December 17 -23, 2018

Mondays roll around every week, but now that I am not working, I don't mind them at all! We did some chores around the house. Then we went on an excursion to Stillwater for shopping. Belk, Lowe's, Big Lots and Walmart. We were able to complete a little more of our Christmas shopping. I ordered pizza for supper and Steve went and picked it up.

Steve & I getting in the Christmas Spirit!

Tuesday I worked on the blog and putzed around the house. I spent a lot of time with Apple support because my pictures would not download from the phone to the laptop. I was probably chatting with 3 different techs for 2 or 3 hours at different times. All of them had different suggestions that did not work. I finally used the cord for my iPad and it worked! I solved the problem myself! We watched some more of the Full Time Freedom Videos! They are fun! Tonight we celebrated Christmas with Linda & Hazel at La Macarena. We exchanged presents and had a good time visiting!
Wednesday was another day of wrapping presents. Then a trip to town for the mail and cash from the bank to put in Christmas envelopes.
Thursday 20th -  I did a few errands around town. Steve had bad pain in his back and was up at 4:00 AM - he didn't get much relief all day. So he mainly stayed in his zero gravity chair.
Friday-21st - rolled around and Steve & I went to Enid and picked up my sister Pam for lunch at Chili's. Then we shopped at Dillard's, Lowe's, and Penney's. I think the Christmas shopping is now complete. We stopped at Tops & Stripes to inquire about their backup cameras for the pickup - but the price is $500. So we will buy one from Amazon and do it ourselves. Today the wonderful congress and president decided to shut down the government because they can't agree. Can't we all just get along?
I saw a beautiful moon rise on this the shortest day of the year!

Moon coming up!

Saturday, 22nd -We got up and around a little earlier today and headed to Walmart in Stillwater to finish buying the groceries for Christmas - many last minute food items that we didn't already have. When we got back about 1:00 we finished wrapping the presents and had a sandwich for lunch. Then I napped. I fixed us a pizza for supper and we watched a movie on Amazon Fire. The kids arrived about 8:30 or so and the dogs were ecstatic!  Next we watched Kronck Christmas and then it was time for bed.
Sunday, 23rd - Today is the eve of Christmas Eve. Kristi & Austyn went to Stillwater and shopped for their last minute gifts. I fixed Ham and Scalloped potatoes for supper. Then we played Clue & Yahtzee. That was fun! We are all trying to be good so Santa will visit us!  LOL

December 10 - 16, 2018 New Tires and Leaving on a Jet Plane

Monday we were up to some of the usual things: laundry, bill paying, bookkeeping, post office.  I also wrote out and sent my Christmas Cards! In addition, I made a hotel reservation for Thursday - because us sisters are going down to OKC to stay overnight the night before Marsha's flies out. Steve's back is still bad.
Tuesday - I went to Enid to visit Marsha. Steve stayed home to let his back rest. Marsha & I ate at the Continental Tower cafe in Enid - it was OK - not great. I did a few errands in Enid and gave Marsha her Christmas present from us. After returning home we went out to eat with Hazel in Perry.
Wednesday - I took the car to Vance Chevrolet here in Perry. They were to change the oil and do a checkup before I drove it to OKC. After picking it up, I looked at the paper they provided and noticed that they had marked the tires as needing replaced! They had not said one word to me about them being bad. So I called and complained. They said they could get tires by tomorrow and put them on before noon (when I needed to leave). So we said go ahead and order them. Steve's back was a little better and he washed and cleaned up my car! So nice!
Thursday - The chevy place got me in about 30 minutes early to put my tires on the car. I got four (4) new tires on the car, so that should be good for awhile.  I packed up my stuff then drove to Enid to pick up Pam & Marsha.  Then we were on our way to OKC. The weather was HORRIBLE! It was extremely cold, windy with gust to 45 mph and continuous rain. Somehow we ended up eating at Charleston's again - not sure why, but it was OK.  The room was at Country Inn & Suites - a nice place - but I thought it was supposed to be Comfort Inn. I had to re-check my email to get the correct name and place.  This was a great hotel near the airport and we would stay again. Getting our bags unloaded with the driving rain and strong north wind was quite interesting. We arrived about 3:30 and stayed in our room all evening because of the bad weather.
Friday - 14th - We all had a poor night's sleep - Marsha was anxious, Pam was up & down and mine just didn't last long enough. We got up at 5:30 AM to take Marsha to the airport. She wanted to be there at 7:00 AM.  We ate breakfast at the hotel then loaded Marsha's stuff. We dropped her off at the airport - she did not want us to go in with her.  She doesn't like good-byes, so we did what she wanted. Pam & I went back to the hotel and rested until about 9:00 AM. Then she and I loaded our stuff and headed back to Enid. It was still miserably cold and gloomy. Traffic was light and we drove up Meridian to meet NW Highway. The drive to Enid was much better as the weather improved. After I got home it was rest and relaxation time for me. Marsha's flight to Houston was great and had no problems, but when she got to Houston her connecting flight was delayed. First it was a mechanical problem with the plane, then the crew, then the pilot. You name it, her flight had problems. She chose not to go to a hotel because they said the airplane would leave the next morning at 7:30.
Saturday - 15th - Marsha called about 8:30 and her flight still had not started. Next, it was supposed to leave at 9:30, then 10:00. They finally boarded them once & deplaned.  At 10:05 her flight took off and she got to Charleston, SC where Tony picked her up to return to their condo at Pawley's Island, SC. We wrapped Christmas presents today and later we watched Jack Ryan on Amazon Fire   TV.
Sunday was again a lazy day. We watched the Dallas Cowboys get beat bad by the Indianapolis Colts! Next we made a trip to Walmart for groceries and got them put away. Then, more football and bed.

December 3 - 9, 2018 Memorial Service for Nancy and Visiting

Monday arrived cold and windy!  The wind chill was 27 degrees. Today my sisters  and I went to Woodward, our home town, to make funeral arrangements for our sister, Nancy who passed away. We met with the funeral home director and the preacher who would provide the service. We also met up with my cousin Karen and later had lunch.  We went to the bank to take care of her financial affairs. We ordered flowers for the service at Akard's Florist in Woodward.  After taking care of these arrangements, we returned to Enid and I went home. On my way back to the house I stopped at Braum's for our supper and boy was I tired. We watched TV and slept.

My sister Nancy,who passed away - This was 2015 at the Nursing Home

Glass Mountains on the way to Woodward

Tuesday the 4th - I got up late and we hung around the house for awhile. We did go to Stillwater so Steve could get a chiropractic treatment. Steve also got his driver's license renewed for $38.00. I think it is good for four (4) years. We went out for supper with Hazel at La Macarena in Perry and then returned home to watch TV.
Wednesday rolled around and again I slept late. After showering, Steve and I went to Enid to see Marsha. We ate out at the City Sidewalk Cafe - one of my favorites. then we sat around and visited. I also went by the hospital where I used to work and said hi to everyone in the nutrition department. They had a sympathy card and a gift for me.  Paige, my neice arrived from Bartlesville and then Pam got home. So stayed a little longer and then came home. We just snacked for supper, then TV and bed.
Thursday - 6th - I got up and did a few chores: bill paying, mail, car registration, gas for the pickup and other errands. We did some bookkeeping after we got home and later went back to the grocery store.  I gathered up stuff for the trip to Woodward tomorrow (snacks, blankets, water, other cold weather gear) because we are supposed to have a snow storm. We like to be prepared! We found out that Tony & Anthony flew out today and surprised Marsha! Wow! That was a crazy surprise.  Tony is her husband and Anthony is one of her sons. They flew out to be supportive for the funeral service - very sweet. Marsha was so glad to see them. They rented a car after their flight and drove up to Enid.
Friday - 7th - Today is the day of Nancy's memorial service in Woodward. We got around, and left home about 8:30.  The whole bunch staying at Enid left the same time as we did and they are 45 minutes closer. We all met up at Braum's and visited with everybody awhile. Then my cousin Kathy and her husband Bob arrived from Kansas. Next we went to Billings Funeral Home and visited with people who came to the service. It was good to see relatives and friends. Later we stopped off at another cousin's house (John) and had snacks, then we were on our way back home. We got back about 6:00 PM. It was a long emotional day. We just rested and went to bed. Also - the snow storm did not appear but it was very cold!

Service

Service

Steve, Mary,Tony, Marsha, Pam, JC, Anthony

Me & Anthony (my Nephew)

Saturday - 8th We finally got a little momentum and put up our Christmas Tree. Since Steve's back has been bothering him so much and I am not in the mood - we are skipping the outside lights this year. The Christmas spirit has escaped me since Nancy's passing. We did buy a new fiber optic angel for our tree and it is very pretty.
Sunday- I was sad today. I had previously wanted to go on the Tour of Homes - but I just wasn't into it. We added some more decorations inside and watched football. My night have been short on sleep - so naps are appreciated. Steve's back has been giving him fits - not sure how that will improve.  We will hope for the best.

Our Christmas Tree with new Fiber Optic Angel

November 26 - December 2, 2018 Dealing with Death

Monday, the 26th I got up as usual ( after a poor night's sleep) and first on the agenda was to order some shots from the VA for Steve.  This is the day we planned to go to the nursing home in Oklahoma City and pick up Nancy's belongings. We cleaned out some storage tubs to take with us and aired up the tires on the dolly in case we needed it.  We also aired up the car tires while we were at it.  My sister Pam drove here from Enid and we all went to OKC in our pickup. We left here about 12:45 and got there about 1:45 PM. We talked the nursing home staff and they helped us get her stuff located.  Steve loaded the refrigerator, TV, walker and computer. We got things settled with the nursing home and returned home.
Tuesday 27th -  I slept late and  did some chores around the house. We had some more financial papers to fix with Edward Jones. Checked out some possible gift ideas on Amazon - but did not order anything.
Wednesday 28th- I didn't sleep very much - 3 hours or so.  I paid bills and cleaned out an old file cabinet that was in the garage. We sold our aluminum cans - 89 pounds brought $31.25. We cleaned up some leaves that had blown up by the dryer vent, so they wouldn't catch on fire. Anyway we felt like we accomplished some tasks today.
Thursday 29th- we went to Stillwater and bought shoes for Steve. Next we picked up his orthotics - they were finally ready. Thursday night football as good this week - Dallas played the Saints and won by one point. We talked to some relatives today that we had not heard from in quite awhile.
Friday 30th of November - Marsha (my sister from back East) was to arrive today at the airport in OKC. At first Pam & her husband were going to pick her up, but then JC couldn't go. So I got up fairly early and got ready, then drove to Enid. I met Pam and she drove us to OKC to pickup Marsha. It was foggy and not a very pleasant day! We arrived about 11:30 AM which gave us time to park and get into the airport. Marsha arrived at 12:30 and had no problems with her flight or luggage. We left the airport and ate at Charleston's on the way back to Enid. The food was fine, but the portions were too big and the price was high. We got back to Enid about 4:30 and went to Ulta so Marsha could get some hair products. I hung out at Pam's and we visited a bit and then I left for home about 5:30. It was dark and I had a hard time seeing but made it home safe! Yea!
Saturday, 1st of December - I took it slow and easy this morning. We watched OU beat Texas. We moved our vehicles around so Steve could work in the garage. I finished going through Nancy's things. We didn't do much. We did watch some Full-Time Freedom (RV) videos.
Sunday 2nd - I was up about 8:30 and we did laundry today. We went to Walmart and pickup up my medicine, Steve got some new slacks and we also got a new filter for the water faucet at home. We watched Garth Brooks special and really enjoyed it.  I didn't go back to Enid because I thought
Marsha and Pam needed to rest.  I made another change to Nancy's obituary - the final change.
The passing of my sister has been hard on all of us. It was so unexpected and we just weren't ready.
Is there a convenient time to die?   Dealing with the death of a sibling is not fun.  It is especially hard during the holiday season. So far we are making the best of it, what other choice is there.

November 19 - 25, 2018 Things Change -In A Big Way

Monday rolled around as usual - and it sure is nice not to have to face work on Mondays anymore! I really don't miss work. Maybe that day will happen, but not yet! This week was Full Time Freedom Week - which I purchased a ticket to and we started listening to some of the videos. So far we have enjoyed all that we watched.  Learning Mode! Kristi and the kids arrived and we had supper at home - Baked Penne Pasta. The kids twisted our arms and made us take them to Braum's for ice cream.  Grandparents are pretty easy to convince about ice cream.

Logan & Buster watching TV

Tuesday we got up slow and after we got around the adults went to Stillwater for some Christmas shopping and Steve also went to the chiropractor for his back. Then we came home and went to La Macarena for supper.
Wednesday we didn't do a lot - just stayed here at home. We all walked down to the park and it was a nice day for that. The dogs love walking in the neighborhood! I made Hodge Podge Soup.

Our dogs are spoiled! They love to sleep on pillows!

Thursday was Thanksgiving. So all of us got around and dressed. I prepared Pink Party Salad to take to my niece's house in Bartlesville. We all loaded up in the car and over hill and dale we went. I also am the official gravy maker for Thanksgiving - so I did contribute that. We also give them some money because they buy so much stuff. Steve & I and the kids walked around the block after lunch - to try to stay alert. I drove over and Steve started the drive back, but I had to take over driving again- because he got sleepy. We didn't stay long because it gets dark so early and I can't see great after dark anymore. I can't believe I have gotten to that age. WOW! We got home in time to catch the last half of the Dallas vs Washington game and Dallas won!

Friday shortly after Steve and I got up, I received a phone call. It was from the nursing home where my sister Nancy lives. Gina, the head nurse said, "I'm Sorry to tell you this, but Nancy had a cardiac arrest at 7:54 and passed away at 8:23 AM after a full code with epi and bicarb. She did not have any arrhythmia". I was totally shocked and saddened. She had been doing so good. I could barely stutter. This was so unexpected. She was 68 years old - only 5 years older than me.  My sister Pam, who lives in Enid had talked to the nursing home the night before and they said Nancy was doing fine. Then I called Pam & Marsha and told them this horrible news.  We made a flurry of calls to start making arrangements for her cremation and funeral service. I called the nursing home back and asked them to lock up her valuable items. This happened and we were all shocked to say the least. I was planning to return to see her the next day - Saturday. I spoke with the funeral home and discussed how to handle the cremation (direct cremation) and made some preliminary arrangements. Marsha, my sister in South Carolina made plans to fly out. It was crazy and sad.

Saturday we got up about 9:00 and Steve & I went to Enid so Pam and I could write the obituary and make plans. My body was slow, still in disbelief. Kristi & the kids were leaving, so we all left about the same time - 12:15 or so. Pam & I figured out several things and confirmed plans. This was just not something we expected. Nancy was so sick last year at this time - but she pulled out of it. This fall she had been doing better. This just reinforces what we all know:  We do not know the time and place.

                                               Book from my Mom that has important family dates


Sunday, we were up about 7:30 and had breakfast. I was in a daze somewhat. We did laundry and watched TV. I was sad this afternoon. I talked to my other sisters and just tried to let this reality soak in.

November 12 - 18,2018

Monday begins with laundry and I did a blog post. I am so far behind on this blog - it is unreal. But I am going to try to catch up. I mainly do this for a record  for myself. It can be helpful!
We woke up to snow!  It was pretty and I took some pictures!

I talked to Linda today and we discussed some family matters. I started scanning notes that my Dad had written and I have had for twenty years. I plan to scan them and put them on flash drives for some of my relatives who are interested in reading them. It is interesting to me - my Dad was a positive thinker and always was making notes on things he read.  I forgot to take my medicine today and had a poor  night's sleep. I will try not to do that again!
We have been watching recorded shows and also Amazon Prime. We like Man in the High Castle - such a different story.  Sometimes it is complicated and we have to go back and watch parts again.  We had supper with Linda  and Hazel. This week we have also taken care of some financial stuff.
On Thursday - November 15, 2018 - I got a permanent. We were at the beauty shop awhile and visited. We watched Thursday night football.  Friday included a Walmart run!  So exciting!
Saturday was nice - we went to a craft fair here in Perry. We didn't buy any crafts but we did eat pie! Steve and I split a piece of cherry pie, and we sampled Linda's Coconut Macaroon pie and Upside Down Lemon Meringue pie.  All were delicious and you can google the recipes!
Sunday we watched the Dallas Cowboys beat Atlanta Falcons! We were surprised and happy. We also went to Lowe's.
I cooked a pork loin roast this week and we had sandwiches from it one night, another night I made pizza, then turkey burgers, chili and two nights out to eat.  I seem to make burgers, pizza and chili quite often.

November, 5-11 2018 Routines

Many days follow the same routine when we are at home.  We have chores that have to be done, like laundry, cleaning, going to Walmart or other places to replenish our supplies. Sometimes we do something more interesting, like I ordered contacts and picked them up and we got the new memory foam pads for the bed and put them on. That was quite an ordeal - but they are better than the previous ones we had  - so well worth the work.

Soap on the window at the car wash! 

The VA referred Steve to a provider in Stillwater for his new orthotics, so that process was easier.  We spend some time straightening out problems or taking advantage of deals - like AT & T unlimited for veterans. I also griped at Walmart about the change in the Savings Catcher program - but they don't really care if I participate or not.

On Friday, November 9, 2019 - we went to Oklahoma City and visited my sister Nancy in the Nursing Home. She seemed to be more alert and in good spirits and I took her some snacks and books. I also called my other two sisters and she talked to them on the phone while we were there. I asked the social worker when she would get her free phone re-instated - and she said she would work on it. I also talked to the nursing director.  Then we went to the VA for Steve's appointment. After that we went to Cheevers in Uptown Oklahoma City. It used to be a floral shop and was purchased and re-purposed into a restaurant. It still uses the flower refrigerator case to keep the wine chilled. It was a nice place and not loud, so Steve & I were able to visit.

Oklahoma City Skyline - Devon Tower (tallest)

Saturday and Sunday we watched football. In addition - we walked around the square downtown and did some bookkeeping.
Oklahoma State played Oklahoma University at Norman (away for Ok State) and we only got beat by  one point. Here, we call this game Bedlam!

My Alma Mater - Oklahoma State University - Pistol Pete

This is a gun that is on the square in our  town - Perry

Steve - Air Force

Dad - Army

October 29 - November 4, 2018

Monday, the 29th we got on the road and started for home.

RV Park at Pine Bluff - Deam's

Our RV at Pine Bluff

Little Rock

Some fall color at Little Rock -East of I 30

Bridge at Little Rock - Some fall color

Arkansas River  - Little Rock

Arkansas River at Little Rock - a little muddy!

It was a pretty easy day. We stopped in Alma, AR. Once we pulled in I realized that we had stayed here on another trip. I think it used to be a KOA but is now privately owned. The neighbor next to us about talked our leg off when we were getting our utilities hooked up - but that's OK. I think he might have been lonely. We just relaxed and took it easy after walking the dogs.

Alma AR RV Park

Our RV site at Alma AR

Pond at Alma RV Park

Flower I saw on our walk

Tuesday, we got up and walked the dogs and took off for El Reno, OK. This little green frog tried to hitch a ride with us! The drive seemed shorter today - that was good. After getting set up at the El Reno Lake RV Park we took Irene, Kristi and the kids to Denny's for supper. We all had some form of breakfast - Yum!

Wednesday, we got around and all took off for home. Irene returned to Amarillo and we headed back to Perry. When we got home, we rested.

Steve - Oct 1, 2018

Logan - Oct 30, 2018

WHO wore it better?  Grandpa or Grandson! - Both of them tried this head on at Walmart and had their pictures taken different days.  Now you have the comparison!

Steve made me take this picture!  Our little town is putting up Christmas decorations and it is only the  31st of October ! Halloween!  Christmas at Halloween-- when will this nonsense stop?

Thursday - we stopped our Dish satellite service for this year. I ordered a different mattress topper for our bed at home - because it is not as comfortable as the one in the RV. Fingers crossed this new topper will fix that problem. I also decreased our data plan from AT & T since we are home on WIFI. And we did our Laundry!
Friday - was pretty routine - we did some household chores, got the mail and I ordered some new contacts.
Saturday we watched Oklahoma State Football - they lost to Baylor.  I mowed the front yard. Then later we watched OU play Texas Tech and OU won.
Sunday-Today we completed mowing the back yard. I can't believe it is November and we are still mowing the yard!  That will soon come to a halt I guess.

October 22 - 28, 2018 A Busy Week and Traveling to Arkansas

 Monday the 22nd I went to the health department and got a free flu  shot. After that was completed we took the RV out to the Perry Lake and shampooed the carpet. In addition to that - we did some deep cleaning of the stove, bathroom, and shower. By the time the day was over - we were pooped. 

Tuesday we  went to Ponca City for my routine doctor appointment and also did a Walmart run for supplies.

Wednesday the 24th, we went to the VA. Steve had two eye appointments and the first one was at 10:00 AM. That means we got up pretty early and got on the road by 8:00 or 8:30 AM. Anyway, I was sleepy - We were in the waiting room a long time - I told Steve if I started to snore - wake me up!  When I got up to go to the restroom - I saw a friend who used to work for me at Wheatheart Nutrition. It was Janet - who was our site manager at Blackwell, OK.  She and I had a great visit and made a plan to get together for lunch sometime! Anyway it made my time pass faster, getting to visit. Steve got his eye check done and they ordered new glasses for him. He is supposed to return in January to see how the glasses are doing. 

We got home and rested a bit then started gathering and packing things for the upcoming RV trip to Arkansas. 

Thursday the 25th - we finished packing the RV. It was raining - not fun! We decided not to have Steve go up on the roof and put the satellite dish in place.  In fact, we stopped at Camping World in OKC and tried to buy a portable Tailgator satellite dish to ensure Steve doesn't have to keep getting up on the roof. Guess what? They did not have any in stock. So we drove on to El Reno and set up the RV. Then we drove the pickup into town to Kristi's house to wait for Irene (his sister from Amarillo) to arrive. After she got there we loaded her stuff into the pickup and we all went to eat Pizza and Ice Cream for supper.  After that we returned to the RV and got settled in for the night. Of course our dogs did not know Irene and so they were troublesome getting acquainted with her. Finally, they settled in for the night and by the next morning the dogs were starting to accept her. 

Friday was sunny - Better for travel

We got up Friday morning and hooked the pickup back up to the RV and got ourselves ready to travel. We left about 11:00 AM and headed east to Arkansas. We stopped for the night at Fort Smith, AR and I thought we could stay at a Corp of Engineers park - but we pulled in & they were full. Duh,  I had not made any reservations. So I called a private park - they didn't have any vacancy either. Next I tried to get us to the military park - but the road did not work. So I found an RV Park at a Golf Course, Eagle Crest Golf Course & RV Park. They were very nice and had plenty of room - and it only cost $25.00.  We were almost lonely there, only one other RV was there.  It was a nice RV park and a good deal.

Saturday, we got up and walked our dogs and putzed around then hit the road. We got to Pine Bluff about 3 PM and got the RV set up in a pull through site at a park not far from where Steve's other sister, Terry lived. It was also $25.00 per night. It was a nice spot - but we were the only travelers there I think. Most of the rest looked like they lived there and worked.  The owner was very nice and we were fine with it. Oh, I almost forgot, it was pretty warm and the mosquitos were lively. We went and met up with Steve's sister and her man then took the whole bunch to a Chinese  buffet. They were happy we came.

Irene, Steve, Terry

On Sunday we took everybody to lunch at Chili's to celebrate Terry's birthday! Then we made a trip to Walmart for a few things. After that it was officially nap time! In the evening we all went for Ice Cream and I got a few pictures of Steve with his sisters.