December 31, 2011

December 31, 2011

The bus left at 8:00 this morning for the Pasadena City College football stadium and Bandfest 2012.

Several of the bands that will be in the Rose Parade performed.  They were all really good, but the sun was beating down and the temperature was higher than comfortable.  After two hours, I had to leave and find some shade.

The last band that we saw perform was from Crestview, Florida, right outside of Eglin AFB, which was Brent’s last base.  They were very good and it will be a treat to see them in the parade on Monday.

We ate our lunch on the cool bus while waiting for the Bandfest to finish.  When all of our people came back to the bus, we drove to the La Bara Tar Pits and the Page Museum.

I dreaded being back in the sun, but we were much closer to the ocean and there was a cool breeze blowing.  It was very pleasant walking around the 28 acre park learning about the tar pits from our guide.  The museum was excellent.  It was a good way to end our day of touring.  

We got back to the MH in time for naps before our catered dinner at 6:30.  Afterwards there was to be a New Year’s Eve party.  We chose not to stay for that.  The old fogies were too tired!

December 30, 2011

December 30, 2011

Yikes!  We got on the bus at 6:30! That’s a.m. Ugh! I think I had completely forgotten such an early hour existed.  Yes, retirement is great!

The bus took us into Pasadena to the Rose Palace, only to discover we were at the wrong location.  On the way to the correct place, we drove part of the parade route.  It was interesting to see all of the viewing stands set up and ready for the parade.  Interesting how there are sometimes benefits to getting lost.

The “correct” place was a different viewing area than we were at yesterday.  We walked around the various float building locations  on a catwalk.  It was interesting to see the difference in the two venues...yesterday’s and today’s.  Today we saw a much more organized place for workers to get the plants and flowers ready to attach to the floats.  

Yesterday, there were several hundred volunteers, including us, doing various jobs.  People were enjoying themselves and taking pride in their work.  Today’s situation was made up of paid staff.  That feeling of accomplishment was absent today.   I’m glad we were able to see both types of operations.

We were across from the Rose Bowl, but not close enough to see it “up close and personal.”

Our last stop for the day was at the LA Equestrian Center where we saw performances by the various equestrian groups that will ride in the parade.

It was a busy and interesting day.  We were very tired when we got back to the motorehome late in the afternoon.  We gave new meaning to “plumb tuckered .”

December 29, 2011

December 29, 2011

My bruised cheekbone is still sore, but most of the purple color has moved down to my jaw.  When we got on the bus at 8:30 this morning, a lady said, “You look worse today.”  I said, “Thanks, that makes me feel good.”

The bus took us to Azusa where five of the floats were being decorated.  Leslie, who has worked on floats for 34 years, gave us a really good tour with a lot of information about the process of designing and building the floats.

There are 47,000 roses for just one of their floats, and one of our jobs was to fill small plastic tubes with water.  The roses will be put into the tubes on Sunday and stuck into the foam that has been sprayed on the floor of the float.  Some of us clipped the purple petals off statice plants.  These will be glued to the floats to look like purple paint.  There were buckets and buckets of statice stalks.

We learned that it takes 7 or 8 hours to move the floats to the staging area.  That will be done Sunday night.

As I was roaming around the construction area, I saw the University of Oregon football float.  The one for the other team was there, but I didn’t pay too much attention to it.  See, I have my priorities in line!

We returned to the campground in time for naps before Happy Hour and a catered dinner.  The food was excellent.  When we got back to the MH a nurse who is attending this gathering came to take the stitches out of my face.  That was great because our schedule is so busy we weren’t sure how we would accomplish it.

December 28, 2011

December 28, 2011

During the night we heard an owl.  Whoo, whoo!  It was a soft sound and didn’t seem very far away.    At 6:00, we could hear the yipping and yapping of coyotes.  Soon, some of the neighborhood dogs joined in.  What a racket!  If we have our choice, we’ll take the owl.

After logging four caches we got the coach in “go mode” and drove to the campground where we will be based for all of our Rose Parade activities.  There are 67 people in our group.  So far I have had contact with two friends, Gale and Joan.  This will be a good opportunity to make new friends.  I’ll try really hard not to be shy!

Tomorrow we go to decorate floats.  That should be interesting!

December 27, 2011

December 27, 2011

Our shopping destinations today were Verizon, Dollar Tree, In-N-Out, and Walmart.

Before going to Wally World we attempted to find a couple of caches in their parking lot.  No luck.  Thank goodness, this wasn’t a “must cache” day.  We only have two more of those days and they are several months away.

After naps, Bill cleaned out the Honda.  I helped a little bit, but didn’t feel like doing much.  The effects of my “swan dive” on Saturday are lingering longer than I had thought they would.

December 26, 2011

December 26, 2011

On our drive this morning we followed the coastline toward  Oxnard.  The ocean was beautiful.  The waves were just right to attract a number of surfers.

We turned east on Hwy. 126 and made our way into Santa Clarita.  After parking in an RV spot at the Elks Lodge and eating lunch, we took much needed naps.  I’ve felt worse today...probably because of moving around so much more than yesterday.  The nap was really needed.

Our first stop on a small shopping outing was at Best Buy.  Bill wanted to talk to the Geek Squad about his PC.  While we were standing there I noticed a man looking at my battered, bruised face so I told him my story, which was don’t yell “Go Ducks!” in southern California.  After seeing his shocked expression I told him the truth...I had a fight with a sidewalk and lost.  I liked my first explanation better than the true one, but in this case honesty was the best policy.

We went to Sam’s Club for a short visit and meant to go next door to Walmart.  I didn’t even feel like going in.  That’s unheard of for me to pass up going into Wally World.  We’ll try again tomorrow.

December 25, 2011

December 25, 2011

Bill and I hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas!

It was beautiful on the coast of California today, but I didn’t even leave the motorhome.  After my problems staying vertical yesterday, I decided that it might be a good idea for me to stay inside and recuperate.  So that’s just what I did!

Tomorrow we leave the coast and journey inland.

December 24, 2011

December 24, 2011

We started Christmas Eve by finding two caches at the beach in Santa Barbara.  That was good, but things went down from there on, especially me.  As we crossed the main beach street, heading for a cache at a baseball field, I tripped and did a “face plant” on the sidewalk.  The sidewalk won!  But before I was hauled away in an ambulance I left lots of blood on the corner where I fell.  It was one of my typical gooney bird landings.

Bill was in a bit of a state, but I was in good hands, like All State.  One of the people who came to my aid was an off duty paramedic who called 911.  The ambulance got there very quickly.  And one of the crew was a geocacher, so we had lots to talk about on the way to the hospital.

I had a CAT scan to see if I had any bleeding around my brain.  I didn’t have any bleeding inside my skull.  I assume they did find a brain, but sometimes Bill has doubts about that.

I now have a black eye, a big bump on my right cheek, and five stitches at the corner of my right eye.  My left wrist hurts and I pulled a muscle in my right side.  Other than that, I am just hunky- dory!  

I have no doubt that Christmas Day will be better!

December 23, 2011

December 23, 2011

This was a lazy kind of morning, especially for me.  As a result, we got on the caching trail later than expected.  

We had a new experience, or maybe adventure, at one of the hiding spots.  We were caught on a security camera and questioned by a guard.  He was very nice to us old gray haired people.  After explaining geocaching to him and showing him the process of finding the cache, signing the log, and replacing the container, he wished us “Merry Christmas” and went back inside the building.  I got the impression that he was disappointed that we weren’t Bonnie and Clyde.  Little did he know!!!

We went back home after logging 11 caches.  While Bill napped I caught up on some computer and book work.  That allowed me to start a beading project.  It’s been a long time since I have had the energy for a creative endeavor like beading.

December 22, 2011

December 22, 2011

Our journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara took nearly two hours.  It was a beautiful day.  On the first part of our trip, Highway 101 followed the coastline.  Later the road went inland through vineyards and ranches.  This part of the state is much greener than what we traveled through a week ago.  The last of today’s drive was once again close to the ocean until a few miles out of Goleta (nearly to Santa Barbara).

After getting the motorhome parked at the Elks Lodge RV area we went to In-N-Out for a late lunch.  Their hamburgers and French- fries are so good!  Years ago one of my students said, “Mrs. Dane, I’m an American, but I sure do like French-fries.”  Well, Clifford, so do I!

We rested for an hour before going caching.  Our successful rate (50% found) wasn’t so great today, but two finds is two better than none, if my math is right.

Our last stop for the day was at Albertson’s for a few groceries.  We buy most of our things at Super Walmarts when they are available where we happen to be.  Wow!  Albertson’s surely did seem high.   

December 21, 2011

December 21, 2011

Once again we drove to the center of town to walk around the downtown area of San Luis Obispo.  There were still a lot of people shopping, but not nearly as many as this past weekend.

We walked to several cache sites.  Some were in parking structures which involved stairs.  Bill and I avoid elevators, if possible.  It is part of our “exercise program.”  In fact, it’s all of my program.  Bill does exercises three days a week in the MH.  He has to keep his muscles strong to be able to drag me up and down the stairs.

We stopped at a Subway to share a meatball sub.  Unfortunately, the caching map didn’t really like the sauce I spilled on it.  That kind of put the kibosh on most of the rest of our hunting.

More often than not, speed bumps are a nuisance.  I realize why they are necessary, but that doesn’t make them any more endearing.  The interesting things about them are the signs announcing their presence.  One read “speed table ahead” before arriving at a “bump” that went up, was flat for about five feet, and then went down.  Another sign that we liked announced “vehicle calming ahead.”  Perhaps we should make a study of their names!

Tomorrow we plan to leave this area so I spent the evening getting some chores out of the way to make our departure run more smoothly.

December 20, 2011

December 20, 2011

This morning we drove west to the coast.  It was great to be out in the country.  The hills were brown and very dry, but there was a lot to see.

We went past a huge prison complex. The sign read “California Men’s Colony.”  That was a new one for us.  Is the word “colony” a politically correct way of saying “the slammer?”

As “Tex” and I drove past ranch land, we saw a rather large herd of cattle, probably over 100.  They appeared to be going somewhere with a purpose.  We soon found out what it was.  Around the bend, at the back of the herd, came five or six cowboys, “encouraging” the slackers to get a move on.  Yeehaw!  A roundup! 

Morro Bay was our destination for the day.  It had been a long time since we have been there.  It’s a really pretty setting with lots of fishing boats and pleasure craft in the bay.  The weather was perfect for enjoying a tourist village and, of course, caching.  

We found seven “treasures” along the waterfront, plus five more in other parts of town.  Twelve for the day.  Not bad, eh?

After returning home, Bill took a long nap while I did some jobs around the house.

December 19, 2011

December 19, 2011

Today was kind of a lazy day for us.  The sky was very cloudy early this morning, but by noon was a beautiful blue and the temperature rose...not much, but enough to be comfortable.

We did two geocaches not far from the Elks Lodge.  One will go onto our list of most clever containers so far.  The name of the cache was “Vroom, vroom, ring, ring.”  It was hidden at a motorcycle repair shop (vroom, vroom) in a fake doorbell button (ring, ring).  The button was a nano, which was placed in the doorbell casing.  It was so real looking that I almost passed it by, but then thought, “Why does a business like this need a doorbell?”  And there it was!

We walked past a business that claimed to be able to exterminate pests.  I drug the old guy in, but was told that their expertise didn’t reach that far out!  You can’t blame a girl for trying, can you?

We went to Burger King for lunch.  And, no, it wasn’t our anniversary!  The 52nd one is still nearly four months away.  We were just practicing celebrating.

December 18, 2011

December 18, 2011

Once again we had to find a cache today.  The pressure is on as the dates that we are missing get fewer and fewer.  After breakfast we went to find the first one, just .2 of a mile from the MH.  In a cemetery, it was in the area of a family mausoleum in the shape of a pymarid, 25 feet tall.  That’s a first for us!  Now we don’t have to go to Egypt!

We found five more caches before calling it quits for the day.  We found some clever cache containers...ideas that our son-in-law, Dwaine, and I might be able to use when we hide some caches this  the summer in Loveland, Colorado.

It was a nice day here today after early morning fog.  And pleasantly warm!

December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011

The new pad on the bed was better for my hip, but not for my bursitis.  Hm!  I’ll have to ponder that.

We did three geocaches before getting the MH into “go mode.”  As I was going back in after checking the Honda,s lights, I stepped in something.  Ugh!  It was on both shoes and it wasn’t nice.  The fact that we were on Wild Horse Road at the time caused me to worry, but I don’t think that was it.  Whatever it was, it delayed our departure.

We stopped in Mission San Miguel and walked around the outside of the Mission grounds, which were walled in with old adobe.  There was a geocache along the way, but we couldn’t find it.  We went into the chapel before we toured the old living quarters that showed Mission life.  It didn’t look as if it would be a particularly fun place to live.

When we got to San Luis Obispo we checked into the Elks Lodge campground.  We plan to stay here for several days.  There are lots and lots of geocaches in the area and other interesting things to do.

We went to the downtown area of San Louis Obispo (SLO to the residents), but didn’t have any luck finding the little rascals.  There were crowds shopping the many stores.  We will go back, perhaps tomorrow, and try our luck again.  

One of the caches that we searched for more than just a few minutes was called Bubble Gum Alley.  And that was exactly what it was...an alley about 1/2 block long with both brick walls covered with old chewing gum.  That’s a “first” for us.

Today’s Travel Totals: Today’s mileage, 80---Geocaches, 3.

December 16, 2011

December 16, 2011

Today was a “must cache” day so we found one about a mile from Camping World.  It put our departure time later than we had planned, but that was OK because we are only going as far as King City today.

After fueling, dumping the holding tanks, and filling the propane tank, we headed south on Hwy. 101.  We parked at a truck stop south of King City.  Our plan was to hunt for some geocaches here.  It was not to be!  Once again, naps came out at the top of the list.   

By the time “this person” was up and around it was too late to start wandering around in bushes and trees and fun places like that hunting for caches.

For several months I have been having trouble with my left hip and left thigh (bursitis) and the discomfort often keeps me awake during the night.  Bill decided that we needed to invest in a memory foam pad to go on our Sleep Number Bed.  Does that qualify as “overkill?”  Yesterday, we purchased one at Costco.

The box, complete with pad and cover, must have “weighed a ton.”  I couldn’t pick it up.  I was in a state of shock that Bill would allow something so heavy to come into the coach.  For years I have listened to dialogue on the weight on the axles.  I understand it all, but wonder if “himself”” is becoming daft!

Tonight we got the thing out of the box.  From then on it was like a circus act.  When it was all put together and the bed was remade, I lay down.  I must admit it was comfy.  Stay tuned for further updates.

Tomorrow we continue south.

Today’s Travel Totals: Today’s mileage, 85---Geocaches, 1.

December 15, 2011

December 15, 2011

It was raining this morning when we got up, so we weren’t too anxious to get out on the caching trail.  By mid morning the rain had stopped so we drove over Hecker Pass to Watsonville.

Our purpose for going there was twofold: (1) to see Kim, Dave, and the other people who work at Heat Wave Labs.  That’s the company Michelle works for, except she’s in the “Colorado Division.”  They are a special group of people and we enjoy visiting whenever we are in the Watsonville area.  (2) to hunt for a cache at the library.  It was very cleverly hidden.  Today was a must cache day for us.

On the way back toward the Camping World parking lot, we both got very tired, so we went home to rest.  Then it was back to the Gilroy area to find some more “hidden treasures.”  We found four before the cold wind got to us.

Brent had some testing done at a hospital in Jackson.  He called just before he headed that way to tell us that he was having some problems.  He said he didn’t want any puppies.  Here’s the story that goes with that...

Several years ago we spent a year with Brent when he was still in the Air Force and stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  He had some medical issues and we not only helped him with that, but we kept Coleson in school and helped with all of his extra activities. As we left him I ask Brent to please keep us informed of his progress.  Bill told him that if he didn’t we would send him four yappy puppies, which is about the most dreadful thing we could do to Brent.

When Brent called today to fill us in on the tests, etc.. the following banter went back and forth via texting between various members of the family:

Brent:  Since I didn’t keep this to myself and was honest about it does that mean you guys now have to keep the puppies?

Me:  I think you are safe.

Lori:  I could send you a teacup pig. Natalia thinks they are adorable.  (she included a picture of a very tiny pig.)

Meredith:  You aren’t off the hook yet...I like the teacup pig option, too.

Me:  Can we vote?

Brent:  In a year...bacon!  Anyone remember 4x4?  (That was the name of a baby pig that “crossed” paths with our family about 30 years ago.)

Lori:  Of course I remember 4x4!  You wouldn’t get enough bacon for one BLT out of a teacup pig.

And so it goes with our fantastically wonderful family!!!

December 14, 2011

December 14, 2011

This morning was extremely busy.  Bill left me at the chiropractor. Lori came for an adjustment at the same time.  I still haven’t been able to get my prescriptions, so Lori took me to Dr. Pirkle’s office to see what the problem was.  When we left, we still weren’t sure.

I will have to deal with it from Gilroy, perhaps.

It took us longer to get the coach out of the yard and onto the street than it usually does.  And hooking the “toad” on was slower than usual.  Part of the delay was caused by lack of practice lately and part was because it was hard saying goodbye to Lori.

At 11:45 we were on our way in a general southerly manner.  I saw several billboards along the way with pictures of Willie Nelson and words from “On the road again...” but when I would blink they would disappear.  Hm! Was it just my imagination?   Maybe, but we are excited to sing our traveling music again.

This was a “must cache” day, so as soon as we parked at Camping World, we walked back to the entrance of the complex and found a cache.  How was that for convenient?  

We went back to the MH, ate lunch, and rested until just about dinner time.  In-N-Out (in Gilroy), here we come!  That’s a great way to end a somewhat stressful day. 

December 13, 2011

December 13, 2011

My first job this morning was to “weed” more out of the storage shed.  It was a lot of work, even with Bill doing most of the lifting.  And I had another helper...Enzo, a little black and white rabbit.  He’s a very snoopy, furry little critter and he can get in the way at warp speed.  He’s fast and quiet.  He would make a great secret agent...quick, curious, and extremely innocent looking!

I sat in the sunshine and sorted several big boxes of a variety of things.  This afternoon we plan to make a thrift store donation run.  We loaded several boxes into the back of the Honda, and will go to through them as we have time.  It is mostly Christmas decorations.  The keepsake ones will be put in storage at Michelle’s.  Thank goodness for basements.  Most of the things were in our basement in Gearhart, Oregon, and 13 years later will travel to Michelle’s basement in Loveland, Colorado.

At 3:00 (later than expected), we drove to Fairfield, about 18 miles away, to cache and attend a gathering of other cachers in the area.  We logged seven caches before going to the meeting at Round Table Pizza.  The food was good and the cachers that we met were very friendly and excited about our sport.  

Normally, when we go to a meeting like that we are from a greater distance than anyone.  Not tonight!  We met a young man from Germany who is in San Jose for a six month internship with IBM.  He was amazed at how old some of us were!  Ugh!  I didn’t smack him because Brent has warned me about starting WW3, but I wanted to.  The nerve of that young whippersnapper!  Seriously, he was lots of fun to talk to.

The first thing I did when we got home was to do the computer work for the caches that we found.  I am determined to keep current now that I have caught up with my posting.

Whee!  It was a really busy day!

December 12, 2011

December 12, 2011

At 7:30 we started cleaning out the shed.  What a great way to start the day.  Yuck!  There was more in that little square metal building than I remembered.

Several weeks ago we ordered a Garmin Nuvi navigation gizmo.  Finally, I had time to deal with the registration of it.  I spent over two hours on the phone with Garmin.  It was quite an ordeal, but finally the task was accomplished.  Thank goodness for a speaker phone.

Our errands today took us to two banks, a Post Office, and Walmart.  Everywhere we went the crowds were huge.  If I didn’t know better I’d think it was nearly Christmas.  Oh! It is!

We were able to find two caches before it got too dark.  They were both in bushes and hard to see with so little light, but Bill is good at those tough ones.  And the computer work is done!

After dinner with Lori and Natalia we watched Zorro and worked on our computers.  It may sound “dull as dishwater,” but it’s not.  It’s our kind of evening.

December 11, 2011

December 11, 2011

JP and Rosie came this morning.  They were taking a break from studying for finals to come open presents and bid us farewell.  We plan to leave this area on Wednesday.  

Lori and Natalia came, too.  JP played Santa.  He’s had practice over the years.  There were Bronco gifts, handmade jewelry,

photos, books, clothes and gift cards.  Natalia and JP both got “eat out” cards, and so did Grandpa and I.  The “college kids” gave us a gift card for In-N-Out...to the Wanderers from the Studiers.  Yum, yum and cute all at the same time. 

Unfortunately, JP and Rosie had to go right back home to hit the books.  It was hard to see them leave knowing that we might not see them for a year.  That’s one of the drawbacks of our “roaming” lifestyle.  But the pleasures far out weigh the drawbacks, and there are always airplanes.  Right!

We had lunch with Lori before going to our “house” to take naps.  I must have been really tired because after an hour or more, Bill woke me to go caching (it’s a must cache day) before I went to watch Lori and Natalia bowl.  That’s the last time to be “cheerleader” for a while.  Sniff, sniff!

On Thursday, I threw down the gauntlet.  After posting caches found while I was in Mississippi, I ask if there were any bets as to when I would get caught up on posting December finds.   I have good news!  I’m caught up.  Yea!  It only took three days to accomplish it.  Unfortunately, I bet on one day.  Now you know why I don’t gamble, even when I’m in charge of the results!

December 10, 2011

December 10, 2011

Lori and I ran some errands at noon...places like Target, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, and Starbucks.  A Saturday two weeks before Christmas was not a good time to go.  The stores were crowded and the streets were clogged with traffic.  Ugh!  We had a good time, though, in spite of the hordes of people.

Bill and I went to Walmart (which was also crowded) to pick up some prescriptions.  Of course, he had to stock up on Dr. Thunder.  That’s always on the Walmart list.  

With those important purchases out of the way, we went caching.  We were successful on the first one, but not on the second attempt.  After that we located one at a bus stop shelter, but decided to leave it for tomorrow’s find, in case it is raining.  Tomorrow is a “must cache” day.

We had dinner at Lori’s and spent part of the evening reminiscing about the funny things that have happened to us.  Believe me, there are enough stories to go on all night...but, alas, Bill’s pillow called him!

December 9, 2011

December 9, 2011

We started the day with our yearly medical exams.  Both of us got very good reports...great cholesterol readings, good blood pressure numbers, heart and lungs as they should be, etc. etc. etc.  Everything was normal.  The last time a doctor told Bill I was normal, Bill said, “I’d like a second opinion.”  We still haven’t figured out what is normal for either one of us.

After going to the chiropractor for an adjustment on my left hip, we went caching.  Our finds today were both in an arboretum in Oakland.  We walked down two really nice paths for the caches.  The variety of plants and trees was amazing.  

We decided for our viewing enjoyment tonight we would begin watching the original TV series, Zorro.  It is one of our favorite “oldies, but goodies.”

December 8, 2011

December 8, 2011

We got to Pittsburg (CA) just in time for lunch at In-N-Out.  What a coincidence!!!

Today was a “must cache” day in our quest to find at least one cache on each of the 366 days in a year.  In the process, we had three DNFs.  Luckily, we were able to find one well hidden magnetic key holder under a bench.  Whee!  That was a close one.

After fueling the Honda at Costco ($3.48 a gallon.  OK, all of you east of here, which is just about all of you, can feel really smug!), we went to Winco for a few groceries before going home.  There was a lot to unload, so Bill required a long nap.  Go figure!

Tonight I started posting caches that we found in November while I was in Mississippi.  Sometimes it takes time to get me moving in the right direction.  Does anyone want to place bets on when I get the posting finished for caches we’ve logged since returning from “Sippi” on December 1?  We’ll see who has faith in me and who doesn’t.  Oops!  Maybe I don’t want to know!

December 7, 2011

December 7, 2011

Bill made a hot meal this morning.  Toast!  Don’t you think I taught him well?

After spending the morning trying to accomplish some household chores and failing miserably, we met Lori and her friend Nicholas for lunch.  We ate at Jack’s in Pleasant Hill.  I hadn’t been there before.  It was very nice and the food was good.

We went to cache after lunch and parting with our hosts.  The first cache was not in the place we feel sure it should have been.  The last person to hunt for it agreed with us.  It must have sprouted legs and left.  Shucks! 

The next cache was a challenge of a different kind.  We couldn’t find a way to get to Ground Zero without going across private property.  Since we didn’t want to spend the afternoon in the “pokey,” we gave up and went home.

At 3:00 we met up with Lori at her house.  I sampled one of Natalia’s cinnamon rolls.  She made them yesterday.  Although they were just a bit stale, they had a really good taste.  She’s becoming a very good cook.

Nicholas picked us up in his Hummer and we all went up to the top of Mt. Diablo for a Pearl Harbor observance.  There were a lot of people up there.  At the end of their short presentation they played Taps.  It was an impressive ceremony, although we were too far away to hear much.  It was very cold so the warm vehicle was welcomed.

Oh, I forgot to tell you.  On the road to the top of Mt. Diablo we found three geocaches.  It was a successful day all the way around.

December 6, 2011

December 6, 2011

We spent the morning and half the afternoon at home.  Even though I have been back from Mississippi for a week, I haven’t put everything away.  When you live in “a hallway” aka a very small space, any disorder is not just a mess, it’s a mess.  I did “shovel” quite a lot off the table today, but there is still another layer or two.

At about 3:00 we went out to do some caching.  The first two that we found were ones that we had looked for, but without success.  We were glad to have found both of them. Yippy, Skippy!

We still had some time before meeting Lori at 5:30, but didn’t have anymore caches downloaded in our GPSs for the area we were in.  Once again, my iPhone came in very handy.  We got to the park where a cache was hidden just as it was getting dark.  iPhone to the rescue...the flashlight app came in very handy.  We logged the find and were on time meeting Lori.

Many of you know or have heard me speak of my grandson, JP.  He is my MAC guru.  He has an iPhone, an iPad, a computer with iPhoto, iCal, iTunes, etc.  You get the picture!  (Maybe I should start referring to him as iJP.)  Anyway, he and his girlfriend, Rosie, got a kitten.  Guess what they named it?  iCat, what else!

December 5, 2011

December 5, 2011

We went early this morning for lab work.  Bill didn’t faint, but when I described how the blood barely came out of my right vein so the other arm was “poked” and the blood squirted into the tubes really fast, he turned very green around the gills! I think maybe he was just jealous because I got two band aids and he only got one.

When Bill got over that trauma he ask if I felt like cutting his hair.   I have been his “barber” for 47 years.  There are times when it is hard for me to muster the energy, and sometimes I’m somewhat trembly (which can make for some interesting hair styles), but being the “dirty old man” that he is, he likes to tell people that he sleeps with his barber.  Because he is very hard to “retrain” and I don’t want to try to figure out who he might be talking about, I just keep with the program.  It’s seems to be one trauma after another around here!

After we went to Walmart, shopped, and then found three caches in the area we had dinner with Lori and Natalia.  We got a chicken and bacon dish at Sam’s Club.  It went really well with a salad that Lori had.  It was fun sitting around the table talking.  Natalia was at the counter concocting something.  Dessert!  Yum, yum!  She served us chocolate fondue with pound cake cubes and cookies to dip.  It was a special treat served by a beautiful young lady.

Bill and Lori worked on putting an IKEA table together.  It was kind of like watching a circus act, but they completed the project and did a good job of it.  Those two are really a team!

December 4, 2011

December 4, 2011

Our excitement for the morning was when David, from across the street, fell off the roof and bounced across the driveway.  Luckily, the extent of his injury was a sprained knee.  I knew he wasn’t injured too badly because his keen sense of humor was back within just a few minutes.  

He bought a new ladder this morning and had only been on the roof a few minutes when he did his “swan dive” off his lofty perch.  He said the ladder was only used once and I thought he had a good point.  I offered to return it to Home Depot.  He used it to go up, but not to come down.  Do you think HD will go for it?

We wanted to rate his dive, but didn’t have paper to write a number for his score.  I gave him a verbal 10.  Rosie, JP’s girlfriend, gave him a 9.  David thought it was just about as good as it was going to get.

Before he was hauled off to the hospital I ask him if he knew any other cute tricks.  He said that the fall was his complete repartee.  Seriously, he was extremely lucky that he wasn’t seriously injured or worse.

Bill and I decided to go caching for some relaxation.  We found one, had one DNF, and couldn’t even find a way to get close to the third one.  Not too good a day, but we weren’t “skunked.”

At 4:00, I went to watch Lori bowl.  Half of her team (Natalia) was elsewhere. Her day bowling wasn’t any better than our day caching.  Afterwards, several of the bowlers went home with Lori.  She and I had arrived a bit before the others and had fixed a taco salad bar and several cheese and cracker trays.  Others came with desserts.  I promise, no one went hungry!

December 3, 2011

December 3, 2011

Today was a “must cache” day for us.  As many years as we have been involved in this sport it’s hard to believe that December 3 was missing from our 366 list.  Before noon we went on the “hunt.”  Although it was very windy we were able to find three in a relative short period of time.  

I went with Lori and Natalia to buy a Christmas tree.  There was a good selection, but the price was rather high.  While they set up the tree I lay down to rest and read for a while.  I don’t know how long my nap lasted, but nap I did!  The tree was nearly decorated by the time I got back into the living room.

About 11 or 12 years ago, Lori thought it would be fun to have an ornament making party.  Seven friends were at the first one.  Each person brought a sample of a handmade Christmas ornament and supplies for each person to make the ornament.  When we went home that night we each had seven new decorations.

The number has changed slightly over the years.  Kathy came only the first year.  Jennifer joined the group the second year and Judy moved to San Diego four years ago.  This year Karen had another obligation, but five of us were there...Dee, Jennifer, Alex, Lori, and yours truly.

We had a great time.  Lots of talking, laughing, and eating.  We also made some creative ornaments.  One of the group  had travel stories to share and another shared her son's Kindergarten adventures.  Job uncertainties were a concern of one of us, and two are having some personal issues.  One is a law enforcement officer and came from work, complete with her weapon.  That’s a first time anyone has come “packing heat.”  We all felt extra safe!  It’s a great group of friends that have a “blast” together.

December 2, 2011

December 2, 2011

Okay, ladies.  This part is for you.  The guys can read it, too, but they won’t have a clue.  Today I had a mammogram!  Ugh!  I finally figured it out...the pain and suffering we endure on a yearly basis is caused by a medieval torture device invented by a man with anger issues.  Don’t you agree?

We went out for breakfast after my ordeal and then set off on the caching trail.  After finding three caches and having a quick lunch, I went for another dreadful test that I won’t go into at this time.  Suffice it to say, this hasn’t been a very pleasant morning.

We went home to rest and relax.  And that was just about the extent of the rest of the day.    

       

December 1, 2011

December 1, 2011

Yipppy, Skippy!  I got a permanent this morning.  For days I’ve looked as if I had on a fright wig.  Now It looks like I have a Brillo Pad on my head.  Believe me, the latter is much better than the former.

A question came to my mind.  Why do they call it a permanent when it is only temporary?

Bill spent the afternoon helping Lori with some chores.  I used the time to start wading through the piles of paperwork on my “desk.”  There are bills to pay, geocaches to report, medical records to post, etc., etc., etc.  The pile is only slightly lower in elevation than Mt. St. Helens before it blew its top.  Now mountain and paperwork are about equal.

At 4:00 I went to see Dr. Tischenko, my knee doctor.  He gave me a good report on my knees.  I don’t have to go in for another checkup for three years.

We had pizza and salad with Lori and Natalia tonight.  I had hoped to get to bed early, but it didn’t turn out that way.  Maybe I can catch up on my sleep this weekend.

Today was a busy way to start a new month!

November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

Brent woke me early so I could see the kids off to school.  I still had packing to do, but I was cold so I got back in bed to get warm.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!  The fact that I went back to sleep was secondary.

When I was awake and ready to go, Brent and I went to “Awful Waffle” for a late breakfast.  A biscuit and gravy was more than I could eat, but it tasted really good.

It is always hard to say goodbye.  I had a really good visit.  I will miss Brent, Coleson, and Sara a lot.  And even Willie, Brent’s huge Golden Retriever has a big place in my heart.  He’s a very talented dog.  He does a wonderful impersonation of a speed bump.  I told him to keep practicing!

Brent says that Willie is a Dent Maker.  Not only has he dented the trash can by wagging his tail, but he leaves a dent when in the bedspread when he takes a nap on Brent’s bed.  Now do you believe how really talented he is?

I saw something from the plane window that I had never seen before.  There was a winding river with sand bars all along.  It looked like a fancy ribbon, making its way across the land.  That was an interesting “gift wrapping” for this part of the earth.

Because of the strong winds it was a very rough landing coming into Oakland.  It was good to see “old what’s his name” waiting  to help me with my luggage. I’ve missed the old guy.

We went to In-N-Out for a late supper before driving back to Walnut Creek.  As much as I enjoyed being with Brent and his band of hooligans, it was really good to get home to the MH.

November 29, 2011

November 29, 2011

Warmer weather this morning and a “blue sky day” which was a special treat for me.  Its my last day in “Sippi.”  Tomorrow I sprout wings and fly home.

I hope Bill picks me up at the airport in Oakland.  You may have heard that some years ago, before the cell phone era, he left me at a fuel stop.  He was out on the Interstate before he discovered that I wasn’t in the back of the van sleeping.  Of course, it was several miles before he could turn around.  I was sitting on a curb waiting.  Its a great story and I don’t let him forget it!

Brent and I had a good day.  We talked about his time in the Air Force, especially when he was in Iceland.  There were things that I hadn’t ever told him and some that he had forgotten.  It was nice to have a time to chat.  Just like all of our children, he’s special!

After Sara and Coleson finished homework, we went to Amy and Mike’s to tell them goodbye.  Heather, who lives next door, was there, too.  It is great to know Brent’s friends!  They are nice, very caring people.

Coleson chose our dinner place, Logan’s Roadhouse.  Their food is good, especially the hot rolls.  When we got back home we watched a movie, Hoodwinked Too.  It was a good ending for our last evening together for awhile.  Sniff, sniff!

November 28, 2011

November 28, 2011

It was colder this morning (35°) than yesterday and some light rain fell intermittently.  What I really wanted to see were snowflakes.  No such luck!  The only flake I saw was when I looked in the mirror.  Yikes!

Brent and I went to lunch before doing a bit of shopping and a couple of errands.  The cold weather kept us from staying out very long.

We spent the rest of the day doing chores around the house.  I also checked, periodically, to see if there was any snow falling.  Not yet!  (Insert sigh here.)

November 27, 2011

November 27, 2011

We woke up to cold and damp.  Br-r-r-r!  It was 45° and spitting rain.   After a very good brunch, prepared by our resident chef, Brent, we decided we would do something a little unusual for November 27th.

We opened Christmas presents!!!!  I’m here now and won’t be here on December 25th.  So today was it!  Of course, the kids were all for it.  They love presents!  Who doesn’t?

This afternoon we went to visit Paul and Debbie Henderson.  Bill and I met them at a Brandon campground when Brent moved to the area.  We’ve remained friends and enjoy seeing them when we are here.  Besides that, they appreciate our “insanity.”

Brent and I decided this was a good evening to stay inside and watch football.  The Denver Broncos won in OT.  Yea!  That’s the only outcome that I know, and in pro football its the only one that matters to most of our family.  Brent is the “turncoat.”

November 26, 2011

November 26, 2011

I wasn’t feeling well this morning so when the “tribe” went to breakfast at the Waffle House (aka Awful Waffle) I stayed home.  I spent most of the day being very lazy.

Lori, JP, and Natalia went to the airport at 2:00.  We had a good time while they were here.  Short though it was, it was great to have them for those few days.

Brent and I watched the Oregon/Oregon State football game (aka as the Civil War).  Oregon did a good job of beating OSU.  There was much cheering going on in this household.

After dinner we played Phase 10.  Brent won!  Guess who lost?  

November 25, 2011

November 25, 2011

BLACK FRIDAY!  The Dane girls didn’t hit the stores until about 7:30, so we weren’t typical Black Friday shoppers, but it was about all we could handle.  We shopped a variety of places, all of us making purchases.  

At 12:00, we met the boys at Cock-of-the-Walk, our favorite place for fried catfish, fried pickles, and hush puppies.  With very happy

tummies, we decided to go to Vicksburg to visit the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Our first stop in Vicksburg was downtown on the Mississippi River.  They have built a wall to keep back the water during flood season.  Murals depicting scenes of Vicksburg history are painted on the sections of the wall.

Brent’s carload of “tourists” wanted to go to the Coca Cola Museum before going to the military park.  Lori, Natalia, and I wanted to visit the Vicksburg National Cemetery in the park.  We went on ahead, but for some strange reason (lack of cash at the entrance booth?????) the Coca Cola Museum visit was not to happen today.  Brent’s group came on to the park, and after driving past many historical markers they made their way to the display of the USS Cairo Gunboat.  Lori’s carload drove through the cemetery, but didn’t find places to park and walk around.

The map showed a city cemetery south of the park.  It had a large section where Confederate soldiers were buried.  Natalia was able to navigate, via her iPhone, to the cemetery.  We drove around, taking a few pictures, before parking and walking among the markers.

I had my iPhone set on geocaching and noticed there was a cache 220 feet from where we parked the car.  Off I went in search of the container.  I located it in a hollow tree stump about 4 feet tall.  I had to use the flashlight app my iPhone to see down inside the stump.  As I was checking it out, I had visions of another stump that I looked in nearly three years ago.  This time I wasn’t covered by a swarm of killer bees, but I couldn’t reach far enough down to grab the container.  Lori came to the rescue.  On the second try she was able to reach the “prize,” all the time muttering about the things she had to do for me! After I signed the log book, I didn’t need help replacing the cache.  I just “hucked” it in the stump and left.

By the time we left the cemetery it was nearly dark.  We met Brent’s crew at a convenience store where we got water, etc. for the trip back to Brandon.

We were all really tired so after eating leftovers for supper, Lori took a couple of tired kids back to their hotel and those of us left behind didn’t accomplish a whole lot for the rest of the evening.

November 24, 2011

November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving! 

You know that my family and I have many, many things to be thankful for.  Actually, they are much too numerous to list here.  We count our blessings on a daily basis.  And when we see someone who is less fortunate than we have been, for whatever reason, we do a “blessings check.”

Today, however, when my personal guru, JP, was able to get my MAC on the Internet via Brent’s router, I added something new to my thankful list.  I have had to use a PC to send my blog for the last week.  I promise, a PC and I are not a good combo.  So, thanks, JP, and thanks, Coleson, for generously sharing your much maligned PC with me for the last week.

And speaking of Coleson, Happy Birthday!  Thirteen years ago you were born into our family, and already you are a teenager.  Yikes!  Oh, how the years have flown by!

We went to a pot luck Thanksgiving dinner at Amy and Mike’s. There were five families with three generations each.  It was quite a gathering with food for at least twice that many people.  It was truly a feast.

We ended the day singing “Happy Birthday” to Coleson.

November 23, 2011

At 9:30 we went to the hotel where Lori and her kids are staying.  It was so good to see them here in "Sippi."  Lori rented a car:  two reasons--we wouldn't all fit into Brent's car and the girls wanted to go different places than the guys.

Our first shopping place was Plato's Closet, an upscale thrift store.  That effort seemed to make all of us hungry so off to Cracker Barrel we went.  That's one eating place marked off the California clan's list.  (In this family, trips were often planned around places we wanted to eat.  Once we were going to fly to Boston  for dinner.........but that's another story.)

We went separate ways after lunch.  I can't vouch for Brent and crew's activities for the afternoon, but the rental car beat a hot trail to Hobby Lobby.  That's a great place to shop and to browse.

When we left there we must have all been tired because the other stores in the area didn't look enticing.  On the way back to Brent's we stopped at Walmart for a few groceries.

Brent was just getting the ribs in the smoker when we got home.  I can't verify what anyone else did with the afternoon because I took a long nap...a very long nap.  I felt much better after that.

The ribs were wonderful, as usual.  After our dinner settled, Brent lit the fireplace and we made s'mores.  There was a lot of hilarity mixed in with these activities.  That's the norm!

November 22, 2011

This morning we were hit by a terrible storm...heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.  The tornado siren went off in the middle of the storm.  Coleson and I were the only ones at home.  We reviewed tornado safety.  Thank goodness we didn't have to take action.  The storm lasted for an hour.

We had a reprieve for awhile, and then the second wave of rain came.  It wasn't  as fierce as the earlier storm.

When the storm ended most of the clouds went away, too.

After Brent came home with a new sofa and he and Coleson arranged the living room, wewent out for a late lunch.  It was a real treat for me to be out with two handsome fellows.  Usually I'm with just one...Bill.

We shopped at Best Buy and PetSmart before going back home.  We spent the rest of the day on household chores.  Lori, JP, and Natalia arrive late tonight.  We are very excited about their arrival.

November 21, 2011

Brent had his carpet cleaned today.  Sara and I decided it would be a good idea to clear out.  So where could we go?  Well, out to lunch and shopping.  What else?

We had a nice lunch at the Corner Bakery.  Their food is really good and they have Diet Dr. Pepper and Sonic-type ice...two of my favorite things.  Ah, life is good!

We spent quite a bit of time in JC Penney's.  They had some good prices on sweaters and things like that.  Sara is an expert shopper.  She's had lots of practice!

Our adventure ended at Michael's Crafts.  We spent most of the time just wandering around.

Today was a "must cache" day for us.  We are trying to find a cache on each day of the year.  Today was a date that we needed to log a "find."  Thanks to Coleson we were able to acomplish it.  The name of the cache was "Don't Count Your Chickens" hidden behind a fried chicken restaurant.  The cache was a large container of plastic eggs.  We had to open each egg until we found the log sheet.  Very clever, eh?

November 20, 2011

Brent cooked a really good breakfast late this morning...sausage, eggs, and fried potatoes.  I was in charge of the toast!  You know that several years ago I convinced Bill that toast is a hot meal.  I had no problem "cooking" my part of our brunch.  It was all very yummy!

Well fortified, we set about doing some housecleaning tasks.  We also watched the last NASCAR race of the season.  I was disappointed with the results of the championship, but the race to the chase (the last 10 races of the season) was the best since we've been watching the sport. No one ran away with the title.  It was a contest until the very last lap.

Tonight we watched the Philadelphia Eagles play against the NY Giants.  I've watched a whole lot of football this weekend!

November 19, 2011

Most of our day was taken up with college football.  We went to Mike and Amy's house.  They live not very far away, as the crow flies, but it was two or three times further driving through the neighborhood.

First we watched a game between Auburn and Sanford.  Most of the people at the gathering were Auburn fans, big time!  Auburn won, probably because of all our cheering.  It was an uproarious occasion.

For the second segment of the day, we jumped back and forth between games.  It really didn't matter who was playing unless you picked that team in the football pool.  I was the only one not involved in such, so I spent the time editing the pictures on my iPhone.

The final game of the night was between Oregon and USC.  It certainly didn't turn out the way we wanted.  Oregon lost by three points.  A field goal in the last few seconds would have tied the score.  The kick went wide!  Brent was traumatized. 

On the way home, Brent said "At least I have Willie to go home to."  Sure enough, playtime was good "medicine" for Brent.

November 18, 2011

Brent and I went to Verizon to try to get help for my ailing iPhone.  Thanks goodness it was a quick fix.  I'm afraid that I wouldn't deal too well with my phone on the fritz and no Internet.  Yikes!

We shopped at Dick's Sports and Walmart before going to collect Coleson from school to begin his Thanksgiving vacation a little early.  Sara rode the bus home.  She wanted to spend as much time as possible with her friends.  She's such a little social butterfly.

After spending a few hours with us, Sara and Coleson went with Keltie for the weekend.  Brent went to visit friends two houses away while I Willie "sat."  He's such a great dog and a very important member of this family.

November 17, 2011

I slept very late this morning.  After the tiring day I had yesterday I really needed a good rest, and I got it.

Brent's Internet setup on his PC will not let my MAC get on line.  How rude is that?  If my journal looks different, or if I have mistakes or incorrect spelling it is because I am using a different computer, and a PC at that.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! 

We made a trip to the grocery store before Coleson and Sara came home on the bus.  Later, Brent, Sara and I went to Hobby Lobby.  Those were our only two outings of the day.

After dinner, Sara and I baked cookies.  Before you become too impressed by that bit of news or send me positive compliments on my culinary efforts, let me add...refrigerated cookie dough is just about the best thing to come down the pike since sliced bread.

November 16, 2011

Bill and I left for the airport at 4:30, as in a.m.  Ugh!

While waiting for my flight in Oakland, a family with four kids came in and sat in my area  The children were probably between six and eight years old.  They sat down, opened their computer cases, plugged into power on a console, and got busy.  After a while one of the boys said, "Oh, I forgot my cell phone."  Are those four modern age kids or what? 

The first part of my journey took me to Chicago.  That was a four hour jaunt.  After an hour at the airport I flew on to Brandon.  My arms were really tired from all that flying.  I wonder how birds can flap their wings for most of the day and part of the night.

It was great seeing Brent, Coleson, and Sara waiting for me when I got off the plane.  After loading my luggage into Brent's car, we went to eat Mexican food.

Willie, Brent's Golden Retriever, was very glad to see me, and vice versa.  He just couldn't stop wiggling.  And his tail was in high gear.

We went to see Mike and Amy, neighbors of Brent's.  Also there were Wesley and Robyn Banks.  We watched Survivor until Keltie called to say she was on her way to get Sara and Coleson.

I was very glad when bedtime arrived.  It has been a lo-o-o-ong day.

November 15, 2011

November 15, 2011

Back to the chiropractor and then out on the caching trail this morning.  It seems as if most of our days start like that.  It may be boring for you to read, but it isn’t boring for us.  Hang in there!

The next two weeks will be different.  I fly to Mississippi tomorrow.  Brent hasn’t told Sara and Coleson that I’m coming.  They would drive him crazy waiting for me to get there.  I told Brent he could tell Willie, his Golden Retriever.  I’m sure he can keep a secret.

After I have been there for several days, Lori, JP, and Natalia are flying in.  That’s a secret, too.  We should be rocking the house for about five days they are there.  I’ll leave a few days later.

Can you tell that I am really excited about going?  

November 14, 2011

November 14, 2011

After getting my hip adjusted, Bill and I drove to Pittsburg.  We found four cashes before hunger overtook us.  Thank goodness, we were very close to In-N-Out.  In case you were wondering, it was just as good as ever!

There was a cache in the Costco parking lot.  We had hunted and hunted for it two weeks ago, but didn’t find it.  Today we went back to search some more.  Well, guess what?  Bill found it in a tall metal pipe.  It was about eight feet off the ground.  He had to stand on a railing to get to it.  At some point (he said his fingers were cold) the cache slipped out of his grasp as he was trying to hook its wire around a bolt.  Oops!  We both heard it as it hit the side of the pipe an its journey to the ground.  There was no way to get to it.  Ugh!  I wrote a note of apology to the cache owner.

That was the down side of today’s caching.  The up side was that we used my iPhone to get the coordinates and information on a cache that I hadn’t loaded into the GPSs.  Although many people now use their iPhones exclusively to guide them to “ground zero,” it was a first for us.

We shopped at Winco for a few groceries before returning home.  I spent the rest of the day working on geo maps for Mississippi and for the Escapee rally that Bill will attend while I am at Brent’s for turkey.  Or is that with a turkey?  No, Bill’s staying in California. Anyway, it isn’t long until I leave.  Yippy, Skippy!

November 13, 2011

November 13, 2011

We stayed home today until mid afternoon.  Our main entertainment  was watching the NASCAR race from Phoenix.  It wasn’t the most exciting race we’ve seen, but after next week’s race from Homestead, Florida, we’ll have a long, dry spell until the Daytona race next February.  Sigh!

Our cache search took us to Pachaco.  We found three well hidden containers before going to the bowling alley to watch Lori and Natalia bowl.  I only remember one score of the three games each of them bowled.  Natalia’s score for her last game was 228.  Not too shabby, eh?  She has a really smooth delivery of the ball.  Its a pleasure to watch her in action.

Out of 500 channels that DISH network provides for us, not out of the goodness of their corporate heart, but for “more than a nominal fee,” there wasn’t anything we wanted to watch.  We chose to watch a tape of Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under, one of our favorites.