May 31, 2015---Michelle’s House

This morning showed blue skies and white fluffy clouds.  Bill took the opportunity to work on the outside of the coach.  It is really looking nice, and shiny.

At 11:00, we started watching the NASCAR race from Dover.  Jimmie Johnson won.  As races go, it wasn’t too exciting.  But it was restful for us here at home.  

I didn’t take a walk today.  It was windy and we had a few afternoon sprinkles.  I spent part of my time reading a book I got at the Library a couple of days ago.  I have to check it back in before we leave the area, so I am trying to read at any spare time I might have.

I didn’t get any of my cacti potted today...mainly because I haven’t been container shopping.  Most of them will reside on the MH dash.  When I get the project finished I will send pictures in my blog.

May 30, 2015---Michelle’s House

Only one weather station said there was a slight chance we might have rain today.  So far, everyone else was correct.  No rain today!

Michelle and I set off on some errands this morning.  Our first destination was Trader Joe’s in Fort Collins.  On our way there, we stopped at two garage sales.  The first one was no big deal, but the second stop was much better.  It was at a church parking lot and was items collected from lots of members.  Michelle made two purchases...a sun hat and two t-shirts for an In-N-Out quilt.  I bought a small loaf of banana bread.

We went to the new Costco store, located at the Timnath exit off I-25.  As usual, it was very busy.  I used one of their electric carts and didn’t run into anyone.  I must be getting better.

Soon after getting back to Michelle’s house, Meredith came.  We were going to some plant places.  They are getting ready to plant their garden.  I was looking for some cacti.  We all found several plants to buy.

When we got back home, we played with the pups in the backyard.  At 6:00, we decided to take a short walk around the block.  I didn’t feel the need to make any rest stops until we got within sight of the motorhome.  I decided to tough it out since we were that close to home.

May 29, 2015---Michelle’s House

During the night, we had a terrible thunder storm.  It was bright and loud, right overhead.  I watched it for awhile, but finally went to sleep.  There was some rain, but mainly thunder.

David came at 12:30 and we immediately set off on a walk.  We went to a park in the neighborhood and added distance to the walk we did on Wednesday.  I am able to walk further and don’t have to take as many rest breaks.  This weekend, I would like to figure the distance of each route that I walk.

After making a stop at Walmart for a few grocery items, we drove to Natalia’s school in Fort Collins.  Today was her graduation.  There were five girls finishing their training today.  It was a very short ceremony.  

When we left Walmart it was raining very hard, and still raining when we got to Natalia’s school.  I was sopping wet afterwards.  Wet hair is never a pleasant thing for me.  I looked like a drowned rat at graduation.

Natalia is on the right, in the white sweater.

Natalia and Miss Lana, the owner of the school.

May 28, 2015---Michelle’s House

Yesterday was a “no” rain day and today is looking good so far.  Quite a few clouds are gathering, but sometime they don’t amount to much.

This morning, Bill and I went for a short walk.  I don’t know why, but I was really tired when we got back.  Does the word “wimp” come to mind?

Last year, a neighbor gave Michelle a lot of iris bulbs.  Bill planted them along the front of the house and some by the light post.  Today we saw blooms.  Tippy found them, too.  Farmer Bill was very proud of the “fruits of his efforts.”  Michelle and I think the color is wonderful.

There were dark clouds to the East tonight and we saw some lightening, but it was a long way off.  

May 27, 2015---Michelle’s House

Michelle reminded me that this is the first day in a long time that we haven’t had rain.  Well, guess what?  We are having quite a lightening show tonight.  No telling what will happen in the next hour, by bedtime.

This morning, after taking my 7:00 medicine, I went back to sleep and didn’t wake up until 8:30.  It has been a long time since I have slept that late.  I must be getting better...not requiring as much sleep.  Some days I don’t even take a nap.  

David came at 12:30.  We immediately went for a walk.  Today, we walked further than we have been walking.  And when we got back to the MH, I was able to walk up the steps without any help.

I think I will have Bill drive my route tomorrow so I will have an idea how far I am able to go.  Either that will be encouraging or discouraging!

Bill and I went to the Library and to JoAnn’s to buy some needles.  He wants to see if he can sew the awning over the slide.  I won’t be able to help him with the project because I would have to climb a ladder and we all know that I don’t do ladders!

May 26, 2015---Michelle’s House

We had some sunshine this morning, but also some dark clouds that look like rain.  We’ll see which one wins out.

I talked to Harolene this morning.  The weather reports from Houston have been terrible.  She said they have had rain, but no flooding.  Five miles south of them is under water.

I also talked to Brent.  Jackson is in the path today, and that’s not very far from Brandon.  Brent reported blue skies...not a cloud in the sky.  

And that’s your weather report from across the country!  Stay tuned for more Colorado weather!

Bill and I went to Sam’s Club for lunch and to buy a dessert to take to the high school tonight.  We got back home just before time to go to a 2:00 appointment with the hearing specialist.

The audiologist adjusted my hearing aids and gave us some supplies.  I am doing well with these “ear plugs.”  My hardest time with them is when we are in a group of people and more than one person is talking.  It just turns in to a jumble.  The doctor thinks that will improve as my brain adjusts to the hearing aids.

After dinner, we had a school function to attend.  The track awards were being presented.  Ron was the coach for the “throwing” activities.  Matthew was recognized for his participation in shot put.  Connor “lettered.”  He took part in discus and shot put.  He is a big, strong young man.  He has signed a letter of intent for the college in Grand Junction, so he will probably spend a fair amount of time this summer “pumping iron.”

We had heavy rain and lightening late this afternoon.  The clouds won!

May 25, 2015---Michelle’s House

Today was Memorial Day.  It is a day set aside to honor those who died defending our country.  I think it started during the Civil War.  For a long time it was called Decoration Day.  I don’t know when or why the name was changed.

Not long after we finished breakfast, Lindsey came to check me out.  If we leave the area when we plan to, I will have two more visits with her.  She has been a great person to have on our team.

I washed my hair and Susan curled it.  She was showing Bill how to use the curling iron.  He has been curling my hair for about two weeks and improving each time he does it.  She gave him several useful suggestions.

David didn’t come for physical therapy today, so several of us walked around the block.  I went further before needing a rest time.  That was encouraging to me.  I am really glad my walker has a seat.  I use it often.

Michelle cooked “graduation dinner” for Connor tonight.  We had skirt steak cooked on the grill.  Michelle brought it back from Freedom Meat Locker in Watsonville, the last time she was in California.  Connor also wanted mixed vegetables and twice baked potatoes.  It was all really, really good.  Meredith and Natalia both came to the celebration. 

 It is very hard to believe that Connor is so grown up.  He plans to go to college in Grand Junction (on the other side of the mountains). 

May 24, 2015---Michelle’s House

Would you believe we had five inches of rain before noon?  No?  Would you believe we had snow this afternoon?  No?  Well, would you believe we had sunshine until 7:00 and then just a few sprinkles of rain?  Yes?  You would be correct!  It was one of the nicest days we’ve had in about a month!

This morning, I was so tired, I went back to bed for some more sleep.  When I got up I was still sleepy.  I started eating lunch and I would go to sleep while chewing.  Bill would wake me up and I would continue my lunch, only to go back to sleep.  I think this happened about 12 times.  I don’t know what my problem was, but I tried to stay awake after lunch.  I finally gave up and went back to bed for a nap and when I awakened an hour later, I felt like I could stay awake then.

We went to Meredith and Dwaine’s for dinner.  We spent about an hour sitting on their back deck, watching people out on Boyd Lake, enjoying the nice weather.

As we left Meredith’s, it had just begun to sprinkle.  By the time we got back to Michelle’s house, the rain had stopped.

Before bedtime, we heard thunder...or was it fireworks.  We never were quite sure.

May 23, 2015---Michelle’s House

This was a very interesting day.  When we woke up this morning, it was raining.  Surprise, surprise!

Michelle fixed quiche for breakfast.  They were really good.  And so was the fresh fruit salad to go with it...strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, and peaches.  Happy tummies!

At 11:45, Meredith and Dwaine picked us up.  Graduation for Connor was at 12:30.  Parking was critical.  Even with my handicap 

pass, we had a difficult time finding parking.  And the security people who were directing traffic wouldn’t let us in the proper lane.  We finally walked to the Convention Center.  In the process, we passed several Handicalping Parking spaces.  We went to the fourth floor of the auditorium.  It was really crowded.  

When we got to the fourth level we found seats.  The place was packed.  It wasn’t a very long wait until the graduates marched in. 

 Meredith told Connor to smile.  He did.

We were there for about three hours.  When we left the center it was raining very hard.  The lightening was a concern and the warning about a possible tornado in the area left us uneasy.  It had nearly stopped raining by the time we got home.

Connor wanted to go to Origins for dinner.  Both Meredith and Joshua were working tonight.  We enjoyed a liesurely meal.

We got home just as the sun broke through the clouds.  I wanted to go for a walk, so we made it a short one.  We went the short route.  

Don’t be surprised, but it is raining and it is bedme.                                      

May 22, 2015---Michelle’s House

I had really hoped to go for a walk this morning, but the rain kept me indoors.  There isn’t an indoor mall in this area that I know of.  If I could find one, I would spend some time as a “mall walker.”  The only malls I know about are outdoor ones that seem to be the trend lately.

David came for a therapy session at noon.  He immediately started pushing me this way and that. After nine or ten pushes I retaliated.  I socked him in the stomach.  He explained that he was trying to see if my balance was improving.  Now that I know, I won’t have to defend myself.  One thing he learned today...don’t mess with little old white haired ladies!

My balance is improving, but I am frustrated about not walking.  I may just have to do laps around Walmart or Target.

Michelle and her crew went out to dinner with friends who are moving from Fort Collins to Albuquerque.  We were invited, but turned down the invitation, not because we didn’t know the people, but because we wanted Michelle’s group to have time with their friends.

Bill went to Panda Express and brought our dinner home.  That’s one of his favorite places to eat and it is OK with me.  They have good food!

May 21, 2015---Michelle’s House

I  had an appointment with Natalia at 10:00.  My face is still suffering from the drug reaction I had last week.  She does such a good job on the facials.  It is very relaxing.  She has one more week of school.  I will probably go for another facial before she graduates.

As we came back into Loveland, we stopped at Dr. Huneycutt’s office to give him some paperwork from my gastrologist.  I lost the paper two weeks ago, but found it yesterday.  It is amazing how those things just turn up.  It’s as if it sprouted legs and made its way where it belonged.

As we headed toward home, I asked Bill to take me by the beauty shop to see if I could get an appointment.  I needed a temporary...er...a permanent.  She said she could do it in 15 minutes, so we went to the Subway just a few doors away.  I not only got a permanent, but she set my hair and combed it out in the style I like.

I was tired when we got back home, but I didn’t have time to take a nap.  I am behind with things, as usual.

No rain today, but I didn’t go for a walk.  It was another cold and winter-like day.

May 20, 2015---Michelle’s House

No snow last night and no rain this morning, so Bill decided to take the motorhome to a local RV park to dump the holding tanks and get propane.

Joey and Hapa came for the day.  They love being out in the yard and Tippy really likes having company.

While Super Driver was out running around in the MH, I sat by the fireplace in Michelle’s house.  It was cold this morning and the fire really felt good.  Michelle made me a piece of cinnamon toast.

   

Joey and Tippy “noticed” that I was eating something and sat down with me to “share.”  I really like spoiling my “granddoggers.” 

After Bill brought our “house” back and got it parked, and we finished lunch, I lay down for a nap.  Bill woke me up after I had been asleep for about an hour and a half.  He was afraid I might not be able to sleep tonight.

Ron’s parents arrived from Oregon at 5:00.  Like us, they wanted to be here for Connor’s graduation on Saturday at noon.  We will probably have a gathering of friends and family for a cookout Saturday night.

May 19, 2015---Michelle’s House

We have had so much rain in the last 24 hours that we are all soggy.  I haven’t checked, but I am sure I am growing moss on the north side.  This is “shades of Oregon”...rain, rain, rain!

At 12:00, after taking Connor to school, Bill and I went to McDonald’s for lunch.  From the, we went to the Library.  I took my walker in so if I needed to sit down, I would be able to.  I am getting so much stronger I didn’t have to perch and rest.  It is a fairly large Library.  I walked a lot.  I am encouraged.

When we got back, I went into Michelle’s office to spend some time with Tippy.  He loves to have his head scratched.  When I stop, he let’s me know I shouldn’t stop by putting his paw on my arm.  He’s such a fun puppy to be around.

Today was what Bill call’s a “throw away day.”  He needed to work on the outside of the motorhome, but the rain ruined that plan.  I thought the day was just fine because I took a nap.

May 18, 2015---Michelle’s House

 This Colorado weather is kind of confusing.  Today it is cool and cloudy, with a bit of a breeze.  It isn’t cold enough snow, but it feels as if it might like to try.

We lived in Southern Colorado for 11 years...elevation 7200 feet...and I don’t remember weather quite like this.  Maybe I was too busy with four children to pay any attention to the outdoors.

David came at noon, but the weather wasn’t conducive for walking.  We worked on strengthening exercises.  He was amazed at how much strength I am getting.  Lindsey came for a short visit.  I won’t have these services after we get “back out on the road.”

This afternoon, at 5:00, Bill and I went to a “practice run” for the new restaurant where Meredith and Joshua will be working.  There were about 30 diners there.  We could order anything we wanted.

"Origins" is a completely new restaurant in the
old downtown area of Loveland.  It has been
decorated very tastefully.

 These colorful peppers stuffed with cream cheese were sent to each table, complements of the chef.  They were really good.

The pizza oven, shipped from Italy, is wood fired.  The interior is at 900° and will cook a small pizza in 90 seconds.  It was amazing to see.  They feature eight different pizzas.  This style pizza originated in Naples, Italy

 We ordered a cheese and meat board, featuring items from France.  There were "boards" from Mexico and the U.S.

May 17, 2015---Michelle’s House

This morning, Michelle made waffles, and cooked sausage and bacon.  Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!  A great Sunday morning breakfast!

At 10:30, Meredith and Dwaine came with the pups.  I was sitting at my desk.  Hapa ran over and sat beside me.  I guess she was thinking there might be thunder in the area.  Bless her little heart...she takes such good care of me on walks and when there is thunder, I am glad I can comfort her.

Joey and Hapa stayed at Michelle’s to play with Tippy.  Meredith, Dwaine, Bill, and I drove north to Fort Collins.  We rode through neighborhoods that Bill and I had never been to.  It was fun and interesting.  We made our way to a nursery and spent over an hour walking around looking at the beautiful plants and a wide variety of containers.

I was looking for several cacti to put on the dash of the motorhome.  Most of the shells that were on the dash for our first 16 years of living in the MH are other places and my one plant, a hoya, is going to stay at Meredith’s for awhile.  I thought some small cacti might be good for a change.  We plan to spend some time in Arizona before the year ends, and cacti might fit into our new decor.

We went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch.  We have eaten there before, but I couldn’t remember what I ordered then.  My choice this time wasn’t as good, but I brought home enough to make a Mexican casserole and they usually turn out very good.

As we were driving back to Loveland, my brother called from Santa Fe to cancel their plans to visit here next week.  The reason...Peggy’s son, Tony, had died this morning.  He was 48 and had a heart attack.  Tony has been living in Florida and had a job with some part of NASA.  Peggy and Jim will be in Florida for several weeks to take care of some of Tony’s business affairs.  

It is so very, very sad!  At times like this, we are even more sure that our lifestyle is what we want.  The news of Tony’s death hit to close to home, considering I am still recovering from my heart attack.  So hug your family and friends often and tell them you love them.

May 16, 2015---Michelle’s House

Unlike other Saturday’s, I didn’t go anywhere with either of the girls.  Michelle had shopping for the boys and it had to happen today.  Connor graduates from high school next Saturday.  He needed slacks.  He has grown so much this year that his old slacks didn’t fit.

Joshua also needed black pants to wear to his new job.  He is working with Meredith at the new restaurant, Origins.  He has put in quite a few hours helping get some of the final things ready.  He seems to be enjoying it.

We usually try to hit some garage sales on the weekends, but there just hasn’t been time for the girls, and I am often too tired to do much tramping around.

I think Meredith was at the new place all day.  If all goes as planned, we will see her tomorrow.  She has been so busy lately that if I blink, I might miss her.

It was overcast this afternoon, but Bill and I were able to get a walk in.  I must have been extra tired, because I was dragging my feet.  We walked the one block route, which probably amounts to six blocks total.

We had a little rain late this afternoon, but it didn’t last long enough to count.  I doubt if the rain gauge collected more than a drop or two.

May 15, 2015---Michelle’s House

For several days, my face has been flushed and slightly puffy.  Finally, today I went to see Dr. Huneycutt.  I thought I might be having a reaction to one of my medications.  Because I had an abrasion on my right cheek and it had started to spread out, he thought I might have an infection. He put me on an antibiotic for a couple of weeks.  If it clears it up, hooray!  If not, we might have to try something else.  The problem is that we will soon be leaving the area as we get on the road again.  If it isn’t one thing, it is another!

We went to Taco Bell for lunch and then headed home to rest until the pharmacy opened after lunch.  I was reading when Bill was ready to go to Walmart so I stayed home and rested while I read.

Just as it started to rain, Meredith brought Joey and Hapa for a visit.  The wind was blowing and we had lightening and thunder.  Let me tell you, little Hapa is very afraid of thunder.  She took refuge by me.  She knew she would be safe with me.

May 14, 2015---Michelle’s House

We had a nice morning...after the fog cleared.  I wasn’t able to go for a walk.  Maybe tomorrow!

Bill was able to work on the slide.  He sometimes forgets he is 80 years old.  Twice, he came in very tired and had to rest.  He was trying to get finished before the afternoon rains started.

When the rain started, a strong wind came with it.  I don’t know how much moisture fell.  Bill said it was an “Arizona 12 inch rain.”  Twelve inches between drops.  He really thinks he is funny.  I think he’s a card and needs to be dealt with!  Who votes with me?

I am really glad that Meredith and Michelle don’t live in a flood area.  Some parts of Loveland are low and roads are washing out.  The flooding isn’t as bad as it was two years ago, but it is still causing problems. 

May 13, 2015---Michelle’s House

We had overcast weather all day.  At 4:30, the sky opened up and we had a real “frog strangler.”

David came during the storm.  A walk was out of the question.  We stayed in the motorhome and worked on my strengthening exercises.  I can tell that I am getting stronger.  Walking is getting easier.  I have an easier time getting up the steps into the motorhome.  I am still using a cane or a walker, because I get “wibbly wobbly.”

Our friend, Todd, who recently fell and broke his hip, called and stressed to me how careful I should be.  I am paying attention to his warning.

Tippy, aka Max, loves to ride in the car.  When Joshua goes to pick the other two boys up at school, Tippy usually gets to go.  He has his front feet on the console.  He is very good at making sure the driver does what he should.  He’s a good copilot.

My brother, Jim, called to say that he and Peggy are coming to see us the last weekend of May.  That will be great!  It has been quite awhile since we have seen them.  Santa Fe hasn’t been on our route since I’ve been sick.

May 12, 2015---Michelle’s House

Today was our day to get some errands taken care of.   Our first stop was at US Bank.  One of our statements was sent to “65 Drake Court, Walnut Creek CA.”  That is Lori’s old address.  Her ex-husband still lives there.  I don’t know how long Freddie had the things in his possession, but I didn’t receive them until after the income tax deadline.  I ask the bank to see if they could trace the problem.  US Bank is wonderful at solving our problems.

From the bank, we went to the library.  I spent quite a bit of time looking for a book.  When I found one that I wanted to check out, I had to go find Bill.  He was in a chair, with a magazine on his lap, and he was sound asleep.  I had to shake him several times to wake him up.

We decided that lunch would be at Sam’s Club.  We like their hot-dogs.  When we left Sam’s, we went home for a rest.  Bill knew that the pharmacy at Walmart would still be on their lunch break.

After resting for about 30 minutes, we headed back to Walmart. There were a few grocery items on our list, plus a prescription to pick up.  After going through the checkout line, we stopped for Ice cream at McDonald’s before leaving the store.

Michelle and I went to get pizza for dinner.  Connor was our chauffeur.  He is a good driver!

May 11, 2015---Michelle’s House

Happy Birthday to me!  I can’t believe how fast the years are flying by.  I am really thankful for this birthday though, because I came too close to not being able to celebrate.

I have received birthday wishes from friends across the country.  It warms my heart to think of you and know how lucky I am.  Each of you enrich my life.

I am feeling so much better.  Bill and I are looking forward to getting out on the road again.  Willie Nelson keeps calling us to get “on the road again.”  Hopefully we’ll make it by June.

Tonight when I went into Michelle’s for dinner, Natalia said “Happy Birthday, Geezer!”  As Bill would say, “I’m going to get that kid.”  Maybe I should wash her mouth out...with chocolate.  Thanks, Natalia, for coming to my birthday dinner.  

Michelle fixed one of my favorites...lasagna.  We all enjoyed sitting around the dinner table.  Natalia doesn’t allow her boy cousins to get away with anything.  They didn’t know girls could be so “powerful.”  We had a really good time.

May 10, 2015---Michelle’s House

Happy Mother’s Day!  

We had four inches of snow on the ground this morning when we got up.  Sadly, it melted rather quickly.  The remainder of the day was overcast, but we didn’t have anymore rain or snow.  The grass is loving all of this moisture.

Mother’s Day was wonderful.  I talked to all four children.  That was wonderful.  And Meredith and Michelle brought me pink and yellow tulips.  Whenever I see tulips, I am reminded of our trip to Holland.

Michelle was out in the MH visiting with us.  She looked up the street and said, “Is that a turkey walking across the street.”  Sure enough, it was.  It wasn’t in any hurry.  Luckily, no one ripped around the corner like they do sometimes.  It strolled into the neighbor’s yard and went in among the trees.  We didn’t see anymore of it after that.

Meredith and the pups came so we went for a walk.  Tippy, Michelle, Matthew and Bill went along with us.  We only walked around one block.  I was tired when we got back home, so I got in our car, ready to go out and eat. We went to McAlister's for dinner.  They were very crowded and it was noisy, but the food was good.  The service was slow, but I guess that is to be expected on such a busy day.

May 9, 2015---Michelle’s House

The last time I tried to do any bead work, my hands were so shaky I had to quit.  It was too upsetting.  This morning I thought I would give it a try again.

By 5:00 this afternoon, I had finished three crosses.  I enjoyed doing it until I began to get tired and then I had to concentrate too much.  I was at the point where I needed to clean up my mess so I was able to get everything back in order.  It felt good to have accomplished as much as I did.

At 4:00, snow started to fall, big time!  So far, it isn’t sticking to the road, but the cars and grass are white.  I haven’t been out to play, but I imagine it will be so wet, it will melt very quickly.  One or two feet is predicted for the mountains to the west of us.  Right now it is 31° so the streets might ice over if the temperature drops much lower.  We just had a wind gust that shook the coach.  Br-r-r-r-r-r-r!  

Michelle and the boys took Ron out for a birthday dinner.  Meredith and Dwaine went also, I think.  We chose to stay home.  Sometimes it is too slippery for me and I am trying to avoid trouble.

Our friend, Todd, missed a step going into a store and broke his hip.  He had surgery and is now in a rehabilitation.  I think he will probably be there longer than I was.  If he’s lucky. he’ll have an “interesting” roommate like I had.  Bonny said he is already complaining about the food.  For dinner, he had broccoli, sweet potato fries, and fruit.  What...no grits!  When I talk to him I will tell him how lucky he is.

Michelle gave me a picture of Matthew at the award ceremony.  His rank is sergeant!  He is the one in the middle.

May 8, 2015---Michelle’s House

Happy Birthday, Ron!  

Connor’s last regular season track meet was scheduled for today.  Because Connor and Ron aren’t home yet and it is time for me to write the blog for 5-8-15, I will have to wait until tomorrow to report any momentous results that might have come about today.

We have had lots of rain today and are concerned about flooding.  In years past, heavy rain west of Loveland has caused serious flooding.  The meet was in Longmont and we haven’t heard a weather report from there.

Because of the scheduled track meet, Ron’s birthday will be celebrated tomorrow.  Ron is the track coach for discus and shot put.  He coaches both girls and boys.  Matthew was on his JV team and Connor is on varsity.  Ron can also coach the javelin, but at this time that sport isn’t offered in the high schools here.  

Tonight, Bill, Michelle, and I went to Matthew’s JROTC awards ceremony.  He had earned two ribbons...one for community service and the other one was for athletics.

The rain had tapered off a bit when we went to the school for his ceremony, but when we came home it was raining very hard.  Michelle doesn’t have a rain gauge so we don’t know how much rain we received.  Perhaps it will be in the paper or on TV.

May 7, 2015---Michelle’s House

No rain this morning so Bill and I walked around the block.  I know I’m getting stronger.  When we have decent weather, I will try to go for a walk.  That’s my goal.

Natalia went to Sonic for lunch.  She remembered how much I liked cherry limeades so she brought me one.  It was a special treat.  Thanks, Natalia.

Bill took the Weed Eater outside the back fence to get rid of the jungle that is growing out there.  Hapa was in the backyard and she patrolled the fence to make sure he was safe.  She is such a good watch dog.

Meredith came for dinner.  She is so busy that we don’t see very much of her.  She now has one and a half jobs.  She still works for Oracle full-time in the employment law division, sometimes from home, and sometimes she drives into the office in Broomfield.

Her part-time job is as assistant manager and Girl Friday at a new restaurant being opened in downtown Loveland.  It has been a new and interesting experience for her.  Joshua is going to work there, also.  I’m not sure what his position will be, because I don’t think they had an opening for “handsome young man.”  He has been going to their training sessions. 

May 6, 2015---Michelle’s House

We just had a little bit of rain this morning. David called to say he would be here about 1:00.  I told him I wanted to go for a walk. Shortly thereafter, as he was driving over from Greeley, it started to rain, but by the time he got here it had stopped raining.  

We were able to walk the longer route.  I am getting stronger, so it was a bit easier for me to walk.  And we didn’t have any rain.  Yea!

I ask David to send a message to his mother.  If she ever decides to put him up for adoption, I want to have first choice.  He thought that was funny and said his mother would think so, too.  He is a very interesting young man.  

Both of the health care providers who come to the MH are really nice and very well qualified.  Lindsey has a little boy, seven months old, who is just learning to crawl.  I don’t think she would let me have him.  Whenever I ask her about him, she gets a beautiful smile on her face.  There is no doubt he is the “apple of her eye.”

At 4:30, a hard rain started to fall.  It continued until 6:00, which is about the time we go into Michelle’s for dinner.  Just a few minutes before we were to go in, the rain stopped.  Yippy! Skippy! 

We listened to the weather report from Denver tonight.  They are calling for snow, possibly for Sunday.  Wow!

May 5, 2015---Michelle’s House

Not only did it rain a lot today, but we had fog.  And it was cold like winter.  Br-r-r-r-r!

I talked to my brother, Jim, today.  And our daughter, Lori, and Bill’s sister, Harolene.  It is always good to talk to family and catch up on news.

Michelle made chili and cornbread for dinner.  It was perfect on a cold night like this.  It was definitely chili weather.

This week is rather “vacant.”  I have a session with the PT tomorrow and that is all.  I think I will start some beaded crosses.  Jim said I would probably feel better if I had a creative endeavor, and he is probably right.  I wonder if I could count polishing my fingernails would count.  Naa!

May 4, 2015---Michelle’s House

We had rain most of the day.  Sometimes a lot and other times just a few drops.  The grass seems very happy.  Joshua mowed front and back on Friday, and they both needed it again yesterday.  After soaking up today’s rain,  both yards need mowing even more.

When David came for my PT this afternoon, we decided what it might not be too good of an idea to go for a walk.  We worked on leg strengthening exercises.  I always need extra work there.

Lindsey came just as David was ready to leave.  We were having a hard time getting a prescription filled.  She spent a few minutes on the phone and got our problem solved.  She’s a great one to have on “our team.”

The weather had improved so Bill and I went for a walk.  It was probably the easiest time I’ve had in a long time.  Maybe a tough workout with David made walking easier.

I have worked off and on today trying to get my desk cleaned off.  It is looking better than usual.  I must be making progress.  Yea!

May 3, 2015---Michelle’s House

Michelle and I went to Costco this morning.  The store was really busy, and as we were leaving, lots of shoppers were arriving.  That store really is successful.  I know that our kids are glad to have the store close to them.

It is the same way with the new Trader Joe’s.  After leaving Costco we headed across town for TJ’s.  I made the list while we were driving.  There weren’t very many things to shop for there, so I stayed in the car.  Michelle made quick work of her shopping list and we were soon on our way back home.

I got back to the motorhome just as Dale Jr. was making his victory lap at Talledaga.  He was very emotional about winning.  Jimmie Johnson was second.  Unfortunately, Jeff was involved in a wreck two laps before the end of the race and ended 37th or something like that.  It certainly wasn’t a very good finish, considering the fact that Jeff was at the front of the pack for a lot of the race.

We had several rain showers during the afternoon.  That pattern is predicted for the next several days.  And we can use more rain even though we aren’t in a drought situation.

May 2, 2015---Michelle’s House

This morning. Michelle, Meredith, and I went to Greeley for Connor’s track meet.  He was entered in shot-put.  There were 10 schools attending, and about 50 guys taking part in the shot-put event.  After all the boys had thrown, the top few threw again.  Connor was among those and finished 7th.  He really puts a lot of effort into it, as you can see in this picture.

It was nearly 2:00 when the meet finished.  Matthew, who had been helping with the event, left with the three of us.  Not that he was anxious for our company, but because we were going to eat lunch somewhere.  Matthew is ruled by his stomach!  We enjoyed his company and went to a barbecue place...Dickie’s.  I was the only one who was familiar with it, having eaten at the Pleasant Hill Dickie’s with Lori.  The food at this one was as good as in California.

When we got back home, I was really in need of a nap.  Two hours later, I was refreshed.  Michelle fixed spaghetti for dinner.  As usual, it was very good.  That is a favorite for all of us.  After eating, we sat around the table and talked about how the Broncos came out in the draft.

NASCAR is racing at Talladega tomorrow.  Jeff got the poll.  The other three Hendrick’s drivers are 2nd, 4th, and 5th.  It should be a great beginning, anyway.

May 1, 2015---Michelle’s House

I wish I could leave a May Basket on everyone’s porch so you would know how much we love and miss you.  Instead, I tried to send pictures of Michelle’s tulips for your imaginary basket.  I wasn’t able to accomplish it, so please use your imagination.  I really do need to practice “picture sending.”  I seldom get it right.

This afternoon Bill and I took a walk.  Along the way, we met some new people from the neighborhood and some that we have known since Michelle and her family moved into this area.

I was really tired when we got back home, but there was no time for a nap.  Michelle, Tippy, and I went to visit Meredith and her group.  We sat on their back porch and look out at Boyd Lake while the dogs ran and played in the backyard.   It started to rain, but rather than go inside, we sat under an umbrella and continued to enjoy being outside.

On our way home, Michelle and I went to Panda Express for dinner for the two of us and Bill, who was waiting at home.  All of the boys were at a track meet and we didn’t know when to expect them home.

Michelle came to the motorhome and had dinner with us.  That was a treat for us and not one that we get to enjoy very often.