Reunion Countdown

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Nearly Full and Overflowing

In mid-afternoon last Sunday, hubby and I left for EP bringing his brother along with us. We made the nearly 900 miles in 14 hours arriving here at 3:45 Monday morning. It helped to have a second driver along who doesn't get sleepy (and lets no grass grow). We had contracted with a painter to begin the job of painting all of the rooms in the condo. She had completed two bedrooms, one bath, and a hallway; it looked so good!

The three of us, therefore, had the bedrooms to straighten up, curtains to put back up, and floors to clean. In addition this week, the guys have worked on finishing a small storage room upstairs in the afternoons after working in the office all morning. I have spent time cleaning, doing laundry, cooking meals, etc.

On Thursday evening, hubby's sister arrived bringing their parents, my in-laws, to stay for a week. The bedrooms are all occupied, and the loft has been turned into a bedroom as well. This afternoon our painter was back to do the full- and half-baths downstairs. Tomorrow she will do the master bedroom and kitchen.

Steve, Dad, Bill, Mom, Pam at their 60th

Also, tomorrow evening our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson arrive for a couple weeks' stay. My S-I-L will be going with her husband (who also arrives tomorrow, but with their 5th wheel trailer) to a campground on the edge of town. THEIR daughter, her husband, and the baby may be joining us for lunch on Sunday.

Melanie, Jonah, Bob

On Monday morning our son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren will arrive after driving all night. (We do have the sleeping arrangements all worked out.) Our son-in-law will travel to Colorado Springs for a week's seminar having to do with his job. He returns on Friday, the same day that the brother-in-law starts for home taking my parents-in-law along. Our children will end their stay early in August, the last two days of which my brother and his wife will swing through EP and join us for fun and some meals.

Kady, Chris, Creed, Anita

In addition, some time through all of this mild chaos our painter will manage to finish the living/dining area and the loft.

Whew! Are my readers totally confused now? I'm thinking we need a revolving door and a laundry service! It gets crowded and cluttered sometimes, but we have such fun together. One thing is for sure . . . the noise level will rise when three children are added to the mix, and hubby and I may have to slip away a couple of times for some peace and quiet.

What a Storm!

Anyone who has spent much time in the mountains knows that the weather can change in just a few minutes; therefore, the change this afternoon from sunshine to clouds and rain was no surprise. It was the sudden onset of HAIL that got my attention. We've witnessed hail here several times this spring and summer, but this just came faster and louder. I thought, "Will the windows hold?"

WINDOWS!! I had opened windows at mid-morning when it got pretty warm upstairs. Hubby had already taken care of one of the bedrooms, but was fighting the hail and rain in the other. The hail was piled up between the roll-out window and the screen; he couldn't get the screen out nor the window closed; everything was getting wet. We managed to prevent more soaking by putting up a bath towel over the screen. Well, I wouldn't have needed to water my flowers this morning had I known for sure it was going to rain.

FLOWERS!! Oh, no! I should have put my potted flowers under cover on the patio! They were taking a beating. With hail this size, I didn't care to venture out to grab them; of course, the damage was already done. I hope they will recover over time.

Taken just this morning after I watered them all. Notice the sweet potato vine back by the chair--how has grown to the ground. And the marigolds, purple petunias in the middle; finally the pink and yellow petunias nearest the camera.

Taken after the hail storm. : ( The sweet potato vine is ripped to shreds as are the marigolds and petunias! The only one unharmed is the hanging basket to the right of the door. So much work has been destroyed in such a few minutes. And wouldn't you know this would happen today and company arrives tomorrow!?

Sweet potato vine

Marigolds, purple petunias

Pink and yellow petunias

We're back in the Rocky Mountains after an absence of a few months. Because we hate to spend for a motel on the way, we usually start early, early morning and make the trip in one day. This trip was only a little different: We got a later start (5:30 a.m.), we stopped more often, and hubby got sleepy enough to stop and nap. No, he didn't ask me to drive--I was having trouble staying awake as well!

Each stop we made was short and allowed us to stretch our legs and walk around a bit. Instead of getting a sandwich at the drive-thru, we would go inside to get a meal. We still made it in 14.5 hours. I hope hubby learned a lesson from this: We can make several short stops rather than only two or three longer ones and make the trip in about the same time! Perhaps we will never again drive a distance of 410 miles before stopping.

Below is a list of Estes Park events for the month of June should any of you readers happen to be here. Of course, I will be posting notes and pictures occasionally from "colorful" Colorado.

June 5 National Art Exhibition
June 12-13 Wool Market (Very interesting!)
June 13 Estes Park Marathon (Includes half-marathon, 5K and 10K)
June 25 Cool Nights Cruz-in (Muscle cars, classics, hot rods on display)
All month Various music performances and concerts

I'm Ba-a-c-k!

I haven't blogged for 14 months. What happened? I discovered FACEBOOK! That in itself would not have kept me away; however, I got caught up in the several games it offers. First, it was Farmtown--rather primitive at first in the light of the recent additions and improvements. Then I discovered Farmville! I liked some of its easier features and began a farming operation there.

Our grandson loved doing my farming activities, so I opened an account for him with a farm. When he was in school, he would fall behind on the work, and crops would wither. I stepped in to help him. So now I'm working on three or four farms.

My husband made so many wisecracks about my "farming operations" that I created an account for him with, yes, folks--two farms! It was a joke on him . . . telling him that he was on level such-and-such a few days later!

After our grandson and our daughter discovered Cafe World, I added those to hubby's and my activities! How we got on to Paradise Island and then Country Life is all a blur now. Okay, so I'm running three farming operations, operating a restaurant, and maintaining an island in my name and the same in my hubby's name. Plus, I occasionally check on our grandson's same five businesses. "My name is Linda and I'm a facebook games addict!"

That confession has been followed up with action: One farming operation has been eliminated from hubby's and my account. The restaurant may be the next to go. The work on the islands has been cut to just harvesting the trees occasionally. Do you know what these decisions say about me? The farm girl is still down deep in my being somewhere. Those are the main games I am still operating--Farmville and Country Life.

Okay, so blogging never took up so much time. It also kept my fingers nimble on the keys and my creative writing skills from going dormant. There will be more later to relate what other things have been happening in this retired life. At the very least, I am in the recovery process. Who would have thought?

Forgetting and Regretting

I'm in Bourbonnais this week with our daughter and her family. Did I bring my camera in order to get pictures of J., his dog, or our kids? OF COURSE NOT!! My ever-forgetful mind has kicked in again. So, though I may blog about the week, I'll have no pics to show. Sorry.

COUNTING DOWN!

NINETEEN WORKING DAYS

after today left in the 2009 tax season!

TWENTY-TWO total days!

TWENTY-THREE DAYS

left of hubby's term as

mayor of our little village!

TWENTY-FOUR DAYS

until we are on the

road west to enjoy

a rest in the Rockies!

Jumbled Thoughts and Issues

It's been so long since I've blogged, I know. Just haven't had anything to say, I guess. On the other hand, perhaps my mind has been so full of thoughts the last few weeks, that I just can't seem to bring those thoughts into any kind of order that will make sense in black and white.

Part of the deal is this tax season. It seems to be weighing heavily on my hubby this year; added to that has been issues in our village of which he is mayor. I hate his sixteen-hour days as he approaches this next tax deadline--corporate on March 16--and local newspapers calling him for quotes on these village issues. Another part of my deal is trying to lose weight (what a laugh!). Now I'm in Bourbonnais this week with our daughter and grandson while our son-in-law is in NJ for an annual training event. Her health is ALWAYS on my mind. Three other major things that keep my thoughts tumbling around in my head I won't make public just now; but there is a sampling of my mental condition. So what is ahead?

1. Tax season will be over in just a few weeks--April 15. 2. Hubby's last village board meeting will be on April 16, and that will end his term. In January he made the decision not to run again, thank goodness! 3. I will get back to my weight loss program as soon as I get home. 4. We will continue to pray for healing for our daughter (by medicine or by miracle). 5. Time will resolve at least two of my private issues.

So, as time passes, I'll blog about how things go. One thing for sure: our scheduled "down time" is set in stone--April 17 to May 8. Colorado, here we come!

Here We Go Again!

DIETS!! All of you who love them and always have wonderful results, don't talk to me about it.

EXERCISE!! Wasn't it enough that I helped with housework and worked in the garden as a girl and as a young mother, took phys. ed. classes in high school and college, was kept moving all day on the job by the work and at home by three children, housework, and ball games, etc.? Now that I'm retired, it seems that a sedentary life is accompanied by weight gain. (Some meds are to blame as well.) Shouldn't our bodies be able to "store up" some of that calorie burning to compensate us in our later years?

Well, no matter what plan you try--weight watchers, South Beach, Atkins, Slim-fast, you-name-it, the requirement is always there: Eat less or healthier (is DQ off limits?) and EXERCISE!

I've hated the FAT me for years and have gained, lost, and re-gained. Now I not only hate the FAT me, but I also hate what the added pounds are doing to my health and ease of movement. So, I have committed to eating better and ex-- uh, ex-- uh, ex-er-cis-ing. Whew! Tough commitment. I have XX pounds to lose and am using this semi-public way of holding myself to the plan this time.

Please think of me occasionally, especially BETWEEN meals as snacking on anything (we aren't keeping sweets/chips/any kind of snacks in the house) is my worst enemy and the weather is not conducive to spending lots of time outdoors these days. I guess I could quit using our elliptical for a clothes horse. One good thing: Hubby is doing this with me; of course, he has only 1/4 the number of pounds to lose as I do!

Here we are last August. (Maybe) I'll post another in August, '09.

Grandkids, Baths, and Bedtimes

It is one of Grandma's greatest joys when the grandchildren

come to visit. Jonah came home with me from my week at

his house. We've had a great time spoiling him, but I'm sure

his best times were with his cousins, Kady and Creed.

Kady spent the night with us the first night of Jonah's visit. They are

always so happy to see each other, so the first hour is

usually quite noisy and rambunctious. However,

they settled down to sleep quickly enough after wearing

themselves out.

On Saturday, while Grandpa was working,

we went to the park and to the grade school playgrounds

so the two of them could play. Later on we met Creed and his parents

for a late lunch and shopping. There was no other time during the

week for the three of them to have time together,

so we have all of them at our house tonight. Remember

what I said about the first hour? "No running; no jumping on the

furniture! You'll get hurt!" (our slick hardwood floors)

Now we've been through supper with dessert, a movie, a

"bednight snack" and a bath in Grandma's tub.

. . . Here comes Creed for a sip of milk . . .

It has been loud and rowdy (even during bath time),

but they are now quietly settled in bed. . . . Uh, oh.

Here is Creed tattling on the other two.

Grandpa put him back in bed with good night hugs all around.

Now for my jetted tub . . . No! All three just came in

looking for Jonah's stuffed lion! And Creed wants a book . . . and

the light on so he can read it . . . Kady & Jonah want

the door shut so they can't see the kitchen light.

"Lie down, keep quiet, and shut your eyes

and you won't notice any light."

"Grandma! Creed is climbing into my bed!"

"Grandma, I was almost asleep when these two started talking!"

"Gamma, I want to read my book."

I'll let you know how long this goes on and how long I remain patient.

I'm sure Chris & Anita and Bob & Melanie will be chuckling over this.

Jonah enjoys the swing at the city park.

Kady also enjoys the swing on this warm Saturday.

Creed, Jonah, and Kady are easy to handle in this outfit.
Their driver (Anita) stepped out of camera range.


Racing down the slide at the grade school

Ah, Spring!

Though we are several weeks into winter,

and though the days are getting longer by a couple

of minutes each day, spring seems so very far away.

Come, Spring! I long to sit in the shade on the deck,

to ride the lawn mower and smell the freshly cut grass,

to take a motorcycle ride through the countryside,

to enjoy the color of spring flowers, and to shed jackets and gloves.

It would be lovely to admit the fresh air into the house

through the open windows.

Ah, well! Just a few more weeks until it's officially spring.

Eastward Bound, Day Two

Because there is so much to do at home when we arrive home on Saturday, we left Belleville, KS, at seven this morning. The sun wasn't up, but the eastern horizon was beautiful with its pink against the blue sky. The temp was !!FOUR DEGREES!! and I've never been so glad for heated seats. We grabbed breakfast on the fly again in order not to waste time.

By 11:00 a.m. we were making a gas and restroom stop in Brookfield, MO. Bill listened to talk radio most of the way (when we weren't visiting), and that always puts me to sleep! Back on the road, I got out my computer so as to work on my Sunday School lesson while he listened to talk radio again. In Hannibal, MO, we stopped for groceries and then met John and Becky for a late lunch about 1:00. After enjoying a lengthy visit, it was good to pull into our home here.

Lots to get done. Unload the van, put away groceries, put away clothes, etc., visit with the parents awhile, make a few phone calls, plan and send the music schedule for tomorrow, go over the SS lesson again, get showers, drop in bed. Welcome home!

Eastward Bound, Day One

As usual before starting on a trip, I didn't sleep well, so I arose at 6:23 this a.m. and was still ready to leave by 8:00. The last of the packing and loading was done, water shut off, heat adjusted, water heater off, lights off, all locked up, etc. In the midst of hurrying around, we had two phone calls. This below was the weather as we went down the canyon from Estes Park. Thank goodness, we ran onto dry pavement before getting to Longmont.

That is the morning sun shining through the blowing snow.

By taking several two-lane routes, we avoided Denver and got to Rt. 36 east. On the way we found a Carl's Jr. and some yummy breakfast sandwiches. I mi-z-z-z-ed out on part-z-z-z-z of the trip for a couple of hour-z-z-z while catching some ZZZZs, but we soon entered KS and central time zone. We never stopped for gas or food or a bathroom break until 3:30! It's a good thing hubby and I travel so well together.

Tonight we are at a motel in Belleville, KS after having our second meal of the day at Pizza Hut. I love their pasta dishes! AND, because he loves me so much, Bill got me a small blizzard at the DQ! Home tomorrow.

Two More "Farewells"

I feel badly that I didn't cook much for any of our company this trip; John & Becky got leftovers a time or two even! On Monday the guys spent more time at the mountain shop w/o us gals, so you know there were purchases made! Though I can't remember what else we did on that day, I'm sure it wasn't very much. It was mostly a laid back and low key time. On Tuesday we took a drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as the 'closed' sign and also had a beautiful view of the mountains from the road around behind our place.

As we were getting around that morning, we were surprised by a visitor near our patio and along our back fence.

And THAT'S what happened to our own bird feeder!

Trying to turn around in a tight space

Sorry, nothing on the grill today!

Well, good morning to you, too!

We enjoyed lunch at the Big Horn Restaurant and stopped at one or two stores before heading back to the condo so that J & B could finish loading their stuff and start for home. They planned to take I-80 and stop in Sidney, NE, since they didn't leave till after lunch.

We ran down to Longmont's Walmart and picked up a few things we have wanted to add to the place here. Back home, we put up two wall mirrors in the upstairs bedrooms as requested by one guest. They are a nice addition. Later in the evening Bill hooked up the DVD player in the living room so we could watch a movie we had rented.

Wednesday Bill worked several hours as usual, beginning at his normal a.m. time, 4:00 or 4:30. In the afternoon we ran down to Loveland for something to do and to look for an item that we didn't find. The evening was lazy with chili for supper and some TV viewing.

Today we got the place cleaned, laundry done, the frig cleaned out, most of the packing done, and a couple of other jobs done that we've wanted to do for a long time. Since the frig was nearly empty and all dishes were clean, we ate 'lupper' (lunch/supper) at Ed's Cantina. Great burgers, burritos, pulled pork sandwiches. You can tell from Bill's expression that he is sad to leave the mountains tomorrow morning.

Rather pensive-looking, isn't he?

He's happier now that he's holding my hand!