Texas Grandma

2011-05-20T14:19:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon people!!!What a beautiful day! We went to town and Russ went out to his friends bait shop for worms! From there on to Wally World, just can't stay away!!! I got some more flowers to set out and was going to buy sodas but the Pepsi guy said Krogers had them half price so off to Krogers. Using my Krogers card I saved over $10. Plus I got 28 points for gas. Have 68 now and once I get to 100 Russ can save ten cents a gallon on gas. He did that last week and saved a bundle.

After we got home we walked the boys around the park and then I planted the flowers in pots. Now Russ is off fishing down on the lake.

Tonight the beach pizza parlor is open so we will go down and eat pizza for dinner. I have been cooking a lot. Yesterday I made chicken enchiladas in my little oven out on the picnic table. It is nice not having to heat up the house.

Yesterday our Niece Suzanne gave birth to a 9 pound baby girl named Emma Renee. This is a special baby as it is her husbands first. Suzanne has 4 and think the youngest is around 10 and oldest 18. This is the ages of my brothers and sisters when I was born. I can say with experience this will be one spoilt little girl. LOL Can't wait to hold her!!!!

We have flowers bought for out at the cemeteries for Memorial Day. This is the first time we will have been here to put some out. We got silk arrangements so hope they last awhile. We will take them out this week. We bought for Russ brothers too. Plus for my brother. Had to leave them all in Cathy's garage. This place is stuffed!!!

For all you Westphal's out there how does the last Sunday in June sound for our picnic??? That way Abby and Jacky could come.

Think it is nap time. Will keep u posted.

HOT HOT HOT!!!

2011-04-26T17:38:00.002-05:00

Oh my, it is so darn hot!! I have never seen it like this in April before!! Last year I didn't run AC until mid May! This year you can't breath without it!

Had my Dr. check. I have servere bone loss in the long bones of my legs. Here again the Dr. said I do things Ass backward! My spine is normal which is usually first to go. Most don't lose in the long bone. He also said my uric acid level was normal so I don't have gout and I could stop that horrid medicine! I got all my refills on meds so just one more Dr. to see tomorrow and we are done.

Everything but the very last of clothes and laptops are in the RV. I have a few groceries to pick up yet. Also i have to fight the heards at the license place and renew the drivers license. We went the other day but there was 100 people in line!!

I went and got all my hair cut off today. It is just too hot! The boys are miserable too so they go tomorrow for a short summer cut. They will be so excited. They love their new groomer so much. They just can't wait to get in the door!

This is going to be the last post. I just can't think of much to say and we are so busy! We will see you IN and MI people soon.
What do you Westphal people think of another get together this year???

2011-04-25T06:08:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! 6 days and counting and I keep finding more things to get done!!!I guess i just need to relax and breathe!

We have fasting this AM and we will see the heart doctor Wed. Our appt id at 5:15 so we will probably get home at 9. That is the last dr. to see until Sept.

I have been taking the foot meds and can now tolerate them. My foot is much better. I hope my reports on the mammo and bone density is good today.

We need to fit hair cuts in for the 4 of us yet this week. We look like shaggy dogs. A least the boys do! LOL

Need to hit the shower. Almost time to go! Have a great day!!

2011-04-20T05:41:00.002-05:00

Good Morning, as you see by dates, the posting is getting fewer and farther apart. We just have such a lot to do before we leave!

I had the dreaded mammo yesterday and it was sooo much better. The new Women's Center opened at our hospital. Cloth robes with embroidery, new machine and it was so much better. After you go to get dressed and there are pretty baskets with wipes and deodorant to use. Even the tech was sweet!!!
Russ and I both got our bone density tests. That was easy too.

This AM I am cleaning the kitchen good. I just finished under the frig. How in the world does it get so dirty under there???

It seems like everything in this house is covered in pollen! All I see is dust and I clean every day. When you dust it is all green!! This is the worst I have ever seen it. We have had no rain since before Christmas. There is wild fires every where. It is April and our grass crackles when you walk on it! It is so dry and water is short so no grass watering. Guess I am saving money on the water bill!!!

I picked up a new pair of capris yesterday. I didn't even unfold them, just threw them in the cart. I got home and went to take the tags off and had to laugh!!! The size on them said 16 but they had to be a 26 or large. That will teach me to look before I buy. Now there is another trip to the store. My luck they won't have my size now!!
Well, I best get back to my cleaning. After that is laundry. Busy day!!!

11 days and counting!!!!

2011-04-17T13:14:00.002-05:00

Where has all this wind come from?? We were just out at the RV and the wind about took the truck door off!! Sure couldn't do anything out doors there. We did get the last of the plaques and pictures up. All we need now is the final groceries and our clothes!!We leave 2 weeks from today. I sure hope Monticello warms up fast! I don't want to have to bring coats!!! Our closet space isn't very big. Russ and I have been doing lots of yard work trying to get it in shape for Mike. I filled a big trash bag this morning and still have a way to go. Tuesday Russ and I have bone density tests and I have the dreaded Mammogram. I'd rather take a beating! It is Sunday afternoon and I am going to take a nap. Talk to you soon.

2011-04-13T18:54:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to all that sent Russ birthday wishes! They were so appreciated. He had a fun day between FB, email and texting. Trice and Anna came over tonight for cake and brought a couple great gifts. Mike had to work so he will celebrate with his Dad tomorrow. He wishes Kris was near to be with him but they had a long phone call this morning. The whole day made turning 70 not so bad!!!! Tomorrow at 4 we have an appointment with our favorite cardiogist. I bought a biook and snacks today! LOL. It is usually a 4 hour wait! We started taking clothes out to the RV. 2 weeks and 4 days until we leave! I took things like jackets and sweaters out there. Sure don't need them here. I always freeze the first few days in In. Started getting news of our 50th high school reunion. I can hardly wait to see some of these people!~!! So many were good friends. I have reconnected with one. Louise Smith Bachman. She is still the same person she was in high school. We have been friends since she moved to F'ville in grade school. We spent a lot of time at each others houses and double dated a lot when Russ and I were dating. One more pound and I have lost 20!!!! Wish it could have been more butI am still happy to go from size 20 jeans to a 16. Now when I get to a 10 I'll be half the woman I was!!! LOL Like that will happen!!! I need to get this purple polish off my toes so Night all!!!

2011-04-12T07:21:00.002-05:00

This is to let you know starting 1 May I will not be Blogging. Whether I will next fall is still up in the air. I figure while we are in Indiana, anyone who wants to know what we are doing can come visit!!! LOL There is always FB. We went to Georgetown yesterday to see the sleep doctor. Since we were there we stopped at the place we bought our RV. We needed to order a couple things. I did spme shopping in there store and picked up some stuff that wasn't on our list! LOL After we got home we had to take stuff out to the RV. It included Russ having to repack the hold!!!He is getting real good at putting a lot of stuff in a small place!~ He also put carpet covers on the steps. That sure makes a difference!While we (he) worked hard, I sat in the recliner and watched ANTM on Dish!!! I have the inside about finished! Just have to load clothes and a few more groceries. I still have a few things to do here at the house! I want to leave it cleaned for Mike. We are shutting off our 2 bedrooms and Russ' office so he won't even have to go in them! Lot less for him to keep up with! Tomorrow is Russ' 70th birthday!~ Where has time gone?? Seems like yesterday I met this cool guy with a DA, long sideburns wearing pegged jeans and a white T with the sleeves rolled up and a cigarette pack in the roll! LOL He was driving this cute 51 Ford and he made my heart flutter!!! Almost 53 years later he still does!!! Happy Birthday Russ!!!

2011-04-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

Good Morning!! Not a lot going on here!! Did get the Dish Network put in the RV yesterday. Russ is at Lowes getting something to hide all the wires! You all say a pray for Russ brother Gerry. He had surgery to put a stint in his brain aneurysm today. Between him and Russ they keep the doctors busy!!! Trice is coming today and we are going to the Mall. I am getting a hair cut. I really am shaggy! I got the utility room and the garage all spring cleaned today. I started on the easiest! LOL Tomorrow will be the living room IF I can get the guys out of it. {Pray they sign the budget!!! Mike got a slip that he will be laidoff if it isn't signed!! They will have to suspend training on the firing ranges. No troop training. How sick is that?? Our leaders act like kids with their antics!! They may suspend troop pay!!! Only 3 weeks until the 1st of May!!! I still have the house to do and boy does the yard need work!!! It is cloudy today so no work out there!!! I best go see what is for lunch!! See ya

2011-04-05T17:57:00.002-05:00

Do you ever get so pissed off you can't see straight???? Friday evening we noticed we had no hot water. We waited until Monday morning to call the plumber so we didn't have to pay weekend rates. He showed up Monday afternoon, messed around and said he didn't have the part. Well he never came back with the right part. Russ called and raised he#$ this morning. He came with the "right" part, put it in and got the heater started. He left, I went in in a while to cook dinner and No hot water!!! Of course by that time they were closed!!! I am so tired of spit baths, cold showers, heating water to wash and rinse dishes I could scream!!! Got my Bray results today. My foot is not broken i just screwed up the soft tissue. He said it will take as long to heal as a break! I want to spring clean!!!!!! Russ said I could not climb a ladder to wash windows out side. We shall see!!!!! We ordered dish network today for the RV, the park in Monti doesn't have cable. Plus it seems like most parks we were at in AZ didn't have it either. Russ had Fox News withdrawal! LOL Russ just left for his COPS meeting. He has to stop at Wally World and get my pain meds and Mike spaghetti noodles for tomorrow. He texted while ago he needs them to feed 9 tomorrow. Always something! well, it is pj time and a whole lot of nothing! Have a good night!!!

2011-04-03T18:42:00.002-05:00

It has been a beautiful day. Nice and warm with a good breeze! Wish I could have worked outside! This dumb foot is driving me crazy! I am calling the doctor bright and early tomorrow!!! We found out yesterday the hot water heater is out. Why does things like that happen on week ends??? Here is hoping it is just the thermostat. Russ has to call the dealer tomorrow to get a new fender for the RV. We lost one on the trip. The dumb thing just ripped off. It was well worth it! It was such a good vacation!! I sure hope Indiana goes as well. Russ is packing up busy work to take along. Guess he wants to stay busy. I plan lots of do nothing in a lawn chair!! I plan to sit in the shade with a good book!!! Getting called. See ya later.

2011-04-01T12:38:00.002-05:00

Howdy!!! We just got back from washing the out side of the trailer. It cleaned up real nice and then I fixed lunch there. Nice to have choices! LOL I am so sleepy. I woke up at 3 this morning. I got a book finished and started another. My legs were killing me. I still never made it to the doctors. If they hurt bad tomorrow I will go to the emergency room. I got all the groceries put in the trailer today so the pantry and freezer is ready to go. Just a couple things to pick up. It looks so nice and clean. Wish I could say the same for the house. I want to get windows washed and floors cleaned before we go. I can't believe it is April 1st already!!! Time to get busy! have a great day!!!

2011-03-30T07:53:00.002-05:00

People are so dumb!!!! Someone stole Russ' bank number!! I check the bank every day so I caught it. He went to the bank right away and canceled his card. They bought 300 dollars of stuff from Barnes and Nobles. Then this AM they had tried it again on Match.com. Of course it didn't work. Now the bank will investigate it all and we don't lose money!!!What a mess!! I got half the trailer cleaned and oranized yesterday. The bedroom and bath are all done. Even shampooed carpet. Today is the living room and kitchen. I did clean the frig and pantry yesterday so I am a little ahead! Need some prayers for Russ' little brother. He is having health problems and can no longer work. I really love this guy. He was 4 years old when Russ and I started dating. He was the cutest little boy ever, and really stole my heart. He has had a tough life, one son got hit by a truck at the bus stop and died and he lost a baby girl to SIDS. We came home to cold weathyer. It is in the 60's and I am freezing! Tomorrow is to be 87 so that is more like it!!! I best get off my bum and get busy!!!

2011-03-29T19:52:00.001-05:00

Boy is the last one all screwed up!! The one of me And Russ is at London Bridge!!!

2011-03-29T19:35:00.010-05:00

This is the view from the patio at Don and Marilyn's

Marilyn and me on a outlook on Route 66.

The VERY narrow road that was Route 66.

Sister Jane and me. She is so funny. We had a blast!!! One of the pictures I took without the Mirror!

Here ya go!!!

2011-03-28T07:34:00.002-05:00

Good Morning!! We made it home yesterday afternoon. It was quite a trip and we really enjoyed it. We took tons of pictures on the way and tons more site seeing at Don and Marilyn's. They took us to see London Bridge which was great. The next day we drove down old Rte. 66. Oh my gosh!!! No guard rails, straight down, I had my eyes closed most of the time!!! We were parked right next to Don's house and had a full hook up. It is the way to visit people!!!Your own place so every one can have private time!! There place was all fenced in so the boys got to run loose! They had a blast but Dude is one dirty dog!! From there we went to my sister Jane's. It was so good to see her. She gets around real good for someone 85. She climbed in Russ' big truck and came to visit at our trailer. Jane sent tons of stuff home with us. I got some beautiful jewelry some my cousin Penny had made. We brought home my Mom's old treadle sewing machine in a cabinet, a trunk full of family pictures and other things she sent. Just like Christmas!!! Now I have a ton of sand and gravel to clean out of the trailer! Plus redoing everything. We found the kitchen set up is pretty good but other things need work. We need to manage the storage better. Glad we found out before Indiana. We have the trailer set up for the month of April at west Ft. Hood and then it will be on the way to Indiana!!! Can't wait!!!

2011-03-13T07:08:00.002-05:00

Ok! We are really leaving this time!! We will leave in the AM. We are staying tonight in the trailer so it will save time in the morning. We are not going many miles a day so Russ' tailbone doesn't hurt too bad. Our first night will be Ft. Stockton, TX. The next Deming, NM, then Wickenburg, AZ. W LOLe will then go on to Don & Marilyn Shores. They live on the edge of AZ with NV and CA. Right in the desert. They have a full hook up in their yard so we will not have to stay in a park. How neat is that????
After we leave there we will go back to Tucson to sister Jane's.
We will be there a couple days and then back home.

I bet we learn we took too much stuff and will rearrange everything before we come to IN. I am potting my herbs today for IN. I have basil, rosemary, parsley and dill. They should look pretty sitting in our front yard.
I best get busy. Changing bedding and doing laundry so everything is fresh when we get back home!!! See ya whenever get have net on here!!!

2011-03-11T09:39:00.002-06:00

Well, we are still at home. With all the bending and straining Russ' tailbone started giving him fits again. We are trying for Monday!!!We have the trailer all set up and loaded so he just has to rest now. I will be helping on the trip so I will do the crawling under the trailer to put down the blocks. All he will have to do is push buttons. I even pretty well know how to do the sewer hose. Yuck! That calls for rubber gloves!!! LOL

I am sitting here still in PJs. All my jeans are packed or in the laundry. Hate to put on good slacks to clean house!

Prayers go out to all the people that the earth quake got to. Hawaii got the waves already and in a couple hours WA and CA are to get them. Seems weird when the quake was in Japan.

I best get off here. I need to make some calls and then go out to the trailer. I'll keep you posted.

2011-03-08T11:53:00.002-06:00

Just to update!!! We FINALLY got a spot to park the trailer. Russ is out moving it now. Hopefully we will be ready to roll Thursday morning!! A few more groceries to buy and the dogs trimmed and everything is in order!!!

2011-03-05T17:59:00.002-06:00

Saturday evening and all is tired!!! We have spent the day picking RV parks and getting routes. We are pretty much ready to go except.... We can't get the trailer out of storage until a lot comes open. The whole park is 100% full. We have to call everyday until they have one! It could take days as there is no reservations just first come first served. After we get it on the lot it has to be unwinterized. Then I can pack it and put groceries in. When we come home we will rent a lot and just keep it until we head for IN.

I have a big basket of cooked meats ready for the trailer freezer. I made one for Mike too. All he will have to do is make a salad and have dinner!!!

I am really feeling old! Tuesday our oldest grandson will be 26. Where did the years go? Seems like yesterday he was a knock kneed teen.

I am off here now. I will try to put up a few words from somewhere along the trip. Everyone stay well while we are gone!!

2011-03-01T18:53:00.002-06:00

Busy, Busy two days!!! Went for my well woman check up Monday. I had set in that little room 45 minutes and was getting Po'd. I kept texting Russ about it, telling him if they didn't come soon I was leaving!!! Finally they came in and told me to undress. I text Russ and he texts back, please don't leave now!! LOL After that we went to Wal Mart . Went home for lunch and then to the Commissary. By the time I got everything put away it was dinner time so Russ cooked! ( Take out from Hendersons)

Today started with Russ seeing one of his Dr. Then we was off to Wal Mart for something I had forgotten, then to Lowes. While he was gone I put a turkey in the oven, cleaned the tiles in the kitchen, cleaned out the frig, polished all the stainless steel appliances and mopped and waxed the kitchen floor. Russ came home for lunch then went to the car wash. I cooked some cube steak to seal and Mike got home and cooked marinated chicken thighs and breasts for me to seal. I am trying to get things ready for my tiny freezer in the trailer. hopefully we won't have to eat out at all.

We got a note from friends in Yucca that they have full trailer hook ups in there yard that we can use so I guess we are going to Yucca too!Don and Marilyn Shore are always fun to be with.

We got word Russ' friend Bob Tyner is in Hospice and is expected to pass by next week. Prayers for his family.

Well, I am running out of steam. Later.......

2011-02-28T08:09:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Mike and I put tin tiles up in the kitchen. I sure love it!! My fingers are really sore today though! I have small cuts all over my hands.

Last night about 12:30 we all got woke up by a loud siren. Come to find out Russ forgot to turn the volume down on his weather radio!!! Someone was getting a tornado alarm. Thankfully not us.

I have a well woman appointment today. Yuck! Next is a mammogram and bone density test. Then I'll be done for awhile!!

We have our camp grounds picked out for on the way to Tucson. We are taking lots of time to get there so Russ doesn't get too tired. We will stay over night at Ft. Stockton, Tx. It is in the middle of no where. The next is Deming, NM and then a park less than 3 miles from my sisters house.

We will be going as soon as Russ can sit!!! His tail bone is still giving him fits!!!

I have to go to the dreaded Commissary this afternoon!! I just hate to grocery shop and then to pay the bill!!! Next week I'll have to shop again to fill the trailer!!

I am going to roast a turkey and bake a ham. I will seal meat for the freezers. I have a big package of chicken thighs thawed to cook on the grill later today. I want to make meals as easy as possible on this trip. I want to be able to spend good times with my sister. I hope we remember to take lots of pictures!!I think we will not go to Yucca. It is just too far. Want all my money saved for Indiana! ha I bet Cathy, Violet and I can get some shopping trips going!! Plus it is my turn to treat for the peddies!! Sure wish Penny didn't work so she could get to go on our ladies days out!

Have a great Monday!!!

2011-02-26T04:16:00.001-06:00

Good Morning All! What a night I had. I was so tired I fell asleep at 8:15 last night. I woke up at 12 and it is 4:18 and I am still awake!I read a book and drank a coke so guess I will crash this afternoon!

Yesterday was a busy day! We finally got our taxes done! Uncle Sam screwed us out of almost $900. Next year being almost tax free we will get money back!!!

After we got done there we went to Dodge Country. We got a great deal on our silver truck for trade in so we got a 2500 Diesel. I never thought Russ would ever get a black truck but it is a big black monster. It has all the bells and whistles we need for the 5th wheel. Dodge Country is even paying for the RV place to remove our hitch from the old truck and put into the new. The also took the side rails off and put on the new truck! I couldn't get in it with out them! Our salesman even took us to Cracker Barrel for lunch!!!~He loves to see us! We have bought 4 trucks, 2 cars, Mike three trucks, Anna 2 cars and Trice a car from him!

I guess next week we are putting our trailer back out in the park so we can get her ready to roll!I've done a lot of planning on how I want to rearrange things in the kitchen and where I'll store things. Russ has to find out how to pack the underneath storage and flush out the antifreeze from the tanks. Then I get to go grocery shopping . Some time in March we will take off for AZ. We are making stops in Hereford, Yucca and Tucson. Then we will come back here and do it all over again for our summer get away! We will be based in Monticello but so far we plan a trip to MI to visit Cindy and a trip to NJ.

This little blog will soon come to an end. I don't know how much internet we will have while traveling.

2011-02-23T07:46:00.002-06:00

LOTS OF PRAYERS NEEDED!!! One of our dear friends just found out he has cancer. They thought at first it was some and surgery would take care of it. Well, in 2 weeks it has paralyzed part of his voice box where it is hard to understand him and has spread to his lymph nodes. His name is Tom Ohlrich and he went to high school with Russ in Monon. For almost 50 years they had no contact and now are very dear friends.They talk to each other several times a week, plus texts and email. After family, Russ was the first person Don called. The sad part is in 3 days his voice had changed so much that Russ didn't know who he was at first when he called last night. It was very hard for Russ to put out the email to the class last night asking for prayers. Very hard to compose tht letter. This makes two from his class battling the dreaded "C'. Please keep Tom and Bob Tyner too in your prayers. I don't really know Bob but Tom is one of the best friends anyone could have!!!

On a happier note think Russ' tailbone is starting to heal. It is still very sore but he can sit better today!

Yesterday was Trice's 50th birthday. Anna baked and decorated a cake and brought it over. After she took her Mom to dinner they came over for the cake. It tasted so good. First we'd had in a month!!!

Friday is my baby's 41 birthday!! That one we won't get to celebrate!!! I miss having her around. I am thankful she has a busy life and is finally making money as a writer. She just signed a contract for a book based on her blog. She made enough this year to file on taxes! Go Kris!!!! She sure didn't get her writing ability from her mother!!!

I best go eat and take my meds before the BP acts up!!!

Beautiful Sunday!!

2011-02-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

It is another beautiful day in Texas! Love weather in the 70s.

Did I tell you Russ took a tumble and landed on his tailbone on the edge of a cement step? He has had a week of terrible pain. Nothing the doctors give him take the edge off. It is just a terrible bruising but very deep. He says on a scale 1-10 his pain is a 15! This is a guy that never complains about pain. Wish I had a magic cure!!!

One more hour until out GI is honored on Extreme Home Makeover. Every time I see his picture I get so upset. Hussan should fry for all the lives he took and all the people that were hurt so bad and still not well.

We are still dieting. I've lost 12 pounds in 3 weeks. My belly has really went down!A little more than 3 inches in the waist! We are on a maintain type of diet now. Eating better and more variety.
We had a really good dinner tonight. A Swiss steak thing in the crockpot. It had potatoes and carrots with it and only 420 calories a serving. Russ got an air popper today so we get pop corn tonight! Never thought I'd get excited over unbuttered popcorn! LOL

I heard through the grapevine the Allen family is getting another new baby. Little Mark texted Mike last night with the news!!! Wonder at what age will we all quit calling him Little Mark????

Time to put things to right so I can enjoy the evening. Take care!

2011-02-17T18:51:00.002-06:00

I'm putting this up for Den!

2011-02-16T14:37:00.002-06:00

It is a beautiful day out!!! Tomorrow will be upper 70s!

Anna and I went and got my hair cut this morning. It sure feels better. Now to wash away that gray!!!

I am still having problems with the pressure burns around the incision. I just hate to wear clothes!!! LOL

I am getting spring fever! I want to get the RV hooked up and take off! Before we can do that, Russ has to be feeling better. He hurt his back Monday and has been pretty well laid up. Hopefully he will be ok by next week!!!

My son has such a good heart. A girl he knows called him and said she couldn't find anyone to pick her up at Austin Airport today. Mike worked all night and has to tonight but he got up after 4 hours sleep and drove to Austin to get her. She is just an ex girl friend of his friend. He will go out of his way for everyone!

We are still on our diet!! I got a new diet book. It is the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet. Wow! It has some good stuff in it!!! We had the Beef Strognoff last night and it was yummy!!!
I already had this weeks menu done and food bought so can't use it until next week. Can't wait!!!

I need to go fix salads so talk to you later!!!

2011-02-11T20:33:00.002-06:00

Hi, I'm back!!! It was quite a day yesterday. It seemed to be a comedy of errs! When I got there , no orders. They took me back and did what they could until the orders arrived. It took two to finally get the IV in and squeeze blood out of me!! It was scheduled for 4 and I went down at 4:30. I had to lay there while they counted instruments and etc. Finally at 5:30 the doctor showed up. He was tied up in traffic. He did the surgery and I was home by 7:30. STARVED!!! Trice met us with McDonalds!!! I went to bed after taking my pills. And don't you know all the antibiotics did what it does to people and I was up all night running to the potty! I mostly was on the bed all day. I did get up and do dishes and make chef salads while Russ was at the store.

This evening i got to take the pressure bandage off and take a shower! All the stupid yellow stuff did not come off. I don't know why they smear that stuff all over where they don't need it

Well, I am pooping out and need to go back to bed!!!

2011-02-10T09:36:00.003-06:00

I went to my pacemaker check Tues. I had these two good looking guys in to test my pacemaker. Well, as soon as they hooked me up, they unhooked me!!! My battery was so low they couldn't test me. The doctor set the surgery to replace the whole thing on next Tuesday. Well... About midnight I woke up to an alarm. Thought it was my b-pap so I shut it off. 10 minutes later it went off again. This time the dogs are going crazy. It finally dawned on me, I was going off! It was my defibulator saying my battery was in the lowest it can go. Well every 10-15 minutes all night long, I went off. The dogs went crazy and Russ finally got up and stayed in the livingroom so he could just leave the back door open so the dogs could get out whenever I rang!!! LOL I called the doctor this morning and he change my surgery for 4:00 today. I got a glass of apple juice and a piece of dry toast for breakfast and can drink water until 12. Bad day!!!

I am setting here in pj pants that I haven't been able to get my fat booty in for 2 years!!! I have lost 9 pounds so far!!!I can really tell in my stomach. I told Kris this morning I didn't want to go crazy with weight lose. Everyone I know who lost lots of weight looks 10-15 years older. The wrinkles all show!!! LOL Just kidding! I just want to be able to wear a size 14 by summer. That would be a good start. 2 pants sizes isn't too bad. My goal is a size ten. I know I'll never be a 0 again in this lifetime!!!!

If I didn't have a bunch of laundry to do, I;d go back to bed and sleep until I need to be there at 2. I have a head ache, I'm tired and hungry. I'm never hungry in the morning unless someone tells me I can't eat!! LOL
The electric just flashed. Got to go.

2011-02-07T15:12:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday!!!! The guys went fishing so I am enjoying an afternoon alone. I am watching America's Next Top model reruns and doing laundry!!!

I went to the Doctors today. The echo said my injection fraction is down to 35 again. 50 is normal. She said my lower pumper is slow to pump! LOL She said that is why I get so tired so fast on the exercise equipment and it would be better if I just stayed off! Doesn't break my heart!!!!

Miked helped me today fix my vacuum. It had a HUGE clog in the hose!! Took a man to get it out!! LOL. I sure got tired of that little one so glad the big one is fixed.

Did you watch the Super Bowl? The game was wonderful. Russ was one happy camper. The rest was so bad. That girl just was so bad and then The Black Eyed Peas should have stayed home. Even their costumes was bad. They all sure didn't earn their money.

Tomorrow I go for a pacemaker check! You all, I am about a two years passed when most people get their batteries changed. I still had a ways to go on the last check. I hate to go get it checked. The thought of having that place cut open gives me the creeps! I still hate to touch it. When i shower, I was there in a wadded up cloth so i don't have to feel that hard lump in my chest! LOL

The diet is still on! Tonight is a TV dinner. Some Healthy Choice thing. That and a cup of soup, a whole wheat tortilla and some cantaloupe. Well, I forgot to buy more cantaloupe so it will be blueberries! Mike won't be happy. There is broccoli on the dinner. He isn't crazy about broccoli without cheese on it. Sorry no cheese!!! LOL

Well, time to stick the last load in the dryer. More later......

Tales of Red Necks!!

2011-02-05T09:05:00.002-06:00

The door bell rang awhile ago and it was the red neck neighbor!! He had 2 five gallon water jugs with him. He said he need water to do dishes and flush the toilet. All his pipes in his house froze and broke. The ceiling in their dining room fell almost on them.
He had his water running but without furnace heat the walls were so cold that the pipes froze! He has insurance so at least that is covered.

Well, we cheated on our diet last night. Mike ordered Chinese, which was on the diet. When he got there to pick it up, Miss Betty, the owner was there. She saw Mike and that was all it took. We had 3 times the food we ordered plus egg drop soup! When Kris was 19 she worked for Miss Betty as a waitress. Every time we see Miss Betty, she tells us Kris was the best waitress she ever had. And let me tell you she is picky. I think Kris had a whole week of training before she could wait tables.

I am trying to come up with low cal snacks for the Super bowl! I did find Sloppy Joes with Cole slaw that is in the diet book for dinner. We may just say the heck with it and have some good stuff. It all stems on if we really lost much this week!!! We will weigh in the morning!!! I want cream cheese stuffed jalapenos!!
Bet that isn't in the book!!! LOL

All the snow is gone but a little up around our porch. It is in lots of shade. Can't say I'll miss it!

Guess I need to make my bed and get dressed before anyone else comes over!

2011-02-04T12:14:00.002-06:00

I Am So Darn Cute!!!!!!! He is sitting on the back of Russ' chair wearing his argyle sweater!!! Another night of this freezing temps. Hopefully tomorrow will be warmer.

I hate our teadmill. It is old and hard to stay on. This morning Mike braved the idiot drivers and went and got me an Elliptical.

I can't wait until he has it put together! I really need a heater in the garage as it is sooo cold out there!!!

I am so excited!!!!! We get to eat Chinese tonight!! Granted very small servings. 3 dinners will feed the 3 of us with left overs. I am getting tired of measuring.

The dryer is buzzing. Bye

2011-02-03T18:30:00.002-06:00

Another cold day here today!I was so glad this morning that I had gotten a new winter coat awhile back. It was warm and comfy early this AM when I want to git the echo. Oh, my gosh!!! I usually get my echo at Dr. Rebecca's office. This time it was at the main hospital! I thought that tech would push my boob out my back bone! It was so painful!!!She better have got good images. Dr. Sukamar is having a different cardiologist read it. We shall see what HE thinks!!!

Yesterday Russ went to Kohl's to get him an Espresso machine and also got me a Bullet Express Trio. It slices, dices, can make dough in it and has a juicer. Tomorrow I want to try the juicer. I made scone dough in it yesterday! He knew I was about to throw my food processor out the door. Love surprises!

This afternoon Mike was going to Wally World and ask if I needed anything. I told him a big fat candy bar. He knew that was a no no so he brought me the prettiest cup with a cute sock monkey sitting in it.

Had a great dinner tonight! A salmon burger, 1/2 cup carrots and 1/2 ounce of BAKED potato chips! Yuck they taste like cardboard! Just think how many chips we got!! Not very many in 1/2 oz! LOL

Think we will go to the Senior Center tomorrow and get our taxes done. ARRP does it for free. Every year since Russ retired we owe money. Always got a couple 1000 before. Just doesn't see right. Maybe next year we will break even with him being 100% disabled now.

I had tore my vacuum apart to clean it. I put it together , went in and swept the living room rug and none of the dirt went in the dirt container. Now I am wondering just where it went! LOL
Another great thing I screwed up!!! Oh well!

Think it pj time and a cup of something hot and a good book!

2011-02-02T11:14:00.002-06:00

We are on our 3rd day of dieting and it is going pretty well!We have a set menu for each day for 400 calories a meal. Surprisingly we are full after each meal! What is killing me is I am a grazer after dinner and there is no snacks!!! Here is what we ate yesterday. For breakfast we had 1 cup of Fiber One, 1/2 sliced banana, 2 T walnuts, 1 cup of milk. For lunch it was Lean Cuisine, small salad with 1 t walnuts and spray dressing and a cup of blueberries. For dinner Mike and I had grilled fish (4 oz) and Russ had baked chicken breast, 1 cup of broccoli sauteed in 1 t olive oil, 1 whole wheat dinner roll with 1 t butter. The guys got an 8 oz Cappuccino with fat free milk. I had 8 oz of milk and 8 calorie Ovaltine. Some meals I just can't eat it all. Both Russ and i have lost a couple pounds in the 2 1/2 days we have been on it! Russ is really into it and eating things he usually doesn't. No fish though, the army took care of that! He is down buying him a new coffee make everything machine now!

I ran out of BP meds last night and I already feel light headed and dizzy. Russ went to pick up the pills. Guess Dr. S nailed it this time!!!

Well, I need to make Chocolate chips scones so we have them for breakfast in the morning. I have to be for an echo early so need breakfast ready in a hurry. see ya.

2011-01-30T08:11:00.002-06:00

It is so beautiful out. 70's the last few days! Russ has been doing yard work and yesterday we cleaned out the storage shed. Butttttt Tuesday out 70's are gone. We are getting an Arctic freeze. We will be in the teens for 3 days with wind chills 0 or below! Wed. we may get freezing rain with snow mixed in. Only in Texas!!!

The 1st Russ and I are going to try a diet. Since we both have grown in reason years, we need to lose some of it. Boy does it cost to diet! My grocery list is doubled!! We are going to walk on nice days and use the dreaded bike and tread mill on bad days. I have very little will power so we shall see!

Anna is off to Boston tomorrow to see the guy she dated last summer who is home on R&R from Iraq. Hope she still likes him! LOL His parents invited her to stay in their home and are even loaning her Northern winter wear! She may be warmer there than here! LOL

Just saw Russ go by the window, then a frisbee go by! Bo must of finally talked him into going outside! Dude has it right, he is laying here beside me asleep!
Both dogs need hair cuts but think they will wait until after the freeze! Dude has to wear a sweater when it is too cold. He is just too low to the cold ground! He shakes like he is freezing to death.

Well, I best go eat and take my BP meds! Did I tell you I am So much better? I had no idea it was BP. I didn't know it could do that to you! Live and learn!!

2011-01-26T19:24:00.002-06:00

Ok, As I cooked tonight the men in the house thought I should put food pictures on FB like my daughter!! So after it was put on the table, pictures were taken. This recipe was a new one taken out of a magazine I got in the mail! It was Meatball stroganoff. Now I make Yummy Beef Stroganoff all the time. This was So bad!!!! It had mustard in it and that is all you could taste. I am feeling rocky so Mike and I prepared for 1 1/2 hours. Russ even rolled meatballs. Too many hands in the pot??? No just a bad recipe!! LOL Kris I won't be rivaling in the gourmet pictures.

Russ says I am going to the doctor tomorrow. We shall see! I just wish I'd start feeling better. I have back pain and very short of breath. Guess it is lungs or heart. Or maybe just old age???????

I did clean the garage yesterday. Russ had the back of the truck full to take to Goodwill. How do we get so much junk?? I now have the bike and treadmill out again so Russ can work on MOVE! I know he wants to lose some weight before next month.

Russ has been helping in sessions on post traumatic stress at the VA center. They are starting meetings for wives, Russ told the guy running it he didn't know if he wanted me to be there! LOL I am very out spoken on the subject and have no time for whiners!! These women have no idea how well they have it!!

Guess I better watch Nancy Grace and cool my heels! Love you guys!

2011-01-24T06:52:00.003-06:00

Good Morning!! Still nothing going on here! i did not leave the house all weekend. I was still dripping and my nose was bright red.

Russ and Mike left at 6 am Saturday. They stopped for breakfast then went to Gatesville to their concealed hand gun class. It started at 8 and they didn't get home until after 7. At least they brought McD's with them so I didn't have to cook. The guy teaching the class was an eighty something retired NYC policeman. They had a good time and that is what counts!!!

Russ set close to the TV yesterday watching his Green Bay team get to the Super Bowl. Then watch the Jets lose. He was rooting for the Jets. Oh well.

We found one of the girls who worked with Kris years ago over the weekend. Trice and I started digging on FB and there she was. She is married with a little girl. When we knew her she had a son and was single. That son is an adult now!

Anna is now taking her first classes toward her Masters. She is taking a couple online classes. Two classes toward her Masters cost as much as a semester at SHSC. One of her boy friends is coming home on leave next week from Iraq. She will be flying to Mass. to spend a few days at his parents house. Glad she gets to go. I'm trying to talk her into coming to IN this summer. She needs to meet family.

I best get up off here and dressed. I want Mike to flip my mattress today. It is so much easier to have him do it! Then I am off to do the dreaded laundry! You have a good Monday!!!

2011-01-21T17:42:00.002-06:00

There is not a blasted thing going on other than it being cold and the red neck is burning wood that should never be burnt and I am being poisoned!!! Pray for warm weather!!!

Tomorrow Mike and Russ are going to the concealed hand gun class. That should be a fun day for them. Think it is 8 hours.

You know what is really bad?? Russ brought me 5 new trashy romance books today and my eyes are watering too bad to read! Really they aren't trashy, I just said that! lol

Still have not decided on the buffet. It is sitting here empty until I decide. Trice hopes I do something soon. If I buy a new one, she gets the old one.

I think I am going to be eating a lot of cereal! Russ started a Move class today. No junk food in the house. The instructor says if you get hungry in the evening to eat a bowl of cereal. It will fill you and take away the craving for sweets. Of course she didn't mean Boo Berries!!! We shall see!!!

I am so ready to get on the road!! We have everything ready except Mike has to build the new doggie bowl holder. We had bought one but there was always water on the floor. Mike's homemade ones work better.

We are going to have to take a big lose and get another truck. The one we have pulls the 5th wheel ok but is really too light. We will be getting a 2500 diesel. Big old thing! Our Dodge guy Bobby is looking for the one Russ wants in the color he wants. Lets just say you will see us coming!!!

Need to go blow! See ya later!!!

2011-01-18T14:06:00.002-06:00

This is my 12 year old granddaughter Maddy. She was dressed for her choir concert. Hard to believe she is 12. She is sooo tall! I wasn't that mature at 20! LOL

2011-01-18T08:48:00.002-06:00

Good Morning people!!! Today I am starting a new project! Wish me luck!!! Awhile back we bought a new table. I had grown to hate the round table. Love the new one but it doesn't go with the old buffet AT ALL! Today I am taking the top off that I kept dishes in and always had smudged glass on the doors! Off comes the old fashion hinges and pulls, the curvy board at the bottom and we are going to paint the sucker and turn it into a small sideboard. My dining room is tiny tiny so it just fits. Sure hope it works! I have the top unloaded except for the teapots on top. I now have to redo all the kitchen cupboards to fit in the dishes. I always seem to make my self work! LOL

Russ was at the store the other day and they had butterball turkeys for 37 cents a pound. He brought home 4. Today he is taking one out to Maurice's Barbecue to have them smoke it. It is just too damp for him to do it here.We will sure enjoy it.

Russ got me a small oven for the camper the other day. Everyone we talk to says the ovens in campers are very hard to light and even harder to clean. Most people we talk to have never used theirs, they use a counter top one. Guess baking a 9x13 cake or cupcakes is out! Lol. At least if I want to make a roast or such in the summer time I can take the oven outside!!! We also got the small picnic table I ordered. It is so cute and in a carrying case so it fits nice in the hold!! Now if May would get here!!!
I best get busy or we will have no where to eat as I have the table piled full. I'll let you know if it works!!!

2011-01-16T07:19:00.002-06:00

Cindy has inspired me to write this today. She was saying on her blog how strange it was to only have four children at home. (They have 12). I started to tell her to just wait until her and Den are alone, then I started to remember---- Russ and I had a baby during our first year of marriage! We were never alone!!! Then he started going to Viet Nam and we were both alone!! We got the first 2 in school and thought , ah time alone and here came Kris!!! We got Kris graduated and we were ask to take a Japanese exchange student that was being mistreated in a home! From there -2 more students! We got Indira for 2 years! What a blessing. Along about that time came Chrystian! We had him every day while Kris worked. He was a joy! Then came the day when Kris and Bill moved the family to NJ. We thought what would we do all alone! It wasn't too bad! I did my thing and Russ worked! Russ retires! Oh my! I had someone back in the house all day! I really did not enjoy it!!! After we both found our way it turned into such a joy! We both have done things neither one of us thought we'd ever do. Who in a million years ever thought I would fire a gun! For 49 years I would not allow them in the house!! This retired honeymoon has brought us together closer than I ever thought possible. Cindy, you can't imagine how great it will be when they all have moved on!!!

2011-01-10T17:28:00.002-06:00

I had a 4;15 appointment with the cardiologist today. At one I ran me a lavender bubble bath, took a coke and a book with me and got settled in. The phone ran, " you come at 2;15. " I was so dissapointed! I went and got a thumbs up! Still no heart meds!!!

Early this am , Mike removed my toilet and replaced it with a high rise!! It is so nice and uses 1/4 the water. We have a new John for Russ in the garage for switching Wed. It is so nice to have a personal handy man!LOL

It is so cold here!!! In the teens!! We are not equipped for this!! We freeze!! I am about ready for hot chocolate and pj's. Thjen I will be ready for the Bachelor tonight!

Russ went on post this morning and got the signed letter he needed to take to the court house. We now are for sure not having to pay property taxes!! Gotta love Texas!!! no State tax and now no property! All we have is sales tax on everything but food.

My printer bit the dust so Russ gave me the wireless one he'd bought for the trailer. I sure like it and we can still use it for the trailer. I sort of miss the old one though, I'd had it for years!!!

I need to get a birthday card. My littlest grandson will be 14 the 19th. It just doesn't seem possible. He was such a grandma's boy when he was a baby. Now--- Please don't touch me! LOL

Well, I best go, forgot to tell my son thanks! He had pizza waiting for us when we got home from the doctor. Even my favorite kind!!! Everyone needs a Mike!!!

2011-01-06T18:07:00.002-06:00

It has been a long day!!! i feel like it is bed time, not 6PM. We started the day with a trip to the Vet. It was Dude's day to get shots. poor little guy got stuck 6 times!!! He never made a sound or move! It is such a sweetheart. He weighs in at 8 1/2 pounds now!! Bo got a kennel cough shot and has to go in for the day Tues. to be tested for Cushings disease. No matter how much we cut his food he continues to gain. It is something to do with the thyroid.

Russ and I have worked all week on leaves!!! We put out 18- 55 gal. bags this morning for the trash man and Russ was working on the alley tonight. We still have the front to do. The sad part is that it is mostly the Suburban. Not to say anything bad about the people who had it before but it has a flowery smell that makes us gag. Every radio station is rap! We are suppose to get the truck back tomorrow. Sure hope so!!!

I ordered a picnic table for the 5th wheel today. It folds up to fit in a carrying case! It can fit right in the hold! Can't wait to have cook outs in Indiana!!!

Well, it is time for pj's and a cup of tea. See ya soon!

2011-01-04T04:45:00.003-06:00

Good Morning! We had a fun morning out at Jim's ranch yesterday, even if it was freezing! This is Mike, of course and Don and Susie. You can see she dressed more for the weather than I did!!!

This is just pretend! I did NOT fire this thing!!!

This is my little gun, It proved to be not the thing for me. very hard to cock and only holds 2 bullets. I did shoot Russ' Glock and it was better. We will probably get something in between for me. It looks like we will be going out to Jim's often.

They said on the weather, next week our highs will be in the 20 and 30s. It is time to move south. Arthur is kicking my butt! My knees and fingers are really bad. Sometimes I can't stand from a chair. Guess it is time to ask the doctor about it!!!

It is 4:57 and Russ is leaving for the VA Hospital. He has a fasting Appt. this morning at 6 something. It always takes an hour over there to find a parking place. Then tomorrow morning he has a check at Scott & White Hospital. I hate these out of town appointments!

I better get a move on. I want to completely clean my bedroom and bath today! I need to get rid of "stuff" and make it neater in here! It is hard to combine a bedroom and office!!!

Have a great Tuesday!

2011-01-01T18:41:00.002-06:00

Ok, everyone pray for me!!! Monday we are going out to a friends ranch and I will be firing a gun for the first time ever!!! A huge bunch of us are going. Please pray I don't shoot someone or Jim's sheep!!! LOL They are all really razzing me.

We just had such a good time at friends today. Susie cooked a great meal! We had more food than we could ever eat. They are great hosts!!!

I can't wait to hear about the Lutz wedding they had today!!! Cindy is getting them married off really fast lately!!!

I hope you all had a great two weeks of holidays and are ready for a great new year!

2010-12-31T07:41:00.001-06:00

Just want to wish everyone a HAPPY, HEALTY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Will see you all in the new year!!!

2010-12-28T17:20:00.002-06:00

Hi! Mike went deer hunting today, Russ had to take the 5th wheel to be winterized and Enid stayed all day in Pjs watching Americas Next Top model!! I did get up and fix dinner!!! LOL I will make up for it tomorrow!

It was cold and rainy all day! This week end we are back to freezing at night again! When will this end???? I am so tired of this! At least I did get to wear my new coat the other night!

We got a nice box of cookies in the mail yesterday! Russ' school mate from California sent them. It was such a nice surprise!!! They were super good!

I have a whole stack of clothes sitting here that need fixed. New slacks that legs are too baggy, coat sleeves that are too long, etc. It has been years since I really sewed. I hope I don't screw anything up. I also hope my machine still works!! Probably needs oil and a new needle! LOL

I need to call niece Ruth and see how her heart procedure went today! She has been having some health problems. Please say a pray that all went well.

Well, I need to act like I am sociable for awhile!! At least until TV time!!! Talk to you later!!!

2010-12-26T09:08:00.002-06:00

We had a very nice Christmas!!! We sure enjoy the three grandkids that live in Texas! They have grown into such nice adults! Danielle and Anthony just couldn't stay long enough.

I got lots of nice things. Mike got me a waffle iron and mini food processor for the 5th wheel, plus a few food baskets. I got slippers and a mandolin from Trice. The first thing I did was cut my thumb real bad on one of the blades! I wanted some make up bags so Danielle had her Mom make me some. They are the nicest I've seen. Russ and I got mugs that plug into the truck to keep our drinks hot while traveling. They will sure come in handy!!

Russ got a Droid for Christmas! That has sure kept him busy!!! He got the droid X and it seems easier to learn than the others!!!

We have to take the trailer to get winterized Tuesday. That means today we have to go get the inside ready! I have to clean out the pantry and the frig. Take down the Christmas tree and decorations, all that good stuff. I sure hate to do it. I love going out there and staying.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoyed your families!!! We are so blessed to have you all as part of ours!

i

Merry Christmas!!!!

2010-12-23T05:09:00.004-06:00

I just put this picture in cause he's so darn cute!!!

My clever son wrapped this package. It is all newspaper except the red bow. All the green and red curled ribbon is newspaper.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!!! I am about to start cooking and baking!!! The kids will be here tomorrow for our Christmas celebration. Everything is wrapped, the food bought, now I just need to cook. Mike and Russ are going to Sam's so I will have the house to myself, the best to get er done!!!

Isn't Russ' Christmas cactus pretty? This is the third time it has bloomed since we got it.

We finally got a storage lot for the RV. We will get it emptied and moved next week. I will miss going out there and spending time away from it all. But, the difference between storage and setting on a lot is BIG! It is only $25 a month to store it!!! We will probably get it out the end of March or first of April.

I found out I hate the dishes I got for the trailer. I took them out yesterday!! I decided to split the Fiesta Ware and put it in instead. Of course I picked all the pretty colors. So Russ got me two more place settings for Christmas. I love that stuff!

I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases!! Lets all remember the true meaning of Christmas along with all the gifts and parties!!! Love you all!!!

2010-12-20T16:52:00.002-06:00

Ok, Miss Cindy, I am updating!!! LOL We just got home from a great weekend in the 5th wheel. Our first time out. Sat. was Anna's graduation and she surprised us by graduating with honors. She never told anyone! We are so proud!!!

For a family that was NOT going to have a big Christmas, my living room looks like a store!!!And that doesn't include what everyone will bring Friday!!!I still need a few more stocking stuffers for the boys stockings. ( the boys- Dude, Bo and MIKE!!!!) LOL

Well, I am going to take a shower, put on Jammies and forget everything for tonight!!!

2010-12-13T10:29:00.002-06:00

It is A very chilly morning! Think it was 28 last night. I can't take this weather. It makes my lungs hurt. This pneumonia is taking forever to go away!!

We had a great time at the K Cops party. I won a real nice spa kit. i came home put it in a gift bag and put Trice's name on it! One present down! LOL

Sat. was the Special Forces Christmas party. They pasted out little gifts for everyone. I got the cutest Snowman candle holder. It goes great with my collection.

We are busy getting the trailer ready to go to Huntsville Friday.
I have most of my clothes ready and have to pick up a few more groceries. Russ is moving it over to the church Thursday so I have to have clothes and groceries in it by Wed. When the slides are not out it is very narrow in the kitchen. I will pack up all the stuff on the counters and put baby locks on all the cupboard doors.
I have 3 stockings ( Mike, Bo & Dude) to buy for and then I am done!! Russ' present that he doesn't know will be in today! He has almost everything already!!! I have the ham for Christmas Eve so need to get everything else. Think it will be sandwiches and salads. I am not up to cooking a lot yet. If I could I would live on soup. That is all I want. I'm making veggie soup as soon as Russ gets here with the cabbage!

I need to go change the dryer. You all stay warm!!

Good Morning America!!!

2010-12-07T10:12:00.002-06:00

Is Everyone As busy as us?? All we do is run! We are trying to get the RV ready to go next week. We will go to Huntsville the 17 and be back the 20th. Russ and Mike are rebuilding the steps up to the bath and bedroom. They were really high for me to get up and down. All that is left to do is carpet them.

I am slowly getting Christmas shopping done. The three grandkids here are done, have one more each for Mike and Trice and find something for Russ. We made one for Trice that she will treasure. She has a friend that writes music and performs it. He sent me a link to his music and Russ made a CD. He is a special friend. He even wrote a song for Kris and bills wedding. Very talented . ( He works on Dancing with the Stars!!!!)

Tonight is the Cops Christmas party. There is a crazy gift exchange and I got the neatest hanging tile to give. It says CHERISH simple pleasures, LIVE for the moment, DREAM with your heart. The best thing is it cost 21.98 at Kohls but was on sale for 9.99. The gift price was $20. I did good!!!! It is also for Toys for Tots. Instead of buying toys we are giving money so they can buy for the older kids. They say no one ever buys for the older kids.

Then Sat. is the Special Forces Christmas party. That one is donate money for the Food Pantry. Both are good causes. We always give more when we know it will be used here in Killeen.

Extreme Home Makeover is here. They are building a home for one of the GI's that was badly hurt in the FT. Hood shootings. It will be at Salado, a little town down the road. Just wish they could do something for them all!

I was up at 6 making Pink stuff and deviled eggs this morning. Here it is 10:30 and I just remembered I didn't eat and take my pills! What a shame!!! LOL

One of the guys that used to work for Mike died the other day. They think from a blood clot to the heart. He was 39 and leaves a wife and 10 year old daughter. Mike went over to the house last night and spent some time with the family last night.

I best get busy!!! Have a great day!!!

2010-12-04T06:35:00.002-06:00

I will try this again!! yesterday i wrote a long post hit the right button and it went to LA LA land!!!

We have the right hitch and brake system on the RV so now we are ready to go!!! First trip will be to Huntsville for Anna's Graduation. We are spending 3 nights there.

I have to go today and put stuff back on the counters and such after the trip to the garage yesterday. I also have a small tree dug out to take over and decorate. Think starting tomorrow we will stay in it a few days to get the boys more used to going out on a leash. They are so used to just running out their doggy door whenever they want.

I guess we are ready to roll except for Mike rebuilding the steps going up into the bed and bath. They are so steep I have a problem with my short legs, What is two steps will be three.

I have my Christmas cards addressed, still need to write two letters. I need to get busy and finish my shopping. It is mostly bits and pieces to do. How are you doing? Done yet????

I better go fix Russ some breakfast and hit Wally World before the rush!!

2010-12-03T08:15:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!!!

2010-11-30T06:13:00.002-06:00

Wow! tomorrow is the first of December! Where has the year gone?

This has been a busy week! Saturday Russ worked at the Vet's Cemetery as a Cop. All the wreaths were made by volenteers then volenteers put the wreaths on those that have no family here. There were over 1000 people there. It is so wonderful that those who served are not forgotten.

Sunday we went to the commissary and I barely made it through shopping. This pneumonia is still kicking my butt!!

Yesterday russ worked at the trailer most of the day and today will probably be more of the same. He has pictures hung, things put away and such. Thursay we get our Direct TV hook up and then Have to get it ready for a move to the RV place here in town to get a thing on the hitch. It will make the ride smoother so I don't get broken dishes> Fingers crossed!!!

I got the tree up yesterday. I went with the white tree and red bulbs. I then put marshmallow Santas, candy canes, red and white mints and this other candy wrapped in red all over it. Sure is pretty and everyone can snack off it! LOL

I have to go toy shopping. We have two parties next week we have to take toys for tots. Plus one has a gift game that has a $20 tag on the gift. Last time I played it, it was 5 bucks!! Times has changed!!! Also have to take a casserole! At least the other party is at a restaurant!

I need to get busy while I still have steam. My guys are good at most things around the house but neither one sees dust!!! Stay warm!!!

2010-11-29T14:59:00.002-06:00

This will give you chills. This is the Vet's Cemetery that Russ pulled security on last Saturday. What a beautiful site.

2010-11-27T10:12:00.002-06:00

Up date!!! Russ' brother got home from the hospital. Please pray for his continuing recovery. These prayer are really working!!!!

2010-11-26T09:26:00.002-06:00

Happy day after Thanksgiving!! We had a nice quiet day. Bless Mike, he cooked the whole Thanksgiving dinner. He made turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, baked beans, pink stuff, pecan pie and pumpkin pie, oh and deviled eggs! Not bad for a bachelor!!! Everything was so good. Anna was with us, Trice was working so we fixed her a plate for later. We all ended up taking naps. I still am unwell, and Anna has a cold so we were not up to much.

We got Anna's invitations and cap and gown the other day. Now to pin her down to address them!!! She is so tired. Think she will take a semester off before going for her masters. She will probably sub teach or go work for my doctor this winter. She has enough saved up that she can make her car payment with out working until spring but needs some spending money too.

Everyone please say a prayer for Russ' brother. He will be in the hospital a while with that brain bleed. Scary stuff. He is such a good guy. He is always there whenever family needs him. Wish we were there to be with him now!!!

We will be staying at Lost Acres in Monticello this summer. We even have our lot number. We have reservations from May until the end of August!!!! We better have lots of visitors!!!~

2010-11-22T17:12:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to say I am alive. I have double pneumonia and am sick as a dog. This really makes me mad! I have so much to do in the 5th wheel before it goes in storage.
Mike will cook Thanksgiving. Otherwise it would be baloney sandwiches! LOL

You all have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your family!!!

2010-11-18T12:25:00.000-06:00

Have a terrible cold and allergies. Will update when I feel better.

What a day!!!!

2010-11-16T10:29:00.004-06:00

What A day we had yesterday!!We arrive at the RV sales at 11. We had to sign papers that took an hour!!! While we were esigning and such, they came and got Russ keys at 11:30 to put the hitch on for 5th wheels. After signing papers we had an hour walk through learning how to hook up and run things. Then we sat and sat and sat some more. At 2 our salesman came and got us and took us up to the VIP lounge. He had went and got us KFC. Bless his heart. We ate and waited, and waited. Finally at 6 pm it was done. Then they had to show Russ how to hitch it again, blah, blah. We got home at 8 last night and got it parked at the church. Russ put the stabilizers down and left it hooked to the truck!! He grab a pillow and blanket and his Glock and slept in it last night. It got cold and he about froze!!!

Right now they are on the way with it to Ft Hood to park it. We are going to live in it 2 weeks to get a feel of it. We still have to load it and buy groceries.

We have to put some more stuff on the truck before we do any long hauls. I don't know what! I do know I need extra steps and hand rails for me. Plus a stool to reach in the cabinets. Silly short legs!!! Well I better go get the laundry done before everyone comes back!!!

What a day!!!!

2010-11-16T10:29:00.001-06:00

SHOPPING!!!!!!!

2010-11-14T16:34:00.003-06:00

Have Shopped so much that I can hardly walk!!!We have everything now for the 5th wheel but pillows!! What fun!!! We went to a furniture store yesterday going out of business and got Russ a recliner and ended up with a nice table too for the dining room. I like 75% off!!!! (on both)

WE had to go to pet's smart today and get a sweater for Dude. I always said that was stupid but the little Devil was shaking so hard this am . We just got his hair cut and it turned cold!!

The church across the street gave us permission to park there 2 days so Russ can practice backing up and I can load up the trailer. We have everything to set up so all we have to carry back and forth is groceries and clothes. Even have dog bowls for both. Lol

Mike bought a turkey and I am suppose to make a list for the rest. He took the day before off so he could prep cook and bake pies. Hope he enjoys it!!! Ha Ha We were going to go out!!!

I hate having leftovers for a week!!!

Oh! Christmas shopping is done except for Anthony and Anna.
They may get coal if they don't hurry up.
I do have the snowmen up and am ready for after Thanksgiving.
Think I will put up the white tree and trim with red this year!
I really want to do purple as I have bulbs I never used. I did see lime green at the store that was mighty pretty! Who knows what I will do!!!
Everyone is hungry so I better go heat up something!!! See ya later.

2010-11-12T16:58:00.002-06:00

Go to http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=119248

This will show you pics of our new home. When the piture of the trailer comes up click on it and the keep hitting next in upper right hand of picture. And no we didn't pay that much for it!!! We pick it up Monday!!!!

2010-11-11T18:33:00.007-06:00

Only in texas do you get Black Cowboys!!!

Girls are Lois -77, Susie-76 and me.

My handsome guy!!!!

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

2010-11-11T05:28:00.002-06:00

Good morning! This will be a busy day! We have to be at the parade line up at 9:15 this AM. Then wait until 11 for the parade to start. It is VERY long, then we will try to get in for the guy's free meal. Don't know if it will be Golden Corral or Apple Bees; It is always a fun time with the Special Forces family. Russ had a hard time deciding who to go with at the parade. He was ask to do the Viet Nam Vets and security with K Cops. He picked the most fun group!!!

We found out some good stuff yesterday!!Our licence plates now will cost $3 and we don't have to pay Property taxes any more since Russ has 100% disability. Plus more money in the pay check! Can't beat that!!!
I did a little more Christmas shopping yesterday. Some how my granddaughter in law is the easiest this year.
I ordered Anna's invitations and cape and gown yesterday! We are so proud of her!She has a 4.o in her major!!! It will be 18 December. Oh, Penny I know you will get an invit. Anna fell in love with you that day we met for lunch! She always says Aunt Penny is cool! LOL

Well, I need to get that shower and decide what to wear! Big decision!!!! Jeans and WHAT T-shirt!!! LOL

2010-11-10T05:04:00.002-06:00

Good morning people!!! I have no idea why I am up!!! I hardly slept all night. then got up at 3:45. Thought since I was up I'd cut up bell peppers for the freezer. That led to polishing the stove, frig and dish washer. I then thought since they were shiny, I'd mop the floor!! Now I am taking a break!!

Guess I will meet Mike's latest "friend" today. She owns a pet grooming place and we are taking the dogs there today!!!

We had great news yesterday! Russ' 100% disability went through on his heart. It was classified as from Agent Orange so we get a little extra each month besides his army retirement being tax free. He even got a small amount of back pay!! I got a new TV for my room out of it! I went from a 17 inch that was my mom's in the nursing home, (she passed in 98) to a 32 inch. What a difference!!!

Thursday Russ will be in the Vet's parade. He will ride in one of the Special forces cars. This is suppose to be the biggest parade ever. Last years was great so here is hoping! Afterwards I guess we are all going to some restaurant that is giving free meals to Vets. We probably won't get in the door! Lol

I think Friday we may go lol at trailers again. One place is having a big sale!! Fingers crossed they have the one we want!!!

My tummy says it is breakfast time! Later!

2010-11-05T07:43:00.002-05:00

Just a quick hello. After days and 2 trips to the computer store, Russ found the problem this am and I now have me computer back. I was lost without it!!!

I have all my embroidery done and wrapped. Most of the Bradley Christmas is done and I have my mile long want list done! LOL This year I really have things I want for Christmas!!! We are trying to put a complete kitchen together for the trailer so we don
t have to always unload.
Russ wants on here so talk to you later.

It is Monday!!!

2010-10-25T18:06:00.002-05:00

Here I am again!!!! Still not much to say!!! Russ had his ride with a cop Friday night and had a blast. He was bloody and bruised when he got home, not from the stops, just getting in and out of the low car. He got to go on 2 domestic violence calls, several traffic stops and 2 arrests. He got to go right in on all calls. Even had a high speed trip!!!

All I have been doing is embroidering, still. I now have 3 presents done and a table cloth for me. I started another gift today. I have worn several layers of skin off one finger!

We went to staples today to get me a new computer chair that wasn't so big. I got a nice leather chair and we saw a small computer roll cart that will be perfect for our laptops in the trailer. Since Russ had gotten money back from a warranty thing on the truck we got it too. Now all we need is the trailer! LOL

I have to go to the Vampire tomorrow morning!!! Russ and I have fasting appointments. I HATE blood tests!!!

Well, I better get busy, It will soon be time for Dancing with the Stars. Bye!!!

It has Been a Week!!!!!

2010-10-22T17:48:00.002-05:00

Were has this week gone??? I have no excuse other than talking on the phone. I spent an hour this week talking to one of my favorite people, my sis in law Mary. Then one day I talked to Kris for about 1 1/2 hours. We keep up mostly on the computer but when we get on the phone we have lots to talk about.

I went to the sleep Dr. yesterday and I have finally been wearing it enough to fulfill Medicares rules. No more having to sit all afternoon with the stupid mask on to get enough hours! He did get me a new mask that I used last night and it was great!!!

I have been embroidering like crazy. I have 2 1/2 Christmas Presents done!!! Plus I have started a tea cloth for the table in the trailer. It was suppose to be a dish towel but when I opened the package it was the size of a small table cloth!!!

Russ left at 2 for his ride with cops day. He will get home at 2:30 tonight. So far he says he's having fun!!! He will be so tired tomorrow!!! He has graduation the 1st. The Police Dept. is having a dinner and everything for it! Hope to get pictures!!!

With Russ being gone, Mike got us Long john's silver for dinner. I love their hush puppies,

Well, ya'll have a good weekend!!!

2010-10-16T20:59:00.002-05:00

Here it is Sat. already!!! I don't have much to say. All I have done is weed, mulch and paint boards. Well throw in washing, cooking and cleaning in there too. I have a little more tomorrow afternoon and I am done for winter!!!

I did take time yesterday to bake some cup cakes. I had 4 half empty cans of icing in the frig, I told Russ to buy a cake mix that tastes good with chocolate. He came home with lemon. It really taste good. I liked it better than the creamed cheese. I also pickled 3 big jars of peppers. Our pepper plants are going crazy!!! We have peppers of every kind!! We have kohlrabi and carrots coming up too.

I have been embroidering Christmas gifts and the tips of my fingers are almost bloody. Guess I need to look for a thimble.

Today was a day of sad news. We found out Russ step cousin, Gene Pearson, had passed and then a friend, Nancy Meier, had passed. She was the sister of a friend of Russ' and I used to baby sit her kids When I lived in Monon.

Well, i need to get things cleaned up. It is almost bed time!!! Sleep tight!!!!

2010-10-13T18:23:00.002-05:00

Are you all as fascinated by the miners rescue as we are? I hated to go to bed last night.

Today's biggy was cleaning my bath from floor to ceiling. I even washed the dreaded blind!!! I don't know how a little room can get so dirty!!!t was

Our first time to pay our property taxes came!!! It was always in the house payment before. I sure hated to write that $760 check!!! I shouldn't complain. Texas has the lowest taxes around!

Russ went to Lowe's today and got some more 'stuff" to finish the back yard for winter. That means work to me!!!

Oh My gosh!!! Russ just started yelling for Mike! The dogs had been Playing and Bo ran under Russ' bed and got stuck!!! Mike had to lift the bed up to get him out!!! It was too funny!!! Poor Bo didn't think so. Dude smiled the whole time!!! LOL

The tips of my fingers are so sore. I have been embroidering and pushing that needle tears up my fingers. Making some pretty things tho.

Well, I best get my shower and get ready for a little TV.

2010-10-12T07:16:00.002-05:00

Here is our finished deck. It was so much work to get the decking all resealed. I even did all the latace around it. If you have never painted or stained lattace, don't! Notice the red necks new fence!!!!Too bad they didn't fence it all.

We finaally got the front yard all done yesterday. It is ready for winter and spring!!! Did it all in one shot!! Bushes are the way to go.

We got storms and rain last night so I guess I won't be working the back yard today. I want to clean out around all the plants and put down new mulch. That will take awhile.

I have one Christmas present finished and another started. Two more two more to go. Christmas is going to be cut way back this year.

GOOD MORNING PEOPLE!!!

2010-10-09T07:43:00.002-05:00

This has been another busy week. After I sealed the deck it didn't look so good! The old sealer just didn't come up in places and it really showed. Russ said lets replace the boards, Me in my moment of being smart said why not just turn the boards over. Well, that took Mike 2 afternoons. Each board had 16 or 18 long wood screws to remove. There were 24 boards. Then after that he had to turn the board and put all the screws back. Thursday I resealed and yesterday I put it back together. Mike got us a cute fire pit that has a grill rack so we can even grill hot dogs on it.

While this is going on we got the flower beds mostly gone in front. Planted the shrubs in the big bed and then mulched it. Mike decorated it with rocks, skulls (cow) and such. I have 2 and a half others done. Mike decorated them. I hope to finish today.

In the middle of this Russ trips over a rock and steps wrong on another rock (big , huge rocks) and catches himself by landing up against the house. He had his foot x rayed and it isn't broken but bruise and an infection in it. It hurts like Billy B. Darn. He is missing going to the firing range with the cops today.

I have started making Christmas presents . I have Anna's almost done. I am trying to cut the cost of what we spend . It has gotten so hard to buy for everyone, They pretty much have what they want.

Very proud of Anna, she was asked to join an international Honor Society because her grades are so high. She graduates in Dec. then she'll try to get in here at A&M Central College to get her Masters. Our Dr. said he would hire her part time so she can make her car payment and have spending money.

Oh, I have stumped the medical field once again. They can't find a cause as to why I have these red bruises all over my arms. All the tests come back normal. Dr S said it is because I like to stump him. He is giving it a month to clear and then I go to a blood doctor if it is still there. Mike says it is sympathy for Russ! LOL

I best get dressed and up and running. Everyone have a good weekend.

2010-10-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

You talk about sore feet!!!! I had one busy week end!! It started about 10 AM Saturday. The Retired Special Forces group were selling sausage wraps to raise money for the food pantry and Meals on Wheels. We were there until 4. Had a great time raised a far amount of money but I stood most of the time. I came home and cooked dinner and crashed, Sunday we went to Lowes and got sealer for the deck and 5 shrubs for the front of the house. ( Friday the deck got power washed and a different cover put on it. )Russ started the sealer but his back was bothering him so I rolled the sealer on.I then switched the furniture that was on the deck and the ones on the patio. Everything else looked dirty on the patio so i cleaned the whole thing. Even washed the 2 gas grills down. I thought done for the day but no. Russ decided we'd figure out where we would put the shrubs. Well, that ended up with us plus Mike digging 5 holes in dirt that is really clay and planting those suckers. I got to crawl around underneath putting in the dirt. Did I tell you they are holly which means they are like needles???? After I got them water I was almost crawling. Russ said I was walking like my mother!!! Needless to say, Russ cleaned up and he cooked!!! ( Vietnamese take out!!!!)

Today we have to clean up all the mess around the plants put down ground cover and mulch. Plus I have half the border to dig out and put in cement border. My body is saying get back in bed and forget it!!!

If I live through this I'll see ya later!

2010-09-28T08:32:00.002-05:00

I'm still alive!!!Went to doc's yesterday. Since I have another cyst growing next to the big one , it is a case of wait. If they get too bad then I will have surgery to remove them.

I got sent to the hospital lab (Dr. has his own lab) which is unusual. They took 2 tubes of blood then I had to wait almost an hour while it was tested and the lab doctor read it. Then the decided they had to test my clot time. They cut a little slit in my arm below my elbow and timed me. It took 3 1/2 minutes, what ever that means. I go back next Thursday to see.

In the mean time I was told to not to use my wrist too much. I didn't. I came home and did 7 loads of laundry, baked a sour kraut cake and made spaghetti for dinner. Only the Good Lord knows what I'll do today. Maybe crawl back in the warm bed. It is suppose to be 55 this am. Haven't looked but I know it is cold! Have my flannel PJ pants on!!! LOL

2010-09-25T17:38:00.002-05:00

Well folks, I won't be on here for a few days. I have what I think is a Ganglion cyst on my right wrist right where it bends, hurts like Billy B. Darn!!!! It hurts all the way to my under arm.

I am having a hard time typing with the left hand. I do have a doctor appointment Monday. See ya all later.

2010-09-24T18:05:00.003-05:00

Not a darn thing going on here!!! I am still in pjs at 6 pm. Just one of those days! LOL.

I put this picture as my home page today. This is 3 of my many favorite people. Russ is of course my favorite of all time!!!

The other two are his older sisters. Cathy on the left and Barb on the right. Barb and I started as friends when I was 15 or 16. Russ and I spent many hours while dating at her and Jim's. Making homemade pizza( back then no home delivered Pizza) and playing cards. Later on we became sisters. When we went to In when the kids were young, her house was always where the kids wanted to go.

I never knew Cathy too well until her and Merle moved to Monon after Merle retired from the AF. After Russ retired every time we went to IN. we headed to Merle and Cathy's. Russ and Merle always had lots to talk about. Now that Merle has passed we still head to Cathy's. We just feel so at home at her house. Both are very much my sisters. There is another sister and 5 brothers more living that I love just as much!!!

Sometime I'll have to put up a picture of my sis Jean. Russ took a picture of me the other night and when I looked at it all I could say was " Oh my, I look like my sister Jean. This is strange

as I always looked like my Dad and she my Mom. Old age changes us I guess!!!!

Well folks have a great weekend!

HOWDY

2010-09-21T15:26:00.002-05:00

Mike and I just put a chocolate jalapeno cake in the oven! Can't wait until it is done! Next is Sour Kraut cake!!! Anyone have any unusual cake recipes????

Went to the Dr. yesterday about my arms having reddish purple botches all over them. Anyway I am bleeding under the skin and they call these bruises.
It is caused by aspirin and coumadin. Well, I am not on either so they don't know what is causing it. They took blood work and I go back next Monday. The good thing was he said at least I won't have a heart attack! LOL

Great fun for Russ Friday. As part of his Police school, he gets to ride along in a patrol car for the 9PM to 7AM shift. Friday night in this town is very busy!!! He can't wait!!! Friday nights there is usually stabbings, shootings or at least a high speed chase!!

Have to get my country ribs in the oven or there will be no dinner at the Allen ranch! See ya here in a couple days.

Doctor

2010-09-16T18:36:00.002-05:00

I had an appointment with the cardiologist at 5:30 tonight. just got there and sat down when we were told the doc was at ER trying to save a life and all appt. had to be rescheduled. Soo we stopped at Jack in the Box and got dinner. (To go) We got home and 15 minutes later we got to eat. We had a sick pup on the living room rug. The Vet changed Bo's food and he is not doing well on it!!!

Russ has his Special Forces uniform ready for in the morning. He is helping in putting up the POW-MIA wreath at Darnell Army Hospital.

I baked Mike a tomato soup cake today. They are having a lunch tomorrow and no one believed there was such a thing. He also has to take 3# of cooked spaghetti noodles. Someone is bring home made spaghetti sauce.

I got all kinds of crap at the allergist Monday. Nose spray, an Asmanex inhaler and a Ventolin inhaler.I had a test to see what I am allergic too. Trees and more trees! Just about every tree!

The worst was cedar, knew that, and Mesquite! The one thing that Russ uses to smoke meat!! The Dr said the smoke was just as bad as the tree. I told him what the red neck neighbor burns and he said he needs committed! Lol

We folks, I am going to kick back, watch a little TV eat a little ice cream and go to bed. Here's to a better day!!!

2010-09-12T12:08:00.002-05:00

Wow, after not being able to sign in for a week, I finally made it!!!

Disregard the last post. Enid, in her true style decided she hated the kitchen in that trailer. So after much heart burn we have decided to wait until spring to try this again!!! We save the money for storage all winter and I have time to buy all the dishes, pans, linens and etc. we will need!

We went to Russ' dinner and Special forces meeting last night. We had a great time, love the people. But.... the food was terrible! I was so glad I had made a pot of soup yesterday morning. I sure enjoyed a bowl full when we got home!!!

So far mike living here has worked great for everyone. my biggest heart burn is the very crowded bedroom!!!I need to get a flat screened Tv in here that I could hang. I am too cheap to do it!!! This little Tv works so good and it is so old. We got it for my Mom in the nursing home and she has been gone 13 years. Guess Magnavox is made to last!!!

Wish me luck tomorrow! I am having allergy tests. All those little needles in the back!!! Brrrrr

Well, it is 12:21 and i am still in Pj's, Think I'll get dressed!!! LOL

So excited!!!!

2010-09-02T17:58:00.002-05:00

We went to Georgetown today and we will know Thursday if we get our camper!!! It is beautiful, Not the one we had picked out before. We were waiting on a saleswoman and I was looking around while we waited. This one had just been brought in. No one had ever been in it and the people had to look it up as it wasn't priced yet. But it was on sale as everything down there is on sale this weekend. It has a cloth sofa that makes into a bed with an air mattress, 2 leather lazy boy recliners, a table and 4 chairs instead of a booth( thank GOD!) the usual kitchen stuff. A shower but no tub and 2 closets in bath. The bedroom has a queen bed, closets, dresser and etc. There is an outside shower and a gas grill that hooks right up to the trailer propane. It comes with one flat screen TV for the living room and has a massive system for Dvds, radio, weather radio and mp3 & 4 players. I'll post pictures as soon as it is really ours! Keep us in your prayers it all goes thru. Then we can visit more!!!! LOL

Messages!

2010-09-01T13:09:00.002-05:00

For anyone that would like to leave a message and don't have a blog, here is how! Click on leave a comment at the end of my message. Write your message in the leave a comment box. Then scroll down and you will see a place to check anonymous. Click it and then hit to post it. It is easy to do. I need to hear from you or this blog will be finished! You can leave me messages that don't even have anything to do with what I say! Just say something!!!!

2010-08-30T10:56:00.002-05:00

It has been a busy few days around here!! Friday we traded off my car and Russ' truck. I didn't drive my car enough to make sense of having a car payment. We traded Russ' to get a truck big enough to haul a RV. We got an 2010 Dodge 1500 with a Hemi engine and the biggest rear end we could. The bed is the same size as the other so we got to keep our bed cover and the running boards because I couldn't get in it without them!!! Our salesman is also putting the big rear view mirrors on as a gift. We have to buy the trailer hitch yet then we can get serious about looking for a RV.

Mike is moving in with us so he will be here when we travel. I moved my computer desk and printer stand into my bedroom. It is real crowded but I can live with it. I got roll carts and put in the closet for my undies! Lol THEN! I had to clean out the closet in my computer room! Oh My!!! I had it stuffed!!! I threw out lots and the rest went in the closet in my bedroom. I did good because I still have room on the shelves!!! LOL

Today, i made room in the garage to put the treadmill and bike back in the garage. I now have the room empty and ready for Mike to paint on his day off.

Today I get my results of the stress test and chest xray. I am hoping he takes me off half the meds.

I cleaned the front porch while a go and put up all the fall decorations. I am trying to get fall cleaning out of the way!!!

Well, I need to go get busy!!! Keep cool!!!

2010-08-23T17:53:00.002-05:00

Good evening! It is so hot out! 106 on our patio. I am about cooked!!!

Wed, we went to the pound and got a shih tzu. Today Russ took the little sucker back!!! He tried to bite us, he would not leave the boys private parts alone and Dude got sick. He has only eaten twice since Wed night. The vet said he is under stress and that other dog has some bad issues. That is NOT what I called it!!! LOL

Russ and I had a good time Friday. We went to 3 RV Sales. We have the one we want picked out. Friday we will look at trucks that can pull one. We will trade in Russ' truck and my car. In a year and 4 months I have put gas in it twice. I just very seldom drive it. I will learn to drive the truck tho. Especially if we do get the rv and spend the summer in IN. Don't want to have Russ drive me everywhere!! The only thing I hate about the one we have picked out is there is carpet in the living room and bedroom. I hate carpet. I can see lots of throw rugs to keep it clean./

I had another sleep study and my machine is being changed. Plus the air thrust will be lowered, maybe i can do better now.

Russ has his Citizens Police academy tonight. Then tomorrow he has to report for jury duty.It is city so if he gets selected it is only one day.

You all have a great night and keep cool!

2010-08-19T13:08:00.001-05:00

Today is our 50th so there won't be any posts for the rest of the week. We are going out of town tomorrow and we will see ya here Monday.

GOOD MORNING PEOPLE!!!

2010-08-17T08:02:00.002-05:00

It has been a while! There hasn't been a lot happening at the Allen Casa! It is just too hot! Heat index today 105 again!!!

I had a stress test yesterday. Fun as usual! The girl there did a great job of finally getting the "thing" in my hand so they could inject the glow in the dark stuff in me as needed. They then strapped me to the torture table to take pictures. Having your hands above your head is really torture for an old fart! Then I got on the treadmill! That was fun. I only had to be on for 3 minutes. My legs did great but my breathing was something else. I sounded like the "little engine", I think I can but sounded like a whale in distress! When I got off it my BP was 180 over 90. I was so dizzy and took a couple minutes for my breath to come back. After all that I was told to eat something fatty! I had packed a salami sandwich but my darling husband had brought me a hamburger!!!! After I ate I had one more go round on the rack getting more pictures. It was a long day! Had a 9:30 appt. and got home at 2.

Thursday is our 50th but we are celebrating on Friday. We are going to Georgetown and going to spend the day window shopping for an RV. There are two big sales places there. We will then go get us a nice hotel room, go out for a nice dinner and then Russ will take me to the Sleep Center so I can get WIRED!!! LOL I guess I will be getting a new machine. i go from a c-pap to a b-pap. Don't really know the difference. Anyway, Russ will get a good nights sleep in the Holiday Inn Express.

I did pickle peppers this week and make a batch of fig jam. Both are really good but not together! LOL

I best get busy. I have lots to do before my appt. today with the pacemaker doc. Today is the day he tells me when I get the battery changed!! I really, really need recharged!!! Ha. Not looking forward to this. I hate being cut on!!!

Have a great day!!!

2010-08-08T16:31:00.001-05:00

That is meat market below. This key board is always leaving out half a word or miss spelling it. Guess I 'll get the wireless one back out! Think it will help???

2010-08-08T13:06:00.002-05:00

Here is my Fiesta Ware! Yesterday Russ got me two more settings! ( Kohls had a half price sale). I now have settings for twelve! I was so thrilled, I bought him a new coffee pot! We each got something we love!! Just noticed the remote for the kitchens AC is on the self. Oh well.

We went to the meat market yesterday and got a 50 pound bundle of meat. It has some good cuts in it. We had some of the bacon for breakfast and it was center cut and yummy. Can't wait for the t bones. e got all that meat and guess what is for dinner???? Chicken! LOL

My new mask isn't doing so good. I took it off after an hour last night and used the old one. It lasted about 2 hours. They are so uncomfortable. I wake up every couple hours. I need a god nights sleep.

Poor Mike! they have been mowing out at the range where he works. Last night he came home with poison ivy all over him. Can you imagine working out in 109 heat index with poison ivy?

The restaurant where Trice works has sold. Her boss passed away a couple weeks ago. The new owners are keeping it just the same and everyone will keep their jobs for at least 3 months. If it works out they could stay on. Hope everything works out for her!

Whilwe we at at the mat masrket we stopped in at their farmers market. I got something called cream peas. Never heard of them but will try them. you cook them like black eyed peas. Mike will like that! NOT! he hates black eyed peas. I got a lot of other goodies too.

Well, it is time I got off my butt and acted like I'm doing something!!!

THE HOUSE IS PAID OFF!!!!!!!!

2010-08-06T07:11:00.002-05:00

We found out yesterday for sure that our house is paid off!!!We got a small pay off refund and we were thrilled! Then I realized I had sent a house payment after the date on the check, so we will get that back too. We need it as taxes are due in Oct. This is all new to us as taxes and insurance were included in the payment. Of course the insurance is due in August so Russ took care of that yesterday .

I got a new c-pap mask yesterday. It lasted on about 2 hours!!! I have a raging headache this AM. Guess I will get used to it. The allergist changed my pills. Guess we will see. She doesn't want to do any more testing until I see the cardiologist. All a vicious circle.

People, the temperature today is suppose to be 105!!Can't wait for the heat index. Russ and Mike think they are going fishing. We shall see!!!

I am off to eat Vietnamese soup for breakfast. Love it!

2010-08-04T07:32:00.002-05:00

Last night I laid in bed thinking of all the places we have lived and some of the best friends we had!Get ready to be bored! LOL

When we 1st married we lived in Francesville in the house I was born in! How neat was that? Of course all our friends were high school friends. From there we were in Germany! We had the best friends we ever had! Breda and Eddy Howell. They were from Ireland and Eddy was in the US Army. We lived on the same floor in a German house and shared everything. Eddy next went to Viet Nam and lost his life. We still miss him!
Our next move was to Maryland! We lived in Glen Bernie and had a next door neighbor named Gerda that was great! We were there 9 months.

Russ got orders for Viet Nam and moved me back to Francesville! I then met Judy Ehrlich. We spent every day together, we looked alike and acted alike. If I was up town people would ask me how my husband Jim was . They ask her about Russ. Too funny! After a year it was off to El Paso for 9 months. Russ was learning Vietnamese. Yes he went back to Viet Nam next and I back to Francesville and friend Judy! We did add another to our group! Bonnie Onken. Sad to say but both Judy and Bonnie are no longer married to those husbands and we sort of all lost touch.

Russ was suppose to come home in 1 year!!! I sold our house trailer, traded cars and then he got extended 6 months. I moved us to Monon, next door to Susie Graham. Her husband was in Korea so we spent all our time together. Her husband wasn't too generous with his pay so Susie had to go to work. I watched her 4 kids at night.

Russ came home and we moved to Virginia for you guess it, just 9 months!!! Just long enough to get pregnant with Kris!! We did have good friends there too, Roger and Sara Hawkins and Marty and Mo. Russ was off to V.M. for the 3rd time and I was back in Francesville. 2 months later Russ got out of the Army and came home! After low paying jobs , (not going to say how long, you guessed it,) Russ reinlisted and we were off to Okinawa! The best place in the world! We had the best friends and the best time there for 3 1/2 years!! We next went to Ft Hood, Tx, bought a house and 3 years later Russ got orders for AL to be a drill sgt. It was hard to move as we were very involved in square dancing!! Alabama was a night mare. Russ worked 12 to 15 hour days. We rarely saw him. My good friend Barb Tucker kept me sane!!!

We next got orders back to Ft Hood! we were so thrilled. We got here the middle of Dec. and moved in to quarters. We got back into square dancing and all our old friends. It was almost like we never left! In August we bought a house in Killeen. And guess what? We have been in this house thirty years!!!! Just yesterday we found out it is played off!!! Hurrah!!! It has been an exciting life. We never had any money and still don't but boy do we have good memories. I would not change a thing!!!!

2010-08-02T13:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Kris my blog got an up date! hope it is easier to read now.

Russ took me to Kohl's this morning and got me another place setting of Fiesta Ware. My how I love that stuff!I got Goldenrod today. There are so many more colors I want. Cathy really created a monster when she gave me half of hers!!!

I am just getting over another bad allergy attack. I was so bad Sat. that Russ and Mike wanted me to go to ER. I used 2 boxes of Kleenex Sat alone. I go back to the allergist Thursday so I hope they find out what is causing this.

Sat I sent off a house payment. The 18th I call the mortgage company to find out what the last payment is! THAT IS RIGHT ! The house will be paid off! I can't believe we have been here 30 years!

Well, I am off to make a tomato soup cake! Sure hope it turns out good!!!

2010-07-27T07:34:00.005-05:00

52 years ago this week I was staying at my brothers house. My sister in law, Bertie, was expecting a little girl and I was helping her with my nephew Cris. I was 15 at the time! This dark haired girl came huffing across the street. She walked up to me and said"My brother won't take me swimming if you don't go too. So you better go". After asking permission I walked out side to see this! That day started a 5 month friend -boy friend time! It all started to get pretty serious and I was very young so New Years Day I broke up with him! For many months every where I went I saw this guy! He even came to the drive in where I worked. Then one day he drove up in this!!! ( picture 1) Well, I fell in love all over again!!! On October 31 of that year ( I was 16) Russ proposed!!! And then the story began!!! later!!!

2010-07-15T18:07:00.002-05:00

Ok, I showed you the over loaded peach tree yesterday! Sooo today, when Mike came home from work he brought me a big box of peaches! LOL! Tomorrow is jam, cobbler and everything else I can think of time!!!

Russ is running around getting his Retired Special Forces dress uniform together. Last Sat. Russ was talking to john as the meeting was over, John left and Russ socialized for 10-15 minutes. As they were leaving they saw John laying by his bike.
A GI came out and did CPR and got a breath and then lost it again. By that time the Medics had arrived and they got a pulse and took him to the hospital. John had a massive heart attack and was pronounced brain dead. This has hit Russ hard as he was the last person John ever spoke too. There is a Memorial service Sat. Morning and then his body will be sent to Guam to be buried next to his parents. John was a great guy and a good entertainer. He told great stories and sang and DJ'd. He will be missed by all who knew him.

My eye is slowly getting better. I still feel crappy but ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!! I gotta do peaches! LOL

We have been having heat indexes up to 107-108 this week by late afternoon. Could be I feel crappy cause I was out pulling weeds at noon. No one ever said I was smart!!!
You all have fun tomorrow while I am in front of that hot stove. ( Need all the sympathy I can get!!!!)

Our Poor peach Tree

2010-07-13T20:45:00.002-05:00

Below is our poor tree, It has so many peaches the limbs are breaking!!!

I went to the allergist today. The eye is still bad but I am feeling better. more in a couple days!!!

2010-07-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

2010-07-13T20:32:00.002-05:00

Red neck neighbors!!!

2010-07-12T06:57:00.005-05:00

Did I tell you the latest??? You know about the dogs and how mad we were. Russ told them both all about it!!! LOL Well a day before our vacation I was doing last minute gardening. A guy was driving up and down the alley. He stopped and got out of his truck. His truck said "Code Enforcement". I thought oh no. Well all he wanted was to ask about Bo. He wants a dog like him. We talked dogs, AC, and garden. Then he told me they had gotten a call about the bad shape of the alley. We talked some more and he left. Well, our neighbor Marilyn had ask Russ to send an email to City management about the alley as she parks in their back yard and trees were hanging all over. To make a story short... The redneck got a letter to have his yard and alley cleaned up in 10 days or get a fine. Well, he got a 350 dollar fine and now thinks Russ did it on purpose. We think it is sooo funny!!! At least Marilyn is happy! She can drive down the alley!!! LOL

If I can get in, I will be going back to the doctor today. My eye is still swollen to a little slit. I am hoping I get sent to the allergist so I can be tested! I'd like to know what is causing this!!!

Trice will be over this AM to tell us about her trip to her sisters. She sounds like she had a real good time! So glad she got to go!!!

It is 7:14 so I best get busy before time to call DR. Was suppose to take a glaucoma test today at the eye dr. Think that will be rescheduled!!!

Red neck neighbors!!!

2010-07-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

2010-07-09T15:32:00.001-05:00

Sick as a dog with allergies. got a shot today but still can hardly see. my nose drips and eyes run. Not a pretty sight.

Good morning!!!

2010-07-06T05:46:00.002-05:00

It is like 5:30 Am. What am I doing up??? Any normal person would sleep in if retired. Not Russ and me! We are both up, at least I think my allergy attack is over. I am not sneezing yet!!

Yesterday I had a bag of mixed (sweet and hot) peppers so I decided to pickle them. I had a couple pieces of okra and a few green beans I threw in with them. Well, they have to be the hottest peppers ever. There is this one little pepper that really made Mike sweat!!! The stake that came with the plant said jalapeno but it isn't even close! I will not be eating these peppers!!! I also pickled a jar of carrot rounds. These are pretty good. Spicy but not burning your tongue off!

Anna came over to take her final on an on line course for her major. She got an A on it. So far she carries a 4.0 grade point for her major. She just has one semester left. Think she will go on and get her masters. She is interning this summer. She is working half the day for my doctor and half the day in a nursing home. She is really liking the old folks!

We got our computer rooms switched and they turned out quite nice. I still try to go in my old room to use my stuff. I really like having a room twice the size of the old one. Poor Russ is still looking for storage places!!!

Well, I must get in the shower. Russ has a truck appointment at 7 so I'll have to pick him up. I'll be a good time to go shopping before the heat hits. Have a good day ya all!