moved out of state from Puyallup to “never be seen again.” Well, you never know where we will turn up. She was placing an order and noticed we were going to be near by in a couple of days. See, it is almost never too late to ask to get together when we are on “Tour”. Sue, it was great seeing you again.

We were also hoping to meet up with Vicki S also and introduce the two gals. That was not to happen as Vicki had to attend to an urgent family matter. Vicki, we are sorry we didn’t get to see you this time. Are you coming up for Grad Weekend?

In the morning, we are on our way to Huntington, OR. We have stayed at the Catfish Junction RV Park before. It is a little out of the way place on the Snake River, just inside Oregon. They have chickens running loose, Billy goats penned up and who knows what else is here.

Lucy met and liked the goats. Chickens, not so much!

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Thursday night we headed off to the t.own of Weiser, ID, just 20 miles away for dinner. What a quaint town. Michelle is all dolled up to celebrate our 21st anniversary. We spotted the Golden Horse Chinese Restaurant. It proved a choice where they have good food and service. The waitress we had told us she just got married that very day. We wished her our happiness and more as she snapped our picture for us. Michelle was a little over dressed for this small community, but still looking VERY beautiful (and Very Sexy). No, I am not just prejudiced. By the way, she is the one in blue.

As we head home for a movie, I took this shot of the Snake River and the valley. What a nice view of our two neighboring states, Idaho and Oregon. Unfortunately, it is a reminder that VitaTour 2009 is nearly over. One night in Hermiston, two in Portland, then back to Puyallup. As much as we miss our staff and our cats (yes, Barney, too) we really hate the ending our trip.

I guess that brings us up to date. See you in Hermiston tomorrow.

Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum

Up early and off to the museum, which is next to the RV Park. Armed with one free admission ticket and camera we head to see a bit of “Americana”.

The 28 buildings are well arranged to spotlight different areas of interest. My main interest was the Carousel and the cars. Michelle is still reminiscing about her previous visit (1959) and wondering if she remembered any of the displays. She got glimpse of the past. (M: more like flashbacks!)

We saw a school room circa late 1800’s. It reminded her of school she attended in Alabama in 1959, but without the Confederate Flag, front and center. Wait that sounds like she went to school way back in the 1800’s. To cover her butt, she reminded me that going to school there in rural Alabama in the mid 1950’s was a lot different then what she was accustomed to in the Pacific NW.

There is a sod house, a church (still being used), farm implements, displays of anything you could think of from 1830 on. There is way too much to take in, in just the few hours we had. BUT there was the carousel, unfortunately was closed to riders. Beautiful animals to ride and to make sweet memories on. I guess we will just have to get our “room” later.




And cars, from the very early ones (1902 and 03) to mid 80’s. Most of the cars are not restored so you get the feeling they were just lifted from their period to the museum. Some are very rare and some classic, but all a reminder from less hurried times.



There are small "yard" or local area engine. Big boilers are still necessary for even smaller engines.













Can you imagine being in a passenger car being pulled across the country behind this brute of a steam engine. The drive wheels are 5‘ in diameter. Huge boilers, every thing is huge and massive.











Old Cars galore.










Classis Cars Galore














And specialty cars. This little spedster is licienced for the road, wow.








Even the original RCA Victor dog and megapone.





Without the time to wander more we head off to Cozad, NE to visit with Mike (president) and Dawn (operations) of Colorado Biolabs (Proferrin ES iron). Michelle was intent to find a way to explain how HEME iron is absorbed, and Mike was very patient and I think she got it. You know how she wants to take biochemical or medical speak and make understandable to the patients. They also got a snap shot of Bariatric surgery and why supplementation is critical for us from Michelle. They understood easily and we discussed the possible advantages of their iron for us.

We had the opportunity to view the equipment and process of making their iron. Dawn was a good guide for us and answered all of our questions. She sure knows her stuff. After the tour she came out and met Lucy (she is a dog owner, too). It is always a pleasure to visit the folks we represent and see how they run their operations. It gives us a better relationship between the bariatric community and a better understanding of the products they provide. Mike, thank you for lunch and the time you and Dawn spent with us.

After our visit to Colorado Biolabs, we continue on to Big Springs for the night. We had some lightening during the night but it was still hot and humid. The next morning we head to Laramie to spend some quiet time. On the way we got the first real rain we have seen since we left Washington n May. It sure cooled things off, down to the low 70’s. Michelle changed clothes from her shorts to warmer attire at a truck stop while I snoozed. By the time she was inlonger pants and hoodie, rain had ended, and temp was climbing in time to change right back! As you can imagine by the time we hit the next rest area, it was in the high 80’s again. She gets back into shorts just in time for us to start climbing. We cross over a 8900’ (did I read that right?) pass and it’s in the 60’s when we pull over at the Lincoln Monument Rest Area. We stopped here on the 2005 trip and found a couple of young folk and their Red Bull truck offering samples.

Continuing on to Laramie, we found a very comfortable lower temperature. We stopped at the KOA for a couple of days and to spend the 4th here. The camp sites are really cramped but level. Level is always a plus. We had dinner at the Altitude restaurant in town and had a mixed review of the meal. I had the stuffed chicken breast which was perfect and Michelle had the prime rib, not so good. But Lucy sure didn’t seem to mind the treat.

Today we vowed not to work and take the day off. Well you can see how well that worked. I am going to post the blog and take her out on the town and see what 4th of July festivities Laramie has to offer. We head off to Rock Springs tomorrow, so we’ll see ya then. (M: first we catch up on icky chores!) Well now that I broke the vow, I better cut this and post it.

Where the heck is Gretna, Nebraska

Hey, we found it (Gretna) somewhere between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska right where it has always been.

I have a warning for anyone planning on stopping at the KOA in Gretna. The entrance is a couple hundred yards west of the camp site. It is rather deceiving and at the speed it can be a bit blind and a lot dangerous. The camp grounds are well treed and you might want to watch the over head limbs.

We parked the rig and fortunately it was a level site. We dropped the landing legs, and guess what. If you read the last blog, you will be able to guess how our luck is running. Yeah, running out. Like they say "If it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all". The bolt didn’t stay in place during the journey to Gretna and the leg went limp again. I carefully gave it a try and it seemed to hold while I got truck out from under it. We had a “meet and greet” with Felicia and some of the local gals and had to have the truck available.

Once separated, we were to meet at Spiker’s Sports Bar and Grill. This is an interesting place. Good food for a grill and believe it or not, volleyball courts. I would have sworn we were on a California beach. I have never seen a setup like this before. Kinda fun with half clad guys and bikini clad gals playing volleyball in the SAND, barefooted! The sports bars in Washington they are much more sedentary. It was a bit noisy for a conversation though.

We meet with Felicia, Alicia, Linda and Deborah. Four neat ladies with a thirst for knowledge. We had fun chatting until dark and had to split up. Linda and Deborah left after getting everyone agreeing to start a local support group. How exciting, seeing virtual strangers bound by their desire to be successful weight loss surgical patients. We wish them all the best.

Felicia and Alicia came back to the camp ground for more chatting and left excited and providing Michelle and me with the renewed passion that drives us. We really appreciate the encouragement these gatherings provide us.

We woke up and took our time getting back on the road. Remember I mentioned to watch for the over head limbs, if you stay here. Once we got hitched up again, I had Michelle, outside, watching my over head and roof. It looked good as I started to swing onto the road. This is the second time on this trip, I forgot to watch the trailer’s butt end when turning wide. I made contact with the power post and tore up the plastic around the wheel well on the driver side this time. No damage to the post (fortunately) and once again, we got the worst of it. This is getting old, real fast. Oh well, if I like fixing things at home, I can now add I better like doing body work on the trailer. : (

We did finally did get on the road toward Minden. We are staying at the Pioneer Village RV Park. A cute little place that Michelle believes was a place she stayed with her parents in the 50’s on a trip from Alabama to Washington.


This is next to the Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum. This is a “Museum of Americana”. There are 28 buildings on 20 acres with working displays showing man’s progress from 1830 on. We are going to take in a couple of exhibits in the morning if she rolls my butt out of bed early. They have a big auto museum and I want to take her on the oldest steam powdered Merry-Go-round in the country. She might even get smooched on the carousel, if she isn’t careful.
From small steam powered engines with their big boilers, to large cross country engines with their 5' tall drive wheels.

Its time for bed, if she has a chance to get me up early. So meet us tomorrow at the Carousel and be ready for, all together now, “GET A ROOM YOU TWO !”

Heading home stop in Coffeyville, KS

I had this done yesterday and some how it vanished into cyberspace. So let’s see if I can recreate the perfect blog of our trip to Coffeyville, Kansas. The trip was an early start and uneventful. Once we found the RIGHT county road and let the dust settle, we did get to Carol and Ric’s ranch. Man, it was hot and very humid here just inside the Kansas border.

The Shafer’s let us drop the rig on their RV pad. Level spot, power and water. Perfect!!! We start setting up and what the heck. One of the landing legs was limp. We found that somewhere we sheered a pin and one of the legs was not functioning. Ethan, the Shafer’s son, gave me a hand and we got a replacement bolt in place and gave it a shot. It sheered immediately. We needed a high strength bolt and Ethan ran into town to save the day.

Enough of our problems. Let me tell you about this sweet couple, Carol and Ric. They have this lovely horse ranch and a couple of dogs, Reba and Bandit. Lucy felt right at home with the pooches. These doggies are perfect hostesses. Carol is so dang sweet, kinda like that perfect cowgirl, spirited and gracious (you will see it in the pictures). Ric is a real cowboy and rides in the “Cutting” arena besides holding a “real” job. I had a chance to see what Cutting was on a TV show. The rider cuts a cow from a herd and needs to keep it separated for a specific time. Easy, right? No way. Those cows wanna get back to their herd and run and turn and try to fake out the rider and his horse to get around them. It doesn’t look easy, either. Wow, what a relationship the rider needs to have with his horse.

That afternoon they hosted a potluck for her local bariatric surgeon, Dr. JoeBob Kirk and plastic surgeon, Dr. James Koehler with her support group. Of course, there was more than enough wonderful food. Ric whipped up melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork and a brisket. Dr. JoeBob discussed his new bariatric clinic and his definition of a successful weight loss patient. It isn’t just weight lost, but health and quality of life. Right on Doc!

We met Dr. Kirk at the ASMBS conference and really appreciated the chance to get to know him better in a less formal setting.

He had his marketing gal, Teesa Shouse, there as well. Michelle was showing her our book of testimony. These two gals are soooo cute.

Dr. Koehler shared what the services his accredited facility offered and some of his before and afters in a power point presentation. He understands and specializes in weight loss patients. Nice guy and worth the time to call him for a consultation when the time is right.

Michelle and Lucy took over after a break and spoke about the new information from the conference. We talked about vitamin deficiencies and how we approach turning them around. We could tell some were skeptical but all seemed to be intent on learning. Hopefully, there was some worthwhile information for you all.

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While Michelle started more one on one, I opened the Protein Bar. We had available 15 or so products available to try. We got the usual reaction, with some liking one and others liking others. Universal opinion was, “Hey, I can do this stuff!” I really enjoy seeing folks find something they can enjoy. This is so important to our long term success.

As the evening wound down, Michelle and Carol wanted more time to chat and she talked us into staying another day. It wasn’t very hard either. Seriously, these folks are so warm and friendly. If you ever have the chance to meet them, it is well worth the effort to do so. While they talked (plotted) I got the new bolt in place, said a prayer and she held. So I am thinking, just like Michelle always says, “My guy can fix anything!” Hey Ethan, I really appreciate your help. Who says teen age boys are a pain? Most likely it came from the parents of teen age girls. Ric, you and Carol are teaching him right.

We slept in a bit and were greeted by the birth of Bandit’s eight puppies. Carol was back counting months on her fingers and said, “Oops.” Shoot, Ric and Carol didn’t know they were gonna be grandparents. Bandit gave birth early in the morning. She was happy to have Lucy and Reba lend a hand, as she sure didn’t know what to do with these squirmy little creatures. They are so cute, too. Reba is bossy and allotted us each so much viewing time. No one made any effort to touch, Reba decided when enough eyeball time was spent and gently lead us away from the little doghouse!

We got caught up a bit on some work and had a chance to see Ric working one of his horses. That man looks right in a saddle. By the way, they both had weight loss surgery and look wonderful and healthy. Keep it up guys, your grand-puppies are gonna need you around.

We said our good byes that night, because we have to mosey on to Nebraska tomorrow. I guess we will see ya there.

O yeah, I said earlier that I would show you the sassy side of our hostess. HEHEHE Didn't Think I do it did you Carol. A big Western hug to you and Ric. We really had a great time and thank you again for your hospitality.

Grapevine (DFW) Conference time

Yes we are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Like Phoenix there are like 25 cities with in local area. Each is centered around major cities with some of the cutest smaller locals nestled into every available acre. Here in Grapevine we have had to make local runs and with each we seem to cross into a new jurisdiction. (M: in the tourist booklet, there was a coupon for 20% of at a tourist joint that offered... you guessed it.. CROCS! none I could use but I got a deal on my Croc butter)

Grapevine is a beautiful city with Lake Grapevine which is between the Grapevine Campground RV Park and the Gaylord Texan, where the conference was held. It was so handy being a mile and a half between the RV and the hotel. Yes, I did need to run back and forth several times for things we forgot or didn’t think we would need. Petsmart, WalMart and all he places we met with groups were within 2 miles, except one. Perfect.





We arrived several days early to settle in and prepare for the conference. This also gave us time to collect some mail that we had forwarded to Hayley. She came out and met us at one of the many malls in the area. Here she is trying to look petite like Michelle, but her legs did give her away. (M: I felt like her lil walking stick or something. Tall, thin, gorgeous, with that big ol' Texas smile!)




The next day (Friday) we met up with Paul P at the Cracker Barrel. We met Jeriline, Esther, Val and Rick and Karen and a camera shy Paul. We had a great meal (Cracker Barrel is one of Michelle’s favorites) and spent time sharing stories and enlightening Jeriline & Esther as to what post op life was like. I hope we didn’t scare you too much.












Paul was so worried that the lack of the number of those coming out to meet us would be a disappointment. Trust me, it is never disappointing to us when even one person comes out. The more the merier, yes, but if only one comes out, it is always an inspiration and encouragement for us. Paul, a very sincere, “Thank you”.



Monday, we met with Hayley again and a group of crazies. Wow, we had a ball …. I hope the pre-ops didn’t get scared away.

















I don’t think Hayley’s surgery caused her to be a goofy as she is. It must be a natural state for her. I was so impressed with the success I saw around the table. I’m not talking about just the Texas beauties, but the health these gals have and show.










Terry and Hayley measuring up to Michelle. Hey just because she is vertically challenged, doesn't mean she isn't as cute as a bug.







That evening we were invited to a dinner/birthday party for Dr Marchesini. For those who haven’t had the pleasure to meet him, he is a wonderful surgeon offering bariatric surgery in Brazil. We met him last year and have become a fan ever since.




His wife, Ilvira and daughter Simone joined him on this trip to the states. Michelle has been given a year to become conversant in Portugese so they can go shopping next year. I think eliminating the language barrier would open a warm relationship between our two beautiful wives. Turning them loose in a mall might be hazardous to our finances. Simone and Dr M who have good English skills and did a lot of inturpeting. (M: I taught her critical language skills: shopping, mall, Crocs - she knew that one-, CUTE EARRINGS! Cute SHOES! She taught me: shopping, shoes. The very basics.)

Unfortunately, I had to leave a bit early so didn’t get as many pictures as I hoped to get. I would love to record and share the love and respect Dr Marchesini and his patients share. I wasn’t feeling too well so the few pictures I was able to get were a bit fuzzy, so don’t adjust your monitors. It was an honor to be included with his patients to celebrate his birthday. Thank you ever so much.

Ranger, TX and beyond

Yes, we have made it to Grapevine. But to get here we have had to find out first hand that some of the most inconsiderate drivers are in Texas, even in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Regardless of the latest reports on the news, the rude drivers have out-of-state plates. I won’t say what state they were from, but it wasn’t Washington.

I have to clarify, that I didn’t forget the most important part of our detour west of El Paso, as someone else indicated in my last report… I figured many of you were getting tired if “Croc-a-holic Stories”. In my own defense, I did turn around and went ALL THE WAY BACK to the outlet stores, WITHOUT being threatened, bribed or beaten. I even gave her free rein while I ran for fuel, and a Diet Coke. Lucy and I waited it the VERY HOT truck for my beloved to return, Crocs in hand. Come on, someone take my side here ! I am feeling out numbered.

We arrived in Ranger only a few pounds heavier from some recent purchases. It is really strange, but with each stop we have made, Michelle has been able to “create” a new Croc-a-holic. She should be on retainer with ‘em. By the way, I think the web site is Crocs-R-us.com. (M: that’d be my personal stash)

I don’t remember anything exciting happening in Ranger and left without incident. (M: we parked, we slept, we left. If we’re not going to have fun meeting people, that’s just how we like ‘em!) Unfortunately Susan H wasn’t able to meet up with us, but perhaps next time we are in town. Sorry we missed you, Susan.

The next day we head off to Grapevine, our destination and site of the 2009 Annual ASMBS Conference. On our way we stopped in Weatherford, for lunch with Sophie. What a nice lunch place, at the Petro truck stop on the highway. Food and company was a welcome respite. The girls look like they could be sisters. Hey Sophie, it was great meeting you, even if I called you Stephanie at first. Michelle does her best to get names straight, but you have to excuse the “old-himers” disease. (M: thanks for the peach hint!)

We took on fuel and Michelle talked me into weighing the rig. Sure was glad to see we were still within the weight limits of the Dodge. Seeing another Crocs Outlet store might push beyond the limits though. (M: he he he! I haven’t warned him about BigLots yet!) (D: me afraid, ME? Never and I hope I can get this posted before she sees this.)

We pulled into Grapevine and were so taken by the Resort-like feeling here. The Vineyards Campground has park-like sites, with a lot of room. The hosts are so sweet. We had to move after the first day (we knew this in advance). We have a better view of Grapevine Lake, but less shade. We have ducks for neighbors. They are much more considerate neighbors than the rooster that woke me up a few days ago. We would definitely recommend if you need a place to stop with your RV, this is one nice spot.

Well, we have to get ready for the conference, packing up give-a-ways, packing to move into the hotel, getting Lucy enrolled in doggie school at the local Pet Mart and to make sure you know whos has pefect nails.

As I look over this trip thus far, it has been very enjoyable and much less troublesome than last year. The only problem we have had was my misjudging a turn at a narrow entry and taking out a gate at an earlier park. The owner was wonderful and took care of the damage I brought to is property. Unfortunately I think we got the worst of it. Luckily, nothing to slow us down, but I have some work ahead of me when we get home.

Fuel has been under $2.59/gallon and we are averaging 9.8 mpg. It is still not what I was hoping for. There is a clock in the truck that keeps record of the time the truck is running and the total miles of a trip. I figure we have been averaging 33.5 mile per hour with over 104 hours running time. Considering the traffic accident back in Arizona and keeping the truck running to keep Lucy and me cool while Michelle was in the outlet stores, a lot of time is added with no miles.

Well, looks like the next report will be from the conference. See ya there. (M: and maybe a few meet ‘n greets!)