Kilkenny

The next day we were introduced to hurling, a popular sport in Ireland.  We visited one of the remaining hurling stick makers.  They are having trouble getting ash wood because of the ash borer.  We watched him from start to finish make a hurling stick.  It is indeed a dying skill.

Our day included lunch where your choice was beef pie with mashed potatoes on top, potato pancake with toppings or potato soup.  Ted had three creme brûlée’s - his own, Dave’s and the bus drivers.  That’s Ted!  No white potatoes unless they are french fries or as they say, chips!

We were to walk through the sprawling grounds of Kilkenny Castle but the weather was cold and nasty so we all went back to the hotel for a much needed rest.  That evening we went to an Italian restaurant so Ted could have spaghetti!

Kilkenny

We left Dublin and traveled on to Kilkenny.  On the way we stopped at Glendalough Abbey ruins.  Then we traveled to Avoca Handweavers.  There were beautiful things but we just don’t buy much wool to wear here in Houston.  But it was interesting to see the hand and automated weaving,  

That night we had an included dinner at our hotel.

Bear With Me

The next day we were given a tour of the city ending up at Trinity College to see the library and Book of Kells.  We actually saw a replica since the real one was removed for some work on it.  Luckily we had seen the real one in 2016.  Our afternoon was free so we visited Christ Church and the Viking Museum.  That evening we went to an Irish dinner and show.  Between the wine, Guinness, Jameson whiskey and Irish coffee no one was feeling any pain on the ride home.

Dublin, Ireland

I know!  I know!  I know!  I have been terribly remiss in keeping up with my blog.  If you follow me on Facebook, I kept you pretty much up to date.  

We flew from 5:30 pm until about 11 am (6 hour time change), changing planes at Heathrow in London.  However, my bag was still in Houston!  Luckily I had packed a toothbrush, my hairbrush and a change of clothes so after sleeping in Ted’s T shirt, I survived until after dinner the second day.  After checking in we met up with all who had arrived and took a walk to get our bearings.  We stopped in not one, but two pubs.  

After our return, there was a meet and greet so we 12 met the other 14 passengers. It was a great group.  We all got along, were always on time, and everyone remained flexible and agreeable.  

The Astros Are Back!

Praise the Lord, our boys are back in business.  And might I mention my "boyfriend" Alex Bregman hit a grand slam home run.  He was struggling something fierce.  This should boost his confidence and help bring home a Series win.  And they will finish the series, one way or another, back in Houston.

Friday evening was theater night so I invited a widowed friend to be my plus one since Ted was still in San Antonio.  We met four others for dinner and then enjoyed a great performance of Lend Me A Tenor.  I knew nothing of it but it was a rousing comedy that had everyone laughing all evening.  It was a nice night out for both me and Laura.

I packed all my clothes for our trip.  Since it will be in the 50s and probably rainy I have a rain hat, poncho, warm hat, gloves, scarves, windbreaker, down jacket, raincoat, umbrellas and boots!  Then slacks and sweaters.  I didn’t pick this date but it is what it is!  I just hope the rain is minimal.

Saturday sent my head spinning.  First I received a Message asking us to consider going to Cancun with my sister’s family in May.  That sounded good if Ted agreed, and he did.  It is an adults only, all inclusive resort and we have a swim up room with a butler!  Then they asked us if we wanted to join them in Sanibel in September where they are renting a house and my brother may be at his Ft. Myers condo.  Then Gerre called to say Mike was going to send us info on a trip to the Holy Land in October.  We already committed to a Fall New England tour with Tom and Eileen and Ted wants to go to Michigan for my 75th birthday and Cece’s 1st birthday.  I have much to consider.

I went to church and out to eat with Terry and Carol and then came home to watch the awesome 4th game of the World Series!

I straightened up the small area of the house I can use and cleaned our bathroom good, did a load of laundry, ran to the grocery then put ribs in the oven for dinner when Ted arrived home. He got in about 3:00.  We ate dinner and he left for church before 6:00 since he didn’t have a chance after shooting and before leaving.  I had sent info on 3 local churches for 10:00, 10:30 and 10:45 but it was about 11 when he did his last competition so he just came home knowing he could go in the evening.

The rest of the week went down hill.  I started with a cold right after my flu shot and it eventually settled in my chest.  Monday we just dealt with all the stuff sitting around and Ted started getting his things together.  He called the carpet place and they confirmed our 10 am installation for Tuesday.

They had given us a 10-12 window so at 11:55 am while driving to the thrift store for a 2 hour shift, I called to ask what was up.  They called me back saying they were delayed due to weather!  There was no "weather" where I was so I confirmed 2:00.  The weather did hit our area later and we were all sent home when the ditches were filling, the bathroom floor was flooded and they were concerned we would all get stuck in a flooded parking lot.

At 2:00 I called again.  And 3:00!  They arrived at 3:30!  The amazing thing is despite already being one week late, I had to keep making the phone calls instead of them keeping ME the customer advised as if my time meant nothing!  The carpet and installation went fine but it was 8:30 before they finished.  The bad part was they emptied office drawers and shelves to minimize weight and just stacked it all over the place so we spent hours going through it all, disposing of what was no longer needed and organizing and filing what was.

By Wednesday morning I had most everything put back except for the china cabinet.  After returning from getting haircuts, Judy came over and together she cleaned the glass and mirrors in the china cabinet while I brought all the dishes and things from the kitchen table to the dining room table.  Finally, we got it all done.

Thursday I had a 6 month doctor appointment, blood work, a quick lunch by myself and then off to play cards and I won!  I had good cards every hand.  That hardly ever happens.  My Dime purse is full.

We went to Mass at 6:45 for All Saints Day.  We could have gone Friday but I really wanted a day of nothing on the agenda but then I remembered I had to get weighed.

Friday I had my “to do” list handy and took off to get weighed in. I was still under goal so I was happy about that.  I proceeded to Kohl’s to get Cuddle Duds for my trip.  Unfortunately I only bought the top.  I didn’t notice they had tops,  bottoms and sets.  I also found a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jean capris.  Regular price for both items was $82 and I only paid $28!  I can never quite figure out all their discounts at Kohl’s but I took it!

From there I went to Walmart for my two prescriptions.  I hit the donut hole so my Eliquis was $300+ and the first of the year I have a $365 deductible.  I have 3 months supply at home so I told them I wasn’t going to get the Eliquis and will come back after 1/1.  That should push me back a month or two and hopefully avoid the donut hole next year.  I thought it was going away!

I had a free birthday lunch card from Chick restaurant so I had lunch on them.  The last thing on my list was download two books to my Kindle so I did that as soon as I got home.

We leave late this afternoon for Ireland.  I hope the weather isn’t too bad.  But if it is, I am prepared!



     

Well This Week Is Going Down Hill

Monday Irene and I decided to go to the Premium Outlets to Chico’s with me driving.  Somewhere that morning I got Katy Mill Mall in my head and drove all the way to there before I realized what I had done.  It is twice as far away as the other mall.  Irene kept saying "this doesn’t look right."  We had a good laugh, turned around and headed to the right mall!  It had rained hard all night and into the morning but the sun came out, the temperature was fine and we both did a good bit of shopping.  We stopped for a quick lunch in between.

Judy couldn’t go downtown on Tuesday so I was home and we made that trip on Wednesday.  Irene gave us the address for the upholsterer but it was a digit off and it took us a few minutes to figure out where the shop was.  Good thing I had been there several times with her so I knew some landmarks!

Albert was a great help in explaining to Judy how he would rebuild the back cushion and told us 8 yards of fabric.  We went across the street to the fabric store and eventually chose a fabric.  I thought one color "Gold" looked better with her valance material but she was really drawn to the other "Taupe." To me the Taupe looked winter white and grey while the Gold looked beige and pale gold.  She sent her husband a picture and he chose the Gold too.  Once she got home with the samples she wrote we had chosen the right color with the Gold!  Good thing too because that was what we purchased and carried back across the street to Albert’s shop.  We ate at Panera’s and I came home and took a nap, something I seldom do.

By Thursday I had EVERYTHING out of the sitting area, office and dining room.  I mean EVERYTHING.  The second couch, coffee table, in front of the fireplace, kitchen table, sideboard, queen bed and dresser in the guest room are covered with stuff from the china cabinet, bookcases, table tops, etc.  Only my couch and the double recliner were empty for sitting to do anything!  I was expecting them between 10 and 12.  I wanted this done while Ted was gone and before we left for Ireland.

A little before 10 they called to say the carpeting was not in when they went to pick it up!  How does a factory, delivery service or end user not follow the transit of things?  I am not sure what to believe but she said it was still in production in Dalton GA and they could probably install 11/8! Even if I went in and picked out something else that was in stock, it still had to come from Dalton, GA.  I called Irene and she told me to tell them to just proceed and when it arrived she would come over and oversee the installation AND put all my dishes away.  So I was busy writing instructions to help Irene when about 3:00 I got a call that they can do it Tuesday, 10/29.  Hmmm!  I am supposed to work 12-2  so Ted will have to stay here.  Since he won’t be home until Sunday afternoon, his having to live in this clutter will be minimal.  I hope he appreciates all the work and aggravation I saved him from!

I am not even going to mention the Astros!  Someone from outer space must have kidnapped our team and left these look alikes here to replace them.  I turned them off last night!

And the Astros Are Going to the World Series!

On Tuesday a second fellow came to measure for my carpeting.  After the first one said my $2200 estimate went to $4000 and it could be done the first week in November when I told him it was by 10/30 or it wasn’t going to happen, I chucked that store.

I went to an Independent who was much better to deal with.  The new carpeting goes in this Thursday for $1900.  Now the fun of emptying the bookcases, china cabinet and all the stuff sitting on top begins.  I am not sure where to go with all of it!

Wednesday was our Newcomers luncheon.  They had a program on safety but it was too long.  They tried to squeeze too much in.  It is a shame our society has come to this but my biggest takeaway was  if you are ever in an active shooter situation, when help arrives come out with your hands empty and up.  They don’t know who is who and you may even get handcuffed.  Deal with it.  They are as anxious as you so you want to minimize their stress.  I hope to never have to use that info!

I met Gerre for our birthday lunch on Thursday. They are a day apart so we just go out together and pay our own bill.  Otherwise we would have to go out twice!   We spent 2.5 hours at Outback Steakhouse catching up.  From there I went to sign the contract for the carpeting installation.

I had a few plans for Friday, none of which happened because of not feeling well and car trouble.  Judy was to drive us to the upholsterer but her car wouldn’t start and had to be towed.  I was coming down with a cold and wasn’t much up to driving into Houston.  I could also have gone to a Forum meeting at the new offices but that didn’t happen either.

By Saturday I was really under the weather.  I didn’t do much of anything but I did start emptying stuff for the upcoming furniture move for the carpet.  I would do a little then rest.  Ted was helping so we got the sitting room bookcases all emptied and tops of things cleared.  I didn’t go to church with him and he came home right after bringing dinner that I couldn’t taste anyway.

It is Sunday and Ted is already gone to San Antonio to shoot in the National Sporting Clays tournaments.  My brother Dan and Sue have arrived from Ohio and he will meet up with them.  I hadn’t planned to go anyway so getting sick didn’t change any plans.  I only have a cold and even though I feel crappy there is no reason for him to miss the biggest outing of the year.  I have plenty of time to finish up unloading and I can stack stuff all over the place because “the bull” has left the china shop!  By the time he returns, all will be back where it belongs.

Still Hangin’ With the Astros!

We had a pretty quiet weekend, not doing much.  The highlight of Saturday was me slicing off the side of my pinky on the mandolin while slicing cucumbers.  With the Eliquis I bled like a stuck pig but kept pressure on it until we could get it bandaged.  After all we had church, eating and cards to play.

We had a great experience at Wendy’s.  We were the ONLY people in the restaurant.  They were out of chili, they made Ted’s "plain double cheeseburger" with all the fixings.  Ted wants nothing on his burger and told them!  So he waited again.  They brought that and no one had dropped any French fries so we waited some more.  I walked over to see what the problem was and she was crediting our card for the whole order!  Geesh!  So much for grabbing a "quick" bite.

Only four couples came to play cards.  We kept the TV on to track the Astros game.  It wasn’t a fun one to watch.  After 5 out of 6 hands I remained in first place with only 15 points.  Then Pam got a Shanghai and I had 152 points in my hand and I dropped to third place!  Darn.

Sunday we went to WalMart to get a tentanus shot for me and a flu shot for Ted.  I had gotten my flu shot on Tuesday.  They had asked if I wanted a tetanus shot then but I didn’t want two at the same time in case I had any reactions.  Neither ended up bothering me.

We finally got a good rain on Monday while I was at Canasta.  There were 12 of us playing.  I did not win, of course.  This is the group where I am always in the middle!  I told them I would not be there in November.

Here are some photos of Cece!

Oh Those Astros!

After church on Saturday we went through the Chik Fil A drive thru. I just wanted to go home and take it easy.  After Ted went shooting on Sunday we saw the movie Judy, the story of Judy Garland’s last days.  What a terrible childhood she had (in flashbacks) and her decline into pills and booze at the end. She was only 47 when she died. So sad!  We hardly ever go to the movies and recently have gone twice.

I met Irene Monday at a local carpet store and brought home four samples and we picked one out.  They agreed to come measure on Tuesday which they did. He said he would call me with an actual amount. 

I played cards on Tuesday and guess what? I did not win. Ted had an eye doctor appointment to check his pressure and all is good.

We had our neighbor birthday luncheon on Thursday and 11 were in attendance. With our lunch we had cupcakes, cards and candies supplied by Jeanette and I brought everyone a milk chocolate Dove bar because it is my Birthday month.

While there, the rug guy called and his price had gone from $2400 to $4000!  And he paid no attention to what I said about when this could be done so I told him to just forget it.

After lunch I went to another smaller store with twice the rating as the other establishment. I brought home 8 samples, chose one, set up a time to measure and was given a price more in the $2000 range. If that holds and they can do it all in my timeframe, it will be a go!

So another birthday week for us is in the books. Ted enjoyed his group at Perry’s, we had a good time at the country club as guests of Terry and Carol and my ladies luncheon was a lot of fun.

Cecilia Kade Acosta (Cece) born 10/4/2019

Welcome October

It is fall.  In Texas that is just like summer ... but with pumpkins!

I cleaned the furniture and things on the deck and had the same black cleaning rags as I get with the front door!  Then I put out my fall/orange/Halloween decorations and bought mums for the wheelbarrow in the side yard.  I am not a big decorator, just a few things here and there.

Tuesday I worked at the Thrift Shop.  Only three of us were there and frankly I think we got more accomplished than when we have more workers.  Of course by the time new donations come in, the bins refill so the next day’s crew had plenty to work on I’m sure.

I mentioned a possible big dental bill recently but we determined my partial apparently was not seated correctly and after suffering one day, the next morning after removing, cleaning and reinserting it, I was fine.  The dentist said my bridge was getting loose, they cleaned and xrayed my teeth and sent me on my way,  Then Monday when I removed it, my bridge came with it.  Now the dentist could see what was going on underneath and determine a course of action.
They gave me an appointment for first thing Wednesday morning.  After xraying the anchor teeth for the bridge, the condition of the bridge, etc., he determined it could be re-cemented in with the caveat that there was no guarantee about how long it would last.  So that’s what he did.  So far, so good!
We both got haircuts in the afternoon and had dinner at an old establishment, Mel’s.  It is the place Enron whistleblower Sharon Watson met with Barbara Walters for an interview.  Not a place the media would think to look!

After almost a year’s absence I attended the Continental Breakfast hosted by Newcomers.  I am making a concerted effort to attend what I can while home.  It is just a matter of putting things on the calendar, signing up, or making a reservation, if necessary.  It was a wonderful event, held in a gorgeous home, decorated to the nines!  Fabulous food too though I ate just a few bites of each thing.
Then it was a lazy afternoon.  Getting all dressed up and then home by noon sort of throws my "starter" off.

We received word that Ally was going to the hospital but in the end was sent home.  Today is my 74th birthday and just maybe little Cece Acosta will be my second best birthday gift ever, behind my engagement ring for my 18th birthday! Without that ring, none of the "rest of the story" would be playing out.

Friday was a long day.  I cleaned the whole house except for our bathroom which I promised myself I would do on Saturday.  Ally was to be induced at 3:00 when she was due to check back into the hospital.  I watched the clock from 3:00 on and finally got ready to attend a birthday get together for me at the country club, compliments of Terry and Carol.  We were joined by five other friends.  There were gifts and cards with a gorgeous cake for me and Jack who had a birthday recently.
It got later and later but not much progress was being made at the hospital.  A sonogram revealed the cord over the cervix beneath the babies head.  The decision was to do a C section before the waters broke which would put more pressure on the placenta.  We left for home and almost immediately got the news that she was being prepped for surgery.  It seemed to me to take a long time but at 10:20 she was successfully delivered.  What a relief and now we have the same birthday!

Here are our cards, flowers and balloons in celebration of our birthdays!  And two of Cecilia Kade Acosta, known as Cece!

How ‘Bout Them Astros

On to the playoffs!  So many records, both team and individuals, were attained this year.  Crossing my fingers they keep up their momentum!

Photos

Another Week in the Books

We went to church Saturday and then to our favorite Mexican restaurant with Terry and Carol.  I knew I had to get weighed in one day this week so I had pollo primavera surrounded by fresh fruit.  I don’t have a clue what I did Sunday or Monday other than normal things around the house.

Tuesday afternoon I worked at the Thrift Shop and then we went to see Downton Abbey and to Grub to eat.  I had my nails done Wednesday, got weighed Thursday morning and played cards in the afternoon and came in second.  I won $14!  When I got weighed, it was my one year anniversary of reaching Lifetime Goal.  I have been within 3-5 pounds below goal all year.  It still feels good!

Ted’s 75th Birthday was Friday.  He shot in a registered shoot in Huntsville as his choice of how he wanted to spend his day.  He came in second in Main in his class and first in 20 gauge in his class.  I made a peach cobbler for him and we had that after dinner.  The kids sent him a Weathertec seat cover for the driver’s seat in the truck.  The leather is cracking but it has seen many miles and the seat shows it.  They also sent LED flares and triangles to keep in the trailer.  Our 3 hour wait on I-40 in June to have a tire change prompted these gifts.  

Our mail delivery has been compromised with the collapse of the roof of the Houston USPS distributing center during Imelda.  It has been a week and we finally got some mail today.  I am keeping an eye out for my estimated income tax check to clear.  I have no idea how long it sat in the box before getting picked up.  It was late to begin with!  

After Mass on Saturday we went to Perry’s Steakhouse to surprise Ted with a group of friends in a party room to celebrate his birthday.  He was presented with gifts, balloons and a cake to go with his 7 finger pork chop dinner,  his favorite Perry’s entree.  



A Week in Florida

Sunday morning Ted took me to the airport and dropped me off.  Because I had an Economy ticket I was not allowed a carry on.  The $30 each way for the bag needs to be included in your price so it may or may not be as economical as it sounds initially.  But I must say, after the free bags on Delta allowing us to traverse the Atlanta airport unencumbered and only having my purse this time, was nice!

Kristin picked me up and we made a stop at the grocery for ingredients for a few dinners.  She made tomato bisque soup from scratch that was really good accompanied by grilled cheese and the next day I put a pot roast in the crockpot with vegetables for dinner the next day.  It all turned out great and we ate on it for a few days.  In the evenings we binge watched Call the Midwife on Netflix.

Our biggest project was her husband’s photo room.  He was away for the week so we took the bull by the horns and whipped it into shape.  We mailed boxes and envelopes galore of photos to his family members, sorted everything and put like things in containers so it will be easy to locate whatever he is looking for and his good cameras and lenses now have a secure place to sit.  He will be surprised when he gets back!

We had a nice visit and when it was time to go home, Imelda caused havoc all over Houston and especially the airport!  My Friday morning flight was canceled and the best I could do was a Standby ticket on a 2 pm flight.  Upon arrival I was #5 on the list.  The lady said I wouldn't make it, nor the 3:30 one.  I sat down and brought up the email they sent advising me of what to do to rebook.  It said my standby was confirmed.  I showed it to the lady who said that was the flight not my seat.  It said 38B so I clicked Get Boarding Pass and up it popped.  I showed that to her and she became indignant!  She wanted to know who sent me that.  I told her United!  She asked if I paid $75 and I said no.  She said her job was not to question and she printed out a boarding pass reluctantly though I could have used the one on my phone.  I wasn’t sure she would believe my friend and I prayed I would get on!

We arrived home with just enough time to empty my suitcase and put on lipstick when John and Vivienne arrived.  The four of us had dinner at Joe’s and then went to the theater to see Mama Mia!  It was terrific.  We saw it at the Hobby Theater in Houston and the movie on the big outside screen of a cruise ship but I really enjoyed this one best!

We will go to church tonight and maybe out to eat.  Tomorrow Ted is working a sanctioned shoot and I will catch up on things around here.  I did three loads of laundry today so I am that far ahead!

Stupid Astros!

Well I shouldn’t have bragged on those boys because the next night it was 21 to 7 the other way!  I swear it was like watching T-ball.  Our runs were lots of homers.  The A’s were getting them one single at a time coupled with lousy fielding.  Like T-ball!  I finally made Ted turn it off.  

Tuesday I played cards again, a glutton for punishment, and lost!  We only play in these groups for $1 so it is solely just for socializing.  And we have lunch!  One gal was celebrating her birthday and bought an order of beignets for each table.  Such a nice touch!

I came home and made deviled eggs for Wednesday’s funeral lunch.  It was a small group, about 30, so there were only four workers.  I knew two of the other ladies so we had a nice visit while working.  Despite the smaller group, all my deviled eggs were gone.  One lady in particular REALLY liked them and came to the table three times just for more eggs.  

I brought home a tablecloth to launder and stopped at Kroger’s to buy salsa, chips, pretzels and mayo they need for another funeral on Friday.  In fact there are two funerals but only one has requested a reception.   I’ll drop off the things but don’t plan to work since our Saturday is busy all day and evening.  I leave Sunday morning for Florida and I need Friday to pack and get the house ready for my absence.  

Our neighborhood birthday lunch was on Thursday.  It was my first time since June to attend.  There were 9 of us and we ate at House of Pies.  Hard as it was, I did not eat any coconut cream pie; just my grilled chicken sandwich and fruit!  Three have husbands that need constant care, one has just recovered from a broken pubic bone, one needs a hip replacement but won’t get it done because she is terrified of surgery, four of us our still kicking pretty well unencumbered.  It reminds me to count my blessings in prayer each morning and night.  

Go Astros!

We had a productive weekend getting little jobs done around the house.  But we have watched the Astros most everyday.  Their bats have been hot lately and they are in great shape to get in the playoffs.  Another World Series win will give lots of folks free mattresses from Gallery Furniture compliments of Mattress Mac, Houston's greatest philanthropist.

We caulked the shower floor where the tiles meet the pebble floor and cleaned and sealed the granite counters.  It has been a year and this is what we were told to do.  I cleaned our front door and once again had black rags when I was finished.  The mold here is a real problem.  It is a dark wood door so it doesn’t show up a lot but looks so much better all clean and shiny.  We have had it refinished once in 16 years so this teak cleaner really helps to protect the finish.

We went to Mass and to the Mexican restaurant on Saturday as usual.  Sunday Ted went shooting and I went through my Stamping Up supplies to give to our friend Sandy.  She does crafts and the whole bin is just taking up space in my hall closet.  Then I sat down with boxes of greetings cards and made sure they all had envelopes, separated them by occasion and threw away the rest.  Like I said, just little things got done that needed to be.

Monday I played cards at Michele’s and saw her new house for the first time.  Impressive!  I could live in their master closet.  I don’t understand such a large home for two people but to each their own.  She has remarried and they wanted their house as opposed to his or hers.  They made a beautiful choice and I wish them happiness.  I lost at cards, again!

I hurried home and Jody was parked in front of my house waiting for me to go to Newcomers Happy Hour.  Between traveling and my Forum work I have not been out in this group much.  Since I am home for awhile I decided I should make the effort to see people.  I had a great time, saw some old friends and met some new ones.  And I always enjoy time with Jody.  She ordered a Chardonnay and I ordered a Moscato.  We were served opposite and I said this isn’t the best Moscato I ever had and she said hers was real sweet.  Lightbulb went off!  We switched glasses and all was ok!

When I got home Ted was switching between Astros and Texans but we settled on baseball and saw the 15-0 rout of the Oakland A’s.  The playoff magic numbers is 8!



 

Paying the Piper

We spent the night in Corsicana and made our way home a little before noon.  We had emptied the refrigerator and left the doors open so it would dry out.  The rest of our things we put in the back seat of the truck.  That way we only had to put it back in storage, open the refrigerator door and head home.  This works for short trips when we don’t take a lot of food or clothes.  It saves us from paying for a night before and after the trip too.

Ted went back out to the grocery while I put the few things we had brought back away.  By the time he had returned I had a migraine started probably because I had not eaten anything.  By mid afternoon I had a migraine like I haven’t had in a long time.  It sent me to the bathroom several times and left Ted with a my trash can to deal with.  By early evening it had finally let up and he fixed me some tea and toast.

It is Friday and I have been fine after getting a good night’s sleep.  Ted never makes jokes about his wife “having a headache” because he has seen how debilitating they are.  He dreads them as much as I do though they are very infrequent now.

Ted was scheduled to shoot Friday but was hesitant to go if I needed him to stay home.  I assured him I was fine so he went.  There was lots to do around the house.  I cleaned, I did some paperwork and phone calls, emptied the dishwasher and did two loads of laundry.  Another stop at HEB and Home Depot and he came home and made dinner.  We had fallen asleep during the 13 inning Astros game Thursday so neither of us knew who won (Astros).  We spent Friday watching them again.  We will have a quiet weekend before next week starts off another season of being home and staying busy.

Photos First

We spent the night in the trailer and were up and ready for them to take it inside at 7 am.  We had coffee up in the office then went to a bakery for a roll and more coffee waiting for the Route 66 museum to open.  It was an impressive complex and we enjoyed revisiting the many stops we have made on the "mother road."  We have certainly not driven the entire 2200+ miles but have snaked across it in several states.
We  enjoyed our time there and then came back to Rolling Retreats.  About 3:30 they said it was ready but we could stay the night if we wanted.  It would take us until 6:30 to get back to Wichita Falls and would put us in Fort Worth morning traffic so we opted to wait.
We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and then came back for one more night here on Old Route 66.
These photos are things that caught our eye in the museum.  A welded horseshoe Christmas tree and globe for my mounted park police niece Sherry, Farmall tractors for our friend John,Ted at the entrance, Ted in a 1959 Chevy at the drive in watching "Creature From the Black Lagoon," and a map shaped like Oklahoma using logos from many famous spots along Route 66.
I am not sure what order these photos are in because they show up wherever and whenever they want!

Trip to Elk City, Oklahoma

We were only home three days when we left for Elk City, Oklahoma.  We were fulfilling the prophesy "Camping, where you spend a fortune to live like you’re homeless." 

When we were in Nashville we bought four new tires, then in Indiana we had some repairs and maintenance issues taken care of as planned only to learn we had a floor problem with our bedroom slide.  Water intrusion they said.  We did not have time to have it fixed then so we came home and made an appointment with Rolling Retreats, one of the best repair places in the nation.  The only day available was Tuesday after Labor Day.  We drove to Wichita Falls, TX Sunday night and then on to Elk City on Monday.

We parked in our designated spot and then talked to both Slade and Alicia who own this business.  They guaranteed us we would be completely fixed up and changes made that the RV will be maintenance free and worth more than it is today because of this work.

We did stop at a rest area and took this photo of a buffalo!

More Photos (stupid blog won’t let me move down)

The “girls.”

Now the cursor moves to the left!  Oh well.  Ted teaching Texas Hold ‘Em with Gus, his son Dennis and the three boys Ethan, Isaac and Peter.

Ted and Marilyn in Savannah.

A beautiful very old live oak in Johnson square.

Photos

Not in the right order but here goes!  

Early dinner in Beaufort, SC after a terrific tour with a wonderful guide.

Harbortown lighthouse and Ted

The group!  Melissa, Gus, Donna, Ted, Sheri, Dave

Hilton Head Island SC

We had a most delightful trip on Delta to Hilton Head Island through Atlanta.  Ted has Silver/Elite status for life based on his 3 million miles with Northwest when Delta took over close to his retirement.  Once I put his FF number in (I didn’t have it when I made the reservation) we were upgraded to Delta Comfort with better spacing between seats.  We also each were allowed to check a suitcase for free.  Not a tremendous thing but it was appreciated.  Our flights were on time with just enough connection time to get a bite and then wing our way to Hilton Head Island.

We picked up our car, stopped at Kroger to get some breakfast and lunch things before going to the house.  Google 18 Audubon Pond, Hilton Head to see this gorgeous home that is in a rental program.  The bedroom with the blue bedspread was ours and included a huge bathroom and even bigger walk in closet.  The owner is our hosts’ son and we were invited for a week of vacation with them.  Their Denver neighbors came too.

We learned the owner’s family was coming Thursday evening with their three boys for the weekend.  Since we were in the owner’s suite we offered to move to the smaller bedroom but they insisted we stay put.  The boys were such a delight!  Personable, polite, quiet, accomplished.  They won state in a piano duet competition, swim like fishes, and in the morning we would find them in the living room quietly playing poker.  They also eat what is put in front of them.  Ted decided they needed to learn Texas Hold ‘Em and they had a great time.  We also taught the two other couples to play Shanghai.  The boys are not allowed to have tablets but the night we stayed home with them while Mom and Dad had an anniversary date they "helped" me play Cookie Jam!  The only time the TV was turned on all week was to watch golf.

We all helped out with the cooking and cleaning up.  Everyone did their thing - biking, pool, beach, nature preserve, etc.  When the boys left, the six of us spent a day in Beaufort and another one in Savannah.  The week went by so quickly!  We rode all three trolley lines to see more of the island.  Four of us went to check out the two RV parks located there. 

We ate at Salty Dog’s in Sea Pines, The Old Oyster Factory where Gus hosted us all to celebrate his son’s anniversary, at a restaurant in Beaufort and at Paula Deen’s in Savannah.   Other than that we ate at home.  I cooked a pork tenderloin dinner on our last night.

We learned another of Ted’s nieces, Amy, died on Saturday night.  She had battled breast cancer ferociously for five years only to have it spread to her lungs, then bones and finally her brain.  She leaves her husband of 20 years and four children aged from grade school to high school.  At Lynn’s funeral in Cleveland Ted’s brother told us when Amy passes not to feel obligated to come.  He said it is an expense that is not necessary and plenty of family would be there.  When we received the call, the message was the same, so we honored his wishes.
Our flights back were just as easy as the week before.  However, I have flown internationally repeatedly and never had such a thorough pat down at Security.  I guess they have more time than in Houston.  They were polite, the agent pointed out to Ted that he should watch my things.  I gave them no grief, and got none in return.

We are home for three days and then we leave for Elk City, OK to have our bedroom slide floor repaired on the RV.  A seal had ripped and water intrusion has made the floor soft and will rot if not taken care of.  We learned this in Indiana but didn’t have time to have it taken care of there.  Rolling Retreats has the best reputation in repairing Mobile Suites so our Labor Day weekend will be spent heading there for an 8 am Tuesday morning appointment. 

I am going to attempt to post some photos of our trip.  Wish me luck.

Before We Take Off Again

More than a week has gone by and I haven’t written a thing!  It is mostly due to writing about men stripping your roof off and banging for days overhead is not too interesting.   I did play cards Tuesday which was a nice reprieve from the noise.  

Unfortunately that afternoon Carol was involved in an accident.  Her three passengers sustained injuries.  Ted immediately went to the scene to be with Terry.  When Terry followed the ambulance, Ted took John, who was with Terry, to get his truck so he could go home.  Then he went to the hospital, took Terry some food and then came home once Carol’s tests showed bumps and bruises but nothing broken.  

One lady had 4 broken ribs and a punctured lung, another a hairline hip fracture and another a broken elbow.  It cast a pall over our whole group of friends.  Everyone was released by the weekend and are home recovering.  We have offered to help if needed but they were all getting along ok and knew we were dealing with the roofers and getting ready to leave again.

Saturday was church and dinner out by ourselves.  The Astros were less than entertaining this week and cabin fever was setting in.  Monday the roof job was finished.  The house was in order, laundry done and clothes ready for packing.

We leave tomorrow morning for a week.  If I have a chance I will give you a shout out from Hilton Head.  And if this site cooperates, maybe a few photos of the group.

I Got The Message!

We had been looking at motorhomes and twice came within a hair’s breath of buying one.  They were both 2016 Newmar Ventanas.  The one in Florida just presented too many logistics problems along with timing issues but the one here by home looked promising.  We had made a deal, put $5000 down to hold it until we returned.

We went to see it and found it very nice so we had to have an earnest discussion about parting with that much money on a depreciating asset this late in life.  I had prayed about it and I took it as a good sign when a couple who looked a bit older than us were on the Newmar factory tour and were buying a brand new one.  However, the next day our 68 year old friend who was just retired and was preparing to "head out" after cataract surgery went to bed and never woke up.  Talk about mixed messages!

We have had no debt since 2003 and I didn’t want to start.  But this outlay would take all my liquid "emergency/big ticket items/vacation" money and that made me uncomfortable.  In the end we decided to pass.  Then God sent the reminder.  RV repair, maintenance and tires, balance due on Ireland trip, a new house roof.  And now I am headed for a big dental bill.  Listen up, Lord!  Thank you for showing me we made the right decision but enough is enough.  I got it!  

Saturday we drove to the campground Susan and Tommy were staying in.  They were heading out for a two month trip to Colorado.  We had four Newmar books for them to look at from the factory in case they decide to replace their Allegro bus.  They will both be retired next spring, have time on their side and would get use out of a new unit over the next decade or two.

They had their kitchen faucet replaced but were not getting water.  They had a call into a plumber but Ted crawled around looking to be sure the line was turned on at the manifold and tried to find a problem but couldn’t.  He stood up, pushed the faucet handle sideways, the way ours works, and the water came on.  They had been pushing it back and forth, for hot or cold, versus sideways to turn it on!  We all had a good laugh.

We wished them safe travels and left for church. Afterwards we went to Landry’s for dinner with Terry and Carol.  Our meals were excellent and the only problem was the waitress paired me with Terry and Carol with Ted on the checks.  It only took a few minutes to get it squared away.

By Sunday morning I knew I had a dental problem.  I had two bridges put in sometime in the late 90s.  Several years ago, the back molar on the right side where the bridge was attached gave out.  They had to remove the bridge, remove the root that was left of the molar and made me a partial since I was not a good implant prospect.  Now the front tooth holding the left bridge is hurting big time.  I have a call in to the dentist since today is Sunday and am expecting a similar outcome.  Once again our travel schedule may get in the way.  

We’re Back!

We drove to Forrest City, AR on Thursday, then Carthage, TX on Friday.  That allowed us to pull into Woodlands Lake about 11 am on Saturday.  We took about three loads of food and clothes home and I started laundry right away.  I had stripped the bed down to the mattress pad so all that was three loads before I did another three loads of our clothes.

We stopped at 3:00 to shower and dress for church.  I didn’t write a check because I didn’t have my mail that would include our church envelopes.  Afterwards we went to dinner with Terry and Carol.

We finished up on Sunday and cleaned the rig from top to bottom but waited until Monday to put it away.  We have an appointment in Elk City, OK the day after Labor Day to have a repair made on the bedroom slide.  We didn’t know about it until we were ready to leave and we didn’t have time to stay.  Elk City is closer than Knoxville or LaGrange!

Tuesday was mail day and I spent quite some time in the office clearing my desk.  Nancy does such a great job on the mail so it doesn’t take nearly as long to go through it.  But there is always the pouch of paper I take with me and spend time emptying on our return.

By Wednesday things settled down so I had my nails and toes done.  I need to call for a haircut now.

I followed Ted to the Brake Shop on Thursday so I could bring him home while they looked at his ABS sensor.  It kept turning itself off and even turned itself on when it shouldn’t have.  The Ford dealer in Indiana identified which tire it was but didn’t have time to pull the tire to look at it.

Then I met Jody for lunch to catch up since our last breakfast date.  We had a delicious lunch and 2.5 hours of visiting.  It was an enjoyable afternoon.

We will only be here for two weeks before taking off to Hilton Head.  Then it will be a 6-7 day trip to Oklahoma after our return from there.  I will be glad to have close to two months at home eventually.  

I had seen a wasp so went out on the deck to knock down the nest with the broom.  I noticed a crack in the Hardy Plank and some paint bubbled.  We called our roofer and the news was not good.  That whole edge where the diverter is set could be lifted up.  Since the roof is over 16 years old and has been through 3-4 hurricanes it seems it would be sending good money after bad to just repair it.  So next week we will have lots of banging going on around here.  He is going to run a gutter and drain pipes on either end rather than replacing the current diverter system.  

After picking up the truck with a new ABS sensor, we went to Sam’s for a few things and were home the rest of the day.  Ted is having to do coverage of Houston, San Antonio and Lufkin where newsprint is being shipped again.  He spent a lot of time on the telephone discussing preliminaries.  I guess he will be making a few road trips when the paper arrives.

And another weekend is upon us.  Hope you have a good one.  We are just trying to stay cool and I worry about the men putting the shingles on next week.