farewell dear friend.

It's not that we haven't been busy, it's just me getting settled down to write.  We had an excellent Thanksgiving with Ron's foster brother and their family.  Good food and conversation.
Christmas hasn't started yet.  Well, maybe it has and is almost over.  Anyway, we got all new windows and doors for our mobile.  Tim is finishing up the trim work as I type.  We could feel the difference as soon as they were installed.  You see, we've hit a cold rainy snap in the weather.  They were putting chlorine on the overpasses yesterday to keep them from freezing overnight.
Today I lost a great human being.  Our times spent together was short but he fought a hard battle from the time when he was 18 and I found him slipping into a diabetic coma through kidney and pancreas transplant at 50 and bypass surgery a couple years ago.  He was my ex husband s brother and he was always my friend.  Farewell Jim, you can rest in His arms.

Weathering

We've had a very interesting weekend.  It rained Friday and Saturday and turned cold.  There was a frost warning last night.  Ron ended up covering the outdoor plants and moving a couple inside for the nig  It's 63 outside at 11am.

This weekend was De Tour De Tucson bicycle event.  The route circles the city and is about 107 miles long.  There are places along the route where riders can start and ride shorter distances.  The fastest cyclist completed the entire course in around 4 hours.  Unfortunately there was one fatality.  A car drove into the marked bike path and hit a cyclist.

The main aftermath of the rain is the beautiful whie snow on the mountain tops surrounding Tucson.  The ski resorts will be opening soon.

Eating out and winning money

We've been taking advantage of the upcoming knee surgery our friend, Larry, has scheduled for December.  Trying to get in some of our favorite restaurants before he's immobile.  Tonight was Guadalajara for Mexican.  It's on the top of the list of Mexican restaurants but there are others for different reasons.   Gerry and Larry order one appetizer and one main course for their entire meal and we do the same.  Their plates have so much food on them they feed two people.

Seems like our luck of winning has held over from spring.  I won the first game of the first night of bingo and again this week.  Ron won the 50/50 at coffee and donuts Tuesday.  It was his birthday so we used his winnings to go our for lunch at Red Robin..

Enjoying our friends and looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with family.

Our first weeks in Tucson have flown by.  Guess it's time to catch up.  Everything worked perfectly on our arrival so life has been pretty much unpacking and cleaning.  Even though we covered a lot with sheets, the wind managed to leave a layer of dust.
Our friends are arriving daily.  Every Tuesday morning is a new reunion when we show up for coffee and donuts.
Nothing exciting going on but we're looking forward to a great winter.

Tucson

We both woke up early in Santa Fe so an early start meant an early arrival to our destination.  Since it was only two hours from Tucson, we decided to go for it.  The trip was quite breezy at times but we made it with no troubles.
Got most of the truck unloaded.  Ron decided to call it a night and watch that team win the World Series, which I'm sure will happen.  Looking forward to seeing all our friends who are already here and the rest as they arrive.

Santa Fe all the way.

You guessed it, we're in Santa Fe, NM.  That name has a special place in my life.  My father worked for the railroad most  of his life.  His employer was AT& SF which we loving called "All tramps and suckers free"  but most people knew them as Atchenson, Topeka and Santa Fe.  That was many years ago before there was Amtrak.  I actually could ride the train by myself for free.  When I was about nine years of age my parents, one of my mother's cousins and I all rode to California and back on the train.  We visited a sister of the cousin.

Thus the connection.  Santa Fe,  NM is a nice looking town from what we've seen from the road.  Most of the buildings are flat roofed in the Southwest style.
On our way here on Rt 25,  Ron spotted a lot of smoke off on one of the other mountains.  The desk clerk didn't know anything about it.  Hope it's not a major fire.

T plus 2.

We've made it to the Kansas/Colorado boarder for the night.  The weather has been nice.  Got up into the 60s today.

Settled into the hotel for the night.  Ron`s switching between baseball and football,  both games are being played in St Louis.  Did you know that the Arch is the tallest monument in the United States?  See, you learn important stuff on TV Sports

It's wakeup to T Day

We've decided what we don't have packed we'll buy in Arizona.  The bed of the truck is relatively full and our over night bag for the motels is ready to roll.  We emptied most of the refrigerator off on a neighbor, fruits and veggies.  Don't know how I got so much ahead.  The rest I'll leave to the mercy of our daughter and SIL. 

The part of this trip I'm looking forward to the most is seeing the sun shine.  It seems like it's been cloudy for weeks.  I always repeat myself but I can handle the cold, just not the dull dreary days. 

No cooking tonight.  Decided to see what we had in frozen dinners.  Boy they were old but we ate them.  Worked on The Trib's Saturday crossword puzzle to keep our minds off the food. 

Glad we got to see some people before we left but sad to have missed so many.  Was hoping to have our son and DIL over but they've been to busy with work and family.  Missed one of Ron's brothers and his wife.  Wanted to hear all about their great adventure but time got away.  Missed ou niece's wedding shower today and will miss her wedding next month.  I'm sure we'll miss a lot more events but we'll try to catch up next spring. 

It's getting closer.

Sell, yesterday we got rid of the Honda van.  It cost us more than we hoped but not as much as it could have.  No matter the cost, it was worth it to get it off our hands.

While we were waiting for the paperwork for the van I got a call from the eye surgeon office. My glasses are in.  What a pleasant surprise.  I wasn't expecting them for another couple days.  We didn't have time Monday to pick them up before they closed so off we went this morning and picked them up.

Now that we've unregistered the van in Arizona, applied for a refund on the license plares, we're almost ready to start packing.

Burrr it's cold outside

It's time to head southwest. 47° this morning with some sun and a good breeze.  These November temperatures are throwing off our bodies.
But before we can head out we still have things to do.  Waiting for my glasses (please) to come in and trying to return the van.  The van was supposed to be the fastest project.  Just give them a call and bring it in.  It's not working out that way.  If "the man" doesn't call us back pretty soon we're going to be delayed in our departure.
Other than that we're ready to go, almost.

Cataracts

Yesterday was my last doctor's appointment in regards to the eye surgery.  He released me so I'll be able to get glasses.  Their rule is four weeks from date of last surgery.  That would put it October 21st.  With a tentative departure date of October 27th, it just wasn't going to get done..  After I explained that to the surgeon, he got busy making arrangements to get it all done before October 27th.
My next appointment is the 14th.  I know I'm going to see the surgeon and hopefully the optometrists.
Otherwise it's been quiet.  Some rain but still warm and muggy.  Weatherman says it's going to cool off after today's storms go thru.  That will be nice but not the tornadoes that hit Iowa or the snow from Colorado, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Safe travels to all our RV friends.  Watch out for the storms and make alternative plans for stopping overnight.  Those happy campers staying in Federally funded campgrounds are now taking up spaces in your privately owned ones.

Happy Anniversary George (Ron)

We're celebrating our anniversary today but we started yesterday with a trip to Moline, IL.  We went to see the John Deere museum but they don't have one in the true sense of the word.  They have a beautiful Pavilion downtown by the river (Mississippi).  They have it set up with several of their farm equipment pieces.  They also have them rigged up with stairs so you can climb into the cab and play farmer.  Ron enjoyed that part, obviously.  Then next door to the store where he purchased two John Deere baseball caps.
Since we ate breakfast in Morris on our way out we skipped the restaurant and headed out to Corporate International.  Beautiful 1400 acre campus with a part show casing more machines.  They had some construction/earthmoving equipment for climbing including a 6 wheel road grader
By three o'clock we'd seen it all and were pooped.  Our plans to spend the night changed to sleeping in our own bed.
Today has started out with breakfast at a local restaurant.  The rest of the day is up for grabs but I'm sure it will be a nice one.

Last Cataract

Yesterday (Monday) went well at Amsurg, they even got my name right 90 % of the time.  Surgery went off and we were out the door heading for home in less than two hours.  Not bad for a 8:30 AM start. 
I was complaining to the surgeon on Friday when I was in for a checkup on the other eye, that 8:30 am was to early.  He shared his schedule with me.  He starts every surgery day with the right eye at 7 am.  If surgery is at 7 am, the patient has to be there by 6 am.  When he finished with all the right eyes he switches to the left eye.  So 8:30 am didn't sound quite so bad. 
Now that both eyes are far sighted I'm having to learn new tricks.  This old dog is having a wee bit of problem with not being able to see close things like books and newspapers.  I spend most mornings reading the "Trib" and eating a bowl of cereal and most lunches reading a book and eating lunch. 
This morning my dear husband read the "Trib" to be.  Not all of it but some of the articles I was most interested in.  He finally remembered he had a magnifying glass and brought that so I could read the rest myself.  Still a real inconvenience but I could read.
At my checkup this afternoon the doctor suggested a pair of cheap reading glasses till I qualify for prescription ones.  They have an optical shop in their office so I picked up a pair of readers for $5.  It's taking some getting used to switching them on and off.  I'll have to do that for another 4 weeks before I can even order prescription lenses and then wait till they're done.  You don't have to be an Einstein to figure that time schedule conflicts with our return to Tucson.  We'll have to weigh our possibilities and decide on what fits us.  We have four weeks to do that so we will do it carefully.

In the mean time our friend, Larry, had his 74th birthday on Monday AND a colonoscopy.  Wasn't that a fantastic birthday present his dear wife, Gerry, made for him?    They tell me everything went just fine and he's done for another 5 years.  We'll see them in Tucson sometime in November. 

Cataract Go Away

Well, I did it.  The first time my doctor suggested it.  It just seemed like something I should go ahead and do and get it over with.  "They" tell me the ophthalmologist prefer to remove them early in their formation.  It's easier.  Monday morning at 10:15 am hubby and I were setting in the Amsurg waiting room.  All the preliminary questions, eye drops, a visit from the anesthesiologist took about an hour.  Then they wheeled me into the operating room, put oxygen in my nose and something over me with an opening for my left eye to "see" out.  I laid there for 15 minutes or so seeing nothing but light and absense of light (dark).  They took the cover off and all the tape holding my head down and eye open.  Put on a pair of "fitover" glasses.  Wheeled me back to where I was.  Helped me into a chair and brought me a glass of ice cold water.  I sat there for a few minutes and then they walked me down a few feet to another chair with a foot rest and a table to put my water on.  Went and got hubby and closed the curtain.  Thought that was nice of them but really, what were we going to do?  I got dressed and they sent hubby to get the car and I walked out and into the car.  No pain, no blood and no discomfort of any kind.  Two hours from entry to exit of the building.  The glasses are kind of dorky looking but not as bad as hubby's VC glasses he was wearing when I met him.  BTW he was also wearing plaid polyester pants. 
Today's return visit to the doctor's office went well.  My vision is better than he had expected.  So for the first time in probably 60 years, I'm not wearing glasses.  The left eye has taken over my sight so the problem with the right eye isn't bothering me.  That eye will be taken care of in a couple weeks.  In the mean time I'm enjoying fantastic vision out of my left eye.  I'm seeing things I swear I've never seen before. 

It's Sandwich Fair Time Again

It's the week after Labor Day so it's time to pack up the cold beer, ice water and pop and head to the De Kalb County Fair in Sandwich, IL.  Thursday is the traditional day we go, it's Senior Citizen Day and admittance is half price.  Well, almost half price.  It's been $8 dollars for adults in the past and $4 dollars for seniors on senior day.  They raised the prices this year to $9 dollars for adults and $5 dollars for seniors.  Oh well, it's only money. 
We parked by the rides section so we didn't make it to any of the live stock pens nor did we see the horse racing but we did do some walking and looking and a little buying.  I bought a bottle of Watkins Vanilla.  Remembered I was almost out the last batch of oatmeal raisin cookies I made. 
In one of the commercial buildings we came upon a Pampered Chef person so I got a couple things for the kitchen in AZ and here in IL.  Ron found the John Deere display.  Believe me it wasn't hard to find.  Bought a camouflage John Deere hat like the one that disappeared in the Perkins Restaurant in Iowa. 
We did make a stop at Fay's BBQ and who did we run into but Orion Samuelson.  He was standing next to me but all I had to do was hear him say "one pork chop" and I knew who it was.  We enjoyed our pork chop and all the usual trimmings but thought they were a little overdone this year.  I swore I will try the chicken next year. 
Bought our chances on the steer the Lions was raffling off and headed for the car.  That's where the ice cold water and beer come into play.  Been a tradition for over 35 years, a can/bottle of ice cold beer and then drive home.  Believe me with all the food we had the beer just wet our whistles. 
Now it's get some things in order and relax for a while.  Going to have cataract surgery on Monday. 

One of the more interesting happenings at the fair turned out to be the reaction of people to my husband, Ron.  He was wearing a Viet Nam Veterans baseball cap and people kept stopping him and shaking his hand and thanking him for serving.  Even the people at the VFW and American Legion booths.  My only commet is "It's about time".

Sunday so it must be Vanilla Ice Cream

It has happened that during the past few weeks whenever we've had company for a meal, vanilla ice cream is the dessert.  Not just any vanilla ice cream, mind you, but home made vanilla custard ice cream. 
So this week end I decided to do something about that.  First Ron and I squeezed a bag of fresh limes and made lime sorbet.  Figured since the ice cream maker was out and still frozen we whipped up a batch of regular vanilla ice cream.  When that was done I removed half of it and added chopped up chocolate chips.  OK, Three desserts, see if I can find someone who might be interested.  Got our daughter and son in law to join us for Sunday dinner with the lure of different desserts.  Sure wish my son would join us but he still has little ones at home to keep up with on the weekends.  I'll be glad when he can join us for family dinners again.
We had a nice visit and made plans to celebrate her birthday before we leave for Wisconsin.  She choose lunch at Merichaka's.  That's alright with us.  Been a month or so since we've eaten there.  Remember garlic poor boys, hand made onion rings and salad with house dressing.  If they're reading this just have it ready Friday for lunch. 
This morning was the day for Ron's annual eye exam.  He passed with flying colors, even the colors were right.  No new glasses this year.  Hip Hip Hurrah.
Then a stop at the grocery store down the street from the eye doctor, Food 4 Less.  It's a Kroger store and we love it.  No frills, just fresh produce and name brand products. 
Next lunch.  Hey Hey Hot Dog.  It's one of those places that qualify for the "comfort food" catagory of your life.  When we were dating we used to hop on the motorcycle and head on down to the A & W root beer stand for a frosty mug.  Well that place is gone and the owners retired but his son has all the recipes.  We had a frosty mug of root beer, sloppy joes and a bag of potato chips.  Tastes just like it did 39 years ago. 
Had a great day.  Hope you did too.

Life Goes On

Couldn't resist posting this picture.  It's of our youngest great grand child, Hailey Elizabeth.  She's growing into quite a cutie.  She's 20 months old today. 
Life is progressing here in humid Lockport.  We enjoyed some beautiful fall like days but now that school has started, summer has returned.  Our dry weather has caused some trees to start dropping their leaves already.  Such a shame.  Just no rain in July.
We did venture out to Peotone to see the Will County fair.  Not much has changed in the few years since we attended.  Seems to get smaller and smaller but it definitely is about the farmers.  Livestock exhibiting and farm equipment is the main focus, as it should be, in that rural area.  Tractor pulls and demo derby are the night time entertainment. 
The complete opposite side of the coin occurs the weekend after Labor Day.  The De Kalb County Fair in Sandwich.  Also known as the Sandwich Fair.  It's a nice drive north and west thru rural towns like Plano (They make Plano Tackle Boxes).  Lots of farm animals, horse races (no riding on the back of the horse, just the buggy) and plenty of food.  Carnival rides of the little kids and huge farm tractors for the big boys to ogle.  Of course there is the 4-H building with all the exhibits of cooking and sewing.  Commercial buildings and exhibits willing to sell you just about anything from Huskavarna sewing machines to Huskavarna saws and everything thing in between.  Food is plentiful but we always gravitate to Fay's BBQ.  Best Pork Chops in the state and you can only get them at fairs and such. 
Before that occurs we have some things to take care of, Ron's annual eye doctor appointment and hearing aid appointment.  Then a trip to Milwaukee for the Labor Day Weekend.  Hope everyone has a safe weekend. 

Ending up the Week.

First, I want to wish our friends, Gerry and Larry a happy anniversary today.  You both enjoy your day in your cabin up in the PA mountains.  We miss you and are looking forward to seeing you this winter in AZ.
Now on to the everyday doctor's stuff.  Had my pre op visit with my ophthalmologist yesterday.  Left eye set for Sept 9 and right eye Sept 23.  For awhile I didn't think I was going to be able to get them done before we left for the winter but the good doctor stepped in and arranged it all.
A special thanks to my brother in law, John, for sharing his many years of ocular experience to help Ron and I make an educated decision on which lens
To have implanted during surgery.
Today is a quick trip to the grocery store and then an easy Saturday with Steak and Caesar Salad and baked potato for dinner. 
We shared our bounty of tomatoes with a couple of the neighbors this morning so Ron is happy none will be going to waste.  They are so meaty and sweet.  Hardly any seeds at all.  Yes, they're sweet before I add the sugar. 

Busy Week, Part II

Well this week is winding down and so am I.  Ron is finished with Jury Duty.  He got an exemption for tomorrow so he can accompany me to the eye doctor.
Today was hair cut and color. Turned out out nice.
Ron had his share of excitement.  The wheel fell off his lawnmower.

Busy Week

It's going to be one of those weeks where I'll need next week to recoop and I don't think next week will be much help.
To start it off Ron has jury duty this week.  He has to call in after 4:30 pm and at noon.  He got the word Friday that he didn't have to go in Monday morning but when we finished eating lunch on Monday he called and he had to be there at 1:15pm.
It's not a long drive but he obviously wasn't going to be able to drive to downtown Joliet, park in the jury's parking deck, top floor, and walk to the courthouse in time.  I did my part by taking over his projects.  I finished my lunch, put the food away and the dishes in the dishwasher.  Then went to check out the clothes drier to see if it was done.  It had stopped ages ago, clothes were cold.  I don't know why he doesn't take things out right away.  So I emptied the drier and reloaded it from the finished washer.  Then checked outside and sure enough he had left clothes hanging on the clothes line.  Out I went, couldn't find the laundry basket so I folded the sheets and pillow cases as best I could and brought them inside. 
Sat down at the computer and what do I hear "Honey, I'm home".  Two hours.  I couldn't believe it.  I think he set it up so he'd be gone long enough for me to finish up his chores. 
Today was no jury duty morning or afternoon but we needed groceries so we rushed to the store to be back in time for him to go in if they had called his number.  I had a pedicure appointment so he decided to get a hair cut since he didn't have to go anywhere.
Sure enough his 4:30 pm call said he had to be there tomorrow (Wed) at 10 am.  It was the only day this week I didn't have anything planned.  We usually go out for a late lunch on Wednesday.  Guess the Jury Commission must have wanted their agenda. 
I'll keep you up on how the rest of the week goes.

Using New Cookware

Well, I have a picture of my new dutch oven on the stove holding a Ree Drummond recipe for beef stew and next to the dutch oven is a wire rack with an apple pie on it but the picture just will not upload. 
The stew was delicious with a few ingredients that I normally don't put in stews but they did something to make it taste better.
Don't know where I got all this enerty today but it sure made the day enjoyable.  I had planned on finishing up my stained glass runners but never touched the blocks.  I did do some reading.  I'm working on reading as many of Sherryl Woods books as I can get from the libraries. 

More Running Thursday

This morning was get up, fix and eat breakfast, get ready and hit the road morning.  I don't like those kind of days but at least this morning was a 10 am class minutes away at 10th and State.  Thimbles.

Yep, it had something to do with sewing.  From 10 till 12 noon we learned how to make a "Cathedral Windows" place mat.  There were several steps but the instructor broke them down and made sure we all knew how to do each one.  I got two thirds of a row done which proved I could do the rest so "class dismissed"

Of course finding my husband took another 45 minutes.  He dropped me off and went tool shopping.  That wasn't where he was though.  He was mowing the yard (surprise) and of course he doesn't carry his phone with him. 

We did manage to get that taken care of and after he cleaned up a bit headed for Aurora/Naperville and Sweet Tomatoes.  Been awhile since we've been so we really enjoyed our fabulous salads.  We're pretty good customers at that restaurant during the summer so the manager treated us to a baker's dozen chocolate chip cookies.

Nice drive home.  Not to much traffic.  Ron finished mowing the lawn.  Managed to give a neighbor some tomatoes Ron had picked earlier.  I don't know why more neighbors aren't interested but they're not.  They don't know what they're missing. 

Wednesday's "Us" Day

It's August in the midwest so it's hot and humid, enough said.  This morning started out with a sleep in of 8 o'clock, a quick shower and off to our favorite breakfast restaurant.  It's only a few blocks away and is reached without going on a main highway.  The last time we were there Ron tried Eggs Benedict for the first time and loved them but, as we have learned, the portions are way to large.  So this time we split an order.  One egg, ham, sauce etc, hash browns and a large pancake each with warm syrup.  I still couldn't eat all of my half but I did enjoy it. 
Last time we were there I had stuffed crepes with fresh strawberries and bananas and granola.  Turned down the whipped cream.  I don't know how many crepes there were and I'm not sure what they were stuffed but they were so delicious and I couldn't even make a dent in them so next time we go there for breakfast we'll split that between us.  Yes we tipped accordingly.  Didn't stiff the wait staff. 
Then to Wal-Mart to pick up a sewing machine carrier for my class tomorrow.  None there so it was off to Orland Park and JoAnns.  Walked in the door and there was a display of sewing machine carriers.  One even looked like it would fit perfect.  The sign said 39.99 to 89.99 but nothing as to which was which.  We walked the store but didn't find any other so I opted for the pretiest one there.  Figured it would be the higher priced one but what to my surprise it was the 39.99 one.  Now that's a bargain.  Didn't need any of their famous 50% off coupons this morning. 
Ron had said he was going to mow the lawn today but he suggested we drive up to Pleasant Prarie, WI to the outlet mall.  Not my place to turn him down. 
Off we went the old way.  We were to far east to catch 355 so we hit 55 south and hooked up with 294 past O'Hare.  Haven't gone that way in years.  When we were getting close we were wondering about the new Rosemont high end mall and WHAM there is was, huge, right up against the toll road.  They are so high end you have to pay to park in their parking lot.  Seriously.  Looks like I won't be shopping there in the near future. 
We did make it to the outlet mall in Wisconsin before 1 pm and did our share of shopping and buying.  Got some new pots, that's another story, so going to go thru what I have and put some away for anyone who might need them.  Hit the Coach, Haines and Jockey stores and headed for home. 
All and all it was a great day.  Hope you had one too.

Happy Birthday John

To start off, it's a beautiful sunny summer day.  Some would say it's a bit chilly at 69 degrees but I think it's close to perfect.

Today is one of my many brothers in law's birthday.  Ron has provided me with enough to share and that's a good thing since I have no brothers or sisters.  John and Pat spent this past weekend with us.  To celebrate his birthday we (Pat and I) allowed John and Ron to chauffeur us and buy us dresses ( on sale) and  then take us out for dinner.  Actually it was only Saturday. On Sunday I cooked breakfast and then dinner after our shopping trip.
We enjoyed their company.  Seems we never run out of things to talk about.  Probably has something to do with the fact we were thousands of miles apart for twenty of the years.  John is retired from the US Navy.  He and his wife and son were in Okinawa, Bremerton, Washington and Walter Reed Army Hospital, Maryland.

Happy Birthday John.  We love you.

Celebrating

It's a beautiful day in my opinion.  Perfect weather.  Warm, but not to warm with a slight breeze.  We have had enough rain to keep the lawn nice and green.  The flower beds are lush and full of bloom.  I'm glad a few years ago to plant perennials.  Now we can set back and enjoy them.
We've had a busy week.  I try to make the week after my birthday a celebration too.
The computer and restaurant coupons help it along.  You see  my favorite restaurants send me coupons for free meals and desserts.  Of course, I have a week to use most of them so  we're doing that this week.
We did sneak in a stop at "Hey Hotdog".  Indulged in a couple sloppy Joes and a frosty mug of homemade root beer.   The current owner's parents  owned an A & W Root Beer stand on the other side of town when Ron and I were first together.  Taste hasn't changed, only the name to protect  the franchise fees.
We've already been to Sweet Tomatoes and Red Lobster.  Still have Mimis to go to this week and Red Robin before the end of the month.
Got a loaf of banana nut bread in the oven.

Born on the Fourth of July?

Not really but it sure seemed like it when I was a youngster.  Independence Day was a day of celebration.  Probably fried chicken since my mother and I both liked it a lot.  The one thing I remember vividly was a six pack of flavoured pop.  Bottles of course, returnable ones or as the current buzz word, recycled.  The flavors would consist of grape, orange, strawberry, cream soda and root beer.  The rememberable part was I could drink as much of the pop as I liked.  But since I didn't want to drink it all up, the moist I ever drank was one bottle.
The Fourth was a day to celebrate so off  mom and  grandpa and I went to Hurdland for fireworks, local entertainment, seeing friends and relatives and sitting on a blanket spread out under a tree.  We were not  only  celebrating the birth of our great nation but two birthdays.  My mother's dad and mine.  Grandpa was the 5th  and mine is a couple days later.
Today will be a semi quiet day with Ron and I and the neighborhood fireworks.
Thanks to the men and women who served so we can be free.

.      .                        SEMPER  FI

Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood

Finally a break from all the rain, heat and humidity.   In fact it's a beautiful day.  The sounds of lawn mowers are inching up on that one nerve cell.  But I guess when you work and it rains you have to mow when you can.
I would like to thank our former contractor who insisted we had to put on a front porch.  We saw right away how much nicer the front of the house looked but as each year goes by we appreciate it more and more.  It's so nice to sit out here when the weather isn't to hot or windy.
Of course the invention of the Kindle, Smart Phones and Notebooks helped make it more enjoyable.

The Generator Worked

Last night's storm was one more in a never-ending list.  I'm afraid we're getting to used to them and when a really bad one comes along, we won't take the correct precautions.  Don't get me wrong, these storms haven't been anything to sneeeze at.
We lost our electricity several times last night.  The Generator kicked on each time.  There were two ways we used to see if we were running on electricity instead of generator .  If I was close to a front window at the garage lights across the street.  If they were on, we were on electric,  if not, generator.  If I was close to a faucet
I could turn the handle.  If water came out we had power.  If not we were running on the generator.  Ron hadn't plugged the well pump into the generator.  The joys of not being on city water...no electricity...no water.
We thank God for His grace after each storm passes.

Summer, You Say?

June seventeenth and I'm sitting here in my sweat pants, Daymart thermal shirt, tee shirt with a wool shawl wrapped around me.  I think there's something wrong with this picture.  It was in the eighties yesterday and this morning it's sixty.

The sun is shining, sort of.  The gearheads are out trying to be organ donors.

Looks like this is going to be a Linus Quilt sewing day.

Another Saturday, Another Party.

This party was Iin Milwaukee for a nephew's high school graduation.  Mikkel is my husband's Godson besides his nephew.  To mark the occasion three out of the seven brothers (one is the grad's father) and one of the two sisters were in attendance.  Along with wives, kids and and their spouses and kids.  This nephew is close to the bottom of the niece and nephew ages.
Five of our grandchildren are older than the grad. We had a nice drive there and back with minimal traffic problems.  We've decided we found the perfect times to travel the Tristate Toll road.
We really enjoyed visiting with people we don't get to see often enough.  Cemented plans for John and Pat's visit next month.  Shopping at Yorktown Centre and dinner at The Weber Grill. Can't wait.  I can almost taste that Weber grilled steak.
The rain held off til we were home.  The big storm split when it got to us and went north and south around us.
Sloppy Joes are on the stove, thanks to Ron's assistance.  He chopped the onion and garlic and washed the dishes.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.

Last Night's Weather

This will be a quick blog today but I wanted our friends and family to know we've survived the big storm.  We're thankful the hype was bigger than the resulting storm.  We got two inches of rain and some wind.  The only damage was to Ron's chair.  You see we have DIRECTV and when it storms, we loose the signal.  The Chicago Blackhawks were playing the Boston Bruins in the first game of the playoffs.  Need I say more?
We didn't loose our electricity.  Been almost a year since we had the generator installed and the only time it has run is on Saturday mornings when it automatically starts up to run a test.
Hope everyone else fared as well as we did.

Catching Up with the Partying

Since we've been back from Arizona we've been to New Jersey, Missouri and Wisconsin with another trip to Wisconsin next weekend.  So it's felt good to relax for the past couple weeks and just stay home.  Until last Sunday that is.
Our son's youngest graduated from 8th grade so they had a party for her.  As luck would have it a dear friend of ours is going to turn 75 yoa on Friday.  His lady friend decided to throw him a surprise party on Sunday, too.
But they were kind to us old folks.  The granddaughter's party was from noon to 4 pm and our friend's party was from 4:30 till 8 pm in separate towns but not far apart so it worked out perfectly.
At the grad party we got to see our son and his wife and two of his children along with his in laws whom we both adore.  His mother in law and I exchange emails everyday.
At the birthday party we got to see our friend and his lady friend and his children and their spouses and their children.  We've know his children all their lives so we feel like family and they treat us as such.
While we were there we started planning for shiskabobs later on this summer.  It's a favorite meal that their mother tried out on us all many years ago and remarkably we all loved it.  Since her death we try to get together at least once a summer and make her recipe.
So now we're taking it easy this week for our one day trip to Milwaukee next weekend.  Whew, it's rough being a social butterfly.

Memorial Day Weekend

We have a tradition of spending time with family on holidays.  Usually it's Ron's brother, John.  This year was no exception except it turned out to be a four day weekend
One of Ron's sisters, Maryellen, is married to Rollie and they are envolved with the American Legion.  This Saturday the post dedicated a memorial to all services.  It was a nice celebration.
We always have a good time with John and Pat.
The trip home was enjoyable experience partly because we stopped at the Mars Castle.  I had never been so we decided it was time.  They were busy but we did find several cheese s to buy.  When we started back on 94 it was a parking lot.  We stayed on the frontage road til we got to 50 and headed to 45.  We followed that into Illinois and beat the traffic jam.
It was a great weekend but it felt good to sleep in my own bed.
We met his Niece's future husband.  Joe seems to be a good guy.Looks like there may be a wedding this Fall.

Quick Trip to Missouri

The calendar is messing with our plans.  Maybe I should include the Federal Government as party to that problem.  After all they are the ones who made this three day weekend thing for holidays.

Whatever the reason for a mixup, it happened.  Thought we had plenty of time to put flowers on the graves.  I even phoned our usual motel and made a reservation, but when I got off the phone
I realized I had made the reservation for Memorial Day weekend.  Needless to say I called back and cancelled.  Lucky for us she had one room left for this weekend.  It was the handicapped.
We made the trip there Saturday, decorated the graves and came home Sunday.
We made a detour by way of Moris.   Stopped at R Place for a late breakfast.  They were busy but the service was good and the food was great. 

Don't like to make quick trips like that but this time it was necessary.  One time a few years ago I made a deal with a local nursery to have them put the flowers on the graves but they only did it the one year.  I think I'll have to see about doing that again.  We usually drive down a couple times a year so it's not like I wouldn't be going to the graves at all.  We'll see.

Doctor & Lunch

Prettygood day here in beautiful northeast Illinois.  Some may say it's gloomy but a positive visit to the doctor and lunch with my son is a beautiful day in my dictionary.  Not only did my visit go well but so did Ron's.  The spot on his face that our AZ beautition was so worried about  is a skin condition treatable with salve.
Talked to my daughter today and she seems to be doing OK.
Life is good and for that, we thank God.

You Don't Bring Me Flowers

Mothers Day was different but special.  The usual and activities didn't happen but a nicer one did.  My son, wife and two children came to my home and brought flowers, four baskets of flowers.  A son is a son til he takes a wife but a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life.
This year fell under special circumstance for my daughter.
Life is coming along well.  Plenty of flowers, garden is almost planted.

New Life Together

We returned yesterday from our trip to the East Coast.  Earlier than planned.  It seems my other half wasn't interested in sightseeing.  To bad since we were within a hundred miles from New York City.

The wedding went off without a hitch on a cloudless sky day.  The bride and her dad danced to a beautiful song.  Perfect for the occasion.
Sunday was a celebration of a different kind.  Their son, Sammy, second birthday.  What a beautiful child.  So handsome and well behaved.
So now life is back to normal for a couple of weeks.  Ron mowed the yard twice, as usual.  I got my nails done and finished the grocery shopping.

Next will be trips to Missouri and Wisconsin.  Got to put flowers on graves.  It's an old fashioned tradition but one I've been a part of since I can remember.

Mount Arlington, NJ

We're enjoying time with family, close and extended.  Yesterday was a beautiful wedding of our grand daughter and the love of her life.It was a beautiful day.  The wedding was outside and the weather couldn't have been more cooperative. Not a cloud in the sky. The people at our table for the reception were interesting and fun.  We even got in a few dances.  We tied with another couple for longest married.  Thanks again Amber and Tim for asking us to be a part of your special day.

Busy errand running.

Since we're leaving for the east coast Thursday we still have things to do.  That's why we came back to Illinois early.  I haven't been able to get my emails on my phone and really would like to use it on the trip instead of lugging the laptop.  I can do everything else on the phone but not a particular email account.
Off to Verizon this morning. We were up early so we had plenty of time before lunch.  The staff at the Verizon store outside the Mall were courteous and knowledgeable.  She worked and worked on my phone and I still couldn't get a test message through.  When she was about to give up and have me contact Tech Support on the phone, it worked.  We don't know what she did but it worked.  Looked at some tablets while we were there.  Our desk top is shot and my lap top isn't far behind.  We'll see.
By the time we got out it was lunch time so we headed for "Hey Hotdog" on Ruby Street but then realized we had BBQ yesterday.  Their root beer would have tasted great but as Ron drove past a Steak and Shake we both decided that was a better option.
Back in Tucson there's a lot of hype over "smash burgers" and to tell you the truth, I like that style better.  No preformed patties, just a ball of hamburger meat placed on the grill and flattened with a spatula.  Steak and Shake fit that to a "T".  I added a small strawberry shake and Ron had his usual, side by side orange and vanilla.
Ron did get to Cassinova's for his hair cut and a stop at the Moose to get his account straightened out.  He's not getting any communications from them about what's going on, the news letter or the dues reminders.
Tomorrow is mow the lawn and get "hard rolls" for ham and swiss sandwiches to enjoy for our lunch the first day.  And pack.  I'll get the hard rolls, guess who's mowing.  

Water.....Water......Everywhere.

I blogged last that it's been raining.  Well the rain finally stopped but flooding took over.  We're high enough up it wasn't a problem for us but thousands of others lost a lot.  Our daughter and son in law had sewer backup in their basement but most people suffered from the Fox and DesPlaines Rivers overflowing.
Ron spent Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at their house. First getting the sewer water out of the basement and then cutting out the drywall and carrying it out to a dumpster.
I did enjoy some quiet time on Saturday and Sunday but glad to have Ron home.  Today was warm enough to sit out on the front porch swing for awhile.
I'm reading a Michael Connelly mystery from the library and was into the really really good parts when my Kindle's battery went dead.  I love modern technology.  Just turned on my smart phone and brought up Kindle and kept on reading off my smart phone.

Rain...Rain...Go Away, Little Charlie wants to go out and play.

We've had one sunny day in the week we've been back in IL.  Daytime highs in the 40's and now rain.  We're on high enough ground where we won't have to look up how big a cubit is and we have a whole house generator for power but this constant gloom and now rain can encourage anyone to be depressed.  A friend's son and his friend took off for Puerto Rico today.  I think they have the right idea.
I have nails appointment on Friday.  I'll have to wear shoes with the toes out and hope they don't freeze on the way home.
Otherwise, we're getting along fine.  Bought some seeds for the garden.  Just have to wait for it to dry out.  It still has drainage tiles from when we had a sewer system running thru it so hopefully that will help it drain faster.  

Drab and Dreary

First full day back in IL and I'm ready to fly back to Arizona.  I can handle that heat still better than I'm handling this cold and dreary day.  No working outside yet.  Got some vines and roses that need cut back.
Speaking of handling the hot weather in Tucson.  About a month ago I posted a blog about Mundane Monday.  It was a simple post about how we learned about "Swamp Coolers" operations and the messes we made while learning.  I'm still trying to figure out why I'm still getting views on it over ten times as many views as I ever get on a blog.  If anyone knows why this is happening, please leave a note.
I think we have all the boxes and suit cases emptied and put away.  Now we have to get the house and yard cleaned, make doctor appointments and pedicure/manicure appointment for me.  Maybe a hair cut before we leave.  Hopefully some garden will be planted or at least the cold weather crops of lettuce. onion, radish and peas in the ground.  They can take the cold soil.  Enough of home gardening 101.

Illinois at Last

We made it back to our home in Illinois safe and sound this early afternoon.  It's cold here and it drizzled off and on most of the way from St Louis north.  The roads weren't bad so no trouble there.  Noticed some new entrance and exit ramps off of I-55 by the Inter model entrance.  They needed to do something with the increase in truck traffic.  Didn't get to good a look between the drizzle and the traffic.
Gas is $3.66 a gallon and we traveled from Sullivan, MO to Lockport, IL on one tank of gas.  Which is pretty good.  We did make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up individual things needed.  Monday will be a trip to Sams Club or Costco or both for stockups.
For you world travelers, Dixie Truck Stop in McLean, IL is finally looking like it's old self, or better.  New rest rooms looking good and clean.  The store having a variety of souvenirs and snack foods.

Day Three and Last Night

What a difference a day makes.  Today was a complete turn around.  No precipitation but some winds.  Chilly.  Other than having to put on and take off jackets as we left the car and returned, it was a perfect day.  Traffic from Stroud, OK to Eureka, MO was light and moving along at 70-75 miles an hour.
We're staying at a Holiday Inn that's upper scale and qualified for a free dessert but we opted for Pondarosa instead.  An old standby.  I gave up a Bailey's Irish Cream cheese cake.  Tomorrow headed thru St Louis and home.  

Day Two

Well, today's trip was a real doozy.  We started out the day with a nice breakfast of cold cereal, juice and coffee.  Then the day started changing soon after.  It was cold, 23 degrees, but nice and warm in the van, but it never got above 40 all day.  We stopped at a gas station and were told the weather east was terrible, travel at our own risk.  We watched on coming traffic and rarely saw any snow on the vehicles.  We stopped again at the Oklahoma Welcome Center where we were warned that it was dangerous eastbound with sleet falling in Oklahoma City.  We saw snow on top of grass and beautiful white trees all covered in ice.  The road turned out to be clean and dry as far as Stroud, OK where we've stopped for the night.  The tornado warnings we worried about hit farther east and south, St Louis and Arkansas.  Going to be watching the weather tonight for tomorrow's travel thru the rest of Oklahoma (Tulsa) and Missouri.
We realize it's way to cold to be coming back to IL but we're doing it.
BTW, anybody know what we should expect next November when we open the refrigerator door in Tucson.  We left a container of milk in the door.

Tucson, AZ to Santa Rosa, NM in one day.

I can't tell you how far it is from Tucson to Santa Rosa but I can tell you it was a long 8 hours plus loosing an hour because of change in Time Zones and a half hour for lunch and rest stops.
I'll start on Monday night.  We had several visitors during the evening wishing us fond farewells.  Our friends, Gerry and Larry stopped by later, they knew we'd be up.  They didn't stay long but shortly after they left our power went out.  According to Ron, it didn't come back on till after 5:30 this morning but we still got a good start time of 8:30 am.  Roads were a little windy but not to bad.  Ron insisted that we travel the entire route we'd planned.  When we got between Bernardo and Willard cutting around Albuquerque we ran into snow.  Not a lot at first but it kept getting worse and worse to where the defrosters were on full blast in order to keep the windshield clear.  The roads looked pretty treacherous but I trusted Ron to decide if we stopped or kept going.  It finally came to a stop and we made it into Santa Rosa without a hitch.
I won't make any promises of more blogs but decided tonight would be one.

It's Time

Last full day in Tucson.  It's warm but the wind is gusting toward's 50 MPH.  Ron and Charlie from the park, shut off the "swamp cooler" this morning and got it ready to sit thru the summer.  I wish I'd have heard what was going on out there so I could have gotten a picture.  From what I'm hearing, they were both on the roof of the mobile when the ladder fell down.  They say they were going to call the manager to come get them down when the neighbor came out and put the ladder back up against the mobile.
I said it was windy.  Well, while the neighbor was out helping Ron and Charlie his screen door blew off.  Glad our front door is a sliding one.  Their regular door sure looks nice though.
Ron carried all the food stored in his shed into the mobile and stacked it in a corner so that's done.  Got some things to toss tomorrow that's a shame to waste.  We gave away a dozen eggs and I put the butter and margarine in the freezer.  But sour cream and cottage cheese that's perfectly good but opened aren't really giftable.
The previous owners left three foil window covers.  They are like what people put in the front window of a car.  They'll be place on the three big windows that get the most sun.  One is already on the back window in the bedroom and it's pitch dark in there already.
Not expected to do much writing during our travels.  I can't figure out how to get my blog on my smart phone.  Guess that makes the phone smarter than me.  LOL

Packing and discarding

The past few days have been filled with emptying out the refrigerator for perishables that won't make it to November and just plan throwing things away.  The pickles, both sweet and dill, will stay as will the ketchup, mustard and miracle whip.  Salad dressings if they're not close to expiration.
Got to find someone to take the eggs and produce.  Considering all the food we stockpile we're doing pretty good job of emptying out the cupboards.  The last two potatoes will be baked for supper tonight.  Even canned veggies are extremely low.
I packed a box full of clothes to be sent back home but never got sent so it will travel with us, otherwise the only clothes going back are for wearing on the way.
We're trying to make that the norm but this is only our second year of having two homes.
The weather has been beautiful here in Southern Arizona.  Ron has turned on the "cooler" a few times but only because of a little discomfort late in the afternoon.  It cools off so nice at night that we leave the front door open till we go to bed.    I know we're going to miss the warm dry weather.  But for now we're almost packed and ready to head out Tuesday morning.  Don't know which way we're going to travel but the first day is pretty much the same route unless we decide to go the far southern route.

Enjoying time with friends.

As time flies away we're trying to spend time with our friends and family  here in Tucson along with dining one more time at our favorite restaurants and hoping they don't get torn down while we're away for the summer.
A few years ago we discovered a nice restaurant with good food and a great "Happy Hour".  Just in case you're not from Illinois, "Happy Hours" are illegal in Illinois.  The restaurant was called "El Paso" and was located at the corner of Broadway and Craycroft.  We enjoyed going there with our friends, Gerry and Larry for appetizers that would be our meal.  Then one year we came back to find it torn down with a different restaurant being built.
Last night was a trip to Guadalajara for "Happy Hour".  With a couple dollars off the appetizer, it's a great meal.  Believe me there's plenty of food on the plate.  Ron and I each ordered one appetizer plate but our friends, Gerry and Larry, shared one.  There's looked big enough to fill both of them and as Ron and I split our plates we both had two different items to eat and were both full.  I had jalapeno smoked bacon wrapped around large shrimp.  Yum
I think we all had plenty to eat and I know we enjoyed the company.
No other plans for dining out but I'm sure there will be more before we leave.  We're getting used to these great Southern Arizona restaurants

Easter outfit shopping???

For the first time in decades I decided I'd like a new outfit for Easter.  In my mind it was a pastel flowered dress and hat and maybe even new shoes.  I was so looking forward to it that I could see it in my mind's eye.  Guess I forgot to tell the retailers.
First stop was Macy's.  No dresses that I would wear, neck plunged to low.  Very few skirts and most of them were the "high/low" fashion.
I managed to find a couple skirts and blouses that I liked and headed to try them on.  Well, standing in line was next order of business.  Once I got in and tried on the things I brought with me I found my choices to be to small, to large, to long and to big and to big.  The choices I had were two.  Either  get dressed and go get different sizes and wait in line for another room or get dressed and put the ones I tried on on the not taking rack and leave.  I choice the latter.  I don't know what there was so many people in Macy's but I'm not the type to take on big crowds so we walked over to Dillards.  We walked the entire send floor looking for women's clothing.  NO skirts......
There went my perfect Easter outfit.  So we went to the send hand store across the street from the mall and bought used bed sheets to place over our furniture when we leave.  Less than thirty dollars for four king flats, 2 twin flats and 5 pillowcases.  Guess I made a good deal.
We made the choice of "Sweet Tomatoes" for lunch and so did everyone else in Tucson or so it seemed.  We found an empty booth but there weren't many choices and things were low.  No cornbread, soup bowl and soup spoon rack was as close to empty as I've ever seen it, no cheese for the French Onion soup and our favorite staff person who cleans off tables and brings you drinks wasn't there today.
Guess I'll try my luck at bingo tonight and see how that goes.

Winding Down

Time in Tucson has flown by.  We've enjoyed our new place, old friends and new adventures.  But, as with all winter visits, it's getting time to head back to Illinois.
I've been keeping that move out of my head but now it's time to start getting ready.  We've dug out the sheets and pillow cases we used last year to cover our furniture and lamps.  A run thru the washing machine and a recount to reveal we need to make a trip to the resale shop for more sheets.  We've added a couple more pieces of furniture that need to be covered;  a futon and a book case.
We're going to leave the electricity turned on but we're still trying to use up as much of the frozen food as possible.
Then there's going thru clothes to pack what's going back and staying there next fall.  To many clothes in the closet.  Maybe a couple pair of shoes to go too.
For now, we're going to enjoy our last couple weeks here and hope the weather in Illinois improves soon.
To our two friends who had surgery today.  Hope you're both up walking soon with one new knee and one new hip.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

We still haven't gotten important things duplicated so we're still in a position of what we want is in Illinois when we're in Arizona and visa versa.   At least that's my problem when it comes to recipes.
We invited Ron's brother and sister in law over for dinner last night.  We've eaten so many meals in their home it was past time to reciprocate.
I made the decision of baking a ham since it was one of the big items we need to get out of the deep freeze before we leave.  Mashed potatoes is almost everyone's favorite and green beans was one of the veggies Wayne said he liked.  I'd seen fresh green beans in the store so I figured I'd get out my new pressure cooker and make some old fashion green beans with bacon.  Since I'm one of the few who isn't a big potato eater I also added my "famous" pasta salad to the menu.
What was left was dessert.  Well, Ron suggested Texas Sheet Cake.  Since I knew I had all the ingredients I seconded that suggestion.
Problem.....I didn't have my recipe for Texas Sheet Cake in Arizona.  I tried the internet but all the recipes I could find had sour cream in them and I knew mine didn't.  I was about to give up when I decided to check out the two new cookbooks I recently acquired with Ree Drummond recipes   Sure enough she had one she called Chocolate Sheet Cake with appeared to be all the same ingredients I remember but as slight change in preparation so I decided to give it a try.
The results was a very pleasant surprise.  Her way was easier and faster.  I may become one of her fans if the rest of her cook books are equal to that recipe.
Dinner went well.  Somehow the ham was dry.  I covered it with aluminum foil and cooked it just like it said on the covering.  We all ate well and then retired to the living room for more talk.  The evening flew by.  Just as they were about to leave Ron remembered we had taped a TV show we thought they might enjoy.  "American Bible Challenge".  They stayed thru the commercial edited version and seemed to enjoy it too.  We had watched it last year and had hoped the return would be as good and it didn't disappoint us.
BTW, couldn't find a fresh green bean in Pima County so I settled for canned green beans but I still doctored them up.
Had a great evening and we will definitely do it again.

46 years ago.

Doing a lot of thinking today about 46 years ago, the day my son was born.  I lived in Bruning Subdivision outside of Lockport, IL.  St Patrick's Day was on a Friday so we had our friends, Caryl and Larry, over to play cards.  They had left and my husband decided to stay up and watch something on television while I decided to go to bed.  Glad I did cause I got a couple hours sleep.  I awoke around midnight with labor pains.  I knew what they were because I already had had another child, a daughter.  We made two calls....one to the doctor who said to start heading to the hospital and the other to my parents to let them know we would be dropping off their granddaughter.
Time flew and my son was born before daybreak.  A perfect specimen at 9 lbs 2 oz.and 21 inches long. When I called my friend, Caryl, around noon she couldn't believe I'd had the baby since they left our home.
He was a good child, loved to sit on a rug and play with little cars and trucks. I can't believe that was 46 years ago.

Happy Birthday Bob.  You have a wife and children now but you'll always be my son.

Warm Wednesday

Tuesday was just perfect weather.  Used the ceiling fans in this room and the living room but sitting on our patio was comfortable with a slight breeze.
We had surprise company yesterday.  Our friends Gerry & Larry stopped by to check on Ron and our Swamp Cooler.  Larry had read about the  episode in my blog so he decided to stop by and check us out.  We had a great visit with them both.  Now that we live in opposite ends of the park we don't see each other as much as we used to.  We seem to have an endless supply of things to talk about even though our ages are slightly apart we have the same type of upbringings.   It was good to see that the older of the two, Larry, was doing really well from his knee replacement surgery.  So well, in fact, that's he's talking about having the other knee done next year.

Today is going to be a sightseeing day.  We're going to try to get up on top of "A" mountain.  It's really Sentinel Mountain but since someone, many years ago, place a giant letter A for the University of Arizona on top and over they years they've kept it painted red and white for the university colors it's become "A" Mountain.

Just got a page that white smoke came from the Vatican.  Even thought I have to interest in that religion I'm still curious to see whom they pick.

Well, they picked a new pope from South America.  Quite a change.

We're back from "A" Mountain but they painted it green.  I presume for St Patrick's day.  The A sure is big.  We had a great view of the entire valley of Tucson.  Glad we finally made the trek up.

Mundane Monday

I sometimes think of Karen Carpenter on Mondays but mostly The Mamas and the Papas.  Now that I've revealed my age.

Today was a busy day, not busier than the normal month of March but busier than the other Mondays.  

First was breakfast, check bank accounts and generally do my computer things.  Then it's get washed up and dressed.  Just as I walked back to the front of the mobile our friends Marcia and Lonnie pulled in.  Lonnie had told Ron he'd help him hook up the "swamp cooler".  Don't ask me the proper term for the cooler that sits on top of our mobile and makes us comfortable cool till Monsoon Season hits.  Then nothing but a good old or new central air conditioner will do.  I know it's hooked up to our water source and the furnace.  What I didn't know was that lime and calcium deposits build up in the duct work.  Marcia and I were setting on the couch chatting when things started flying at us from the vent over our heads.  I got up and ran down the hall screaming at Ron or Lonnie, which ever one would answer, and neither one did.  I opened the back door and continued screaming till Ron told me to shut it off.  Like I know what "it" was and were to find "it".  Since "it" was on the wall by the back door I found it without further screams and hit a switch that was in the on position.  

I forgot one little tidbit.  Ron had gotten up early this morning, dusted, swept, mopped and vacuumed for the anticipated arrival of Marcia and Lonnie.  

So Marcia, Lonnie and I went and sat outside while Ron re vacuumed the house.  But we forgot that since I turned off the blower there was probably still stuff in the duct work.  Marcia and Lonnie left, we ate lunch and I went off to ladies tea and cookies.  

When I got home Ron had old sheets on the floor opening up the vents in the ceiling and using a shop vac still vacuuming.  Every flat surface in the mobile was covered with whatever was in the duct work.  I'm wondering how much of it effects my allergies I've recently acquired.  

Tomorrow is coffee and donuts and quilting.  Sure hope it's a quiet day.      

Catching up again.

I've started this blog a few times today but every time I put my fingers on the keys, someone interrupts me.  He's doing dishes now so maybe I can get this typed before he walks by.

We've been hanging around the house lately but we did make it to Patagonia last Saturday.  It's definitely not what I expected.  When I got the notion that the town and the lake were all one and that they had boat rides around the lake, I don't know.  The biggest shock was it wasn't free nor was it big. The right to see the lake definitely wasn't worth the $15. we paid to drive in, eat our lunch, look for souvenirs, and leave.  The drive itself from Tucson and back was very beautiful.  There was even snow on some of the mountains.

Last night we had a very nice visit with our friend Marcia and Lonnie.  We spent some time in the beautiful home and got to see Lonnie's latest triumph, a huge grandfather's clock made of walnut.  Someone had bought the kit but never attempted to put it together so when they died, a son sold it to Lonnie.  Some of the pieces were missing and some were water damaged.  We saw it in the box last year and this year it was proudly displayed in their living room.  He's a genius at restoring old wooden clocks.

 .We've had a non Tucson type day.  Warm most of the time with the sun going behind clouds and then popping out.  Rain on the back half of our mobile but not the front.  Pouring down rain on all of it..  Blew the skirting from around one side of the lady across the streets park model.

Ron got a call from the Food Bank wanting help today so he went for awhile this afternoon till they got rained out.  It seems they can't have fresh fruits and vegetables anymore so they had to do some rearranging of the other items.  If you ask me, and I know you will, they have a Micky Mouse operation going on.  They spend more time moving things from one storage unit into the next.  Now the health inspector says no more fresh fruit and veggies till they get refrigeration.  DUH.

New Post

We're all alive and well, except for my sinuses acting up ever so often and Ron trying to cut his artery with his razor.
 I realized I haven't blogged in over a week.  One of the park occupants had a heart attack.  He's home and fine now.  Ron's been talking to him.  It seems that his wife and sister were key players in three of the events this past week so they cancelled them.  Made for a dull weekend.
We did go to church on Sunday and enjoyed our pastor's message.  I was paying attention but it's almost impossible not to look out the windows behind the pastor.  The Catalina Mountains were beautiful with a white snow cap.  Then  a blanket of clouds appeared and by the time the sermon was over we couldn't see the mountains.
Just realizing with the ending of February this week that we have only about six weeks left here before it's time to head home to mow the lawn and plant the garden.  Time has flown by.  We've talked about some possible plans to make a detour this year but more on that later.

Alone Again

Well, our company left this morning so it's just Ron and I and a stack of dirty laundry.  We so enjoyed their visit.  Seems like it flew by with something going on every day.  They were our first house guests in the new mobile and we think it worked out just fine.  So family and friends, come one out.
We haven't been up on what's going on at the park though.  I know that my friend, Mel, is back home from her hospital and therapy stay.  Our neighbor, Mickey, heart is in fine shape so he doesn't have to have any surgery.  Our friend Wayne lost his  year long fight with cancer while at his home in Canada.  We will miss him.  Our nephew, Sean, is out of the hospital and in rehab.  His wife said he walked up 10 stairs on Valentine's Day.  Can't wait to see him when we get back to IL.
The weather has been in the 60's and 70's for the past few days so trips to the gem show and Tubac were great.  This week is the rodeo, which we'll try to make the Slack events.  Two many knees poking you in the back at the finals.
There's a golf tournament going on also.  A couple of name golfers are suppose to be there.
Then February is over.  It's kind of slow after that since it starts heating up.  There will be a county fair later on this spring.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Life is about normal as it gets here in AZ.  Always something going on, just have to decide what you want to do.
Wednesday is usually our shopping day but we decided to head down to Tubac for the first day of their Festival.  Glad we did.  We've been busy the rest of the week and the weather is taking a turn for the worse.  We managed to fill some shopping bags with likes of a new pair of shoes for me, a bill holder for Ron's wallet, a container of honey comb, a silicon steamer, two coffee cups, a candle holder, and a big bag of kettle corn.  I'm sure I missed something.  Plus a trip back in the near future to pick up some beautifully painted planters for the front of the mobile.  A stop in Green Valley on the way back for a late lunch/early dinner and home for bingo.  No bingos  for me.
Thursday was off to get the necessary bedding for our futon, I had a 20% off coupon, with a stop at the nursery.  We had a coupon for half off hanging basket, which we used plus picked up a purple metal prickly pear cactus and one of bright red flowers to put in front of the mobile.  Then to Red Lobster to use our coupon for a free appetizer or dessert.  We opted for the appetizer, coconut shrimp with pina colada dipping sauce.  Yum.  We both enjoyed the appetizer and our meal.  Hurrah for coupons.
On the subject of Red Lobster, I want to give them a bouquet.  I had crab legs, I just love them and they're my special treat when we go somewhere that serves good ones.  My meal was served in an oval glass dish with a lid to keep everything warm.  When I took out the first hand, no matter what I did, none of the meat would release from the ends of the joints.  I explained the problem to our waiter and he donned gloves and checked out another finger, guess what?  It wouldn't come out either.  To shorten this story, they made it right and kept checking that each hand was releasing the meat correctly.  Wait staff, that's the way to get a good tip.
Friday was put the spare room together day and pick up milk and bananas.  Oh if it were so easy.  We got the bed made with sheets and comforter but Ron's next reply was "we should sleep in here and let them have our bedroom".  The more I thought about it and all the stuff in this room, it also serves as my office, that would have to be moved or put away, he had a good idea.  The only thing we'll need out of our room is a change of clothes.  My computer and financial folders can stay where they are and they'll have access to room to put their suitcases and medical needs.  So surprise, Betsy and Alan, you're going to need a step stool to get into bed tomorrow night.
We did manage to get a few things other than milk and bananas.  Like a refrigerator for Ron's Man Cave and some fresh fruit and veggies but had to go to a different store for milk and spray starch.  Spray Starch you say?  Well, Ron decided to iron almost all his shirts this morning.  He's a slave for ironed clothing and since I retired my ironing skills 11 years ago this April, he's taken up the hobby.  I left when he mentioned something about ironing my underwear.

Good News?

Greg called rather late last night to let us know the good news about his son, Sean.  He's in a regular room.  No more IVs and he got regular food.  He still has oxygen in his nose and diarrhea.  Maybe only a couple of days till he'll be moved to rehab.  Didn't think it would happen but prayed daily that it would.  Just faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.  They talked till Ron's phone started to die, which was close to 2 am.  Brothers can do that.
There is a pow wow today at the hospital involving both sides of Sean's family.  Would love to be a fly very high up on the wall.  Hope they all come away satisfied with the results.
It's 10 am and 59 degrees with sun and a little wind here.  Going to enjoy the day.

Catchup II

I guess it's been awhile since I blogged.  I suppose I've had things to share but just not in the mood.  Sorry about that family, the ones who read my blogs that is.
Nephew, Sean, is doing much better, according to the family that is spending day and night at his bedside.  He actually sat up in a chair for awhile and last night he had food; chicken noodle soup, Gatorade and sherbet.  I'm sure it tasted like the best bacon he's ever had.  Sean likes bacon.
Today is the one year anniversary of our moving into our mobile.  I love it more everyday.  We're great full that they sold it furnished but we're making some changes to suit our lifestyle.  So it's looking more like home, southwest style.
I suppose I should mention that it was 71 degrees today.  Sure hope next week is a duplicate since our daughter and her husband are coming for a visit.  They'll be our first sleep over guests.  But we're hoping for more visits from family as the years go on.  The last time they came out for a visit it snowed and the Chicago Bears won a game to qualify to play in the Super Bowl.

Family Visitor

Things have been going along ok.  Our nephew/God son is still with us and fighting very hard to stay that way.  We really thank his mother, brother, father and wife for keeping us in the loop.
Saturday morning was busy.  First a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, peaches, orange juice and coffee complements of the park for all the women.  The guys had to pay but that's ok cause they'll have a guy appreciation breakfast later on and we'll have to pay.

I'm jumping ahead. First came a phone call from one of Ron's brothers, Eddie.  He drives truck cross country for Allied Van Lines and was in Tucson dropping of cars but didn't have to be at his next drop off in California till Tuesday so we'll have a house guest.

Then another brother, Greg, called to let us know that Greg's other son, Gregory, wife, Bethany, was in Tenn with her mother who is on DNR.  Poor Bethany, her and Sean are good friends and then her mother too.  Please keep her in your prayers.

So Saturday afternoon I made lemon squares from fresh squeezed lemons and stuff peppers from the peppers Ron brought back from the food bank when he went to help out.

My lemon squares were declared to sweet so I packed them up and took them to the dessert auction at the Rec Hall.  I felt I needed to come home since we had company but I sure wanted to stay.  One of our neighbors made cream puff swans and I saw a beautiful chocolate bunt cake I'd have loved to bid on.  I hear they made about 750 dollars so that's good and Carl, as usual, was cooperative with the auctioning off of his dish washing services.

Ed brought a movie for us to watch on Saturday night but it was blue ray and we don't have blue ray cause we don't watch movies.  So we watched it off his laptop.  Sherlock Holmes.

This morning it was off to Jerry Bob's on Broadway for breakfast.  We decided to skip church so we arrived earlier than we normally do and boy oh boy was it crowded.  Had to wait for a table.
Then we decided Ed would like to see San Xavier del bac so off we went.  I think he did appreciate it's beauty cause he took lots of pictures.   Then down 19 to Green Valley and across Sahaurita Road to Houghton and back home.  He got to see a lot of saguaro cactus and pecan trees.  Now they''re both watching football .

Medical Update & Friends

Well, nephew, Sean, was transported to UIC Medical Center and is doing much better.  They have zoomed in on the virus type that's in his system and are working on an antidote.  He's possibly going to have the breathing tube removed tomorrow so he will be able to breath on his own.
There is a problem between the parents and the new bride but hopefully they will resolve it for the good of Sean.  He needs them all around him.  Especially the ones who will be able to take care of him when he is released from the hospital and rehab.
Our friends, Gerry and Larry, came over last night for supper, our first dining guests in our new home.  It's been awhile since we entertained so we were a little rusty.  The food turned out tasting good but timing was a little off.    We'll have to do it more and get back in the swing of it.
Short post tonight, I've found that my favorite college basketball team, Duke, lost over the weekend and I'll be rooting for all four of the remaining NFL teams to lose the rest of their games.

Medical Journal

I'll warn you first hand that if you don't like to read about sick people you can stop reading this blog now.  It's not my favorite subject either but it's a part of life.

I'll start with the easiest, my trip to the eye doctor yesterday morning.  I'm having a problem with my right eye going blurry causing problems reading.  My left eye has always been the bad one so this was a surprise.  Fortunate we have good friends with similar problems and since they are older than us have already dealt with these types of things.(Just kidding)  Thanks to their recommendation we went to their doctor and he was fantastic.  Down to earth and listened.  He even called me by my first name and said it correctly.  Since the front desk called me MR. Cummings, it was a nice change of pace.  It's just a floater, a large one at times, that I'll deal with till my cataracts are large enough to remove.

We needed that good news because before we left Ron called one of his brothers, Greg, who had left a cryptic message on his voice mail.  Turns out Greg's youngest son, Sean, was in critical condition in the local Illinois hospital.  His body was shutting down from the infection and he doesn't have a spleen to help fight it.  He lost that in a terrible accident several years ago.  Sean was the last wedding we went to this summer.  If you remember we had three weddings, seven weeks apart.  Sean is not only our nephew but our godson.  The family has lived at our house over the years when Greg was stationed over seas with USMC.  The local hospital managed to get him stabilized and they moved him to the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.  He made it and is still stable but he needs all our prayers.  He's a fine young man, only 29 years of age with a new bride and step daughter to take care of.

Change in Moods

After reading a friends blog I've decided I caught that writer's block too.  But then life happened.

First the washing machine sprung a leak and still hasn't been fixed.  I figured he'll get around to it in a couple weeks when he runs out of skivvies.  In the mean time I have to walk around it being out of place getting to the bathroom and bedroom.
 
Then this morning when I asked if he'd taken his shower for church and his reply was negative, I found out we don't have hot water again.  This is the fourth call to the plummer.  They won't come out today without a service charge even though it's under warranty.  Heat up the tea kettle and wash up in the sink.

Church, I'll just say they had a guest speaker this morning and we really like to hear our own pastor.

The people we usually give a ride home weren't there this morning so we stopped on the way and picked up carry out for our meal.  KFC and Subway.

After our delicious meals I sat down at this computer and typed in a name.  It immediately popped up an obituary.  Guess that answered that question.  The cranky old man that I used to call "Uncle Dinglefod" had finally died.  It said he was survived by a sister so I plugged her name and sure enough, another obituary popped up.  So this afternoon I discovered I no longer have any aunts or uncles from my father's side.  My mother was the last of her family.  It's quite a strange feeling.  The last time we visited with my aunt, about nine years ago, she treated us very inhospitably.  Never even offered us a drink of water on a warm Memorial Day.  The uncle sat an bad mouthed everyone and everything.  I guess we must have done something that upset them since I've never heard a word from them again.  So now I know where they are and won't wonder what's going on.  I feel one of my aunt's four living children should have made contact with me to let me know but I guess whatever I did nine years ago must have been pretty bad.

Happy New Year

It's finally over and life can get back to normal.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not scrooge, I enjoy the beautiful lights and decorations of the season but since we don't get to spend it with little ones anymore, it's a day to celebrate our Saviors birth.  Now that all the hoop la is over I'm glad to be back to the daily routines.
I made the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pork roast and sauer kraut for dinner but somehow this year it was just bland and Ron thought so too so we ate a few bites and threw the kraut and potatoes away along with the horseradish that didn't have a taste either.
We were surprised with a visit from some friends from back home.  Jenne and Cliff are back in the park for the season.  It was nice seeing them and chatting for awhile.
We decided to have our own New Years Eve last night and relax and enjoy each other's company with snacks we enjoy.  It worked out very well.  Ron got his steak tartar and I got my caseo's and we didn't have to go out in the cold.
Tomorrow is back to Wednesday's for us day.  Shopping and a late lunch out and then bingo at the Rec Hall with Ron getting his peace and quiet for the evening.
Hope everyone has a Happy and Healthy and Prosperous New Year.