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.