September 30, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

The last time I was called on to be the Tooth Fairy, we were at an FMCA Convention in Redmond, Oregon.  JP and Natalia were with us.  We can’t remember the year of that convention, but Natalia lost a tooth (so you figure when it might have been).  She was concerned that the Tooth Fairy might not be able to find her, so she wrote a letter and we put a copy of it on the back of the MH.  We also taped a copy to the front door, just in case she came from that direction. 

Well, the Tooth Fairy did find us.  So did some assistant Tooth Fairies.  There were several quarters left on the back bumper of the motorhome, as well as several necklaces and bracelets.  Some workmen came to service our tow bar and the tucked two dollar bills behind Natalia’s letter.  That might have broken the record of Tooth Fairy visits.  We don’t know for sure.

The saga continues...Bill has had a loose tooth for quite awhile, but recently it started to bother him when he was eating.  Michelle and I both tried to pull it, but it just wasn’t ready.  Yesterday, it was ready to come out and Bill pulled it.

Meredith and Michelle ask me to take over Tooth Fairy duties.  Michelle had printed a sign to go with the tooth.  They included $8.00, one for each decade!

At 2:30 this morning, Bill discovered it.  I pretended to be asleep (I’ve had lots of practice) so he didn’t find out the details until this morning at 8:00.  I plan to put in for retirement benefits!  This was my final job, I think.

September 29, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

We had some rain during the night.  It didn’t amount to very much, but every little bit helps, I think.  This has been a very dry month.  We could have used much more than we got last night.

I went into the house and did one round of the stairs (down and up).  That was as much as I thought I could safely accomplish.  I also cycled 20 minutes on the stationary bike.  It was easier than it has been in the past.  Tomorrow, I will try to increase both routines.

I was tired when I finished, so I rested in Matthew’s old room.  By the time I got back to the MH, it was nearly 12:00 and time to eat.  I rested some more after that.  Meredith and the dogs came at about 5:00.  The weather was nice for sitting out in the backyard and playing with the pups.

At 7:00, I went inside because I was getting cold.  We had some very dark clouds building to the north and Bill reported seeing lightening, but no more rain came with it.

JP and Rosie called this afternoon.  We talked for quite awhile.  I always enjoy talking to them.  They are so busy it doesn’t happen very often, but it is always wonderful when it does happen.  Its like a gift!

September 28, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

David came at 12:00 today.  We worked on balance issues.  Although I feel that I have gone backwards in the balance area, David said I haven’t.  We are going to continue to work on improving my balance.  I will work in my walks around the block as I can fit it in.

Lindsay came just as David was leaving.  I had some questions to ask her about the tests I have been taking.  She has a wealth of information, but that’s the way RNs are, I guess.  I like being able to talk to her.

I rested most of the remainder of the afternoon.  Bill has been working on the MH.  There are always things to be done to it.  I think it needs more care than a “stick built house.”  Bill says that anytime we go down the road it is like an earthquake.  Yikes!

September 27, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

Michelle and I went to Costco this morning.  I got an electric cart, and was very thankful not to run over anyone.  That’s always a good thing.

After Costco, we went across the street to Walmart.  I used a cart to help me stay upright and keep going.  We had quite a few things to get and it involved a lot of walking.  By the time we left the store I was more hungry than tired.

On the way home we stopped at Wendy’s and ate our hamburgers in the car, before going on to Michelle’s.  When we got home I immediately lay down for a nap.

At 6:15, Michelle and I went to Origins for dinner and to watch the Broncos play the Lions.  It was a good game, especially because the Broncos won.  It is our third win.  Yippy, Skippy!

We had their wood fired pizza and Galito for desert.  Just before we left, we went outside with Joshua, who was our waiter.  We were looking at the lunar eclipse.  I think perhaps we waited a bit too long, because the color wasn’t what I had hoped it would be.

September 26, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

This morning, for the first time in a long time, I stayed in bed to get some extra sleep.  That hasn’t been very necessary for quite a while.

Meredith came at 12:00 to take me out to lunch.  I always enjoy having special time with any of the kids, but today I was kind of draggy.  We went to a really good hamburger place on the way to Estes Park.

After eating, we stopped at a Bronco shop and a plant place before going home.  I had a long nap, which took care of just about the rest of my day.

I did watch the Oregon game against Utah.  It was grim for the Ducks. I think the final score was 62-20.  Yikes!  They have a lot of work to do to build the team back up.  I would like to blame it all on Marito going to the pros, but I think it is more that.  And there are more players on the team than just that one.  But in spite of the showing tonight, I am still a Duck fan.  I just have a few bent feathers!

My allergies got really bad this afternoon.  Time to get on my medicine and stay on it for a while.

September 25, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

My accomplishment for this morning was doing three rounds on the stairs, followed by 25 minutes on the bicycle.  As soon as I finished, I lay down in Matthew’s old room (he moved downstairs a couple of weeks ago) to rest so I would have enough energy to go back out to the motorhome.

Not long after I got back out to the MH and was resting on the sofa, David, my physical therapist came.  It really was good to see him.  He was concerned to see how much my balance had deteriorated.  That is what we will be working on before we start working on my endurance.

I napped until Meredith and the pups came for some playtime.  We sat out in the backyard for over an hour.  It was enjoyable, as always, sitting out, visiting, and watching the pups play.  Bill was cutting some weeds and Hapa was helping him.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I think she was 1.5 on the “helpful chart.”  She was happy to be with him, though.

And now I am going to turn to the “shopping saga of the tow vehicles.”  A lot of motorhomers tow a vehicle behind their rigs, especially those of us who live fulltime in our RVs.

Several years ago, Bill and i were driving on a street in Concord, California, when a young lady turned left in front of us.  The accident totaled our Honda CRV and her dad’s Mercedes.  And so we went shopping!

A couple of years later, our friends, Dwight and Sheila, were driving on a very dark night on a back road in Nevada, when they encountered a black cow.  Their Honda CRV was totaled, as was the cow, I’m sure.  And so they went shopping!

I was talking to our friends, Todd and Bonnie, two days ago.  Bonnie was sick, so Todd drove himself to Verizon.  He had just turned on the dirt road to the campground when he lost control and hit the llama barn which was right at the edge of the road on a curve.  I ask Todd what the llama was doing while several people were securing the fence by the barn.  He said he was just watching them.  Dwight said he was probably wondering where “that guy” would leave the carrots he usually brought by on his morning walks.  And so they are shopping!

Today, my brother called from a fuel stop in Oklahoma City.  As Peggy pulled their Country Coach up to the pump and turned off the key, she heard a loud bang.  She got out to see what was wrong when there was another bang.  They tow a little Honda Fit and the truck driver pulling in behind them couldn’t see the little car, couldn’t understand why he couldn’t get up close to the motorhome, so he tried again.  That was the second “bang!”  So Jim and Peggy will be shopping, too!

Keep America Green! Spend more money!  Buy a new tow vehicle!

September 24, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

We had a very busy morning.  At 9:15, I had an appointment at Medical Center of the Rockies for an ultra sound on the arteries in my neck.  The test took about 30 minutes.

While I was having that taken care of, Bill went to see about the order for the x-rays on his neck.  He hadn’t received a call for a time to come, but they went ahead and did his films today.

We went north to Costco after finishing at the medical center.  Bill was looking for transmission fluid for the motorhome.  Costco didn’t have it so we went across the street to Walmart.  No luck there, either.

We went south on I-25 back to Loveland.  I needed to get the paperwork for my lab tests for the gastrologist.  My anemia is still needing to be checked out.  I also made an appointment with Dr. Sears for getting the lab results.

If you are thinking this is all very confusing, you are absolutely right!

We stopped at our regular Walmart.  Yesterday when Bill checked there for the transmission fluid, they were out.  Today they had restocked so Bill was able to get the amount he needed.

Before going back to the MH, we made a quick stop at the library.

All of this running around was part of my exercise program for today.  I even climbed two flights of stairs at one clinic.  I was very  glad to get my exercise done as we were doing our running around, because by the time we got home, I was too tired to do anything except rest.

September 23, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

When I was fed and dressed this morning, Bill ask if I wanted to tackle the stairs and bicycle while I was fresh.  Yesterday, I left the chore until it was late and I was too tired.  This morning, I increased the number of trips to three down and up.  The last two steps on the third trip up were rather hard to do.  Bill had to tug on my belt to give me a boost.

Although my legs were like jelly, I went right into the bike and rode for 20 minutes.  Tomorrow I may try to increase that time.

When I was climbing back into the motorhome, I could hardly make it up the steps.  As soon as I was able to make it up into the MH, I lay down to rest.  It was time for lunch, but I was more tired than hungry.

After resting and eating a meat loaf sandwich, I lay down on the sofa to rest and read.  I was still tired.  Matthew called to see if I wanted him to bring me a smoothie when he came home from school.  Of course, I did, so in a few minutes Matthew delivered me a mango smoothie.  It was really good.

After dinner, Michelle ask if we wanted to go for a walk around the block.  We did, although I did a lot of “foot dragging.”  It was a beautiful evening to be outdoors!

September 22, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

We had an early morning appointment with Dr. Bair, our dermatologist.  My time was 8:45 and Bill’s was 9:00.  I have a place on my right temple that the doctor has frozen a couple of times.  Dr. Bair told me last spring that she might need to check it with a biopsy to see if a more serious treatment is required.  I will know the results in a week or so.

Bill had three places on his bald spot frozen.  He doesn’t have to go back to see her for a year unless we notice a problem.

We were glad Dr. Bair was able to get us in quickly, because a more in depth treatment might need extra time. 

On the way home, we went by Duncan Donuts for a treat!  Yum, yum! 

We had enough energy to walk around the block when we got home.

Lindsay, the Home Health Nurse, made a visit this morning.  It was really good to see her.  She is not only a good nurse, but we really like her as a friend.  She will check in on me once a week.

For lunch, we had meat loaf sandwiches.  That is one of the best
things about having meat loaf...sandwiches the next day.

This is the first day since I started my cycling routine that I have missed it.  I am bummed about that.  Maybe I will be able to get back on track tomorrow.

September 21, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

Bill and I walked around the block after breakfast.  If I wait to the walk until after dinner, I don’t get it done.  I run out of steam.

I went into the house when we got back home so I could ride the stationary bike.  After 20 minutes, I needed to rest for a few minutes.  After a shower, I thought I was revived enough to “do the stairs.”

No!  I made it down OK, but struggled on the last few steps coming back up.  And that was only one round.  After that much exercise, I was worn out the rest of the day.  I need to make a different “torture schedule.”  I’ll try doing the stairs first next time.

Meredith and the pups came over at 4:30.  We sat out in the back patio for about an hour.  The weather was perfect.  I don’t know who enjoyed it the most...me or the dogs.  It was a toss up!

Bill’s specialty for cooking dinner is meat loaf and baked potatoes.  Tonight was his turn to cook.  It was really good, as usual.  Michelle had some fresh corn on the cob.  She cooked it on the grill.  We really had a feast.

Last night, Meredith and Joshua worked at the restaurant together.  They were wrapping silverware for today.  It gave them time to visit a bit.  Joshua told Meredith I had been riding the stationary bike.  Meredith said she knew it and I had ask about riding her street bike.  That had struck terror in both their hearts.  Joshua had a way to solve their concerns though.  He said, “Let’s wrap her in bubble wrap.”  That kid always has a solution!

September 20, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

Our day started of with a really good breakfast.  Michelle made biscuits and sausage gravy and it was really, really good.  Just about my favorite breakfast.  She does a great job of it.

I have been riding Michelle’s stationary bike for 20 minutes every day.  After finishing my “ride” this morning, I added a new thing to my routine.  I went down and up the stairs...twice.  I will try to increase that every day.  I can’t begin to tell you how tired I was when I finished.  Ugh!

I rested...napped...for over an hour, got up to see the beginning of the NASCAR race from Chicago, watched for two laps which resulted in a crash, and went back to bed for another nap.  I got up to see the very last of the race.  All that exercise can really wear an old gray haired grandma out.

I didn’t accomplish anything else for the rest of the day!

September 19, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

Michelle and I went shopping this morning.  Our first stop was at the Habitat Thrift Store.  We were there for quite a while.  Both of us bought a couple of things each.  It is a big store and required a lot of walking.  I was really tired by the time we left.

Our next two stops were at Arby’s and Trader Joe’s in Fort Collins.  They are just across a parking lot from each other.  I stayed in the Honda and read a book while Michelle went to TJ’s to buy groceries.

We stopped at the Walmart on the north edge of Loveland.  Michelle had a few more groceries to buy.  I had planned to go in that store, but was still too tired.  It took Michelle a while.  She said she had to stand in the check out line longer than it took her to pick out what she wanted to buy.

On the way back home we went to Meredith’s house to deliver the TJ’s things Michelle had bought for Meredith.

We got back home to see the last half of the Ducks game from Eugene.  Oregon won 61 to 28 over the Georgia Tech team.  That should bring the Ducks up in the standings.

September 18, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

The temperature today was even cooler than yesterday.  And we had some wind that made it seem colder.  No...there was no snow here, but there was in the high mountain places to the west of Loveland.

Bill and I went to Fort Collins for lunch today.  We like to eat baked potatoes at Wendy’s.  It was a leisurely time.  One of the workers wanted to talk to us about the places we’ve visited in the last 17 years.

Before leaving the area, Bill did a little shopping at Harbor Freight.  It is one of his favorite places to shop.  When we got back to Loveland, we made a stop at the Dermatologist to get appointments for both of us.  Bill wasn’t happy that we have to wait over a month to see Dr. Bair.  He keeps making noises about getting back on the road.  I am more realistic about the amount of doctor appointemnts, lab tests, x-rays, etc. we need to take care of before leaving Loveland.

Our fortune cookie from Panda Express last night read “You are an adventurer---travel the highway of

September 17, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

It was cooler today than it has been for quite a few days.  We enjoyed the change.  I said maybe it would snow.  Of course, that got a “Boo!  Hiss!” from Bill.  I really know how to get him riled up, don’t I?  I’ve had so many years of practice!

Meredith came after work.  She and Michelle made a quick shopping trip to Walmart.  When they got back, we sat out in the backyard and watched the dogs play.  Tippy always likes having a good game of chase.  Every once in awhile, Hapa has to let the others know she’s in charge.  Her herding instincts are well developed.  It would be interesting to see her with a pen of sheep.

Bill went to get dinner at Panda Express.  That is one of our favorite “take out and bring home” places for dinner.  Just about when it was time to sit down and eat, it was time to watch the Broncos take on the Chiefs in K.C.

It was rather a slow game for most of the first half.  The Chiefs scored twice with just a few minutes in that half.  Denver scored twice in about two minutes with just seconds to go until the half-time.  I called Brent to ask him if he was watching after all.  He said he had just gotten home.  I said he should turn it on because it was tied at the half.

The game was tied late in the 4th quarter, when Denver intercepted and scored, winning the game!!!!  I called Brent again to cheer long distance!  I could hear someone cheering in the background.  I ask Brent who was cheering.  He said Willie had a bad cough!  Actually it was Courtney cheering for the Broncos.  That made me very happy.  With any luck, maybe she will brainwash him.  We can always hope, even though there isn’t much chance of it happening!  We all think he is a lost cause!

September 16, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

At 3:00 a.m. I was awake and smelled smoke.  I thought I might be dreaming, but Bill smelled it, too.  We had some strong winds late in the evening yesterday.  It must have been blowing smoke from the California wildfires.

By this morning, the skies were clear and the smell of smoke was gone.  It was a beautiful day on this side ot the mountains, but we continue to send positive thoughts to our California friends who have had to evacuate their homes and businesses. 

This afternoon, Bill and I went back to Dr. Huneycut’s office to get some clarification on orders for tests.  With that accomplished, I went home to take a nap. 

I got the results from the lab work done last week.  It was concerning my anemia.  Things are still too low.  I am to have another test in a month.  Ugh!  What a pain...literally!

Tomorrow night, the Broncos play the Chiefs.  I asked Brent if he planned to watch the game.  He said he wasn’t interested in either team.  I said that sounded like “sour grapes” on his part.  Just a little friendly rivalry in the family!

September 15, 2015---Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado

This morning, Meredith brought the dogs over to spend the day with Tippy.  A few minutes later, she left and Joey left with her.  Michelle said he was practically glued to Meredith’s side.  Hapa immediately ran down stairs.  She loves it down there.  But Joey would rather be with Meredith any time and all the time.

Bill and I went to Sam’s Club.  After eating hot dogs for lunch, we shopped for two items.  Neither thing that we needed was available.

We located Best Buy on my cell phone and followed the map to where it was located.  We were shopping for a Fitbit Charge HR.  Dr. Huneycut said I needed to be able to keep track of my heart rate.  I had an incident before leaving Brent’s last winter where my heart rate was 153...way to high!  Sometimes in the past I have needed a monitor, but didn’t have one.  Several times my heart was beating as fast as a run away train.

I should be able to keep track of it with this new “gizmo,” but I may have to wear a monitor for a month or so.

This afternoon, the weather was beautiful, so when Meredith came to get the pups, we sat on the patio and watched them play.  That is a good way to relax.

I may be calling Lori in the morning to find out how to reset “gizzy” for the next day.  She has one like it.  I had help from Joshua, Meredith, and Lori on the phone and we were able to program some things but not others.

September 14, 2015---Michelle’s driveway, Loveland, Colorado

At 1:00,  Bill and I had appointments with Dr. Huneycut.  Bill has had some problems with his neck.  He will have x-rays taken to see if there is anything serious going on.

I am still having “balance” problems.  I am going to have testing to see if I have a blood flow problem. 

I had blood work done last week, but didn’t get any results yet.  I will try to follow that up tomorrow.  I know there were other concerns, but right, I can’t remember what they were.  Now you know why I wanted Michelle to go along with me.

I took a nap when we got back home.  After dinner, Michelle, Joshua, Tippy, and I walked around the block.  That went a little better than yesterday...not much, but some better.  As we were starting our walk, a little rabbit jumped out of Michelle’s flower bed and hopped across the street.
    
We watched the season premier of Dancing With The Stars tonight.

September 13, 2015---Michelle’s driveway, Loveland, Colorado

I wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I went back to bed and slept some more.  I had an upset stomach.  After eating some oatmeal I felt better. 

Michelle, Matthew, and I had some errands to take care of.  First, we went to the bread store.  Michelle gets really good deals there and makes good use of her freezer space.

We went to the Library, only to discover they don’t open until 1:00 on Sunday.  We were all hungry so it seemed like a good time to eat lunch.  Matthew chose Subway.  That was good for all us.  We left with happy tummies and went back to the Library.

It didn’t take us long to all check out our book.  There was a flower show and the aisles were rather crowded.  We didn’t spend as much time as we usually do when going there.  Loveland has a great Library and it is easy to spend a lot of time going up one row after another.

We got back home time to watch the Bronco game from Denver.  It wasn’t really a very good game, even though Denver won.

After the game, Bill, Matthew, Tippy, and I went for a walk around the block.  I was tired and really drug my feet.  I had to rest more than once.  I don’t have a clue as to why I was making such a mess of the walk today, but it wasn’t a good day.

September 12, 2015---Michelle’s driveway, Loveland, Colorado

The day started out great.  Michelle made waffles and fried bacon to go with it.  Um, yum!  She is a very good waffle cooker.  That is always a treat for us, because we don’t have a waffle maker.

After we finished eating breakfast, Michelle, Tippy, and I went for a walk...around the block.  I had to stop and rest twice.  I got tired very quickly today.

I lay down to rest when we got back home.  Meredith came to take me shopping.  Our first stop was at the pet store.  Yesterday, when Joey was here, he went to the drawer where I keep the treats.  I didn’t have anything for him and Hapa.  We rectified that situation.

At the pet food store, there were two big dogs that wanted to play.  One of them brought me a chewed on tennis ball.  I threw it down the aisle several times.  One of them had trouble running after it because the floor was slick.  But we all had a good time.

Our second stop was at Dollar Tree.  I had several things on my “mental list.”  I think we managed to get everything we needed.

We drove north to Fort Collins for lunch.  We had Mexican food.  It was good, but both brought home half of what we had ordered.  Bill got my leftovers.  That’s how it usually works!

We went to Trader Joe’s for just a few items and then drove to Costco.  I used their motorized shopping cart and managed to avoid running into any of the other shoppers.  I’m sure the management appreciated my careful driving.

We got home in time to watch the beginning of the NASCAR race.  We have been having some problems when we try to record a show.  Today, Bill wanted to record the NASCAR race and the Oregon Ducks football game.  The VCR was locked into the race and wouldn’t record the Ducks game.  Not to worry though, because Ron was watching the game in the house!  The picture was good, but the sound was a bit of a problem.  Ron could get the game on his TV, but it was in Spanish.  Ah, Chihuahua!  Ron turned the sound off and did the commentary just by looking at the picture.  It worked.  It was certainly different, but it worked.  It is known as Yankee Ingenuity. 

At half-time, Bill and I went to the motorhome and watched the last of the NASCAR race.  When that was finished, we watched the last of the football game.  Oregon lost by three points.  Sniff, sniff!

September 11, 2015---Michelle’s driveway, Loveland, Colorado

This is such a sad day in our history.  Some brightness did peek through today though.  There was a story on TV about a Golden Retriever rescue dog who went through the horrible wreckage left behind on 9-11.  They showed some interesting things the dog did.

Those of you who know our family know Brent has a Golden that we are all crazy about.  He isn’t a trained rescue dog, but has the intelligence to be one.  Stories like the one today always catch our interest.

At noon, Michelle, Tippy, and I went to Meredith’s.  While they all went for a walk around the lake, I stayed in the house and rested.  When they got back, all the dogs rested and I joined in.  Today turned in to a resting day for me. The only exercise I got today was on Michelle’s stationary bike.  I pedaled for eight minutes! 

Today was Michelle and Ron’s anniversary.  They went to dinner.  Bill and I took Matthew, Meredith, and Dwaine to KFC/A&W for chicken and, of course, root beer floats.  Yum, yum!

September 10, 2015---Michelle’s driveway, Loveland, Colorado

We spent some time this morning doing chores around the “old homestead” (aka the motorhome). We just don’t seem to ever get everything done.

At 11:00, Natalia came for a visit.  We hadn’t seen her since JP and Rosie’s wedding.  We had lots to catch up on.

We were really trying hard to think of a place to go for lunch.  Natalia suggested McDonald’s, since it is just across the street from the new Dunkin Donuts.  We could have our lunch and then cross the street for dessert.  We agreed it was a good plan.

With very happy tummies, we went back home to finish Natalia’s visit.  Joshua came home from work just as we got there, so he joined in the fun!  Bill and Ron were able to get the air conditioner fixed in Natalia’s car.  It was a warm day, so I’m sure she enjoyed having the AC working.

I took a nap until Meredith and the pups came to have some play time.  Joey had been having a good time chasing tennis balls, until he stepped on something in the grass.  We later figured out that he had stepped on a yellow jacket.  He licked his paw for a long time.  It was a heart breaker when he held up his paw for Meredith to see.  He just wanted Mama to comfort him.  She gave him some Benedryl and soon took him home for some pain medicine.  He is sensitive to bites and stings.  I’m glad I didn’t have to use my Epie Pen on him!

The wind was blowing when we finished dinner, so we voted not to take a walk.

September 9. 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

September 9. 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

A good night’s sleep really helped both of us.  Traveling long distances had worn both of us out.  I keep reminding Bill that he is the “Big Eight Zero,” but I sometime forget that I’m just a couple of years behind him.  We are both having a bit of a challenge accepting our advancing years...especially me!

The weather here in Loveland was very nice today.  The night weather was cool...perfect for sleeping, and the daytime temperature was in the low 70s.  At noon, Michelle, Tippy, Bill, and I went for a walk around the block.  Twice I had to stop to rest.  I am glad my walker has a seat.  I can rest comfortably.

I took a nap right after lunch.  I had to go back to the lab for a retest.  The blood sample from yesterday clotted to quickly.  I ask the lab person if that happens very often.  She said not too often, but from time to time.

I hope today’s poke in the arm was successful.  I told the staff I had a good time yesterday, but I really hadn’t wanted another party today.

When we got home, I sat outside with Michelle and Tippy and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

After dinner, four of us went for a walk around the block.  I didn’t have to stop and rest at all.  That was encouraging.

September 8, 2015---Grand Junction to Michelle’s, Loveland, CO

We left the Elks Lodge at 6:40.  Bill dreaded the drive on I-70 to the Denver area.  We had driven this same route about 15 years ago.  Bill remembers it being a very difficult drive in the Smotorhome.motorhome                                                  

Today, it was a pleasant drive.  We enjoyed it.  The scenery was beautiful.  Sometimes, we were driving between rock walls.  The colors were beautiful.  Other times we were driving through forest land.  The pine and spruce made a nice backdrop for the aspen trees were beginning to change their colors. 

The mileage covered, 293.

I keep going to sleep  as I am sitting here typing on my computer.  So I will cut this short and go to bed. 


                                             

September 7, 2015---Elks Lodge, Grand Junction, Colo.

We had planned to drive up onto the mesa today.  Well, wouldn’t you know it.  A rain shower was going through and there was lightening involved.  That made it a real “no-no” for us.  Perhaps it will clear up as the day goes on.

While Bill took a long nap, I worked on some accounts and things like that.  It was good to have the quiet time.  With my recent health issues, I have lost my ability to multitask.  That has really slowed me down.

The drippy weather continued for part of the afternoon.  Even when things improved, there were still clouds over the mesa.  We decided to add the mesa to our Someday List.  As much as we have traveled over the years, our list doesn’t seem to get any shorter, probably because we keep hearing of interesting places from other RVers.  And our list continues to grow.

We got Connor at his dorm and went to dinner.  We had trouble finding some of the places.  We went on several “adventures.”  Out of necessity we also changed destinations.  When we got into the area of a large mall, we saw a barbecue place that sounded and smelled good.  The only problem was that we kept running into “dead ends” and “no right turns,” and challenges like that.  We finally got to the right place.  We had made a good choice.  The food and service were both good.

After dinner, we went to the motorhome to finish the ice cream from Connor’s birthday celebration.

It was difficult saying goodbye to the college kid.  We feel good about the college he chose and the path he is taking.

September 6, 2015---Elks Lodge, Grand Junction, Colo.

I am sending a great big “thank you” to Lori for solving my computer problems for me.  She is one smart “cookie,” I can tell you for sure.  And the older I get, the more I can mess things up.

This afternoon, Bill took Connor to a clinic to get his college physical.  We aren’t really sure why he needed it.  Maybe because of his track participation.  But whatever the reason for it, it is now taken care of.

We went back to the college to collect him and take him to dinner.  I chose Mexican food and he said he knew where there was a Taco Bell very close to the college.  So away we went.  It has been nice to have some “grandparent time” with Connor.  He is a special young man and has some great goals to work for.  It has been so much fun to talk with him about his future.

Connor was wearing a bluegreen t-shirt and I had on a blouse the same color.  We decided we were practicing being twins!

When Bill and I got back home, we watched the last half of the NASCAR race from Darlington, SC.  It was a really long race with lots of “caution laps.”

September 5, 2015

I was having trouble with my computer/internet tonight.  I am using Bill's MAC now to let you know I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth.

The important thing about today was that this was Connor 19th birthday.  Michelle and the rest of her tribe came to Grand Junction to help celebrate.  We had a great time.

Hopefully things will go smoother tomorrow.

The Ducks won their game tonight.  Quack!

September 4, 2015---Walmart in Price, Utah to Elks Lodge, Grand Junction, Colo.

September 4, 2015---Walmart in Price, Utah to Elks Lodge, Grand Junction, Colo.

Bill waited until 6:50 this morning to depart.  It was such a pretty drive coming into Price yesterday that Bill wanted the sun to be up this morning to be able to enjoy the drive out of Price.

Guess what?!  It was just dry, barren and brown.  We didn’t see much sign of life until we crossed into Colorado.  Big time celebration!  Lots of honking and yahooing!

When we got to Grand Junction, we located the Elks Lodge.  We had stayed here once before, many years ago.  They have four hook ups...electricity only, no water or dump facilities.  We signed for three nights.

Connor was waiting for us at Albertson’s across the street from the campus.  It was a good place to pick him up.  We drove around to see as much of the campus as we could.  Parking and access to the buildings is limited.  It is a very nice campus, with a variety of sports options.  Connor is focusing on track.

We think he has made a good choice of schools.  Colorado Mesa University has an enrollment of about 10,000 students.  I think he’s going to do a good job preparing for the future.

We went to dinner at Golden Corral.  I like eating there because I can choose things I like.  I don’t eat much anymore and neither does Bill, so we don’t dine there very often.

We found a cache, rode around looking at the town, and trying to get to the layout of things.

We only drove 164 miles today, but it seems to be getting to Bill.  He went to bed earlier tonight than usual.  I think the big eight zero is catching up with him.  Poor old guy!

September 3, 2015---Flying J, Jerome, ID to Walmart in Price, Utah.

We were on just about the same schedule today as yeaterday...6:10 departure, going east on Interstate 84. 

I went back to sleep.  Two hours later I woke up to a very quite coach.  I got up to see what was going on.  We were at a Rest Area and Bill was outside cleaning the windows of the motorhome.  This was odd behavior, even for Wild Bill.  When he finally gave me an explanation, it made sense...kind of!  He had been driving east and when the the sun came up, he had a difficult time seeing because of the dirty windshield!

As we were crossing the state line, I was talking to Brent.  We put on a good show for him.  Lots of honking and much yahooing!  We wanted Brent to know that we are still doing a good job, even at our advanced ages.

When we got to the area of Salt Lake City, traffic slowed down because of a wreck several miles further on.  It was a bad wreck... so bad that it was impossible to tell the make of one of the cars.  The trunk and back bumper were completely gone.  The motor was mangled and hanging out and the windshield was totally shattered.  Ouch!

We had a late lunch at In-N-Out.  Yum, yum! 

The drive through Price Canyon was very enjoyable.  There was very little traffic and the terrane was really pretty.  A lot of signs cautioned about deer, but we didn’t see any.  One part of the highway was in the deer migration path, but we didn’t see any of the critters.  A couple of road kill coyotes, but that was all we saw.

We parked at Walmart and after resting for a short time, we went geocaching...found two and had one DNF.

Mileage for today was 340.

September 2, 2015---Eugene to Elks Lodge, Bend, OR.

Bill was on the road at 6:15.  That’s a bit short of a “Dane start.”  I got more shut eye before taking my blanket to the front seat and wrapping myself up to keep warm.

While I was sleeping, Bill saw some interesting things.  There were herds of antelope in some of the fields.  A few miles further on he saw a commotion in the road ahead.  It was a coyote and some buzzard fighting over road kill.  As the motorhome got closer, he said the birds flew away and the coyote grabbed the carcass, and disappeared into the sagebrush.  Size rules, but not by much.

We crossed some barren land in Eastern Oregon and then in Idaho on Interstate 84.  There was a lot of irrigation and those parts were green.  Otherwise, it was brown, brown, brown!

Super Driver put the pedal to the metal today.  We had very little traffic.  That was great!

Today’s Travel Totals:  miles traveled,  440---critter sightings, antelope.

September 1, 2015---Eugene to Elks Lodge, Bend, OR.

We had the motorhome ready to go in the shop at 8:00.  The old air conditioner/heat pumps have given us faithful service for nearly 17 years.  Several months ago the back unit “gave up the ghost.”  Several weeks ago the front unit said, “me, too.”

We rearranged our travel plans and headed north.  Since we also need to take care of some medical issues in Loveland it was a good time to backtrack.  While we are on our way east, we decided it would be a good time to go by Grand Junction to see Connor and his college situation.

Yesterday, I had seen a sign south of Junction City advertising biscuits and gravy.  This morning we went in search of the sign...and found it!  The only thing in the area was a coffee kiosk, so we drove up to the window and ask about the sign.  As luck would have it, we were in the right place. And I must tell you that they were very good biscuits and gravy.  It was a treat. 

We took a back road into Eugene and wandered around parts of the city we hadn’t been in before.   I has seen a bead shop not far from the mall, so we went in search of it, only to discover it was out of business.  Rats!  We found a Honda dealer and took the time to check out their new towable car.  The 2015 CRVs are not towable.  We aren’t in the market for a new car, but if the need arises we will have a head start.

The motorhome work was finished just as the shop was closing for the day.  By the time we paid the bill and hooked the CRV onto the MH, it was 4:20.  Our destination for today was Bend.  I called our friend, Guy, who lives in Bend.  He and his mom, Dorothy, came for a visit.  Kelly, Guy’s wife, was already retired for the night, but she sent us a loaf of zucchini bread.  We had a really good visit with Guy and Dorothy.

Today’s Travel Totals:  miles traveled, 131---critter sightings, deer in two different fields.