Sun. June 25

From a warmish and potentially rainy MO,

First I am going to back up and tell you the truth about Friday as Jim was adamant that I wasn't to share this information with you, but I think he has mentally adjusted some by now.

Anyway, we attempted to walk Friday a.m. with Jim having to first stop at the first driveway south of us to get his breath, then maybe two more driveways, and another two more driveways, etc until we got to the beginning of 16th Street - probably about 100 yards. He decided at that point to return home as he was struggling so much.

He has been having trouble breathing and had the sensation of heaviness on his chest for maybe close to three weeks, but it has been getting worse - and of course didn't want to see the doctor until his return from Canada - return late on July 7. I decided to go an walk a few more blocks as I was so frustrated with his bull headedness, but turned back sooner when it dawned on me that he could be in a lump on the road.

He was in the recliner when I got home and looked like death warmed over, but was still adamant that he wasn't seeing the doctor until after the Canada return. I finally persuaded him to go by the office and at least get an appointment set up. Of course his breakfast with the guys came first and I'm thinking they must have put some pressure on him because when he returned he indicated he was going to the doctor's office.

He hadn't been gone long when the receptionist called to say they were keeping him there until Dr. Metry arrived. About 30 minutes later, Jim was calling to say that he had an appointment at 3:00 at St. Luke's North in Kansas City. I began getting things ready here to pen the girls such that they wouldn't have the run of the house and we were leaving here by about 11:00.

Jim really liked the doctor he saw and this guy thought that Jim needed a cardiac catheterization procedure. This will be done on Tuesday at St. Luke's South - am not sure if the area is called Overland Park or Leawood, but in an area that we are familiar with.

We are leaving here about 1:00 on Monday, first to drop the girls off at the vet's, and then will head to the Overland Park area. We will locate the hospital and where we need to go, then will probably check into the Wyndham at about 108th and Metcalf (Overland Park, KS) for the night. Jim has to be at SLS by 6:30 on Tuesday a.m. The literature we received indicated that if nothing shows up, in all likelihood I'll be driving us home on Tuesday. The literature indicates that he will be in bed for about 6 hours following the procedure and if it comes close to rush hour, I don't relish the long distance of rush hour traffic so we will probably spend the night in Overland Park - and come home on Wednesday. It is my understanding that if they need to put in a stent, then he will be released on Wednesday. If more is needed, then I have no idea.

I plan on calling Margaret when I know anything and she can let CA people know. I also plan on calling Doug, the Wheelers, Thompsons, and Robinsons when I know something. Helen is going to try to do this blog to let others know.

Needless to say, Jim is quite upset about not going to Canada, but both Dr. Metry and the doctor in KC indicated that he just needs to get well and then he will thoroughly enjoy the outing next year.

Now for today -- Jim was moving about 5:00 this a.m. and of course rousted the girls. They joined me in bed after being outside and we didn't hear anything more from Jim until about 7:30 when he decided to take a nap - then we woke up about 9:00.

The day has been quiet - just what these old bones needed. We are almost packed and I just need to soak my flowers and veggies this evening. Mary Thompson will pick up the duties on Monday evening and Tuesday evening.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. June 24

From a comfortable MO,

The girls had a horrible night - seems to happen when we have been gone for an extended length of time. I tucked them in to their sleeping crate about 9:30, took them outside at 12:30, and then outside again at 2:30. Since Jim had opted to sleep downstairs, I opted to tuck them in the bed with me and I didn't hear them again until about 6:00 - when Jim was on the move - or he was on the move temporarily.

Jim puttered around until about 7:30 (fixed his oatmeal for breakfast) and then joined us in bed and we slept until almost 9:00. After I showered, we headed out on some errands - library to sign a paper, bank, and somewhere else that I no longer can remember. Later I made a trip to HyVee for a few groceries. We have basically spent the afternoon mildewing until 5:00 when we watched excerpts of the track meet from Indianapolis.

We have no special plans for Sunday other than enjoying the newspapers and I am hoping to finish the John Dunning book.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. June 23

From a somewhat warmish, dry MO,

We had decided to walk this a.m. and Jim was having trouble after a short time so returned home with a very unhappy Trixie. I can walk both girls and manage rather well - unless they decide to "dump" then I have trouble holding them and cleaning up at the same time. Anyway, Abby and I had a good walk.

Jim had breakfast with a group of old guys this a.m. and eventually we opted to head to the Liberty area.

I have a few errands to do in the a.m. since I didn't get them done today, but otherwise, Saturday should be calm.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. - Thurs. June 21-22

From finally a somewhat rainy MO,

Wednesday was a sort of usual Wednesday in this household. Jim thoroughly his two breakfast groups, watched a lot of tv, dozed in the afternoon, and in general mildewed.

The girls and I slept in during the a.m., had a doctor's visit at 10:30 (or might have been 11:00), showed two or three pounds of weight off, blood pressure down 10 points (thanks to medication primarily), and spent a lot of time reading the newest John Dunning book.

Sometime in the early morning of today (Thursday) we finally had a little rain - maybe about a half inch so far. I heard some people talking at the post office this a.m. that just northwest of here an inch was measured. At least it is cooler today (about 70) and there is an intermittent drizzle.

We had a larger group at breakfast this a.m. than I had thought. Several had helped Clara at Camp Rainbow on Tuesday - had helped decorate carrying bags that several of our ladies had sewn last fall from donated fabric. Jan said the campers really enjoyed the bags and the decorating.

We had several in attendance this a.m. - Pat, Jan, Mary Willis, Mary D., Laurinda, Margaret, Helen came in later (she and Mary W. are going to St. Joseph today), and yours truly. I may be missing someone, but at least I have most of the names.

I have had my haircut this morning and then Jim was nice enough to drive me to HyVee to buy a tenderloin - which we split. The girls are currently running from one end of the house to the other and having sort of wrestling matches at either end. I think they are enjoying the cooler weather as well.

I have a library board meeting at 1:30 today and then plan on curling up with the John Dunning book. Jim has requested taco salad for tonight - so that is an easy fix.

I don't think I've mentioned that Ethel Perry died a few days ago. She was a long time teacher here. Mary Thompson called yesterday to say that Delbert Thompson's brother, Delford, had died yesterday.

Other than Jim has breakfast with one of the groups on Friday morning, we have nothing specifically planned - so I wonder what will develop.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. June 20 - belated

Actually this is Wednesday a.m. and I am finally moving.

We had a usual day on Tuesday and Jim even took me to the bowling alley for a sandwich and salad for lunch.

He was a Dr. Eden's for an evening meal - made last plans for their upcoming Canada trip. The large wooden coffin will be picked up at 9:00 on Monday a.m. and then they will pack the coffin on Wednesday evening - all ready for an early morning Thursday departure.

I had my nose in a good book on Mary Boleyn last night and just couldn't put it down until I was finished - after 10:00 - then went to sleep. I slept hard enough that I didn't hear the girls during the night. Jim was moving a little after 5:00 and took them outside - then they bounded on the bed to spend several hours with me.

I'll be back with you later today.

Be safe.
B.

Monday June 19

From a warmish, dry MO,

The dry spell and heat continue!

I did the computer work for Mobile Meals this a.m. Darla came in for a short time as she had not been on this new program and she does the computer work next week.

I am not really sure where the day has gone. We did errands this morning and dozed this afternoon. Jeanette and I got the canned pop iced down for the Thompsons to take one cooler to the Rensch home and have the second one for when their children and grandchildren arrive.

I had an optometrist appointment this a.m. and he had no trouble finding the nuisance floaters. He suggested using an eye drop to refresh the eyes and will see me in one year - unless they get worse or I notice increasing problems.

We have a long list of errands to do tomorrow. One of my yucky projects is to take our large bedspread to the laundrymat (of course will also take the book on Mary Boleyn) and get that washed. I also plan on taking our "summer" spread and throwing it in the dryer along with a Bounce sheet and letting it get refreshed some.

Jim joins three other guys tomorrow evening at Dr. Eden's "lake" to have a cookout. They will finalize plans for the upcoming trip to Canada and decide who needs to get what for meal preparation.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. June 18

From a warmish, somewhat muggy MO,

When I was outside with the girls about 3:30 this a.m., we were getting a few sprinkles. When I was outside again about 6:00 - nothing showed up in the rain gauge! Later in the a.m. it was quite dark in the west, but I don't think we managed even a sprinkle. We are so dry. The cracks in the yard remind me of August.

Jim took me out to breakfast this morning to Country Kitchen. From there we returned home and I settled in on some house cleaning chores. Jim needed the "yellow" bedroom to begin loading items for the trip to Canada and of course I had wool all over the bed. That was remedied and then I began working in the computer room which had become also a storeroom. Jim has two large piles of things to go through - mainly assorted paperwork which at least one/half can be pitched. He has let it accumulate so he is not going to be too happy going through it. I still need to go through a lot of my own accumulated paperwork in the computer room, but it is already looking better. We have a small box of assorted books to take to the library - most will probably end up in their yearly book sale, but that is better than in our trash can. I am coming closer to seeing the top of the computer desk - maybe by bedtime the worst will be over.

Jim had already gone through the morning newspapers when I finally dragged out of bed - and I have now been through them. I didn't see too much of interest in them this a.m. other than the King Tut exhibit in Chicago. We are going on a three day bus tour in September and one of the stops will be to see the King Tut exhibit - and both of us are looking forward to it.

I do the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. and Darla is coming in to help. She has been on vacation and hasn't seen some of the changes that have been made - and she does the computer work next week.

From there I go to Dr. Hoel's office (a 10:00 appointment) and I'm sure he will dilate my eyes to check the numerous floaters I seem to still have. They are not painful, but certainly are a nuisance!

I would like to get some xeroxing done tomorrow as well. Aunt Maxine sent over some old photos and Bobby had given me a listing of cemeteries in Macon county.

Jim has a few things on his agenda for tomorrow - the major will be going through the two boxes of assorted items that I have dragged out of the computer room - he won't be happy about this project.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. June 17

From a warmish and somewhat humid MO,

This has been a relatively quiet day for us. We walked about 7:00 this a.m. Jim did a little better than yesterday with us only stopping a couple of times. The girls love the walk and I must start remembering to take a little water with us as they are really panting when we get home. Of course they are pulling (like sled dogs) all the way and have to check out any scent that they imagine. There are several dogs along the way and they really check out the yards. Since we haven't walked much since last fall, I am really surprised at how quickly they remember where "favorites" are located.

I fixed French toast this a.m. with the bread that we bought at the Pioneer Bakery at St. Joseph yesterday - apricot, walnut, whole wheat, etc. Very, very tasty.

We did errands later and then dozed this afternoon. The pups are quickly dozing after the morning walk, but they can really doze again in the afternoon.

Jeanette Stillwell and I went to HyVee this afternoon and picked up several kinds of canned pop and some bottled water for the Mildred Rensch's family members to use. I talked to Mary Thompson tonight and I think she will take samplings of it over to the Rensch home tomorrow - otherwise her family (four children, spouses, and many grandchildren) will begin arriving on Monday as the funeral is on Tuesday.

At this point we should have a quiet Sunday - again what these old bones need.

We are getting a "hint" of rain this evening, but I'm sure not a drop has found the rain gauge by this time.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. June 16

Notice this!!! I put two photos on one blog!!!! Wow!!! That is a new high for me. The photo on the left shows the embroidered spread/throw that has a date of 1893. It would appear that a sister-in-law of my great grandfather Jobson and her daughters embroidered this spread. Some of the work is very precise and other areas appear that a younger person worked on it.

The photo on the right is of the gentleman and his second wife who came from Phoenix, AZ. He is 98 years old - not bad for flying in to KC, making the drive to Macon, attending a family reunion at Bucklin, and then returning to Phoenix.

We attempted walking this morning and it is about more than Jim can do. We walked about 7:00 and even though we stayed on bascially level ground, Jim was having a lot of difficulty getting his breath. We will try walking again in the a.m., but he anticipates cutting the walk a little shorter with Abby and me going another block or so.

When he returned home from breakfast, he was "itching" to go to Cabela's to get a few "needed" items for the upcoming trip to Canada. We didn't get away from here until almost 11:00 as we needed to get the girls organized, moved some laundry to the dryer, had a couple of phone calls, and who knows what else. Jim was organized at Cabela's and I really didn't get a great deal of reading done. Afterwards we went to Dave's Famous BBQ - and it was delicious! I have hinted at going there for many months, but I don't think Jim will have any qualms about going back.

We are home early enough that maybe the girls will get back into a regular routine before going to bed - Jim and I need a good night of sleep.

Mary Thompson had called me this a.m. that Mildred Rensch (her sister) was being life-flighted to KC after having a heart attack. Mary was concerned as to whether she could be even stablized enough for the flight. The CT tonight carried about three lines that Mildred had died today. Mary just called this evening and indicated that Mildred and John's daughter would be coming in this evening and funeral arrangements would be made in the a.m.

One store of interest that we saw near Cabela's today was "Million Books" - am thinking that was the name. Does anyone know anything about it?

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. June 15 - part II

This is a more detailed photo of the first segment of the family tree. The names look like a blur, but it person they are all easily read.

B.

Thurs. June 15

This is the family tree that a Jobson descendant made for the reunion. The table in the front is a normal sized folding table. I'll try to add a photo of a detail of the tree tomorrow. The hand drawn tree was awesome needless to say.


Today has been busy. I joined the ladies for breakfast and was just paying my bill when the cousin (that I had never met) called from just north of Columbia. I picked Aunt Maxine up at Bucklin and we were soon at New Cambria. My cousin, Bobby, arrived a few minutes later and maybe about 5 minutes later Paula arrived from her 3 1/2 hour drive from St. Louis.

We had an awesome outing. We checked out four cemeteries in the area around Ethel (about a 15 to 20 minute drive north of New Cambria). One cemetery had the headstone for my great, great grandfather Parker and his wife - and next to this headstone was the stone for his mother. The various cemeteries contained headstones for family members descending from this man and wife.

We made a stop near Ethel as Bobby wanted to introduce Paula to a relative that she had never met and of course names and addresses were exchanged. We then returned to New Cambria and had a meal at the Sale Barn.

Bobby then had errands to do so Aunt Maxine, Paula, and yours truly went to the New Cambria cemetery. On the way home, I was counting generations of Jobsons represented there - great, great grandparent Jobsons, great grandparent Jobsons, grandparent Jobsons, three uncle Jobsons, two first cousins, one cousin of the next generation, and one cousin of the next generation - am thinking that makes seven generations. I guess this arm of the family has sort of stayed in the same place.

By the way, we had seven at breakfast this a.m. A couple from Carrollton was seated close to our usual area when I arrived and I "warned" them that who knows what they might hear or experience. When they left, they indicated they had thoroughly enjoyed watching us interact.

I returned from the outing about 4:00, took a much needed shower (temp. was probably close to 90 today, but there was a good breeze) and settled in for a little rest. We were picked up by Ron and Mary Willis about 5:30 (they had already picked up Eva Danner) and we headed to PinOak for an evening meal. Jim had been given a gift certificate by his pole vaulters and this was our first visit. We ended up sitting outside as there was a lot of shade and the breeze was really nice. The food was great and we enjoyed being with Ron, Mary, and Eva. We have some left on our certificate so will need to do a follow-up visit - don't you feel sorry for us!

We are planning on walking at 7:00 in the a.m. and then Jim will join one of the groups for breakfast. Beyond that, we don't have too much planned.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. June 14

From a warmish MO,

I think I've mentioned before that when we supposedly have an "open" day - we usually end up quite busy - so for today!

Jim went to both of his breakfasts this a.m. and I had breakfast at HyVee. I had taken a book in case Pat wasn't there. She didn't show up while I was there so I visited with people around me and finally came back home.

We left here about 10:00 for KC. Of course we needed to stop at Roger's at Liberty to check out some fishing items, then headed south to the pet store where we get food for the girls (in Mission I think), then on to a place where Jim likes to get shorts, then to Red Lobster, then to Half Price Book Store, then Border's - then headed north to Metro North and eventually Sam's so as to get trays for Velma's kitchen.

We were back home a little before 6:00, but I must admit that I will be ready for bed tonight.

I did begin a book last night by Karen Harper - THE LAST BOLEYN. Mary Boleyn was the older sister of Anne.

Thursday will be a big day for me. I am joining the ladies for breakfast and then will leave about 8:30 for Bucklin to pick up Aunt Maxine - and then on to New Cambria to meet Bobby as well as a Parker cousin that I've never met before. She comes off a sister of my great grandfather Parker - namely Wilda - my dad referred to her as Aunt Willie. We are going to check out some cemeteries at Ethel.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. June 13

From a warmer, sunny MO,

This has been a good day for us. We had a good night of sleep, walked about 8:00 this a.m. (probably less than a mile, but we still managed the walk), oatmeal for breakfast, outing for errands, Jim dozed in afternoon, I went to our local xerox place and finished a project, and I joined some of the ladies for dessert at 4:00. Oh, yes, I also managed to vacuum upstairs - I don't want to even think how long it has been!

We were about ready to leave when Vickie arrived. She had been in KC today with her mom for doctor appointments. Vickie always tells a delightful tale - with her own special twist - so rather than leaving about 5:00 - it was almost 6:00.

I fixed a taco salad for supper tonight - an easy meal and one that Jim enjoys.

Jim has breakfast with two groups tomorrow - oatmeal with one and toast with the second - and I will probably join Pat at HyVee for breakfast. I have a couple of small errands to do on Wednesday and then hopefully I can start a book. I am also ready to get back to my "hooking" - so we'll just see how the day goes.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. June 12

From a somewhat temperate MO,

This has been a full day for us. Jim left here about 7:00 (with the girls) to do a drive through at McDonald's and then a couple of errands. I left here going on 7:30, made a McDonald's drive thru, and then went on to the RSVP office to do the weekly compluter work for Mobile Meals. One change that needed to be done was beyond me so good old Nina walked me through it - hopefully I will remember it next time. Ruth came in about 9:00 - thankfully - and we walked out about 9:45. Charles was not coming in so that meant a little bit of xeroxing and then collating (the xerox machine in the office doesn't collate), and along with a couple of errands which we corrected - took a little longer than usual.

Jim was gone when I got home. He had made contact with John Musser and was at John's - fishing - of course. John and Pam have started quite a brewing procedure - Jim says Doug would thoroughly enjoy seeing it. We are doing some sampling tonight and what we are trying is excellent. John W. wouldn't care for it as it is sweet, but I bet Julie would.

We dozed this afternoon and then went to see "The DaVinci Code". It has been several months since we listed to the book and so it was basically new to me. All very intriguing --

I am not sure what Tuesday will bring. I'm been in e-mail contact with a distant cousin who lives in St. Louis (Parker side) and she may be coming up on Tuesday to check out cemeteries at Ethel. If I don't hear from her in about an hour, I'll try a phone call. Bobby was hoping to go with us and I had planned on calling Aunt Maxine.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. June 11

From a going on dusk and cooler MO,

I had trouble sleeping last night. It wasn't any fault of the girls as I didn't hear them, but I finally gave up about 3:00 and took them outside - actually awakened them to take them outside. I returned them to their sleeping crate and sometime afterwards finally went to sleep until I heard them about 6:30. Took them outside and this time they joined me until almost 9:00.

I fixed French toast this a.m. and enjoyed the St. J and KC papers.

We had a little dab of rain last night - about one/half inch. My cousin, Bobby, who lives between Bucklin and New Cambria indicated they had about 3 inches if I understood him right. Some areas even received 6 inches - again if I was listening correctly.

We spent some time "supervising" Phil Stilwell putting in a mail drop at his home this afternoon. To begin with the directions that were given were incorrect, but finally the slot is installed. Jeanette kept saying his temper was subdued compared to normal when frustrations occur - so maybe I need to keep them in mind the next time Jim goes ballistic.

I do the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. Ruth called this afternoon that she probably wouldn't be there as a former minister at her church is in town and she is joining others in having breakfast with the family. I haven't done the computer work for a couple of weeks so it always takes me awhile to remember just what needs to be done - especially with the new format.

I want to make copies of some old photos that Aunt Maxine loaned me at our local copying store. They have a copier (might be called digital) that does a good job with old photos and even recreates the color tone. Beyond this, I really don't have any significant plans for the day, but I really do need to tackle the house.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. June 10

From a diverse MO day,

The day has been a little cooler and a cool front finally has reached us this evening. I say cool, but it is probably in the low 70s with a breeze from the northeast.

We had another good night of sleep - thank you girls - and took the last of the shrubs down this a.m. - and also found the dump site open so all has been removed from the yard. Jim then decided to see if he could get his weed eater going - finally did - and made some progress around the yard. Sandy McGinnis has a light weight, battery operated, weed eater and I'll check with her this coming week as to brand. It comes with two battery packs and she finds that she can handle it with ease - and it does the job that she needs to be done. The regular weed eater is just too heavy for Jim anymore and the process of getting it started it getting harder and harder for him.

We dozed the middle part of the day - of course the girls were with us. I fixed salmon patties for supper and the house has a definite salmon smell. We had a light sprinkle this afternoon, but I'm sure there wasn't enough to register in the rain gauge. I need to get out this evening a water as I didn't do this last night.

If it isn't raining in the morning, we need to take an abbreviated walk. I say abbreviated as we are out of shape and need to begin from the beginning again. The walk will also be good for the girls. I always look forward to the morning newspapers. The KC paper is now in a new format and it is going to take me a few weeks to get it figured out - guess that is okay because I'm seeing things that I probably would normally skip over.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. June 9

From what seems definitely like a summer day!

I am not sure what the temp finally stopped at this afternoon, but when we were out about 4:00 - one time and temp said 96 and the other was about 5 degrees cooler - no matter what - summer has arrived early in MO.

Jim and I slept in somewhat this a.m. (courtesy of the girls). Jim left about 8:30 to join breakfast with one of his breakfast groups and I did some minor errands with the girls in the backseat of the car.

He decided this morning that it would be quicker to take the shrubs down as a whole and rather than cutting them into smaller sections to go through the chipper/shredder - just take them on to the dump area that the city maintains for yard debris. We have four or five shrubs left to cut down, but this sure went quicker and much easier on the arms. The yard really looks bare and I will try to plant some flowers next spring that will come back yearly - the area sure needs some color! Actually they could be planted now, but the ground is so dry that I really am not ready to take on more watering needs. When we get the wooden fence repaired and I don't have to move a hose over the temporary fence - life will be easier.

We ended up going to the local bowling alley for lunch today - a late lunch. The sandwiches were as good as usual and we had side salads to go along with them.

Jim is currently watching a movie on tv relative to Cole Porter. I am toying with the idea of starting a book this evening - just haven't decided which one.

We want to finish the remaining shrubs tomorrow and beyond that we don't have anything on our schedule - that is fine with me.

I am not sure if I told you that Jim came home Wednesday from his second breakfast indicating that Jim Nashan is now home. He is currently in a wheelchair. Jim plans on picking him up next Friday for breakfast with the guys.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. June 8

From a warmish MO,

This has been another full day. I joined six others at breakfast (Mary D., Mary W., Sandy, Margaret, Clara, and Judy D. - hope I'm not missing someone) and we had a delightful time with lots of conversation. In fact - having left home about 7:15 - I didn't get back home until after 9:30.

Jim had the four shrubs cut down and had started hand trimming to the point where they could be fed into the chopper/shredder. I joined him and we were finished a little after 11:00. We took quick showers (much needed) and set out on some errands.

Needless to say, we took a needed nap this afternoon. I dropped off the car a little after 3:30 for an oil change and we headed to Bucklin to see Aunt Maxine and to pick up a 1884 history of Randolph and Macon Counties. I plan on doing some detective work in it this weekend - she already has some pages with stickies and we'll see what else I can find. I plan on returning it to her next week - after I get some xeroxing done on Monday.

I ended up fixing a good omelet for supper tonight.

Jim joins a group for breakfast in the a.m. and then depending on the heat, we'll get somewhere between two to four more shrubs down. The backyard looks so different as the shrubs were already planted when we moved in - 1971. Of course the wooden fence wasn't behind them at that time so now we just see the wooden fence - may have to come up with some flowers that will come up each year so give some color to the area.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. June 7

Jim had four or five "strikes" at Pomme with all the fish (except one) being of legal length. The one that failed the length test was only one/half inch too short - so he thought he had a good outing. I think he also caught one drum fish.

I accused him of cheating by holding the fish towards the camera, but I guess an old geezer can't be blamed.

B.

Wed. June 7

From a warmish MO,

This has been a full day!!! We set the alarm last night as both of us had activities to do this a.m. Usually we can count on the girls to get us moving - or at least try, but one never knows.

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. and I headed to HyVee to have breakfast with Pat Nichols as she is driving today to Nashville to attend a decorative painting national meeting. She should be back in Chillicothe on Sunday evening.

After breakfast, I had some minor shopping to do at HyVee as I thought a taco salad would be good for supper tonight.

I had numerous errands to do and seemed to make fairly good progress in getting them done. Jim came home and announced that he had decided to start working on the shrubs today rather than waiting until Thursday. We didn't make much progress, but at least the shrubs that were done today have been put through the chipper/shredder. He is hoping to do a few more in the a.m. and should be ready for me when I return from breakfast with the ladies.

I headed over to the Methodist Church just before 2:00 to help decorate for the annual RSVP banquet tomorrow evening. The theme this year is Mardi Gras and the tables and other decorations look great.

Afterwards, we headed to the library as Jim had some CDs to return and then we went on to a few more errands. Supper is now over and I have watered plants in the backyard - still need to do the front. Bill and Mary Thompson watered while we were gone and they always do a super job.

Jim will work with shrubs in the a.m. and I plan on joining the ladies for breakfast. I take my car in at 4:00 for an oil change.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. June 7

This is not the photo I was intending, but will try again. The girls (Trixie on left and Abby on right) have summer haircuts and looks somewhat like peeled rats. Thankfully the short haircut allowed us to quickly spot ticks on them. They take a medication designed to not allow foreigners to like them, but Trixie had one tick that attached.

B.

Tues. June 6

From a warmish MO,

We have returned from several days at Pomme. We were very fortunate with weather as the days were somewhat warmish - probably mid to upper 80s, but the nights cooled off and the mornings started at a comfortable temp.

Jim managed to catch 4 or 5 fish - all but one were legal keepers and the one he had to throw back was only one/half inch short of being legal. We joined the Wheelers and their family for a fish fry on Friday evening. Of course we also had to have fried potatoes and my infamous baked beans. I'm sure many were wishing they had nose plugs by the time bedtime arrived.

The devastation at Pomme seems to be localized to just a few areas. What has been known as Carson's Corner (Trading Post, J&N, restaurant, motel, covered sheds) is much different now. The Trading Post is being replaced by a "modern" gas station, J&N is being slowly repaired, the restaurant is under new management - lost part of roof, but is running smoothly now, motel has the north wing almost totally gone and what would have been the south wing looks as if the interior of each unit just disappeared. The covered sheds to the north of the motel would make a newcomer think that nothing had ever been there.

We didn't drive into the Corps section of camping (just east of the dam), but from our campgrounds it would appear that the peninsula that had been the camp grounds was almost wiped out on the east half - the trees are gone so I am assuming there has to be also much damage to the campsites. Sandy McGinnis' parents camped here for many years.

We now have all items put away, laundry is done, supper is over, and we are about ready to take off on a short drive to see what has been done on the development just east of the Grand River Inn.

I did manage to read three books while at Pomme - THE CONSTANT PRINCESS by Philipa Gregory, THE SADDLEMAKER'S WIFE by Earlene Fowler, and THE LEPER'S BELL by Peter Tremayne. Jim finished the new John Sandford book.

The girls did a fairly good job at the lake. Trixie had her difficult moments when going to bed at night. I don't know if she was too cool (thanks to getting a summer haircut a week before we left), but she did a lot of whining. When we let her crawl into bed with us after 5:00 in the a.m., she always wanted to be under the covers. We had their crate covered with a large blanket, but I think she was also just uneasy. The last two nights she slept well, but we had also bought inexpensive dog sweaters to put on them at night. We'll see how they do this first night home.

We have a lot of errands to do on Wednesday - will be back with you then.

Be safe.
B.