Friday & Saturday, December 30th & 31st

Good bye 2016 from Loveland, CO

Yesterday and today have been resting days for me. The weather has been above freezing so Bill has been working on the gate for the side fence by the motorhome. I have been doing next to nothing. I did do some leg exercises tonight. Hopefully it will help my legs get stronger. I hope it snows a bunch on Monday night so that I do not have to go to therapy and Bill can use the snow blower. He says that he will drag me to therapy no matter how much snow we get.

The boys will celebrate the New Year Colorado time but Michelle always celebrates New York time. She is NOT a night person. I am not sure how late we will stay up.

Good bye 2016! Happy New Year!

Wednesday & Thursday, December 28 & 29, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Yesterday was Brent, Coleson and Sara's last day with us. Coleson and I slept in while Brent, Meredith, Sara and Dwaine when shopping. We had spaghetti and smores for dinner.

VERY early this morning Meredith took Brent, Coleson and Sara to the airport. I went to physical therapy this morning and spent the rest of the day resting. Brent texted late this afternoon that they made it home safely and Willie was very happy to see them!

Monday & Tuesday, December 26 & 27, 2106

From Loveland, CO

We have had a busy two days. Yesterday, (Monday) Meredith, Brent, Dwaine, Michelle and the kids went to Beaver Meadows Ranch to go tubing. There was enough snow for the tube runs and VERY windy! This ranch has 8 tube runs and they had a great time! Afterwards they had a late lunch and came home very tired. The pups stayed with us for the day. Also, Joshua was in bed all day sick with the flu, so the pups took turns checking on him. I had a day of resting from our busy Christmas Day.

Today, I went to physical therapy and then went shopping with Meredith, Brent, Michelle, Coleson and Sara. After we went to a few places we had lunch and dropped Coleson off so he, Matthew and Dwaine could go to the movies. The rest of us went to Old Town Fort Collins and went shopping. We got hot chocolate at Starbucks and went to a Colorado store and found CO ornaments of mark Coleson and Sara's 1st CO Christmas. Sara found a great store for some clothes. I found a great red hat for myself. We headed home and had potato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

From Festive Loveland, CO

We had a very full Christmas Day! One thing we had been hoping for was snow. Sure enough we got enough big fluffy flakes to enjoy this morning. Unfortunately not enough for Bill to try out the snow blower.

We first had a big breakfast here at Michelle's and then opened presents. Afterwards we went to Meredith and Dwaine's house to relax, watch football and enjoy being together. Dwaine and the boys (Connor, Coleson, Joshua and Matthew) took the dogs for a walk. They were able to walk on the icy part of the lake. This was a first for Coleson! They all had a great time! We had a wonderful Christmas Dinner prepared by Meredith and Brent!

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!

Saturday, December 24, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Merry Christmas Eve!  Today was a busy day of getting ready for Brent, Sara and Coleson to arrive. Meredith and Michelle started early with grocery shopping before the stores got crowded. Bill and Michelle got the new snow blower started. They were preparing for our next snow storm.

Meredith and the pups hung out with us and Dwaine and Bill went to the airport to pick up the Mississippi crew. We are all happy to have them here!

Friday, December 23, 2016

From Loveland, CO

When Michelle got off work at noon she and her dad went snow blower shopping. He had looked and looked at many kinds. He wanted to make sure the one they picked out Michelle could handle it with her being the shortest in the family. Bill is even willing to do the snow dance just he can try out the new toy. Matthew had a great idea for it, it will be great entertainment for Max catching the blowing snow. That is his favorite game!

We are getting excited because Brent is flying in tomorrow with the kids. They will probably have to go through customs being from Mississippi. 😀 Haha!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Today I went to the physical therapist. When we got home Joey and Hapa were here. They were so glad to see me. We kept having to move Joey out of the way going to our room. He is such a good protector. Meredith worked in the office today and when she came to get the pups she stayed and visited a while. She hopes that she will be sent home early tomorrow since there will only be 2 or 3 people in the office.

We are watching the weather reports and updates on the airports hoping that Brent, Coleson and Sara make it here with no problems. Two more days until they get here!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Nothing new to report today. The highest temperature for the day was in the middle of the night. Later in the day it started to get cold again. Bill took Matthew to school this morning for his last finals of the 1st semester. Matthew is very happy to have them done with! I stayed in bed most of the day while Bill did errands through out the day. Three more days until Brent and the kids get here!!!!!YIPEE!!!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Tomorrow is the first day of winter. Although if we were still in fall we did not know it. We finally got above freezing today. It got warmer today but not enough to keep your toes warm.

Both Harolene and Janna called to tell us that Bill's niece, Diane had died of cancer. She had been sick a long time.

I had a good work out at physical therapy and Bill went to see Dr. Honeycutt because he has been coughing, and coughing and coughing.

Meredith and Dwaine came for dinner. We had "make your own" burritos. We sat and talked for a while but I was nearly too tired to sit up. I went back to bed and Meredith came in and talked for a little bit.

Monday, December 19,2016

From Loveland, CO

Early this morning I had to see the heart specialist and once again he told me I was fine. I shouldn't complain with his diagnosis, but it would be nice to have answers to my problems. When we left his office Bill took me to Meredith's house. It was very cold outside so she fixed me a cup of hot chocolate. In my usual manner I spilled it down the front of my white shirt. They just cannot take me anywhere.

Meredith and I were going shopping. The first thing on our list was dog toys for the pups. Across the street was a good place to eat. So Meredith and I went to "The Egg & I" for lunch. The food there is good, there was a constant stream of customers coming in. I had a cup of soup which was very good, I decided maybe I was hungry enough to have a serving of biscuits and gravy. They needed to take lessons from Michelle. Her's is much better.

Then we went to Macy's to Christmas shop, don't get snoopy and ask what I bought. When I got home, Bill was going to wash my coat and my dirty turtleneck. He was not concerned about the turtleneck but wanted the coat washed. I may need it tomorrow since we both have doctor's appointments in the morning. That is his excuse and I will let it pass.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

From Loveland, CO

I'm sorry to say our tears are melting the snow because the Broncos lost today. They started the game with a video of a herd of wild Broncos racing thru the snow. Two wranglers were following them. It was a pretty sight. That was the best part of today's program because the horses looked like they were really enjoying themselves.

I had a lazy day of watching football and westerns. That's what Sundays are for. It is currently 5 degrees. The next few days are going to get warmer according to the weather person.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

From VERY SNOWY Loveland, CO

We got 4 1/2" of snow overnight. It was enough to convince Grandpa that this address needed a snow blower. Our last snow fall was an inch of snow and was easy to shovel. The 4 1/2" was much harder. When he shops for a snow blower he is taking Michelle so he knows that she can handle one. Some of them are very heavy.

It was 1 degree when Bill, Joshua and Michelle woke up this morning. The temperature keeps dropping. At 8:40 tonight it is  -7 degrees. If you believe the weather person the wind is supposed to shift from the south and that should help warm us up to a balmy 22 degrees. We'll keep you posted.

Friday, December 16, 2016

From Snowy Loveland, CO

It was sunny today but was extremely cold and the temperature kept falling. As I tap this out my fingers might freeze because it is 9 degrees. Michelle and Connor went to Costco in Fort Collins, when they came out they went to get gasoline. While they were there it was snowing really hard, Michelle said it was a white out. By the time they got home the white stuff was falling, YIPPEE SKIPPY!  By 9pm we have had several inches. Unfortunately I could not stay awake all night to watch it, Bill was blocking the window. That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Meredith and Dwaine came walking down the hall singing " The weather outside is frightful but the fire inside is delightful!" That is my take on it, along with Meredith and Michelle.  Bill was grumbling *&^%$#, he does not like soft water "snow". It is not skinny snow like Matthew used to call it.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Today I went to physical therapy. Ty really worked me hard. He wanted to know if I was ready to go to one day a week. I am not sure if one day a week is enough, so we shall see. Lori and Brent called me today. Meredith came and visited before she and Michelle went Christmas shopping. Connor finished his last final today and drove home tonight. It sure was good to see him come through that door.

Michelle left lasagna for Bill, Matthew and me to have for dinner. Matthew and I decided that Michelle makes the best lasagna. Michelle said that she had a good teacher!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Dwight and Sheila always manage to find a funny card to send us. This year it was a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog with long velvety ears. There were huge pinecones as his antlers. It was really cute. At 10am I went to get my hair cut, a few snowflakes were falling. I went next door and had my fingernails cut.  We got home and I took a nap.

Meredith and the pups came for a visit when she got thru with work. Hapa is a very good foot warmer. Tonight we started watching the end of this year's Survivor season. I am going to have Bill tape it because it is a 3 hour show.

Bill says tomorrow if he can he will put in the gate at the new fence so the meter reader can get in. It all depends on the weather.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

From Loveland, CO

I went to physical therapy this morning and then came home for hot chocolate because it was so cold outside. Janna called and we talked for a while. She is glad that I am blogging again. Then I went to see Dr. Honeycutt for a follow-up. He went over my ER visit, they had sent him all the information. We hadn't eaten at McDonald's for a long time so we decided to go there for lunch. I could not eat all of my hamburger so I took my leftovers home to Tippy. Afterwards we went to the bank. When we got home I took a nap, I were super tired.

Michelle cooked a very good dinner, but it was only the three of us. Matthew and Joshua went Christmas shopping, Michelle wished she could be a fly on the wall in the stores. This is their first time shopping together. They were going out to dinner afterwards and were gone a long time.

Monday, December 12, 2016

From Loveland, CO

Bill went this morning to get Hapa and Joey to spend the day with us. When they got here she immediately found a pile of snow in the front yard and rolled, and rolled, AND rolled. She stayed out there a long time and Bill had to go out to get her. Meanwhile, Joey and Tippy enjoyed what was left of the snow in the back yard. They all enjoy rolling in the snow, but especially Hapa. When we get a really big snow Tippy likes to have Michelle throw a shovelful of snow at him. It was cold today but we did not get anymore snow. Shucky darn!!!

I spent the afternoon in front of the fireplace laying on the sofa. I was reading from time to time and took a snooze. Meredith came to dinner, of course Joey thinks of me as the gravy train. He must have learned that from Willie. I did not eat all my hamburger, so Meredith fed my leftovers to all three pups.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

From Loveland, CO

We had snow in the middle of the night and this morning. Yippee!!!! The snow grouch did not even complain about it. It didn't last long and stopped about 9:30am. Another sad bit of news is the Broncos lost today. Meredith came over and spent some time with us. I spent the day taking naps. Such excitement! There is not much snow left in the backyard because the dogs love to play in the snow.

Saturday, December 9, 2016

Loveland, CO

Meredith, Dwaine and I went to a Mexican food place in Longmont. The food was good and then we went to a place that sells firewood. We got as much as their 4Runner would hold. We were impressed with the firewood company. They had a lot of choices in firewood. We got 1/4 cord for $70. We plan to get more when Connor is home for Christmas with his pickup. When we got back home we built a fire and had a cozy place to sit and chat.

It was that first fun outing I have had in a long time. The drive was beautiful.

Friday, December 9, 2016

From "Not as COLD" Loveland, CO

We still have snow on the ground! I had a dermatologist appointment this morning. Dr Bear froze about four places on my face. She wants to see me again in 6 months. We came home, ate lunch and took naps. Meredith, Michelle, Matthew and Dwaine went out for sushi. It has been the usual relaxing evening watching Daniel Boone.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

From Extremely COLD Loveland, CO

When I got up this morning I had a hard time getting out of bed. It was very painful. I went to PT and could not do it. Ty suggested that I go get X-rays. It took us 4 hours of scans and x-rays. Half way thru the examination Meredith came. Michelle had called her, so she got the job of pup sitting while Meredith was with me & Bill at the ER. The 4 hours really drug by because I could not have anything to drink or eat. The staff at MCR is always top notch. Their facility is wonderful. Luckily the scans and X-ray showed only bruising on my hip and tailbone.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

From VERY COLD Loveland, CO

As I am writing this, it is 7 degrees! Brrrrrrr! It is supposed to get down to -7 degrees tonight.

Yesterday afternoon it started to snow. I looked out the window so that I could see how much it was snowing, when I started to leave the window for some reason I pitched forward. I don't know why but I hit the floor harder than ever before. My head hit the bathroom floor and my left hip is very sore and bruised. I laid on the floor for several minutes. I asked Bill to bring me a pillow and blanket and I could sleep there. He wouldn't do it. It took Bill two times to help me up. Finally he was successful. (Side note from Michelle: Dad has been scolded for not getting Meredith or myself to come and help. We were in the basement at the time playing with the dogs and did not hear the commotion upstairs.) Meredith came to visit with me, I got in bed and it did not take me to long to go to sleep. I slept in one position all night long.

This morning I was able to use my walker a little bit but it was painful. I stayed in bed most of the day and slept part of the time. When I got up for dinner I was feeling a little bit better. I am not looking forward to the night trying to sleep, but I will give it the ol' college try.

Today is an important day for the Dane family and a lot of other families. It is Pearl Harbor Day. Ten years ago today Brent had brain surgery at Walter Reed Hospital. They gave him a year and a half to live, but Brent is good at beating the odds. Congratulations Brent! We love you!!!!!

We had snow most of the night. We got a couple of inches. Just enough to make it look pretty. This is our first snowfall and it is late for this area.

December 5, 2016

I fell tonight.  I think it is the fall I've ever taken.  I'll send details tomorow.

I'm sore and tired now.
 

Monday, December 5, 2016

From COLD Loveland, CO

Bill and I went to Arby's for lunch, they always have a great special of when the Broncos have made 2 touchdowns in the last game. Their roast beef sandwich is $1. After that Bill and I spent 1 1/2 hours looking for the neurologist that had been recommended to us. We never did find him, his office has moved. Bill looked in the phone book and could not find him, so we will have to continue the search tomorrow. We were both very frustrated. I went on the my therapy at 2:30, we got home and rested until dinner was ready. Matthew was the only "chick in the hen house". After we ate, we sat and told told stories, Matthew was in a particularly jolly mood, he sat at the table and laughed at our stories. It was a nice way to finish a frustrating day. 

Weather wise: The temperature dropped 21 degrees between 1pm - 3pm. The wind gusts were 50mph from north.  Matthew laughed at the image of me blowing away to Kansas with the wind. 

Michelle and I are cheering that we are getting snow tomorrow, of course Bill is grumbling!

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Today was kind of a busy upside down day for me. I woke up not knowing what day it was. I thought it was Tuesday. Bill reminded me that the Broncos were playing today, I got back on track.

At 10:30 Michelle and I went to Meredith's. Michelle and Meredith were making Christmas cookies, I was the chief sampler. We were watching the Broncos game against the Jaguars. I don't remember much of the 2nd quarter, half time and the 3rd quarter. My body chose to take a nap. When I woke up it was 1/2 way thru the 3rd quarter. The Broncos won 20 -10. We were glad to see the Broncos win. They needed this win, it has not been their best year. After I woke up, Meredith fixed us a girl luncheon. We had 2 kinds of dip, cheese, bread and Brent we did not want you to be left out... we had tomatoes. 

When the game was over, Meredith got out her Christmas ornaments. She showed me each of them as she put them on the tree. I had made about 3/4th of them. It was a walk down Christmas memory lane when I saw the ones that I had made. When Michelle got to a certain spot on baking, we loaded the car and headed home. It was a wonderful day!.

December 3, 2016

Today was another rough day for me.  The pleasant thing was Dwaine coming over to play our newly tuned piano.  He has so much talent.

I could barely keep my head up at dinner, so I went to bed early.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.

December 2 - Loveland, CO

Today wasn't a good day. I had trouble with balance and I was very, very shaky. I had meant to go to the neurologist to make an appointment but did not feel like it.

Michelle came in and announced that it was snowing "very tiny flakes". We cheered and Bill boo'd. In no time they got bigger and was blowing around.

Meredith came to bring dinner and it had already quit snowing.. boo...hiss! She brought minestroni soup. It was a good choice for a cold day.

I am all snuggled up with my blanket and heating pad.... so good night!

December 1 - Loveland, CO

I cannot believe that December is already here! This morning I went to the physical therapist and told him about my bad day yesterday. He worked on some different things with me. When we got back home we went to the motor home to look for a few things. It was so COLD that I could only stay a few minutes. I forgot one of the most important things: a fudge recipe from Sally. After lunch I took a nap most of the afternoon. We have leftover Carne en su Jugo soup tonight. It was wonderful on this cold 30 degrees night. Bill and I don't mind leftovers as long as it is a hot bowl of soup. The weatherman kept saying that we would have snow tomorrow, but now it looks like it will just be cold. Bill is happy, I am sad.