We were home by noon Saturday and are still stumped about the stupid beeping of the refrigerator. It is obviously not the refrigerator nor the door. We are going to Rayford RV Resort in March to go with them to the casino in Kinder, LA. We get to stay at the park for two nights for $20 (and one night in Kinder for $78 that includes transportation, room and $46 in gambling money - woo hoo!). That will give us a chance to clean the carpets and to see what happens with the refrigerator again. It would be helpful if Norcold technicians were better versed in what could be wrong.
As usual we had lots of laundry to do and some mail with checks for the family reunion in June and the Junior Forum party that is next week. I've had to keep the lists and the money separate for these occasions. Lots of recordkeeping. We opted not to go to church until Sunday but we did go to El Chapparo for dinner. We didn't eat any Mexican food while down in the valley and we missed it. It was the 50th anniversary of our first date back in 1961. We were at a record hop on a Sunday afternoon and Ted asked me to go to the Cavalcade of Customs Auto Show at Cincinnati's Music Hall auditorium that night. And so it began ...
After church on Sunday we went to Mattress Expo and bought a new queen size mattress for the guest room. It will be delivered tomorrow. Since we were right next to Bed, Bath and Beyond and I had a fist full of coupons (actually a console in the car full), we went in and bought a mattress pad and sheet set. I already have the new bedspread and valances at home. Once that gets delivered I can put the table leaf and table pads back under the bed and get them out of the other bedroom.
I spent the rest of the day doing laundry and paperwork. Of course I was excited for Amazing Race to start but my Oklahoma cowboys are in trouble already and it is "to be continued."
I'm walking with Gerre this morning. We are in training for our 5K Rodeo Run next Saturday. Then I have bunco at 10 followed by a tile guy coming for an estimate at 3. Our long distance is messed up on Ted's business phone so I have to handle that also. We've got a busy week ahead and I hope by taking it one day at a time I get through it all and enjoy the Rodeo Run and the Junior Forum party next weekend.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Now What?
Thursday didn't turn out as planned. Kevin called and said Norcold is now saying we need an optical panel that goes behind the display monitor. We called about five places but no one had one and we didn't have time to wait for one. We have insurance for repairs with a $200 deductible so we opted to deal with this when we get home. Good Sam RV Repair Insurance needs to get involved before anything more can be done.
In the meantime Kara called, Kristin called and Stella called. That gave us a later start than we anticipated. Since we were heading to Mercedes anyway, we wanted to find the Forever Aloe products shop to buy hair gel that Ted likes. Using our GPS, we found two aloe places. Neither one was the one we went to before (the first lady said they had closed). The second shop had styling gel but not the same brand but we bought one anyway.
We were on the road to the bridge to Mexico and thought we would go over and get two things a friend asked for if we went back. When we got close we realized we didn't have our passports with us so that was out. BUT ... we were in the vicinity of Fat Daddy's BBQ that has been praised by so many RVers. So we had lunch. After a good size chopped brisket sandwich we drove past the fairgrounds. It was so windy we weren't sure you would be able to hear the music in this outdoor venue so we went to the Outlet mall instead. I found some summer things and I'll be able to leave more things in the trailer and not drag so much back and forth.
It was after 4 when we got home and Dave came over to visit. Karen came to get him and she was all dolled up. They were going dancing at Mission Bell where there is a dance each Thurday night. They take classes at Bentsen Palms and their teacher and class were all attending.
Ted started getting his outside things done and I did some inside things. We watched TV until bedtime. We were up and out by 9 this morning and arrived in Victoria early this afternoon. Going to the valley from Victoria, we had to stop for fuel because we were running too close. We had a strong headwind. Coming here we made it without the fuel light going off. We got 8.5 mpg with the tailwind instead of what we got going down into a headwind. Thats's still much less than the 10.5-11 mpg we got with the old truck and trailer.
When we got ready to leave, I put the refrigerator on LP after Ted pulled the trailer plug. It stopped beeping. We had tried it on LP while the trailer was plugged in and it didn't stop beeping. We tried unplugging the refrigerator from the back and it didn't stop beeping. At the rest area, it was still not beeping. So we plugged in when we got here, I put it on electric instead of LP and guess what - it is not beeping!! We are going to contact Norcold and see if maybe the trailer electrical system reset the refrigerator monitor some way. Stay tuned!
In the meantime Kara called, Kristin called and Stella called. That gave us a later start than we anticipated. Since we were heading to Mercedes anyway, we wanted to find the Forever Aloe products shop to buy hair gel that Ted likes. Using our GPS, we found two aloe places. Neither one was the one we went to before (the first lady said they had closed). The second shop had styling gel but not the same brand but we bought one anyway.
We were on the road to the bridge to Mexico and thought we would go over and get two things a friend asked for if we went back. When we got close we realized we didn't have our passports with us so that was out. BUT ... we were in the vicinity of Fat Daddy's BBQ that has been praised by so many RVers. So we had lunch. After a good size chopped brisket sandwich we drove past the fairgrounds. It was so windy we weren't sure you would be able to hear the music in this outdoor venue so we went to the Outlet mall instead. I found some summer things and I'll be able to leave more things in the trailer and not drag so much back and forth.
It was after 4 when we got home and Dave came over to visit. Karen came to get him and she was all dolled up. They were going dancing at Mission Bell where there is a dance each Thurday night. They take classes at Bentsen Palms and their teacher and class were all attending.
Ted started getting his outside things done and I did some inside things. We watched TV until bedtime. We were up and out by 9 this morning and arrived in Victoria early this afternoon. Going to the valley from Victoria, we had to stop for fuel because we were running too close. We had a strong headwind. Coming here we made it without the fuel light going off. We got 8.5 mpg with the tailwind instead of what we got going down into a headwind. Thats's still much less than the 10.5-11 mpg we got with the old truck and trailer.
When we got ready to leave, I put the refrigerator on LP after Ted pulled the trailer plug. It stopped beeping. We had tried it on LP while the trailer was plugged in and it didn't stop beeping. We tried unplugging the refrigerator from the back and it didn't stop beeping. At the rest area, it was still not beeping. So we plugged in when we got here, I put it on electric instead of LP and guess what - it is not beeping!! We are going to contact Norcold and see if maybe the trailer electrical system reset the refrigerator monitor some way. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Bummer!
We had a great time at the HitchHiker luncheon. There were at least 10 Haulin' HitchHiker couples from our sub-group there and around 40 other International HitchHiker couples as well. The Missouri-Kansas group was well represented. It was so good to see our friends, most of whom we haven't seen since October at the rally in Montgomery, TX. The luncheon has a new coordinator and she had tags made for our ID hang tags that say Texas Luncheons 2011. That's the first time for that. Our tags are getting pretty long with all we have participated in. They gave away some small door prizes but we didn't win. After lunch and a short meeting, the Haulin' HitchHiker group met outside for a picture.
Laundry was the name of the game when we got home in the afternoon. We are close to the facility so it was nothing to walk down with two loads and get them started. When I walked back, Ted was over at Dave's so I stopped there. Eventually Karen came back and we all visited for awhile. The weather has been really nice since last Friday and is supposed to stay that way.
We hung around on Tuesday waiting for the repairman. Our new switches were sent overnight to him and we didn't want to miss his arrival. He eventually called and said it would be later in the day so we we took off to get a few things at the store and to stop at Starbucks for a Texas or Rio Grande Valley cup but none were to be found. They said only bigger cities have them. I was looking for a friend and she'll be disappointed when I tell her.
When we got back I could hear the jam session going on in the rally hall. We are parked right across the street. Ted went over and I followed later on after things were put away. But I couldn't find him. Then I looked outside and he was in line for the fruit peddler buying pineapple, grapefruit and bananas again. I brought those home then went back to join him for the balance of the session.
Kevin finally arrived, put in the new switches and voila! - nothing happened! Beep, beep, beep!! He had said all along he didn't think this was the problem but Norcold insisted. Because it was too late to call them, he said he would contact them first thing this morning and see if they can find "what happens next." They probably have a computer screen where they type in the problem, get an answer, and give that to you. Much like the book told me to "close the door." I'm afraid we won't get this settled before we leave and will have to take the trailer to Thorton's when we get home.
I am happy the refrigerator is working and beeping versus not working and not beeping. We don't pay attention to it during the day especially if the TV is on and it hasn't been a problem for me sleeping with the earplugs in. Nothing bothers Ted sleeping.
It was going on 7 by the time Kevin left so we opted to go up the street to Tio Chuy to eat. But they close at 7 and we had to drive towards McAllen. We ended up at Cracker Barrel because it was the first restaurant we came to when we got off the expressway. I got a chuckle out of the lady behind us who ordered mac & cheese, steak fries and mashed potatoes as her three sides. A real carb fest!
Depending on what happens with Kevin this morning, we may or may not make it to the fruit market. Ted is shooting with the fellows from the park this afternoon and we thought we would have plenty of time.
Tomorrow we are going to the Music Festival at the Rio Grand Valley Fairgrounds in Mercedes. We've attended a rodeo there before. Friday we head to Victoria and home on Saturday. I'll have a lot of catching up to do over the weekend because next week is busy. I'm glad I didn't mention the bags of fruit to Chris at home. If we don't make it to get them, he won't be disappointed.
Laundry was the name of the game when we got home in the afternoon. We are close to the facility so it was nothing to walk down with two loads and get them started. When I walked back, Ted was over at Dave's so I stopped there. Eventually Karen came back and we all visited for awhile. The weather has been really nice since last Friday and is supposed to stay that way.
We hung around on Tuesday waiting for the repairman. Our new switches were sent overnight to him and we didn't want to miss his arrival. He eventually called and said it would be later in the day so we we took off to get a few things at the store and to stop at Starbucks for a Texas or Rio Grande Valley cup but none were to be found. They said only bigger cities have them. I was looking for a friend and she'll be disappointed when I tell her.
When we got back I could hear the jam session going on in the rally hall. We are parked right across the street. Ted went over and I followed later on after things were put away. But I couldn't find him. Then I looked outside and he was in line for the fruit peddler buying pineapple, grapefruit and bananas again. I brought those home then went back to join him for the balance of the session.
Kevin finally arrived, put in the new switches and voila! - nothing happened! Beep, beep, beep!! He had said all along he didn't think this was the problem but Norcold insisted. Because it was too late to call them, he said he would contact them first thing this morning and see if they can find "what happens next." They probably have a computer screen where they type in the problem, get an answer, and give that to you. Much like the book told me to "close the door." I'm afraid we won't get this settled before we leave and will have to take the trailer to Thorton's when we get home.
I am happy the refrigerator is working and beeping versus not working and not beeping. We don't pay attention to it during the day especially if the TV is on and it hasn't been a problem for me sleeping with the earplugs in. Nothing bothers Ted sleeping.
It was going on 7 by the time Kevin left so we opted to go up the street to Tio Chuy to eat. But they close at 7 and we had to drive towards McAllen. We ended up at Cracker Barrel because it was the first restaurant we came to when we got off the expressway. I got a chuckle out of the lady behind us who ordered mac & cheese, steak fries and mashed potatoes as her three sides. A real carb fest!
Depending on what happens with Kevin this morning, we may or may not make it to the fruit market. Ted is shooting with the fellows from the park this afternoon and we thought we would have plenty of time.
Tomorrow we are going to the Music Festival at the Rio Grand Valley Fairgrounds in Mercedes. We've attended a rodeo there before. Friday we head to Victoria and home on Saturday. I'll have a lot of catching up to do over the weekend because next week is busy. I'm glad I didn't mention the bags of fruit to Chris at home. If we don't make it to get them, he won't be disappointed.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
And the B(l)eep Goes On
We left Stella and Jay at the flea market heading to the produce barn on Saturday afternoon. We said we would check with them later. We returned home and Ted took off with some of our neighbors to shoot skeet. Stella called and invited us to go eat with them and Tom & Judy but it was mid-afternoon and Ted wasn't home anyway. I invited them to come play bingo at our park in the evening but they needed to do laundry and get things ready to depart today. So we said our goodbyes and will see them back at Rayford next weekend.
We decided to go to Mass at 5:30 since we weren't going to be playing bingo. Our trips to Our Lady of Guadalupe are always interesting and yesterday was no different. When we walked past the priest's house, both donkeys were in the front yard. The big one is Alice but she was retired over a year ago because she tried to bite someone at midnight Mass. The miniature one was introduced to us last February when she was brought into church during the feast of the Presentation. Fr. Roy said Joseph and Mary had to get to the temple some way so they probably rode their donkey. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the donkey all walked down the aisle.
Fr. Roy always chooses country western CD songs to play before Mass and when the collection is taken up. Our song before Mass was Johnny Cash's I Walk the Line. Fr. Roy, Auggie and Chunley walked down the aisle all dressed in red. The dogs had hearts on their red coats. Fr. Roy was carrying a 7 week old pup, 5th generation of his original dog Magna. (Sixth St. in Mission is named Magna for her.) He said he wasn't saying Mass but he wanted to introduce us to the new pup, Valentine. Our collection song was one I didn't know "You Live Your Life For Me."
I noticed this Mass was not as crowded as the Sunday Masses; in fact, it is the first time we ever got a seat. We decided reasons could be 1) because Fr. Roy didn't say Mass; or 2) Early Bird dinners are only good from 4-6 and you would miss that; or 3) by 6:30 it's dark and they couldn't drive home. Just my conjectures!
Today Barbara and Roger from Haulin' HitchHikers came by for a visit. We sat outside and talked before going next door to Mission West for the ice cream social and to give them a chance to look at that park. There was a Gospel Sing going on in the hall while we ate our ice cream. Strangely enough, one of the songs was I'm The One Who Loves You, one of Fr. Roy's favorites!
They had just dropped us off when Dave came over and invited us to a brat cook out that was just getting started. I quickly defrosted the shrimp I had, put a tray together of chips and salsa and grabbed a bottle of wine. Always ready for a party!
We met some more of the folks parked around us and had an enjoyable time. Ted has another shooting date for Wednesday with a couple of the fellows.
We have the HitchHiker luncheon tomorrow where we'll see Barbara and Roger again. They said Bill & Judy are down now so we hope to see them too. It's always fun to see who shows up at these lunches.
The b(l)eeping beeping continues!! I'm wearing earplugs at night and that works! Sure hope the part comes in soon!
We decided to go to Mass at 5:30 since we weren't going to be playing bingo. Our trips to Our Lady of Guadalupe are always interesting and yesterday was no different. When we walked past the priest's house, both donkeys were in the front yard. The big one is Alice but she was retired over a year ago because she tried to bite someone at midnight Mass. The miniature one was introduced to us last February when she was brought into church during the feast of the Presentation. Fr. Roy said Joseph and Mary had to get to the temple some way so they probably rode their donkey. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the donkey all walked down the aisle.
Fr. Roy always chooses country western CD songs to play before Mass and when the collection is taken up. Our song before Mass was Johnny Cash's I Walk the Line. Fr. Roy, Auggie and Chunley walked down the aisle all dressed in red. The dogs had hearts on their red coats. Fr. Roy was carrying a 7 week old pup, 5th generation of his original dog Magna. (Sixth St. in Mission is named Magna for her.) He said he wasn't saying Mass but he wanted to introduce us to the new pup, Valentine. Our collection song was one I didn't know "You Live Your Life For Me."
I noticed this Mass was not as crowded as the Sunday Masses; in fact, it is the first time we ever got a seat. We decided reasons could be 1) because Fr. Roy didn't say Mass; or 2) Early Bird dinners are only good from 4-6 and you would miss that; or 3) by 6:30 it's dark and they couldn't drive home. Just my conjectures!
Today Barbara and Roger from Haulin' HitchHikers came by for a visit. We sat outside and talked before going next door to Mission West for the ice cream social and to give them a chance to look at that park. There was a Gospel Sing going on in the hall while we ate our ice cream. Strangely enough, one of the songs was I'm The One Who Loves You, one of Fr. Roy's favorites!
They had just dropped us off when Dave came over and invited us to a brat cook out that was just getting started. I quickly defrosted the shrimp I had, put a tray together of chips and salsa and grabbed a bottle of wine. Always ready for a party!
We met some more of the folks parked around us and had an enjoyable time. Ted has another shooting date for Wednesday with a couple of the fellows.
We have the HitchHiker luncheon tomorrow where we'll see Barbara and Roger again. They said Bill & Judy are down now so we hope to see them too. It's always fun to see who shows up at these lunches.
The b(l)eeping beeping continues!! I'm wearing earplugs at night and that works! Sure hope the part comes in soon!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Beep, Beep, Beep
Jay & Stella picked me up at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning and it was about 70 degrees. I had on a top with 3/4 length sleeves, capris and sandals. A half hour later when we arrived at the Chicken Opry and the cold front moved through it dropped to 50 degrees and the building is not heated, but it is insulated. I figured I was going to freeze over the next 5 hours. A couple and a man came and sat next to us in our row. I told him I was glad he arrived because I was counting on him and Stella to provide body heat to keep me warm. At the break he went to his truck and brought me in an extra jacket he had. What a guy! I don't think I would have enjoyed the show as much if I had not gotten warm.
We saw four families, two from Missouri and two from Alaska, perform. I really liked the Alaska String Band. They wore native costumes in shades of red, pink and black. The lady explained what they were called by the Eskimos, what their purpose was and that she had made them herself. They also told Alaska folk tales and then sang the songs written about them sort of like Gordon Lightfoot's The Edmond Fitzgerald.
We had seen the Link Family last year and voted them best entertainers in the valley that season. The Redhead Express was a family of 9 (7 kids plus a dog) that moved from Alaska to Nashville to break into music. They are doing very well for themselves and are extremely talented. The fourth family from Missouri also did a fine job but seemed to lack the stage presence of the other groups. But their music was enjoyable.
While we were at the show Ted took the newspaper people to lunch. It was so cold and windy that his shooting was canceled. I had started a smoked sausage, apple and onion dish in the crockpot and that's what we had for dinner. Our rally hall is not heated so the activities over there are curtailed somewhat until the temperature improves.
Thursday we joined Jay & Stella who were serving as ambassadors at a Heartland luncheon held at Ron Hoover RV. We went as SOBs (some other brand) and had lunch with about 200 people. We weren't the only SOBs in the group however. We met some others. We ate lunch with a nice couple from Iowa who just started RVing again and this was their first trip to the valley. There were great door prizes - a TV, printer, etc. The two numbers in front of ours and the one behind all won prizes, but not us!
The weather finally turned nice on Friday and the sunshine was a welcome sight. All of the blooming plants in the park have turned brown and it will probably be fall before they come back into bloom. Nick came to wash the trailer so we were hanging around. When I shut the refrigerator door while getting lunch stuff out, the alarm went off flashing dr meaning the door isn't closed tight. I opened, closed, shoved, pushed, etc. and it would not stop. I checked the book and it said "Close the door." Been there, done that.
Ted called HitchHiker and Norcold and neither of them offered any solution that worked so we called a repairman. He tried some stuff, got Norcold on the phone and they determined the sensor switches are bad and need to be replaced. Hopefully they can get them down here early in the week so he can change them out before we leave. The bad news - the alarm is still beeping, beeping, beeping! It has been going on for a whole day and will continue unless we turn the refrigerator off or the switches get replaced. I wore earplugs to bed last night. During the day you get to the point where you don't pay any attention to it but at night I'd never sleep with all that beeping. It didn't bother Ted though.
This morning we met Jay & Stella at Furr's for the breakfast buffet and then went to the flea market. I was in pursuit of card shufflers for our new Canasta group. I gave them one I had at home and they need at least three more for the other tables. I found three of them but Irene wanted six total if I could get them. They said they would have more by Wednesday when the market opens again. We'll try to get back over there and get the rest. I bought some spices and some greeting cards and that was it. We'll buy our produce on Wednesday before we leave. We'll get oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and onions to take home with us. We'll get bags of each and share some with Chris to give to his mother. I know Gloria will like that.
Ted has gone shooting now and I'm listening to the beep, beep, beep! Just one little bump in the road of RVing!
We saw four families, two from Missouri and two from Alaska, perform. I really liked the Alaska String Band. They wore native costumes in shades of red, pink and black. The lady explained what they were called by the Eskimos, what their purpose was and that she had made them herself. They also told Alaska folk tales and then sang the songs written about them sort of like Gordon Lightfoot's The Edmond Fitzgerald.
We had seen the Link Family last year and voted them best entertainers in the valley that season. The Redhead Express was a family of 9 (7 kids plus a dog) that moved from Alaska to Nashville to break into music. They are doing very well for themselves and are extremely talented. The fourth family from Missouri also did a fine job but seemed to lack the stage presence of the other groups. But their music was enjoyable.
While we were at the show Ted took the newspaper people to lunch. It was so cold and windy that his shooting was canceled. I had started a smoked sausage, apple and onion dish in the crockpot and that's what we had for dinner. Our rally hall is not heated so the activities over there are curtailed somewhat until the temperature improves.
Thursday we joined Jay & Stella who were serving as ambassadors at a Heartland luncheon held at Ron Hoover RV. We went as SOBs (some other brand) and had lunch with about 200 people. We weren't the only SOBs in the group however. We met some others. We ate lunch with a nice couple from Iowa who just started RVing again and this was their first trip to the valley. There were great door prizes - a TV, printer, etc. The two numbers in front of ours and the one behind all won prizes, but not us!
The weather finally turned nice on Friday and the sunshine was a welcome sight. All of the blooming plants in the park have turned brown and it will probably be fall before they come back into bloom. Nick came to wash the trailer so we were hanging around. When I shut the refrigerator door while getting lunch stuff out, the alarm went off flashing dr meaning the door isn't closed tight. I opened, closed, shoved, pushed, etc. and it would not stop. I checked the book and it said "Close the door." Been there, done that.
Ted called HitchHiker and Norcold and neither of them offered any solution that worked so we called a repairman. He tried some stuff, got Norcold on the phone and they determined the sensor switches are bad and need to be replaced. Hopefully they can get them down here early in the week so he can change them out before we leave. The bad news - the alarm is still beeping, beeping, beeping! It has been going on for a whole day and will continue unless we turn the refrigerator off or the switches get replaced. I wore earplugs to bed last night. During the day you get to the point where you don't pay any attention to it but at night I'd never sleep with all that beeping. It didn't bother Ted though.
This morning we met Jay & Stella at Furr's for the breakfast buffet and then went to the flea market. I was in pursuit of card shufflers for our new Canasta group. I gave them one I had at home and they need at least three more for the other tables. I found three of them but Irene wanted six total if I could get them. They said they would have more by Wednesday when the market opens again. We'll try to get back over there and get the rest. I bought some spices and some greeting cards and that was it. We'll buy our produce on Wednesday before we leave. We'll get oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and onions to take home with us. We'll get bags of each and share some with Chris to give to his mother. I know Gloria will like that.
Ted has gone shooting now and I'm listening to the beep, beep, beep! Just one little bump in the road of RVing!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Down In The Valley
We left Saturday morning once the temperature went above freezing. It took us about 3.5 hours to arrive in Victoria. We stayed at a different park this time - Gateway to the Gulf RV. It is more convenient than Lazy Longhorn which is more in town. Also, Gateway is much easier to navigate around in but is not as pretty of a park. Since we only spend the night, that doesn't concern us.
We set up, unhooked and drove into town. We got fuel, picked up batteries at Wal-Mart then went to church at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. It was very pretty and had a wonderful choir. Afterwards we went to Carino's for dinner.
We slept in and left about 10 on Sunday. The sun was shining and the temp got into the 70s as we made our way south. We took 77 to 83 and started heading west when our fuel light came on. We decided to make a stop at Flying J rather than risk running out. The new truck is a gas hog and we're still learning how far we can go on a tank of diesel. We arrived at Bentsen Palms and checked in and got set up. We called Jay and Stella and decided to go out to eat dinner. We went to Furr's, one of their favorite places. We had not eaten all day and it was the quickest and pleases everyone. We made plans to go to Mexico on Monday and then eat hamburgers at their park afterwards.
We checked with those in the park and they said Progreso is still safe, they have had no problems so we drove to the bridge Monday and walked across to our Almost Free Pharmacy. We bought Ted's Nexium generic over there for the rest of the year at a cost of under $20. He has used this medicine to make sure it works and it does. I bought Retin-A skin cream for me. Jay and Stella had lists from others and took some time to conduct their transaction. Afterwards we had to find a Rolex watch for Jay and he found a nice $10,000 watch for $15. Imagine that! I bought a vase to replace one that got broken while decorating for Christmas and we came back. We told Customs we bought antacids, face cream and a vase and they ran our passports and waved us through. Stella showed him her bag of medicines and he did the same to them. The temperature hit 81.
We came back to their park where they start serving burgers at 3:00 until the jam session starts at 6 pm. I think they serve over 600 burgers each Monday. We ate early and went to their trailer and sat outside. Judy came down and visited for awhile too. As the sun went down it got cool and we left to come home. Another friend stopped by after we left so they sat out for some time.
Today we went to Gonzales for lunch before going to the ropa usadas and the ropa nuevos. This has become a regular thing to do while down here. We have found some we like better than others and have a ball rooting through the clothes. Some are new, some are on hangers, some are unclaimed from dry cleaners, some are overruns and some are just in piles. My big find last year was a pair of wool Ralph Lauren lined slacks that fit so perfectly I didn't even need to have them hemmed. Price - 60 cents!
We came home and found a jam session going on at our park. The fruit peddler and butcher had also arrived. Ted bought a pineapple and some grapefruit while I got us each a drink. We enjoyed the music that spanned all genres. They ended with a rousing finish of Mustang Sally with the crowd joining in "ride, Sally, ride." We are home now watching the news on TV.
We received sad news in that my sister-in-law's brother has died. He has been fighting leukemia for some time. We were so very sorry to hear this news.
Tomorrow Ted has lunch with the McAllen Monitor folks. Jay, Stella and I are going to a 5 hour show at the Chicken Opry. We've seen some of these performers before and they are some of the best who perform in the valley. Ted will probably go shooting with our neighbor across the way after his lunch. It will all work out I'm sure.
We're supposed to get some cool temperatures mid week and the wind has certainly picked up. Such is life in the valley.
We set up, unhooked and drove into town. We got fuel, picked up batteries at Wal-Mart then went to church at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. It was very pretty and had a wonderful choir. Afterwards we went to Carino's for dinner.
We slept in and left about 10 on Sunday. The sun was shining and the temp got into the 70s as we made our way south. We took 77 to 83 and started heading west when our fuel light came on. We decided to make a stop at Flying J rather than risk running out. The new truck is a gas hog and we're still learning how far we can go on a tank of diesel. We arrived at Bentsen Palms and checked in and got set up. We called Jay and Stella and decided to go out to eat dinner. We went to Furr's, one of their favorite places. We had not eaten all day and it was the quickest and pleases everyone. We made plans to go to Mexico on Monday and then eat hamburgers at their park afterwards.
We checked with those in the park and they said Progreso is still safe, they have had no problems so we drove to the bridge Monday and walked across to our Almost Free Pharmacy. We bought Ted's Nexium generic over there for the rest of the year at a cost of under $20. He has used this medicine to make sure it works and it does. I bought Retin-A skin cream for me. Jay and Stella had lists from others and took some time to conduct their transaction. Afterwards we had to find a Rolex watch for Jay and he found a nice $10,000 watch for $15. Imagine that! I bought a vase to replace one that got broken while decorating for Christmas and we came back. We told Customs we bought antacids, face cream and a vase and they ran our passports and waved us through. Stella showed him her bag of medicines and he did the same to them. The temperature hit 81.
We came back to their park where they start serving burgers at 3:00 until the jam session starts at 6 pm. I think they serve over 600 burgers each Monday. We ate early and went to their trailer and sat outside. Judy came down and visited for awhile too. As the sun went down it got cool and we left to come home. Another friend stopped by after we left so they sat out for some time.
Today we went to Gonzales for lunch before going to the ropa usadas and the ropa nuevos. This has become a regular thing to do while down here. We have found some we like better than others and have a ball rooting through the clothes. Some are new, some are on hangers, some are unclaimed from dry cleaners, some are overruns and some are just in piles. My big find last year was a pair of wool Ralph Lauren lined slacks that fit so perfectly I didn't even need to have them hemmed. Price - 60 cents!
We came home and found a jam session going on at our park. The fruit peddler and butcher had also arrived. Ted bought a pineapple and some grapefruit while I got us each a drink. We enjoyed the music that spanned all genres. They ended with a rousing finish of Mustang Sally with the crowd joining in "ride, Sally, ride." We are home now watching the news on TV.
We received sad news in that my sister-in-law's brother has died. He has been fighting leukemia for some time. We were so very sorry to hear this news.
Tomorrow Ted has lunch with the McAllen Monitor folks. Jay, Stella and I are going to a 5 hour show at the Chicken Opry. We've seen some of these performers before and they are some of the best who perform in the valley. Ted will probably go shooting with our neighbor across the way after his lunch. It will all work out I'm sure.
We're supposed to get some cool temperatures mid week and the wind has certainly picked up. Such is life in the valley.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Not To Worry
We have decided to wait until Saturday to leave because of the weather forecast between here and the Rio Grande Valley. We talked to the campground in Victoria yesterday and they said all the water hoses were frozen and they were experiencing rolling blackouts, things were a mess. Debbie suggested we wait until Saturday when it is to be 60 and sunny to arrive. I had to do a little convincing to get Ted to agree but I just stood my ground. Traveling in the car is one thing; pulling the RV is something else. They are not prepared to take care of icy roads down here and heading out to where the weather is as bad or worse than where you are is foolish.
So I went for my mammogram and got in and out before my appointment time. Since it was an hour and a half until Happy Hour I just came home. Ted was fixing chili for dinner, it's cold outside, so I stayed home.
Now I have two days with nothing planned. Carol was going to pick up my Chik Fil A order on Friday for a funeral but now I can do that myself. I think we'll just stay in and stay warm. The bad weather is supposed to start this afternoon. So far we haven't been affected by the rolling blackouts that others have experienced.
I hope the next time I write it will be from the valley. Jay & Stella are looking forward to our arrival as much as we are looking forward to getting there.
So I went for my mammogram and got in and out before my appointment time. Since it was an hour and a half until Happy Hour I just came home. Ted was fixing chili for dinner, it's cold outside, so I stayed home.
Now I have two days with nothing planned. Carol was going to pick up my Chik Fil A order on Friday for a funeral but now I can do that myself. I think we'll just stay in and stay warm. The bad weather is supposed to start this afternoon. So far we haven't been affected by the rolling blackouts that others have experienced.
I hope the next time I write it will be from the valley. Jay & Stella are looking forward to our arrival as much as we are looking forward to getting there.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Not Quite Finished
Well I did get KFC for dinner Saturday because things were even more of a mess than the night before because they had painted the family room, back hall and bedroom. You have to keep moving things out of the way and all h*ll breaks loose.
But the painting was done and I spent the entire day Saturday putting things back. The secretary, bookcases and china cabinet took up the most time. Of course I had to wash everything before it went back. Ted, on the other hand, went shooting in Madisonville and came home second in his class. Honestly, I work better by myself when handling delicate things but I was pooped by the end of the day.
Here are two pictures of the family room with the new Sensational Sand on the walls. It matches the fireplace surround much better than the picture is showing.
So we went to church on Sunday morning and I cooked breakfast when we returned. I pressed the valances for the back bedroom only to find the rod I had was not going to work. So I ordered one from JCP and didn't do anything else in there. We still have to buy the new bed. Irene stopped by for a visit and I cooked dinner. We could have gone to Tommy Bahamas with the dining group but I knew I would be too tired -- and I was!
It took 10 days to get the tile estimate for the backsplash and it will just have to wait until we return. Chris doesn't want to be in charge of overseeing that and I don't blame him. Monday I went to the gastroenterologist to schedule my colonoscopy for late February. I was up and out early on Tuesday. I made a stop at the bank, then at Walgreen's before going to the Hand Me Up shop to work with Judy and Jacque. We worked until noon and then the three of us went to Olive Oil to eat lunch. Judy was not familiar with Greek food but she really liked it. I just had a raspberry salad but did enjoy the pita bread, feta and oil appetizer we got. My favorite is still Olga's in Michigan but Jacque said that sounds Swedish. I think she's right! But it's the only place I eat lamb.
One last stop at Wal-Mart for some groceries and I made it home. All of what I bought is to take with us to Mission. I think we are heading out tomorrow while no precipitation is forecast. We may have to hold up in Victoria two nights instead of one if rain/sleet/snow hits the lower part down toward the valley. I hope we make the right call. I'd rather just wait until Saturday to go but you know who wants to go tomorrow. Chris said to just let him know when we leave and he'll come down to stay. He's liking Ted's Wii Sports.
I have my mammogram this afternoon followed by Happy Hour. Then it will be home to get the clothes and food in the RV ready for a departure tomorrow as long as it is above 32 degrees. I don't want to hit any ice.
But the painting was done and I spent the entire day Saturday putting things back. The secretary, bookcases and china cabinet took up the most time. Of course I had to wash everything before it went back. Ted, on the other hand, went shooting in Madisonville and came home second in his class. Honestly, I work better by myself when handling delicate things but I was pooped by the end of the day.
Here are two pictures of the family room with the new Sensational Sand on the walls. It matches the fireplace surround much better than the picture is showing.
So we went to church on Sunday morning and I cooked breakfast when we returned. I pressed the valances for the back bedroom only to find the rod I had was not going to work. So I ordered one from JCP and didn't do anything else in there. We still have to buy the new bed. Irene stopped by for a visit and I cooked dinner. We could have gone to Tommy Bahamas with the dining group but I knew I would be too tired -- and I was!
It took 10 days to get the tile estimate for the backsplash and it will just have to wait until we return. Chris doesn't want to be in charge of overseeing that and I don't blame him. Monday I went to the gastroenterologist to schedule my colonoscopy for late February. I was up and out early on Tuesday. I made a stop at the bank, then at Walgreen's before going to the Hand Me Up shop to work with Judy and Jacque. We worked until noon and then the three of us went to Olive Oil to eat lunch. Judy was not familiar with Greek food but she really liked it. I just had a raspberry salad but did enjoy the pita bread, feta and oil appetizer we got. My favorite is still Olga's in Michigan but Jacque said that sounds Swedish. I think she's right! But it's the only place I eat lamb.
One last stop at Wal-Mart for some groceries and I made it home. All of what I bought is to take with us to Mission. I think we are heading out tomorrow while no precipitation is forecast. We may have to hold up in Victoria two nights instead of one if rain/sleet/snow hits the lower part down toward the valley. I hope we make the right call. I'd rather just wait until Saturday to go but you know who wants to go tomorrow. Chris said to just let him know when we leave and he'll come down to stay. He's liking Ted's Wii Sports.
I have my mammogram this afternoon followed by Happy Hour. Then it will be home to get the clothes and food in the RV ready for a departure tomorrow as long as it is above 32 degrees. I don't want to hit any ice.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Progress!!!
We won everything at bunco last Saturday and my contention that subs always win was confirmed! However, you can only win one prize each so we came home with $15 for most buncos and $10 for most wipeouts. Carol had wonderful things to eat and we had a good time with these "younger" folks from our church. It's funny to watch them receive texts and send them to their kids and babysitters. Times certainly have changed. I am so impressed with their involvement with their children's education and religious instruction.
Pat, Donna Marie and I met Monday for lunch to discuss the party we are responsible for planning. We decided to take a ride to look at a community center where Donna Marie's garden club meets. It's a beautiful complex with a lovely hall. We are able to rent it for about 1/3 of the cost because of Donna Marie's involvement with the garden club. I came home and worked on the invitation because now we had concrete info on where and when.
The next day I had my bone density test and then came home in time for the new carpet to get laid in our bedroom. I had the fellow stretch my dining room carpet too. I wish they still had jute on the back of carpeting. What they use now stretches so easily and I hear people complaining all the time. I know I've had every carpet in this house stretched at one time or another.
Getting ready for the painters was a chore. I never realized how many pictures were hanging on the walls until I started taking them down. The china cabinet, bookcases and secretary all had to be emptied but it gave me a chance to clean them inside really well. Now I have to clean everything before I put it all back. Doing that will keep me out of trouble this weekend.
The painters came yesterday just as I was leaving for Irene's to play bunco. What a place! It looks like a small palace from the outside and is absolutely beautiful on the inside. She said it is 7200 sq. ft. with 6 bathrooms! We played four tables of Canasta in what she called the party room. It was about 25 x 25 at the back of the house and all four tables of Canasta players plus two 8 foot tables of food and drinks didn't come close to filling the room. She told us we could just walk around and look at the house if we wanted. There was a complete gym room and I asked if she sold memberships. The best part - she is the nicest, most gracious lady and comes to our houses of all sizes to play in our groups. That's the best kind of friend.
In my absence the painters had finished the dining room, sitting room and front hallway. I had agonized over the color for some time and was glad it looked so good on the walls. Ted really likes it and the white crown molding shows up so much better. They are back today to do the family room, back hall and one guest bedroom. There isn't a flat surface in this house that isn't covered with something so Ted and I went to El Chapparo for dinner last night. It was that or stand at the bar to eat. Do you think I just may be able to get away with that again tonight???
Pat, Donna Marie and I met Monday for lunch to discuss the party we are responsible for planning. We decided to take a ride to look at a community center where Donna Marie's garden club meets. It's a beautiful complex with a lovely hall. We are able to rent it for about 1/3 of the cost because of Donna Marie's involvement with the garden club. I came home and worked on the invitation because now we had concrete info on where and when.
The next day I had my bone density test and then came home in time for the new carpet to get laid in our bedroom. I had the fellow stretch my dining room carpet too. I wish they still had jute on the back of carpeting. What they use now stretches so easily and I hear people complaining all the time. I know I've had every carpet in this house stretched at one time or another.
Getting ready for the painters was a chore. I never realized how many pictures were hanging on the walls until I started taking them down. The china cabinet, bookcases and secretary all had to be emptied but it gave me a chance to clean them inside really well. Now I have to clean everything before I put it all back. Doing that will keep me out of trouble this weekend.
The painters came yesterday just as I was leaving for Irene's to play bunco. What a place! It looks like a small palace from the outside and is absolutely beautiful on the inside. She said it is 7200 sq. ft. with 6 bathrooms! We played four tables of Canasta in what she called the party room. It was about 25 x 25 at the back of the house and all four tables of Canasta players plus two 8 foot tables of food and drinks didn't come close to filling the room. She told us we could just walk around and look at the house if we wanted. There was a complete gym room and I asked if she sold memberships. The best part - she is the nicest, most gracious lady and comes to our houses of all sizes to play in our groups. That's the best kind of friend.
In my absence the painters had finished the dining room, sitting room and front hallway. I had agonized over the color for some time and was glad it looked so good on the walls. Ted really likes it and the white crown molding shows up so much better. They are back today to do the family room, back hall and one guest bedroom. There isn't a flat surface in this house that isn't covered with something so Ted and I went to El Chapparo for dinner last night. It was that or stand at the bar to eat. Do you think I just may be able to get away with that again tonight???
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Two Alarm Week
I had a meeting Wednesday for Junior Forum and finally realized that Pat, Donna Marie and I are somehow in charge of the Provisional Couples Party! We were informed we were chosen as "leaders." I guess that's a vote of confidence. We met at Pat's house and have come up with a plan but have not had a response back from the establishment where we want to have it. We think it will be about 60 people and that's a bit much for someone's home since February isn't the best month down here to plan something outdoors. My job before our meeting next week is to design the invitation. I've done that and the other two have approved it. Now we just need accurate information to complete it.
I came home to eat with Ted and then took off for Happy Hour. Susan organizes these since she is a member of the country club and she is the good friend that is moving. I'm sure one of the others will take up the cause and continue it. I want to attend as often as I can before Susan leaves. It was a smaller crowd of about 8 people and we had a great visit.
My ultrasound was scheduled for 9:00 on Thursday but I got a call telling me to check in at 7:30 so they could do it at 8:00. Alarm Clock Use #1 for the week! I went on time, got in and out and by 2:00 that afternoon my doctor's office called to say the test results were normal. Then I had an appt. with my new GYN. I really liked him and honestly feel he spent more time with me this first time than the other doctor did in nine years. He had read my file, questioned me, asked me if I had questions, any problems, pains, anything at all to talk to him about. He did his thing, ordered a bone density and mammogram and I was on my way. By the way, he said my 2009 bone density was perfect!! But he told me to take calcium and Vitamin D anyway.
I wasn't home long when I got a phone call to come back to the office to sign a lab paper that is a Medicare requirement. There was no choice but to go right back over and sign the paper. Then I had to make phone calls to set up the tests. I'll be glad when this is all over.
Alarm Use #2 was to get up in time to pick up Janeen and get to the Junior Forum meeting by 9:00. We made it in time and I signed up for the last thing I have to do for the year which is to work at the nursing home once. I signed up for a few other things but they will just be extra. Once I do Regent Care my requirements and hours for the year will be finished.
Last night was Wind Down and there was a really nice group there. For most of the evening I sat in the living room by the fire where a circle had gathered. Alton had my bottle of Riesling but he said a new person was drinking it too! He said he might have to get two bottles if that continues. Riesling is a sweet wine and no one but me seems to like it. It's sort of a joke among my friends.
Tonight we are playing bunco at Terry & Carol's for their church group. We've subbed in this group quite frequently and know everyone. Carol didn't feel so hot yesterday so I hope she is feeling well enough to host tonight. I told her I would do it if she couldn't but then we would be short a couple so that's probably not going to happen.
Next week will certainly be busy around here with the painting. I hope it all goes smoothly and we get put back together quickly. Still no word from the carpet guy. I think I need to give him a call.
I came home to eat with Ted and then took off for Happy Hour. Susan organizes these since she is a member of the country club and she is the good friend that is moving. I'm sure one of the others will take up the cause and continue it. I want to attend as often as I can before Susan leaves. It was a smaller crowd of about 8 people and we had a great visit.
My ultrasound was scheduled for 9:00 on Thursday but I got a call telling me to check in at 7:30 so they could do it at 8:00. Alarm Clock Use #1 for the week! I went on time, got in and out and by 2:00 that afternoon my doctor's office called to say the test results were normal. Then I had an appt. with my new GYN. I really liked him and honestly feel he spent more time with me this first time than the other doctor did in nine years. He had read my file, questioned me, asked me if I had questions, any problems, pains, anything at all to talk to him about. He did his thing, ordered a bone density and mammogram and I was on my way. By the way, he said my 2009 bone density was perfect!! But he told me to take calcium and Vitamin D anyway.
I wasn't home long when I got a phone call to come back to the office to sign a lab paper that is a Medicare requirement. There was no choice but to go right back over and sign the paper. Then I had to make phone calls to set up the tests. I'll be glad when this is all over.
Alarm Use #2 was to get up in time to pick up Janeen and get to the Junior Forum meeting by 9:00. We made it in time and I signed up for the last thing I have to do for the year which is to work at the nursing home once. I signed up for a few other things but they will just be extra. Once I do Regent Care my requirements and hours for the year will be finished.
Last night was Wind Down and there was a really nice group there. For most of the evening I sat in the living room by the fire where a circle had gathered. Alton had my bottle of Riesling but he said a new person was drinking it too! He said he might have to get two bottles if that continues. Riesling is a sweet wine and no one but me seems to like it. It's sort of a joke among my friends.
Tonight we are playing bunco at Terry & Carol's for their church group. We've subbed in this group quite frequently and know everyone. Carol didn't feel so hot yesterday so I hope she is feeling well enough to host tonight. I told her I would do it if she couldn't but then we would be short a couple so that's probably not going to happen.
Next week will certainly be busy around here with the painting. I hope it all goes smoothly and we get put back together quickly. Still no word from the carpet guy. I think I need to give him a call.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Calm After The Storm
It seems like things are so quiet without the constant hubbub of the holidays. There was so much to do and now it is so very quiet.
My "cold" or whatever I have/had did not keep me from any of my appointed rounds. I made the neighborhood ladies luncheon on Thursday. We had a good turnout and it is always fun catching up on what everyone did over the holidays. I'll miss next month's lunch however.
I went to the doctor on Friday for my blood work. He also ordered a colonoscopy and aorta aneurysm ultrasound. These two things are listed on my mymedicare.gov list of things I'm eligible for. I go Thursday for the ultrasound but still need to make the colonoscopy appointment. I also need to make a GYN appointment. Now what was I just saying about it being quiet? I think that is over.
We stayed in Friday night but after Mass on Saturday went to El Chapparo with Terry & Carol to talk about the big upcoming event - all of Ted's and Terry's siblings coming to town in March. We needed to discuss who was staying where, what we want to do while they are here, etc. They had never been to this restaurant and seemed to really like it.
Sunday was cold and nasty and I spent most of the day working on gathering up our tax info. With all our medical insurance premiums we definitely have a deduction there so all the prescriptions, co-pays and deductibles needed to be accounted for to maximize the deduction. With the purchase of the truck and trailer in 2010, we have a whopping sales tax deduction so I went through our charge slips to maximize that too. I know it is bigger than what the government would allow from their table. Next was donations. I save scraps of paper all year long. There's the $5 for breast cancer at the grocery, gifts for various organizations' Christmas tree projects, sponsoring people in races, the food I purchase for funeral lunches and to prepare lunch for seniors when I work a CWJF outing, etc. I have them all together but needed to sort them out. So now I'm ready and just need the church and missions to send me their statements.
I have no firm word yet from the carpet or painting people on when work will begin. The carpet isn't so bad, there's not a lot I have to move in the bedroom. The painting is a whole other story. My china cabinet plus two bookcases need to be emptied. Then there are the hooks on the wall. I want to mark the ones to stay and have them patch and paint over the ones where I "goofed." Sometimes it takes me a few tries to get that nail in just right!
I played Bunco at Carol's yesterday and have today free. Tomorrow is a CWJF meeting and Happy Hour, Thursday is my ultrasound and Friday is another CWJF meeting. And we'll be back at the weekend. When I worked, Monday through Friday took forever to get over. Now it just whizzes by.
Stay warm and dry wherever you are and I'll see ya down the road.
My "cold" or whatever I have/had did not keep me from any of my appointed rounds. I made the neighborhood ladies luncheon on Thursday. We had a good turnout and it is always fun catching up on what everyone did over the holidays. I'll miss next month's lunch however.
I went to the doctor on Friday for my blood work. He also ordered a colonoscopy and aorta aneurysm ultrasound. These two things are listed on my mymedicare.gov list of things I'm eligible for. I go Thursday for the ultrasound but still need to make the colonoscopy appointment. I also need to make a GYN appointment. Now what was I just saying about it being quiet? I think that is over.
We stayed in Friday night but after Mass on Saturday went to El Chapparo with Terry & Carol to talk about the big upcoming event - all of Ted's and Terry's siblings coming to town in March. We needed to discuss who was staying where, what we want to do while they are here, etc. They had never been to this restaurant and seemed to really like it.
Sunday was cold and nasty and I spent most of the day working on gathering up our tax info. With all our medical insurance premiums we definitely have a deduction there so all the prescriptions, co-pays and deductibles needed to be accounted for to maximize the deduction. With the purchase of the truck and trailer in 2010, we have a whopping sales tax deduction so I went through our charge slips to maximize that too. I know it is bigger than what the government would allow from their table. Next was donations. I save scraps of paper all year long. There's the $5 for breast cancer at the grocery, gifts for various organizations' Christmas tree projects, sponsoring people in races, the food I purchase for funeral lunches and to prepare lunch for seniors when I work a CWJF outing, etc. I have them all together but needed to sort them out. So now I'm ready and just need the church and missions to send me their statements.
I have no firm word yet from the carpet or painting people on when work will begin. The carpet isn't so bad, there's not a lot I have to move in the bedroom. The painting is a whole other story. My china cabinet plus two bookcases need to be emptied. Then there are the hooks on the wall. I want to mark the ones to stay and have them patch and paint over the ones where I "goofed." Sometimes it takes me a few tries to get that nail in just right!
I played Bunco at Carol's yesterday and have today free. Tomorrow is a CWJF meeting and Happy Hour, Thursday is my ultrasound and Friday is another CWJF meeting. And we'll be back at the weekend. When I worked, Monday through Friday took forever to get over. Now it just whizzes by.
Stay warm and dry wherever you are and I'll see ya down the road.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Under The Weather
Friday we met Jay, Stella and Rita at El Chapparel for dinner and then went to Rayford to play bingo. Jay always complains that he has never won. They only play five games and one time I won one and Ted won the big one so we were sure we wouldn't ever be welcomed back. Well last Friday, Jay won two of the five games. I don't want to hear him griping anymore. My cards were so bad that I didn't even need to pick up my dauber. We spent some time with Warren and Judy too and had a nice visit.
We've been trying to pick out paint colors and bedroom carpeting. I wish there weren't so many choices!! I've chosen the color line for the interior. I hired the painter today and he is going to try to get to us before the end of the month. I have three carpet samples but I was unhappy with that salesman and not thrilled with his samples so someone else came today. I liked him and his samples and have picked out new carpeting. He didn't say when he can get it laid. I guess he needs to determine when he can get the carpet.
Saturday night I started with a scratchy throat. Sunday I stayed in but played Canasta on Monday. By that night I thought I would have to cancel lunch and the movie with Ann for Tuesday afternoon. But I felt well enough to go. If you are thinking of seeing The Black Swan all I can say it is the deepest, darkest or dumbest movie I have ever seen.
My cold has been getting worse so I'm just hanging around today hoping I'm OK for my ladies neighborhood luncheon tomorrow. Ted went to lunch with the neighborhood fellows today and brought me some AirBorn. It seems to be helping so maybe I'll get by lightly. I know so many people who have been sick and they stayed sick for long stretches of time.
One of my best friend's here where we live is moving. I'm deeply saddened by this news but know how it is about being by the kids. Most people come here because their kids are already here. That was not the case with them or with us. So they have their house on the market and have purchased a home in Cummings, GA. She will land on her feet wherever she goes. I wish her and her husband the very best. Two of my kids are in Michigan and I'm certainly not contemplating a move there but we have one in Florida also. With the real estate and political climate like it is over there, I think we are better off right where we are. We love it here and until something changes, we're staying put.
We've been trying to pick out paint colors and bedroom carpeting. I wish there weren't so many choices!! I've chosen the color line for the interior. I hired the painter today and he is going to try to get to us before the end of the month. I have three carpet samples but I was unhappy with that salesman and not thrilled with his samples so someone else came today. I liked him and his samples and have picked out new carpeting. He didn't say when he can get it laid. I guess he needs to determine when he can get the carpet.
Saturday night I started with a scratchy throat. Sunday I stayed in but played Canasta on Monday. By that night I thought I would have to cancel lunch and the movie with Ann for Tuesday afternoon. But I felt well enough to go. If you are thinking of seeing The Black Swan all I can say it is the deepest, darkest or dumbest movie I have ever seen.
My cold has been getting worse so I'm just hanging around today hoping I'm OK for my ladies neighborhood luncheon tomorrow. Ted went to lunch with the neighborhood fellows today and brought me some AirBorn. It seems to be helping so maybe I'll get by lightly. I know so many people who have been sick and they stayed sick for long stretches of time.
One of my best friend's here where we live is moving. I'm deeply saddened by this news but know how it is about being by the kids. Most people come here because their kids are already here. That was not the case with them or with us. So they have their house on the market and have purchased a home in Cummings, GA. She will land on her feet wherever she goes. I wish her and her husband the very best. Two of my kids are in Michigan and I'm certainly not contemplating a move there but we have one in Florida also. With the real estate and political climate like it is over there, I think we are better off right where we are. We love it here and until something changes, we're staying put.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Surfacing
After we came home from church last Saturday night, I didn't venture out of the house until late yesterday afternoon. No, I wasn't sick; I was overwhelmed with all I had to do. First was mail, then bill payment, write a half dozen thank you cards and prepare three boxes for shipping. Then I started in earnest.
All our Christmas decorations were out and the things they replaced were all stored in my closets. When we emptied the car of all our gifts, luggage and family reunion things, I was in virtual gridlock.
First I had to take the Christmas things down and get them back in the attic above the garage. Then I was able to empty the regular decorative things out of the closet and put them back where they belong. In the meantime I got the laundry all done. Finally, I organized all the reunion bag things and put them in the closet.
The bedspread left yesterday so that's another thing out of here! We straightened up and swept out the garage once everything was upstairs. I finally feel as if I have a handle on things.
We kept cooking/eating to a minimum. We had leftover tortellini soup on Sunday, leftover chili on Monday and by Tuesday I had turned our Christmas ham bone into bean soup. You could say we had a "souper" week.
So last night I took the opportunity to go to Happy Hour. There must have been a pent up demand to get out because we had such a crowd! It was 8:30 when I got home and that's much later than I ever stay unless I'm having dinner.
Today we took my car to the Ford dealer to fix the lock on my car door. It needed a new actuator. At first I thought having a broken lock was no big deal. But I soon realized how often I used the door behind my driver's seat. With the lock at the rear part of the door, the only way to unlock it was to climb between the captain chairs or clear across the second seat to reach it. So I had it fixed.
Then Ted drove me to Continental Breakfast. There are lots of new people there each month and is a good way to help them get acclimated to their new home town. I left with Ann to return to her house to pick up paint samples. We are having painting done and she had lots of samples. Ted picked me up there and took me to get a hair cut. From there we went to get my car. I drove myself to the grocery and now I'm home for the evening.
Not exciting by a long shot. But I have to say the 70 degrees and sunshine today made getting out well worth it.
All our Christmas decorations were out and the things they replaced were all stored in my closets. When we emptied the car of all our gifts, luggage and family reunion things, I was in virtual gridlock.
First I had to take the Christmas things down and get them back in the attic above the garage. Then I was able to empty the regular decorative things out of the closet and put them back where they belong. In the meantime I got the laundry all done. Finally, I organized all the reunion bag things and put them in the closet.
The bedspread left yesterday so that's another thing out of here! We straightened up and swept out the garage once everything was upstairs. I finally feel as if I have a handle on things.
We kept cooking/eating to a minimum. We had leftover tortellini soup on Sunday, leftover chili on Monday and by Tuesday I had turned our Christmas ham bone into bean soup. You could say we had a "souper" week.
So last night I took the opportunity to go to Happy Hour. There must have been a pent up demand to get out because we had such a crowd! It was 8:30 when I got home and that's much later than I ever stay unless I'm having dinner.
Today we took my car to the Ford dealer to fix the lock on my car door. It needed a new actuator. At first I thought having a broken lock was no big deal. But I soon realized how often I used the door behind my driver's seat. With the lock at the rear part of the door, the only way to unlock it was to climb between the captain chairs or clear across the second seat to reach it. So I had it fixed.
Then Ted drove me to Continental Breakfast. There are lots of new people there each month and is a good way to help them get acclimated to their new home town. I left with Ann to return to her house to pick up paint samples. We are having painting done and she had lots of samples. Ted picked me up there and took me to get a hair cut. From there we went to get my car. I drove myself to the grocery and now I'm home for the evening.
Not exciting by a long shot. But I have to say the 70 degrees and sunshine today made getting out well worth it.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Whoops!
When we left Michigan our first stop in Ohio was in Celina at my brother Dan's. He and his wife Sue and their son Brandon, along with their son Ed, Vicki and Dustin took us to dinner at the Inn at Versailles.
It is such a delightful small town. Everything was lit up on Main Street or Rue de Maine as the sign said. We had a great visit with all of them. It was from there the next day that we took off for Cincinnati with a stop in Eaton.
We usually spend 5 days or so at Grand Lake/St Marys State Park in Celina during our summer travels. Dan has a canal behind his house and can bring his boat right to the campground to take us for a ride around the lake or back to his home.
I'm not sure how I lost a whole day in my reporting. I guess I'm slipping in my old age.
On another note, I got dumped by my gynecologist after 9 years because I'm on Medicare. He isn't taking Medicare patients. Last year he said he would keep me as a patient because of my longevity with him but my daughter Kara, in the business, said he can't. You either take Medicare patients or you don't. So to those of you who believe you can keep your present coverage and doctors in this mess, it "ain't necessarily so."
It is such a delightful small town. Everything was lit up on Main Street or Rue de Maine as the sign said. We had a great visit with all of them. It was from there the next day that we took off for Cincinnati with a stop in Eaton.
We usually spend 5 days or so at Grand Lake/St Marys State Park in Celina during our summer travels. Dan has a canal behind his house and can bring his boat right to the campground to take us for a ride around the lake or back to his home.
I'm not sure how I lost a whole day in my reporting. I guess I'm slipping in my old age.
On another note, I got dumped by my gynecologist after 9 years because I'm on Medicare. He isn't taking Medicare patients. Last year he said he would keep me as a patient because of my longevity with him but my daughter Kara, in the business, said he can't. You either take Medicare patients or you don't. So to those of you who believe you can keep your present coverage and doctors in this mess, it "ain't necessarily so."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Hop, Skip and Jump Heading South
The day after Christmas we all went to Kelly's for dinner and spent some time with Shannon, John, Katie and new baby Cullin. You may remember Katie from last summer when she sang It's a Grand Old Flag in its entirety for the 4th of July. She will be 3 in February and sang Frosty, Rudolph, Jingle Bells and Deck The Halls for us. Then she proceeded to recite the Lord's Prayer and sang Jesus Loves Me while signing the song as she is being taught at Sunday School. Shannon says she is so smart she scares her.
We played some Mexican Train and another round of Catch Phrase and it was as much fun as Christmas night.
Tuesday morning we took Kristin to the airport for a noon flight and continued south. Kristin's plane was on time and she arrived home safely. We tried to reach Peter for three days and when we finally talked to his wife we learned Peter had been hospitalized for 11 days and was not able to have visitors. We are so saddened to learn of this development but had to respect his wishes. So we drove down 127 and stopped in Eaton for a short visit with Ted's cousin Pat. I took a couple pictures of the snow covered farms along the way. It didn't snow on us the entire time we were gone but we did run into about 3 minutes of awful rain right before we stopped for the night in Arkansas on the way home. It came and went very quickly but we were 5 miles from our exit and stopping anyway.
We arrived in Cincinnati in time to dress to go to Ted's sister's for dinner and to see Kevin and Barb. Mike and Kathy both had the flu so were unable to come. Peg asked us to pick up Aunt Eileen, age 83, and Uncle Bill, age 93, so they could visit too. Dave flew home from St. Louis just in time to eat. We had a good visit and some Skyline chili. It was good to see everyone but I forgot to take a picture!
Thursday we met two of my grade school friends for lunch. They just happen to be seeing each other now. Jerry's folks bought my childhood home when I was about 10 and he ended up in the same class in elementary school as Donna and I were. Donna went to school with me from K-12.
Afterwards we stopped at Sam's to get brats, goetta and frozen Skyline to take home with us in the two coolers we brought with us. Then it was back to Karen's for a short visit with their daughter Cindy and her husband Tim before leaving again to meet my niece Jill for dinner.
She is an excellent quilter and made us both Snuggies like you see on TV. I know they'll be great in the RV on cool evenings when we don't want to turn the furnace on. You are covered up but your hands are free to read, use the computer or hold onto the remote. We always enjoy our visit with her. She is such a sweet girl and looks so much like our Kristin. Once again I forgot to take a picture.
Cindy had brought over all she had collected for our family reunion goody bags for us to take home. We'll have more room in the RV and truck to take it all to Pigeon Forge than they will have in their Prius. When we got home from dinner we did some rearranging in the car to get things situated. Ted said we need a semi to get all this stuff back. I said we just needed to pack it better. We are full but we have it all in there.
We left at 8:16 Friday morning (one minute past Ted's announced departure time) and traveled southwest taking a different way home. From Elizabethtown, KY we took the Wendell Ford Fwy. to I-155 to I-55 in Missouri and south into Arkansas, west of Memphis. We believe this saves about an hour over going Louisville-Nashville-Memphis along I-65 and I-40. And there was no traffic. That was the best part.
We stopped in Brinkley, Arkansas for the night after being on the road for close to 10 hours. We checked into a motel, went into town for a BBQ dinner and then right back to the motel. I was in bed asleep by 9 pm. Ted said he didn't see the ball drop so he went to sleep before 11 pm. For those of you in the Eastern Time Zone, we in the Central Time Zone have to watch at 11 pm or we're looking at street sweepers in New York at midnight CST!
We arrived home today at 4:30, wished Chris a Happy New Year, then went to church at 5:00. I've been through the mail, paid the bills, and still have lots of unpacking to do.
Here is a picture from Kara's Christmas e-mail since she never got around to sending cards. She had overnight company for 9 straight days and nights so we'll just have to forgive her.
Here's my favorite picture and I've chosen the caption: "Here's lookin' at ya sweetheart!"
Wishing you and yours the best of everything in 2011.
We played some Mexican Train and another round of Catch Phrase and it was as much fun as Christmas night.
Tuesday morning we took Kristin to the airport for a noon flight and continued south. Kristin's plane was on time and she arrived home safely. We tried to reach Peter for three days and when we finally talked to his wife we learned Peter had been hospitalized for 11 days and was not able to have visitors. We are so saddened to learn of this development but had to respect his wishes. So we drove down 127 and stopped in Eaton for a short visit with Ted's cousin Pat. I took a couple pictures of the snow covered farms along the way. It didn't snow on us the entire time we were gone but we did run into about 3 minutes of awful rain right before we stopped for the night in Arkansas on the way home. It came and went very quickly but we were 5 miles from our exit and stopping anyway.
We arrived in Cincinnati in time to dress to go to Ted's sister's for dinner and to see Kevin and Barb. Mike and Kathy both had the flu so were unable to come. Peg asked us to pick up Aunt Eileen, age 83, and Uncle Bill, age 93, so they could visit too. Dave flew home from St. Louis just in time to eat. We had a good visit and some Skyline chili. It was good to see everyone but I forgot to take a picture!
Thursday we met two of my grade school friends for lunch. They just happen to be seeing each other now. Jerry's folks bought my childhood home when I was about 10 and he ended up in the same class in elementary school as Donna and I were. Donna went to school with me from K-12.
Afterwards we stopped at Sam's to get brats, goetta and frozen Skyline to take home with us in the two coolers we brought with us. Then it was back to Karen's for a short visit with their daughter Cindy and her husband Tim before leaving again to meet my niece Jill for dinner.
She is an excellent quilter and made us both Snuggies like you see on TV. I know they'll be great in the RV on cool evenings when we don't want to turn the furnace on. You are covered up but your hands are free to read, use the computer or hold onto the remote. We always enjoy our visit with her. She is such a sweet girl and looks so much like our Kristin. Once again I forgot to take a picture.
Cindy had brought over all she had collected for our family reunion goody bags for us to take home. We'll have more room in the RV and truck to take it all to Pigeon Forge than they will have in their Prius. When we got home from dinner we did some rearranging in the car to get things situated. Ted said we need a semi to get all this stuff back. I said we just needed to pack it better. We are full but we have it all in there.
We left at 8:16 Friday morning (one minute past Ted's announced departure time) and traveled southwest taking a different way home. From Elizabethtown, KY we took the Wendell Ford Fwy. to I-155 to I-55 in Missouri and south into Arkansas, west of Memphis. We believe this saves about an hour over going Louisville-Nashville-Memphis along I-65 and I-40. And there was no traffic. That was the best part.
We stopped in Brinkley, Arkansas for the night after being on the road for close to 10 hours. We checked into a motel, went into town for a BBQ dinner and then right back to the motel. I was in bed asleep by 9 pm. Ted said he didn't see the ball drop so he went to sleep before 11 pm. For those of you in the Eastern Time Zone, we in the Central Time Zone have to watch at 11 pm or we're looking at street sweepers in New York at midnight CST!
We arrived home today at 4:30, wished Chris a Happy New Year, then went to church at 5:00. I've been through the mail, paid the bills, and still have lots of unpacking to do.
Here is a picture from Kara's Christmas e-mail since she never got around to sending cards. She had overnight company for 9 straight days and nights so we'll just have to forgive her.
Here's my favorite picture and I've chosen the caption: "Here's lookin' at ya sweetheart!"
Wishing you and yours the best of everything in 2011.
Monday, December 27, 2010
What A Very Merry Christmas
The kids were up bright and early on Christmas but they had to stay upstairs until Mommy said it was OK to come down. Aunt Kristin helped them pass the time at the top of the stairs.
It's a good thing we took pictures the night before because it took no time at all for the room to descend into chaos.
Santa was good to me and Ted. We got new camping chairs, an I-Home for our I-Touch, Wheel of Fortune, Amazing Race and Bowling Wii games, another set of remotes for the Wii, a cover for my Kindle, Wii Fit and Board and a gift certificate for Amazon. Good thing we have the Expedition to get all of this home.
We had our traditional German breakfast of goetta and toast before we started preparations for dinner. Of course we had to have a "few snacks" for the company coming over.
There was another round of presents and more paper strewn about.
Kristin's friend, Dr. Varde (Sheetal to us) arrived with a huge fruit basket. She said she hoped we didn't mind but she was re-gifting it to us! That tells you how much she feels a part of our family. When it was close to dinner time, Kara noticed her neighbors were home. They are Chinese and usually travel during the holidays. She called them and they and their daughter Angela came to eat dinner with us. Sheetal and Kristin got within a half hour of eating at the adults' table but, alas, once again they ended up at the children's table. This is a running joke within the family too.
We played Catch Phrase and laughed until we cried. Some were rolling around on the floor laughing. Cassie told her mother that if we were playing Survivor she would vote her off the island after losing a point. No present in the world can ever be as good as having your family all around laughing and playing together.
Sunday we girls went shopping at Great Lakes Crossing. It has been 15 years since we moved from this area and I was amazed at the amount of Middle Easterners present. I thought I was north of Dubai instead of Detroit. I can really see a change in the demographics of this area.
We shopped Lord & Taylor where we found $108 cashmere sweaters for $20, Jones of New York where Kara tried on every pair of slacks in the store. She is very disproportionate top to bottom and is having a hard time getting clothes right now. Since she doesn't stay in a size for long, she doesn't want to invest great amounts in these transitional clothes. We found great bargains and she came home with two pairs of slacks, two skirts, a pair of jeans and several tops. We stopped at Strasburg Children and I bought gifts for Katie and Collin who we will see today. Shannon's parents have been so good to Morgan and Sam through the years that I wanted to reciprocate now that they have two grandbabies. Shannon has been part of our family almost as long as Sheetal.
We all met at St. Andrews for Mass at 5:00 (though some of us shoppers were a tad bit late!) and then went to Big Boy for dinner. It was the only restaurant that could put 11 of us all together right away. We had eaten at Olga's at the mall and weren't too hungry but the guys had all skipped lunch and were more than ready to eat.
Today is a "let's get our act together" sort of day. We are taking Kristin to the airport tomorrow for a noon flight and heading to Celina, OH. Kara is expecting more company passing through from Chicago to New York. We are having dinner at Kelly's later today so we need to have things ready for Tuesday morning before we leave for there this afternoon.
I'm glad we aren't any further east than we are. Those folks are having bad travel days!
It's a good thing we took pictures the night before because it took no time at all for the room to descend into chaos.
Santa was good to me and Ted. We got new camping chairs, an I-Home for our I-Touch, Wheel of Fortune, Amazing Race and Bowling Wii games, another set of remotes for the Wii, a cover for my Kindle, Wii Fit and Board and a gift certificate for Amazon. Good thing we have the Expedition to get all of this home.
We had our traditional German breakfast of goetta and toast before we started preparations for dinner. Of course we had to have a "few snacks" for the company coming over.
There was another round of presents and more paper strewn about.
Kristin's friend, Dr. Varde (Sheetal to us) arrived with a huge fruit basket. She said she hoped we didn't mind but she was re-gifting it to us! That tells you how much she feels a part of our family. When it was close to dinner time, Kara noticed her neighbors were home. They are Chinese and usually travel during the holidays. She called them and they and their daughter Angela came to eat dinner with us. Sheetal and Kristin got within a half hour of eating at the adults' table but, alas, once again they ended up at the children's table. This is a running joke within the family too.
We played Catch Phrase and laughed until we cried. Some were rolling around on the floor laughing. Cassie told her mother that if we were playing Survivor she would vote her off the island after losing a point. No present in the world can ever be as good as having your family all around laughing and playing together.
Sunday we girls went shopping at Great Lakes Crossing. It has been 15 years since we moved from this area and I was amazed at the amount of Middle Easterners present. I thought I was north of Dubai instead of Detroit. I can really see a change in the demographics of this area.
We shopped Lord & Taylor where we found $108 cashmere sweaters for $20, Jones of New York where Kara tried on every pair of slacks in the store. She is very disproportionate top to bottom and is having a hard time getting clothes right now. Since she doesn't stay in a size for long, she doesn't want to invest great amounts in these transitional clothes. We found great bargains and she came home with two pairs of slacks, two skirts, a pair of jeans and several tops. We stopped at Strasburg Children and I bought gifts for Katie and Collin who we will see today. Shannon's parents have been so good to Morgan and Sam through the years that I wanted to reciprocate now that they have two grandbabies. Shannon has been part of our family almost as long as Sheetal.
We all met at St. Andrews for Mass at 5:00 (though some of us shoppers were a tad bit late!) and then went to Big Boy for dinner. It was the only restaurant that could put 11 of us all together right away. We had eaten at Olga's at the mall and weren't too hungry but the guys had all skipped lunch and were more than ready to eat.
Today is a "let's get our act together" sort of day. We are taking Kristin to the airport tomorrow for a noon flight and heading to Celina, OH. Kara is expecting more company passing through from Chicago to New York. We are having dinner at Kelly's later today so we need to have things ready for Tuesday morning before we leave for there this afternoon.
I'm glad we aren't any further east than we are. Those folks are having bad travel days!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Dashing Through The Snow - Not!
We left home leaving Chris in charge a little before 8:00 on Tuesday morning. It was already in the low 70s and from what I understand, continued on into the low 80s. We stopped at a Waffle House somewhere along 59 and arrived at our hotel outside Memphis around five. We used a Hilton Honors free night stay awarded to Ted last March for staying 3 nights at Hiltons in a certain time period.
After a nice breakfast included with our room we left about 8 o'clock and arrived at Karen and Ron's in Cincinnati around four. We had a nice evening visiting but went to bed early because we were tired from traveling. We had coffee with Karen in the morning and left about 9 o'clock. We stopped in Bowling Green for lunch and arrived at Kara's at two. The kids were all excited to see us and wanted to know if we brought presents for them with us. There was no snow until northern Kentucky but it was just residual from a storm last week.
Kara fixed a sausage and apple dish for dinner that Ted really liked and told Kara to give me the recipe. Afterwards she and I went to the mall for some last minute exchanging and returning ... and presents haven't even been distributed. We came home and watched Christmas Vacation and Jim Carey's Grinch before calling it a night.
Christmas Eve, Kara and I cooked and baked in anticipation of our Christmas dinner. Joining the 11 of us will be Kristin's doctor friend who she has been friends with since 1981. Allen picked Kristin up at the airport late in the afternoon and after dinner we all went to church. What a wonderful present to be all together. We stopped at Kelly's on the way home to say hello to her in-laws. We came home, got the kids in bed and watched Christmas Story and then were off to bed. I'll post pictures and more later. Merry Christmas!
After a nice breakfast included with our room we left about 8 o'clock and arrived at Karen and Ron's in Cincinnati around four. We had a nice evening visiting but went to bed early because we were tired from traveling. We had coffee with Karen in the morning and left about 9 o'clock. We stopped in Bowling Green for lunch and arrived at Kara's at two. The kids were all excited to see us and wanted to know if we brought presents for them with us. There was no snow until northern Kentucky but it was just residual from a storm last week.
Kara fixed a sausage and apple dish for dinner that Ted really liked and told Kara to give me the recipe. Afterwards she and I went to the mall for some last minute exchanging and returning ... and presents haven't even been distributed. We came home and watched Christmas Vacation and Jim Carey's Grinch before calling it a night.
Christmas Eve, Kara and I cooked and baked in anticipation of our Christmas dinner. Joining the 11 of us will be Kristin's doctor friend who she has been friends with since 1981. Allen picked Kristin up at the airport late in the afternoon and after dinner we all went to church. What a wonderful present to be all together. We stopped at Kelly's on the way home to say hello to her in-laws. We came home, got the kids in bed and watched Christmas Story and then were off to bed. I'll post pictures and more later. Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas to All
Quiet weekend. Right! We were to meet Susan and Vince for lunch Friday but it was Rebecca's day to clean so they said they would just come over to our house after lunch. Then Vince had an unexpected Civil Air Patrol meeting come up so Susan suggested we meet them at the country club for dinner Friday night instead. That worked for us so that's what we did. Bob and Pat joined us and we had a really nice time with the four of them.
The lady buying the double mattress called Saturday morning and said she had borrowed a truck from work and wanted to come over around noon to pick up the bed. I was getting my hair cut early so that worked out too. The truck was dirty so I gave her a plastic tablecloth to put down first. One more thing out of here!
I was running out of time to see everyone so I called Jody to see if she would be home before we went to church. She was out but Dave said she would probably be back so we stopped and she was there. I gave her a gift and she gave me a nice basket of goodies that I'll be taking with me to Michigan. There was even a bottle of Riesling wine. Good friends know what you drink!
After church we changed our Chik Fil A routine and went to Jack In The Box instead. I think this is only the second time we've ever eaten at one even though they are all around. Our other time was in Honolulu back in 1985. I guess we weren't overly impressed way back then. We just had a burger before heading to bunco. We were playing for Terry & Carol in the St. Anthony Church group. Who should walk in but our neighbors Jeanette and Dick playing for another couple we know. You just have to mind your p's and q's when you are out and about. Everyone was in a festive mood. We had a lot of fun and it was almost midnight when we got home.
I spent Sunday getting ready for our trip and for my luncheon on Monday. Getting the leaves into the table, positioning the pads and then delving through the tablecloths to find the one that fits when it is fully extended takes longer than you would think. I set the table and then left for the grocery.
Once I got back I had a lot of chopping and cooking to do. I made a cheese, meat and fruit platter, bought a small circle of shrimp and made my pesto dip that everyone really likes. That was for appetizers. For lunch I prepared an antipasto salad, tortellini soup and bread followed by spumoni ice cream and biscotti. By the time the Survivor Finale came on, I was almost too tired to watch. I kept falling asleep.
Today's lunch went very well. Everyone brought food for our church pantry. Ted took it over right away and it filled two shopping carts. We all talked, had a gift exchange (I got a Christmas plate) and then had lunch. It all went well and everyone was very complimentary. Judy and Michele stayed behind to help me get dishes into the dishwasher and it helped a lot.
I have to finish getting the rest of my warm clothes together now. I've gathered up all that the kids left here over Thanksgiving and packed boxes with snack foods we can all eat when we're there together. The car is loaded except for my clothes so I better sign off before I get in trouble with you know who. Chris will be down tomorrow after we leave so I'll have to check in with him tonight before it gets too late.
May your Christmas be merry, your days be bright, and all your wishes come true.
The lady buying the double mattress called Saturday morning and said she had borrowed a truck from work and wanted to come over around noon to pick up the bed. I was getting my hair cut early so that worked out too. The truck was dirty so I gave her a plastic tablecloth to put down first. One more thing out of here!
I was running out of time to see everyone so I called Jody to see if she would be home before we went to church. She was out but Dave said she would probably be back so we stopped and she was there. I gave her a gift and she gave me a nice basket of goodies that I'll be taking with me to Michigan. There was even a bottle of Riesling wine. Good friends know what you drink!
After church we changed our Chik Fil A routine and went to Jack In The Box instead. I think this is only the second time we've ever eaten at one even though they are all around. Our other time was in Honolulu back in 1985. I guess we weren't overly impressed way back then. We just had a burger before heading to bunco. We were playing for Terry & Carol in the St. Anthony Church group. Who should walk in but our neighbors Jeanette and Dick playing for another couple we know. You just have to mind your p's and q's when you are out and about. Everyone was in a festive mood. We had a lot of fun and it was almost midnight when we got home.
I spent Sunday getting ready for our trip and for my luncheon on Monday. Getting the leaves into the table, positioning the pads and then delving through the tablecloths to find the one that fits when it is fully extended takes longer than you would think. I set the table and then left for the grocery.
Once I got back I had a lot of chopping and cooking to do. I made a cheese, meat and fruit platter, bought a small circle of shrimp and made my pesto dip that everyone really likes. That was for appetizers. For lunch I prepared an antipasto salad, tortellini soup and bread followed by spumoni ice cream and biscotti. By the time the Survivor Finale came on, I was almost too tired to watch. I kept falling asleep.
Today's lunch went very well. Everyone brought food for our church pantry. Ted took it over right away and it filled two shopping carts. We all talked, had a gift exchange (I got a Christmas plate) and then had lunch. It all went well and everyone was very complimentary. Judy and Michele stayed behind to help me get dishes into the dishwasher and it helped a lot.
I have to finish getting the rest of my warm clothes together now. I've gathered up all that the kids left here over Thanksgiving and packed boxes with snack foods we can all eat when we're there together. The car is loaded except for my clothes so I better sign off before I get in trouble with you know who. Chris will be down tomorrow after we leave so I'll have to check in with him tonight before it gets too late.
May your Christmas be merry, your days be bright, and all your wishes come true.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
And The Beat Goes On
Tuesday night we met Tommy, Susan, Jay and Stella at El Chapparo for dinner. Afterwards they came back here. I made flavored coffee, put out my butter cookies and Ted fixed dishes of peppermint ice cream. Our four guests all took their turn at playing a bowling game on Ted's Wii. I think Tommy won. I had to teach him the "We did it" Dora dance. It's obvious he has no grandchildren! We had a great time with them.
Our weather Wednesday was perfect and we had a lovely day to help distribute the gifts to Women Shelter and Interfaith families. I saw tables & chairs, lawn mowers, mattresses, TVs, computers, bicycles and much, much more go out for about 200 families.
The most amazing thing transpired while we were talking to Marian from Junior Forum who is from Ireland. Her brogue is easy to pinpoint and Ted, being of Irish descent, was talking to her about where she is from and where his family is from. She told us of recently talking to a man in the supermarket line who had just visited a relative named Alice in Ireland ... who lived in the same town as Marian's mother still lives and Marian knew her. We continued talking and she mentioned her brother was 60, a doctor and becoming a priest. Ted and I looked at each other. We attended Mass last August in Gainesville, TX and there were two seminarians on the altar with the priest. One was an older, Irish doctor becoming a priest. It was her brother! The world gets smaller and smaller.
Today we had our Newcomers Christmas luncheon at the country club. Two tables of us "old timers" had agreed to go. Most of us don't do the luncheons much anymore. It was nice to see people I haven't seen in some time. The food was OK and the singer was very entertaining. The nice part was that they told us they were going to tear up all of our checks and pay for our lunch. What a nice surprise! I'm not sure that's fair to the rest of the organization that didn't attend but I'm not on the Board anymore so it's not my problem. While cleaning the pantry I came across a canister set I had and asked a Newcomer gal if she would want it since it matched her kitchen perfectly and she agreed. Turns out she was parked next to me and the switch was easy to make.
The people came tonight for the double mattress, box springs and frame but it wouldn't fit in their small SUV and they have to come back. I gave her a mattress pad and set of sheets since no one in our family will have a double bed anymore as well as the frame to take with her now. The newest sheet set I bought will go to my friend Judy who just bought a double mattress set for her daughter but neither of us knew what the other one was doing at the time. If she likes the bedspread, I'll give her that too. I'm in a straightening up, giving away, donating, tossing out kind of mood.
We don't have a big weekend planned. I need to get ready for my bunco luncheon here on Monday. Chris will be coming down before we leave on Tuesday. He wanted to know how to turn all the lighted decorations on. He's in his element again.
Our weather Wednesday was perfect and we had a lovely day to help distribute the gifts to Women Shelter and Interfaith families. I saw tables & chairs, lawn mowers, mattresses, TVs, computers, bicycles and much, much more go out for about 200 families.
The most amazing thing transpired while we were talking to Marian from Junior Forum who is from Ireland. Her brogue is easy to pinpoint and Ted, being of Irish descent, was talking to her about where she is from and where his family is from. She told us of recently talking to a man in the supermarket line who had just visited a relative named Alice in Ireland ... who lived in the same town as Marian's mother still lives and Marian knew her. We continued talking and she mentioned her brother was 60, a doctor and becoming a priest. Ted and I looked at each other. We attended Mass last August in Gainesville, TX and there were two seminarians on the altar with the priest. One was an older, Irish doctor becoming a priest. It was her brother! The world gets smaller and smaller.
Today we had our Newcomers Christmas luncheon at the country club. Two tables of us "old timers" had agreed to go. Most of us don't do the luncheons much anymore. It was nice to see people I haven't seen in some time. The food was OK and the singer was very entertaining. The nice part was that they told us they were going to tear up all of our checks and pay for our lunch. What a nice surprise! I'm not sure that's fair to the rest of the organization that didn't attend but I'm not on the Board anymore so it's not my problem. While cleaning the pantry I came across a canister set I had and asked a Newcomer gal if she would want it since it matched her kitchen perfectly and she agreed. Turns out she was parked next to me and the switch was easy to make.
The people came tonight for the double mattress, box springs and frame but it wouldn't fit in their small SUV and they have to come back. I gave her a mattress pad and set of sheets since no one in our family will have a double bed anymore as well as the frame to take with her now. The newest sheet set I bought will go to my friend Judy who just bought a double mattress set for her daughter but neither of us knew what the other one was doing at the time. If she likes the bedspread, I'll give her that too. I'm in a straightening up, giving away, donating, tossing out kind of mood.
We don't have a big weekend planned. I need to get ready for my bunco luncheon here on Monday. Chris will be coming down before we leave on Tuesday. He wanted to know how to turn all the lighted decorations on. He's in his element again.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Still At It
Ted did not have to report for jury duty. When we called they said his date and time had been cancelled so that paved the way for us to continue on with all our plans. Susan called and invited us to join them at the country club for the Friday night buffet but we declined. It was just good to stay at home for a change.
Saturday we went to Mass and then met Gerre, Barry, Sue Anne and Tom for dinner. We tried a new restaurant but soon realized getting a table for six wasn't going to happen easily so we went across the street to a relatively new Italian place and had a great meal. We stayed and talked a long time with no one rushing us. Gerre and I walk and see each other all the time but to see Sue Anne twice in one week was a real treat
Ted went shooting on Sunday while I stayed home to get ready for Canasta here on Monday and made deviled eggs, a spice cake and some butter cookies. At 4 o'clock we went to the neighborhood party and I took my eggs there. I couldn't find wonton wrappers to make the Crab Rangoons and I knew I had what I needed for deviled eggs so I just bought an extra dozen while at the store.
Monday I got all three of the tables set with Christmas tablecloths and finished getting me and the food ready just in time. I tried to make it a little more festive than normal by purchasing two food trays from Randall's supplemented by some of my own things including the spice cake and butter cookies. They put a good dent in everything. My mango tea was gone but no one drank any flavored coffee! You just never know what they'll eat or drink. Anyway, I won my dollar back for being low. I just didn't have good cards but that's the way it goes.
Today we have to take Terry and Carol to the airport in the morning. Tonight we are meeting Jay, Stella, Tommy and Susan for dinner. We all plan to come back here to finish off the butter cookies and maybe even the spice cake. I have some peppermint ice cream too. We haven't seen Tommy and Susan since we all left the valley in October.
I put an ad on line in our neighborhood "newspaper" to sell our double mattress. I am replacing it with a queen size mattress. Both of our married daughters are used to sleeping in a queen bed so that will make it more comfortable for them (and anyone else) even though they don't come very often. The other bedroom has twin beds which works for the grandkids in each family. I could have sold the mattress several times over but a lady is coming to pick it up on Thursday night. I want to have some painting done so I won't get the new mattress until that is done. Chris normally sleeps in that room so he'll have to use a twin bed or sleep in ours which he has always refused to do. It's up to him!
Tomorrow Ted and I both are working at the pavilion distributing gifts to families idenitfied by Interfaith and the Women's Shelter. Yesterday the donations arrived, today they are being sorted to get each family's gifts together and marked and tomorrow it all gets given out. I'll get 4.5 service hours for Junior Forum. Hmmm ... I wonder if I can claim Ted's too?????
Saturday we went to Mass and then met Gerre, Barry, Sue Anne and Tom for dinner. We tried a new restaurant but soon realized getting a table for six wasn't going to happen easily so we went across the street to a relatively new Italian place and had a great meal. We stayed and talked a long time with no one rushing us. Gerre and I walk and see each other all the time but to see Sue Anne twice in one week was a real treat
Ted went shooting on Sunday while I stayed home to get ready for Canasta here on Monday and made deviled eggs, a spice cake and some butter cookies. At 4 o'clock we went to the neighborhood party and I took my eggs there. I couldn't find wonton wrappers to make the Crab Rangoons and I knew I had what I needed for deviled eggs so I just bought an extra dozen while at the store.
Monday I got all three of the tables set with Christmas tablecloths and finished getting me and the food ready just in time. I tried to make it a little more festive than normal by purchasing two food trays from Randall's supplemented by some of my own things including the spice cake and butter cookies. They put a good dent in everything. My mango tea was gone but no one drank any flavored coffee! You just never know what they'll eat or drink. Anyway, I won my dollar back for being low. I just didn't have good cards but that's the way it goes.
Today we have to take Terry and Carol to the airport in the morning. Tonight we are meeting Jay, Stella, Tommy and Susan for dinner. We all plan to come back here to finish off the butter cookies and maybe even the spice cake. I have some peppermint ice cream too. We haven't seen Tommy and Susan since we all left the valley in October.
I put an ad on line in our neighborhood "newspaper" to sell our double mattress. I am replacing it with a queen size mattress. Both of our married daughters are used to sleeping in a queen bed so that will make it more comfortable for them (and anyone else) even though they don't come very often. The other bedroom has twin beds which works for the grandkids in each family. I could have sold the mattress several times over but a lady is coming to pick it up on Thursday night. I want to have some painting done so I won't get the new mattress until that is done. Chris normally sleeps in that room so he'll have to use a twin bed or sleep in ours which he has always refused to do. It's up to him!
Tomorrow Ted and I both are working at the pavilion distributing gifts to families idenitfied by Interfaith and the Women's Shelter. Yesterday the donations arrived, today they are being sorted to get each family's gifts together and marked and tomorrow it all gets given out. I'll get 4.5 service hours for Junior Forum. Hmmm ... I wonder if I can claim Ted's too?????
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