Big changes

We are going to stay in Ann Arbor for some months with Kim and Chuck and the boys. Kim has accepted a new job as Professor of Clarinet at North Texas University which is located in Denton, Texas. She will begin her new duties at the beginning of the fall semester.

In the meantime they have many things to do, such as packing up this house, putting needed saved things in storage, fixing up the house to be put on the market, and helping with daily chores. Spring is always a busy time of year for a college professor, and so the extra help around the house is appreciated. Chuck is also very busy at work, and we will fill in where necessary. He is considering becoming a consultant. We hope that they will have the house ready to go on the market by early spring, and at that point we will leave Ann Arbor and return to Texas. Our motor home has been put in storage for the meantime.

This is quite a change for us, but we are glad to volunteer to help and will do so as long as necessary. We get started today to locate items for donation and start taking things to storage. A busy time for sure. Happy travels.

Christmas in Ann Arbor

Having grown up in Upper New York State, I am used to a white Christmas. After spending many years in the Southwest, I gradually accepted the idea that Christmas could be green or brown or any color other than white. This year we spent Christmas with Kim, Chuck and boys and thoroughly enjoyed another white holiday. The boys got quite excited about opening presents and had to be quietly calmed down but made excellent Santa's helpers. I think we helped out the economy this year as did our other kids. Everyone was way too generous. Of course, we managed to eat and eat well and ended up wearing the fat of the land. If I am not careful, I will have to get larger pants and soon. Best of all, we managed to talk with each of our kids' families and even brothers and sisters. A wonderful day for sure. Happy travels.

Max is a good traveler

Max has turned out to be an excellent traveler. At first he whined about being in the car but gradually got used to the traveling bit. At our first stop he loved playing with Harper, our great grand. He would bark, and Harper would laugh. It was quite funny.

Then in Connecticut he had to share the house with Phyllis and Pat's cat. That did not go too well, so we kept them separate. He was a good guest though and got invited back.

At Maurice and Anne's place he was able to run free outside until he started down the road. He came back when called and was on a leash when going outside after that. Speaking of going, he learned to get on with his business and quite quickly too, as snow and cold did not exactly agree with him.

At Mom's house he had the run of her house and loved it. Again he was a good visitor and looked after Mom very well. He quickly learned not to try to jump on her. He got invited back there, too.

Now in Ann Arbor he has a house to share with two other dogs, Violet and Rosie. They have decided to get along, and that is a good thing. At night these two go up to bedrooms with their boys Jonny and Christian, while Max shares a bedroom with us.

It tickled me that in motels he would turn to look at the door of the elevator when traveling up or down. Now how did he learn that? A good traveler for sure. Happy travels.

Neglectful

I think that title says it all. We have been very busy. We helped Mom with errands and managed to get her to get a cane for walking and a medi-alert necklace to use in case of a fall. She celebrated her 98th birthday with three kids and two spouses present. She will be spending Christmas with two other sons.

The day after her birthday we left for Ann Arbor, Michigan. We drove to Buffalo and then crossed into Ontario, Canada for a shorter drive to the Detroit area. In about 7-8 hours we drove into Kim's driveway for a warm welcome. Foxy's cold had gone into pneumonia, and I had the cold as well. Foxy got some medical treatment and is on the slow mend. I take meds and hope it doesn't get worse. In spite of our colds we are in the full helping mode, and this means last minute shopping, preparation of food, clean-up, and anything else. The grands want us to play cards or games, and we have done so in a limited away. Two boys are very excited about Christmas tomorrow. Whew. It is tiring but fun. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy healthy new year. Happy travels.

Syracuse, here we come

We left Maurice and Anne and traveled north to the Syracuse area where they have been having lots of snow. They had 55 inches on the ground when we arrived and have had 80 inches total this year. That is a great deal of snow especially to a Texan. We are currently visiting Mom who will be 98 tomorrow. Quite an accomplishment, I think. We have been visiting, eating too much, running errands, and playing cards, of course. We will stay here with her until the day after her birthday when we travel west to Ann Arbor to see Kimberly and Chuck and boys for Christmas. The weather may play a part in this plan but we will wait to see what unfolds. Happy travels.

A grand visit

We have been thoroughly enjoying our visit with Maurice and Anne. We have played cards each evening and wandered a bit during the day. On Friday we visited brother Gary and his wife Donna. They were busy taking care of four of their grands. Then we had lunch at an Italian restaurant and then home.

Yesterday we went to Owego and visited a museum that was featuring decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. You could bid on each and if you won the bid take the decorated item home in time for Christmas. They were very well-decorated, and although we did not bid on any tree, we did enjoy looking at the many many decorated trees. Then out for lunch this time to a different Italian restaurant and then on the way home stopped in Newark Valley to see their decorated wreaths. What fun. Last night we again played cards and then off to an early bed. Foxy has a cold and the rest of us are trying to avoid catching it, but I might be starting it.

We have decided to stay home today rather than expose others to Foxy's cold germs. It is a joy to watch Max and his Uncle Maurice play. I think Max would like to stay here forever. Happy travels.

Onward to New York State

We had a wonderful time with Phyllis and Pat and reluctantly left but needed to get on with our trip. This time Pat helped with directions, and we followed them with good success and shortly were in New York State in the Hudson River Valley. We drove interstates until we arrived in Owego and then turned north toward Newark Valley and Berkshire. The side door of my brother's garage was open and though they were not home, we started to unpack the car. Even before we were done, they arrived too from a lunch with other retired co-workers.

So it has been visiting and catching up ever since. After dinner we played Progressive Rummy, first eastern rules and then western rules. It was great fun and much laughing. The only concern has been the weather and outside temperature. By the time we went off to bed it was around zero. Sunday it is supposed to rain sleet and snow. Should be simply delightful. I think I need to get all weather tires for the car. Maybe today.

Max loves being out of the car and a chance to run around. Happy travels.