A wonderful place to eat, Beef N Barrel

Tonight we are staying in Olean, New York, the home of St. Bonaventure University where a friend MaryAnn used to teach English.   She later moved to the Philadelphia area to do the same.   We asked at the desk of our hotel for a good local place to eat and she recommended Beef N Barrel, here in town.  So after walking around part of downtown we went in search of this restaurant.   After asking only once we were able to park right in front.  Their special is roast beef on Kummelwick, which is a terrific tasting bun.   It was melt in your mouth beef.   Foxy had sliced roast beef plate au jus.  Finally we topped it off with home made apple pie.  Our waitress was Michelle and she was superb.  If you ever get to the southern tier of western New York State then stop in Olean and try the Beef N Barrel.   You will not be disappointed.   Happy travels.   

Traffic

When we left Little Rock, Arkansas, about 40 miles to the East we ran into some construction on the road.   Fortunately for east going traffic there was no slow down but the poor folks going west were cut down to one lane and the traffic was backed up for about ten miles.   Awful for them!  Later that same day as we got into northern Kentucky we ran into the same problem with the south traffic having the same problem and the backup was again many miles.   We were fortunate in both cases and felt bad for the other travelers going in the opposite directions. 

Today when we skirted Columbus we found a fast lane going east that was perfect and moved the traffic right along.   So as we arrive in New York State we really have had little slow and go type traffic and feel very fortunate for sure.   Happy travels.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Tonight we are staying in Little Rock, Arkansas.   When we arrived we fed Max and left him to guard the room and then drove to the city center next to the Arkansas River.   There is located the Presidential Library of William Jefferson Clinton  (420.  Also located in the same area is the River Market which has lots of shops and restaurants and a store of presidential paraphernalia.  We only had an hour before the library closed so drove by the outside and then went to the market area to get in a good walk, stop for a brewsky and hordeuvers of crab cakes.   We think we made the better choice considering the time restraints.   Billy Bob's library will have to wait for another visit.  We also managed not to visit Hope, Arkansas where Billy Bob was born.   Maybe another time.   Tomorrow - Memphis.  Happy travels.

Pleasant elderly gentleman

I was looking over a written report of one of my doctors when I came across the phrase, he is a pleasant elderly gentleman.  I can be pleasant but not always.   I can be grumpy, angry, disorderly or obnoxious but really try to be pleasant most of he time.  Indeed I open doors for others of all ages and gender but do not always open the car door for Foxy.   My excuse is that our car door clicker no longer works and costs too much to replace and thus I have to go to the drivers side to open that door and then operate the switch to open all of the rest of the doors.  I do not always dress like a gentleman since I have been retired, I prefer to  dress very casually and favor blue jeans.  iI try not to interrupt others when they are talking and generally work on being a gentleman. 

Now as for the elderly business.   That is just so wrong.   That doctor should realize that there is a naughty 35 year old inside of me desperately trying to escape this wrinkled prison who frequently gets out by saying whatever comes to mind and damn the consequences.   I think elderly means to me that I am stooped over, walk with a cane, can't hear well or see well.   My cataracts have been operated on, so I can see well and my hearing aids work most of the time even if everyone around me does not talk clearly.   I keep all my canes in the storage unit and as for being stooped over, well, you get the picture.    Happy travels.

Packing up

We are getting ready for our trip North to New York State.   This means hauling stuff to the storage unit including a gazebo we use for additional shade, folding chairs, bikes, and the barbeque grill with its attachments.   We had to borrow Kim's car to transport some of this since it does not all fit in our car.   Then we took plants and flowers and some of the refrigerator supplies over to Kim's house.   One of our neighbors, Bob, received the rest including my peanut butter jar but not before I had one more lunch of a PB sandwich.  

Foxy put stuff away inside and I continued to work on the outside.   Then we both packed to be away for three months.   We take a traveling bag to get us in and out of motels and the rest stays in the car.   Max is going too and whining about it.   He knows something is up and is quite worried.   The first day on the road he will continue to whine and then get yelled at until he settles down into a completely bored routine and start sleeping although he does like to watch out the window.

Tomorrow morning we will complete any last minute packing, move in the slides on the motor home and take it about ten miles north of here to be stored.   We will then retrace our steps and go to our church where we are being interviewed by a consultant who has been hired to help our church move forward into the future and perhaps not lose any more members.  This should take about 30 minutes and then we will truly be on our way and start heading  first to Arkansas and then Memphis.  Even though we have been on the road a great deal during the last month, I am looking forward to this trip.  We live in a beautiful country and it is a treat to visit some of these places and sights again.   Happy travels.

We travel back to Denton

Early on Sunday morning we packed up the car, cleaned up at the home where we stayed and then over to Tim and Kristy's home to pick up Kim and boys and were on the road by 7:00 am.   We stopped for a bite of breakfast and then later on for lunch.    There was light traffic most of the way and this time we arrived by traveling through Dallas on I35 E.   By five o'clock we were glad to be home and to get unpacked.   This has been the third significant  trip we have made in the last four weeks.  We are really tired but now face the prospect of putting our motor home in storage and heading for New York to help my mom be moved into an assisted living situation, quite a change after living alone for thirty years.  Happy travels.

Keilah graduates

Keilah graduated this past weekend on Saturday.   She has been home schooled by her mother for the past twelve years, will spend the summer in Honduras and then attend Grace University in Omaha in the fall planning to become a nurse.   She is a poised young lady and will rise to the challenge of her college curriculum I am sure.   She graduated with ten other home schooled  students and during the graduation ceremony each graduate made a presentation followed by his/her parents.  It took about two hours for the presentations.    Following the ceremony there was a reception and later a second reception for family and close friends at home.   A busy day for sure.   Happy travels.

Beth and Harold

We learned to our delight that good friends Beth and Harold were also in South Texas for a grandson's graduation from college.   We met them when we lived in Omaha.   Beth is a scientist specializing in fertility issues of rare animals and specializes in bats.   Harold was a dispatcher with the Union Pacific Railroad.   Now both have retired and they returned a week ago from a four month trip which included two months in Australia (Beth's home) and two months in Dubai where Beth worked on camel fertility issues.

We agreed to meet at a Starbucks for coffee about half an hour East of here.  We arrived at the Starbucks and found that they had just arrived.   Coffee all around and nearly two hours later we surfaced for air and had to leave as we all had other obligations.  It was a reconnection as if we had seen each other yesterday.

What a joy to reconnect with good friends.   Happy travels.

Four ticket ride

Kim and boys with us in tow drove down to McAllen, TX for Keilah's graduation on Wednesday.   We left Denton about 2 pm and arrived there around 11 pm quite tired.  We are staying at a house of friends of Tim and Kristy and Kim and boys are staying with Tim and Kristy.   On Thursday we decided to take the kids out for lunch at Fuddruckers.  Keilah drove the family Ford people hauler which holds 11 comfortably.   This van is quite big but Keilah handled it like a pro.  She did manage to drive over several curbs when trying to turn into parking lots with small entrances.   Thus the four ticket ride for the passengers sitting in the back of the van.   We all laughed and Keilah took it in good humor.   I think that if any of the adults were the drivers they would have hit the curbs too.  

There was much coming and going all day.   Keilah went to graduation practice with her parents.   I took Lydia to soccer practice.  Other trips kept happening.   Dinner was served in two sessions as people returned at various times.  It was a fun day and the cousins enjoyed each other.   Happy travels.

Fun lunches

After going to church we decided to walk around the corned around the Denton City Square for mother's day lunch.   Foxy enjoyed the treat as we went to Cartwright's Restaurant.   I had a club sandwich and she had Cobb Salad.   She was keeping weight off as we had a doctors appointment on Tuesday.   Lunch was good and then later we were invited to Kim and Chuck for a mother's day dinner.   It was good.  We left quite filled.

On Monday Chris came through Denton on his way to a meeting in the Dallas area and we took him to lunch at Cartwrights again.   This time he had the chicken fried steak, Foxy had soup and salad and I had catfish.   The food was good and we talked non stop catching up on Chris's family.

Today we kept a good thing going and went to lunch with Kim at Seven Mile Cafe.  She got a salad and lentil soup, Foxy salad with chicken and I had eggs Benedict.  

You might wonder why we keep going out to eat and the fact that our refrigerator is empty as we get ready to travel to New York at the end of the month might be the explanation.  Happy travels.

Came the 100

I heard today that a definition of friend is that when the whole world leaves you, the person that stays is your friend.   Herb was in decline for many years and toward the end of his life really felt like the person that the whole world leaves.  Throughout this time some of us did not leave and tried in many ways to assist Herb as he fought his depression and difficult time.   In the end it overwhelmed him and the illness that finally took over his body did him a great service as now he can be at peace.  

In the service of commemoration of Herb's life several of his friends and both of his children spoke.  I looked around at the service and later at the reception and could see that the 100 were present and supportive of him and his life.   He touched many of us as life went along and probably never realized what a great friend he had been to each.   Happy and restful travel, Herb.

Home again

After spending a week in Albuquerque preparing for Herb's funeral, we have returned home.   The funeral was on Friday and a celebration of his life.  It was good to bring closure and especially good to see and visit with friends.   He will be missed but he is in a better place.  

On Saturday we left Albuquerque about 6:30 am which is late for us since I like to get an early start on a road trip.  Gas prices varied but the best price was $3.55.  We arrived here in Denton about 6 pm, unloaded, drove to the storage unit and finished unloading, and then to the kids house to pick up Max.   He is shaggy but loveable and really needs a trim.   Home and early to bed for sure. 

We will be here until Wednesday when we head to South Texas for Keilah's high school graduation. Lots to do in a short time.   Happy travels.

Valley Admin Team meets for lunch

In the late 1980's I was appointed Principal of Valley High School and stayed in that job for many years until retirement.   I was very fortunate to assemble a wonderful administrative team who worked well together.   Since retirement we meet on occasion usually every couple of years.   Since we had returned to Albuquerque for Herb's funeral, I wrote them emails and today we managed to get together for lunch.  We (Foxy and I)  were joined by Toby, Leah and Dr. Gus and Toby gets the credit for finding a good restaurant and making sure that Gus and Leah could make today's lunch.  Leah was double booked but still managed two lunches, although she only ate at one of them .  Gus has now retired and Toby and Leah could but still remain doing fine work for the school system.   We spent the whole time getting caught up on each others lives and doings.  The Mexican food was excellent.  One of the owners had gone to high school with Toby.   It is a small world.  Most of all we laughed the whole time.

I have worked in various schools over the years and this by far is the best team that I have ever worked with.  Indeed we not only like and respect each other but like has grown  into love and caring.   What a joy!  Happy travels.

Panos racing car

Jerry has been racing his Panos, company made, racing car for several years now.   We have talked about various races in locations all over the western states but have never had the opportunity to see him race.  This weekend he was racing on Saturday and Sunday, just West of Albuquerque.  Sunday after church we drove out to the racetrack in time to watch his 2 pm race.    Michelle checked us in at the gate and Andy showed us where to sit to view the race just as it began.  There were seven cars in the race and early on Jerry was in third place and then passed a car and became second and finished in that position at the end.  

We left the stands and went out to the pit area to congratulate him on his second place finish and also got to look over all of the cars and meet many of the driver/owners.  What a terrific group of men we met and most complementary of Jerry.   No wonder he likes this sport.   It was a nice break for us in this week preparing for Herb's funeral.  One of  Herb's best friends is also a racer.   He drives a Porche. 

Home for salmon and portobello mushrooms on the grill.   A great day for sure.   Happy travels.

Quanah, home of PUHA

Yesterday we got up at 3:30 am and were on the road to Albuquerque by 4:15.  Do you think I overdid it a bit?  You should hear Foxy's take on this EARLY  START.  We took Texas highway 380 west of Denton, which is a two lane road, following two rather slow trucks, in the dark, of course.   I also mention that there was a yellow double line between the two lanes which commonly means, "NO PASSING!"  A car rapidly came up behind me and got frustrated with our three vehicle convoy and decided to pass us.   Just as he reached the middle truck, he encountered a car coming toward us.   I could see the accident unfolding.  Our idiot pulled off on the dirt, left shoulder, to get out of the way of the oncoming car and that car went between our idiot and our convoy.   Then he pulled back onto the road and finished passing.  Jump start the pacemaker!  How he managed not to get himself or some of us killed, I do not know.

After about 25 miles of driving on 380, we turned onto the road that takes us to Amarillo, which is a four lane highway with a speed limit of 70, except in the small towns along the way.  As we passed through Quanah, Texas, we could read their welcoming sign which reads, "Quanah, Home of PUHA."  Now Quanah is an unusual name but PUHA?  Wanting to know more, Foxy gets out our computer, fired it up and Googled both words.  It seems that Quanah is the last major Cherokee Chief, son of an abducted white woman and a Cherokee father.   That was a bit of history we did not know about.   Now for PUHA.  It apparently has lots of meanings but my favorite is used by EMT (emergency medical technicians) when they are working with an injured individual and translates into, "Pick up and haul ass."   Other possible explanations I will leave to the interested Google user.  Happy travels.

Herb has died

Foxy's brother Herb died this morning at approximately 3:30 am.   He is now at rest and no longer in pain which is a blessing.  He left his wife Sue and two children Brett and Sherry and a grandson Sammy to whom he was especially close.  Herb also has a sister Susan and brother Jim.  He was a long time resident of Albuquerque.  He was born on his father's birthday and died on his mother's birthday.  Both Foxy and sister Susan thought he might die on their mom's birthday and this proved to be the case.   

Thank each of you for your comforting words as we go through this difficult time.   Herb appreciated the many prayers and kind thoughts as he battled his last illness.  I have no further information about services but there will be a memorial service and that information will be forth coming.

We leave for Albuquerque in the morning to be with our family.  Mercy travels.

A frappachino on a warm day

We were out running errands today when I got the chance to visit a Starbucks coffee shop at our local Kroger store.   I must admit that I am addicted to mocha frappachinos.   Foxy likes them too but prefers the low fat alternative.   I got full tilt of course.   Anyway I purchased one of both types and turned to go when the young man who had filled my order called out to me, "You know that you can order them as MLF and the other as MF."  I listened to him, thought a minute and decided to simply say thank you and walked out.

Returning to our car I gave Foxy her low fat mocha  frappachino and started in to enjoy mine as well when I remembered the conversation with the young man.   You will be pleased to know that you can order your chosen frappachino by calling it an MLF, mocha low-fat frappachino and I can order it as MF.   I mentioned that I had considered several options when I heard this from the young man but had simply thanked him and left the store.   Foxy started to laugh and appreciated the fact that I had restrained myself.   I then commented that I could order a MFF sometime but it might not be appreciated.  

Hopefully you the reader will figure this all out but if not, can send me an email and I will explain as this is to remain a family friendly blog.    Happy travels.

Jonny is quite brave

Today we got a call from Kim that Jonny was having troubles with the three staples in his right foot.   About a week ago he had accidentally dropped a glass iced tea jar and one of the resultant pieces of glass had cut the top of his foot.   His dad thought this was bad enough that it needed stitches.   At the emergency room they put in three staples in place of stitches and then he was sent home to  mend. 

We stopped by his school and got him released and then I took him to his physician to have a look at the staples.   She looked and then used a set of special pliers to remove the staples.   I prepared for tears but not a whisper of anything came out of his mouth.   The doctor asked him if it was hurting him and got, "No."

When we were free to go I decided to take Jon for a treat, Coca Cola Slurpee's.  He seemed content with this treat and we drove home.   A half hour later we got back into the car to go to his piano lesson and then home for dinner that Foxy had created.   Mother Kim showed up to take both boys to swimming.   A busy day for sure but this grandson was quite brave today.   Happy travels.

Arts and Jazz Festival

This past weekend, Denton hosted the annual Arts and Jazz Festival beginning late on Friday.    We went on Saturday with Kim, Chuck and boys and had a good time.   All the while we were wandering through the many booths with arts and crafts we were entertained by music drifting from one of several bandstands.   It was delightful.  We were especially taken with one lady who crafted flowers out of clay.   She was so talented and even made Foxy her own special flower in just a few minutes which she wore the rest of the evening.   We found another lady who painted pictures of pets and found one that looked exactly like Max, which we had to buy.  The evening was completed with sampling food throughout, especially the good beer.  About nine o'clock we headed back to the car having enjoyed the whole experience. 

An update on Herb's condition is not promising.   He is sleeping most of the time and getting little if any nourishment.  He does not even get up to go get a smoke.  He knows that his time is drawing to a close and comments on that.  A very hard time for all of his friends and family.  

On a cheerful note the weather here has been delightful in the high 70's to mid 80's.  We could use a bit of rain but who is counting on that.   Happy travels.

Wednesday nights

We have been attending the Wednesday night program at Church. We take the boys, enjoy a meal there and are joined by Kim who also gets a meal and then she takes takes the boys onward to either home or other activities.   We then stay to hear our Pastor explain what it means to be a Presbyterian, using his book as a resource.  It has been very informative and we usually get into good discussions and learn more about ourselves.   

This Wednesday was the last meeting for the spring Wednesday night sessions.   We had our meal and then were entertained by our youth choir singing several hymns followed by our bell ringers choir.   A lovely ending for sure.   Happy travels.

Revisit

We got better directions and revisited the Aubrey area looking for the RV storage place and this time found it on the first try.   It was on the left not the right.   We did not see any blackberry bushes but hope to find some in season as I am ready for a blackberry pie. 

We are trying to figure out what we will be doing this summer and have floated another possible scenario to the family about mom's house needing to be prepared for sale and belongings priced for an estate sale.   If this idea gains acceptance then we will be spending the summer in New York State working on that.  

Yesterday evening we went to Dallas with the kids to  hear a friend of Kim's play his saxophone.   We have heard him play other times in the past but he was sure superb this time.  What a treat.  Happy travels.

Watch for the blackberry bushes

Monday we did chores around the motor home and then drove to the shop to put a few more finds for sale.   After visiting with friends we had some time and decided to go  looking for an RV storage place we had visited once before.  We knew it was on the right side of the road to nearby Aubrey and as we drove along tried to remember how we had gotten there.  Finally we reached the small town of Aubrey and decided to ask for directions.    Foxy came back to the car laughing, "Go back down the road you drove up and look for a road on the left that is not paved and has lots of blackberry bushes along the side of this road.   We laughed at these directions but decided the local folks knew what they were talking about and took off.   We tried every road that we came to on the left frequently turning around to continue our quest.  We did not see any blackberry bushes much less any graveled roads that were not really driveways.

Finally we gave up and decided to look the whole thing up on the computer when we returned home.   Foxy went to work on the computer and located the RV storage place we were looking for.  It seems the road we were looking for was on the left side.   We don't know about the blackberry bushes but will soon revisit the area when we have time and check this information out.    Happy travels.

Kids and grands for dinner

We decided to invite the kids and grands over for Sunday supper.   After Church we went to our favorite grocery store, Kroger to get necessary supplies and gas for the car.   If you buy enough groceries they give you a credit toward the gasoline.   Today gas cost $3.33 a gallon.   A bargain for sure.   Once we got home we began to prepare food.   We had sweet corn to be roasted on the grill, three kinds of bratwurst, barbeque steak left over from last night, red potatoes with poppy seed vinagrette and cowboy  beans.  Finally we had fresh fruit and whipped topping for dessert.   No one left hungry and I had no room for fruit.   I think breakfast would be a good time to revisit the fruit.  

Best of all we were together and had a good time eating and visiting.   Max loved the whole thing, only missing Violet and Rose.   Happy travels.

Medco

Foxy and I have our prescriptions filled by an organization called Medco.   We used to have Express Scripts which we liked.  Both of these groups provide us with our needed prescriptions giving us a 90 day supply every three months.   Generaly this works quite well.   Express Scripts was very good about asking where we might like our pills delivered and since we live in our motor home and travel quite a bit this proved very helpful.

This last year we were informed that Medco would now provide the necessary services.   Since there was no choice involved we of course changed to the new company.   They of course wanted proscriptions all over again which was an additional burden for our doctors.    Then we dared to move to Denton.   We got new doctors.   Knowing that the last sequence was not quite complete for our full year, we asked the new doctor to hold off on submitting the new requests. 

Time went by and I called the doctor's office to have the requests submitted to Medco.   I explained to the receptionist that we lived at one address and had a different permanent mailing address.   Do you see a problem in the making?

Medco started calling us on an automated voice system.   They simply wanted to know where we wanted to have our medications shipped.   I called them back and finally, finally, finally  got through their automated system to a real person.   I explained where we would like the pills shipped.   Then we got another series of calls explaining that our doctors office had given them a different shipping address.   I do not know what we have to do other than start the whole thing over again.  To add to the problem I need one of my medications twice a day which means two pill instead of one each day.   This means for the 90 day period they should ship me 180 pills.   You do the math.   You should get 180.    Now by automated system we cannot get the 180 pills since they only allow 90.   However you can have your doctor request the extra amount before the prescription is filled and then you, the patient , can again call and have the prescription be filled.   Apparently both the doctor and the patient must call.   Then if they deem it to be correct, they will allow you to have the additional pills for the 90 days.   However in my case it is too soon to begin the process since the old year system has not quite run out.   I believe I may run screaming into the night.   Happy travels.

P.S.  Did I tell you to posts ago of my unexpected demise.   Then, if true, I could not have had to write about Medco.

When it rains it pours

Last night we got a phone call from Foxy's sister Susie and learned that Peggy, wife of brother Jim had died. We were so sorry to hear this set of news.   We knew that Peggy was awaiting a liver transplant and on the list but there was no match in time.   Jim and Peggy lived in California and we have not seen them in recent years since we have not been traveling very much to the west coast. 

Herb, another brother of Foxy, is at home.  Susie and Al are staying there to help in any way they can.   Hospice is providing support with the main goal to keep him comfortable and pain free as much as can be done.   His cancer is progressing very rapidly and he is fortunate to be able to spend some time back in his home.

In the meantime we have returned to Denton to continue to take care of our two grandsons here.   Last night at our church we were asked to help with the evening meal and we were glad to do so.   The grandsons helped as well.  How kind everyone was and so supportive.  It was good to be home and to have such caring support at this time.   Happy travels.

The news of my demise........

On Friday we went to a favorite Mexican restaurant for breakfast, Loyola's,  where we have been going for twenty years or more.  Loyola is  no longer with us but her daughter Sarah continues to run a fine place with great carne adovada and other tasty menu offerings.   After visiting with the many folks that we know there and enjoying the food, we decided to go next door to the Antique Specialty Mall where we used to have an antique booth many years ago.   The first people we ran into there were Chuck and Judy K.   Chuck announced to me that he had heard, "You were dead!"   I semi quoted Mark Twain, "I am here talking with you so the news of my demise is greatly exaggerated."  Needless to say we did not feel particularly welcome, although I was glad to correct Chuck's news and quickly exited and went back to the hospital.  I am frequently amazed by the things that people will say but did enjoy setting the record straight.   Happy travels.

Cards and laughter

Last night after dinner we decided to play cards.   In this family in card games, no quarter is given.   Our first game was Progressive, sometimes called Michigan Rummy.  In the seven hands of this game I got to play only once.  Jerry proved to be the winner  Andy does not like this game but agreed to join us when we decided to play Pitch as our second game.   No quarter was given in this game either but scores were fairly even as we played.   Finally Michelle won the game and we called it an evening of good fun. 

We needed an evening where we had fun and did not have to think about other sad events occurring in the family.   Foxy even heard from some old friends who live in Oklahoma  not too far North of Denton.   Maybe we will see them in the near future and re-connect.

Today we plan to take the family out for breakfast - lunch, then go to the hospital to see Herb and then drive to Los Lunas to see sister Sue, Mike and family.  A busy day.

It has been windy and cold here.  It was so nasty yesterday  with dust high in the air, enough to obscure the mountains.   I hope that does not happen again today.   We talked with Chris and family three times yesterday as they live in Wichita and were  hunkered down because of the tornadoes in the area.   So far they have been missed.   Happy travels.

Herb - all procedures stopped

Herb has been in hospital for several days now.   He is no  longer getting radiation for his esophageal cancer.   The doctors have decided not to put in a feeding tube or to consider chemotherapy in the future.   His cancer has progressed rapidly and no further steps will be taken.   The family has been asked to call in hospice and decide where and how this will be done.  It is a sad stage and a real blow to any hopes that Herb has had.  We had no idea that the cancer would progress so quickly but indeed this may prove a blessing for him.

Our job has been to be supportive in any way that we can, to listen, to hug, and to provide much love to all.  We feel that we needed to be here to do these things.   It has been very hard especially for Foxy who has been strong for others when she mostly wanted to cry.   I tell her to cry with me when we are not there. 

We do not know how long Herb has but do not think that it will be even a month.   We plan to return to Denton as soon as the family decides where to enable hospice.   We will then return to Albuquerque for the funeral.  It is a hard thing to lose a brother or brother-in-law,  our second loss in several months.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Herb and his family.   Happy travels.

Herb is in the hospital

Late this morning we arrived at the home of Herb and Sue to find that he did not have a good night.   He has problems with his GI tract and needs relief.  Three days with no relief was getting to be quite old.   Sue talked to his doctor and they sent her to the drug store for a strong laxative.  By the time she returned the doctor thought it would be better if Herb was in the hospital.   As soon as a room opened Sue took him there. 

In the meantime we tried to be helpful around the house.   I mowed the front lawn and Foxy cleaned the refrigerator, tossing out several science experiments from there.   When we finished our jobs we also went to the hospital to be supportive.   We spent several hours there and finally it was decided to do a Cat Scan of his lower abdomen to see if there was any blockage.   We left for home and later found out that Herb was feeling better since he finally got some relief.    We still do not know whether they did a Cat Scan.   We will return to the hospital tomorrow and see what progress has been made and whether the feeding tube is to be installed.   Keep those prayers and thoughts coming for Herb and Sue.    Happy travels.

Herb, status

Today we went over late this morning and visited with Herb and Sue.   Herb seemed glad to see us and brought us up to speed on his stage four cancer.  He is still positive about his chances and trying to do whatever is reasonable to help his progress.   Currently he is in the middle of radiation therapy and on Friday is scheduled to have a feeding tube installed that will allow direct access to his intestinal area with food to help him gain some strength, enough to enable him to undergo chemo-therapy.  He has much ahead of him and we will assist in any way that we can to help both Herb and Sue deal with this difficult situation in his life.   We appreciate your thoughts and prayers on his behalf.   I will keep this blog up to date  on his situation as it unfolds while we are here.   Happy travels.

We are in Albuquerque

Yesterday we got up at 4 am and were on the road by 4:30.  We were traveling to Albuquerque, NM to see Foxy's brother Herb.   Herb is dying of esophagus  cancer which has metastasized and is inoperable.   He is not doing well, but is receiving radiation and may have a feeding tube implanted later this week.  We wanted to visit with him and his wife Sue and be supportive during this very difficult time.  

We are staying with son Jerry and his wife Marlene and family while we are here.   We also hope to see another son Scott as well as other family members and friends while here.   The trip over was uneventful and seemed to go quickly even though it took us about ten hours.  The road passes through lush green countryside until we got to New Mexico.   They have not been getting all of the rain we have been so fortunate to receive.   There were many patches of blue bonnets along the way which we enjoyed.

We see Herb and Sue about 11:00 am today and will report on his condition in future blogs.   Happy travels.

Cedar Waxwing birds

This morning I walked to our wash house and noticed a flock of birds in the Mulberry Tree by the door devouring the fruit of this tree.   There are at least two types of Mulberry  trees.  One is fruitless favored by homeowners that do not want a mess of fruit on the ground under their tree and tracked into their homes.   We had that type at our home in Tucson.  We also found our that silk worms liked those leaves and would later spin their cocoons which could be turned into silk thread if you were clever enough.  We never got that far.

The Mulberry Tree here is the fruiting kind and has berries that are edible by people as well as birds and much like a blackberry.   This morning a flock of Cedar Waxwings were enjoying their breakfast and rapidly stripping this tree of any edible fruit.   There were so many birds in the tree that I was unable to count them.  I do not think that hundreds is an exaggeration.  I have never seen so many Cedar Waxwings at one time.   I hope they enjoyed their breakfast.   Happy travels. 

Easter Sunday is here

Easter Sunday is finally here today.   In church we can all sing Christ is risen indeed.   That may not be the title of a hymn but is the sentiment for sure.  This means Lent is over and I can rethink giving up dessert, candy and alcohol.   Those were my personal choices and I thought that six weeks of self denial, appropriate for me.  In fact I managed to lose ten pounds during this time.   I will probably gain back some unless I hold back at Easter dinner today.

Yesterday I went to pick up a large ham that was being smoked by another member at church.   He had smoked 30 hams as a fund raiser for our church youth.  They all looked wonderful.   I wanted to sit right down and have a little taste of the ham but did not have a knife with me which was a good thing.   I came home smelling of smoke and the ham safely wrapped in aluminum foil and cooling in Kim and Chuck's refrigerator.   Samples await tonight.   Happy travels.

HI

When Foxy had her colonoscopy I wanted her to let me print an H on one cheek and an I on the other so that as the doctor began his viewing of her colon he would get an appropriate greeting.   We also thought of W on one cheek and W on the other which could possibly in the right view spell WOW.   I forgot to bring the black marker since we did have to get up at 5 am to get to the hospital by 6 am.   A real missed opportunity here.   Dang!  I guess I will have to wait for two years when it is my turn.   Makes you want to hurry the calender along but then there is all of the prep work that goes into getting ready which is a real drag, so, I guess I can wait.   Happy travels.

Dr. Laura and Leviticus

Apparently Dr. Laura, of television fame, said that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18: 22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.  The following are some funny responses to Dr. Laura's statement.

1.  Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided that they are purchased from a neighboring country.  Can you clarify since I want to own a Canadian.

2.  I would like to sell my daughter into slavery as sanctioned  in Exodus 21:7. What do you think would be a fair price for her?

3.  I know from Leviticus 11: 6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

4.  I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.   Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.   Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

5.  Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight.  I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.   Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

Enjoy!  Happy travels.

P.S.  It would be a darn shame if I couldn't own a Canadian

Catching up

Yesterday, Foxy had some prep work to do to get ready for her colonoscopy this morning.   So in the afternoon I left her taking some pills and chugging water and went to take care of the boys after school was out.   They did their music practising and homework and then we left to go to the church for supper.  Kim joined us once she remembered where we were and had dinner too.   They took off to go to athletic endeavors and I stayed for the Wednesday class taught by our pastor.   At the end of the class I took a guest to a nearby truck stop so he could hitch a ride to Nebraska and then drove on home.  My sweetie was at that point staying near the bathroom as the pills and water had done their work.

We got up about 5 am this morning and got ready to take Foxy to the hospital for her procedure.   Once she got her paperwork complete things moved right along and she reappeared with a good report in hand.   It is not a pleasant thing to do but does allow for early colon cancer screening.   Now she does not have to do this for another five years.   In two years, I get to do it again as well.   After you turn 50 it behooves you to have this done for your own well being.   Happy travels.

The sun shines

We awoke today to a bit of fog and then bright sunshine.   After yesterday with all of the tornadoes in the area it almost feels like a sudden viewing of an awesome rainbow.   The damage from the dozen or more tornadoes in the Dallas Fort Worth area is simply terrible.   People have lost their homes and partial wreckage is everywhere.   The most impressive but scary scene was seeing a tornado tossing trailers  hundreds of feet in the air.  The Schneider Trucking Company has those orange trailers that are so visible when you travel the interstates and this was the company's yard where the trailers were damaged.   I could not imagine the horror of seeing that happen in front of you. 

Denton forms the northern point of the Dallas Fort Worth triangle.   Denton fortunately escaped all of the destruction since the storm gradually moved in the north east direction.  We were fortunate and have been formulating a plan of action if such a storm arrives in our neighborhood in the future.   Tornado season lasts through April into May before the real hot season of summer arrives.   We plan to be prepared.   Happy travels.

Tornadoes in the area

Tornadoes are nothing to ignore and we have been under a tornado watch most of the afternoon.   There have been tornadoes on the ground all around the area.  There are pictures of a tornado picking up trailers of eighteen wheelers being tossed several hundred feet into the air.   I can see our motor home taking off and hopefully not with us inside.  Here schools go under lock down and do not release their kids until the warnings have been lifted.  I do not know how many tornadoes have been located but did note that the airport at Dallas Fort Worth was completely closed and about 100 planes with possible hail damage.   Now no planes can leave or others arrive.   Probably once the planes have been inspected flight service will be reinstated. 

Are we prepared for the next alert?  Not yet, but we will be.   We have been talking about what we need to do and what to grab when there is a tornado in the area.   I guess this is a real heads up for us since we have known that we are now living in an area where they are common.   As I am writing this entry there are still tornadoes on the ground on the eastern part of our viewing area.  We will take this very seriously.   Happy travels. 

location, location

We have moved sites within our park to get more shade especially as summer seems to be coming fast.   Our previous site was neat with a lovely lawn but way too much sunshine all day long.   So we carefully surveyed the entire park to find sites that allowed us access to satelite television, and as much afternoon shade as possible.  We found four or five sites and kept a watch on them throughout the day and finally settled on one.   We checked with the office and found that we could move to this new site and did so after filling the rig with propane.  We also took down our old gazebo and threw it away as it was badly weathered and rusting.   We then found a much cheaper version at Wallmart and added that to the area where we can sit outside.

To celebrate our new site we invited the kids and sons over for Sunday dinner of salmon and shrimp, rice and fruit salad for dessert.   We sat outside and thoroughly enjoyed each other.   We had also allowed the boys to go swimming before we ate which they loved.   They especially  enjoyed playing with their dad in the pool.  We feel right at home in the new site and are really liking the additional shade and hope that our summer electric bill will not be quite so high as last year.   Happy travels.

In for a nickle

Well if you can't win one lottery, should you try another?   Of course, especially when the total is up in the millions or was it billions.   I get confused.   I decided to buy some tickets for the latest lottery, yet did not buy as many as last time.   Then I forgot to watch the evening news to learn about our winning and start the whole anticipation thing.   So this morning I checked the paper and did have the first number but that was it.   I think this result was as bad as the first one.   So, what to do?

Mr rational self thinks I had better give up on this lottery thing.   It makes as much sense to throw the money out the door and let the wind blow it away.   I have repeatedly told Foxy that I do not really have  fun at a casino since our money is too hard to come by.   I might as well give it to the first person I meet and be done with it.  Then again I might need to get a lottery ticket tomorrow.   Just kidding. Happy travels.

Texas Lottery

Yesterday was the last day to buy lottery ticket before the new winning numbers were announced last night.  This lottery is called The Mega Millions Megaplier and hasn't been won since sometime in January.  I have thought about winning the lottery but you can't win if you do not purchase a ticket.  Once while we were living in Omaha we thought about saving our quarters and going in with kids Kristy and Tim and sharing the profits equally.  We bought our ticket and lost, or rather, did not win.

A year ago we drove the motor home to Seattle to visit our friend Arthur in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and again talked about lottery tickets while having dinner at Herb's Bar.   You cannot play if you do not pay again decided us to try this lottery business and we bought several and were to share in the winnings.  Again we lost, or rather, did not win.

Not too long ago, Foxy happened to listen to a lottery winning guru on the television explain that you could increase your chances of winning if you bought several tickets in a row.   He even demonstrated to his audience how this might work by buying each of them a ticket and showing them how there were more winners than normal using his methods.

My third attempt to crack into the winners circle of lottery winners was yesterday.  I went to Albertson's and talked with the young lady who would sell me the winning ticket.  First I had to find out how much each ticket might cost.  " $1.00", was the response.   "I will take 20 tickets, in order of course,"  I replied.  "You know that your are selling the winning ticket right now," I told her.   She assured me that she was delighted to have sold me the winning ticket.  I looked at the two strips of paper she handed me and asked her where were my twenty tickets.   She patiently explained that ten sets were on each slip.  I hurried home to share with Foxy our lottery tickets with the winning number somewhere among the twenty.

Last night we stayed up to watch the late news with tickets in hand.  Finally at the end of the news came the announcement of the winning numbers.  The first number was a nine. I had that!  The Mega Ball number was 24.  I had that!  My excitement grew!  The problem was that these numbers were not on the same ticket.  My winning dreams were dashed.  I guess I will have to return the red Camero Convertible I bought with my anticipated winnings.  Happy travels.

Cooking

Foxy signed us up to deliver dinner to the young adults, a church group that meets on Tuesday evening starting first with dinner.   We decided to give them a meal that started with ham and scalloped potatoes, broccoli with lemon sauce, rolls and brownies topped with green coconut flakes and small Easter egg candies.

We cooked at the kids house since out kitchen is so small and watched the boys when home from school and left them the same dinner as a thank you for letting us use their kitchen.  We started this endeavor shortly after 2 pm and took the partially cooked dinner to church around 5 pm where we met Brandon, the Associate Pastor.  He opened up the kitchen there and we left the food to finish cooking on low.   Hopefully the dinner was not overdone and enjoyed by all.

We came home to our dishes of the same menu and relaxed after a busy day.   Happy travels.

Music and family

Yesterday after church we drove to Ft. Worth to enjoy the symphony. which included Stravinsky's Firebird Suite.  It is such a pleasure to be able to enjoy such glorious music.  On the way home Foxy had a chance to talk with brother Herb who appreciated our concern about his serious illness.  We felt that we made a real connection.   Herb needs our prayers and care as does his entire family.  His cancer is a category four which means it has metastasised elsewhere.  

We also talked with Kim and Chuck who invited us over for dinner.  Once home, we asked Max if he wanted to also go and visit their dogs Rose and Violet.   He practically jumped out the door with delight.  We all had a wonderful time, the food was excellent and being together, the best.  We also got to see the square yard gardens that Chuck and the boys were putting together.   Soon they will enjoy fresh home grown vegetables.  Happy travels.

Wonderful spring day here

Saturday dawned crisp and clear.   When Max and I went outside you could still see the planet Mars and a bit of Orion.  Once Foxy was up we got it together and went garage sailing and found a few things for the shop and took other recent finds out there.  We always think the shop is full and yet find a way to stuff some more in without the booth exploding in disgust.  We then drove home and took a late morning walk about our RV park looking for possible sites to change to for the summer when it will likely get very hot.   Our present site is a good one but gets too much sun all day to really enjoy it in the summer.   Last summer we had the air conditioners on most of the time day and night with a corresponding high electric bill.  So far we have found three or four sites that might do and when we move for a propane fill up will try to see if we can move the rig.

The entire Denton area has greened up after the recent rains.   The lakes are full and the spring flowers are in full bloom.  We particularly enjoy seeing Blue Bonnets along the roadside.   This year they are quite plentiful and very pretty. Oh if spring weather could last all summer and not get so hot.   Happy travels.

Max goes to the dog park

Jon called us this noon and wanted us to bring Max over so that we could take their two dogs and Max to the dog park.   First we had to go out for lunch and finally settled on Red Robin.   They have onion straws which I really like.  We left quite filled and returned home for the three dogs.   They have Violet a husky German Shepperd cross and Rosie partly Rottweiler.  Max is a Westie but thinks he is a big dog too.

We drove to a nearby dog park and let the three dogs loose.   Max loved it and enjoyed every dog and kid there.   He nearly ran his little legs off.   After about a half hour we returned home and Max passed out on the floor exhausted but extremely happy.   He is a fun little dog but really met his match when a Saint Bernard came to the park.   Max could not even reach that dog's head.   Happy sweet dreams Max and happy travels.

A friend passes

A friend of ours and brother of a really close friend has died.   He discovered two years ago that he had pancreatic cancer.  He was given originally six months but survived two years and had excellent care as well as family support.  I guess when you get to our age this becomes a common event.   Somehow that does not make it any easier.   We have recently learned that Foxy's brother Herb has cancer as well and that it is inoperable.  Herb says, "It is what it is."   He seems closed off to all of us and does not want our support.   We find solace from a pastor who says, "Lord, wrap this family in your arms and give them peace."   We do so and find peace.

Chinese buffet for lunch

Foxy tries to humor me once in awhile  and today she did so when I wanted Chinese food for lunch.   I had taken her to Kohl's for some necessary shopping.   She had coupons and a store credit and could hardly wait.   While she was in the store, I walked the parking lot and then a bit of Sudoku.   Finally Foxy returned with two outfits and a a happy smile.   That was the time to suggest lunch - Chinese buffet.   She agreed.

We really did not know of a good place so drove around a bit until we found a buffet in Lewisville.   Perfect!  They even had a senior discount.   What could be better?   I really like orange chicken in all of its forms and this place had General Tso's and another.   I tried both, of course, and lots of other entry samples.   Foxy ate lots of fish things and we both left fulfilled.   In fact I felt about three months pregnant.   Hopefully not!   Happy travels.

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

Recently we drove to Dallas to enjoy walking on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.   This lovely bridge will provide a roadway over the San Antonio River and a splendid addition to the Dallas skyline.  It provides an accent to Dallas much like the Arch does for St. Louis.  A few years ago we walked on a new footbridge that spanned the Missouri River between Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA.  That bridge was named after Senator Bob Karrey.   Both bridges were suspension bridges with unusual designs.   The Arch for the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge has been painted white which really draws your eye toward this spectacular design.  It has been fun to be present when these bridges were inaugurated.  I think if you learned of a bridge that fits these types we would love to visit them as well.   Happy travels.

Lots of rain

It has rained and rained here.  We are thankful for the rain and think that our long drought might be over.  Yesterday we drove to a mall to get our walk in and then on to Cost Co.  On the way there we drove by Lake Louisville, a big reservoir, which seemed to be full.  We received about three inches of rain and other places nearby had up to six.  Spring is really here and it is nice to see new leaves on the trees and lots of spring flowers.  We do wonder whether the early advent of warm weather bodes ill for hot temperatures later in the summer.  Happy travels.

We vacation in Kerrville

On Thursday we left Denton about 10 am to travel to Kerrville where we had previously been living.   We went to see friends as well as take a vacation for the weekend.   Ron and Julie, Linda and Dick, and Jan and Vince greeted us with open arms and a great meal when we arrived.  There was a fruit salad, tossed salad,  and chicken from a rotisserie on the grill.  Lots of vegetables and potatoes cooked in a casserole topped off the meal.   Of course somehow we managed to talk non-stop and eat too.   Paula and Bob and Pam stopped by to say hello.   This vacation was off to a great start.   It was so nice to meet and greet these wonderful friends.   Ron started a campfire and the talking continued until we bid all good night and returned to our motel.

On Friday Ron and Julie took us to a new place for lunch up Harper Road.   It was excellent.   The ladies had a tomato basil soup and I had tuna on a salad and Ron  enjoyed a Chicken BLT.   Afterwards we parted for an afternoon break and rejoined the friends at Don's Guadalupe RV Saloon for a drink and snacks. 

Saturday turned out to be quite a fun day as we all drove to Bandara to go to the Wild Hog Explosion.   What fun this turned out to be.   It was a fund raiser for the local library and this was the tenth year.   It was held in a rodeo atmosphere and various age groups competed to touch or catch feral wild hogs.   The cute group was the 2 - 4 year old kids who lined up and when the baby hogs entered tried to touch them.    Some of the kids needed help but each child finally left with a ribbon in hand and much excitement trying to run after the baby hogs.  I was sure one two year old would run out of his shorts before he managed but finally he also touched his hog and left happily with his ribbon in hand.

As the age group became older they had to actually catch the hog (also bigger) and drag it over a finish line.   By the time we got to adult competitors some of the hogs were 75-100 pounds and some tried to bite the contestants.  Winners got either ribbons or  fancy belt buckles.   Each event was timed with the shortest time winning the event.   The contestants that snuck up on their hog seemed to do better than those that chased them.   It was quite fun for all and something new for us.   We had never been before but the others had been to past contests. 

On Sunday we enjoyed brunch together and then headed back to Denton.    We manged to see some other good friends from church and other guests at the RV Resort.   A wonderful vacation for us and great to be back together with close friends.   Happy travels.

Vacation. much needed

I took a self imposed vacation from writing regularly on my blog. I did not think that I had anything to say and was running out of good ideas on which to comment. I needed a break and took one. Now I am ready to get back to commenting on my blog and want to thank several of you readers who strongly suggest that I get back to work. A nudge in the fanny was exactly what I needed. Thanks and happy travels, of course.

Phone calls and cards

Yesterday we got lots of phone calls since it was a combined celebration of Valentine's day and my birthday. It was great fun to hear from friends and family and to have a good visit. I could even get my mom to understand what I was trying to say to hear. Usually she does not get any phone conversation since she is so hard of hearing. Some of the cards were real funny and others carried a nice message. I even received a few e-cards which are always fun to open. So it was a nice day and I appreciate all of the good wishes. Happy travels.

Birthday today

It is Valentine's Day and my birthday as well. So I have managed to arrive at the advanced age of 73. I guess it beats the alternative but after all it is just a day. Foxy and I decided to celebrate the day by going to La Madeline, a restaurant about eight miles south of here for breakfast. I ordered Eggs Benedict and Foxy had an omelet. Both were excellent and once finished we decided to walk the interior of a large nearby mall. Half an hour later we felt that we had walked off some of what we had eaten and headed for home. A lovely way to celebrate I think. Happy travels.

Doctors update

We continue to visit lots of doctors. We have now seen and liked an internist, a neurologist and a cardiologist. Foxy has had a complete workup. It appears that she did not have a TIA but rather the neurologist thinks that she had a Transient Global Amnesia. Apparently this is really a judgement call and the deciding factor is that there was no evident problems found by the MRI and that there is a period of longer than an hour where Foxy cannot remember anything. Who knows but we are encouraged and hopefully she will have no further problems.

We have been meaning to locate some doctors now that we have moved to Denton and this problem forced us into getting that done. The neat thing is that everyone took this incident seriously and how quickly Foxy was able to visit other doctors as recommended. The health care here is simple excellent. Happy travels.

Doctors visits continue

At the hospital, supervising physician Dr. C suggested that upon release that Foxy needed to see an internist and a neurologist. We met today with Dr. S, an internist who carefully listened to Foxy's problem and suggested that she had temporary amnesia during the event and would not ever remember that time period. She suggested several other tests which should happen this week such as an echo-cardiogram amongst others as well as a visit to a neurologist. We feel that the medical staff has been very supportive and took the time to really listen and further examine Foxy. We came away from our meeting pleased that we were in good hands medically and grateful for all of the support.

Tonight we called Maurice and Anne to wish her a belated happy birthday and see how things were going there with mom. Yesterday Maurice lost entirely the hearing in his right ear and does not know what happened but hopes to get this problem seen to in the next several days. I can only conclude that it is tough being 70 or more years old.

Finally today after visiting with Dr. S, we drove to Louisville to go to Cost Co and to have lunch at La Madeline which was excellent. At Cost Co I got Foxy to have her hearing checked since she has not been hearing clearly lately. Yup! You guessed it! She has to have hearing aids to help her hear in the higher ranges. So, we ordered them and they should be here and fitted in 4-5 days. Foxy is feeling more and more bionic. When she turns 70 in June she can then be welcomed into the "tough being 70 group." It has been a stressful week for both of us but we have been very appreciative of support both near and far. Happy travels.

Foxy is home

Foxy was in the hospital Friday and Saturday and had several tests while there. In the MRI they did find past evidence of a TIA which gave credence to our notion that she had another on Friday morning. The only damage from this mini stroke was that she cannot remember anything that happened on Friday morning. Otherwise she is back to being her old self. She was delighted to be able to do Sudoku puzzles and is looking forward to a more limited activity on our WII exercise system. Kim came over to the hospital as did Chuck after work and we really appreciated their support. I made numerous calls to family and friends. The prayers and thoughts were mightily appreciated. Max knew something was wrong and tried to lick Foxy to death when we finally got home late Saturday afternoon.

When I tried to call sister Susie, I used several phone numbers that I had listed here and there. On my first try, on my phone, their names appeared but when there was no answer, I prepared to leave a message. Imagine my surprise to hear, " Colleen." Who was this Colleen? Maybe she said, ".......calling?" I tried their several other numbers and left messages each time. After about fifteen minutes or so I tried the first number again. "Colleen," was again the unexpected response. This time I left a different message trying to get Susie but also trying to assure Colleen, whoever she might be, that I was sorry to disturb her if indeed it was her phone now.

About fifteen minutes later, the phone rang and it was Colleen. She was very supportive and so sorry that we were having a family emergency but that this number was no longer assigned to Susie. I apologised and after some more kind support from Colleen, hung up. Shortly we got another call, this time from Susie, and after bringing her up to speed on Foxy told her about my conversation with Colleen. After giving Susie Colleen's phone number, Susie thought that this was an older number they had when they were in California. I thought that Susie should call Colleen back and was sure they could become the best of friends as she had been so nice to me. Susie thought the Colleen business was hysterically funny and so we were able to have a good laugh when actually all of us were troubled about Foxy. Sometimes a good laugh is all you need. Happy travels.

Foxy update

Yesterday Foxy probably had a mini stroke called TIA. She has no memory of the time it was occurring. I took her to the hospital and they began a series of tests which continues today. Probably what happened is that she had a blockage in a vein in her brain which later disappeared. In her case it only caused no physical damage just the short time memory loss. She is doing much better today and hopefully will be able to come home later today. Once we have the test results from the doctor, I will update this entry. Happy travels

An update here

I have been back to see the dermatologist and he wanted me to continue the treatment for two days and start in with the steroid creme which I have done. I am now done with the entire treatment and my face is trying to get back to normal. Mostly it has but by nose is still red which makes me think I should give up drinking. Not likely.

We continue to take care of the boys and took them on Wednesday to an afternoon concert in honor or the head of our church's music program and importantly for the past 40 years, head librarian of the Music Library at the University of North Texas . It was a fun concert and we heard a variety of presentations which kept the boys interested. Afterwards we met up with their mom and handed them over to her and went on to a Wednesday program at church which started with a dinner and then had several programs from which to choose. Dinner was prime rib and trimmings for $4 each, a real bargain and the food was excellent. We attended the section in which our pastor talked about his book about Presbyterians. It was quite good

Yesterday we went to an estate sale and little else. It is rainy today and we have not yet decided what we are doing. Sunday we return to the Fort Worth Symphony for an afternoon event. That is all of an update I can think of. Happy travels.

Pre skin cancers

About two weeks ago I went to a dermatologist here to have him check me over, which I do every six months. He did his job and I was expecting him to freeze any pre-cancerous areas he might find. Each time I have done this in the last 20 years I get some spots taken care of in this way to prevent them from becoming more serious. This doctor thought I should try a different system of smearing my face twice a day with a chemo creme for two or more weeks. I did not really want to do this but he convinced me to try this system. I picked up this prescription cream, paid my co-pay of $15 and learned that my insurance had saved me over $200. I was truly appalled at the cost of one tube of this stuff and hoped it would really work, at that price.

After about a week of twice daily applications, It began to have results. I have so many spots that I have not tried to count them. The cream kills the fast growing cancer cells and then like a small burn spot the skin underneath replaces the affected area. In the meantime I look like I have leprosy. The second stage of this treatment is to slather steroid type cream to help heal the skin. In a month all should be well and I hope the new areas will be as smooth as a new baby's bottom. This system seems to work and I am glad to be able to do it. I must admit it has been quite a trial once it started to get warm and itch. If you have similar problems with skin cancer check into this system with your dermatologist. Happy travels.

The Decendents

George Clooney is the star in this movie set in Hawaii. It was great fun in the early moments of the movie to see Waikiki, Alawai Canal and be almost able to pick our The Iolani School just behind the canal where I taught for three years. We have been wanting to see this movie and had to drive to Dallas to see it wince that was the only place in the entire area where we could find it being shown.

It was an excellent movie and well acted. I will not go into the plot and merely encourage you to see this movie. I can see why George is up for an Academy Award. Happy travels.

Max talks

Last night we returned from caring for the grandsons, taking them to swimming and then attending a dinner for new members of our church at the pastor's home. It was a lovely time and a nice chance to meet other new members. One of the new members had moved here from North Carolina and I got a chance to ask him if he had ever heard of the expression 'Buddy Roe'. He said he had not heard that in years but it was a common expression there and that it meant you were talking to one of your close friends. I had always wondered where Jan Karom heard this expression or whether she made it up for her series of books about an Episcopal Priest in Mitford. Now I know.

When we got home I first let Max out for a necessary break and then we sat and talked about our busy day. Max as usual sat on my lap and suddenly stared across the room and started to growl and make sounds like he was talking. I tried to get him to do it again and he did it several more times. I could not see anything unusual and wondered if he could see himself in the mirror there. Finally he jumped down and began to bark and bark. Foxy figured it out. We had left a cake carrier on the counter and Max had noticed this and realized it was new to him. I got up and took the cake carrier off of the counter and showed it to Max and he quit barking after much sniffing, of course. I have never heard a dog make such interesting sounds and now know that Max can talk. Happy travels.

Todd

About 24 hours ago, Todd died after a valiant four month fight with lung cancer. Even when you expect this result it still is a shock to everyone left behind. Todd was surrounded by his family at the end. They can take much support from each other as they work through their loss. I will miss him. We three musketeers have become two.

I have been able to sleep very little tonight and have been reflecting on many past events in his life.I was supposed to sing "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" at Todd and Marti's wedding. I came down with laryngitis and could not sing a note but they still got to hear the music although only played on the church organ. Todd graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While there, Marti waited for him in Hawaii and took care of Kristin their first child.

During this time we moved to Hawaii and I taught school there. After years of service,Todd left army life and in Chicago went to night school to get a master's degree in business, later going into his life's work of banking and specializing in oil stocks. Later moved to New Jersey and after retirement moved between homes there and in Honolulu. They had four children and many grandchildren.

We kept in touch throughout the years and enjoyed the occasional times when our path's crossed.

I will miss you Todd and fully trust that your soul has gone home. Happy travels.

The three musketeers

Many years ago, Todd, Alan, and I had all married sisters and we frequently compared notes about what it was like living with the three ladies. Somewhere through the years, Alan and I parted company with our two spouses but Todd managed to stay married. We musketeers still stayed in touch just not as frequently. Recently I got updates on the others and sadly learned that we all had been fighting cancer. I had mine operated on two years ago in June. Alan had his operated on and is still undergoing chemotherapy but has a good prognosis. Todd did not have our good luck and his has metastasized and now his time on this earth is coming quickly to a close. It seems sad that we all have had to fight this battle and that the results could not be the same for all of us. Bad things do happen to good people. The way we choose to deal with it says much about us. I wish Alan well and truly hope that Todd is surrounded by friends and family at this time. Happy travels.

Progress on behavior

Today we had Christian all day and most of this week since he has been sick and had Strep. We hope not to get that. Today he was feeling much better and actually managed to entertain himself quite a bit and was a joy to be around. When Jon got home we played cards and behavior was much improved with both boys. So it a few steps forward and some in the other direction. Having had one or the other most of this week we were quite tired tonight. Somehow a little something sounded good when we got home. So scotch it was. The rest of the evening was sitting around in pajamas and either solitaire or reading. Foxy is finishing the third book on the girl with the dragon tatoo and I am immersed in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plumb mysteries. What a kick these stories are and frequently I laugh out loud and disturb Foxy. I try not to do this but frequently cannot help myself. Try either series and you are in for a treat.

Weather here is cold one day and hot the next. It is hard to prepare for the day except by layering up and shedding as you pass through the day. I am not complaining since I am glad to not have snow. Happy travels.

How to change behavior

We have been working on behavior in our grandsons. These are good boys and just need a bit of guidance now and then. Part of it has been to teach good card playing behaviors such as once a card is played, you can't take it back into your hand. Sometimes they get quite rowdy and noisey which is sort of typical for an 8 or 10 year old.

Today we sat them down and decided on what behaviors might be inappropriate such as cussing and bossing each other around. They came up with most of the behaviors. We then decided that there would be a cost for the behavior and the appropriate money would go into a money jar. For example, cussing could cost you a quarter. We also though it might be a good thing to be able to take money out of the jar for good behavior. They came up with having had good behavior all week in school or having their clothes self washed and put away each week. It was quite interesting to see what behaviors they came up with and we also decided if there was any money left at the end of the month in the jar, we would take it and go out for a treat for the boys.

We will keep you informed on how well this works after we try it for awhile. We also may modify the rules as we go along. Time will tell. Happy travels.

Back into the routine

We seem to have dropped back into our comfortable rut of a routine here. We have seem a couple of movies, the Sherlock Holmes one and Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I liked them both but Foxy thought the LeCarre remake was depressing. We look forward to viewing The Decedents and The Iron Lady with Foxy choosing our next visit.

We have also started locating new medical doctors and starting that annual process. So far Foxy has been to the Opthamologist with good results and I to a Dermatologist. I am in the process of chemically peeling pre-cancerous growths off of my face which takes 2-3 weeks and makes you look like you had a very bad sunburn. If it helps, it will be worth while I think.

The boys are back in school and we have taken care of them 2-3 times each week. This is birthday time for them and Foxy made a birthday dinner for Christian and now in a week or so will do the same for Jon. Both boys wanted cowboy boots for their birthdays and we helped find such.

Church is beginning to take on a larger role in our lives and Foxy has begun to meet with a circle group once each month. Saturday we meet with the pastors for a session on new membership and possibilities for involvement. The pastor gives good succinct sermons and the music offered is splendid. On Sunday after church we will go to the Fort Worth Symphony for a mid-afternoon concert on Brahms and Beethoven. It should be delightful.

We have been luck to have several rainy days and the water table should be improving. We still need more to come back from our serious drought throughout Texas.

My Mom has had another fainting spell and currently is staying with Maurice and Anne but is quite unhappy with all of us since she thinks she should be able to stay home alone. A sad time for all. Not bad though for a 99 year old lady.

I think that brings us up to date. Happy travels.

Christmas decorations

We really like Christmas decorations but there is little room in our motor home for such. We did manage to put up some chili lights and some Annalee Santa and Mrs. Santa Dolls. They were very cheerful and added much to our mini docor. In our shop we put out lots of christmas items for sale and even tried to make them more attractive by offering a half price sale to all potential buyers. We did manage to sell some of the items and yesterday decided it was time in this new year to take down our home decorations and then go to the shop and pack up the Christmas items for another year. Our booth is also now back to normal and quite uncluttered. I guess that means that we will have to continue our hunt for garage and estate sales. It is fun and keeps us occupied even though we barely break even. I like these annual doings both the putting up and the taking down of the decorations and always look forward to seeing them again next year. Happy New Year and happy travels to all.

New Years Eve

Back in Denton we decided we could take care of the boys and got invited to dinner at their folks of Steak, salad and potatoes with a dessert of apple crisp. Kim and Chuck got dressed and left for their party and we settled in to play cards with the boys. By ten o'clock they were tucked in bed and we watched a bit of television while waiting for the new year to arrive. Kim and Chuck got back around 2 pm and we quickly drove home and got to bed. A nice way to celebrate a new year. Happy travels.

Traveling for Christmas

We left here on the 23rd to travel to see Jerry and Marlene's family in Albuquerque. They called us to get an early start since they expected bad weather. So we listened and got up at four am and were on the road by 4:45 am. We had good dry roads until we got to Amarillo and then there was a hint of snow in the air. By the time we got to Klines Corners there was snow on the road. Driving through Morarity and Edgewood we could not see on either side of the road. Once we got over the pass into Albuquerque the roads had cleared. Some time later in the day Interstate 40 was closed so we got there just in time.

We had a lovely week in Albuquerque and managed to take the kids to breakfast at a favorite restaurant Loyola's. It was like home coming there as we greeted long time friends and had a good breakfast as well. We managed to see Cal R. and some family but Susan had plans and we missed her. Other than that we stayed at Jerry's house and enjoyed each other. I came down with a cold and did snooze quite a bit but managed to play cards with others. Christmas was a wonderful time of sharing and many presents enjoyed. Foxy's sister Susie and husband Al joined us for Christmas dinner of Standing Rib Roast, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, and especially Yorkshire Pudding. Dessert was pecan pie and chocolate pudding cake. It was excellent! We also shared the day with good friends Brenda and Richard. It was a happy time and all too soon it was time to make the trek back to Texas. Happy travels.