April 27, 2016 Wednesday ---New Phones

Two and half weeks ago we went into Verizon to ask a question about our service.  We walked out with two new phones.  There's one each for Glen and me.

I got the I-phone six plus.  I can already tell that I am going to like the larger screen.  Glen's new one is an I phone SE.  Glen's new one is the same size as the "old" one.  He wanted one that would fit in his pocket.

The only drawback I can see to the larger one is it will not fit into most of my pockets.  I will adjust, I know.

Sarah's sister had surgery early this morning.  The doctors' were able to remove the abscess filled with infection.  She is also fighting pneumonia.  She has a long road of recovery ahead of her.  Prayers, please.

April 26, 2016 --almost midnight! Happenings in the 'hood

The past couple of days have been filled with doctors' appointments.  Just a couple of more appointments and we will have been checked from head to toe, or stem to stern!!

So far all of the reports have been good.  There has been nothing weird or out of the ordinary, which is very good.

Today Sarah learned that her older sister Rose has been in the hospital in Poplar Bluff with an infection of some sort plus double pneumonia.  Early evening Rose was brought by ambulance to one of the hospitals here in Cape Girardeau.

Tests are showing an abscess on her spine.  The last report was surgery is scheduled in the morning on the back.  Of course that depends on how the night progresses or not.  Sarah is spending the night with her.

Our goal at this time is to be as helpful as possible; i.e. picking up kids, staying with kids, etc.

A weather front rolled through the area about four, dropping 1.08" of rain.  Thankfully there was no hail or strong winds.

This past Sunday Tanner reached a very significant milestone: "Sixteen Candles" on his birthday cake.  Tomorrow he will be able to exchange the "student driver's license" for his permanent license.  He will now be able to drive himself to school, soccer practice, and get himself home.  It's every mother's dream!

April 22, 2016 Friday Night: A little of this and a little of that!

It was a rainy Thursday!  There was a total of 3.45" of rain.  It washed everything clean.  The sky was so clear today.

Jeff and Marcella (Glen's just younger sister) are camp-hosting at Trail of Tears State Park, about 15 miles north of Cape Girardeau.  The campground that they host has a total of 18 sites.

They came in to Cape yesterday.  We joined them at "Bella Italia" for lunch as well as sitting around the table visiting for at least another hour.

We met Darin and Ashlynn and Zade for dinner last night at "Muy Bueno".  Another great Mexican restaurant.

Glen finished the last bathroom project.  He changed out the brassy gold sink faucet and replaced with a brushed nickel faucet.  The faucet looks like an old-time hand pump on a very small scale.  I like it!!

I think that is it for all of the replacement of brassy gold things.  It looks up to date in here!

This morning I enjoyed an hour of deep tissue massage.  Oh-hh, aw-ww-ww, wow, that felt good!  The ultimate luxury.

On to the mundane.  Laundry this afternoon.

Darin requested Glen bring a saw for a modification on Darin's grill.  It didn't take long, but the grill will be better now.

Have a great week end!  There's 3rd/4th grade volleyball tomorrow!

April 19-20, 2016 A No-Go!

Our current original microwave/convection combo oven is beginning to show it's age.  There is a crack on the inside of the door; the inside light went out and we can't find ithe bulb!

We found a replacement at Lowe's.  Except------
the installer studied the original, compared to the new, and decided the new is not compatible to the same space.  In other words, the new oven installed differently than the old.
On to Plan B.
Find a different oven.

We have found one/some on Amazon.  We would like to see it in person, so need to go by Sears, Menards, and Best Buy to see what they have in stock or can order.

Lowe's refunded the full amount including installer price which is quite impressive.

This morning Darin called, reporting that Ashlynn needed to go to the doctor's at 10:30.  She has a sore on the edge of her nose that has gotten out of control. He didn't need to leave the office as one of the employees was out sick.

The doctor indicated Ashlynn has a bout of impetigo.  She needs 10-days of antibiotics and an antibiotic salve.  The best part for Ashlynn, she needed to stay home the rest of the day!!!

We kept her company until Darin and Zade got home after school.

There has been rain since mid-morning.  Nothing compared to what the Houston TX area has received.  There has been nearly an inch here.

April 18, 2016 A Great Week end

It was a great week end.

Saturday morning started with third/fourth grade volleyball.  It was fun to watch.Jeff and Marcella were in the stands cheering on Sidney and Addison playing on a different court.

Ashlynn's team won the first game (2-1) and lost the second game (1-2), but no one cared.  It was all fun!

This may be Ashlynn's sport as there is not too much running!!! lol

Here's our star, Ashlynn!

Ashlynn, in action--

Of course there was a cheering section--

After the games, Ashlynn and Zade came home with us and stayed until Sunday lunch!

There was some scooter riding, some action at the home nail salon, some pitching and catching.  Ashlynn and Zade learned to play SkipBo!

Sunday morning Grammy's House of Pancakes was open!

Ashlynn and Zade went home with Darin/Sarah after lunch at El Sol, a local Mexican restaurant.

This afternoon Glen mowed the lawn at Sarah/Darin's.

Darin grilled pork chops and hamburgers for dinner, accompanied by oven roasted tiny potatoes and a side of green beans.

We stayed until bedtime for the kiddoes!

April 15, 2016 (Friday night) It's Tax Day

Yes, it is Tax Day!  We filed a month or so ago.  No worries!

Darin, Ashlynn and Zade came to the RV park this afternoon.

There were bike rides, pitch and catch, and playing in the creek!

Zade and Ashlynn

Ashlynn, finishing third grade

Zade, second grade

Zade and Ashlynn

Poppy Glen and Zade

It was a fun afternoon, capped by pizza for dinner!

April 14, 2016 Thursday Night---The Shaggy Look is Gone

Wow, a haircut makes a girl feel much better.  I was sporting the "shaggy" look, about two weeks past needing a haircut.  The haircut is great, and made an appointment for next month.

We picked up Ashlynn and Zade after school and went to their home.  Ashlynn had volleyball practice at 5:15.

Glen and Zade played "pitch" for nearly an hour.  Poppy Glen says he can already feel the sore muscles.

A good salesman is hard to resist.  We went into Verizon because of an issue with my phone.  The video I had taken last night of Ashlynn sending a thank you note to Aunt Trisha, and of Zade batting did not have any sound.  I tried all I knew to find the sound but no success.

Anyway, the salesman worked his magic fingers and viola! there was sound.

Then he said THE words: are you happy with your phones?  You can get new phones and the monthly bill will go down.

Really, that is what he said.  It sounds too good to be true, but evidently it is.

Glen and I both ended up with new phones--updated, more power, better camera.  The phones we chose were not in stock.  They were ordered and we will get them soon.

Not what we planned when we went into Verizon!!

Keeping Watch

This is what we saw when we drove into Darin/Sarah's neighborhood/subdivision this afternoon.  The trees are standing on the edge of a small lake.  It is a majestic sight!

April 13, 2016 (Wednesday Night) Landing Point RV Park, Cape Girardeau MO

Arkansas is a wide state! Nearly 8 hours west to east!

There were a couple of bathroom stops and a stop for lunch!

We transported a bunk bed frame from Trisha's to Darin's.  We stopped at Darin's, surprised Ashlynn and Zade with our arrival.

You might have heard them scream!!!

Darin helped unload the bed frame and two boxes of books.  Ashlynn and Zade were very excited to see the books.

On to the RV park!  We parked, unhooked the truck, hooked up the electricity and water. And, made it to the first baseball practice for Zade+team.  Darin is the head coach.

As usual, there are boys that have obviously played ball before and are familar with the rules, positions, and skills.  Then there is the one or two that doesn't know where right field is or where to play position. Very interesting for the coaches!

This season is machine pitch which is a big change for the players.

April 12, 2016 (Tuesday Night) "Peel and Pull!" (last night in Greenwood AR)

We prepared boiled shrimp, baked potatoes, hot rolls, and strawberries/ice cream for dinner tonight.

Tanner really isn't a shrimp fan, but he was brave and ate four 'peel and pull" shrim!  He couldn't think of "peel and eat"!

It was a busy day/evening.
Natalie was inducted into "National Honor Society".  Brady returned from a competion for vocational/trades' classes through Beta Club (I think).  He went as an observer, not a participant.  Tanner had soccer practice after school 'til 5:30.

On top of that Tanner wanted one last game of "SKIP BO" tonight.

We are leaving here in the morning and will arrive in Cape Girardeau late afternoon.

Looking forward to more family time!

April 10, 2016 (Sunday) New Sport

Reporting for the sport of TRAP--clay shooting!

Practice this afternoon.

Tanner

Good form, Tanner!

Handsome Tanner

Nice hair, Tanner!  It was a windy day!

Natalie, pretty as always!

Good form, also!

Brady was working at O'Reilleys.  He usually practices on Monday afternoon.

Chef Trisha prepared homemade pizza for dinner.  Umm-m delicious.

The evening was capped off with several games of Skip-Bo!

April 9 (Saturday) 2016 Soccer--Yes and No

This is Natalie, 11th grader, player on the JV girls' soccer team in Greenwood AR.  She is Jeff's daughter, our granddaughter plus.  She played on Thursday night.

This is Tanner, 10th grader, player on the JV boy's soccer team.  He didn't play Thursday night as Conway, the opposing team, didn't bring a JV team and didn't tell anyone til they arrived in Greenwood.

This is the cheering section for the soccer(s) game!   (R) Glen; Trisha B. (Tanner's mom), Jeff B. (Natalie's dad) and Landon (on R)( Natalie's brother).

There is a long-ago established tradition of Pancakes by Grammy at least one morning when we all are together.  Tanner requested pancakes this morning.  However, he was the Chef, and I was sous Chef (helper).

We accompanied Jeff and Trisha to Poteau OK where they picked up their fifth-wheel.  The fifth-wheel had been there for some warranty work.  It is about a 40-minute drive

Tonight Trisha and Jeff prepared a combo Mexican - Chinese dinner!  There was stir-fried rice in one skillet; and chicken/beef fajitas in another skillet.  Both were delicious.

After dinner there were three loud games of "Skip-Bo" A card game.  It is also called "Spite and Malice" on some computer games.  Up to six can play.  It is a great game.

Brady worked at his job all day.  He works behind the counter at O'Reilley's (auto parts) Friday evenings, and all day Saturday and Sunday plus going to high school  mornings and college in the afternoons.  He is one busy boy  young man as well as maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Glen washed the truck this afternoon--therefore--it is raining now!

April 7, 2016 (Thursday) Day of Resting, Shopping

After a rest-filled morning, Glen and I went to Ft. Smith for lunch (Cheddars), and to Sam's.

We shopped for rib-eye steaks for dinner tonight.  There was also fresh asparagus, and tiny potatoes.  Oh, yes, there were also strawberries.

Sounds like a great meal!  It was!  Trisha cooked the steaks "Bobby Flay" style--in a hot skillet seasoned with S & P and fresh garlic.  We boiled the small potatoes, and steamed the asparagus.

There was strawberry shortcake for dessert.

This winter Trisha has spent time organizing her pictures into albums.  We enjoyed looking through the Tanner album, Brady album, and Brady-Tanner (together) album, and Natalie album  accompanied by commentary by Tanner.  Hilarious!

Before and after dinner Brady was in the garage looking at, and listening to, and shaking his head at his project truck.

Tanner has a soccer game tomorrow afternoon, followed by a soccer game for Natalie.

April 6, 2016 (Wednesday) A Lo-o-on-ng Day! (Fairgrounds, Greenwood, AR)

Close your eyes!  Imagine a long day, made even longer by 20-25 mph winds from the west, while headed north!

That was our day!  We were on the road out of Houston by eight a.m., happy to be headed out of Houston, rather than into downtown Houston.

It was a windy day--all day--from the west!  At least 20 mph is my guess.  My driver was one tired driver by the end of the day!

We arrived in Greenwood about 5:30, with three short stops along the way.

Trisha, Jeff, and Tanner came by and picked us up.  All of us met Brady and Landon at the local Mexican restaurant for dinner.

Trisha had prepared strawberries and shortcake for dessert.

Brady has a project --a 1979 Chevrolet pick up, that needs lots of care, tender loving care.  He has worked on, replaced or repaired about everything under the hood.  Tonight he got it started, and drove it around the block.  He was grinning from ear to ear!  There is much more to be done, but he loves it!

We look forward to spending time with our daughter and her family!

April 5, 2016 Tuesday Medical Reports (Still in Houston TX)

Many of you are aware that Glen comes to M D Anderson once a year for lab work re the diagnosis of CLL--chronic lymphocytic leukemia.  This particular strain of leukemia leads back to Glen's time in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange.  Glen's CLL is stable and nearly unchanging at this time.  Today's lab work shows there is no change in the white blood count in the past six months.

We are rejoicing in answered prayers.  This means counting our blessings,  and cherishing each precious moment and day.  Life marches on!

Each time we are in a BIG city, i.e. Houston TX, we also count our blessings that Glen never had to work nor us live in a BIG city.  I can hardly watch each lane of traffic for Glen! :} The noise generated by interstate traffic and sirens does not compare favorably with life in the country!!!

We will be up and about early (for us) in the morning.  Once we get out of Houston we will head north on Highway 59 all the way to Texarkana Arkansas, then Highway 71 to Greenwood AR.

April 4, 2016 Note to New Readers

If you are new to the blog, WELCOME!  I hope you enjoy.

If you want to be notified when there is a post....on the top right of the blog is a place to enter your email.  You will be notified by email when there is a new entry.  You can click on the link in the email to go to the entry.

Reminder:  each picture can be clicked on to enlarge!

Note:  I do not know who reads the blog.  Each day I get a count of the numbers of readers, but there are no names/emails associated with that.   In other words, I don't know if you do or don't read!

Comments:  at the end of the blog there is a line that reads "no comments" or 1, 2, 3, comments.  Just click on there to read or add a comment.  The comment can be anonymous, or you can supply your name.  It's up to you.

Enjoy!  There are more blogs and pictures when we are not parked in one place as in the winter.

If you know something about our destination, something to explore, or a dining experience, be sure to share.

April 4, 2016 Monday "on The Road Again!" (Main Street RV Park, 10100 Main Street, Houston TX)

After four months parked in one spot we are "on the road again!"

It was an awesome winter in south Texas.  The weather was great.  Our family/partner RV-ers were great company.  There was great music; great visits with the neighbors.  Notice a theme here?  Everything was "great!"

The "Main Street RV Park" is just a few blocks from the "NRG Stadium" where the final game of the NCAA basketball tourney is being held.

Parking on the street was going for $20 per site; there were tickets available from the street hawkers.  Did we think about going to the game?  NO!  I am sure we will be able to see much better on the television!

The past few days were leisurely.  Each day something was ticked off the "to do list".  By Sunday afternoon everything was locked away.

It is a six hour list from Zapata to Houston.  Our goal was to get here before rush hour traffic started, and we made it at 3:30.  Of course, in addition to normal rush hour, there is the basketball traffic.

Dinner was at "Pappadeaux's Seafood", just across the street from the stadium.  There were lots of NC blue in the restaurant.

Our plan is to leave here Wednesday morning, going north to our daughter's home in Greenwood AR.  If there are changes, we will let you go.

There were lots of Indian paintbrush flowers in bloom, but the Texas bluebonnets were faded away.