Equipment problems

I have had my glass grinder for many years, at least twenty and it finally died. It was leaking water into the motor and that could have been very dangerous, so it had to be replaced. Then to add to this, the glass saw has a rotary metal band that is covered in diamond dust and it broke. Yesterday we made a quick trip to San Antonio to get the band replaced. In the process of replacing the band, I learned that the spring that creates tension in the drive mechanism was missing. So, with new parts and equipment I continued working on my latest glass piece. It is now cut out, ground and washed and waiting for the next step which is copper foiling each of the edges of the more than 300 pieces. I hope to get started on that today after church.

To add a bit to this griping, we have had very inconsiderate neighbors behind us. Quiet time is supposed to begin at ten in the evening. Their first night they finally quit talking about 2:30 am and only turned their music off after we went over and asked them to do so. Another evening we again asked them to quiet down and they got very rude. Last night we got the park management involved and hopefully this will do the trick. This is the first time that we have had this kind of problem regardless of where we might be staying. I do not understand rudeness or lack of consideration for others.

On a happier note, the weather here has been delightful. It has been cold at night and warms in the daytime to the high 60's or mid 70's. It has been nice enough that I can work outside on my projects. Happy travels.

Don't get on that scale

The day after Thanksgiving you should not get on the scale unless you were sick and didn't eat anything. I got on it and should not have. I was back up two pounds. It might have been all I ate at the meal yesterday but probably was the two beers and several helpings of popcorn, not that salt would enter into fluid retention, that I added on in the evening. Guess I have to get back to the diet grindstone and get serious.

We are not out shopping early or at all as far as I am concerned. Today it is back to working on my latest glass window. I hope to get all 300 plus pieces ground today and maybe start the copper foil process.

We talked to many family members yesterday or the day before and it was delightful to visit and catch up with each and all. The next three to four weeks will pass by in a blur and Christmas will be upon us. What a busy and wonderful time of year is this holiday season. When I was teaching it seemed to fly by and then we had some time off for the Christmas vacation. That break gave enough renewal that we were ready for the new year. Wonderful!

Hope your Thanksgiving was great and happy travels.

Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving. It is a time when families and friends get together and share a sumptuous meal, talk non stop, stuff themselves and wonder later why they ate so much. Then in the evening you raid the carcass of the turkey and eat some more. You should not get back on a weight scale for several days. Are there parts of the meal that you really look forward to? I love the turkey and gravy, stuffing with lots of gravy, cranberry sauce, breads, pickles and other condiments, and the pies at the end. Every year I promise myself that I will take small portions and only eat a little of each favorite dish. Somehow a little of each favorite dish becomes too much and I generally stuff myself and later wish I had better control.

Really this day is a day for this whole country to give thanks for our many blessings. I give thanks for my wonderful spouse HW2 and all our kids, their spouses and grand kids too. We have many long time buddies and new friends but I treasure each friendship.

We have been blessed with many years of living, generally good health and a wonderful retirement that has lasted for these past twelve years. We have been able to travel here and abroad and gradually learned that we travel where the Spirit leads us and look forward to our next adventures and opportunities. We are not in charge although we like to delude ourselves in thinking so. Our remaining days on earth are to give help and support where we can to others in need.

I particularly wish to thank you the reader for reading this ongoing blog and for your generous comments. This has been a delightful undertaking and is always a work in progress. Happy travels and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm Good

I heard the expression, "I'm good," being used on some show that we watched the other night and realized that I use it, too. Generally, I use it when HW2 asks me if need another glass of water or another helping of food. My typical response is, "No, I'm good." I wonder if you have heard this expression being used, too or use it yourself. I would be interested to know.

I haven't had any entries for several days as just daily living has been going on here. We did go to First Presbyterian Church on Sunday. We helped serve customers at the antique mall on Saturday for about four hours, as Bobby and Vicky had told us that it would be a busy day, and so we volunteered to help. It was fun to be helpful there. Yesterday I finally finished and transferred my rose pattern for a new glass window, that I have been commissioned to do, onto tag board and then cut out the many pieces to be. There are over 300 pieces in this work, and it will be quite time-consuming. Today I hope to begin to cut out the glass. HW2 has been busy sewing and also decorating our motor home for the Christmas season. We look quite festive. I have been weighing myself and trying to stay on task for the Flat Diet and feel a bit like a yo-yo as my weight goes up or down one pound. I wish it would drop by 10 pounds, and then I could stabilize and quit and then try to stay at that weight. It took me quite awhile to get my weight to this current level and will require hard work to lose a pound or two or three. Alas, not my favorite thing. Happy travels.

Five pounds gone after day three

Can you believe it? I have lost five pounds according to the scale this morning. I guess thinking "FLAT" is working, plus eating twigs and leaves. After day four,, I think that I can get back to Coffee, etc., but smaller amounts of food. We are planning to go to San Antonio this morning to get a new glass grinder. My old one gave up after many years of service, at least 20. Then we hurry back to help in the Sunrise Antique Mall, as this is supposed to be a busy day, and we volunteered. Happy travels.

Day three on the diet and a movie reward

Keep thinking Flat, Flat, Flat. It has been a tough day three on this diet, but we made it. The meals left much missing. HW2 says that she had better lose more weight tomorrow, or she may go off the reservation. Actually, what she said could not be printed here in a family publication. She shopped for more diet food that we needed, and I finished up five smaller pieces of stained glass. Then after lunch we went back to see Ed and Sandy at their ranch to talk further and get final approval for their glass window.

On the way back home we stopped at a Dollar Store to see if we could find some unscented red candles, and there were three Crossfires in their small parking lot. The manager of the store drives one, too. One driver, named Skip, we had met previously at Walmart, and he visited and thought that three Crossfires in one lot was great. He had entered his car in a car show last weekend and won in his category and even got a trophy. They did not have the red candles.

After dinner we decided to reward ourselves with a visit to the movies to watch the latest James Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace." It is a non-stop action thriller and would make Ian Flemming proud, although his stories were never this action filled. Daniel Craig is a very fit actor and never seems to stop. The ladies in the film are very fit and attractive too, of course. I parked the car, and HW2 got our tickets. While parking, another Crossfire parked one car away. So, I guess that is four of these cars in one day. The other driver and I visited all the way into the theater, but he went on to another movie. He had already seen the Bond flick. The theater lobby was crowded, maybe because so many kids were going to see "Twilight." I think that in depression times, more people go to the movies as an escape. We certainly enjoyed our movie and it was an action packed thriller. If you like action films, this is a delightful escape. Enjoy!

Rome was not built in a day

Now, there is a thought. Rome was not built in a day. Well, of course. Anyway, I weighed myself this morning and am finally down a pound. YEAH! Can't wait to find out how HW2 is doing. (She lost another pound.) Yesterday we met Byron over at the River Rock Saloon since I owed him a beer or two and like to quickly pay off any of my debts. HW2 made us pineapple smoothies (part of the "snack" regimine), and we went over and joined Byron. It felt a bit odd sitting at the bar, visiting, but only slurping the smoothie. I bet the bartender had not had that happen before.

So we are in day three of this diet thing, and I may have to change my mantra from Flat to Coffee or Beer. Guess I will stick with Flat for the time being.

Two more days of this detoxing procedure. We have been drinking Sassy Water. "What is that?" you ask. Well, Sassy Water is water in which you place a thinly sliced, peeled cucumber, thinly sliced lemon, mint leaves, and grated ginger root in 2 quarts of water to blend overnight. We have been drinking the stuff at every meal. I do not usually eat cucumbers or grated ginger because my digestive system thinks I am better off not doing that. Actually, it is everyone around me who applauds if I don't do that. I gingerly tried this water mixture and, except for some discreet noises, have managed to drink Sassy Water and certainly am looking forward to a new batch made last night by HW2. Today's Motto -- When in Rome, drink Sassy Water. Keep eating!

My mantra is FLAT

We are supposed to say a one word mantra after every bite of food, and I decided to say FLAT. I did weigh myself this morning, and it took two tries to get back to yesterday's weight. The first try was a pound heavier!!! Good grief! I am on this twigs and leaves diet, with NO COFFEE, and I GAINED A POUND. Luckily for the life of the scale, my second try was even with yesterday.

I have high hopes for tomorrow since we have been very good followers of the diet regimen, and HW2 is already two pounds lighter. How did she do that???

Well, as you drink your second cup of COFFEE, please think of little ole flat, or is it fat, me. Just think by Thanksgiving day, I will be able to gorge myself on pecan pie and other non-caloric food. Gain all of my weight loss back?? NEVER!!!! Happy eating!

Flat Belly Diet

We bought the book Flat Belly Diet by Liz Vaccariello and, of course, expect miracles. Now I have never had a flat belly, although if you took the 'l' out of flat you have a better picture of my on-going condition. Today is the day we begin this regimen. Yesterday we went to Walmart to get the necessary supplies for the first several days of the diet, and I think we are looking forward to a diet of twigs and leaves. I do not expect anything to taste good since it is all supposed to be "good for you," and you know how that works. However, I will keep you posted in a droning kind of way, on our successes and failures. During the first four days we cannot drink coffee, tea, sodas, or alcohol. You can imagine how lovely our attitudes will be in four days without COFFEE. I think I am already into withdrawal for my morning several cups of COFFEE.

I do not expect you to rush out and get this diet book but you can purchase it at CostCo and probably every other book store in the United States, but only if you are interested or desperate about having a fat, or is it flat stomach. Will keep you posted. Happy eating.

Save the Ta Tas

"Save The Ta Tas" was on a pink ribbon on several cars that we have seen while on the road going to the grocery store or other errands. Since we have saw this particular magnetic ribbon several times and on different cars, we have decided that this appears "Only in Texas." Now maybe you have seen this too, but we had not until we were here in Kerrville. I do believe in the pink ribbon campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer and think this particular version is clever. Watch for this bumper sticker where you live. Happy travels!

Fredricksberg and San Antonio

On Sunday we visited Fredricksberg and thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down the streets, window shopping in this tourist town. We have been there many times and always enjoy the shopping. We were surprised that so many visitors were there and that it was difficult to get a parking place. Finally, we were done walking about and went to a restaurant for German food. Since this town was settled by Germans in the 1800's, it makes sense to be able to enjoy good German food and beer, of course. When we returned home, Byron came by for coffee and coffee cake and taught us two new card games.

Today we traveled to San Antonio to go to stained glass supply shops for glass and other needed supplies and, of course, visited CostCo before coming back to Kerrville. It was a lovely day, and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole visit. Tomorrow we have to take the car in for an oil change and then hope to begin the process of putting up some stained glass pieces in the windows of the Sunrise Antique Mall. Then to work on some new pieces. Happy travels.

Back at stained glass

Yesterday our friends Vicky and Bobby, who are the owners of the Sunrise Antique Mall here in Kerrville, decided it would be fine for us to put up some of our stained glass pieces in their front store windows. What a wonderful chance for all of us to get stained glass into the hands of those who appreciate this beautiful art! This way maybe I can keep busy, and we all can make a bit of money in the process. Thanks, Vicky and Bobby ,for taking a chance on our work.

To make things even more interesting, a couple stopped in the antique store and wanted to know if Bobby and Vicky knew someone who could make them a stained glass window. Well, they recommended us, and we got in touch with Ed and Sandy. They live on a 260 acre ranch about five miles west of here and we went out there today to see what they wanted in the way of a stained glass window. They are art collectors in a big way and have filled their large ranch home with many fine pieces. So I now have another job to get done and am sure that I will be busy for some time to come. Ed and Sandy built their own home and thoroughly enjoy living there. They have been married for over sixty years and are full of life and living. I particularly enjoyed their eight car garage. To keep things interesting they have a campgrounds for RV groups and about 20 such groups visit them each year. They do not have individual people camping but only groups. Ed is a geologist, and Sandy was the main architect of their home. What a place to visit! Happy travels.

Karl and Betty celebrate their 53rd anniversary

Tonight we went over to Karl and Betty's house and took a bottle of Red Cat. Brother Maurice would be pleased, since it is a favorite of his and the number one best selling red wine in New York State. It was a slightly belated celebration for Betty and Karl. Their 53rd anniversary occurred on November 11, and they were married in 1955. Betty had dropped by the other day and requested a stained glass window that would celebrate this anniversary.

We were delighted to make them a stained glass window and have been happily working for the last several days to get it done as timely as possible. Tonight we took the glass over, and Betty gave it to Karl, who was quite surprised and delighted. We shared a glass or two of Red Cat and some snacks and visited happily. HW2 took pictures, and they may get in as well. They are good friends, and it was fun to be able to help them continue their week long celebration. Happy travels.

I know God's name

Family Circus is a wonderful cartoon that I have enjoyed for many years. Recently they had a family member announce to his dad, "I know God's name." "Well, what is God's name?" he was asked, and got the response, "Andy." Then he went on to quote lines from a hymn. "Andy walks with me; Andy talks with me; Andy tells me I am his own............."

I loved it! This reminds me when Keilah was little and was in the car with her mom and heard a song and announced to her mom that they were playing her new baby sister, Susannah's song. Can you guess the name of the song or the lyrics?

There is something endearing when a child misuses a word for another, but it still makes some sense. A cartoonist or others must pay close attention to catch these moments. The illustrator of Family Circus is particularly good at doing this. When adults misspeak do we call the statement a malapropism? Yogi Berra is famous for such statements, and so is George Bush. Do you have any favorites? Please share. happy travels.

Karl and Betty and Byron

Karl and Betty live here in this RV park year around in a permanent structure. Karl worked for Haliburton before he retired, and they love to travel. Karl is a native of Kerrville, and Betty comes from Louisiana. They have four grown children. We got to know them over the years, and last year they bought several stained glass pieces from us after watching the process from start to finish.

Yesterday after riding our bikes around the park for our afternoon exercise break, I stopped in to see Karl and Betty. He has not been in good health lately and has had several bouts with this and that. His heart is bad enough that nothing further can be done, and hospice has been called in to make his last six months livable.

Well, I did not want to get such news and yet felt that they both enjoyed my visit. I guess that all we can do is to stop by and visit, not stay long to tire Carl out, but try to brighten his days. This business about the Spirit leading just does not stop on my schedule at all.

Another new friend, Byron, is by himself and probably facing some surgery quite soon, so we have offered to do whatever we can to be of help. We three went out for catfish dinner last evening and enjoyed getting to know each other better. He has spent the last several summers at an RV park in Durango, CO, doing maintenance work and loves driving around in the back country so he can take pictures, which is a hobby of his. All of these friends have great stories and just need someone to listen. Happy travels.

Grandkids Are Such A Kick

The night before the election for President, we asked Michelle what would she do if Obama won. Her reply, "I am moving to Canada!" I didn't realize that she felt so strongly about one candidate or the other. She hasn't moved yet, though.

We have Skype on our computer, and when it works, it is wonderful. There was the tell tale noise that someone was trying to Skype us, and we hit the correct button to find Sarah calling. Now Sarah is nine, and Michelle, who is twelve, was quite impressed that she could do that. We visited with Sarah and learned that she was bored and thought she would Skype us. Sarah, Lydia, and James were home alone, and so we got to visit with them. What fun!

We Are Back in Kerrville

Yesterday morning we left early, about 6:30, from Jerry and Marlene's home. They have been wonderful and supportive during our stay while we daily looked in on Mike and kept Sue and boys company throughout Mike's medical crisis. Mike had his quadruple by pass surgery and now has all tubes removed and is walking several times each day and expects to go home tomorrow. What a blessing modern surgery is. His attitude is good, and he will work hard to quickly be on the road to recovery.

Since we thought that Mike was out of danger, we returned home to Kerrville. It was a long 10 or 11 hour drive, and we were glad to get into town before dark. As we pulled off the freeway, we noticed a buck deer ready to cross our exit road right in front of us. We slowed down, and of course he ran right in front of us and started across the freeway as well. Hopefully, he got across without injuring anyone including himself. Deer are a terrific nuisance here and cause frequent accidents. The local saying is, "Not if, but when." Consequently, we drive very defensively in this area at all times.

It was good to fall asleep in our own bed. Happy travels.

On the Mend and Other Thoughts

Today we go back to the hospital to see how Mike's recovery is progressing. Today and tomorrow will be critical days, but we hope all goes well as he begins the recovery process. If all goes as planned, he will be able to return home on Monday. Amazing how quickly they send you home after a major operation. I will add more later when we have additional news.

Today is Jerry's 47th birthday. It does not seem possible to me that he could have celebrated so many birthdays. Linda, his cousin, turned 50 this week and celebrated with family and has another celebration planned for later in the month. Tonight we will have a birthday dinner here at Jerry's home and have brother Scott to help with the celebration. I think the menu includes steak and twice baked potatoes and maybe key lime pie for dessert. It should be a fun evening.

It has turned cold here and HW2 is pleased since she does not handle heat very well. I guess it is time to break out light jackets since it is also a bit windy here. That is all for the moment.

Mike was sitting up in a chair when we got there. He visited a bit and then went for a walk with Sue. They have removed some of the tubes, and he has had two transfusions. His color was back to being pink rather than pasty white. His progress seems excellent to us and if all maintains he will go home on Monday. Thank the Lord. Happy travels.

Lunch after the good news about Mike

The surgeon came by and told the family that Mike's surgery had gone well and that he was in recovery. After an hour or so he could be visited by immediate family for a minute or two but only in groups of two. We all felt he needed the rest and we needed to get out of the waiting room for awhile. We went to the Route 66 Diner which was close by and sat down. The relief was palpable in all and we finally got organized enough to order lunch and just quietly visited among ourselves. It has been a long three days.

Mike had suffered a heart attack in 2006 which he had not realized and one nine years ago when they put in the stints and then his third early Monday morning. We are glad he got quick attention and support from the medical profession. Most impressive was the outpouring of support from colleagues, friends and church friends and family. One day this family took over an entire waiting area/room because they had so many visitors. We have been fortunate to meet and greet so many of Mike and Sue's friends. He will have quite a road for recovery but knowing how stubborn he can be, he will do it very well. Thanks for all the the thought and prayers.

We expect to return to Texas on the weekend once we know there are no further complications. Happy travels.

Mike's Progress

Mike has had his surgery, a four way by-pass. He was in the operation for about four hours and the surgeon just came by with the good news. Now for a speedy recovery. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Mike's Web Site for Updates

This is the link to the site for Mikey's updates:

www.carepages.com/carepages/MichaelDemers Surgery is at present scheduled for 7/7:30 tomorrow morning for at least a triple bi-pass. Please keep Mike and all of their family in your prayers!

The spirit leads on

On Sunday as we were getting ready for church, the phone rang. It was my sister Sue with news that her husband Mike had suffered a heart attack during the night. So, plans quickly changed, and we packed the car and were on the road to Albuquerque within an hour.

The nice thing about West Texas roads is the 80 mph speed limit. We did that part of the trip quite quickly and then headed cross country on 285 to Clines Corner and then west to Albuquerque. Jerry and Marlene had dinner waiting, the hot tub going, and we ate and relaxed and went to bed after having determined that Mike was stable.

On Monday we met Sue and her family at the New Mexico Heart Hospital and visited Mike quickly, as his only visitors are immediate family. The rest of the time the family talked and entertained many of their friends who came by to give support and prayers.

Anne, you will be pleased to know that now that whole family plays Pitch. We played two rollicking games and left for home quite tired.

Sue is holding up well, and they have a pump in Mike's veins to try to rest his heart and get ready for by-pass surgery currently scheduled for Wednesday. They are resting his heart as much as they can so that the grafts will succeed. Mike is flat on his back and trying very hard to be a good patient. He sleeps much of the time. Nine years ago he had angioplasty, and they managed to put in several stints, but all these veins are completely clogged now. So they are now anticipating at least a triple bi-pass. Please put this lovely family in your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. Son Charles the Geek is putting together a web site that allow anyone interested to keep up with Mike's progress As soon as he has it up online, we will let you know what the link. Ooops, here it it! www.carepages.com/carepages/MichaelDemers . This will be updated by Charles as he receives news.

This year the Spirit has been leading us to many different family needs, and it has been our joy to help where we could. We never know where we will get lead next. Happy travels.

Change your clock?

Did you set your clocks back an hour? We did! We have a clock in the bedroom which can do much by itself. Clever thing that it is, it will reset itself to the correct time if you unplug or lose electricity and it also project red time numbers on the ceiling so that when you wake up in the night you can check to see what time your insomnia began. We got this idea from granddaughter Michelle and really like the clock. It is supposed to reset if you change time zones but after being dropped several times, this quality is suspect. However, it did reset itself to daylight savings time in the middle of the night but I was not awake to see it happen. I hope it occurred at 2:00 am. Anyway most of our visible clocks have been reset and WE GAINED AN HOUR!!!!

Now we have an extra hour to get ready for church and maybe even have a good breakfast. The sun is up and day begun, so, enjoy your extra hour. Happy travels.

Great Grand Parents we shall be

Ashley called this evening to let us know that in May, 2009, we will become great grandparents! We were delighted, of course, but then into my head popped the thought, "How old are we?" Ashley and Tom are so pleased, and we hope and expect that all will go well. Soon we will add another child to our growing family. I then asked HW2 about her necklace. She has had a wonderful necklace with little people each representing one of our cherished grandchildren. They each know which figure is theirs and enjoy it when Grammy wears her necklace. So the question becomes, "Do you get another necklace for great grand children or keep adding to the existing one, or, do something different?"

Necklaces aside, it is an exciting time for Ashley and Tom, and we were delighted to be called so that we could enjoy all the excitement, too. There is a rumor floating about that Ashley's dad and step mom might get called Gumbo and Poppy. After all, grandparents like to choose what they will be called by the grandchildren. We chose Grammy and Grandad and love those titles. My mom chose to be called Nana as she did not think she was old enough to be called grandmother. Her mother-in-law was called that. Such fun, but, "How old are we?" Great grand parenting will take a bit of time to get used to. I guess I have till May, 2009, to get it together. Happy travels.

Halloween Party at the River Rock Saloon

We went to a Halloween party and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The Resort managers provided chili and cornbread and everyone was encouraged to bring a dish to pass. HW2 made seven layer dip and it was a success. We visited with Jerry, Bryon, and Susie and were joined by Vivian. There were people in costumes. We dressed as winter Texans and had cowboy boots and hats and shorts. There were two groups of people there. The under thirty-five set and the much over set. There was music and lots of talking and finally the costumes were judged.

Most of the entrants were from the under thirty-five group and the winner was a young man in his mountain man outfit complete with wolf head hat and long johns. His runner ups were a cowgirl, very cute with red panties and a young lady who looked like she should be a bar maid. There was also a young lady dressed to be either an angel or a devil. I was never quite sure. The older set was represented by two old hippies, a clown, cow girl and others. We were delighted to see the young man win and get his prize of $25. It was a good party and we much enjoyed the whole thing. Happy travels.

Arts and crafts

Since we arrived in Kerrville and settled in, we have been working at our arts and crafts again. HW2 likes to sew and has contemplated working on a quilt. We visited a quilting supplies store which was loaded with fabric and necessary supplies. They even have quilting - sewing machines that cost a fortune, as in thousands. We looked but did not buy anything there although I suspect HW2 will be going back soon. Once home we dug out her cloth and threads and she has been busy ever since.

Not to be outdone, I started making crosses again. At this point I have seven ready to be leaded today. I hope to put them in a store and maybe sell some or even get other stained glass orders. Time will tell. It is good to be busy although we have not had much time to read. Happy travels.