March 1 - 15, 2023 Will Spring Arrive?

 Wednesday - 1st - Routine stuff this morning, including Home PT. We worked on the computer. When we walked today, Steve's hip hurt pretty bad. Thursday - I read my book and stayed up late last night. Steve is still working with pictures on the computer. This new computer is a real mess related to music and pictures. It  doesn't work like the old one. Supper was Chicken Parm, a baked potato and green beans. It was pretty yummy! Some days my cooking is good and some days it is great! Friday - Today we did all the routine  things and then checked out  our taxes with a little stop at H & R Block. We don't have to file so that is good. I worked on the blog. Tonight we went to Subway and got a sandwich, a little different than making one at home. Saturday - Today we started our day watching Dateline. It was all about the Murdoch murder trial. Then it was more time spent on the computer. Oklahoma State Mens Basketball team beat Texas Tech! Yea! Sunday - The highlight for today was driving out to CCC Lake and walking the dogs. The dogs were super happy because they got to ride in the pickup and take a walk. It was double the pleasure for them.

Daffodils from our walk

Monday 6th - After the routine morning things we started the laundry. Again I am doing PT at home about 4 -5 times per week. I am supposed to keep that up through June. Steve and I worked on getting rid of duplicate pictures from the external drive. I also caught up my blog through the end of February. Later we watched a Zoom presentation about volunteering to work in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It seems to involve a lot of hiking and manual labor. They say most of their volunteers are 65 or over. Pretty interesting. Tuesday - Today was basically more of the same. I did go shopping at Thorn's in Perry for a birthday present for Hazel. We enjoyed celebrating her birthday a little early at La Macarena tonight. Wednesday - Today's highlight was a trip to Walmart. We were home by 12:30   and then we had lunch and worked on pictures. Supper tonight was meatloaf, baked potato, salad and berries. Thursday - Another routine day. The highlight was supper - Chicken Pot Pie, Salad and Berries. Friday - Again, just routine things including more work on the computer. Supper was Pork Loin, Brown Rice and veggies.  Saturday - We did a few errands around town. I am trying to make a picture book on Shutterfly for our Grandson, so I started that. Supper was Cajun Potato Skins and salad. That was great! Sunday - Today we set all the clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time! Fun! I do like it staying light longer in the evenings though. It will take a few days or a week to adjust to the time change though. I walked the dogs separately today - so Steve wouldn't aggravate his hip. They seem to behave better when they are the only one walking. 

Daffodils behind our fence

Monday - 13th. WOW! This month is going fast! We did laundry today and I worked on paying bills. Steve is also trying to get the music fixed on the computer. Tuesday - We were up and around pretty good today. We went to the Stillwater VA to talk to Steve's primary care provider about his hip. I want him to get a referral to an orthopedic doctor. Maybe they can give him some steroid shots or something to help him. So she started the paperwork. He also got a Shingles shot. I picked up a few thing at Walmart and then we were back home for lunch. I had book  club tonight and the book we read was: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" It was a good read about a book club formed when Guernsey was occupied by the Germans during WWII. It is also a movie on Netflix if you have that. The people I told about the movie said it was good. After book club, Steve and I went to La Macarena for supper. Wednesday - Another routine day. Later in the afternoon we met up with relatives at Braums. They were on their way back to Bartlesville. So I got to see my sister and her husband, Pam & JC, and my niece and her husband and son (Paige, Dave, Parker). And surprisingly we didn't take a picture. Weird! 

February 15 - 28, 2023 A Short Month!

 Wednesday 15th - We were up and around in good time today. The girl from Geek Squad was here at about 10 AM.  She was assessing what additional time would be needed to get us going. Buying a new computer should be joyful, this has been less than joyful. We skipped lunch and were back on the road to El Reno. We met Logan and got the keys to the Explorer. Steve installed the starter in about 30 minutes since it was the correct one. Then we tested it. I drove the Explorer around a bit while Steve followed me. It started consistently. So when Logan got out of school, we drove Kristi's vehicle to her at school in Yukon and we headed home. We had a snack when we got home and then rested. Thursday - Today was a routine day. We watched TV including our recorded shows. I did home PT. It was COLD today 26° with a wind chill of 13°,  Supper was Cajun Chicken Potato skins! A Weight Watchers recipe. Friday - I went to PT today after lunch. Most everything else was routine, like picking up the mail and working on the computer. Saturday - It's still cold so we watched three movies today. I did PT at home. Steve had trouble with his side of the bed. It would not go to the flat position. We took his mattress off, and looked on You Tube for solutions. Mainly we looked for a reset button. That was finally located but it didn't help. And low and behold, Steve finally figured out that the bed controller had been accidentally unplugged. So voila, plugged it in and it worked! Then we put the bed back together. Sunday - Our big adventure today was going back to Stillwater and getting a new printer at Best Buy. We also went to Staples for a cord to connect the printer to the computer (not using wifi for printer). Since we  were there we picked up groceries at Walmart Market. 

Monday 20th - Today   I felt a little bit under the weather and  slept in until 9:00 AM. We did laundry and had lunch. We tried to move items from the Passport (external hard drive) to the new computer. We also hooked up the new computer printer. I renewed our Escapees membership and worked on email and other things. Tuesday - Today our Geek girl was back. She was able to get our Quicken data transferred to the new computer and a few other things. We bought some virus software and MS Office software. None of our old stuff works, of course!  After she left, Steve and I had lunch.  Then we were able to copy the documents from the old computer on to a CD-DVD disk and put them on the new computer. Finally we had success on our own doing something. We didn't move all the documents, because a lot of them aren't needed. They were related to my working past. Wednesday - Today I did some banking and bill paying. Then we worked on Quicken and Photos. I had PT at Noon. They measured my ability to move my shoulder and wrote a letter for me to deliver to the doctor tomorrow. Thursday - We got  our routine stuff done and made ourselves ready. We left for Oklahoma City at 10:05 and arrived at McBride by 11:05. I checked in on my phone then they said to come on in. I met with the PA and had Xrays. I am now cleared to do whatever I want. I  can just do PT at home unless I think I need additional sessions. They said let them know if I need more PT. I do not have to return for another year. So Steve and I got bet  home and hung out. Friday - Today the VA called to talk to Steve about his hip. Even though he has had ablation on his back, his right hip continues to give him fits! I would like for Steve to have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. While Steve worked on projects on the new computer, I worked on planning out our yearly calendar. I also worked with Steve on photos and documents on the new computer. I did home PT also. Saturday - It has been chilly for the last 3 days and we are doing mostly routine stuff. Sunday - After doing my home PT I worked with Steve on the old/new computer. We had lunch and then we relaxed. Later   I even worked on the blog. 

Monday 27th - We started out the week as most every other week, with laundry (only had 2 loads). Then I worked on the blog and Steve worked on the new computer. Years ago, when we subscribed to MotorHome Magazine, we had scanned in a bunch of atricles about places to travel. Well I could not find that thumb drive. So I wanted to copy the scanned files to another thumb drive. We were able to accomplish that. Then I found the original thumb drive. Now I have two! We aslo made a run to Walmart to pick up my meds and a few groceries. Tuesday - We did all the routine things. Then we went to the beauty shop and I got a haircut and color. Steve got a haircut. Tonight we went to supper at La Macarena, but only Linda was able to join us. 

And that wraps up February. I am glad it was a short month!

This is the little wall ladder that I walk my fingers up to extend my arm/shoulder.

My most recent Xray - It looks great!

Steve & I after haircuts! I am not good at taking Selfies. This was about the 3rd try. 

February 1 - 14, 2023 Making Our Way Through Winter

 Wednesday 1st - I felt crummy when I woke up. A head cold has hit me. My first line of defense was resting under the electric blanket! Later I got dressed and helped Steve made the bed. After lunch I had PT.  Then I just rested most of the day. Oklahoma State beat OU  (our arch rival) in men's basketball. Yea! For supper we had steak and a baked potato. Thursday - This morning I had a sore throat when I woke up. So I took a Covid test and it was negative. After doing the regular chores we tried to figure out how to put iTunes on Steves phone. It was also time to pay some bills. After lunch we ran some errands around town, grocery store and drug store for cold supplies. Then it was back home doing more computer stuff. Tonight our  supper was chili! Friday - We were up at 8 AM and had breakfast. We left for the OKC VA by 9 AM. Steve had an appointment at 10:30. We completed that and got back home by 12:30. So the afternoon was spent relaxing and Steve worked on the computer more. Saturday - Today we did more computer work after breakfast. Also, the US Government shot down a Chinese Spy Balloon over the coast of S. Carolina. My sister saw some of the commotion because she and her husband were headed to Myrtle Beach for golf shoes. They spend winters at Pawleys Island and have for the last several years. Later Steve and I decided to go to Stillwater and buy a new computer. We think ours is just too out of date to get along with his phone. Sunday - It was a pretty routine day for us. We did pick up some groceries at Homeland and did a few other routine chores. I even took a short nap. Supper was Roast Beef, potatoes and carrots! Yum!

If you want to go to Glacier NP this summer - make sure to reserve your vehicle permit. 

Me lifting my weight for shoulder PT. My Grandson sent me a video of him lifting a huge barbell - so I returned the favor and sent him this! LOL

Monday 6th - After we got around  I called ATT and requested a new modem. Ours does not seem to be sending wifi to the living room. We did laundry today and home PT. Tuesday - Today we just did pretty routine things including working on the computer. We talked to Tony Powell and told him it will be June 1 or 2 before we can arrive at Echo Lake for our summer volunteer job. We can not leave until after Logan's Graduation (20th May) and Kristi and John's Wedding (26th May). I had Physical Therapy after lunch. Then I renewed our roadside assistance and Good Sam. We had supper at La Macarena with Linda, Hazel, and Stetson. The gang was all there. Wednesday - Today I worked on the blog some. It seems easy to put off when we aren't doing anything very exciting. It was rainy today. I went to Physical Therapy and they are having me do more exercises. I am really happy I got a new shoulder. We also made the trip to Stillwater Walmart Market for groceries. Thursday - Today the girl from the Best Buy Geek Squad came to the house and brought our computer and installed it. We got a Dell All in One. That took up most of the morning. After lunch we chilled for awhile. We were able to access email on the new computer. Friday - Steve worked on iTunes and now can't find the music on the new computer. We still have the music on a thumb drive and the old computer. I went to PT. Then I went shopping for a birthday present for Linda. I picked up Steve and we took Linda her birthday present. We tried to get the old printer to work with the new computer and that didn't work. Even after we downloaded drivers, etc! This new computer is beginning to be a pain! Steve and I went to La Macarena for supper to drown our sorrows. LOL SaturdayI was able to finish a blog post today. We also did some errands. Oklahoma State won their men's basketball game! Woo Hoo! We took our dogs on a short walk and then watched a movie. Sunday - We did routine morning things and home PT. Soon it was time to watch the Super Bowl. It was a great game and Kansas City won. We ate pizza fixed at home for supper!

Monday 11th - Mornings continue to be routine. We did laundry today and worked on the computer. We picked up the mail and went  to the bank and Foster (drug store) and Homeland. So we made several stops around town today. We also did our bank reconciliations today. Tonight I attended book club again. We discussed our book and decided on the next book to read. I enjoy book club! Tuesday 14th - Happy Valentine's Day! I got up and Steve had flowers and a home made card for me. I only had a card for him. But we agreed that we will continue to be each other's valentines! As we were sitting around we got a phone call from Kristi. She said Logan's Explorer wont start. He was able to get from the gym to school by catching a ride. So we loaded some tools and drove to El Reno so Steve could try to get his vehicle running. We were able to pick up the keys from him at school, then we went to the football field parking lot where it was parked. Steve started testing the starter. It would not start consistently. Then he took the starter off and had it tested at Auto Zone. They said it was OK. So back to the vehicle to put it on. More testing - still not starting consistently. Back to Auto Zone to get a new starter. Steve worked his tail off trying to install it - no luck. We went all around town trying to find some different bolts. We finally found some and back to the vehicle to try to install the starter. It was getting close to dark and Steve said, "Let's go back to Auto Zone and compare this new starter with the old starter." Sure enough, they sold us the wrong starter! Wow! What a waste of time and energy. By that time, he was pooped and we decided to quit for the day and return tomorrow. We took Kristi and John for supper at Swadley's in El Reno. We also saw Logan again because that is where he works. We got home about 9:00 PM.  Also while we were driving to El Reno,(in th AM), our boss from Montana texted me and asked if I could put an ad on Facebook to try to get a volunteer workamper for Echo Lake for the month of May. So I also worked on that while we were driving down there. We did tell him there would be a lot of trouble if they try to over stay. We like our gig at Echo Lake and Love the setting! So we don't want someone to get our volunteer job. 

My Valentine present and flowers.

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was a great sentiment.

Logan - Our Grandson who is a Senior this year! Where did the time go?

Jan 16 - 31, 2023 Boy Are We Getting Healthy?

 Monday - 16th We were up at 7:30 this morning. After our routine morning chores we headed to Stillwater . My car is getting an alignment today . Of course they found something else that was needed and the parts and labor ended up cost about $400 bucks! It also took them about 2 - 3 hours, so we were gone about 4 hours. We didn't drive the pickup today - just the car - so we sat in their waiting room all that time playing on our iPads. So glad we have something to play with. We took a little walk today. Then caught up on our TV shows. Dallas beat Tampa Bay on Monday night football! Yea! Tuesday - We did all the routine stuff this morning. Then we had lunch and I went to PT about 1:15. Later we took a walk and Steve cleaned off the bugs off the RV. We went to La Macarena for supper. Wednesday - We were up a little earlier today about 7 AM. so after breakfast we watched a little TV and made our bed. Later we got dressed and  went to the YMCA for a walk. Steve had an appointment with his primary care provider at Stillwater at 2:00. When that was done, we came home and relaxed. We had breakfast for supper tonight. Thursday-Our main task today was to get new tags for the RV and pickup. Then we went to the YMCA for walking. I walk on the treadmill and Steve rides a bike. We also completed our laundry today. Supper was Stew! Friday - I got up and around today.  and we were off the the YMCA for some exercise. We also did some errands around town (mail, bank, grocery store). After lunch I went to PT. The rest of the day was easy does it.  Saturday - We did all the routine things and hung around inside. I did my PT at home We  took a walk outside but it was COLD!. We watched more football today and Kansas City won and the eagles won.  Sunday - Again we went to the YMCA to walk. Then we watched football. Dallas lost. I did my PT at home. Supper was pizza at home. I buy the crust (Boboli Thin) and then add my toppings. 

Lake Pend OReille (From 2015 at Farragut State Park)

Monday 22nd - Today I was up about 8 ish. We did our usual things and also went to the YMCA where I walked and Steve biked. When I arrived home, I did my PT for the shoulder. After lunch we drove to Ponca City. The doctor I have had for about 20 years or so is retiring. I congratulated him and we talked about where he was going and RV's. He might get a used fifth wheel. His first trip is going to be Big Bend in Texas - Good  choice I told him. We also made a stop at Walmart for some groceries. Tuesday 24th -We left the house at 8 AM. We were off to Oklahoma City for Steve to get ablation on his back at the VA. It was raining when we arrived about 9 ish. We went up to the 7th floor for the ablation. After that was done we went down to the 2nd floor to get a hip Xray  for Steve. Then we were on our way home and arrived by 12:30.  After lunch Steve's primary care provider called and said his R hip is OK and had no change since 2018. She said he had a bone spur. She offered acupuncture, PT, or chiropractor. He has tried all those except acupuncture - so he isn't interested. We need a solution for his hip. When we walk - it hurts him every step. We ate supper with Hazel at La Macarena. Wednesday - Today was pretty routine. I went to PT and had Steve take it easy so as not to mess up his back. Thursday - We returned to the YMCA today and I did PT at home. We were on the computer to make a VA travel claim. They have changed the process and it seems more difficult to us. I am hoping it gets easier. Friday - Today after completing our routine things we went to the YMCA. I had PT at 1:000 PM. later I worked on the blog and we ate leftover chicken enchiladas for supper. Saturday - We putzed around and I did home PT plus we took a walk. I worked on my blog - which is still behind! Later I made chicken and vegetable soup. Sunday 29th - Today was my prep day for a colonoscopy.  We also made a run to Walmart Market for groceries. I did home PT today. Then I had clear liquids all day -and I didn't drink much of those either. The prep for the colonoscopy was so gross that I almost threw up! And I was up basically all night because you take another dose about 2 AM. What fun! 

Old Photos of Echo Lake (for your viewing pleasure)

Monday 30th - I only slept about 1 hour last night. We left the house at 4:30 AM. I checked in at the hopital at 6:15. The weather was supposed to be a little dicey so we left extra early. We were in outpatient surgery until 7:30 or so, then they wheeled me down to the recovery room to wait. I waited a long time, about an hour. Finally I had my procedure and we were done by 9:30 AM and home by 10:30. So then i ate a slept after that. My colonoscopy was uneventful. I have no problems, WooHoo! I hope to never do that again. Tuesday 31st - I was awakened by a call from the Ponca CIty Hospital at 7:30 AM. They wanted to check on me and see if I was ok. That was nice, but I wished they would have called later. I feel like I have a cold today. We worked on a project to try to transfer our music to a newer phone. Steve's iPhone 4 music phone is done! Of course it didn't go that great. After I showered and had lunch I went to PT. We worked more on the music transfer. Not much luck. Steve and I had supper at La Macarena. 

I threw in some old pictures for interest, because I haven[t taken may this winter. Enjoy!