May 31, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This morning, I had an appointment for a mammogram.  There is a new method which produces a 3-D image, rather than just a 2-D like the ones before.

I had to walk down a long hallway to get to the lab, and then walk back to the car.  I was really tired when it was over.  We went to KFC for lunch.  I had forgotten that the last time we ate there in Yuma, it didn’t agree with me.  It was the same today, so I guess I need to remember that KFC is off my list!

When we finally got home, I took a long nap.  I got up not long before dinner was ready.  Fatigue had really set in!

Tomorrow, I have my eyes checked.

May 30, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

I got only a small amount of sleep last night.  As a result I took several naps today.  I am still very tired.   Meredith and her group came today to plant their garden.  I was too tired to go out and “supervise.”  “Now that’s tired!”

At about 4:00, I went in the house to see how things were going.  Michelle and Tippy were the one’s around.  Michelle bought a puzzle at Walmart and had set the card table up in the den.  We sorted the pieces to find all the edge parts.  It took us longer than usual to get the edge finished.  We were really out of practice. 

I like to do puzzles on my iPad, but it is different.  We had a good time.  Bill helped us until dinnertime.  After I finished eating, I needed to go back to the motorhome to rest.   Maybe we’ll work on the puzzle tomorrow afternoon.  It was a fun time!

We looked out the window this evening and saw a small skunk walking along the front of the neighbor’s house.  It wasn’t in any particular hurry.  The last we saw it, it was going into a clump of bushes on the corner.  We were certainly glad none of the dogs were out playing.  Ugh!

May 29, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today was mostly a rest day.  I didn’t sleep well last night and even though Bill let me sleep until 9:30, I still needed more rest. 

Michelle and Tippy came to go on a walk.  I went even if I didn’t feel like going.  Bill tells me often enough that I need to at least try.  And try, I did!  But after less than half a block and three rest stops, he said we should go back home.  Needless to say, I didn’t argue!

I had a very busy day yesterday, and after a day like that, the next two days are usually a washout.  It held true this time.

We watched the first few laps of Indy, napped, and watched the final 10 laps.  It really isn’t my favorite sport…even though I have been on the track at Indy, not able to finish even one lap because I “spun” out on turn three and “hit” the wall.  OK.  I will be like Paul Harvey and tell the rest of the story!

In our younger days, we were into a sport called Volkswalking.  It was usually 10 K walks over a prescribed route.  An event was held at the track in Indianapolis.  So now you know why I was on the track at all.

Meredith and the pups came for a visit tonight.  It is always nice to have them here.  The dogs nap and the people visit.  It is a “win win” situation.

May 28, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Michelle came to see if I wanted to go a couple of places…the bread store and the library.  My answer was a resounding “Yes!”

The bread store was a quick stop.  Michelle had several items she needed to feed the “hungry mob.”

The library stop took a bit longer.  Michelle had a book to turn in, but I needed a couple of books to read.  Of course, I went to the mystery section.  The Loveland Library is well stocked and well staffed.  It is always a pleasure to spend time there.

We went back home so I could rest and get something to eat.  Then we continued with our shopping…at Walmart.  Not long after we got into the store, rain started to fall.  We could hear it hitting the skylights.  It rained really hard for quite a few minutes.  By the time we were ready to leave the store, the sun was shining.  We had timed our shopping just right.

It was a lot of activity for me, but I really did enjoy myself.

May 27, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Rain fell off and all throughout the day.  It didn’t amount to much, but any will help.

I rested most of the day.  Doctor’s appointments are taking their toll.  I come home tired after each one.  I have five more appointments, unless something shows up.

Meredith came for me at about 4:00.  We went to Bath, a plant store in Fort Collins.  They have a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, plus large and small cacti.  It is my favorite store to wander around in.

I was very tired by the time we got back to the Motorhome.  I ate a quick supper so I could write my blog and go to bed early!  As they say in Texas, “I’m plumb tuckered.”

May 26, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We had dark clouds, lightening, thunder, and rain off and on all day.  It was cool so I wore a sweater most of the day.

This afternoon, I went to have my hearing aids checked.  After the earpiece was changed, they worked better than they ever have.  That’s hopeful.   Since they are still under warranty, we decided to send them in for a good tuneup.  Maybe they will come back even better.

I was able to make an appointment with the urologist I have seen in the past.  Dr. Huneycutt recommended that I have that done.  It has been several years since I have seen Dr. Strom.

The only doctor I haven’t been able to make an appointment with is the cardiologist.  He’s booked through June.  When the schedule for July is ready, hopefully I will be at the top of their list.

The only other thing I accomplished was ordering renewal subscriptions for all our kids for the Handyman magazine.  One more thing marked off the To Do list.  Yippy, Skippy!

May 25, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today was warmer than any days we have had since coming back to Loveland.  And all after lightening, thunder, and tornado warnings last night.  The weather report for tomorrow is calling for showers and possible tornado alerts for most of the day.  Ugh!

Bill and I had several errands planned for today, but I had a rather sever intestinal upset, I decided it would be better if I just stayed home.  It was a wise choice.

Bill and I had nachos for supper, while the rest of the family went to the track award dinner at the High School.  I didn’t like missing it, but I needed to stay close to the facilities here at home.

Meredith came for a visit.  She stayed for about an hour.  It was nice to have her all to ourselves.  There are usually several dogs and lots of people around, so just the three of us was a treat.

May 24, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

May 24, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today, I went to a new foot doctor.  After X-raying my left foot, and discovering I have a lot of arthritis in it, he worked on the REI insert I have used for several years.  The change was amazing.  I did impressions for new inserts and ordered tennis shoes.  They should
be here in a few weeks.

I was ready for a nap when we got home.

Connor bought a pickup today.  Bill thinks he made a good choice.  Connor was very excited.

We watched the finals of Dancing With The Stars.  It was a good season.  The final three couples were too close to call. 

DWTS wasn’t over until 10:00.  Its bedtime!

May 23, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

After a good breakfast and a nap we set off on some errands.  By then, it was well after lunchtime.  So we made a quick stop at McDonald’s.  We really, really, really do miss In-N-Out.

We went to get an appointment with a new foot doctor.  We will go tomorrow at 1:00.  My diabetes is causing some problems.  I wanted to see a professional before I shopped for new tennis shoes. 

I also got an appointment to have my hearing aids checked.  They have been less than satisfactory.  I hope we can get some answers.

I didn’t accomplish anything else except take a long nap.  That was good!

Bill fixed dinner tonight…meatloaf and baked potatoes.  As usual, it was wonderful!

May 22, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today was very much like the last few have been…fatigue, intestinal upset, etc. etc. etc.  The days don’t seem to get any better and stay that way!

Late this afternoon, after a shower went through, two girls, one grandson, three dogs, one husband, and one boss…me, went for a walk.  It was my longest walk in a long time.  We went around a complete block, which in Michelle’s neighborhood is bigger than usual.  I was really tired and had to stop several times to rest, but I made it.

We sat in the backyard, watching the dogs play.  It also gave us people a chance for a good rest.

Believe me when I say an early bedtime will be welcome tonight!

May 21, 2016---Loveland, Colorado

May 21, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This morning, the M & M team and I went to several garage sales.  We didn’t buy much.  None of them were very good, but we had a good time.

After lunch and a very short rest time, Michelle and I, plus Matthew, went to Barnes and Noble.  Matthew got a really good book on dinosaurs.  I looked at several books on cacti gardens.  Interesting, but I didn’t buy anything.  I particularly liked one for small containers.

We went to Sam’s Club for a few items.  We also got rootbeer floats.  That’s a favorite for Matthew and me.

I don’t know what time we got home, but I immediately lay down to “inspect the insides of my eyelids.”  Bill awakened me at 5:30 in time for dinner.

When we got back out to the motorhome, Bill and I watched a special NASCAR event from Charlotte, NC.  It lasted longer than we had expected, but it was very entertaining.
 

May 20, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We had big plans for this morning.  Then I made the mistake of reclining on the sofa and falling to sleep.  By the time I woke up it was nearly lunch time.

While digging around in one of the MH basements, Bill found a box containing part of my doll collection.  I was so excited to see them.  I wasn’t quite sure where the box was.  I called it my “Happy Day” box.

Bill was tired from the work he had been doing all morning, so after lunch, he took a well deserved nap.  So what was I to do to entertain myself, but lie down and rest.  I woke up at 3:00.

Usually, after I shower I feel much better.  Not so today!  I was so weak I could barely walk.  I was weaker than I have been in a long time.

We were going to eat dinner at Meredith and Dwaine’s.  We got there early and sat on their patio that overlooks the lake.  It was a pleasant, restful time.  After a very good dinner we showed them pictures of some of the houses we looked at in Yuma.

I was feeling much better after a restful visit with Meredith and Dwaine.  I hope after a good night’s sleep I will feel like garage saleing in the morning.

May 19, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This morning, Bill and I went to Walmart.  We had a long list involving   most parts of the store.  We always start at the pharmacy section, because it is usually the slow part of any visit.

We shopped for capris for me.  Of all the clothes, only two were in my size.  Hm-m-m-m!

Next was the grocery section.  We filled the basket on the motorized cart rather quickly.  It shouldn’t surprise me.  We seem to spend a lot of time eating.  In spite of that, the doctor was concerned because I had lost weight.  I’m satisfied.  Why can’t everyone else be.  Brent thinks I need to eat more…I stop when I’m full.

We went to Arby’s for sandwiches to bring home.  It is one of our favorite fast food places to eat.  I napped most of the afternoon!  My kind of day…shop, eat, and nap!

May 18, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

After having such a busy day yesterday, I was completely worn out today.  I barely had enough energy to eat breakfast.  Afterwards, I was so sleepy, I had trouble staying awake.

Bill had made a Walmart list, but finally gave up and just let me sleep.  He woke me for lunch and then I went down for a nap.

Meredith, Joey, and Hapa came at 4:30, and were able to get me up and to the backyard to sit in the sunshine.  It was enjoyable sitting out there watching all three pups play.  Haha spent part of her playtime guarding me.  She seems to know when I’m not feeling well.

I’m going to bed early tonight.  Hopefully, I will be able to sleep.  After all, I’ve been practicing all day!

May 17, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We both had doctor’s appointments today.  Dr. Huneycutt did blood work on both of us.  Hopefully we will get some answers soon.

I had a two hour nap when we got home.  That’s become the story of my life.

Michelle made “make your own tacos” for dinner.  She had two kinds of tortillas, two kinds of meat, two kinds of cabbage, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and two kinds of beans.  We each had our tacos just like we wanted them.  That’s a good way to do it for this family.

May 16, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

A cold rain fell all day.  I was surprised there was no snow involved.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go out for a walk.  I was disappointed because I was so buoyed from my progress yesterday.  Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in a few steps tomorrow.

Bill and I have appointments with Dr. Huneycutt tomorrow.  I have a lot of questions to ask, Bill has a few.  Guess who is healthiest?  Bill.  I seem to be falling apart at the seams.  Or as Bill says, I’m self destructing.

In the afternoon, we both see Dr. Bair, our dermatologist.

I think I will need a nap after all that!

Natalia came for dinner tonight.  Lasagna was on the menu.  It is one of Michelle’s specialties.  It was so good.  And it was really great to spend more time with Natalia.

May 15, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We had some rain several times and some clouds and sunshine part of the time.  I spent about an hour sitting in the backyard with Meredith and Michelle watching the dogs play.  Michelle has really nice grass for them to play on.

The only place I went today was for a walk.  Yes! I used a 4 letter word…WALK.  It had been a long time since I have been out walking and I thought I might be able to go for a fourth-block and back to the house.  But I surprised myself and went a long block before turning around and heading back home.

I had no idea I could go that far.  It may not sound like such a big deal to all you active people out there, but for someone who has had to have help getting out of bed and walking to the sofa, it was a milestone.  Bill’s sister, Harolene, knows what I am talking about, and so does our friend, Todd.  We have all gone through various stages of weakness, for different reasons.  It can be very depressing!

Meredith stayed for dinner tonight and we had a good time, visiting afterwards.

May 14, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

I told Bill to get me up at 7:00.  No one told me there was a 7:00 in the morning.  I meant 7:00 at night.  Yikes!  I need to start clarifying things. 

Meredith, Michelle and I were going garage sailing.  When they got here it was cold and raining, so we decided to skip it for today.  We just sat around and visited, which I enjoyed a great deal.

Meredith brought me a Birthday card.  It had a cute picture of a cat and dog saying a little birdie told them I was a year older.  So they duct taped his beak shut!  I appreciated their efforts and think it was a mighty good new use for duct tape.

Natalia came for a visit.  It was really nice to hear about her job and her plans for the future.  She has her Subaru up for sale and is driving a BMW.  I’d guess that proves you can take the sporty car out of the girl, but you can’t take the girl out of the BMW.  Natalia will be back on Monday for birthday dinners for Ron and Your’s Truly…lasagna.  Yum, yum!

I took a long nap and woke up completely confused.  I thought I had slept all night and it was morning.  Oh, my dear!

Ron barbecued ribs for dinner.  Michelle added baked potatoes and fresh corn to the menu.  We had a feast!

May 13, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We didn’t realize it was Friday the 13th until I started my blog.  I guess that can be my excuse for doing almost nothing today.  Actually, I did fold and put away some laundry.  That’s about it!

Oh! And I did take several naps.  Yesterday’s drive across the mountain was harder on both of us, so it took extra rest today.

Meredith and the pups came for a visit after dinner.  Joey didn’t want to leave.  He got into the MH and had to be scolded rather sternly by Meredith.  Next time I will have to show him a really good hiding place!

This is another short-blog-early-to-bed night!

May 12, 2016—Grand Junction to Loveland, Colorado

Today was a hard day…for Bill driving 7 hours, especially through Denver rush hour traffic, and for me because I didn’t feel well.  But we made it in time for a pizza supper at Michelle’s.

Connor was tired also from his last three days of his first year of college.  Hopefully we will all be able to get a good night’s sleep.

Meredith, Joey, and Hapa came for a visit.  It was good to see all of them that we haven’t seen for several months.

Bed time, so good night!

May 11, 2016---Grand Junction, Colorado

Today was my 79 birthday.  It was a fun day.  I took several naps, which isn't  usual, but I needed the rest.  We went for  a late lunch at a nice Mexican food place,   The food was really good, and we took home enough for at least two meals each.  And we each got a lunch special, which is usually smaller amounts.  Not today!

We had meant to go to Walmart, but a nap sounded better.  Shortly after I woke up, Connor called and wanted to go to Sonic for milk shakes, so away we went!

It was a fun day!

May 10, 2016—Ridgefield, Utah to Grand Junction, Colorado

May 10, 2016—Ridgefield, Utah to Grand Junction, Colorado

We left the parking lot of Walmart at 6:20.  We had rain most of the night, but by morning most of the dark clouds were gone.

The drive today was not nearly as pretty as yesterday’s drive was, but there were lots of interesting rock formation along the way.  We traveled 228 miles but it seemed like a much longer trip.

Our highest pass was 7900 feet and we saw quite a bit of fresh snow along the way.  I didn’t sleep as much as the past few days, but lay down most of the way.  I have felt better today.  Maybe seeing grandson Connor was the medicine I needed.

We parked at Sam’s Club, ate lunch, and fueled the MH with diesel before going to the Elks Lodge to park while we are here in Grand Junction.

Connor and two friends came for a visit.  At 5:15, we went into the Lodge for supper.  It was “Make your own tacos!” night.  I can’t say that the tacos were especially good, but we all chowed down.

It was cold tonight when we went to bed, so it should be good sleeping weather.

May 9, 2016—Washington City to Ridgfield, Utah

I hope all of you were able to have a restful and joyful Mother’s Day yesterday.

We traveled 160 miles today.  Bill reported it was a beautiful drive across this part of Utah.  I was asleep more of the day than I was awake.  I did rouse to see green pastures in the valleys and snow on some of the tall mountain peaks.

Our highest pass to go over was 7200 feet.  The other three were not as high.  The motorhome performed perfectly.  It seemed to enjoy the challenge of being on the road again.

We stopped at the Walmart in Ridgefield.  I had planned to go into Walmart for a few items, but when I woke up from my long nap, a rainstorm was passing through the area…lots of wind, and rain, but no hail or tornados.  The wind was strong enough to make the MH rock.

Bill plans to get an early start in the morning.  We will cross into Colorado and hopefully see Connor in the afternoon.

May 8, 2016—Parker, Arizona, to Washington City, Utah

We left Parker at 6:30, with Bill in the driver’s seat, and me still asleep the bed.  Bill said the drive went along the Colorado River, with tiny little villages along both sides of the river.  My guess is that anyone who can afford river front property is enjoying it.  I don’t know for sure.  I was asleep!

We stopped on the west side of Needles for breakfast.  Once we turned north on Hwy, 95 and began to gain altitude, we began to see Desert Primroses with large white blooms  They are blooming much later than the desert plants in the Yuma area.

The highway looked like a “mild rollercoaster.”  It was caused by earth quakes sometime in the past.

We had hoped to see our friend, Jo, when we were in Henderson, Nevada, but I was having an intestinal upset and if it was anything contagious, I didn’t want to pass it on to her.  I will be glad when I find out what is causing these flare ups that I have about twice a month.

Interstate 15 goes north out of “Lost Wages.”  It is mainly desert and treeless mountains.  Today, however, because of rain in the past few weeks, things were green.  It is cool today and that makes for good traveling.

We stopped for the night at the Walmart in Washington City, Utah.  There are nine rigs of various sizes here.  We traveled 318 miles today.  Super Driver is tired.  I napped a good part of the day, but am still tired.

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May 7, 2016—Yuma to Parker, Arizona

This morning, Bill announced that he would like to go to Plan D.  I soon found out that it meant drive to Quarzsite to watch the NASCAR race.  Fine with me!

After going to tell Ardene and Bonnie and the pups goodbye, and calling Todd to tell him we were leaving, we got on the road.  Willie Nelson had forgotten all about us and it’s no wonder.  We have been off the road for over five months.  But he soon remembered our traveling song, “on the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again” and we were singing together as we were heading north toward Quartzite.

When we got to Q, Bill was feeling ok after his first driving venture in so long and wanted to go to Parker.  We parked at Walmart just in time to watch the race.  The weather was good in Kansas and was here, too, although we had lots of clouds.

Knowing we will probably have an early start in the morning, I will cut this short.  We drove 109 miles today.

May 6, 2016---Yuma, Arizona

Thank goodness, Bill added two days to our trip to Colorado.  We have already used one of them and will use the second one Saturday. 

Today, he said he wanted to go to Plan C.  I’m glad he told me what he had in mind, because I hadn’t a clue.  He wants to stay here through Saturday so he can watch the NASCAR race from Kansas Saturday night.  Fine with me.  We will leave Yuma Sunday morning…hopefully.  We’ll see you soon, Connor!

Our last lunch at In-N-Out was today…probably until we return to Arizona in the Fall!  Afterwards, we went to see Todd.  He was sitting in a wheelchair and looking fairly good.

Bonnie and the pups came late this afternoon!

We’ll spend some time tomorrow getting “stuff stashed away” and the coach ready to roll.

May 5, 2016---Yuma, Arizona

This morning when I got up, I felt really lousy.  After breakfast, I took a nap.  I told Bill I didn’t think I would be ready to travel by tomorrow morning.  He had put a couple of extra travel days in our schedule “just in case.”  We will use one right off the bat!

Todd’s sister came to check up on “Mr. Bones,” and we met her and Bonnie for lunch at Julianna’s Patio.  It was a very good place to eat.  I had tortilla spup, which was excellent.  It was nice to sit and eat in a quiet place, and not feel rushed.

I had an appointment to get my hair cut at 2:30.  It is now very short and I really like it. 

I had a long nap after we got home and felt much better when I got up.

Bonnie and the pups came to visit.  They are going to miss Bill’s treats when we leave.  He will have to retrain them when we get back in the fall.

May 4, 2016---Yuma, Arizona

After making an appointment to get my hair cut tomorrow, we went to Jack-In-The-Box for chicken sandwiches. 

Our errands today were in the area of Todd’s Rehab center, so after getting the results of my Ultra Sound, we went to check on him.  He looked much better today than before.  His coloring was good and he was alert.

From there, we went to pay a doctor bill.  This morning, Bill changed the oil in the MH, so we took the old oil to Walmart before going back home.

Bonnie and the dogs came for a visit.  Todd will be at the rehab center for a total of 21 days, before going home to continue his recovery at home.

We have a busy day tomorrow, so I’m going to bed early.

May 3, 2016---Yuma, Arizona

It was a down day for me.  I took a nap right after breakfast.  That just about set the pattern of the day for me. 

Todd didn’t come home today like we had expected him to.  He has to get stronger.  I know all to well how hard that is to do.  Right now he’s fighting an uphill battle.

We went to see Ardene.  She seems to be weaker, but she had been asleep before we got there.  I don’t know what her chemo schedule is right.  We’ll see her before we leave the area.

Maybe tomorrow will be a good day and I will get lots done toward Friday’s departure.

May 2, 2016---Yuma, Arizona

Yesterday, I began having allergy problems…runny nose, itchy eyes, that kind of thing.  This morning it was worse.  Bill and I went to In-N-Out for lunch before starting on errands.

I was only able to eat half of my burger.  When we got back in the car, Bill asked where I wanted to go next?  “Home” was my answer.  I didn’t feel like running around at all. 

I lay down, but didn’t go to sleep.  My eyes were burning really badly.  I took allergy medicine, but it didn’t help much.  It may be tomorrow before it kicks in.

Bonnie, Maggie, and Fiesty came to see us late this afternoon.  The down side of the visit was that Maggie was so glad to see us, she jumped over Bill and went ripping over me, literally!  Those of you who know me, know how easily my skin can tear and bleed. 

Sheila, do you remember when we were caching in a jungle in Mexico and I had a fight with a rusty barbed wire fence…and lost?  Well, today’s wound was about three times bigger.  Maggie didn’t mean to hurt me and we are still BFFs, but I really bled a lot.

When Willie was a puppy, I usually left Brent’s house with at least one “Willie wound.”  Then along came Max (aka Tippy) and I named his scratches “Max marks.”  I guess now I have “Maggie’s mayhem.”  All three I can attest to happiness!

The upside of Bonnie’s visit was the good news that Todd is going to be able to continue his rehab at home.  That’s bound to make him feel much better!

May 1, 2016--Yuma, Arizona

May 1, 2016--Yuma, Arizona

Happy May Day!  I probably had several people who would have liked a May Basket of flowers today, but I didn’t even get out of the house.  I guess I could’ve sent virtual flowers!  Maybe next year, eh?

I watched the NASCAR race from Talladega.  It isn’t Bill’s favorite race, so he didn’t sit down to watch, but kept going back and forth doing odd jobs both inside and outside the MH.  The race was a good one, but long!

The weather was beautiful…sunshine, not too hot, pretty clouds floating overhead…but it was a “stay indoors and rest kind of day” for me.  So that’s what I did!

Bonnie and the dogs came with a report on Todd.  They are trying to figure out a way he can come home and still do the therapy like he needs to.