Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009: OMG....400 miles of hard, never-ending rain!!!!!
Yep.....a terrible weather day here.....here in MISERY!!! After the morning rituals, Fr. Roast coffee, I changed into some casual clothes, picked up my thermos and travel cup...both filled with Fr. Roast coffee, my new camera of which I am still not very familiar with the way it operates, and before long I was on the road....IN THE RAIN...to Mexico, Misery!!
Today was the celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary by family friends......friends whom I have known since I was a little boy and could only travel with my Dad and Mom. My folks lived in Mexico, MO, at an early time in their married lives......before I came along, most assuredly. While living there, the became friends with another young couple.....and this friendship lasted throughout their lives.....both couples' lives. As a child, I always looked forward to my family returning to Mexico to visit with the Crump family.....as they had three children which were all close to my age......and we all enjoyed each other's company sooooo much. Years went by....as they always seem to do, but we always stayed in contact with each other.....through marriages, the births of our own children/grandchildren, and the deaths of those two couples with their Life-long friendships. Stories of these years have a way of being forgotten until we "children" manage to get together ever few years......and today was one of those days!!!!
After arriving in Mexico, having stopped in Kingdom City for lunch, I found the American Legion Hall west of Mexico.....and there I located Sue and Frank....the 50th wedding anniversary couple......Sue being the oldest child of my parent's friends....but only 4 years older than myself.
She was quite surprised to see me there.......and with her sister and her family....and her brother......it was a great reunion, to say the least!!!! I love these three people as I would if they were actually sisters and brother of myself........we have always been together at these family occasions, as well as the deaths of our parents.
For almost three hours, we had a great time, along with the many, many, many friends of theirs who came to wish them a Happy Anniversary. Among these friends and relatives of theirs, I talked with a couple of older people of my parents' generation.......and they told me of their friendship with Mom and Dad......and some stories of the friendships which I had never heard before........and so, this made the afternoon an emotional one for me, also. It was just a wonderful afternoon........so full of happiness and warmth and emotion.
Sue and Frank: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!
The trip up there and the return 200 miles back to the stick and brick were a bit tense as the rains never let up.....NEVER!!!! At times it was very difficult to even see the highway because it would become foggy and the rains and darkness, even this morning, made it almost impossible to see the road. And, as I sit here writing this, the rains are pounding on the roof of the stick and brick......and I do believe it is time for this crap to end!!!!
I am really tired this evening......and so I will close this.......close this with the thoughts of my childhood days being spent in the company of these wonderful Life-long family friends!!! And.....as always...and especially after an afternnoon such as today's......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT AND WONDERFUL!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Today was the celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary by family friends......friends whom I have known since I was a little boy and could only travel with my Dad and Mom. My folks lived in Mexico, MO, at an early time in their married lives......before I came along, most assuredly. While living there, the became friends with another young couple.....and this friendship lasted throughout their lives.....both couples' lives. As a child, I always looked forward to my family returning to Mexico to visit with the Crump family.....as they had three children which were all close to my age......and we all enjoyed each other's company sooooo much. Years went by....as they always seem to do, but we always stayed in contact with each other.....through marriages, the births of our own children/grandchildren, and the deaths of those two couples with their Life-long friendships. Stories of these years have a way of being forgotten until we "children" manage to get together ever few years......and today was one of those days!!!!
After arriving in Mexico, having stopped in Kingdom City for lunch, I found the American Legion Hall west of Mexico.....and there I located Sue and Frank....the 50th wedding anniversary couple......Sue being the oldest child of my parent's friends....but only 4 years older than myself.
She was quite surprised to see me there.......and with her sister and her family....and her brother......it was a great reunion, to say the least!!!! I love these three people as I would if they were actually sisters and brother of myself........we have always been together at these family occasions, as well as the deaths of our parents.
For almost three hours, we had a great time, along with the many, many, many friends of theirs who came to wish them a Happy Anniversary. Among these friends and relatives of theirs, I talked with a couple of older people of my parents' generation.......and they told me of their friendship with Mom and Dad......and some stories of the friendships which I had never heard before........and so, this made the afternoon an emotional one for me, also. It was just a wonderful afternoon........so full of happiness and warmth and emotion.
Sue and Frank: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!
The trip up there and the return 200 miles back to the stick and brick were a bit tense as the rains never let up.....NEVER!!!! At times it was very difficult to even see the highway because it would become foggy and the rains and darkness, even this morning, made it almost impossible to see the road. And, as I sit here writing this, the rains are pounding on the roof of the stick and brick......and I do believe it is time for this crap to end!!!!
I am really tired this evening......and so I will close this.......close this with the thoughts of my childhood days being spent in the company of these wonderful Life-long family friends!!! And.....as always...and especially after an afternnoon such as today's......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT AND WONDERFUL!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
April 18, 2009: Misery has more dismal, dreary, damp days......damn!
Yep....another morning of dampness and dismal days.......and it lasted all day. After my morning rituals, two cups of Fr. Roast coffee and some breakfast.......the 1st Lady soon left for a Tea (not teabagging of the political or erotic type) that her Phi Beta Sigma Phi chapter was having at the home of one of her sorority sisters. Shortly after she departed, Sue Hanner called and wanted me to come out to her home for some coffee and talks about visitng Washington DC. Soooo, I went, I drank coffee, and had some ideas as to what she should visit and see while in D.C. next month. She has not been there....and is really excited at the thought of spending a week or more in that great city!!!!!
Returning to the stick and brick, the 1st Lady had already returned....and so we talked about her morning with the "tea and crumpet" girls.....haha!!! She enjoyed it....and that is all that is necessary.....right???
This afternoon......we just sort of hung out around the house. When it quit drizzling, the 1st Lady went outside and worked on destroying some weeds, wild violets, etc., etc........and I hope she was not working in vain!!!!
Around 6pm, Sue and Dave dropped by to pick us up to run up to Farmington for dinner, but first they came inside and we shared some vino and interesting conversation over many varied topics. We left about an hour later, and arriving at Appleby's, we waited about 30 minutes to be seated.
Well.......not sure WHY this always happens to me and the table of people I am with......but the damn kitchen screwed things royally, once again. Last time it was just outside of Harlingen, TX......but...tonight, the appetizers arrived 90 seconds ahead of the entrees. I told the server to return the entrees to the kitchen.....as we had JUST informed him we did not want the appetizers and entrees to be served at the same time(so it was 90 seconds later???). Then when he did bring them out......none of the three steaks were prepared they way we has asked for them to be cooked!!!!!!! Soooo, back went the food ......again......and when they returned with it, the sides were not correct!!!!!! OMG.......by that time the Manager arrived at the table and I politely told him the ongoing problems, beginning with the late arrival of the appetizers, followed immediately by the entrees. Well........after a bit of polite discussion, he said he would remove the appetizers from the bill for everyone......and then he said he would give each of the four of us a dessert with no charge. OK......that helped somewhat, but once again, the bottom line for this snafu is the poor management of the kitchen in this place!!!!!!! It completely befuddles me that they can screw things up sooooooo much, several times....in one evening!!! It will be one hell of a long time before we eat in this Appleby's again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back at the stick and brick, the 1st Lady and I have to coordinate tomorrow as we both have separate individual plans for the day.......of which I will discuss tomorrow evening. I have posted above some pictures I took today as I continue to experiment with the new camera.....and I am not happy just yet with the lack of sharpness in the pictures......and it could be completely all my fault. Sooooo, I will continue to read and snap pictures....and see if it is my eyes, or if the camera is just not focusing correctly when I take a picture.
Dismal, dreary, damp, and a dreadful time at Appleby's but, you know......there are sooooo many things that could be worse....right???? And sooo....as always......
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Returning to the stick and brick, the 1st Lady had already returned....and so we talked about her morning with the "tea and crumpet" girls.....haha!!! She enjoyed it....and that is all that is necessary.....right???
This afternoon......we just sort of hung out around the house. When it quit drizzling, the 1st Lady went outside and worked on destroying some weeds, wild violets, etc., etc........and I hope she was not working in vain!!!!
Around 6pm, Sue and Dave dropped by to pick us up to run up to Farmington for dinner, but first they came inside and we shared some vino and interesting conversation over many varied topics. We left about an hour later, and arriving at Appleby's, we waited about 30 minutes to be seated.
Well.......not sure WHY this always happens to me and the table of people I am with......but the damn kitchen screwed things royally, once again. Last time it was just outside of Harlingen, TX......but...tonight, the appetizers arrived 90 seconds ahead of the entrees. I told the server to return the entrees to the kitchen.....as we had JUST informed him we did not want the appetizers and entrees to be served at the same time(so it was 90 seconds later???). Then when he did bring them out......none of the three steaks were prepared they way we has asked for them to be cooked!!!!!!! Soooo, back went the food ......again......and when they returned with it, the sides were not correct!!!!!! OMG.......by that time the Manager arrived at the table and I politely told him the ongoing problems, beginning with the late arrival of the appetizers, followed immediately by the entrees. Well........after a bit of polite discussion, he said he would remove the appetizers from the bill for everyone......and then he said he would give each of the four of us a dessert with no charge. OK......that helped somewhat, but once again, the bottom line for this snafu is the poor management of the kitchen in this place!!!!!!! It completely befuddles me that they can screw things up sooooooo much, several times....in one evening!!! It will be one hell of a long time before we eat in this Appleby's again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back at the stick and brick, the 1st Lady and I have to coordinate tomorrow as we both have separate individual plans for the day.......of which I will discuss tomorrow evening. I have posted above some pictures I took today as I continue to experiment with the new camera.....and I am not happy just yet with the lack of sharpness in the pictures......and it could be completely all my fault. Sooooo, I will continue to read and snap pictures....and see if it is my eyes, or if the camera is just not focusing correctly when I take a picture.
Dismal, dreary, damp, and a dreadful time at Appleby's but, you know......there are sooooo many things that could be worse....right???? And sooo....as always......
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009: A VERY busy day......
This will be quick.....as my eyes are halfway down my cheeks with exhaustion.......sooooo.....very quickly:
I am alive and well and tired. Today was hectic, to say the least........we had plans to meet Becky and see Mike, with us bringing the dinner.......and that we did! Yep.....I made brownies at 7am this morning....BEFORE I had had my Fr. Roast coffee......and then as the morning kept moving quickly, I found myself broiling the steaks with my own little combination sauce of A-1, Worschershire(sp???? it has to be wrong but too tired to check the fridge), and cracked black pepper.......four thick steaks and after turning them, they became covered with fresh mushrooms and more sauce. On the top of the gas range I fixed some garlic and sweated onions...until they were carmelized and sweet.....and then all of this went together, along with some broiled yellow, red, and orange peppers which we brought back with us from the RGV. The 1st Lady made a green tossed salad and a fruit salad......and some of her favorite cinnamon biscuits. And....it turned into a fine meal for our part.........
And, following the afternoon of eating and talking.....we finally returned here about 9:45 this evening. And sooooo, as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
I am alive and well and tired. Today was hectic, to say the least........we had plans to meet Becky and see Mike, with us bringing the dinner.......and that we did! Yep.....I made brownies at 7am this morning....BEFORE I had had my Fr. Roast coffee......and then as the morning kept moving quickly, I found myself broiling the steaks with my own little combination sauce of A-1, Worschershire(sp???? it has to be wrong but too tired to check the fridge), and cracked black pepper.......four thick steaks and after turning them, they became covered with fresh mushrooms and more sauce. On the top of the gas range I fixed some garlic and sweated onions...until they were carmelized and sweet.....and then all of this went together, along with some broiled yellow, red, and orange peppers which we brought back with us from the RGV. The 1st Lady made a green tossed salad and a fruit salad......and some of her favorite cinnamon biscuits. And....it turned into a fine meal for our part.........
And, following the afternoon of eating and talking.....we finally returned here about 9:45 this evening. And sooooo, as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 17, 2009: Departure of friends.....and a lot of work done in the back yard.
I jumped out of bed at 6:30 this morning......knowing that I needed to complete my morning rituals before our driveway guests came inside for some coffee......and that I did! A bit after 7am Doug and Diane were inside and sitting at the bar in the kitchen....and soon we were all enjoying the French Roast coffee, cereals and fresh strawberries......and wonderful conversation!!!! We were all in agreement about our fun evening last night.......and were still "full" from all of the food at Vance Vineyards.
It wasn't long before they needed to unhook the umbilical cords and get them stowed, bring in their motorhome's slides on the sides, and prepare to hit the road for the Kansas City area where they will spend tonight. When they were out of the driveway.....an easy turn for that 40' coach with Doug at the wheel....and Diane on the street giving instructions to him on the walkie-talkie.....they then hooked up their small car...and when they were ready, I took the lead and they followed me out to the west of town where they honked and waved and headed north to STL...and then west to KC.
What a loss it was to see them leave......we enjoy each other's companionship and friendship sooooo much....and have such incredible times when we are together. It is amazing how close our relationship has become.....almost like family!!!! We just fit together so well.......
I went back to the stick and brick....had a couple more cups of coffee.....and then began to plan the rest of the day. By a bit after 11am.....I was in the back yard.....beginning to mow...to rake leaves.....to pull weeds.....to clean out the storage area for the lawn mower and other yard items....clean off the patio.....weed the herb garden.....and continue to pick up the sticks and limbs. Yep......it was a busy damn afternoon!!!!!!!!!! Oh....I also filled in the depressed area where we had removed a tree a couple of years ago and where I chopped up the roots and stump last week.......so, I took some dirt and filled in the area to make it level with the rest of the yard.
I called it a day by 4pm.....and then began to do some more studying of the manual for my new Canon camera. This is going to take some TIME....to get this to just be done from instinct when taking pictures. Much more involved than that little point and shoot Olympus I have been using for a few years. I know there is much to learn......and I keep wondering if it will be possible to train this old, old sagging dog some new tricks???????? I'll keep trying.................
The 1st Lady returned around 5pm....and left at 6pm for her dinner meeting with some of the female teachers. They usually meet once a month for drinks and dinner in Farmington and just a fun-filled girl's night out......and so, she is still gone and having fun!
It has been a good day....even though it was hard to watch Doug and Diane depart for Edmunton, Alberta. We are hoping we can get our paths to cross this fall......???? Hopefully....we'll see!
And....as always.........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
It wasn't long before they needed to unhook the umbilical cords and get them stowed, bring in their motorhome's slides on the sides, and prepare to hit the road for the Kansas City area where they will spend tonight. When they were out of the driveway.....an easy turn for that 40' coach with Doug at the wheel....and Diane on the street giving instructions to him on the walkie-talkie.....they then hooked up their small car...and when they were ready, I took the lead and they followed me out to the west of town where they honked and waved and headed north to STL...and then west to KC.
What a loss it was to see them leave......we enjoy each other's companionship and friendship sooooo much....and have such incredible times when we are together. It is amazing how close our relationship has become.....almost like family!!!! We just fit together so well.......
I went back to the stick and brick....had a couple more cups of coffee.....and then began to plan the rest of the day. By a bit after 11am.....I was in the back yard.....beginning to mow...to rake leaves.....to pull weeds.....to clean out the storage area for the lawn mower and other yard items....clean off the patio.....weed the herb garden.....and continue to pick up the sticks and limbs. Yep......it was a busy damn afternoon!!!!!!!!!! Oh....I also filled in the depressed area where we had removed a tree a couple of years ago and where I chopped up the roots and stump last week.......so, I took some dirt and filled in the area to make it level with the rest of the yard.
I called it a day by 4pm.....and then began to do some more studying of the manual for my new Canon camera. This is going to take some TIME....to get this to just be done from instinct when taking pictures. Much more involved than that little point and shoot Olympus I have been using for a few years. I know there is much to learn......and I keep wondering if it will be possible to train this old, old sagging dog some new tricks???????? I'll keep trying.................
The 1st Lady returned around 5pm....and left at 6pm for her dinner meeting with some of the female teachers. They usually meet once a month for drinks and dinner in Farmington and just a fun-filled girl's night out......and so, she is still gone and having fun!
It has been a good day....even though it was hard to watch Doug and Diane depart for Edmunton, Alberta. We are hoping we can get our paths to cross this fall......???? Hopefully....we'll see!
And....as always.........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009: What a BEAUTIFUL and fun-filled day!!!!!
WOW....I thought I would go blind this morning when I opened the drapes in the bedroom.....THERE was that ball of hot gasses...the SUN...shining soooo brightly in such a brilliant blue sky....it was hard to believe!!! And....it continued all day long.....WOW!!!!
I was on the road to Farmington by a few minutes after 8am.....to the Mineral Area Regional Hospital to have the PSA test taken.....just a bit of blood taken from my aging veins....and then test taken on it for cancer detection in the prostate. We will just wait and see if it has changed any since last year........
A quick run into the Supercenter there....and then I was back in the stick and brick by 10am!! And....shortly after that....my new camera arrived delivered by Fed Ex!!! OMG....it has soooo much on it to learn about.....THIS will take some TIME!!!!! I am excited about it....and about the possibilities of being able to get more out of just taking pictures. The ones I took today are a bit on the bright side.....but I have soooooo much to read, to remember, to learn about operating this camera.....WOW!!!!
About 1:30.....I drove over to the OLD WalMart parking lot where I was to meet Doug and Diane who had left Red Bay, Alabama (in the northwest corner of AL) about 7am or so......and so it wasn't but about 10 minutes or so and they slowly turned their 40' Phaeton Motorhome into the parking lot towing their small car behind it. Hugs and back slaps and kisses....it was sooooo wonderful to see them again, even tho it had only been about three weeks since we both left the RGV in Texas. After unhooking their small car from behind, they then followed me over to the BP station where they filled with diesel for their continuing trip towards Edmunton, Alberta, Canada. They then followed me through "north town" and up the hill to Buford Heights and TheHowserHouse stick/brick. With only one turn, he had back this beautiful coach into our driveway beside TheHowserHouse RV.......and it does resemble an RV Park here at the stick and brick......hahah!
After getting hooked up to electricity using my 30 amp receptacle that I use for TheHowserHouse......they were soon making themselves right at home in their coach in front of our home. I gave them the guided tour of our home....and the god-awful, uncut and uncultivated yard....tooooo damn much rain lately to get anything done......and then we had a glass of dark red medicine and the laughter began....just where we left off three weeks ago down on the border with Mexico!!!!
We decided to go out to Vance Vineyards for some wine tasting.....and dinner there in their lovely restaurant. And for the next couple of hours or so......we were tasting the wines and then that was followed by a wonderful dinner there at the restaurant. It is very reasonable to eat there.......VERY reasonable.....and the wine we had paired wonderfully with our steaks. A very good meal.....not outstanding, but better than anyplace around this area of the state. I would certainly recommend the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer........GREAT!!!!!!!
Afterwards, we drove through our little town....and then wound up at the Hanner House for some more drinks, followed by some coffee from Ethopia....a good choice!!! An hour or more there....and the back to the stick and brick......laughing all the way. It is soooooo great to see them again and to be together again.........!!!!!!!!
They are now resting comfortably in their motorcoach with all the comforts of home.......in our driveway. It is a gorgeous coach, both inside and out.......and they soooo enjoy traveling in that style and comfort!!!
Tomorrow........they must get on the road....as they plan to be back up in Edmunton, Albert....north of Calgary.....in five days on the road. Their plans are to leave this summer for a trip across Canada up to the Maritimes....Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia/etc., etc.......just where the 1st Lady and I were last summer. Then they will come down the East Coast....and eventually be back in the RGV by the first of January, where we will meet them at Llano Grande RV Resort for the winter.
And soooo, a wonderful day in all respects!!!!! And, as always.......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
I was on the road to Farmington by a few minutes after 8am.....to the Mineral Area Regional Hospital to have the PSA test taken.....just a bit of blood taken from my aging veins....and then test taken on it for cancer detection in the prostate. We will just wait and see if it has changed any since last year........
A quick run into the Supercenter there....and then I was back in the stick and brick by 10am!! And....shortly after that....my new camera arrived delivered by Fed Ex!!! OMG....it has soooo much on it to learn about.....THIS will take some TIME!!!!! I am excited about it....and about the possibilities of being able to get more out of just taking pictures. The ones I took today are a bit on the bright side.....but I have soooooo much to read, to remember, to learn about operating this camera.....WOW!!!!
About 1:30.....I drove over to the OLD WalMart parking lot where I was to meet Doug and Diane who had left Red Bay, Alabama (in the northwest corner of AL) about 7am or so......and so it wasn't but about 10 minutes or so and they slowly turned their 40' Phaeton Motorhome into the parking lot towing their small car behind it. Hugs and back slaps and kisses....it was sooooo wonderful to see them again, even tho it had only been about three weeks since we both left the RGV in Texas. After unhooking their small car from behind, they then followed me over to the BP station where they filled with diesel for their continuing trip towards Edmunton, Alberta, Canada. They then followed me through "north town" and up the hill to Buford Heights and TheHowserHouse stick/brick. With only one turn, he had back this beautiful coach into our driveway beside TheHowserHouse RV.......and it does resemble an RV Park here at the stick and brick......hahah!
After getting hooked up to electricity using my 30 amp receptacle that I use for TheHowserHouse......they were soon making themselves right at home in their coach in front of our home. I gave them the guided tour of our home....and the god-awful, uncut and uncultivated yard....tooooo damn much rain lately to get anything done......and then we had a glass of dark red medicine and the laughter began....just where we left off three weeks ago down on the border with Mexico!!!!
We decided to go out to Vance Vineyards for some wine tasting.....and dinner there in their lovely restaurant. And for the next couple of hours or so......we were tasting the wines and then that was followed by a wonderful dinner there at the restaurant. It is very reasonable to eat there.......VERY reasonable.....and the wine we had paired wonderfully with our steaks. A very good meal.....not outstanding, but better than anyplace around this area of the state. I would certainly recommend the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer........GREAT!!!!!!!
Afterwards, we drove through our little town....and then wound up at the Hanner House for some more drinks, followed by some coffee from Ethopia....a good choice!!! An hour or more there....and the back to the stick and brick......laughing all the way. It is soooooo great to see them again and to be together again.........!!!!!!!!
They are now resting comfortably in their motorcoach with all the comforts of home.......in our driveway. It is a gorgeous coach, both inside and out.......and they soooo enjoy traveling in that style and comfort!!!
Tomorrow........they must get on the road....as they plan to be back up in Edmunton, Albert....north of Calgary.....in five days on the road. Their plans are to leave this summer for a trip across Canada up to the Maritimes....Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia/etc., etc.......just where the 1st Lady and I were last summer. Then they will come down the East Coast....and eventually be back in the RGV by the first of January, where we will meet them at Llano Grande RV Resort for the winter.
And soooo, a wonderful day in all respects!!!!! And, as always.......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009: Misery continues with dreary, dismal, damp, discouraging, and depressing days!!!
Yep....the above says it all about the day.....however, I wasn't necessarily depressed nor discouraged, except........
I was awake for some ungodly reason at 4:18AM today.....and the last time I looked at the damn clock was 5:43....and awoke then at 7am...my usual time. However, I HATE/DETEST laying in bed in the middle of the night wide awake!!!!
The morning, after the rituals and Fr Roast coffee, went quickly. I made a trip down off of Buford Heights to town......need to get the front windshield glass replaced as it is in BAD shape with a huge crack clear across the windshield and many other chips that are beginning to spread, also. After making arrangements for that to be done next week.......I then went to the local tire shop to pick up a tire that I left them last week to be fixed....one for our wheel barrow. NOW...I can do some yard work......???? Well........
If this damned weather doesn't get better with sun and warmth, I never will get it all done. Today.,...it never got out of the 40's.....BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! And, the dampness just make it seem quite a bit colder than that!!! Tonight, a heavy frost is predicted.....so, I had to open up two slides on the RV so that the furnace could be turned on and the floor vents would be open with the slides out.......do not want to re-winterized again, as I have said earlier.
This afternoon????? Did some research on cell phones.....checking reviews and ratings.....have about decided to go with AT&T for a new provider, but still checking out the phones available and the amenities on the phones that we would like to have.
I also cleaned the stick and brick for our expected guest who will arrive tomorrow afternoon from Red Bay, Alabama. Dusted.....always needing that with this forced air furnace that we have which just seems to distribute dust throughout the rooms, even with a new filter just installed.
Tonight.....Sue and Dave Hanner came over, so we opened and finished off a bottle of dark red medicine, ate some brownies(which I made for them) along with ice cream and fresh strawberries and hot Fr. Roast coffee!! We watched American Idol and Dancing With The Stars....... I continue to be impressed with Adam on AI.......he is soooo versatile and always PERFORMS, not just sings!
And sooooo, not too much new........but outside of the shitty weather, the day was productive....and as always.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
I was awake for some ungodly reason at 4:18AM today.....and the last time I looked at the damn clock was 5:43....and awoke then at 7am...my usual time. However, I HATE/DETEST laying in bed in the middle of the night wide awake!!!!
The morning, after the rituals and Fr Roast coffee, went quickly. I made a trip down off of Buford Heights to town......need to get the front windshield glass replaced as it is in BAD shape with a huge crack clear across the windshield and many other chips that are beginning to spread, also. After making arrangements for that to be done next week.......I then went to the local tire shop to pick up a tire that I left them last week to be fixed....one for our wheel barrow. NOW...I can do some yard work......???? Well........
If this damned weather doesn't get better with sun and warmth, I never will get it all done. Today.,...it never got out of the 40's.....BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! And, the dampness just make it seem quite a bit colder than that!!! Tonight, a heavy frost is predicted.....so, I had to open up two slides on the RV so that the furnace could be turned on and the floor vents would be open with the slides out.......do not want to re-winterized again, as I have said earlier.
This afternoon????? Did some research on cell phones.....checking reviews and ratings.....have about decided to go with AT&T for a new provider, but still checking out the phones available and the amenities on the phones that we would like to have.
I also cleaned the stick and brick for our expected guest who will arrive tomorrow afternoon from Red Bay, Alabama. Dusted.....always needing that with this forced air furnace that we have which just seems to distribute dust throughout the rooms, even with a new filter just installed.
Tonight.....Sue and Dave Hanner came over, so we opened and finished off a bottle of dark red medicine, ate some brownies(which I made for them) along with ice cream and fresh strawberries and hot Fr. Roast coffee!! We watched American Idol and Dancing With The Stars....... I continue to be impressed with Adam on AI.......he is soooo versatile and always PERFORMS, not just sings!
And sooooo, not too much new........but outside of the shitty weather, the day was productive....and as always.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13, 2009: Alive...I am, I am......Never fear, Howser's here!
Hmmmm.....two days have passed without a word from this sagging hulk of Me......and there is not really any decent excuse (nor any INdecent excuse). Yesterday was such a blah day for me that there was absolutely nothing to say, except discussing the damn weather and my morning rituals followed by Fr. Roast coffee.....all day long. Soooo.....yesterday is past and no need to go back to attempt to find something to discuss.......
Today??? I bit of a different story......as I was up before 6AM this morning to take care of those damn everyday morning rituals and to have a bite of breakfast before leaving for Festus. All of the previous were completed and I had time for a cup of that wonderful Fr. Roast coffee before getting three bottles of water, my phone car-charger, a jacket, an umbrella into the truck, and then the trash taken out to the street.
I had to be in Festus by 8:30am for a 9am appointment with my urologist......a six month check-up which I am ALWAYS glad to have done, so as to relieve the mental stress that sometimes floats through my disappearing gray matter(a few too many glasses of dark red medicine is most likely destroying the brain cells). The water???? I had to be completely full of liquids for the test that has to be done.....and so, I left the Fr. Roast at home and drank water all the way up there.......UGH!!!! I will not go into the details about the test, however let it just be said that it is a painless way of checking the "flow".........
After the test, and all of the other vitals recorded into the laptop that rests on the rolling cart in the examination room, my urologist arrived......his smiling, cheerful self!! One more test......the invasive digital examination.....and then he said that everything seems to be fine inside the darkest recesses of my body.....and after wishing me a belated Happy Birthday, he stated that I am "in the best shape of any of his 66 year old patients"...!! Haha.....sooooo, I will probably expire tomorrow now that he made that statement! Anyway.....one more test to be done in Farmington.....the PSA.....which I had done last year and at that time everything was A-OK!!
Returning to the Mineral Area......I stopped at a Walmart Supercenter and did some shopping for the items on the list I had made yesterday(see...I DID to something yesterday). Another stop was at the AT&T Corporate store.....where I discussed new phones, a new plan, and the costs involved in getting an iPhone 3G.....IF I can get the 1st Lady to agree....... And then.....it was back to the stick and brick for the remainder of the afternoon......a dismal rainy afternoon once again!!!!! My yard is still crying out for my attention......and I fear I am losing control of the many things that I need to do in order to make it presentable this summer. Perhaps....tomorrow????
And so.....we are still expecting guests to park their motorhome in our driveway this week.....and with each passing day, I look forward even more to their arrival!!!! Hopefully, with our schedules and their schedule we will be able to spend some quality, fun-filled hours with them before they return to Edmunton, Alberta, Canada.
I am HOPING that I get a package tomorrow, but it will probably be on Wednesday. The BIG news is I ordered a new digital, super-zoom Canon camera. It is the Powershot SX10 IS...which has 10 megapixel resolution, 20x optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, 28-560mm, and many, many more specifics. I have "tried" it in several camera stores over the past few weeks and even though it IS bigger than can go in my pockets, I am sooooo looking forward to the great zoom feature as well as many other features!!!! The reviews by sooooooo many owners are really, really quite good.....but, it is only in the eyes of the beholder that can determine whether it is the right one for them.....and, I sincerely hope it is for me!!!!
Soooo, soon I can begin to insert/embed pictures on this daily posting once again......YEAH!!!!!
All in all.....the day has gone well for me.........except for the April RAINS!!!!! But, you know.....we could be having tornadoes, wildfires, severe drought, blizzards, etc........sooooo, as always......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
(If you don't think BIG, nothing BIG will ever happen)
Today??? I bit of a different story......as I was up before 6AM this morning to take care of those damn everyday morning rituals and to have a bite of breakfast before leaving for Festus. All of the previous were completed and I had time for a cup of that wonderful Fr. Roast coffee before getting three bottles of water, my phone car-charger, a jacket, an umbrella into the truck, and then the trash taken out to the street.
I had to be in Festus by 8:30am for a 9am appointment with my urologist......a six month check-up which I am ALWAYS glad to have done, so as to relieve the mental stress that sometimes floats through my disappearing gray matter(a few too many glasses of dark red medicine is most likely destroying the brain cells). The water???? I had to be completely full of liquids for the test that has to be done.....and so, I left the Fr. Roast at home and drank water all the way up there.......UGH!!!! I will not go into the details about the test, however let it just be said that it is a painless way of checking the "flow".........
After the test, and all of the other vitals recorded into the laptop that rests on the rolling cart in the examination room, my urologist arrived......his smiling, cheerful self!! One more test......the invasive digital examination.....and then he said that everything seems to be fine inside the darkest recesses of my body.....and after wishing me a belated Happy Birthday, he stated that I am "in the best shape of any of his 66 year old patients"...!! Haha.....sooooo, I will probably expire tomorrow now that he made that statement! Anyway.....one more test to be done in Farmington.....the PSA.....which I had done last year and at that time everything was A-OK!!
Returning to the Mineral Area......I stopped at a Walmart Supercenter and did some shopping for the items on the list I had made yesterday(see...I DID to something yesterday). Another stop was at the AT&T Corporate store.....where I discussed new phones, a new plan, and the costs involved in getting an iPhone 3G.....IF I can get the 1st Lady to agree....... And then.....it was back to the stick and brick for the remainder of the afternoon......a dismal rainy afternoon once again!!!!! My yard is still crying out for my attention......and I fear I am losing control of the many things that I need to do in order to make it presentable this summer. Perhaps....tomorrow????
And so.....we are still expecting guests to park their motorhome in our driveway this week.....and with each passing day, I look forward even more to their arrival!!!! Hopefully, with our schedules and their schedule we will be able to spend some quality, fun-filled hours with them before they return to Edmunton, Alberta, Canada.
I am HOPING that I get a package tomorrow, but it will probably be on Wednesday. The BIG news is I ordered a new digital, super-zoom Canon camera. It is the Powershot SX10 IS...which has 10 megapixel resolution, 20x optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, 28-560mm, and many, many more specifics. I have "tried" it in several camera stores over the past few weeks and even though it IS bigger than can go in my pockets, I am sooooo looking forward to the great zoom feature as well as many other features!!!! The reviews by sooooooo many owners are really, really quite good.....but, it is only in the eyes of the beholder that can determine whether it is the right one for them.....and, I sincerely hope it is for me!!!!
Soooo, soon I can begin to insert/embed pictures on this daily posting once again......YEAH!!!!!
All in all.....the day has gone well for me.........except for the April RAINS!!!!! But, you know.....we could be having tornadoes, wildfires, severe drought, blizzards, etc........sooooo, as always......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
(If you don't think BIG, nothing BIG will ever happen)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11, 2009: Hmmmm.....what a gorgeous day.....to not feel too good....UGH!!!
As I didn't get to write last night.......a brief update: Yesterday morning flew by quickly with a trip to the post office, Walmart, and then by noon, the 1st Lady and I were on our way to go visit with Mike. And soooooo, after a great visit with him for 5 hours.....we returned to the stick and brick around 9pm.....tired and ready to do ABSOLUTELY nothing!....And, that is what we did!!
Today......I was up at 4am with a minor headache for some unknown reason.....and from that time on, I didn't rest well, obviously. Returning to the vertical position, I took some Excedrin....and soon the 1st Lady was up and beginning to get her bag packed for a trip up to visit with her mother for a few days. I kind of just wandered aimlessly around the house.....my head asking me to "please take it easy today".....and I just hung out.....going from room to room....with not much energy to do anything.
The 1st Lady left a bit after 1pm for her 210 mile drive.....and I decided I would go outside and pick up some more sticks/limbs out of the yard. Still haven't done the outside work as yet....where the hell does the time go??? Well....after less than 30 minutes, my head told me to "STOP!!!"........and stop I did. Returning inside, I laid down for about an hour.....fell asleep.....and when I awakened, I did feel somewhat better.
And soooo, the day has passed quietly, beautifully, and with a bit of inside brain pain....(sounds better than a headache.....right?). The house is very quiet.......nice for a day....and then she will be missed, I'm certain. Watching a little tv tonight....but, nothing is really any good as this IS Saturday night.
Tomorrow??? Hmmm, well let's see what the day brings forth.....supposed to rain by afternoon....accent should be on the "supposed". For me, it will be another day of not too much going on......still a bit of cleaning inside to do....well, hell!!! Quite a bit more than " a bit" of cleaning, but it will get done...and if it doesn't, well I'm retired!!!!! I don't give a damn! heehee
And sooooo, after this riveting, oh-sooo-interesting post this evening, I am certain you will be upset at the brevity of this post.......it just is not as interesting as being down in the RGV, is it???? I feel the same damn way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, we all know, though, that.....
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Today......I was up at 4am with a minor headache for some unknown reason.....and from that time on, I didn't rest well, obviously. Returning to the vertical position, I took some Excedrin....and soon the 1st Lady was up and beginning to get her bag packed for a trip up to visit with her mother for a few days. I kind of just wandered aimlessly around the house.....my head asking me to "please take it easy today".....and I just hung out.....going from room to room....with not much energy to do anything.
The 1st Lady left a bit after 1pm for her 210 mile drive.....and I decided I would go outside and pick up some more sticks/limbs out of the yard. Still haven't done the outside work as yet....where the hell does the time go??? Well....after less than 30 minutes, my head told me to "STOP!!!"........and stop I did. Returning inside, I laid down for about an hour.....fell asleep.....and when I awakened, I did feel somewhat better.
And soooo, the day has passed quietly, beautifully, and with a bit of inside brain pain....(sounds better than a headache.....right?). The house is very quiet.......nice for a day....and then she will be missed, I'm certain. Watching a little tv tonight....but, nothing is really any good as this IS Saturday night.
Tomorrow??? Hmmm, well let's see what the day brings forth.....supposed to rain by afternoon....accent should be on the "supposed". For me, it will be another day of not too much going on......still a bit of cleaning inside to do....well, hell!!! Quite a bit more than " a bit" of cleaning, but it will get done...and if it doesn't, well I'm retired!!!!! I don't give a damn! heehee
And sooooo, after this riveting, oh-sooo-interesting post this evening, I am certain you will be upset at the brevity of this post.......it just is not as interesting as being down in the RGV, is it???? I feel the same damn way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, we all know, though, that.....
LIFE IS REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
April 9, 2009: Dismal and dreary day....return of rainy weather
Well....that sun was shining this morning a few minutes after I pulled my sagging hulk out of the bed......but by mid-morning it was becoming cloudy and by noon......the light drizzles and rains began...and then the temps dropped....and MISERY returned!!! DAMN!!
I worked a bit out in the yard this morning......went to drop off some old clothing that we didn't need nor want any more.....dropped it at the County Senior Citizen's Resale Shop.....went to Walmart, dropped a wheel barrow tire off at the tire shop to be repaired.....and then returned home. Interesting paragraph, wasn't it??? Hee hee!!
After lunch......the rains continued and the day became more dismal as it went along.....DAMN #2!!! The 1st Lady and I just kind of "hung out" inside the stick and brick and watched the clock. I did spend an hour taking care of the floors, carpets, etc., etc. that needed some cleaning....and felt better about the stick and brick when I had finished.
Had a call this morning from Doug......and the Tiffin Motorcoach Factory is still not finished with their coach and it will be next week before they are finished......OMG!!!! I KNOW that Doug and Diane are very tired of being temporary residents of Alabama........and are anxious to get on the road to return to Edmunton, Alberta. Hopefully, they will still be able to drop by our stick and brick, if only for an evening, but hopefully for another day. The 1st Lady and I are adjusting our schedules, but she will have to be gone next week and won't be here to see them.....DAMN #3!!!
She went to Sorority this evening.....the first time since way back in the fall.....and I watched Survivor.....of which I have lost interest in this season. Guess I have just missed too many of the weekly shows.....and I could care less now how this season's show ends. Hmmmm......not like me, I know.....but it has just been too long since I have seen it this season.
I began to get my taxes printed off of the printer in the office......and at 9:30....I RAN OUT OF INK!!!!! DAMN #4!!!!! Soooo, off I went out to Walmart....AGAIN.....and bought the last remaining black ink cartridge that was on the shelf!!! Returned a bit ago....and completed printing the forms for both the Federal and the State.......LOTS of sheets of paper used by the time I printed two copies of each!!!!!!!! But, I like to have a hard copy of the tax returns on file in our filing cabinet............don't you?????? I also copied it to my external hard drive which we are now using quite frequently since we bought it a couple of weeks ago.
And sooooo, it is still raining outside......it is chilly.....and, I am a bit out of sorts having to make that run out to Walmart in all of this dreary weather at a time of the night that I do NOT want to be in Walmart!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.........guess it isn't that bad, is it??? At least they DID have one ink cartridge left.....right????
Looking backwards.....the day wasn't all that bad.....it is just that I am used to much, much, much better weather......but, I can't have everything, can I????? Besides..........I still know, no matter how bad the weather.....that...............
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
I worked a bit out in the yard this morning......went to drop off some old clothing that we didn't need nor want any more.....dropped it at the County Senior Citizen's Resale Shop.....went to Walmart, dropped a wheel barrow tire off at the tire shop to be repaired.....and then returned home. Interesting paragraph, wasn't it??? Hee hee!!
After lunch......the rains continued and the day became more dismal as it went along.....DAMN #2!!! The 1st Lady and I just kind of "hung out" inside the stick and brick and watched the clock. I did spend an hour taking care of the floors, carpets, etc., etc. that needed some cleaning....and felt better about the stick and brick when I had finished.
Had a call this morning from Doug......and the Tiffin Motorcoach Factory is still not finished with their coach and it will be next week before they are finished......OMG!!!! I KNOW that Doug and Diane are very tired of being temporary residents of Alabama........and are anxious to get on the road to return to Edmunton, Alberta. Hopefully, they will still be able to drop by our stick and brick, if only for an evening, but hopefully for another day. The 1st Lady and I are adjusting our schedules, but she will have to be gone next week and won't be here to see them.....DAMN #3!!!
She went to Sorority this evening.....the first time since way back in the fall.....and I watched Survivor.....of which I have lost interest in this season. Guess I have just missed too many of the weekly shows.....and I could care less now how this season's show ends. Hmmmm......not like me, I know.....but it has just been too long since I have seen it this season.
I began to get my taxes printed off of the printer in the office......and at 9:30....I RAN OUT OF INK!!!!! DAMN #4!!!!! Soooo, off I went out to Walmart....AGAIN.....and bought the last remaining black ink cartridge that was on the shelf!!! Returned a bit ago....and completed printing the forms for both the Federal and the State.......LOTS of sheets of paper used by the time I printed two copies of each!!!!!!!! But, I like to have a hard copy of the tax returns on file in our filing cabinet............don't you?????? I also copied it to my external hard drive which we are now using quite frequently since we bought it a couple of weeks ago.
And sooooo, it is still raining outside......it is chilly.....and, I am a bit out of sorts having to make that run out to Walmart in all of this dreary weather at a time of the night that I do NOT want to be in Walmart!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.........guess it isn't that bad, is it??? At least they DID have one ink cartridge left.....right????
Looking backwards.....the day wasn't all that bad.....it is just that I am used to much, much, much better weather......but, I can't have everything, can I????? Besides..........I still know, no matter how bad the weather.....that...............
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
April 8, 2009: A GORGEOUS day here in Missouri!!!
WOW.......today was better than yesterday.......what luck we are experiencing!!!!
Once again, I hauled my sagging hulk out of the bed about 7am.......and immediately headed for the kitchen where I quickly turned on the coffee maker which was filled with freshly ground French Roast coffee beans.....again. From there....it was over to the 1st Lady's computer and I turned it on....and waited for it accept my talented fingers on it's tidy little keyboard to tell it what to do. Email, Facebook, weather predictions, NYTimes, Washington Post, Hartford Courant, and a few other websites dealing with the news.
I heard the 1st Lady showering and as soon as she was finished I took care of my morning rituals, changed the bed, dressed, and then had breakfast. And then.........the ordeal began: working on those damned taxes.....which lasted until 3pm....and the 1st Lady joined me around 12 noon.....and remained with me as we reviewed, discussed, fixed a few items, reviewed, discussed, cussed, fixed again, reviewed, CUSSED, and then decided we had it done.....??? Another review tomorrow and then I push PRINT, and soon it will be in the mail.......as soon as possible since we have rather large refund from the Missouri Dept of Revenue.
About 4pm, we went outside where I attempted the beginning of the annual "stick pick up"....and that lasted until about 5pm. Then we have put up with an old, almost below ground stump from a crab apple tree that we had cut down a couple of years ago.....and so, it had pretty much rotted out, but I did take the axe to it and chopped out enough of it so that we can cover it with dirt and even out that ugly pit in the back yard.
Another hour was spent in the garage, moving some items from one place to another......OH NO....we wouldn't DARE get rid of them, would we???? "We might need them some time".....is always the stock phrase that is pulled out of the cobwebs of the brain each time I suggest that we should get rid of this, or that, or whatever since we haven't used it for several years. Sooooo, we began the task of playing "musical moves with the shit in the garage"!!!! It was not a happy hour for me, nor her, as we "discussed" each item.......guess I used the correct verb??? Where was the real Happy Hour that I am used to almost every day for the past 3 months??????
Dinner was left-overs........and a glass of my dark red medicine to aid in the digestive processes. And then another glass to make sure that I had my correct dosage today!
This evening?????? American Idol!!! Hmmmmm......can't say I agree with the individual who was voted out......but, someone has to go, even though I am not for certain he was the weakest one on stage......in fact, I KNOW he wasn't!!!!!
I did talk with our friend, Doug.....who is currently in Red Bay, Alabama with his motorhome having some warranty issues taken care of....and he said that he and Diane will be up here by Friday afternoon!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!! Really anxious for them to arrive at this little stick and brick!!!! They have to be back in Canada by sometime next Wednesday........as they can only be out of Canada for six months....otherwise their national/provincial health insurance will lapse. Sooo, they will not be staying here very long......hopefully long enough to knock off two or three bottles of dark red medicine.....and some good Fr. Roast coffee together!!!!!!
And soooooo, another day.....an absolutely beautiful day.....has faded away into darkness....and cooler temps. I have been able to get a few pictures onto my Picasa acct from our six days in San Antonio two weeks ago......so I will add them to this post of the blog......and.......you know, don't you: as always........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!! (And, remember: If you don't think BIG, nothing BIG will happen!!!)
Once again, I hauled my sagging hulk out of the bed about 7am.......and immediately headed for the kitchen where I quickly turned on the coffee maker which was filled with freshly ground French Roast coffee beans.....again. From there....it was over to the 1st Lady's computer and I turned it on....and waited for it accept my talented fingers on it's tidy little keyboard to tell it what to do. Email, Facebook, weather predictions, NYTimes, Washington Post, Hartford Courant, and a few other websites dealing with the news.
I heard the 1st Lady showering and as soon as she was finished I took care of my morning rituals, changed the bed, dressed, and then had breakfast. And then.........the ordeal began: working on those damned taxes.....which lasted until 3pm....and the 1st Lady joined me around 12 noon.....and remained with me as we reviewed, discussed, fixed a few items, reviewed, discussed, cussed, fixed again, reviewed, CUSSED, and then decided we had it done.....??? Another review tomorrow and then I push PRINT, and soon it will be in the mail.......as soon as possible since we have rather large refund from the Missouri Dept of Revenue.
About 4pm, we went outside where I attempted the beginning of the annual "stick pick up"....and that lasted until about 5pm. Then we have put up with an old, almost below ground stump from a crab apple tree that we had cut down a couple of years ago.....and so, it had pretty much rotted out, but I did take the axe to it and chopped out enough of it so that we can cover it with dirt and even out that ugly pit in the back yard.
Another hour was spent in the garage, moving some items from one place to another......OH NO....we wouldn't DARE get rid of them, would we???? "We might need them some time".....is always the stock phrase that is pulled out of the cobwebs of the brain each time I suggest that we should get rid of this, or that, or whatever since we haven't used it for several years. Sooooo, we began the task of playing "musical moves with the shit in the garage"!!!! It was not a happy hour for me, nor her, as we "discussed" each item.......guess I used the correct verb??? Where was the real Happy Hour that I am used to almost every day for the past 3 months??????
Dinner was left-overs........and a glass of my dark red medicine to aid in the digestive processes. And then another glass to make sure that I had my correct dosage today!
This evening?????? American Idol!!! Hmmmmm......can't say I agree with the individual who was voted out......but, someone has to go, even though I am not for certain he was the weakest one on stage......in fact, I KNOW he wasn't!!!!!
I did talk with our friend, Doug.....who is currently in Red Bay, Alabama with his motorhome having some warranty issues taken care of....and he said that he and Diane will be up here by Friday afternoon!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!! Really anxious for them to arrive at this little stick and brick!!!! They have to be back in Canada by sometime next Wednesday........as they can only be out of Canada for six months....otherwise their national/provincial health insurance will lapse. Sooo, they will not be staying here very long......hopefully long enough to knock off two or three bottles of dark red medicine.....and some good Fr. Roast coffee together!!!!!!
And soooooo, another day.....an absolutely beautiful day.....has faded away into darkness....and cooler temps. I have been able to get a few pictures onto my Picasa acct from our six days in San Antonio two weeks ago......so I will add them to this post of the blog......and.......you know, don't you: as always........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!! (And, remember: If you don't think BIG, nothing BIG will happen!!!)
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
April 7, 2009: OMG...there IS a Sun that SHINES!!!!!!
Yep.......it was a beautiful day today. The early AM was COLD, but when that bright sun came up over the leafless trees, the day began to warm up little by little......and it was widely welcomed.
After the morning rituals, the French Roast coffee, and my daily bowl of oatmeal......I read the online newspapers (that may be all we have to read before long??), and then about mid-morning I decided to return to the task of completing my taxes......only one week left! Well........it didn't go quite as quickly as it should have gone.....but, we all know that that happens with anything that we attempt to do, don't we?????
For one......the TurboTax has a glitch in it that I cannot figure out how to change. You would have to be using the Missouri tax supplement on the CD.....and you would have to be retired from the Missouri Public School Retirement System to experience this glitch. And sooooo, it makes me have to pay taxes to the Mo Dept of Revenue, rather than get a tax refund of more than $2000, which when I finally did the math on the forms by calculator and pencil, that $2000+ is the correct return that I need to mail in!!!! Soooooo, there seems to be no way of contacting the good people of TurboTax.......even though I will continue to find a way to reach them by phone or online so I can talk with a tax "specialist".
This above tax task kept me at the desk, at the laptop, and with all kinds of forms, documents, and a calendar from last year the entire afternoon. Not that I had planned on that.....as I needed to be outside working in the bright sunshine and cleaning the yard of the foreign objects that have become embedded in the growing green grass. DAMN.....I can't believe that it is almost time to start mowing it again........and, to my chagrin, my neighbors have already mowed theirs!!
No word on my deathly sick laptop which I left at the Toshiba Service center in STL this past Friday. Is "no word a good word" applicable to my pc status?????? I cower in fear at the thought of the final word about it...........
Two more items to take care of: deciding/purchasing a new digital camera....and deciding on new cell phones and perhaps a new plan or provider. MORE expenses!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!! When will these digital decisions defuse all of our communication challenges????? Not sure, just yet, but soon, soon, soon I hope!!!!!! It just takes time and research and thinking.........
And, talking about thinking.......I have my scheduled spring urologist appointment on Monday. Not looking forward to it, other than to get the damn thing over with for another six months. It will just be another day for another damn digital problem......haha!!!
Late this afternoon, Goldie came over to share a bottle of wine with me during Happy Hour. As always......ALWAYS.......we never have enough time to cover all of the subjects and topics that we need to discuss.......as good friends always need to share, to discuss, and to listen with, and to, each other. We always "bounce" thoughts, decisions, and ideas off of each other and then listen the other's responses and thoughts........and with the two of us, no subjects is off limits. I did give him a tiny glass of "1921", that wonderful creamy elixir which I purchased in Mexico: a bottle of Tequila with Creme.......made in Mexico......and it is sooooooooooooo damn good!!!!!
Tomorrow????? You guessed it.....finish the taxes!!!!!! But, tonight it is time for one more of those little glasses of "1921" prior to that last part of the evening........and, as always..........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
After the morning rituals, the French Roast coffee, and my daily bowl of oatmeal......I read the online newspapers (that may be all we have to read before long??), and then about mid-morning I decided to return to the task of completing my taxes......only one week left! Well........it didn't go quite as quickly as it should have gone.....but, we all know that that happens with anything that we attempt to do, don't we?????
For one......the TurboTax has a glitch in it that I cannot figure out how to change. You would have to be using the Missouri tax supplement on the CD.....and you would have to be retired from the Missouri Public School Retirement System to experience this glitch. And sooooo, it makes me have to pay taxes to the Mo Dept of Revenue, rather than get a tax refund of more than $2000, which when I finally did the math on the forms by calculator and pencil, that $2000+ is the correct return that I need to mail in!!!! Soooooo, there seems to be no way of contacting the good people of TurboTax.......even though I will continue to find a way to reach them by phone or online so I can talk with a tax "specialist".
This above tax task kept me at the desk, at the laptop, and with all kinds of forms, documents, and a calendar from last year the entire afternoon. Not that I had planned on that.....as I needed to be outside working in the bright sunshine and cleaning the yard of the foreign objects that have become embedded in the growing green grass. DAMN.....I can't believe that it is almost time to start mowing it again........and, to my chagrin, my neighbors have already mowed theirs!!
No word on my deathly sick laptop which I left at the Toshiba Service center in STL this past Friday. Is "no word a good word" applicable to my pc status?????? I cower in fear at the thought of the final word about it...........
Two more items to take care of: deciding/purchasing a new digital camera....and deciding on new cell phones and perhaps a new plan or provider. MORE expenses!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!! When will these digital decisions defuse all of our communication challenges????? Not sure, just yet, but soon, soon, soon I hope!!!!!! It just takes time and research and thinking.........
And, talking about thinking.......I have my scheduled spring urologist appointment on Monday. Not looking forward to it, other than to get the damn thing over with for another six months. It will just be another day for another damn digital problem......haha!!!
Late this afternoon, Goldie came over to share a bottle of wine with me during Happy Hour. As always......ALWAYS.......we never have enough time to cover all of the subjects and topics that we need to discuss.......as good friends always need to share, to discuss, and to listen with, and to, each other. We always "bounce" thoughts, decisions, and ideas off of each other and then listen the other's responses and thoughts........and with the two of us, no subjects is off limits. I did give him a tiny glass of "1921", that wonderful creamy elixir which I purchased in Mexico: a bottle of Tequila with Creme.......made in Mexico......and it is sooooooooooooo damn good!!!!!
Tomorrow????? You guessed it.....finish the taxes!!!!!! But, tonight it is time for one more of those little glasses of "1921" prior to that last part of the evening........and, as always..........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Monday, April 06, 2009
April 6, 2009: What?? Another cold, snowy, dismal day here in Misery!!
WOW......where did Spring spring to??? Some place that is not close to southeast MO, that much I know!! After being in wonderful warm temps for the past three months, today was the WORST day weather-wise that I have experienced since December.......and it is NOT enjoyable. During those three months, there were only a hand full, literally, of days when I was not in shorts and sandals.....and now??? We have the damned furnace set on 73 degrees, and with the cold winds from the north I felt more comfortable in a sweat shirt here in the stick and brick all day long!!! DAMN!!!
And so, the day was one that I did not want to experience outside for any length of time....and I didn't. I decided it was a GREAT day to sit down at the desk in the home office and begin getting my income taxe paperwork, statements, etc., etc. organized and then transfer it to the computer....and TurboTax. Well, I worked for about three hours or more....and then I had to put it aside as the 1st Lady needed to figure up the medical expenses we have incurred this year. She does an excellent job of keeping these figures and dates and places and miles in a journal and all that needs to be done is to do the math......which she loves to do!!
Soooo, tomorrow I will finish up the input and get it printed out and mailed. Amazing.......here I am about to finish 8 years of complete retirement.......and three years of retirement for the 1st Lady....and our income just keeps increasing each year. Am I complaining???? HELL NO!!!! It is just that I never anticipated this happening back in 2001 when I retired!
The remainder of the day found this sagging hulk of me......and for some unknown reason....I seem to be sagging more than ever lately.......anyway...sorry I digressed.......I had to make a small errand run to the local grocery store to get one little item so the 1st Lady could finish up the beef stroganoff she was fixing for dinner tonight. And.....when it came time for an early dinner, it was perfect.......PERFECT!!!!! We made some rice to put the stroganoff on, as well as some great sweet peas.....and adding a glass of dark red medicine for myself and a glass of pinot grigio for the 1st Lady, we had a delicious evening meal!!!!
This evening......we had fresh strawberry shortcake with some vanilla ice cream.....and, my body is now sagging even more than it was this morning!!!!! EGADS!!!!!! What is becoming of my gorgeous, hunky, sexy body that I possessed a couple of years ago???????
Tomorrow......finish my taxes......hopefully be able to work in the yard with all of the storms' limbs......and try to finish up the opening of the stick and brick. We are having house guests later this week, as Doug and Diane, our good friends from Edmunton, Alberta, Canada are going to stop by for a couple of days on their way back to the freezing northlands......and it will be as miserable to them as this weather here is to the 1st Lady and myself. BUT.....we are really anxious to have them here......we always......ALWAYS....have sooooooo much fun when we are with them!!!!!
And so......I may seem a bit depressed.....blame it on this shitty weather.....but, all-in-all....I am feeling really good....and it is nice to have a bit more room here in the stick and brick than we did in the RV. And........as always.......
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY WONDERFUL!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
And so, the day was one that I did not want to experience outside for any length of time....and I didn't. I decided it was a GREAT day to sit down at the desk in the home office and begin getting my income taxe paperwork, statements, etc., etc. organized and then transfer it to the computer....and TurboTax. Well, I worked for about three hours or more....and then I had to put it aside as the 1st Lady needed to figure up the medical expenses we have incurred this year. She does an excellent job of keeping these figures and dates and places and miles in a journal and all that needs to be done is to do the math......which she loves to do!!
Soooo, tomorrow I will finish up the input and get it printed out and mailed. Amazing.......here I am about to finish 8 years of complete retirement.......and three years of retirement for the 1st Lady....and our income just keeps increasing each year. Am I complaining???? HELL NO!!!! It is just that I never anticipated this happening back in 2001 when I retired!
The remainder of the day found this sagging hulk of me......and for some unknown reason....I seem to be sagging more than ever lately.......anyway...sorry I digressed.......I had to make a small errand run to the local grocery store to get one little item so the 1st Lady could finish up the beef stroganoff she was fixing for dinner tonight. And.....when it came time for an early dinner, it was perfect.......PERFECT!!!!! We made some rice to put the stroganoff on, as well as some great sweet peas.....and adding a glass of dark red medicine for myself and a glass of pinot grigio for the 1st Lady, we had a delicious evening meal!!!!
This evening......we had fresh strawberry shortcake with some vanilla ice cream.....and, my body is now sagging even more than it was this morning!!!!! EGADS!!!!!! What is becoming of my gorgeous, hunky, sexy body that I possessed a couple of years ago???????
Tomorrow......finish my taxes......hopefully be able to work in the yard with all of the storms' limbs......and try to finish up the opening of the stick and brick. We are having house guests later this week, as Doug and Diane, our good friends from Edmunton, Alberta, Canada are going to stop by for a couple of days on their way back to the freezing northlands......and it will be as miserable to them as this weather here is to the 1st Lady and myself. BUT.....we are really anxious to have them here......we always......ALWAYS....have sooooooo much fun when we are with them!!!!!
And so......I may seem a bit depressed.....blame it on this shitty weather.....but, all-in-all....I am feeling really good....and it is nice to have a bit more room here in the stick and brick than we did in the RV. And........as always.......
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY WONDERFUL!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
April 5, 2009: Just a quickie.......hmmmmm!
A great weekend with the grandchildren, as well as our daughter and husband!!!!! We pulled ourselves away from their home mid-afternoon, and 2.5 hours later we were in the stick and brick in F'town.
Nothing really new from here......still have a broken camera, still have an almost dead laptop, and still have a couple of cell phones that are on their last cyberwaves, I'm certain. Sooooo, our tech toys are fading away from us....and we must get something done about them!!!!!!!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!
Stay tuned......I'm sure I will be bitching about the weather tomorrow here in southeast Misery....and it IS Misery right now and for the next couple of days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.......everything changes in it's own time!
And soooo, as always....and even with this damned COLD weather:
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
Nothing really new from here......still have a broken camera, still have an almost dead laptop, and still have a couple of cell phones that are on their last cyberwaves, I'm certain. Sooooo, our tech toys are fading away from us....and we must get something done about them!!!!!!!!!!! ASAP!!!!!!
Stay tuned......I'm sure I will be bitching about the weather tomorrow here in southeast Misery....and it IS Misery right now and for the next couple of days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.......everything changes in it's own time!
And soooo, as always....and even with this damned COLD weather:
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
April 4, 2009: Cool and breezy outside, but full of warmth inside......
Yep......today was quite pretty outside here in the wooded hills outside of Washington, MO.....birds singing, a small lake visible through the naked trees, and signs of the grass becoming greener and a bit taller after several months of the cold winter. Attempting to have my late morning coffee....my third mug full.....outside on one of their decks at the rear of the home, I didn't remain long out there. It was just tooo breezy and cool to sit and enjoy the view, when I could move inside and enjoy it just as well with a wall full of windows stretching for two full floors plus.
Meghan, Ava, and Max.......all awoke about the same time this morning.....with the girls joining the 1st Lady and myself in bed.....and soon it was giggle time. The morning flew by....the girls playing, Max able to sit now, but not move around that much other than rolling from one spot to another........and lots of discussions going on inside their very large home.
The day progressed swiftly......and by late afternoon, Dr. Jeni and Meghan went with Darrel to the races in a neighboring town......a sport they all enjoy. Ava and Max are being watched this evening by the 1st Lady and myself.....and at the present time they both are sleeping quietly in their own rooms.
Myself??? I have spent the evening checking on flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with hotel packages for a week in November. My good friend's(from the USAF days) son is getting married there and we would like to attend.....not only to be there for the wedding but to explore that area and enjoy the marvelous beach there. The 1st Lady had spent part of the afternoon checking on flights, hotels, and ticket costs for 7 days in Disneyworld.....as we are considering and discussing going there the week prior to Christmas, also. Sooooo, you can see......our travel plans continue, even though we only arrived back in Misery four days ago from the three months in the RGV in Texas.
The day has disappeared quickly.......the kids have been great......and this huge house is now very quiet with the exception of the tellie, which the 1st Lady is watching....as we both keep our ears tuned to the two bedrooms where the little ones are sleeping(??). Tomorrow we will return to F'town......and get ready for very cold weather and snow showers/flurries.....DAMN!!!! I KNEW we were returning to Misery waaaaayyyyyyyy toooooooo soon!!!!
A chilly day but full of warmth inside the house......and, as always.......
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Meghan, Ava, and Max.......all awoke about the same time this morning.....with the girls joining the 1st Lady and myself in bed.....and soon it was giggle time. The morning flew by....the girls playing, Max able to sit now, but not move around that much other than rolling from one spot to another........and lots of discussions going on inside their very large home.
The day progressed swiftly......and by late afternoon, Dr. Jeni and Meghan went with Darrel to the races in a neighboring town......a sport they all enjoy. Ava and Max are being watched this evening by the 1st Lady and myself.....and at the present time they both are sleeping quietly in their own rooms.
Myself??? I have spent the evening checking on flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with hotel packages for a week in November. My good friend's(from the USAF days) son is getting married there and we would like to attend.....not only to be there for the wedding but to explore that area and enjoy the marvelous beach there. The 1st Lady had spent part of the afternoon checking on flights, hotels, and ticket costs for 7 days in Disneyworld.....as we are considering and discussing going there the week prior to Christmas, also. Sooooo, you can see......our travel plans continue, even though we only arrived back in Misery four days ago from the three months in the RGV in Texas.
The day has disappeared quickly.......the kids have been great......and this huge house is now very quiet with the exception of the tellie, which the 1st Lady is watching....as we both keep our ears tuned to the two bedrooms where the little ones are sleeping(??). Tomorrow we will return to F'town......and get ready for very cold weather and snow showers/flurries.....DAMN!!!! I KNEW we were returning to Misery waaaaayyyyyyyy toooooooo soon!!!!
A chilly day but full of warmth inside the house......and, as always.......
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Friday, April 03, 2009
April 3, 2009: To Dr. Jeni's for the weekend.....
Ahhhh, it was a chilly morning around 7:30 today......but, as the sun came over the leafless trees.....soooo different than the palm trees we are used to.......it warmed up nicely during the morning.
After the morning rituals, the Fr Roast coffee with freshly ground Starbucks beans, I continued doing things around the stick and brick. Will I ever catch up???? Hmmmm....you know, I just don't give a damn! Why should I worry about what others think about the outside/inside of the stick and brick?????? I am getting too damned old with too damned little time left to enjoy my Life.......my health could crack at any time, so why should I be concerned with what others think of me, or the place where I park the sagging hulk of Me????? Sooooo, I suggested to the 1st Lady that.......
We drive up and spend the weekend with Dr. Jeni and Darrel, Meghan, Ava, and the growing Max. Soooo, by the time I went and got another tank of propane for the upcoming COLD which is to rush down here from the upper areas of Canada sometime over the weekend, stop at the Bd. of Education Building to take care of some business, stop at the City Hall to pay a couple of monthly bills, and then go to the Court House to take care of them continuing to try to bill Jeremy taxes when he does not live here and has not lived here as a resident for over two years, it was almost noon.
We pulled away around 12:45....and drove straight into STL where I went to Brentwood Blvd to take my deathly ill laptop to the computer hospital there......the Toshiba Service Center. Discussing the illness, I patted it carefully on it's top.....and went out the door, leaving it sitting there with the "Dr.".....sure that it was going to be on death's bed with a negative prognosis by early next week. We'll see........
And then....on out to Dr. Jeni's......and by the time we arrived, Ava was up from her nap, and before long Meghan arrived. Max soon woke up.....and then......we had a light supper of fried chicken, etc., etc. It was great to see the kids.....they have changed over the past three months while we were in the RGV......and Max, especially!!! He has really grown, his hair is quite blond, and his weight....well, he could play football, I do believe!
The evening was spent in playing some table games.......and it is now approaching 11pm and my sagging hulk is sagging even more at this time of the night. Sooooo, with nothing else of any important to discuss.......I will close this out for tonight. As usual, we cannot get any cell phone service with Verizon out here in the countryside a few miles from town.....DAMN!!!!!! Sooo, if need be, and I am needed to be reached......use email!!! I check it frequently.....
And, as always........with three great little grandchildren to have hanging around.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
After the morning rituals, the Fr Roast coffee with freshly ground Starbucks beans, I continued doing things around the stick and brick. Will I ever catch up???? Hmmmm....you know, I just don't give a damn! Why should I worry about what others think about the outside/inside of the stick and brick?????? I am getting too damned old with too damned little time left to enjoy my Life.......my health could crack at any time, so why should I be concerned with what others think of me, or the place where I park the sagging hulk of Me????? Sooooo, I suggested to the 1st Lady that.......
We drive up and spend the weekend with Dr. Jeni and Darrel, Meghan, Ava, and the growing Max. Soooo, by the time I went and got another tank of propane for the upcoming COLD which is to rush down here from the upper areas of Canada sometime over the weekend, stop at the Bd. of Education Building to take care of some business, stop at the City Hall to pay a couple of monthly bills, and then go to the Court House to take care of them continuing to try to bill Jeremy taxes when he does not live here and has not lived here as a resident for over two years, it was almost noon.
We pulled away around 12:45....and drove straight into STL where I went to Brentwood Blvd to take my deathly ill laptop to the computer hospital there......the Toshiba Service Center. Discussing the illness, I patted it carefully on it's top.....and went out the door, leaving it sitting there with the "Dr.".....sure that it was going to be on death's bed with a negative prognosis by early next week. We'll see........
And then....on out to Dr. Jeni's......and by the time we arrived, Ava was up from her nap, and before long Meghan arrived. Max soon woke up.....and then......we had a light supper of fried chicken, etc., etc. It was great to see the kids.....they have changed over the past three months while we were in the RGV......and Max, especially!!! He has really grown, his hair is quite blond, and his weight....well, he could play football, I do believe!
The evening was spent in playing some table games.......and it is now approaching 11pm and my sagging hulk is sagging even more at this time of the night. Sooooo, with nothing else of any important to discuss.......I will close this out for tonight. As usual, we cannot get any cell phone service with Verizon out here in the countryside a few miles from town.....DAMN!!!!!! Sooo, if need be, and I am needed to be reached......use email!!! I check it frequently.....
And, as always........with three great little grandchildren to have hanging around.......
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
A VERY wet day..........and cold weather to arrive!
This will be a bit short....not too much to say as the weather was rainy, dismal, depressing, and the forecast is NOT good for Sunday through Tuesday nights. COLD weather is to arrive with the lows at night to be 32 degrees, 28 degrees, and 29 degrees for Sun-Tues!!!!!!! I will have to go get some more propane tomorrow as I am not going to re-winterize TheHowserHouse plus take out all of the liquids, etc., in the basement. NOPE.....will not do that again at this time of the year.....DAMN!!!!
We spent most of the day in the Cape Girardeau area........visiting with Mike and Becky.....and then taking our granddaughter, Rachel, to dinner.....before she had to report to the Civic Center for Volleyball practice. It was great to see and visit with all of them.......!!!!!
And then, we returned home about 8pm this evening. The 1st Lady is now all wrapped up in the final marathon episode....3 hours.....of ER.....and so, I have not bothered her since we returned.
Tomorrow......well, we will see how things go as to what we accomplish around the stick and brick. I will have to get propane filled for the RV.......as I said above. I have tons of limbs and stick to pick up in the yard, but it is a mess with all of the rain that has fallen today, so that might have to be put off for a day or so.
Doug....if you see this.......I will call in the morning....my cell phone battery is 100% dead....and I am about 50% done for......so tomorrow, my good friend(Friday).
And so........a quick few lines........and as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
We spent most of the day in the Cape Girardeau area........visiting with Mike and Becky.....and then taking our granddaughter, Rachel, to dinner.....before she had to report to the Civic Center for Volleyball practice. It was great to see and visit with all of them.......!!!!!
And then, we returned home about 8pm this evening. The 1st Lady is now all wrapped up in the final marathon episode....3 hours.....of ER.....and so, I have not bothered her since we returned.
Tomorrow......well, we will see how things go as to what we accomplish around the stick and brick. I will have to get propane filled for the RV.......as I said above. I have tons of limbs and stick to pick up in the yard, but it is a mess with all of the rain that has fallen today, so that might have to be put off for a day or so.
Doug....if you see this.......I will call in the morning....my cell phone battery is 100% dead....and I am about 50% done for......so tomorrow, my good friend(Friday).
And so........a quick few lines........and as always.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
WOW.....Work and more Work!!!
It wasn't very long after I had taken care of the morning rituals, had a couple of cups of French Roast coffee, and a bit of breakfast that I began working inside the RV, determined to get it finished today. Still many items to remove and carry inside......you know....I really am thinking that we should have left about 50% of what we removed because it is only about 9 weeks until we will put all of this back inside the RV again!! But........you know: "We might need it" is the common statement that we utter every time we return from a prolonged journey.
By late morning, I was finished with the vacuum, and had completed cleaning all of the rooms, as well as getting down on my aging knees and hands to scrub the floor. And finally.....it was finished!!!! From that time forward......I spent most of the time cleaning up around the front of the house...and out on the cracked patio in the rear. Leaves....leaves....leaves...and, more leaves had to be swept up and stuffed into yard bags.......windows had to be washed, the garage swept free of more leaves......and there is still much to do: THE YARD!!!!!! Yep.....the yard needs to be hand picked....sooooo damn many limbs and branches have fallen during the last three months, however............
Today was NOT the day to work the yard! I was busy enough doing the windows, etc., etc.....and it was late afternoon before I said: "ENOUGH....ENOUGH!!!!" And.....it was 4pm....and time for Happy Hour here in the HowserHouse. After a couple of glasses of my dark red medicine.......I began to relax a bit.....which was when I realized that my muscles were rebelling against my wishes.......and the screaming has become louder as this evening has progressed!!! UGH!!!!! Oh well........I am certain I needed to push myself a bit today...and my sagging hulk will recover, I'm quite sure!
I have been doing some thinking over the past 48 hours since we returned......and last night we briefly discussed this at the HannerHouse over some birthday dessert and Creme de Tequila. And that is the fact that we are now leading two separate lives.......a Life here in Missouri and a Life down in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They are very different.......VERY!!! For example: when we arrived at our site in Llano Grande RV Resort in the Valley and before we had even started to unhook TheHowserHouse from the truck, we had barely stepped out of the truck and there were people coming over to greet us, to shake our hands, to introduce themselves.......to be friendly!!! When we arrived back here on Monday late afternoon, there was no one.....absolutely not one person in our neighborhood, where we have lived since 1992, waved, welcomed us home, or showed any sign of being friendly with the 1st Lady and myself. WHAT a difference!!!!! And....this is only one example!!!!!
Yes........everyone down there is friendly. Everyone is interested in getting to know new people....and to renew friendships with those whom they have met at another time. And.....as the winter begins.......we soon realize that we have a very, very busy and active social life down there. Again.....quite a difference from being in the stick and brick!! Hmmmmm........and we think about it and wonder.........why?
Is it because we are all very close to the same age??? Is it because we are all retired??? Is it because there are not any family obligations.......no household obligations......no responsibilities that we must face each morning????? I think about this quite often..........and, I can make one statement to those of you who have not been down there for a few months: you just cannot understand what it IS like in the RGV until you have spent a few months there........it is impossible!!!!! The 1st Lady and I really love it there.......and it isn't just because of the beautiful warm weather........it is because of the wonderful, beautiful people there...the people who are instantly friends......but, who remain some of the closest friends we have!!!!! It is a remarkable place to be!!!!!
And with that.......you must realize that...........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
By late morning, I was finished with the vacuum, and had completed cleaning all of the rooms, as well as getting down on my aging knees and hands to scrub the floor. And finally.....it was finished!!!! From that time forward......I spent most of the time cleaning up around the front of the house...and out on the cracked patio in the rear. Leaves....leaves....leaves...and, more leaves had to be swept up and stuffed into yard bags.......windows had to be washed, the garage swept free of more leaves......and there is still much to do: THE YARD!!!!!! Yep.....the yard needs to be hand picked....sooooo damn many limbs and branches have fallen during the last three months, however............
Today was NOT the day to work the yard! I was busy enough doing the windows, etc., etc.....and it was late afternoon before I said: "ENOUGH....ENOUGH!!!!" And.....it was 4pm....and time for Happy Hour here in the HowserHouse. After a couple of glasses of my dark red medicine.......I began to relax a bit.....which was when I realized that my muscles were rebelling against my wishes.......and the screaming has become louder as this evening has progressed!!! UGH!!!!! Oh well........I am certain I needed to push myself a bit today...and my sagging hulk will recover, I'm quite sure!
I have been doing some thinking over the past 48 hours since we returned......and last night we briefly discussed this at the HannerHouse over some birthday dessert and Creme de Tequila. And that is the fact that we are now leading two separate lives.......a Life here in Missouri and a Life down in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They are very different.......VERY!!! For example: when we arrived at our site in Llano Grande RV Resort in the Valley and before we had even started to unhook TheHowserHouse from the truck, we had barely stepped out of the truck and there were people coming over to greet us, to shake our hands, to introduce themselves.......to be friendly!!! When we arrived back here on Monday late afternoon, there was no one.....absolutely not one person in our neighborhood, where we have lived since 1992, waved, welcomed us home, or showed any sign of being friendly with the 1st Lady and myself. WHAT a difference!!!!! And....this is only one example!!!!!
Yes........everyone down there is friendly. Everyone is interested in getting to know new people....and to renew friendships with those whom they have met at another time. And.....as the winter begins.......we soon realize that we have a very, very busy and active social life down there. Again.....quite a difference from being in the stick and brick!! Hmmmmm........and we think about it and wonder.........why?
Is it because we are all very close to the same age??? Is it because we are all retired??? Is it because there are not any family obligations.......no household obligations......no responsibilities that we must face each morning????? I think about this quite often..........and, I can make one statement to those of you who have not been down there for a few months: you just cannot understand what it IS like in the RGV until you have spent a few months there........it is impossible!!!!! The 1st Lady and I really love it there.......and it isn't just because of the beautiful warm weather........it is because of the wonderful, beautiful people there...the people who are instantly friends......but, who remain some of the closest friends we have!!!!! It is a remarkable place to be!!!!!
And with that.......you must realize that...........
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
A GREAT DAY TO TURN 66 YEARS OLD!!!!!
Yep....this was MY day, at least here at the stick and brick!!!! I was up and going as usual...and actually had forgotten(short term memory loss????) this was March 31st....until the 1st Lady popped into the den and reminded me very nicely by a great "Happy Birthday"!!
After breakfast with Fr. Roast coffee.....of course...and her with a cup of tea......we soon began working to start getting things out of TheHowserHouse RV and into the stick and brick. This had to be done between spring showers of rain......and, when the sun finally did emerge this afternoon......we still were not able to get finished with the task. I got the fridge emptied and thoroughly cleaned to prevent any mold over the next two months of sitting in the driveway.....and then finished up the den later this afternoon. Still to go is the rest of the kitchen, which HAS been emptied of all food items.....and the bathroom/shower and bedroom, which still has lots of things in it, as well as in the storage area under the king size bed.....a LARGE storage area. Then, there are things that must come out of the basement.........all of this to be done tomorrow????
All day long I was interrupted by phone calls from friends, former students, and relatives wishing me a happy birthday.......and what a great gesture it was, as hearing from everyone from my past only make this day THAT MORE SPECIAL!!!!!! Many calls became messages as my phone was busy a lot of the time.....and then, this evening the 1st Lady and I went up to Farmington to a movie and my phone was off, of course, during that time.
As I said....we did go to see "Knowing".......and it was a movie I really, really did enjoy. Oh yeah.....quite a work of fiction, but it was a good two hours of entertainment tonight. Nicholas Cage is NOT a very good actor, but somehow he still gets the parts for movies........he is either over-acting or under-acting.........just has a difficult time with showing the right amount of emotion for so many scenes!!!!! It just looks fake...... However........I did enjoy it with those reservations!!!!
Afterwards, we went out to our friends, TheHannerHouse, whom we had not seen since Christmas.....and we never came to a period, with more than one talking the entire time.......jumping from topic to topic without ever finishing each topic....HAHHAA!!! What an evening......and, I did take my bottle of "1921"....the Creme de Tequila.....which is soooooooooo damn good!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!
And so......another birthday has come and gone.......gone soooo quickly just like my Life is going sooooo quickly!!! But.......as long as the birthdays keep coming, I shouldn't complain, should I???? And, why should I EVER complain......because, as usual.......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
After breakfast with Fr. Roast coffee.....of course...and her with a cup of tea......we soon began working to start getting things out of TheHowserHouse RV and into the stick and brick. This had to be done between spring showers of rain......and, when the sun finally did emerge this afternoon......we still were not able to get finished with the task. I got the fridge emptied and thoroughly cleaned to prevent any mold over the next two months of sitting in the driveway.....and then finished up the den later this afternoon. Still to go is the rest of the kitchen, which HAS been emptied of all food items.....and the bathroom/shower and bedroom, which still has lots of things in it, as well as in the storage area under the king size bed.....a LARGE storage area. Then, there are things that must come out of the basement.........all of this to be done tomorrow????
All day long I was interrupted by phone calls from friends, former students, and relatives wishing me a happy birthday.......and what a great gesture it was, as hearing from everyone from my past only make this day THAT MORE SPECIAL!!!!!! Many calls became messages as my phone was busy a lot of the time.....and then, this evening the 1st Lady and I went up to Farmington to a movie and my phone was off, of course, during that time.
As I said....we did go to see "Knowing".......and it was a movie I really, really did enjoy. Oh yeah.....quite a work of fiction, but it was a good two hours of entertainment tonight. Nicholas Cage is NOT a very good actor, but somehow he still gets the parts for movies........he is either over-acting or under-acting.........just has a difficult time with showing the right amount of emotion for so many scenes!!!!! It just looks fake...... However........I did enjoy it with those reservations!!!!
Afterwards, we went out to our friends, TheHannerHouse, whom we had not seen since Christmas.....and we never came to a period, with more than one talking the entire time.......jumping from topic to topic without ever finishing each topic....HAHHAA!!! What an evening......and, I did take my bottle of "1921"....the Creme de Tequila.....which is soooooooooo damn good!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!
And so......another birthday has come and gone.......gone soooo quickly just like my Life is going sooooo quickly!!! But.......as long as the birthdays keep coming, I shouldn't complain, should I???? And, why should I EVER complain......because, as usual.......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
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