Saturday, October 31, 2015

October 31, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house


Happy Halloween!

It was very cool and crisp this morning.  But the sun was shining and the sky was clear blue.  A perfect Fall day. 

Michelle, Matthew, and I went to Target.  He needed a jacket and I was looking for pajamas for Bill, a purse for me and Bill…too, and sheets for our bed in the MH.  Our next stop was at the Nike store at the Loveland Outlet Mall.  I stayed in the car while Matthew and Michelle went in to shop.  They were soon finished and back to the Honda.  That was quick.  The first pair of shoes fit and were comfortable.  Wow!  That was a first!

Matthew suggested Arby’s for lunch.  That’s always a good choice to our way of thinking.  Today was no different.  When we left with happy tummies, we decided to go back home for naps before finishing the things on our list.

I wasn’t able to sleep, but I rested and that was what I needed.  We went to Walmart to get some of my meds and candy for Trick or Treaters.  It took us a long time to check out.  By the time we got back to the car, I was really tired.

Our last stop for the afternoon was at the Library.  We each checked out several books before heading back “to the old corral.”

Bill and I didn’t have any kids in costumes, probably because we had the lights out while we watched Maverick and the Lazy Ace series.  I think Michelle’s doorbell only rang a few times, which was good.  With every chime of the bell, Tippy went into orbit!  He had a big job tonight keeping everyone in the house safe from all the ghosts and goblins!






Friday, October 30, 2015

October 30, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house


Two day ago, I thought I saw a mouse.  I had been napping on the sofa. Sometimes, in situations like this, I don’t always see things correctly.  Later, Bill discovered pecans carried from our pecan basket and stored under the dash behind our map drawer.

Early yesterday morning, Bill saw the “criminal” in action, transferring his stash we had removed yesterday. The Mighty Mouse Hunter threw a Kleenex box at “Mickey.”  Although it wasn’t the most effective of weapons, it was certainly preferable to the remote control or his Mac computer, the only other options available at the time.

The Hunter set a trap in Mickey’s hiding place.  Guess what!  That little furry thief ate the Snicker piece on the trap without springing it.  He must be a smart little critter.  Bill will set more traps tonight.  Stay tuned for further developments.

This morning, I had an appointment with Dr. Huneycutt.  I have been having problems with diarrhea.  Of course, there are still concerns with my lack of balance, my fatigue, and now intestinal problems.  And today, I added diabetes .  It has been a concern for sometime, but It came on faster now.  I will have some lifestyle changes to make.

David came this afternoon.  We went for a walk.  We walked more than twice as far as we usually do.  That was encouraging to me.





October 29, 2015—-Parked in the driveway at Michelle’s house, Loveland, Colorado.



Ron and Joshua came out to watch the Oregon Duck play Arizona State University.  It didn’t start until 8:30 p.m.  It was an exciting game with the lead going back and forth.  In the third Overtime, Oregon intercepted in the end zone to win the game.  Yea!  It was 12:40 a.m.

I called Brent to cheer.  He didn’t think his heart could have taken another OT.  It was 1:40 a.m. at his house!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

October 28, 2015—-In the driveway, Michelle’s house

When we got up at 7:00 this morning, the temperature was 32°. Ice was on the car, but no snowflakes were falling.  Br-r-r-r-r!

We had meant to do some more errands, but I just didn’t want to leave our nice warm motorhome and go out into the cold.  We have a catalytic heater which Natalia calls our fireplace.  Bill got it out of one of our basement storage compartments and hooked it up.  We rely on it a lot during the winter, especially when we are dry camping.  Otherwise, we have a gas furnace, two heat pumps, and a small electric heater.  And an electric blanket on the bed.  We usually keep mighty toasty. 

David came just after lunch.  We worked on exercises to help me with my balance.  Although I seem to be doing better in most areas, my balance is still a problem.  Bill has always said I was half a bubble off level, but I don’t think that applies to my current balance problems.

Meredith came for dinner and to get the pups.  After we finished eating, we sat around the table with Joshua and Matthew and remembered funny stories about all of our dogs, both past and present.  It was a fun time!

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

October 27, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

It was cool this morning.  We decided it would be a good day to catch up on some errands.

We went to US Bank.  We had a new VISA card that needed to be activated and I wasn’t having any luck getting it done myself.  Kim was able to solve all of our problems.  She was also able to help us with our IRA accounts.

Our next stop was at Walgreen’s.  We needed to get our flu shots for this year.  It took a long time to get them, and not because of the number of people before us.  They were just very slow.  We would hate to go there on a busy day. 

We drove to Fort Collins to take care of a couple of things.  One was to see if we could find the Dental School.  I need to have my teeth cleaned.  We discovered they were going to be closed for two weeks.  We’ll call back after the first of November.  I hope we will have enough time to get it done before we leave the area.

After we got as much information as we could we went to Sprouts to get a few groceries.  We were too tired to go to any other places, so we went home for some rest time.

Ron and Michelle were going out to dinner, so Bill went to Sam’s Club to get pizza for Matthew and us.  We told him we were going to go to the MH to eat and he was welcome to join us.  About five minutes he came out.  We were watching Death Valley Days, an old series about the settling of the Death Valley and surrounding areas.

Next, we watched an episode of Maverick and the Lazy Ace series.  Matthew wanted to know if we had watched it before.  We said yes.  Then he wanted to know if we ever watched anything that didn’t have cowboys and horses in it.  We both said, “Not very often.”

Monday, October 26, 2015

October 26, 2015 - Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

October 26, 2015 - Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

This morning we had a little rain for a short time.  It cleared, but stayed quite cool.

Bill set off to get the radiator from the generator checked and repaired.  It has had a leak for several months.  It was very hard to get out, but had to be removed in order to have it repaired.  There wasn’t anyone in Loveland who could fix it, so he had to go north to Fort Collins to find a repair shop.  We will wait now until the shop calls to give us the report on the check-up.

I stayed home to wait for Lindsay to come and check my “vitals.”  She left just after 12:00, so when we finished lunch, I rested while Bill worked on getting the generator reconnected.  It was a really tough job.  He will have to finish it tomorrow, but when we get the radiator back, he will have a head start to getting everything back together.

Meredith, Hapa, and Joey came, bringing supper.  Meredith made chili.  It was a perfect day for chili and cornbread, which Michelle contributed.

After we finished eating, Meredith and Michelle worked with my new computer, getting things transferred from the old to the new machine.  I will need to spend some time getting acquainted with the new MAC.

We ended the day by watching Dancing With The Stars.


Sunday, October 25, 2015

October 25, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado



NASCAR was at Talladega, Alabama, this week.  Jeff Gordon was on the pole.  He had an up and down day and finished 4th, I think.  He’s still in the chase for the championship.

Michelle flew home from San Jose early this afternoon.  Bill picked her up at the transit station.  It was good to have her back home and she was glad to be back home.  And Tippy was glad, too!  He was so excited he peed in the flower bed about a dozen times.  He was so overjoyed he couldn’t contain himself.

Bill fixed Sloppy Joe's and cole slaw for dinner.  I don’t know what the boys thought of the menu, but the rest of us enjoyed dinner and Michelle didn’t have to cook.  That was the best part.  She was really tired.  She is so glad she doesn’t have to commute to work every day.  She said no wonder Meredith drives a Mini Cooper.

We watched Sunday night football, mainly because Chip Kelly’s team was playing.  We enjoyed watching him when he coached the Oregon Ducks and we sometimes get to see him when Philadelphia plays.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

October 24, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado



At a few minutes after 9:00, Meredith came in the Mini Cooper, loaded me and my walker in and we headed south on I-25.  Our destination was the Apple Store in Broomfield.  It was a beautiful drive south with fresh snow on the mountains to the west.

We arrived at the store at about 10:10.  There were already a lot of customers.  Meredith and I got our names on the list for help with my iPad.  That wasn’t our main purpose in going to the Apple Store, though. 

I was computer shopping.  My present Mac is about 10 years old and has slowed down a lot.  Also, most of the newer programs need a faster processor...or something like that.  After  spending about an hour with one of the Mac people, Meredith and I decided a Mac Book Pro was what I needed.  I stayed with a 15” screen.

Meredith will come Monday night and help me transfer info from the old computer to the new one.  Then it will be like going to school to learn all of the ins and outs of the new one.

On the way south this morning we saw four hot air balloons.  One landed not far west of I-25.  It was a beautiful sight.  It is an early morning sport, so by the time we journeyed north toward home, there were no balloons to be seen.

I took a nap when we got home.  I was tuckered out!

Friday, October 23, 2015

October 23, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado


The sky was mostly clear this morning...cool, and windy.  Most of the deciduous trees in the neighborhood now have yellow leaves.  At least, until today!  The swirling wind sent them flying and left many bare branches.  It was an interesting sight to see.  Lots of people were out today blowing leaves off the grass.

When David and I went for a walk this afternoon, the streets were fairly covered with leaves.  Let’s hope the street sweeper comes by soon.  A rain now would leave a soppy mess in the streets.

Our residence rabbits are around every day now, enjoying the weeds and grass sprouting since these past few days of rain.  As long as there are no dogs around, they are content to nibble, even with us just a few feet away.  We have seen a few tiny babies, but they usually stay under the bushes.

Tippy had a special treat today.  Meredith came with her two dogs and got him.  They went for a walk on the trail at Boyd Lake.  I would imagine, but I don’t know for sure, they took long naps when they got back to the house.  Meredith, on the other hand, had to get back to work.  She enjoys the days she can work from home because she can spend her lunch time with the dogs.  The dogs like it, too.  It is a “win win” situation, all the way around.

Joshua was in charge of dinner tonight.  He fixed chicken nuggets and grapes for a garnish.  We also had bread and butter and sliced tomatoes, the last of the vine ripened ones.  Bill and I enjoyed them, but I think the boys were thinking...huh?  We also had ice cream for dessert.  Yum, yum!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

October 22, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

More rain still falling this morning.  It is just the kind of rain this area has needed for a long time.  Slow and the kind that soaks in the ground.

We went on several errands today, but not until after lunch.  Meredith brought us a container of broccoli soup.  It really tasted good on this cold, wet day.

With happy tummies, we headed out to see how many things we could get marked off the “To Do List.”  We took a sack of donations to Habitat For Humanity.  Normally, we would have shopped, too, but I really didn’t want to walk in the rain any more than necessary.

The second thing to mark off the list was Dollar Tree.  We stocked up on milk, mango nectar, and chocolate covered graham crackers.  They are Bill’s favorite.  I also got two other kinds of cookies that I like.

Third stop was at the office where I got my Handicap Placards.  The one Brent sent me in March, along with several other things I left in Mississippi, never did arrive...our Post Office at work!  I was able to get the lost one replaced.  The lady at the license plate office was extremely nice.  It just took me a few minutes to get that item marked off the list.

Bill went to the Library to return books for me and then came to the “handicap office.”  He was surprised that I was just about finished with my business there.  We went back home to rest.  I was tired after making all those marks on my scrap of paper.

Meredith made Mexican Soup (I can’t spell the name).  It was so good.  We didn’t stay very late, but enjoyed the time we spent with her and Dwaine, and the pups.


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

October 21, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado


Last night we had lightening.  At midnight, the rain started to come down...and it was still falling this morning.  50° was the temperature at 10:00.  It definitely felt like winter, but no snow at this elevation.

It was a cold, drippy morning so I wasn’t very motivated to get out and do some of the errands I had on the list for today.  Bill said the list was too long anyway, so I will use that as my excuse.

Ron left lasagna for us to bake for dinner.  There was also bread to heat.  I ask Matthew and Joshua if they wanted salad, also.  No one seemed overly excited about the prospect of “green stuff” so I didn’t bother.  Ron works late tonight so we left everything out for him.

David came to “torture” me with PT.  He said I am definitely getting stronger, and I agree.  My balance is still not good, but he is teaching me how to compensate for my “wobbles.” 

My brother, Jim, called this afternoon.  We plan to go by to see them in Santa Fe as we are on our way to Arizona.  His health problems are somewhat similar to mine.  We always have things to compare.  He and Peggy have decided to sell their motorhome.  It will be interesting to see how the market is.  Hope it is good for them!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

October 20, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

While Bill went to Walmart for a few groceries and a prescription, I stayed home to get dressed.  Bill went by Meredith’s house to get Joey and Hapa.  They were coming to spend the day with Tippy. I got into the house just after Bill took them into the kitchen.  I guess Hapa came, too.  I only saw her furry backside as she ran downstairs.  She loves being in the basement.  She usually stays down there all day long.

I went into Michelle’s office to rest on the futon and be with Tippy and Joey.  Tippy was busy going around the house making sure everyone was where they belonged, so Joey and I rested.

Ron and Joshua both worked the late shifts last night, so they slept in, getting up in time to fix brunch.  I was invited for scrambled eggs and sausage.  Joey was outside in the sunshine, but Tippy stayed inside in case I wanted to feed him part of my food.

I stayed around the motorhome all afternoon, expecting David to come for my physical therapy, but he never appeared.  Maybe tomorrow...

Meredith visited for a few minutes when she came to claim the pups.  Lori had just called to say that she had booked a flight to Denver for November 5th.  Our departure from this area will be after she goes back to California on the 9th...if our doctor appointments are finished by then.

Monday, October 19, 2015

October 19, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado


While Bill was taking the motorhome to dump the holding tanks and to RV America, I went into the house to spend some time with Tippy.  I know he was missing Michelle and was confused that she was gone again.  He and I took a nap on the futon in Michelle’s office.  He lay on my feet most of the time.  He’s really heavy!

Lindsay came to check me out this morning.  Everything seems OK.  She is going to try to get my test results from Dr. Sears.  Until we get those, we really can’t plan our departure from Loveland.

Bonnie called with phone numbers of places to rent in Yuma.  We will try to get a line on a place to park the motorhome when we are there.  I’ll keep you posted on the progress of that situation.

Bill and I went to McDonald’s for lunch.  It was crowded, as usual.  After eating, we went across the street to US Bank.  It took quite some time to get a credit card problem sorted out.  Our personal banker, Kim, had some very good suggestions for us.  It is something we need to get straightened out before we leave this area.

Meredith and the pups came late this afternoon.  All three dogs really like playing in the backyard.  They bark at people walking by which sometimes makes for a lot of noise, but they are doing their job of protecting the humans in their lives.

Bill went to Panda Express for dinner for the group.  It was good and easy...one of our favorites!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

October 18, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

This morning, Bill took Michelle to catch an airport shuttle to Denver.  She will fly to San Jose, where she’ll meet JP and Rosie for dinner.  She is going to spend a week at the California office of the company she works for.  She is also going to a trade show for several days.  The company is introducing a new item designed by one of their engineers.  She’ll be back home next Sunday.

I spent the first part of the day watching the Broncos play Cleveland.  Denver won in overtime.  Yea!  I also watched part of the NASCAR race from Kansas City.  I kept falling asleep, so I finally gave up and took an “honest to goodness” nap.

At 5:00, Bill and I went to Sam’s Club.  While he was doing our shopping, I got dinner for us.  He and I had hot dogs and we got a pizza for Matthew.  He is the only one home now.  Everyone else is working, traveling, etc.  He will also take some pizza for his lunch tomorrow.

We started watching the Lazy Ace series.   It is a series starring James Garner as Bret Maverick, a spinoff of the original series.  All the other characters are new to this series.  It is one of our favorites.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

October 17, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

David came at 9:30 for my PT.  We went for a walk and did some balance exercises along the way.

Meredith came at 11:00.  We were going to Best Buy to look at Mac Computers.  Hopefully, I am going to get a new laptop.  The selection at Best Buy was limited, so we will make a trip to the Apple Store in Broomfield next Saturday.  I want to go ahead while I can take advantage of Meredith’s Oracle discount.

Before we went home, we ate Mexican food for lunch.  Meredith is so busy with her jobs that we don’t get to spend much time together.  It was enjoyable and relaxing.

Back at the motorhome, I rested and spent some time reading a book I have been trying to finish.  I have made good use of the Library while we are here this time.

The Oregon Ducks played the Washington Huskies tonight.  Ron came to watch with us.  He brought a plate of cookies that Michelle had just baked.  Yea for the Ducks and yea for home baked cookies.

Joshua got home from work in time to see the last few minutes of the game.  The Ducks won, 26-20.  Yippy Skippy!

Friday, October 16, 2015

October 16, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

At 9:45, I had an appointment for an ultra sound to be done at the  University of Colorado Medical Center of the Rockies.  Dr. Sears wants to see if anything that might be causing my anemia would show up.  Now I just have to wait for a report from the doctor.

Because I had to go into the test without food or water since midnight, I was really hungry.  We decided to go Cracker Barrel, one of our favorite breakfast places.  Of course, that meant biscuits and gravy.  It was good, but even they could use gravy lessons from any of our kids.  They know what good gravy should taste like.

We went to the day old bread store before we went home.  After we finished the shopping for Michelle, we drove around the complex where the store is.  Bill had never been to that area of town.  It is very large, with lots of small companies located there.

When we got back to the motorhome, I took a nap.  David was coming for a physical therapy session at 4:00, so I wanted to be rested.  He called to say he was in a town a little ways from Loveland and would be here by 6:00.  He called again to say traffic was really bad, so we rescheduled for Saturday, mid morning.

Brent called to see how my test went.  All is well in Mississippi, which is good to hear.  They are very busy with school for Sara, Coleson and Courtney, Brent’s taxi service, and Willie’s constant quest ot rid the backyard of geckos!

Michelle brought purple tulips to me this afternoon.  They are beautiful.  They remind me of our trip to Holland, and that always makes me happy!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

October 15, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado

I had a good night’s sleep and had some energy this morning so I decided to clean some of the mess on and under the desk.  Of course, It turned into a bigger job than I thought it would.  It usually does!  At about 10:30, I ran out ot steam.  It was necessary for me to rest for about an hour.

At 1:00, Bill, Michelle and I went to see Dr. Huneycutt.  Bill has been very concerned about a pain he has had in his neck.  If I’d had any idea there was anything to be done for “a pain in the neck,” we would have been there sooner!  Bill got some encouraging information.  I, on the other had, will have to live with it...55 years and counting!

I rested and napped when we got home.  Meredith came about the time I got up.  She had Hapa with her.  Hapa was very fluffy.  She had a bath last night and she looked like she had grown in the process.  Actually, she was extra fluffy which makes her seem bigger.

I started working on my medical files.  It is going to take a lot of time to get it all organized, but it will be one of the big jobs marked off my list when I finish.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October 14, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway, Loveland, Colorado



I had a major problem posting my blog last night.  Thanks to Lori, she was able to solve my problem.  Since this last year of sickness, I have forgotten how to do so many things, most of them involving my computer.

This is turning out to be a very busy week for us.  Lots of medical stuff.  And it is going to continue through Friday.  So far, next week looks clear, but it may not stay that way.  That’s usually the way it goes.

Natalia came for dinner tonight.  There is always a lively discussion around the table when she is here.  She and Joshua really have a good time with their banter.  Sometimes it is hard for Matthew to keep up.  He just needs more practice.

Michelle has figured out a good way to organize all my medical information.  It will be a difficult task, but it really needs to happen.  I have tried to hire a secretary, but so far no luck!  Rats!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

October 13, 2015 - Michelle's Driveway

It was another beautiful day in Colorado.  Unfortunately, I was still tired from our weekend trip, so I didn't feel like getting out and enjoying our surroundings.  I was watching the morning news and fell back asleep.  Then later, I was working on the computer and went to sleep.  Usually when that happens, I type a whole row of the same letter.  Not this time.  I guess my hands took a nap, too.

At dinner,  Michelle and I were having a hard time staying awake, especially Michelle…  Driving to Grand Junction there and back really took its toll on her.  

This afternoon, Bill and Michelle took me to see Dr. Sears.  I needed to get the results from my most recent lab work.  It showed that I am still anemic, but the reasons for that are unclear.  I had more blood work done and will have an ultrasound.  I will be glad to get more test results to take with me in case I need them in Yuma.  I told Bill that I am tired of being tired.  This problem has been getting worse for about three years.  Of course, having a heart attack didn't help.  It seems as if I take one step forward and two steps back.  I get discouraged sometimes.

Monday, October 12, 2015

October 12, 2015--Michelle’s Driveway



             (the following was meant for the October 11, 2015 blog I had trouble posting)
We slept in for a short time this morning.  At 9:30, we collected Connor and went in search of a place to eat breakfast.  We drove to the downtown area of Junction City and found a place with outside seating.

The weather was beautiful.  The food was okay, but “nothing to write home about.”  It was a pleasant place to sit and relax.  We enjoyed the morning.

We went in search of Walmart.  Connor needed a few supplies to last him until he comes home for Thanksgiving.  The college is quite a ways from that kind of shopping.

Once we were back at the campus we walked to Connor’s dorm.  His room is on the third floor.  We used the elevator to spare my legs a trip up the stairs.  I think I have just about done my limit for the weekend.

We walked to the building where Connor goes for his meals.  It is a very nice setup.  I have been impressed with all the areas that I have seen.  It is nice, but not overdone in the least.  And all the architecture seems to fit together.

Our next job was to find a place to eat and watch the Bronco game.  They were playing the Raiders in Oakland.  Of all the games I want them to win this year, it is this one...and they did.  Yea!!!!

It was a long drive back to Loveland, but we are very glad we went.

    (Today, October 12, 2015)
My day involved several medical appointments...lab tests, a visit from Lindsay, and a walk with David.

I am so frustrated with the posting of my blog, but I promise to keep trying.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

October 11, 2015---Grand Junction back to Michelle’s Driveway


We just got home and are very tired.  And now I can’t get my message transferred from my iPad to my computer.  I will work on it tomorrow.  I am just too tired ti fool with it anymore.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

October 10, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

We left Loveland this morning at 5:00, with Michelle at the wheel.  I'm glad Bill did such a good job teaching of our kids and grandkids to drive.  They all good drivers!

We stopped at Silverthorne, about 80 miles west of Denver.  There is a coffee shop there that sits by
a mountain stream.  It was too cold to sit outside this morning, but it was a beautiful setting.  When we got back outside on the way to the car, we could hear shooting in the distance.  This is the first weekend of hunting season.

We got hugs from Connor and gave lots, too.   After eating a late breakfast, we located a Visitor Center and got some information on BLM camping.  There was a geocache Meredith found underneath a rusty metal dinosaur.  As we were leaving the area, two motorcycle policemen, with flashing lights went by.  Connor said, "What did you do now, Abuela?"  I can't get away with anything, anymore!

Connor took us to the Mesa area where his track team goes to run.  Michelle wanted to know if the coach was teaching them skills for dealing with rattlesnakes.  Connor said that he was..."Run!"

We went to the Colorado National Monument.  We drove the 22 mile loop through absolutely beautiful rock formations.

When we got back to Grand Junction, we checked into our hotel and rested for awhile, watching some football games.

Dinner was at Texas Roadhouse.  The food was good, but it was terribly noisy.  We took Connor back to his dorm, went to the hotel and crashed!  We were very, very tired!

Friday, October 9, 2015

October 9, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

Today is my brother’s 81st birthday!  When I was little, I called him Bubba and he called me Sis.  Jim’s son, Cort, called me Aunt Sis.  I told Lori she could call my brother Uncle Bubba, but she was only two and got mixed up.  She called him Unca Bubble.  I am still Aunt Sis to his kids.  As the years passed, Unca Bubble would have fit him really well, but now he’s just Uncle Jim.

Bill and I went on errands this morning, including the Library.  We were there 30 or 40 minutes.  When we left, we went to Taco Bell for lunch.  Once back home, we took naps and then continued my packing. 

Meredith, Michelle, and I are going to Grand Junction tomorrow to see Connor.  We plan to leave at 5:00. a.m.  Bill has spent several day getting the CRV cleaned out and very spiffy.

This afternoon, Meredith and the dogs were here.  They were in the front yard and off leash.  Hapa was the first to see the rabbit across the street, but Joey was in hot persuit, with Meredith a not too distance third.  Thankfully, no cars were coming around the corner.  Both dogs knew they were in a whole lot of trouble.  Meredith left no doubt that they were to get back across the street...NOW!  Well, Hapa, being the super herding dog she is, was trying to herd Joey away from Meredith.  It didn’t work, but it was interesting and scary to watch.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

October 8, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

I had a terribly sleepless night.  My face hurt, Tylenol didn’t help, and I didn’t wake Bill up to help me with the ice pack.  It was about 4:00 before I was able to go to sleep.  The next thing I knew, the time was 9:30.  And I woke up during a weird, crazy dream.

We had planned to go for a walk this morning, but it didn’t happen. At least not an around the block walk.  We went to Costco and I did quite a bit of walking there.  Our only purchase was an electric blanket.

After getting gasoline for the CRV we went to Walmart.  While Bill went in the store to get my prescription, I stayed in the car.  I was really glad to get back to the motorhome so I could take a nap.  I was tuckered out.

David called that he was coming later than usual for my physical therapy session.  He arrived at 6:30.  I had a tiring workout, but my balance was much better than it was earlier in the week.

After my “torture” was finished, he, Bill, and I talked until nearly 8:00.  He has lots of interesting stories to tell about growing up in Madrid, Spain.  His mother is from Buffalo, NY and he has been in this country for several years, so his English is certainly as good as Bill’s...sometimes better.  Bill speaks Texan, you know!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

October 7, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway



At 8:00 this morning, Bill took me to the dermatologist office to have a cancer place removed from the right side of my forehead.  It took about 1 1/2 hours, but things went well.  We caught it before it started to sprout roots.  That’s good!

I was to rest for 24 hours before removing the pressure bandage.  I’ve been practicing the resting part for several days.  I passed that part with flying colors...mostly red!

I have been following the doctor’s orders and only taking Tylenol for pain.  This spot seems more tender than other places I’ve had removed years before.

We’ll see how things go when I remove the bandage tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

October 6, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway



I knew I was really tired yesterday when I was writing my blog.  But the fact that I didn’t post it properly might tell you just how tired I really was.

Although we are not in travel mode at this time, we have had some critter sightings.  Yesterday, Meredith was driving over here and reported traffic was stopped on the main street in back of Michelle’s house because a turkey was crossing the road.  He wanted to show the possum that it could be done. 

A few minutes later the turkey crossed the street in front of Michelle’s house and went under the branches of a huge evergreen tree.  We have seen them go under there before and have thought they roost in the lower branches for safety.

We have seen two rabbits taking refuge under the bushes across the street.  We may soon see a whole family emerge from the landscaping.

The geese are flying in formation now and make a loud “honking” noise as they fly over.  (Maybe they are looking for the State Line.)

At night we sometimes hear coyotes howling.  And that is all the critter stories from the Wild, Wild, West!

We had some rain---some=about 12 drops---tonight.  I thought it was just about cold enough to snow, but I was wrong.  Rats!

October 5, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway



Today, I was extra tired.  Every time I was watching TV, I napped through most of the programs.  It was kind of hard to keep track of a story line in my sleep.

The sky was overcast and there was a chill in the air.  It felt like winter was on the way.  I think I was thinking about hibernating.

We went out to dinner with Meredith and Dwaine.  Chinese was the choice.  I wasn’t able to eat very much, but what I did have was good.  I started with egg drop soup, which was very good.  We each had a plate with an egg roll.  There was something else on the plate which I don’t know the name of.  It was dough wrapped around a cream cheese mixture and fried.  I especially liked it, although I never did find out the name.

I ate two of the fried dough and cream cheese things and half of an egg roll, so I was nearly full before the main course was served.  The best part of the evening was being with Meredith and Dwaine.  They are both so busy with jobs and school that we haven’t seen much of them, especially Dwaine.

We got home in time to see the second half of the Sea Hawks game with the Lions.  Seattle won, barely! 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

October 4, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway



The sky was overcast this morning, but nothing was falling, except leaves that have already changed colors...no rain, no snow, only dead dry leaves.

I spent some time in the house with Michelle and Tippy.  We haven’t sat out in the yard for several days because of the rain and wind.  So we sat at the dining table and talked.

I rested a little while, watching the NASCAR race from Dover until it was time to watch the Bronco game against the Vikings.  For the first half of the game, Bill switched back and forth between the game and the race.  Sometimes it is confusing, but he is good at pushing the buttons.

When the game was at halftime, Michelle and I went to Origins to watch the second half of the Broncos game against the Vikings.  Meredith had just finished the morning/noon shift, so we had a late lunch and watched the rest of the game from Denver.  Once again, the Defense won the game.

I had chicken soup.  It was really good.  M and M had bread with several toppings.  We had a special chocolate dessert that was especially good.

I didn’t see the last of the NASCAR race, so I can’t report on it, but Bill told me a litle about it.

October 3, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

When we had our first motorhome, an Eldorado 24 ft. Class C, it was a fairly “plain Jane” model...no generator, no microwave, no satalitte dish...all the “necessaties” of life.  Since there was no generator there was no toaster.  So we did the best we could and fried the bread on one side.  Brent called it “camping toast.”  This morning, Michelle sent a text that she was making camping toast rolls.  With Michelle’s homemade peach preserves, it is one of our favorite breakfast treats.  Tippy liked it, too.

Michelle and I went on some Saturday errands...to the Library, to the day old bread store, and to Walmart.  I got tired and hungry in Wally World so I went to McDonalds for something to eat and drink.  Michelle finished our shopping, went through the check-out line, and came to eat her half of our lunch. 

After resting for awhile back home, Bill, Michelle, Tippy, and I went for a walk around the block.

It was cool most of the day so Michelle made chili and cornbread for dinner.  It really tasted good.  Just as Bill and I went into the house, rain started to fall.  Soon the lightening and thunder started and the rain came down harder.  The storm lasted for over two hours.

The Ducks were playing the University of Colorado in Boulder and the bad weather delayed the game for over an hour, I think.  The problem was the lightening.  The rule is lightening within eight miles of the field delays the game until the storm passes through the area.

The game wasn’t over until nearly 12:30.  Bill watched the first half of the game and then went to bed.  Ron came out to watch with us.  He and I watched the whole thing.  Oregon won!  Yea!

Friday, October 2, 2015

October 2, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway

We went for our usual walk around the block, before we ate breakfast...French toast, maple syrup, and apple sauce.

After resting for awhile, we set out to do some errands.  First was a visit to the Post Office.  I had packages to mail to Lori and Brent.  I have had those things on the desk for several weeks, so they are finally cleared off.

We went to US bank to deposit a check from Honda.  We were part of a class action lawsuit concerning our door locks on our present CRV.  We had both kind of put it out of our minds so it was good to have it all resolved.  Don’t get excited...it wasn’t for big bucks.  It was just for repayment of our out-of-pocket expenses for having the door locks fixed.

Our next stop was at the Library.  I had books to return and I checked out two more mysteries.  I have been reading the Hamish MacBeth series that takes place in Scotland.

We made a stop at Verizon before going to Wendy’s to eat lunch.  Our last stop was for desert at Duncan Donuts before going home for afternoon naps.

It was a busy day, but I didn’t run out of steam.  That’s a first for me in a long time.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

October 1, 2015---Michelle’s Driveway



Bill and I went for an early morning walk around the block.  It was a beautiful morning...cool, and slightly overcast.  It was a very pleasant time to be out walking.

When we got back to the motorhome, I had to recline while Chef Bill fixed us a big breakfast.  It was so good, but I’m sorry to say It didn’t do much to revive me.  I went back to bed so Bill could have the sofa for his mid morning nap.

At about 12:30, we discovered that my water container was still out on my walker.  I hadn’t had a drink all morning.  I really felt badly.  I try to remember to drink water every few minutes, but for some reason I just forget and I get dehydrated so quickly.

The rest of the first of October was just about a “lost” day for me.  Other than our early morning walk, I accomplished not a thing.
But I did get a lot of rest, so maybe October 2nd will be a better day for me.

I really need to get this problem solved.  A new memory implant would really help!