Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 30 & 31
July 30 Today began with our usual breakfast with friends at Dahl’s. Discussion centered on the family and friends who were hospitalized. Seems that at this stage of life, most people we know either are going through or have gone through some very serious hospitalizations. Having said that, we thank God every day for our lives and the overflowing blessings that He provides.
- - -
We had an unusual occurrence while we were at Dahl’s. Ella saw the display of Dr. Pepper at 4 12pks for $5. Always one to take advantage of a sale, we went to the display and discovered that they had no 12pks there and only 6pks. We assumed that meant 2 6pks equals 1 12pk and took enough to equal the 4 12pks. When we reached the checkout, we were charged $10. I explained (several times) to the clerk that, yes we had 8 6pks but that only equaled 4 12pks, which would be $5. She got that “deer in the headlights look” and just froze. One of the other clerks came over and we explained it all to her. She in turn got a manager. Once we explained it to him, he said that the sign was in error and should have read “4 6pks for $5”. In the mean time the 2nd clerk had gone to the display and returned with the signs, which clearly read “4 12pks for $5”. The manager apologized for the confusion and restated that it was 4 6pks for $5 not 4 12pks. I told them to keep them and just ring out the rest of our purchase adding that I’d never been someplace that didn’t honor their signs. After we had paid for our purchase the manager came back and gave us the 8 6pks and said, “These are on me.” So we ended up with 8 6pks at $0 and didn’t pay the deposit. Now that is a better bargain than what we thought we were going to get.
- - -
We drove home from the store in a tropical downpour. You know, one of those where it rains so hard that you can’t see and the roads are running curb deep in water. It lasted less than a half hour but that was enough! After that the rest of the day was mostly overcast and cool. Just before I went to work at 3:30 there was another brief, hard rain. The rest of the evening was uneventful.
July 30
I was a little surprised when I went outside this morning. We had a blanket of fog in the air. I took some pictures on my Blackberry and will post them when I upload this entry.
- - -
As an aside: this Dell laptop drives me to distraction at times. The touchpad is between my hands as I type and I occasionally touch it while typing. This leads to me typing words into a different part of the text. I think that I’ve always caught it. However, if you are reading this blog and find some strange sentence structure, it might be because of the touchpad and its tricks.
- - -
Well my 5 grain hot cereal is ready so I’m going to eat breakfast and then read my RV Travel newsletter. Later!
- - -
When I returned to this computer, the screen saver was doing a slide show of photos I have stored here. It was going through pics of a family reunion from a August 2006. Ella and I were there with my sister, my nieces and nephews and their kids and grandkids. It reminds me of what a large family we are. And by large I mean more than just number. I mean height and breadth of us as individuals are well above the norm. My family seems to fall into two categories: tall and heavy or tall and thin. That’s me on the far left. I’m 6’1” and (at that time) over 300 lbs. you’ll notice that I’m neither the tallest nor the heaviest one in the picture.
Looking at these pictures also reminds me that I still had some dark hair at that time. True, the hair was on the back of my head where I couldn’t see it but it was there. I thinking that it isn’t nearly as dark back there now. Also, at that time Ella was wearing her hair short (maybe and inch to an inch and a half). Judging from the length of her hair now, that must have been about the time she started letting it grow.
- - -
We had an unusual occurrence while we were at Dahl’s. Ella saw the display of Dr. Pepper at 4 12pks for $5. Always one to take advantage of a sale, we went to the display and discovered that they had no 12pks there and only 6pks. We assumed that meant 2 6pks equals 1 12pk and took enough to equal the 4 12pks. When we reached the checkout, we were charged $10. I explained (several times) to the clerk that, yes we had 8 6pks but that only equaled 4 12pks, which would be $5. She got that “deer in the headlights look” and just froze. One of the other clerks came over and we explained it all to her. She in turn got a manager. Once we explained it to him, he said that the sign was in error and should have read “4 6pks for $5”. In the mean time the 2nd clerk had gone to the display and returned with the signs, which clearly read “4 12pks for $5”. The manager apologized for the confusion and restated that it was 4 6pks for $5 not 4 12pks. I told them to keep them and just ring out the rest of our purchase adding that I’d never been someplace that didn’t honor their signs. After we had paid for our purchase the manager came back and gave us the 8 6pks and said, “These are on me.” So we ended up with 8 6pks at $0 and didn’t pay the deposit. Now that is a better bargain than what we thought we were going to get.
- - -
We drove home from the store in a tropical downpour. You know, one of those where it rains so hard that you can’t see and the roads are running curb deep in water. It lasted less than a half hour but that was enough! After that the rest of the day was mostly overcast and cool. Just before I went to work at 3:30 there was another brief, hard rain. The rest of the evening was uneventful.
July 30
I was a little surprised when I went outside this morning. We had a blanket of fog in the air. I took some pictures on my Blackberry and will post them when I upload this entry.
- - -
As an aside: this Dell laptop drives me to distraction at times. The touchpad is between my hands as I type and I occasionally touch it while typing. This leads to me typing words into a different part of the text. I think that I’ve always caught it. However, if you are reading this blog and find some strange sentence structure, it might be because of the touchpad and its tricks.
- - -
Well my 5 grain hot cereal is ready so I’m going to eat breakfast and then read my RV Travel newsletter. Later!
- - -
Looking at these pictures also reminds me that I still had some dark hair at that time. True, the hair was on the back of my head where I couldn’t see it but it was there. I thinking that it isn’t nearly as dark back there now. Also, at that time Ella was wearing her hair short (maybe and inch to an inch and a half). Judging from the length of her hair now, that must have been about the time she started letting it grow.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29
Ella had a doctor’s appointment today. She has had some tenderness around the scar from the lumpectomy and just wants the reassurance that everything is okay. They are setting her up with a mammogram and will compare it to the one done last December.
- - -
After leaving the doctors she wanted to stop at the library and pick up another book or two. By the time we were done there it was about quarter to two and I was ‘ahungerin’ so we stopped at Popeye’s for some chicken and fixin’s . I had the red beans and rice with the spicy chicken. It was nice to have food with flavor for a change. I do try to do the low fat/sugar/salt as much as possible. But every once in a while I want to have food with taste!
- - -
After Popeye’s we stopped at Walgreens to pick up some of our prescriptions that are on automatic refill. It is kind of nice to not have to think about ordering all the different meds before they run out.
- - -
I uploaded a short video of Great-gran’ma & the girls being silly. Today, she sent a video to me of Great-gran’pa & the girls being silly I will see if I can get it moved over to the blog also.
- - -
As I write this we’re sitting under the awning on the patio. Temp is in the low 80’s but the humidity has dropped down into the comfort zone for a while. With the Iowa State Fair coming up, it would be nice if we could have some unseasonably cool weather. I don’t know if Mike (as in Heather and … ) is familiar with the weather in Iowa or not. I don’t want him to be too scared to come back! Although, if he’s managed to live through the weather in Austin, he should be okay with our summer.
- - -
I’m looking at the lighted candy canes that we had used to decorate for Christmas in July. They are pulled out of the ground but still not put back into storage. Neither are the large Mr. & Mrs. Claus figures that are sitting on our park bench. I guess I should do that after Ella goes to work at 5.
- - -
After leaving the doctors she wanted to stop at the library and pick up another book or two. By the time we were done there it was about quarter to two and I was ‘ahungerin’ so we stopped at Popeye’s for some chicken and fixin’s . I had the red beans and rice with the spicy chicken. It was nice to have food with flavor for a change. I do try to do the low fat/sugar/salt as much as possible. But every once in a while I want to have food with taste!
- - -
After Popeye’s we stopped at Walgreens to pick up some of our prescriptions that are on automatic refill. It is kind of nice to not have to think about ordering all the different meds before they run out.
- - -
I uploaded a short video of Great-gran’ma & the girls being silly. Today, she sent a video to me of Great-gran’pa & the girls being silly I will see if I can get it moved over to the blog also.
- - -
As I write this we’re sitting under the awning on the patio. Temp is in the low 80’s but the humidity has dropped down into the comfort zone for a while. With the Iowa State Fair coming up, it would be nice if we could have some unseasonably cool weather. I don’t know if Mike (as in Heather and … ) is familiar with the weather in Iowa or not. I don’t want him to be too scared to come back! Although, if he’s managed to live through the weather in Austin, he should be okay with our summer.
- - -
I’m looking at the lighted candy canes that we had used to decorate for Christmas in July. They are pulled out of the ground but still not put back into storage. Neither are the large Mr. & Mrs. Claus figures that are sitting on our park bench. I guess I should do that after Ella goes to work at 5.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 27 & 28 2010
July 27
This morning was laundry day. So, over to the club house we went. While the clothes washed, we exercised. Ella on the treadmill and I on the stationary bike. Current weight 267 (mine – not her’s) If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you.
Great –granddaughters came over in the afternoon and wore us out so I’m going to make this post short.
July 28, 2010
Girls got here about 7 a.m. this morning due to the changes in Nathan’s work schedule.
We will now have the “greats” on Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays; for at least a portion of the day.
Since it was Wednesday and I was not working, I went to our Men’s Bible Study. I’ve missed the last 3 (2 because I was working and 1 because … I don’t remember why). They are doing a study using the old “Lucille Ball Show” as discussion starters. Today’s episode centered on a lie that Lucy told and then got caught in. We compared her actions with the many scripture verses that addresses not telling the truth. I don’t think we got to deep into theology but still got the point.
I stopped on the way home and got an oil change at Valvoline. That meant a new oil filter, air filter and windshield wipers for a little over $80. If I was younger, I would just buy the stuff and do it myself. However, they can do it in 10 minutes and I don’t get dirty or sweat!
While I was at Valvoline I got an email that a book that I’d order was at the library. Because it was only a couple blocks from where I was at, I stopped and picked up the book, “How to Convert/Restore Old Cars, Station Wagons, Vans, Trucks & Buses Into RVs”. I’d seen the title while looking for RV construction ideas. I don’t think it’ll be much help – very outdated – printed in 1981 (the year my youngest daughter was born – but she’s not out dated!) It is interesting read though because it gives a little of the history of RVs. (as in, the first production vehicle that might be called an RV was built in 1913 by the American Locomotive Company. It was a motorized Chapel built with the idea that the priest could travel to any location where worshipers might live and conduct services for them. In addition to the chapel, it contained living quarters with bed, lockers, closets and lavatory equipment. Of course innovative home-builders had been converting cars and trucks to living quarters almost as long as they’d been rolling off the production lines. It seems that some people (ahem) just have to tinker and adapt and improve.
Great grandma stayed home with the girls while I was out running errands. When I returned home I got to sing the song about the Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly, and recite the story of the woman whose pig refused to jump the fence. I also read “The Cat in the Hat” and “Say, Can You Say”, which is a book of tongue twisters.
Cutty’s activity committee had given me a coupon for a large pizza at Cutty’s Cafe. So, we four had that for lunch.
Next was nap time. Gran’ma and I were ready – the girls, not so much! Eventually all settled down and naps were had by all.
Beth, a friend of Nathan’s, picked the girls up about 4:00.
Ella was due at work at 5:00 so we had just enough time to go to Village Inn for Pie Rush Wednesday.
After bring Ella back to work, I went to Dahl’s and got our groceries.
Now I’m home and writing on my blog.
This morning was laundry day. So, over to the club house we went. While the clothes washed, we exercised. Ella on the treadmill and I on the stationary bike. Current weight 267 (mine – not her’s) If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you.
Great –granddaughters came over in the afternoon and wore us out so I’m going to make this post short.
July 28, 2010
Girls got here about 7 a.m. this morning due to the changes in Nathan’s work schedule.
We will now have the “greats” on Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays; for at least a portion of the day.
Since it was Wednesday and I was not working, I went to our Men’s Bible Study. I’ve missed the last 3 (2 because I was working and 1 because … I don’t remember why). They are doing a study using the old “Lucille Ball Show” as discussion starters. Today’s episode centered on a lie that Lucy told and then got caught in. We compared her actions with the many scripture verses that addresses not telling the truth. I don’t think we got to deep into theology but still got the point.
I stopped on the way home and got an oil change at Valvoline. That meant a new oil filter, air filter and windshield wipers for a little over $80. If I was younger, I would just buy the stuff and do it myself. However, they can do it in 10 minutes and I don’t get dirty or sweat!
While I was at Valvoline I got an email that a book that I’d order was at the library. Because it was only a couple blocks from where I was at, I stopped and picked up the book, “How to Convert/Restore Old Cars, Station Wagons, Vans, Trucks & Buses Into RVs”. I’d seen the title while looking for RV construction ideas. I don’t think it’ll be much help – very outdated – printed in 1981 (the year my youngest daughter was born – but she’s not out dated!) It is interesting read though because it gives a little of the history of RVs. (as in, the first production vehicle that might be called an RV was built in 1913 by the American Locomotive Company. It was a motorized Chapel built with the idea that the priest could travel to any location where worshipers might live and conduct services for them. In addition to the chapel, it contained living quarters with bed, lockers, closets and lavatory equipment. Of course innovative home-builders had been converting cars and trucks to living quarters almost as long as they’d been rolling off the production lines. It seems that some people (ahem) just have to tinker and adapt and improve.
Great grandma stayed home with the girls while I was out running errands. When I returned home I got to sing the song about the Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly, and recite the story of the woman whose pig refused to jump the fence. I also read “The Cat in the Hat” and “Say, Can You Say”, which is a book of tongue twisters.
Cutty’s activity committee had given me a coupon for a large pizza at Cutty’s Cafe. So, we four had that for lunch.
Next was nap time. Gran’ma and I were ready – the girls, not so much! Eventually all settled down and naps were had by all.
Beth, a friend of Nathan’s, picked the girls up about 4:00.
Ella was due at work at 5:00 so we had just enough time to go to Village Inn for Pie Rush Wednesday.
After bring Ella back to work, I went to Dahl’s and got our groceries.
Now I’m home and writing on my blog.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26 2010
What a beauty of a day today! Makes me so glad that we retired and are living as full-time RVers.
Here's what I mean by that. I woke up at about 6 a.m. - not because the alarm went off - or because I had too. I woke up because I was done sleeping. I went downstairs (two steps down from the bedroom/bathroom area to the kitchen/dining/living room area) and fixed poached eggs for breakfast. (I'm eating almost no yokes since the heart attack a year ago in May) Ate my egg whites, drank some instant coffee (temporarily out of coffee to brew), had a hand full of trail mix and a pear.
Then I sat and worked on drawing more plans for the dream RV. At some point Ella got up and I fixed eggs for her - also giving her the yokes from my eggs. We did up our few dishes and then went to the bank to deposit the $40 I earned the other night. Then a stop at the library to pick up some new books.
It was about 11 when we returned home. Ella completely vacuumed our home in about 10 minutes. We fixed a quick lunch from leftovers and lay down to read/nap. During this time the maintenance people mowed and trimmed our yard. Now I'm sitting outside under the awning enjoying the breeze and the birds.
Are you getting an idea of how laid back and comfortable this life style is?
- -
On to another topic.
July is nearly over and we're looking forward to visitors in August. Heather and Mike are coming to visit on the 13th. I haven't had a chance to meet Mike however as long as he makes Heather happy in a healthy relationship, I already like him. And, of course, Heather is one of my favorite daughters.
On the 17th Anika, a former exchange student is coming to visit for a while. I know that, because she is such a popular girl and has a lot of friends to visit, we'll only get to see her for a small portion of the time she is here. Once she returns to England, she'll be busy packing to move to Scotland for more schooling.
Vincent, another former exchange student is also coming to visit. He is going to California to meet his father (which he has never known) and then stopping in Iowa to visit us. It'll be interesting to see how his new career as a stand up comic is going. When he tells lawyer jokes, he has the inside scoop.
Here's what I mean by that. I woke up at about 6 a.m. - not because the alarm went off - or because I had too. I woke up because I was done sleeping. I went downstairs (two steps down from the bedroom/bathroom area to the kitchen/dining/living room area) and fixed poached eggs for breakfast. (I'm eating almost no yokes since the heart attack a year ago in May) Ate my egg whites, drank some instant coffee (temporarily out of coffee to brew), had a hand full of trail mix and a pear.
Then I sat and worked on drawing more plans for the dream RV. At some point Ella got up and I fixed eggs for her - also giving her the yokes from my eggs. We did up our few dishes and then went to the bank to deposit the $40 I earned the other night. Then a stop at the library to pick up some new books.
It was about 11 when we returned home. Ella completely vacuumed our home in about 10 minutes. We fixed a quick lunch from leftovers and lay down to read/nap. During this time the maintenance people mowed and trimmed our yard. Now I'm sitting outside under the awning enjoying the breeze and the birds.
Are you getting an idea of how laid back and comfortable this life style is?
- -
On to another topic.
July is nearly over and we're looking forward to visitors in August. Heather and Mike are coming to visit on the 13th. I haven't had a chance to meet Mike however as long as he makes Heather happy in a healthy relationship, I already like him. And, of course, Heather is one of my favorite daughters.
On the 17th Anika, a former exchange student is coming to visit for a while. I know that, because she is such a popular girl and has a lot of friends to visit, we'll only get to see her for a small portion of the time she is here. Once she returns to England, she'll be busy packing to move to Scotland for more schooling.
Vincent, another former exchange student is also coming to visit. He is going to California to meet his father (which he has never known) and then stopping in Iowa to visit us. It'll be interesting to see how his new career as a stand up comic is going. When he tells lawyer jokes, he has the inside scoop.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
July 25
What a beautiful morning!
Sunshine, low 70s, and low humidity (for a change)
It was a good day to be in the Lord's house.
. . .
Last night I got home from Lake Robbins about 9:30 or so and our Christmas lights were on. Very festive. By being gone, I missed the folks on the hay rack ride who came around singing carols. I also missed a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, dressing and home-made pies or cookies. (bummer)
I did, however earn $40.00 that I wouldn't have otherwise. and that money more than covers the cost of the unexpected tire from earlier. And got to hear a good band playing Rock N Roll from the 50 - 70s. There were even people, in poodle skirts, dancing.
Being on my feet for nearly 5 hours has taken a toll on my feet, however. the arthritis will have me limping for a few days.
. . .
Post a comment or just say " Hi! and let me know you've been here.
Sunshine, low 70s, and low humidity (for a change)
It was a good day to be in the Lord's house.
. . .
Last night I got home from Lake Robbins about 9:30 or so and our Christmas lights were on. Very festive. By being gone, I missed the folks on the hay rack ride who came around singing carols. I also missed a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, dressing and home-made pies or cookies. (bummer)
I did, however earn $40.00 that I wouldn't have otherwise. and that money more than covers the cost of the unexpected tire from earlier. And got to hear a good band playing Rock N Roll from the 50 - 70s. There were even people, in poodle skirts, dancing.
Being on my feet for nearly 5 hours has taken a toll on my feet, however. the arthritis will have me limping for a few days.
. . .
Post a comment or just say " Hi! and let me know you've been here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)