Monday, November 30, 2015

November 30, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

After Bill went to a laundromat, and we got all the clean duds put away, Bill took a long nap.  He was tuckered out!

We ate lunch and then went for a walk.  It wasn’t a very long walk, just around our own block.  I was, however, dragging my feet from the very first step.

My only excuse was that I didn’t get very much sleep last night.  No special reason…I just couldn’t go to sleep!  Just like back in my old school teaching days!

Walmart was on our list today.  We mainly needed groceries.  Our cupboard was bare.  It took us quite a bit of time to get most of what we needed.  Although most Walmarts are arranged very much alike, it always seems to take longer at a different store.  I drove an electric cart, which is always a nerve wrecking experience.

I had planned to take a nap when we got home, but it just didn’t turn out that way.  Other chores kept getting in the way of some snooze time.

We haven’t located very many geocaches recently, but I was getting behind in my record keeping.  Today, I managed to get caught up.  That means it is time to go out on the hunt again.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

November 29, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona



When Dwight and Sheila came to walk this morning, they had a cache they wanted to take us to first.  It was out on the desert and required tromping across the sand.  I made it just fine until I came upon a rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike!  Yikes!  Not to worry though.  It was a rubber snake guarding the site.  A very clever place to hide a cache!

When we got back to where our motorhome is parked, we set out on a walk.  I felt much better as we walked.  Better than I have felt in a long time.  That was encouraging!  But, alas!  After lunch and naps we went out to walk again and my left leg was really tight.  I was discouraged after such a good morning, but Bill tried to cheer me up. 

Todd told me I was walking too much.  Now that’s “the Pot calling the Kettle black.”  He may be able to walk further and faster than I can, but he’s been at his recovery routine longer and more seriously than I have.  But the gauntlet has been thrown.  The challenged put to me.  So watch out, Todd.  Here comes a determined Raymonda!

We took two RXs to Walmart on our way to eat dinner at In-N-Out.  When we got back home, we watched the Bronco game being played in the snow…in Denver.  They were playing New England.  The snow was coming down harder in the second half.

(I called Michelle to see if they were having snow.  She said not yet, but they were expecting the white, fluffy stuff to come their way before long.)

Denver pulled the game out in overtime.  It was a great way to finish the day!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

November 28, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona



Happy Birthday, Matthew.  17 years old.  Wow!  I was there when you were born.  From the time you first started to talk, you have had a unique way of expressing yourself.  Example…when your family moved to Colorado and you experienced your first snow, it was just barely covering the ground, but no accumulation.  You called it a “skinny snow.”  There was never any doubt what you were talking about.  We called that the world according to Matthew!

We heard that Loveland had snow on Thanksgiving Day, but it didn’t sound like a “skinny snow.”  It sounded like a real, honest to goodness snow!

This morning, the “group” (Todd and Bonnie, their two little dogs, Dwight and Sheila, and Bill and I) gathered at 10:00 for a walk.  We went around a different block.  This afternoon, Todd and one of the pups came at 3:00 for a walk.  Our block was the chosen route.  Today, we walked a total of 1.20 miles.  We are trying to make each trek just a little bit further.

After the morning walk, Dwight and Sheila took Bill and me to find a cache.  Todd had found it yesterday and thought we would enjoy it.  We drove a short way out onto the desert south of Yuma.  There under a bush was a wooden box.  Under the box was a large evil looking black rubber rat.  Yuck!  Actually, it was a very clever geocache.

At Todd and Bonnie’s, we finished the leftovers from Thursday’s dinner.  It was as good as before, and tonight I didn’t feel stuffed.  Just right!

Friday, November 27, 2015

November 27, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

Todd and Bonnie came at 12:00 today to go for a walk.  Dwight and Sheila came, too.  Bill and Dwight stayed at the motorhome to work some more on our electrical problem.  The rest of us “hit the pavement.”  We walked around our block, which is 1/2 mile.

The guys were able to get the lights working.  I’m not sure what the final diagnosis was, but everything now works as it should.  It has been several months since all our ceiling lights have worked.  Now they do!  Yippy, Skippy!

After eating a quick lunch and taking a short nap, we met back here at 3:00 and all six of us walked the block again.  That made a total of a mile for me for today.  It certainly is nice to have friends to walk along with, and to have beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way.

Bill and I started watching the Oregon Ducks game when we got back.  At 5:45, we went to Todd and Bonnie’s house for leftovers.  The food was good, but the fellowship was the best part.

When we got back to the MH, we watched the last two minutes of the “Civil War” between the Ducks and the Beavers from Oregon State.  The Ducks won, 52-42.  Yea!!!!!!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

November 26, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona



Happy Thanksgiving!  We’ve had lots to be thankful for all these past years, but this one is just about one of the best.  Bill has been an absolute blessing for me.  I have required a lot of help since my heart attack.  He has been wonderful!  And the love of our kids and grandkids continue to help us in so many ways.

Dwight and Sheila came back to help Bill with his problem wiring.  Actually Sheila came back to walk with me.  That way we weren’t around to offer suggestions to the guys.  For some reason, they didn’t seem to want or need our help.  We walked in our neighborhood.  There are some beautiful desert houses in this part of Yuma.  We walked just a little over a half mile, which was a long way for me.

When we got back home, Sheila realized how tired I was and sent me to take a nap.  When I woke up an hour or so later, they had gone to Todd and Bonnie’s house where we were all meeting for Thanksgiving dinner.  We were last to arrive, but the turkey needed to cook longer, so we just sat around and talked and laughed.  Of course, Bill had a new routine of jokes, so he was our main entertainment.  I didn’t have much to add to the fun.

We had a wide variety of the usual Thanksgiving dishes, most of which tasted a bit different from our usual “Dane” fare, but was very good, nevertheless.  We didn’t leave the table hungry.  Of course, there were lots of leftovers that should taste extra good tomorrow.  That is one of the best things about “turkey day.”

It got dark and cool outside, so some of the people built a fire in the fire ring and sat around outside and listened to the coyotes howl.  I stayed in the warm house and visited.  When I get chilled it is very hard for me to get warm again.

It was a fun, pleasant day, for which I am thankful!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

November 25, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

We got up early this morning to go to Walmart before the crowds hit.  It crowds weren’t too bad, but we weren’t able to get everything we wanted.  We decided to go back home, eat breakfast, and go to Sam’s Club.

While I was eating, I watched Good Morning America.  I was so comfy I covered with a blanket, got nice and warm, and went to sleep.  An hour and a half later, I woke up.  Bill was doing all sorts of odd jobs around the house while I was asleep.  I must’ve really been out, because I didn’t hear a thing.

We went on to Sam’s Club, took care of our shopping, filled the CRV with gas, and since it was nearly lunch time, we went to In-N-Out!  That all worked out honky dory, don’t you think?  As we went home, we chose to go on the “lower” road which took us past fields of lettuce, broccoli, and good things like that.  We are always amazed at the amount of farming in this area.

Dwight and Shiela pulled into the driveway just after we did.  It is always nice to get to visit with them.  I would say that they are our oldest friends, but I’m not sure exactly how old they are!  Anyway, we’ve been friends for a lot of years.  Bill and Dwight talked electrical stuff, and Sheila and I talked family.  They know all our grandkids, especially JP and Natalia.  I had a lot of stories to tell about all the kids.

They plan to come back tomorrow so Dwight can help Bill.  I hope I can talk Sheila into going for a walk around our neighborhood.  Then we are all going to Todd and Bonnie’s for Thanksgiving dinner.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

November 24, 2015—An RV lot in Yuma, Arizona

Happy Birthday, Coleson.  Seventeen years old, already.  It seems like only yesterday you were asking us all sorts of questions…like…”Pa, when you were in the Army, did you have hair?”

Tonight when I called Coleson to tell him Happy Birthday, I couldn’t believe how mature he sounded on the phone.  When did my geocaching grandson grow up?  I have tears of joy and pride in my eyes just telling you about it.

Bill and I had one main goal for today…to find a place to park the motorhome for the next three or four months.  Bonnie had been scoping out places in their neighborhood.  We drove around looking at the ones she thought might be good possibilities.  It was confusing for me because I couldn’t remember what we had looked at earlier.  There were plus and minus things about each one. 

I saw a sign about a block further on, and when we drove down to look at it, we were both impressed.  I can’t quite explain about it, but it just felt right to both of us.  We talked to the owner and were comfortable with him.  Imagine our surprise when we discovered he was wearing a Seaside, Oregon t-shirt.  His parents owned a beach house in Seaside when he was a little boy.  He still likes to go there when he can.  That’s a “small world story,” eh?

We went back to the campground, took the MH for propane and diesel, and then drove to our new parking spot for the winter.  Bonnie called to invite us for dinner.  We had yummy food, as usual, and lots of talking and laughing.  Todd and I have some of the same health issues and we were comparing notes.

We came home in time to watch the last night of Dancing With The Stars.  Our favorites, Derek and Bendi won!  They were extra special every week.

Monday, November 23, 2015

November 23, 2015—Tucson to Yuma, Arizona


Yesterday, I sent you a copy of Lori’s e-mail, so you know her concerns.  Michelle always says, “Don’t get arrested.”  Meredith usually rolls her eyes, throws up her hands, and says, “MOTHER!”  Brent, when he hears we are going out onto the Barry Goldwater Bombing Range, says “Please don’t start WW3.”  So far, I think they have about covered all the bases!

We had an appointment with Premier Motor Coach Services at 8:00 this morning.  We were there on time, but it was after 8:30 before
they took the coach into the workshop.  If we’d known that, I could’ve had more sleep.  Oh, well!  When they had finished putting the new front air bags on, they cooked us a hamburger to take with us, and that kind of made up for the tardiness, though not as good as if it had been In-N-Out.  But as my grandmother use to say, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth!”

As we traveled north on I-10, we got to see how much Tucson has grown that direction.  We turned west on I-8 and headed for Yuma.  After checking into a campground, Bill spent three hours trying to get our DISH programs set up.  It was very frustrating.  I was completely stressed about the entire thing.  I was really wanting to watch the final dances on Dancing With The Stars.  The program was into the second hour when Bill and “someone from somewhere” were able to get our problems solved.  What a fiasco?

Tomorrow we will try to find a place to park the motorhome for the next three or four months.  There are lots of possibilities in this area.  We want to see what it will be like if we have to stop running around the country and perhaps become snowbirds…half the year in Loveland and half in Yuma or wherever we choose.  It will be an interesting year.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

November 22, 2015—Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona

November 22, 2015—Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona

Every year, as we get nearer and nearer to the desert of Arizona, our children begin to fret.  Hm-m-m!  I wonder why?  Today, this e-mail came.  It will give you just a sample of the tight rein they try to keep on the six of us.  It usually doesn’t work, but they just keep trying.

    Dear Bill, Raymonda, Dwight, Sheila, Todd and Bonnie,

    I have been elected to represent the children of the Danes, Meeks and McAllister's.  OK,  I      actually  drew the short straw. Anyway....it is time for our annual talk.  Not the talk that         you parents had with us as children at the age of 12,  but equally as necessary.

    That being said,  here goes......   When the six of you get together, common sense has a     way of conveniently vanishing.  Yes, we know that it is fun to go off roading and tearing         through the Arizona countryside without abandon, but please do so at a rate of speed         that doesn't strip the trees of their leaves.  Please, please, please use caution when         poking around for a particularity hard to locate geocache.  Let's be more clear.              Raymonda, that means you.  As for you other five, you've all done it and been lucky.          Let's not push that luck, ok?  To avoid choking while eating due to excessive laughter,         especially if Dwight is wearing sunglasses, please cut your food  into small pieces and         chew thoroughly.  Better yet, maybe you should stick to yogurt and applesauce when         more than three of you are gathered together.

    We love you dearly, but good grief, you might be the death of us.

    Stay safe, have fun (within reason) and enjoy your friends.

    Love,

    Lorri


So we have been warned.  We’ll see if any of us listened!

Saturday, November 21, 2015

November 21, 2015—Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona

There was a small county fair at the Fairgrounds this morning.  We walked about a block to the first building of display booths.  Quite a few of the booths were concerning local health services.  We met a lot of nice people, but because we don’t live here, most of it wasn’t available to us.

We came home at noon to rest and eat lunch…and to watch the Oregon Ducks play USC…and win, 28-48.  It was a good game, from Oregon’s point of view.  The Ducks started the first half a little slowly, but soon took control of the situation.  The second half was pretty much the same as the first…starting with both teams playing well, but the Ducks took off again and just about ruled the game to the end.

Bill ask what I wanted to do about supper…translate that to mean “Where do you want to go eat?”  I was still helping the Oregon fans cheer and when I threw my hands in the air, Bill said, “Ok!” 

We were soon on our way to In-N-Out!  And it is still a good place to eat!  At the rate we are going, we will be eligible for the Guinness Book of World Records!

Friday, November 20, 2015

November 20, 2015—Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona

Fabulous Friday weather here in Tucson today.  We enjoyed the warm weather and the sunshine.

There were several errands needing to be taken care of in Tucson.  We had planned to go by the place that will install our front air bags, but by the time we got there, it was noon and people were at lunch.  We decided to follow suit, and go to In-N-Out for lunch.  It was still very good, and very busy.  They are quick with orders so we were soon on our way to Costco, another place on our list.

It was a large store and I got very tired after walking around nearly the entire store.  It was a lot of walking and I still tire out very easily.  I sat on a cement bench and waited for Bill to load the car and come to get me.  A lady saw me sitting and ask if I needed help.  I thought it was kind of her, but I told her my chariot was on its way.

We went back to Priemer Motor Coach to ask some questions.  As I got out of the Honda I had a fight with a tree…and the tree won!  Since I wasn’t bleeding I didn’t get any sympathy, but the top of my head still hurts.  I told Bill since I have injured my head so many times, the branch probably couldn’t penetrate the scar tissue!

Tomorrow, a community is having a small fair here at Pina County Fairgrounds.  If we can gate crash, we might be well entertained.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

November 19, 2015—Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona


We woke up on our first day back in Arizona to blue skies and wind!  We were so glad to be off the road today.  We have had enough of driving in the wind to last us a long time.

A Walmart has been built about a mile north of the Fairgrounds.  It is the smallest new Walmart we have ever seen.  The grocery section was so limited.  The city of Tucson didn’t want a “big box” store in this part of town.  It was really limited.  Tomorrow, we will go into Tucson to a larger store to finish our grocery shopping.

After our naps, I worked for some time on our IRA distributions for 2015.  Ever year Bank of America causes problems.  There was a B of A branch about two miles from here.  We went to try to get the problem solved.  The worker was very helpful and we were soon on our way back home with the money in hand.

We finished the day by watching a Tennessee Titans football game.  Bill wanted to see Marcos Mariota play.  He did OK I guess, but they lost the game anyway.  He was one of our favorite Oregon Ducks players.                                                                                                                                                                  

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

November 18, 2015—Deming, New Mexico to Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona

We left Deming at 7:00 this morning…cold, but calm.  I can deal with cold. I’m wrapped in a blanket, with a heating pad on my back.  I don’t know what the pioneers had to complain about.  This is a “not so bad” way to travel.  (Insert smile!)

Normally, when we cross the Continental Divide we are in mountainous terrain.  Not in this part of New Mexico, which is very flat.  There are mountain ranges in the distance, so maybe the “divide marker guy” (er, make that “person”) just drew a line from the mountains to the North to the mountains to the South and called it “close enough for government work.”

When we crossed into Arizona, our State Line Celebration was a good one.  Bill had been practicing honking the air horns for the last several miles, and I added some arm motions to my “yahooing.”  I’d guess that means we are glad to be back in Arizona.  We didn’t get here last year because of my health shenanigans and my love for Mississippi grits!  (Insert shudder!)

We stopped at Texas Canyon Rest Area for naps and lunch.  The rock formations are so interesting.  Big horn sheep live in the rocks. Sometimes we see them, but not today.  Maybe it was nap time for them, too.  If they have trouble going to sleep, do they count people?  Hm-m-m-m?

Just before getting to the main part of Tucson, we went to the Pima County Fairgrounds Campground.  After checking in and parking the MH, Bill gave the Honda a good scrubbing.  It was really dirty after being drug through three days of miserable weather.   I helped by staying out of his way and taking a nap!

When I got up from my nap, Bill ask me if I wanted to go to In-N-Out for dinner.  Now, you who know me, know that he had asked me the most unnecessary question he could have asked me.  Well, of course, my answer was “yes.”  And it didn’t take me but a split second to answer.  Now, we were both surprised that the burgers tasted as good as we remembered.  Yum, yum!  I feel sure it won’t be our last visit!





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            




Tuesday, November 17, 2015

November 17, 2015—Dream Catcher RV Park, Deming, New Mexico

Before dawn this morning, strong winds rocked the motorhome.  After we got out of bed and the sun came up, the wind continued to blow, about 30 miles an hour.

We decided we should stay off the Interstate for the day and hope things calmed down.  The Escapee RV Club we belong to has an RV Park, the Dream Catcher, at the east edge of Deming.  After breakfast, we checked in to a spot with full hooks.  If the really cold  temperature predicted makes its way here tonight, we would like to be able to use our electric blanket.

The high winds continued to blow all day long so we were glad to have a safe place for the night.  Bill made a trip back to Walmart to shop for a few items.  I stayed home and took a mid morning nap, followed by a long hot shower at the campground shower facilities.  I certainly felt better after those two luxuries.

We didn’t accomplish much for the rest of the day.

Monday, November 16, 2015

November 16, 2015—Socorro to Deming, New Mexico

We left Socorro at 9:15 this morning.  Rain had begun to fall and the clouds above us were very dark and low.  We had a prediction of wind, but haven’t had much yet.  There was a beautiful rainbow to the west at the base of the mountains. 

Not long after we left Socorro and got onto I-25, we began to encounter some wind.  By the time we got to Truth or Consequences…locally know as T or C…we were hit by strong cross winds. 

We left the Interstate at Hatch, Chili Pepper Capital of the World, and took Hwy. 26.  We have taken this cutoff to Deming before and found it an enjoyable shortcut.  Not so today!  The wind got stronger and stronger.  We were soon driving through a terrible dust storm.  And then, guess what?  Rain started to fall.  We were driving in “mud balls.”  We’ve never been in anything like it.  There was no place on this little road to pull off and wait for the wind to calm down.

Bill was absolutely exhausted.  Just after getting into Deming, we stopped for fuel.  When Bill got back into the motorhome after pumping the diesel, he was so cold from the wind, I thought he was going to be sick.

We parked at Walmart.  Although it was just after noon, the lot was beginning to fill up.  And RVs and trucks just kept pouring in.  Make that “blowing in.”  We were glad to be off the road.  Bill said it wasn’t a fun day of driving at all!

Our plans for tomorrow will be determined by the weather when we wake up!

Sunday, November 15, 2015

November 15, 2015—Santa Fe to Walmart, Socorro, New Mexico



I was really tired last night when I wrote my blog.  I forgot to mention the fact that the Oregon Ducks beat Stanford in a very good game.  It was exciting, from start to finish.  I was late getting the blog posted because I kept going to sleep with my hands still on the computer keys.  I really had to watch for words spelled incorrectly.  I had some very funny spellings of my “nap” words. 

We left Jim and Peggy at 9:15 this morning.  I usually have a lump in my throat when we part, because I never know when I’ll see them again.  Today was no different!

When we were about half way to Albuquerque, rain started to fall.  It lasted on our trip south on I-25 almost to Socorro, where we pulled into the Walmart parking lot.

Our plan was to put the DISH up as quickly as possible and watch the NASCAR race from Phoenix.  Well, it was raining in the Arizona desert as well as in this area, and the race was over six hours late starting.  The track had to be dried, which took a long time.

While we were waiting for the race to start, we switched over to the football game from Denver.  The Kansas City Chiefs came to Mile High Stadium to play, but someone forgot to invite the Broncos.  They were able to score two touchdowns late in the game, but before that things were pathetic, to say the least.

Meanwhile, back in Arizona, the racetrack was able to dry sufficiently enough to allow the green flag to wave, but after a few laps past halfway, the sky opened up and the rain came down in buckets.  An attempt was made to dry the track again, but there was just too much water falling.  The race was called…ended… by NASCAR and everyone was walking around looking like “drowned rats.”

Saturday, November 14, 2015

November 14, 2015—Jim’s house in Santa Fe, New Mexico



At noon, Jim and I went on some errands.  Our first stop was at Burger King to get energy for the rest of afternoon.  We stayed longer than we should have because we were just visiting and having a good time. 

Our next stop was at Home Depot. I stayed in the truck and spent my time people watching while Jim went in to shop.  Santa Fe certainly has some interesting looking people… just like anywhere else. 

Jim had one more stop he wanted to make before we went back home.  He has started doing a new process I'm his photographs.  It is a process using melted wax.  His teacher, Angel, was teaching a class when we went in.  We were able to watch.  It was a very interesting.  He has been using this method for about four months.  He has already gotten quite good it.

We got back home in time for to rest before going out to dinner.  The best part of the meal was the sopapillas.  Yum, yum!

Friday, November 13, 2015

November 13, 2015—Jim’s house in Santa Fe, New Mexico







Today is Friday the 13th.  It is the day that many people around the world will not forget, especially in France.

Yesterday, my blog was written on the dictation program that came with my new MAC Computer.  It was much faster, but will take some getting used to.  I will need to learn to think in sentences rather than in phrases.  I used to have an eight track mind, but no more.  I told my brother, Jim, that I now have a one and a half track mind, so I have to work on that.  I also need an off/on switch for Bill.  I am amazed at how much noise there is in this little tiny house of ours.

It looks as if are visit here in Santa Fe may be shorter than we had anticipated. There is a snow storm headed this way, followed by several days of wind.  Both of those kind of weather are not what Bill thinks of a good driving situation.  We will decide when we get weather reports after tomorrow!

Jim gave me some good information on diabetes.  He also gave me some good websites.  I appreciate any help I can get.  At this point I continue to be confused about what it is okay and what isn’t. 

We spent sometime this evening watching reports from France. What a fiasco!  All the bombs and shootings sound like something out of a movie.  Perhaps that is part of the problem.  So many movies and TV programs, as well as video games, have desensitized much of the population. 

Thursday, November 12, 2015

November 12, 2015—Jim and Peggy’s house in Santa Fe, New Mexico

I slept late this morning because I was still tired from our trip.  It was nice to not have to get up and head down the highway. The trip here to Santa Fe laws about 450 miles.  In the “good old days” that would have been a one-day trip for us.  No more!  Neither one of us have as much stamina as we used to.

Bill and Jim had an errand to do at noon.  I went in the house and spent time visiting with Peggy.  We never seem to run out of things to talk about.  She is working on a quilt, so that took a lot of conversation time.  She has a fancy new sewing machine and showed me some things she could do with it.

Jim and Peggy had a community meeting to go to tonight. They are wanting to extend the bike trail into Santa Fe.  Peggy would like that because she would like to be able to ride her bike to town, but she doesn't like to ride out on the highway.  I don't think anything was decided, but it sounded like a typical town hall meeting anywhere.

The weather has been cold all day. Peggy made a big crock pot full of soup that cooked all day long. It really hit the spot. This is perfect soup weather.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

November 11, 2015—Trinidad, Colorado to Jim’s house in Santa Fe, New Mexico

It was 36° when we left Trinidad at 6:50 this morning.  Cold, but no snow or wind.  The climb over Raton Pass was easy, with very little traffic.  Bill and I can remember when the Pass was a two lane road and we were in our Porsche with the top down.  I think that is called the “good old days,” but these are the “good new days” for us!

By the time we got to the Rest Area where we planned to stop to eat breakfast, a really strong cross wind was blowing.  When the road veered west we had a full head wind, reported at 70 mph.  That sucks the diesel out of the MH in a hurry.

We got to Jim and Peggy’s house at about 12:00.  It didn’t take long to get the Motorhome parked and set up with electricity, etc.  Bill had to call DISH to have our major network service transferred from Denver to Albuquerque.  That always takes time.

Peggy had a meeting to attend.  Jim and I spent the time catching up on the events of the past year.  I had a lot to ask him about how he handles his diabetes treatment, which he has been aware of for 10 years.  I got some good hints and suggestions.

I was able to take a short nap, so I was somewhat rested by dinnertime.  We had lasagna, salad, and French bread…one of my favorite meals.   

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

November 10, 2015—Loveland to Walmart, Trinidad, Colorado

We left Michelle’s driveway at 9:30.  It was cold with clear skies.  We hope to be able to beat the snow storm that’s headed this way.  Oh, yes!  We are singing along with Willie Nelson as we go “on the road again.”  That’s probably one of our favorite songs.

We stopped at Cabela’s north of Denver to use their dump station.  While Bill was taking care of that chore, I put away the dishes he had washed earlier this morning.  With those things out of the way, we got back on the Interstate going south.  Bill was really dreading the drive through Denver.  Although he had white knuckles most of the way across the city, traffic wasn’t as bad as we have seen it.  No stop and go, or construction to deal with.

South on I-25 was Pueblo where we planned to stop for fuel, to eat some lunch, and take naps.  Each thing was a welcome event.  I was really hungry by the time we got to the lunch part of the schedule.  I am trying to eat snacks more often, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.

Trinidad was about as far as Bill thought he could drive, and by the time we got there, he was feeling his 80 years. In past years, I would have done part of the driving, but now, in my present health condition, when I volunteer to take my turn, he turns pale and breaks out in a cold sweat.  Hm-m-m-m-m!  Do you think that translates to “NO?”

250 miles traveled today.  And we were fighting the wind most of the day.  No wonder the driver and co-pilot are so tired tonight.

Monday, November 9, 2015

November 9, 2015---Parked in the driveway, in front of Michelle's house.



Both Bill and I accomplished quite a lot today.  Mainly, I was “uncluttering.”  When we stay at one location for any length of time, we tend to kind of spread out with our possessions.  As our departure time draws closer, we start putting things where they belong when we are in travel mode.

Bill put some of the finishing touches on the running parts of the motorhome.  Oil changed, new filters, water tank filled, etc.  He actually worked too hard today and was so tired by dinnertime I thought he might go to sleep and fall in his mashed potatoes and gravy.

Meredith and the pups came this afternoon and stayed for dinner.  Sadly, we said goodbye to them tonight.  Weather permitting, we will head south midmorning tomorrow.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

November 8, 2015---Parked in the driveway, in front of Michelle's house.

After staying up past midnight watching the Ducks win their game last night, we slept late this morning.  It was 9:00 before we turned off the electric blanket and crawled out of our nice warm bed.  Bill fixed French toast for breakfast and it certainly did taste good.  He is a very good cook.

Lori came at noon and she and Michelle went on a couple of errands.  They went grocery shopping at Walmart and King Soopers.  Wow!  What an adventure!  Actually, Lori, being a great Bronco fan, wanted to check out specialty foods for “tail gate parties.”  She thought there would be lots of things, like desserts…cakes, cookies, donuts, etc. decorated in Bronco colors and logos.  She was very disappointed to find virtually no items.  I guess the next time she comes during football season, she’ll need to set up a roadside stand and start up a business.

At 2:30, Michelle, Lori, and I went to Origins where Meredith was working today.  She had arranged to get off work when we came to watch the football game between the Broncos and the Colts on their big screen TV.  It wasn’t a Jumbotron or anything like that, but it is several times larger than what we have in the motorhome.

Natalia and her boyfriend, Garrett, joined us.  We ordered a variety of things to eat during the game.  The food there is really good.  They serve different items and we sampled several of them.  It was a fun place to spend an afternoon.  The girls all had matching Bronco shirts and took a picture to send to Brent.  As you know, he is a Seahawk fan.  His comment was, “Can you return those to the thrift store or does the homeless shelter allow that?”  He doesn’t let them get away with much!  By the way, Denver lost by three points.

Brent called me tonight and we talked for a long time.  We also laughed a lot.  That kind of phone call really makes me happy.  Michelle had been to the MH earlier and asked what we wanted her to cook for our last dinner here.  We chose chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and biscuits.  Brent said I should have ask for liver and onions.  I was certainly disappointed that my sense of humor has slowed down so much that I didn’t think of it.  I missed my chance!

Harolene called today to ask some things about my diabetes problems.  I think you can tell I really need help with my diet.  She suggested I see a nutritionist, and I think she is right.  We’ll see about that when we get to Yuma.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

November 7, 2015---Parked in the driveway, in front of Michelle's house.



At 9:00, Lori, Michelle, and I left for Denver and IKEA.  The weather was cold, but dry.  Traffic was terrible.  Stop and go heading south (us) and two hours later, stop and go heading north (us, again)!  We shopped as quickly as possible, considering I was one of the shoppers.  I’m slower than I should be…not my choice.

Our only stop on the way back to Loveland was at the Costco just north of Denver.  We ate lunch and then I sat at the table while Michelle and Lori shopped.  Just before we got to the exit for Loveland, we all had to slow down to look at a wreck on the opposite side of I-25.

Not much else was accomplished the rest of the day.   Soon it was time to watch the Oregon Ducks play against the Cal Bears.  It was a late game, not starting until 8:30.  The Ducks won, 44 to 28, finishing after midnight.  Quack, quack!

Friday, November 6, 2015

November 6, 2015---Parked in the driveway, in front of Michelle's house.


It was cold this morning when Bill and I set out to do a few errands.  We had several things to take care of at US Bank.  Bill had a deposit to make while I talked to our personal banker, Kim.  As usual, she was very helpful.

From the bank, we went by the Library to return some books.  Since we are planning to leave Loveland on Tuesday, we are trying to get some of the things that are cluttering up the MH taken care of.

Our last stop for the morning was at Walmart to get one of my prescriptions refilled.  We also bought several items that weren’t on the list when we last shopped at Wally World.  It really is a chore getting into “go mode.”  We are grateful for so many Walmart stores along the way, because we invariably forget things.

Not long after we got back to the motorhome, snow started to fall.  At first it was very light, but as it continued to snow the next couple of hours, the flakes got bigger and increased in volume.  But alas, it was melting just about as fast as it fell.  I lay down for a short nap and when I got up, the snow had stopped falling and the sun was trying to peek out.  Rats!

David came for my last PT session.  He will be missed, but I promised to keep trying to gain strength.  He has been a tremendous help to me.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

November 5, 2015—-Parked in the driveway at Michelle’s house



We had rain most of the night.  It got really cold, but not enough to produce snow.  Maybe a few flakes, but if so, they didn’t last long.

Lori sent a text message saying she had landed in Denver.  The next message said she had rented a car and was headed for Loveland.  Soon, she pulled into the driveway.  Since Natalia was working today, Lori spent most of the day with us.

After visiting in the motorhome for a couple of hours, we left Bill at home to eat a PBJ sandwich and take a much needed nap.  Lori and I went to Panera Bread for soup.  It was a great day to spend eating hot soup while by a fireplace, catching up on each others lives.

We have three friends whose mothers are very sick.  Karen’s mother is here from Flordia to recuperate from cancer, David’s mother died after a lengthy illness, and Candie’s mother continues to fight with cancer.  It seems strange that everyone has old mothers in need of extra help.

Lori left at about 5:00 to meet Natalia for dinner.  She will spend the night with her and go some places tomorrow since Natalia doesn’t work tomorrow.  Lori will call if they have time to get together with us.


We had rain most of the night.  It got really cold, but not enough to produce snow.  Maybe a few flakes, but if so, they didn’t last long.

Lori sent a text message saying she had landed in Denver.  The next message said she had rented a car and was headed for Loveland.  Soon, she pulled into the driveway.  Since Natalia was working today, Lori spent most of the day with us.

After visiting in the motorhome for a couple of hours, we left Bill at home to eat a PBJ sandwich and take a much needed nap.  Lori and I went to Panera Bread for soup.  It was a great day to spend eating hot soup while by a fireplace, catching up on each others lives.

We have three friends whose mothers are very sick.  Karen’s mother is here from Flordia to recuperate from cancer, David’s mother died after a lengthy illness, and Candie’s mother continues to fight with cancer.  It seems strange that everyone has old mothers in need of extra help.

Lori left at about 5:00 to meet Natalia for dinner.  She will spend the night with her and go some places tomorrow since Natalia doesn’t work tomorrow.  Lori will call if they have time to get together with us.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

November 4, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house



Off and on today, I worked on my “winter clothes/summer clothes” project.  It certainly is tiring.  Part of the problem was that I had to stand up a lot.  That is something I don’t do very well these days.  My legs get very tired and weak.

I spent quite a lot of time resting.  Rain was falling and it sounded so nice on the roof.  I think several times it put me to sleep.  That’s my excuse, anyway.

We got an e-mail from Dwight and Sheila.  They are still in the insanity of the LA and San Diego area.  And still geocaching like crazy people.  They will have lots of adventures to tell about.

This was kind of a “throw away day” for us.  I don’t have anything interesting to write about.  So I will just say “good night.”

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

November 3, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house



The weather hasn’t changed much in the last few days, but there is still a chance we might have snow while Lori is here.  Some of us are hoping we have at least a few flakes, but one of us is hoping we don’t!  Guess who that is…right…Grandpa!

Bill got my containers of winter clothes out of the cabinets above the bed.  I went through the smallest one, but that is as far as I got.  I will get an earlier start tomorrow and try really hard to get the job finished.  I think quite a lot of stuff will be going to the Habitat Thrift Store. 

Bill and I went for a walk this afternoon.  I got very tired.  I think I need to try to remember to have a snack before I set out to do a little exercise.  I still don’t have a good grasp of how all this fits into the diabetes food deal.  David comes tomorrow, so maybe he can give me some pointers.  If it is nice weather, we plan to go for a walk.  It most likely will be my last time to work with him on PT before Bill and I head south.

After dinner, Bill and Ron got on the subject race cars.  Michelle was loading the dishwasher, so when I had had my fill of RPMs and gear ratios, and a lot of nonsense like that, I went to talk to her.  It is getting dark so early now that I didn’t want to walk to the MH by myself for fear of falling.  But soon, Bill came to my rescue and we went home!

Monday, November 2, 2015

November 2, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house



The Great Mouse Hunter reported that there is one less Mickey around today.  He also thinks there aren’t any other little critters hiding anywhere.  I hope that isn’t just wishful thinking on the part of the Hunter.

I felt really good this morning so I worked on “clutter control.”  Well, apparently, I over did it.  I was so tired I could barely walk.  While I rested, Bill went to do errands.

Lindsay came at noon.  She answered most of my questions about diabetes.  I am most concerned about what I can eat and what I should avoid.  Of course, I know sugar is a no-no, but I’m not up on carbohydrates.  She was really a big help.

About two hours later she came back for Show and Tell.  She brought her little boy, Owen.  He is nearly 14 months old.  He’s absolutely adorable, with big blue eyes and a smile on his face.  I had ask her several times to bring him to see me and she had promised me she would.  Well, we hope to depart in a week, so when she finished all her home visits, she picked him up from the babysitter and brought him to see me.  My goodness, he’s so cute…and such a happy little fellow.  She will come next Monday for her last visit.

David came about an hour later.  I was really tired when he left.  Some of my exercises are difficult to do.  I will see him on Wednesday.  Then I’m on my own.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

November 1, 2015—-Parked in the driveway, Michelle’s house



November already!  Yikes!  Where did October go?

The temperature was predicted to be 72° today.  I don’t think it made it, which was fine with me.  I haven’t had the time or energy to get any of my cold weather clothes out yet.

Bill and I went to Walmart this morning.  I used one of their power carts and went to several different parts of the store.  That resulted in shopping longer than we had anticipated.  We also had several  prescriptions to be picked up. 

When we got back to the MH the NASCAR had already started.  It was a good race.  Jeff won!

Meredith  invited us for a cookout…hamburgers and all the trimmings.  We also watched the first half of the Bronco game against Green Bay.  We came home in time for me to peck out my blog before going to bed.