June 30, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This has been a rather unusual day for me.  I went to see Dr. Green, my heart specialists.  So there was no time for a nap before lunch. 

After lunch, M and M came by after they had been to a memorial service for Jordan, who died last week of leukemia, at age 10.  The girls told me about the service, attended by over 500 people.  They said it was a very special service, about her short life.

I went to Meredith’s for some R and R.  We watched a movie and then sat in the backyard and watch the dogs play.  The lake was calm today…not much activity.  Once again, I didn’t have a nap.  Wow!

We all went to Dairy Delight for hamburgers.  It was fun to sit outside and visit.  There were nine of us at two picnic tables.

June 29, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

While Chef Bill was cooking breakfast, I got dressed so as soon as we finished eating, we could start on our errands.

Our first stop was at the library.  I had two books to turn in and I checked out two more.  I will have to read fast because they are due about the time we plan to leave Loveland.  Things are really going to speed up between now and then.

We went to Penney’s where I bought a blue hat.  I am trying to wear a hat when I leave the house.  It will be even more important when we get back to the Yuma area. 

We made a stop at Harbor Freight, also known as Toys R For Big Boys.  Bill was looking for a certain type sander, but wasn’t able to get the kind he wanted.  That gives him an excuse to keep looking.

After lunch and resting for nearly two hours, Bill got me up.  He wanted to do some cactus planting.  Yes, you read it correctly.  Farmer Bill wanted to expand his farming experience.

It went like this…after getting all the flower pots out, two bags of soil especially for cacti, and any tools he might think he needed, including his Leatherman, which is never far away, he was ready to get to the job!  Then he looked at me and said, “What do I do now?”  Oh, dear! 

When the bad language started, I warned him that my blog would tell the true story!  Things went well after that, and three hours later, 13 plants had been repotted.  The Farmer had done an excellent job.  About that time, Michelle came to see if I wanted to watch the Evening News in her house.  Bless her little heart, she came at just the right time!  Bill was vacuuming so I happily went on my way.

At dinner, the farmer said he didn’t want to get a full time job in a nursery!  Maybe next time, he will just let me sleep!

June 28, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

After a rather slow start to the day, I got in gear, got dressed, and we went to Costco.  Bill and I both liked the lawn chairs we got for Meredith and Michelle.  We decided we wanted to have the same kind, so we got two more at Costco.  Yuma doesn’t have a Costco, so we’ll just haul them back with us.

Bill talked to Bonnie today to get a report on Todd.  He has had several rough days, but was better today.  That’s the same kind of pattern I usually have.

After leaving Costco, we went by Sonic to get lunch.  When I finished eating, I was going for a nap.  I asked Bill to get me up between 2:00 and 2:30.  He did, but said it was so hot, I might just want to rest in front of the fan longer.  Of course, it didn’t take much time to talk me in to that plan.

Meredith and the pups came at about 5:00, so I went to the backyard to sit and enjoy their company.  We stayed out enjoying ourselves until a thunder storm rolled through.  It was more noise than anything.  Bill said he counted six drops of rain on the driveway.

June 27, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

To you who just might be old enough to remember the TV show, Laugh In, we had our own version of the show this morning.  Bill unwrapped a pair of socks and took a swing at my right hip twice.  Luckily, I was still in bed and well covered, so I didn’t feel much.  I told him I was going to report the incident anyway  So here goes…He “socked” me twice!!!  Does anyone out there feel sorry for me.  No?  Well……

We had planned on going to Walmart, but I didn’t have the energy.  It will have to wait until tomorrow.

Ron, Joshua, Matthew, and Tippy came home from Oregon this morning.  So now everyone is in the right place.  Happiest to be back in Loveland was Tippy, I think!  He stayed close to Michelle most of the rest of the day. 

June 26, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today was much like most of the rest lately…warm, a little bit of wind, but no rain this time.

We didn’t go anywhere today.  I had one of my down days, so I took several naps.

We also watched the NASCAR race from Sonoma.  It is our favorite track.  It is a road course, and can be very interesting.  Several years ago, we went to the track for five days.  It wasn’t the best camping conditions…we were parked in a mowed off cornfield.  But we had a great time just being there.  On Sunday, when the race was being run, we watched from the motorhome.  It was a good place to see all of the action.  Plus it saved us $90 a person in tickets.

We had special passes to the Hendrick Motor Sports tent.  We had lunch there and a short presentation by the drivers.  When Jeff Gordon was talking, he saw his grandma in the audience, so they brought her to the stage.  Being a grandmother, that was extra special to me.

Natalia got restless so I took her outside the tent.  Someone from another team gave her a fanny pack and several other promotional items.  I can’t remember the driver being promoted, but that day it certainly paid off to be a cute little seven year old.

Bill pulled weeds in Michelle’s flower garden.  It looks so good.  I think he plans to outline the area with brick.  He just keeps busy all the time.  I may have to start calling him Farmer Bill.

June 25, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today was a much better day than yesterday.   Team Three M’s went to Loveland Nursery.  It is one of our favorite places to browse and shop.  I bought several flower pots and two cactus-type plants.  I’m getting ready for Yuma.

After spending over an hour looking around, we went to eat lunch.  Our choice was Dairy Delight on the road to Estes Park.  It is one of our favorite eating places in the area.

We had to go home so Meredith could go to work at 3:00.  I held up fairly well today.  Michelle got tired, probably because she got up during the night to work on a painting project.  She and Bill have been painting one of their bedrooms.  They are just about finished.  They wanted to get the job completed before Ron and the two boys get back from Oregon.  They are due on Monday.

We had rain late this afternoon.  It was barely enough to get the driveway wet.  We need more than that!

June 24, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Late this morning, Bill and I went to do some errands.  Our first stop was at US Bank.  It took longer than we had expected it to take.  Our next place to go was Dollar Tree.  When we got there, I couldn’t remember what I needed to buy (Does that sound familiar, Brent?), so we went to our third stop…Walmart. 

As usual, I didn’t get everything accomplished that I wanted to.  Even though I had the use of a battery powered cart, I still got very tired, so we checked out and went home.  I don’t know if I took a nap or not. 

Sometimes, I can’t put my brain in park.  Today was one of those days.  I was depressed to the point of tears.  It continued to get worse.  Thankfully, Meredith and Hapa came to the rescue.  Her little furry self got on the bed and I spent quite a bit of time rubbing her fluffiness. 

Meredith and I talked about all sorts of things, and when she and the pups went to the house to see Michelle, I had a much brighter outlook.  Thanks, Meredith and Hapa, for the visit!

Dinner was cheese fondue…one of my favorites.  It was really good and I ate more than I should have eaten, but my weight keeps dropping, so I guess pigging out once in a while isn’t too bad.  I didn’t eat anything that wasn’t on my diet with Dr Sears…just more than I needed!

The funny thing about this fondue feast was that we didn’t have any fondue forks…the long kind that makes it easier to eat.  But eat we must, so we used chop sticks.  Meredith said it was an international occasion…Swiss food, chop sticks, a Hawaiian diner and even one Texan.  Yeehaw!

June 23, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Both Michelle and I were feeling better today.  She was able to get back to work, and I accomplished a little bit at my desk.

We had a lot of smoke in the area today.  It is from some of the forest fires north of here.  It has been so dry around here that nature isn’t helping with the burning places.  What the entire area needs is several days of soaking rain.

Tomorrow night we are having cheese fondue.  It is one of my favorites.  Meredith is coming for the occasion.  I am sure Joey and Hapa will be present, but they won’t be able to dip into the cheese.  Joey might be able to figure it out, but we won’t let him try.

I had on my “to do” list for today to take a walk.  Maybe tomorrow I will get to mark it off.

June 22, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Michelle was sick today with the same symptoms as I had yesterday.  I think she spent a lot of the day resting.  I was still in a “rest mode” today.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better for both of us.

I didn’t do anything today other than nap, so I don’t have any great stories to write.  I hope this improves soon.  My blog is a real drag for all concerned.

June 21, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Happy first day of summer.  It seems as if it took a long time getting here.

I didn’t get much sleep last night, so this morning I was kind of drug out feeling.  We had planned on going places with Jim and Peggy.  I didn’t feel like going so I sent Bill without me.

They went motorhome looking.  All of us are in the market for something smaller, since it doesn’t seem like we will live in ours full time much longer.  We have some major decisions to make at this  time in our lives.

When they got back, we visited for about an hour.  Jim and Peggy drive back to Santa Fe tomorrow.

Michelle, Connor, Bill and I went to Costco for supper and to do just a little bit of shopping.  I was feeling weak, but enjoyed the drive north.  We didn’t come home on the Interstate, but took some interesting back roads.  That’s our favorite kind of traveling.

Meredith, Joey, and Hapa came just as we got home.  They spent some time in the backyard, and then came to the MH for awhile.

June 20, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today is Rosie’s birthday…#26.  It is our first time to wish her Happy Birthday since she and JP got married.  “Happy Birthday, Rosie.  We are glad you are in our family.”

I asked Bill to let me sleep late this morning.  He took me at my word.  I got up at 10:00, ate a small breakfast, and went back to bed and slept until 12:00.  Bill calls me a lazy bum, but when I sleep that much it is because I need to.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Meredith and the pups came to play in the backyard.  They miss Tippy, still on vacation in Oregon.  They know something is not quite right, but they haven’t figured out what it is.

Connor flew into Denver tonight.  It was good to see him on this side of the Rockies.  We have missed having him around, but know he had a good time visiting with his Oregon Grandparents.

June 19, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Today is Brent’s 44th birthday.  When he was little, one of his nicknames was Cubby Bear…so,o,o,o,o… Happy Birthday, Cubby Bear!

We went to Meredith’s for a cookout tonight.  The lake was very busy with lots of boats, skiers, people being pulled on tubes, etc.  It was a great day to enjoy the lake, for those on the water and those of us watching from the shoreline.

We had quite a feast…steak, salmon, shrimp, asparagus, potatoes, a rice dish, and salad.  Raspberry sorbet, blueberries, poppy seed cake, and blueberry pie were the choices for dessert.  There was plenty to eat for a variety of diets there.

My brother, Jim, and his wife Peggy were there from Santa Fe.  Their friends from Ft. Collins, Gene and Sharie, were there, also.  Michelle was the only one from her family to attend.  The rest of her crew are in Oregon.

It was a fun time spent with friends.

June 18, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

At midmorning, Bill moved the motorhome out of its spot in the driveway so he could take it to dump the holding tanks.  I was in bed taking my morning nap.  I slept most of the time we were gone. 

The diesel can really help me sleep.  I didn’t wake up even when he turned off the engine at the dump station or when he stopped to fill the fuel tank with diesel.  I snoozed through the whole thing.

Not long after we got back home, Michelle and I did some running around.  Our first stop was at Hobby Lobby.  I was able to conclude my search for a birdhouse.  Now I just need to find time and energy to paint it.  That job may go to one of the boys when they get home from Oregon.

Our next stop was at the Habitat Thrift Store.  We bought several flower pots…actually they are for cactus when we get back to Yuma.  Yes!  Just a few more things to drag around with us when we head west.  But it is what it is!

We went back home, collected Bill, and went to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  It was good and we brought home enough for Monday night’s dinner.

Bill washed two cars when we got home.  It was still a rather hot day by then, but I don’t think he suffered too much.

June 17, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Bill and I were able to get a couple of errands out of the way today.  We went to the Habitat Thrift Store for two things…lawn chairs…I want to be able to recline and take a nap in the yard.  We have had no luck finding anything suitable.  In Yuma, in November, the market opens and there are always several vendors selling chairs.  I wanted to get some to leave here, but it looks as if I will have to wait.  It seems that I’m not long on patience these days.

We have also been looking for a birdhouse to hang on Michelle’s porch.  No luck on that search, either.  If I had my radial arm saw here and felt better, I would make one.  That’s not going to happen.

Meredith came for dinner tonight.  The dogs came, also.  Hapa stayed at my feet the entire time.  She makes an excellent foot warmer.

Meredith, Michelle, and Bill plan to do some painting this weekend.  Unfortunately, I’m not much help with that kind of thing.

June 16, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

6-16-16 is the date today.  Numerologists might find that very interesting, but I don’t know anything about the occult significance of numbers.  I do know that it reads the same from left to right as from right to left.

Our plans to get some running around done fell short, although we did make it to the library, three stores to look for lawn chairs, and to the hospital supply store.  The one place we didn’t get to was the Habitat Thrift Store.  Maybe we’ll make it tomorrow!

Meredith came to visit tonight.  We sat around the dining room table and talked about things from the past.  Connor didn’t miss a word!  He’ll know lots of thing about us that the other boys won’t know!

June 15, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Friends of our’s, Dave and Marla, had a 10 year old granddaughter, Morgan, who was diagnosed with leukemia.  She developed an infection and died this morning.  It is so sad for her family and friends.  They can use prayers and positive thoughts to help them through this difficult time.

We had plans for some errands today, but it didn’t work out that way.  Ron, Joshua, and Matthew were planning to leave early this morning for Oregon.  Ron usually goes every year to help his parents cut firewood.  They heat with a wood stove, so a good supply of wood is very important to them.  Things kept getting in the way of their departure.  We were finally able to wish them well and to have a safe journey sometime past 4:00.  That certainly wasn’t a Dane start, eh?

It was warm this afternoon, with clear blue skies. No rain and very little wind.  Later in the week, we are predicted to have warmer weather.

June 14, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Even though I didn’t get as much rest last night as I had hoped for, I have felt better for most of the day.  I was able to walk unassisted most places in the motorhome.  That is certainly an improvement
from yesterday.

At 11:00, we went to see the audiologist.  What we had thought would be a 20 minute visit turned into an hour session.  I guess it was worth the time because when we left the office, both aids worked.  And neither one of then fell out or quit working as long as I had them in.

We went to McDonald’s for lunch before going to Ace Hardware for a few supplies for Bill.  I looked for deck chairs before spotting some interesting bright colored bowls.  I may have to go back to take another look.

I took a long nap when we got home.  The next thing I knew, Joey had jumped up on the bed to see if I wanted to go out in the yard to play.  Of course, my answer was “yes.”  They use so much energy chasing tennis balls.  I wish they could transfer some of the energy to me.

Michelle got some gluten-free flour today and made a pizza for me.  It all fit in my diet, which I will be on for at least 2 1/2 more weeks.  The doctor is trying to discover what is the cause of my intestinal upsets.  So far, so good.

June 13, 2016—-Loveland Colorado

I have been very dizzy tonight.  I have reguired help getting around the MH all evening.  It is the worst dizzy spell I have ever had.

Hopefully, a good night’s sleep will help.

June 12, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This morning was spent mostly resting and relaxing.  I need a day like that every few days.

After watching the NASCAR race this afternoon, I decided another nap might be in order.  Before I could even get my eyes closed, Michelle came to tell me the pups had “brought” Meredith over for some backyard time.  I joined them for a couple of hours. 

They had a kiddie pool for Hapa.  She likes to stand in it to cool off.  As long as her furry bum doesn’t get wet, she is fine.  It is sometimes funny to see the gyrations she goes through to keep it dry.

We had several rain showers pass through tonight, but none of them amounted to much.  They did cool things off nicely, though.

June 11, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

This was a very busy day for me.  Michelle, Meredith, and I went to Berthod to a city wide garage sale.  It sounded much better than it actually was.  Not a lot of people took part. 

We finally went to the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store and shopped.  Meredith and Michelle each bought a pair of shorts.  I bought a white blouse, a book on Golden Retrievers, and three plastic storage containers.  That was the extent of our shopping.  We went back to Loveland, bought Arby’s sandwiches for lunch, and took them back to the MH to eat.

I really needed a nap after all that bargain chasing.  I slept for about two hours.  I felt refreshed when I got up.

Meredith invited us to a cookout.  She made really good hamburgers.  There were brownies and ice cream for dessert.  I had raspberry sherbet because of my special diet.  It was good and all I needed to have.

When I got home, I wanted and needed a nap, but my “keeper” aka Bill kept reminding me of my blog that needed to be written!

June 10, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

It was warm today, but not as much as yesterday.  Bill and I went for a short walk at 11:00.  When we were in the shade it was OK, but out in the sun it was a bit too hot.  We need to try to get out earlier, or wait until the cool of the evening.  Mid day just wasn’t a very good time to be out.

After lunch, we went to Verizon.  My phone and I weren’t getting along too well.  I usually can’t hear it when it first rings, and by the time I answer it, it is too late.  On Tuesday, I get my hearing checked and my hearing aids adjusted.  That will be one more thing off my “Loveland List.”

After going to Verizon, we stopped at Walmart.  It was very crowded.  Bill said to remind him never to go on Friday afternoon again.  By the time I got an electric cart and started my shopping, Bill was ready to leave.  I look forward to the time when I can drive myself to places.

June 9, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

It is getting difficult some days to write my blog.  The days are so much alike.  For instance, today I ate, napped, etc.  Hang in there with me if you can take the boredom.  I do have hopes that things will improve.

Bill spends his time when not attending to me, cleaning the outside of the coach.  It will need to look its best when we get ready to sell it, so he is getting a head start.

It was quite warm today…high of 94°.

Meredith was working in Broomfield today, so Bill got the pups to come to Michelle’s to spend the day.  Joey has taken some of my habits.  He naps a lot.  Usually he is in Michelle’s office laying on an air conditioner duct.  He has claimed his spot.  Hapa spends her time in the basement where it is usually much cooler.  I think Tippy goes back and forth between the two making sure his domain is well protected.

Meredith visited for awhile before taking the dogs home.

June 8, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

I was really tired after breakfast so I went down for a nap.  We had planned to go to the bank, to Dr Huneycutt’s office to get my lab results, and Walmart for some groceries.  Unfortunately my nap lasted until almost noon, so we ate lunch before setting off on our errands.

Of course, when we got home, a nap was called for.  I didn’t get up until dinnertime.  My life is one big nap and eating fest!  And I’m still dreadfully tired, but I’m not gaining any weight!

June 7, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

I had an appointment with a urologists at 1:00.  I thought I might have to delay fir a few days because I had a severe intestinal upset during the night.  I am really tired of the whole routine, but maybe things will level out.

I was able to keep the 1:00 appointment with no further trouble.   I go back to see Dr. Strom on Monday for further treatment and evaluation.

Not much happened the rest of the day to report.  I rested most of the time.

June 6, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Happy Birthday, Sara.  Sixteen years old already.  That is hard to believe.  And just like the rest of our grandyoungens, you have been a pleasure for us. 

And of course, you know I have lots of funny stories to tell involving you…like the time you were in the car with your dad, Coleson, Pa, and me.  You were chattering away a mile a minute.  Your dad said, “Everyone who wants Sara to be quiet for awhile raise your hand.”  Four of us immediately raised our hands.  You said, “Pa?”  You couldn’t believe Pa would vote for you to be quiet.  It didn’t matter how the rest of us voted.  We all laughed, including you!

I nicknamed you “Sweetpea,” and showed you on the computer a picture from the comics Popeye.  Then when we were in Colorado, I took a picture of you in front of some sweetpeas.

Today, I went to a doctor for help with solving my intestinal upsets.  He gave me a whole regimen of changes to make.  We’ll get back together in several weeks to see about the results.

6-6-16---That's easy to remember!   Happy Birthday, Sweetpea!

June 5, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

We had some sunshine today, lots of clouds, and a little bit of rain.  Mother Nature just couldn’t make up her mind.

At noon, we went to a new fish restaurant in Johnstowns.  It was very nice and the food was good.  Bill and I shared fish and chips.  Even sharing an order, we couldn’t finish what we ordered.

Dwaine’s mother was on her way to DIA.  She had a 2:00 flight back to San Jose.  It was really nice to have one last visit with her.

I took a long nap when we got home.  I haven’t felt very good.  It kind of comes and goes, if you know what I mean.  Meredith and I had planned to go with Conner in his new truck.  Meredith was just too tired to go so we put it off for a few days.

June 4, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

There was a garage sale in the neighborhood this morning.  Bill said he would take me as soon as I got dressed.  That was all the incentive I needed.  The sale was pathetic but it got me up and moving.

We went to a new RV dealer and looked around for about 30 minutes.  We took backroads and enjoyed being out in the country.
We ate at Taco Bell before going back home for naps.

I felt better today than usual, in spite of the fact that I had six intestinal upsets.  When I go to the gastrologist on Monday, I will have lots to tell him.

Meredith and the furry beasts came for a visit tonight.  The dogs napped while we talked.

June 3, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Tonight, we went back to dinner at Meredith and Dwaine’s.  Everyone except Joshua was there.  He was working.  Michelle’s friends from Watsonville brought skirt steak from Freedom Meat Locker.  It’s a favorite!  Especially for a special occasion.  One of the California visitor’s was celebrating his 17th birthday.  It was a good time for Freedom Meat Locker steak.  Ron did an excellent job grilling the steak and corn.  We were well fed!

Most of the group went to Estes Park to drive the race cars.  Bill and I stayed home to rest.

June 2, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

Since I didn’t have any appointments today, I took advantage of the break and got some extra rest.  Even with that, I was very tired when I went to Meredith’s at 4:15.  Lani, Dwaine’s mother, and I sat out on the back deck and watched the activity on the lake. 

Bill came in time to have dinner with us.  We spent more time visiting after we ate.  It was a nice evening.

Yesterday, I went to see the eye doctor who did my cataract surgery several years ago.  My distance vision is 20/20 and my close up vision is 40/20.  We were both very pleased with the numbers.

Nothing big going on tomorrow, so maybe I’ll get some more rest.

June 1, 2016—-Loveland, Colorado

I spent over two hours at the eye doctor this afternoon.  I didn’t get home in time for a nap.  Michelle has company from California.  After pizza for dinner, we had a “gab fest.”  It is now 10:30 and I’m very tired, so I will catch up tomorrow.