May 16 - 31, 2023 Preparation for Trip, Graduation, Wedding, and Drive to Montana!

 Tuesday - 16th - After breakfast I started mowing the front yard, while Steve did weed eating. Then we rested a bit and took turns mowing the back yard. After lunch it was off to the beaury shop to get my hair colored. Then we had supper with Linda and Hazel at La Macarena. 

Wednesday - 17th - We got around and  did some routine things around the house. This included paying some bills. Later we went to Stillwater so Steve could get his 2nd Shingles shot. Of  course we also hit up Walgreens and Walmart Market. 

Thursday - 18th - More bills to pay and then some bookkeeping I typed up two special messages today. One for Logan and his graduation and one for Kristi and John's wedding. We started packing clothes, food and other items in the RV. We took a few breaks so as not to get too tired.

Friday - 19th - Today we did the final loading of the RV. We left Perry at 11:00 AM. On our way out of town we gassed up the RV. We drove to El Reno and stopped at Walmart for some groceries before we parked the RV.  Steve & I set up the RV at El Reno Lake, then took a short nap. We had to return to Walmart because Steve didn't bring his clothes for graduation. I made us sloppy joes and we ate chips with them.  

 Saturday - 20th -Today was graduation for Logan. So we were up at 7:15 to walk the dogs and get dressed. We arrived at the football field about 8:30 and watched Logan graduate. He had over 200 classmates. It was over at 11:00 AM. Then we went to Kristi's and headed to Outback Steakhouse. After lunch we had cake and ice cream to celebrate the graduation

 

Logan Singletary with Honor Cords and National Guard collar

Logan with cake

Kristi, Logan and Austyn

Sunday-21st - Today we kind of took it easy in the morning. Then later Kristi, John, Austyn, Logan and his girlfriend came out to the RV and we had a fire and cooked hamburgers and S'mores. Everyone had a great time. 

Monday 22 - After breakfast, Steve worked on the light in the closet. Then it was back to Walmart for more supplies. After lunch I went with Logan and his girlfriend to get the oil changed in my car. Then we relaxed. Kristi and John came to the RV for a visit. I made us supper and we finished the evening with TV. 

Tuesday 23 - Today we  made a trip into OKC to go to the VA. Steve had a checkup with the SCI clinic. Then we waited in the pharmacy to get his medication for the trip. They didn't have the injections, so we will have to call tomorrow and return to pick them up. We took Kristi and John to Hideaway pizza for supper. 

Wednesday - 24th - This morning checked with the VA and the shots had arrived. So we drove to the VA and pickup up the shots. Then it was back to the RV. We prepared it to move and hooked up the pickup. We are staying at Mustang Run RV Park in Yukon until the wedding. Also, we had to stop and get a new fan motor resistor, so the Air conditioner will blow on all speeds. Steve fixed that. Then it was over to Kristi's for supper and back to the RV. 

Thursday -25th - This morning we putzed around a bit after walking the dogs. I made taco meat for a taco salad for lunch. After lunch we went to Kristi's to work on the sleeves for her dress. We were there til about 2:30 or 3:00. Then it was back to the RV. We had supper at Chili's with Kristi and John. Then returned to the RV. 

Friday - 26th - Today is the  big day, Kristi and John are getting married. We got dressed and walked the dogs. Next we went to the event center to help decorate for the wedding and do the rehearsal. We ate lunch with Kristi and Austyn after we picked up the wedding cake at Walmart. We got to go back to the RV and took a much needed nap.  We walked the dogs before getting dressed up in our wedding finery. I did my hair and makeup and returned to the wedding venue for pictures, rehearsal, wedding ceremony and  reception. It was great!

Steve & Logan

Steve

 

Mary

Kristi - Our Bride

Steve & Kristi - Father Daughter Dance

One of the decorations made by Kristi

Austyn, Kristi and John

Saturday - 27th - After doing all our routine things we unhooked the utilities and hooked up the pickup. We drove to Perry . We got gas again and dropped off our fancy clothes. We picked up a few items we had forgotten and were on the road to Montana. We spent the first night at Russel Kansas, Triple J Campground. We just hooked up the Water and Electric - so we could get a good start in the morning.

Sunday - 28th - We were up at 7:30 and had our breakfast and walked the dogs. After unhooking our utilities we got gas and hit I-70 West. We drove about two hours then made a stop at a rest area. We drove another hour and had a nap. Then we drove on to the KOA at Strasburg, CO (East Denver). We parked and hooked up the utilities. We got pizza delivered for supper. Then it was resting and relaxing. 

A pretty little flower!

The cabinet got jumbled on I-70

Lovely Old Homestead at Agate CO

Single parent household

Monday - 29th - We ate the KOA breakfast of pancakes, sausage and orange juice. Then we got ready to travel after walking the dogs. Steve drove through Denver like a pro. Then we crossed into Wyoming. It was a lovely travel day. We made it all the way to Buffalo, WY and stayed at Deer Park Campground. This place is about 1 mile east of the interstate and it feels a hundred miles away. It is out in the country and has nice trees. The weather was lovely. We watched two Tom Sellack movies because the trees blocked our satellite. 

These are pictures out the window of the RV as we were driving alon.

Watkins, CO

                                                                        Erie, CO

Crossed into Wyoming!

Chugwater, WY - I love these rock formations!

Slater, WY

Flowers at Wheatland, WY

Douglas, WY

A few Pronghorns, my favorite!

Casper, WY

Buffalo, WY

Buffalo, WY

Tuesday - 30th - Today we left Buffalo and drove to Deer Lodge, MT. We stayed at Indian Creek Campground. We have stayed here many times. It has a nice place to walk the dogs and also a view of the mountains. We are pushing really hard to get to our volunteer camp host job at Echo Lake, MT. Steve did two days of more than 400 miles. This is not our usual mode of travel, but we are in a hurry.

Parkman, WY

Ranchester, WY

Crossing into Montana at 10:00 AM

Big Timber, MT

Big Timber, MT 1:22 PM

Crossing the Continental Divide - Homestake Pass near Butte, MT 

Wednesday - 31st - We did all the usual things this morning. After walking the dogs, we unhooked the utilities and made the RV ready to travel. We have not unhooked the pickup since we started this journey. We got propane before we got on the road. We got to Echo Lake at 2:30 PM. Then we unhooked the pickup in the parking lot. Next, we parked the RV and hooked up our utilities. We started getting things set up for the summer here. Later we went to town for a few groceries and to wash the pickup. We had Chili for supper.  It was yummy!

View of the Mountains from the RV Park at Deer Lodge, MT






Homestead at Garrison, MT

Ovando, MT

Swan Rive at Ferndale, MT almost to Echo Lake our summer place!

That's it for this drive! We made it to Echo Lake!

May 1 - 15, 2023 Amarillo and Back Home to Make Trip Preparations

May 1-Monday We did all the morning things including walking the dogs and dumping the sewer. Then we drove to Yukon to pick up Kristi. She had to go to the bank, then we returned to El Reno. We unplugged from utilities. Next we stopped at Walmart to gas up and then we hooked up the pickup. Kristi picked up Austyn as both of them were riding with us to Amarillo. We arrived in Amarillo about 4:00 PM. We got parked and hooked up our utilities. Then it seemed the hot water wasn’t working, so Steve and I went to the shower house to clean up. We got dressed and all of us met David & Beth at Cracker Barrel for supper. We did go to the hotel and check her mom’s room for a purse - no luck. 

May 2 - Tuesday - It was about 7:15 or so when we woke up, thanks to Austyn’s alarm - which she didn’t hear or shut off. We had breakfast and got dressed, made the bed and walked the dogs. Kristi was gone with the pickup. When she got back we found out she had been at the hotel cleaning out the room her mom died in. We told her we would help - but she couldn’t sleep and decided to get it done. Next we went to the trailer where her mom had moved and cleaned as much stuff out as we could til we got tired. Then we went back to the RV after picking up some lunch. Our stop after lunch was the funeral home where Kristi started making arrangements. We ate supper at Jorge’s (Mexican). It was pretty good but pricey. 

May 3 - Wednesday - After we got up and around we went back to the trailer house and started cleaning again. I ate snacks for lunch while the rest of the group had Weinerschnitzel (which I don’t like). Then it was back to work at the trailer and back to the RV. John & Logan arrived today. We had pizza tonight. 

May 4 -Thursday -Again we went back over to the trailer with John & Logan helping finalize the clean-up. Then it was back to the RV for showers. We hung out until 2:00 PM and then Steve & I picked up Irene (Steve’s sister) and went to the service. All of us went to Abuelo’s for supper after the service. This was a stressful time for most everyone and it was good to have it mostly over with.

May 5 - Friday - We were up at 8:00 AM and after getting dressed and walking the dogs, we started getting ready to leave. We dumped our tanks and unhooked the utilities, then hooked up the pickup. We gassed up the RV and headed back to Perry OK. We did stop and walk at the Oklahoma Visitor’s center. We got home and crashed. For supper - we picked up burgers at Braum’s.

May 6 - Saturday- Today we did laundry and ordered items from Amazon. Later we watched the Kentucky Derby. May 7 - Sunday - Highlight for the day was mowing the yard then working on pictures. 

May 8 - Monday- I got a new bank card today - not because mine was compromised but because it will expire when we are in Montana for the summer. It did not take long at all. Steve went to the dentist because he was having trouble with a tooth. I also picked up our dry cleaning (Clothes for the wedding), and paid bills. It was a productive day including paying bills and bookkeeping. I also made a reservation for the RV Park for the wedding.

May 9- Tuesday-This morning we worked on the flower beds. Then it was inside to continue working on pictures. We had supper with Linda and Hazel at La Macarena. 

May 10 - Wednesday- I had an appointment with the dermatologist. So that was our destination after completing the morning routines. We also went to Walgreens, Ulta and Walmart to get things we needed. Then it was back home.

May 11 - Thursday - Today it was more errands around town. I picked up my contacts. We went to the vet for more heart worm pills.

People in small towns drive their lawnmower to the post office!

May 12 - Friday - We drove to OKC for a VA appointment. Then we went to Dillards to shop. I got a new pair of jeans and a pair of cropped pants. We had lunch at Chic Fil A in the mall food court. Then we went home and did routine things.

May 13 - Saturday - Today we worked on household stuff. I took money to Hazel and Stetson - for their help this summer. Hazel handles our mail and Stetson mows our yard. May 14 -Sunday - It was a little rainy today. But Logan came up to our house about 1:30 and helped Steve do some cleaning and vacuuming. Then he and Steve put he new mattress pad on the RV bd and made it up. We appreciated his help as we are a little behind in getting around to head to Montana.

May 15 - Monday - Today we worked on our laundry after our morning routine. I went to the post office and retrieved mail. We got extra meds and C-Pap supplies for our trip. We did our bank statements. Supper was Fish and Fries. We are trying to eat up the extra food in the freezer before we head out on our trip

April 16 - 30, 2023 Routine Things and Something Unexpected!

 Sunday- 16 th I was up a little lat today. So I putzed around a bit. Then Steve and I worked on the computer until 1:15 PM. We are still working on pictures on the new computer. We did a little walk and for supper we had turkey bacon, eggs and berries. 

Monday -   17th - After doing all our routine  morning chores I went to the Eye Doctor to have my annual checkup. After lunch Steve and I went to the funeral for Maxine (Hazel & Linda’s mom). Maxine was the first wife of my first husband. We also went to the gravesite. We were feeling kind of punk when we got home and just relaxed. I made Taco Salad and we had berries for dessert. 

Tuesday 18th-After we did our morning routine I also did my Physical Therapy moves at home. We had lunch and then met with our financial advisor. Then we worked on the computer and relaxed. Steve & I went to La Macarena for supper. 

Wednesday - 19th- We completed our morning routine and then went to Stillwater. I had an appointment with my new primary care provider, a nurse practitioner. Then we went to Walmart for groceries. We were able to get gas on our way home. We got the groceries unloaded and had lunch. I did my home PT and then we relaxed and watched some TV. 

Thursday - 20th - After the morning chores we worked on mowing the yard. I also did my Home PT. Not sure how we filled the afternoon. Supper was meatloaf, baked potatoes, green beans and berries. 

Friday - 21st-Today I did  some errands around town. I paid the car insurance , checked the mail and went to Thorn’s to buy a present. Steve worked on pictures most of the day. After lunch I took the pickup for an oil change. I also stopped and visited with  Linda at her shop. We took a walk after supper. 

Saturday -22nd- We did all the usual morning things. After lunch we got ready and drove to Dewey, OK to visit my sister Pam. Then we went to Bartlesville for Paige’s (my niece) 50th birthday party. It was a great party and had a taco bar and birthday cake. We got back home about 9:30 PM. 

Cake

Cookie Cake

Decoration

Pam & JC

Pam & I

Sunday - 23rd-We did the morning chores and then I did my Home PT after a shower. After lunch I helped Steve with pictures on the computer. For supper I fixed chicken vegetable soup and berries. 

Monday - 24th More routine stuff today. I did home PT. We both worked on the laundry. Then we worked on pictures on the computer. We also bought a duplicate picture cleaner to help us solve the problem. It rained today.  

Tuesday - 25th - We worked on getting rid of the duplicate pictures. After lunch we went to Stillwater for a follow-up on Steve’s hip. He has not had any real improvement from the injection. So I guess it is his back that is the main problem. It also rained again today. We ate supper with Linda and Hazel at La Macarena.

Wednesday - 26th - I did my home PT after a shower. Then we worked on pictures most of the day. We got tired and quit to watch TV. We got more rain today.

Thursday - 27th - Pretty much, more of the same. I did pay some bills and work on my blog. Steve stayed on the pictures.We had rain again overnight. This is good for us because we were in a drought. We needed rain. Supper was chili and berries.

Friday - 28th - We did all the morning things. After lunch we went to Staples and Walmart. Then back home to do the same old thing. Again it was rainy and overcast. 

Saturday - 29th - We had breakfast and started working on pictures. Then Kristi called and said her Mom (Steve’s first wife) died (unexpectedly). So we started packing the RV. That took about two hours. We planned to pick her and Austyn up and then we would take them to Amarillo to take care of her Mom’s stuff and service. I went to mail some birthday cards and Steve pulled the RV up to the parking lot where we hook the pickup on the tow bar. When I got to the parking lot, he had checked our new rear tires and the inside dually on the passenger side was flat - no air. So we went back to the house and aired that tire up. He found out the valve stem was not screwed in tight. Then we drove to El Reno and parked. Kristi and Logan met us for supper at Pecina’s Mexican Cafe. They have great food.

Sunday - 30th - Today after we ate breakfast, we walked the dogs. We stayed at the El Reno Lake Campground. It only costs $25/night and it is more like camping than an RV Park,We went to Walmart for some stuff and had snacks for lunch. We drove to Yukon to Kristi’s house for supper. She fixed Spaghetti and salad along with garlic bread. We also had some cheesecake. Then we went back to the RV to rest for the trip to Amarillo tomorrow.

April 1 - 15, 2023 Is It Spring Yet?

 April 1 - Saturday - Today I worked on the computer and ordered some items I needed. We watched Men's Basketball, the Final Four. One game was very exciting and the other one wasn't. Sunday - 2nd - I helped Steve work on music. We got rid of boxes in the garage and I did other routine things. Monday -3rd It warmed up to 89° today - rather hot for April. Steve was working on the music stick for the RV. I paid some bills and listened to RV budgeting. Steve picked up the mail and we received our invitations to Logan's graduation and Kristi and John's wedding. We also watered our yard and did a load of laundry. For supper, we picked up pizza from Simple Simon's. 

It was Hot today!

Tuesday 4th - I got up late. So after I got around I was off to the beauty shop to get a perm . Then we had leftover pizza for lunch. We  loaded up both our dogs and took them to the vet for their annual checkup. When they got home - they rested and didn't feel great. I guess those shots make them lethargic. We ate supper at La Macarena and it was yummy as usual. Wednesday - 5th - It was 39° this morning. Steve had an appointment at Stillwater to see an orthopedic doctor about his hip. He was seen through the Community Care program through the VA. The doctor said his hip was good. He does not need a hip replacement. Then we were off to Walmart Market to shop for groceries. We had lunch at home after unloading the supplies. Steve went back to work on the music. I talked to my sister, Marsha. Also, Tony Powell texted us to see if we had any tornados in our area. We were lucky and did not have tornadoes here. Thursday 6th - We had pretty routine stuff today. We did take our RV Engine battery to O'Reilly's to check it. They said it is OK and just need more charging. So we put it on the battery charger at home. I am also still doing home PT for my shoulder. Friday - 7th - Today we did errands around town. We picked up some plastic Easter eggs, candy and cash. We decided we would make up an Easter egg hunt for the grown grandkids. About 5 PM Logan called us and  he got his vehicle totaled avoiding a wreck! He was safe but his vehicle is scrap now. I made chicken enchiladas tonight. They were good. 

Saturday - 8th- We did our usual morning routine. Then we did some yard work. I mowed and Steve did weeds.  After lunch we stuffed the plastic eggs with cash and candy. Then we straightened the kitchen and did a few other chores. Sunday 9th - Easter. I was up at 8:00 and put the turkey breast in the oven to cook. The kids arrived about 9:30 or 10:00 AM and we hid the eggs so the young adults could hunt them. It was fun and they were happy with the cash and candy in their eggs. We fixed the rest of our Easter Dinner and ate. The best part was Angel Food Cake with fresh Strawberries and Strawberry Ice Cream! Then we sat around and relaxed. They all had to go home  because they work! Logan is borrowing my car - since his got wrecked. 

Logan, Austyn, Sky

Monday 10th - We were up early today (6:30) and headed to Stillwater by 7:30. We had to wait for the doctor in Outpatient waiting for Steve's procedure. He got a steroid injection in his hip. We were home by  10:30 and worked on laundry. We worked on the computer this afternoon. Tuesday 11th - Today after breakfast I did my home PT and putzed around. In the afternoon I helped Steve on the computer with the music. I skipped Book Club tonight and we went to Logan's soccer game at Guthrie. We were able to eat early with Hazel and Linda at La Macarena. 

Logan, Soccer at Guthrie

Wednesday 12th - We were up early again. After we had our breakfast we got the RV out and drove it to Stillwater for four new back tires. I led the procession in the pickup. Our first order of business after dropping off the RV was to get Steve a new white shirt for the wedding and some dressy shoes for me. After that, we hung out at Boomer Lake until the RV was ready to go. We picked up the RV about Noon and headed back home. The afternoon was spent hanging out and relaxing. 

New shoes for the Wedding

Thursday 13th - Today we took the RV to get the oil changed. Then we went to the car wash and Steve washed the RV. Our afternoon was spent taking it easy. Friday 14th - We were up in fairly good time today. After our routine morning things I completed my home PT. About 3:30 we left for Yukon and then on to El Reno. It was Senior  Night for soccer and so we wanted to be there and watch Logan get recognized. The game was over about 8:45 and we all went to Hideaway pizza for a late supper. We didn't get home til 11:30 PM. That's late for older folks! 

Senior Night for Soccer at El Reno

Saturday 15th- Today is Logan's birthday. So we did our usual morning routine. Then I did my PT. We got dressed and left the house about 4:15 to return to Oklahoma City. We met up the Kristi & John, Austyn & Sky, and Logan and Cielo for supper at Texas Roadhouse. Logan is now 18! Where does the time go? We headed to Yukon and had cake and ice cream at Kristi's and then headed home. We got home earlier tonight, about 8:30. The rest of the gang was going to a movie. We passed on that. 

Sky and Austyn

Kristi & John

Logan and Cielo 

Birthday Cake! Yes he is joining the Army National Guard!

March 16 - 31 - Marching On!

 Thursday  (16th) We got up and around in pretty good time today. After we got the bed made and ourselves dressed, we left for Tulsa. We headed out about 10:30 and arrived there at 11:45. Our plan was to meet up with my nephew, Anthony who was here to attend the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. So when we got to the BOK center, it was surrounded by police cars. We found a parking lot to pull into, and a lady attendant came to talk to us. She said this was a parking lot for the COX business center.  She also told us that the big police presence was because our governor was supposed to be there today and Trump tomorrow (neither one of those impressed me). So I explained that we were trying to meet up with my nephew and she said OK, no problem. We could park by her if we needed to. Then Anthony texted and said for us to go ahead and go to lunch because if he left the tournament, he could not return until the next session. So Steve and I went to Baxter's Interurban Grill. It looked pretty swanky, but everyone was dressed casual when we went inside. It was about 1 block south of the BOK center. Lunch was good and the prices were OK. When we finished eating, one of the places we drove to was The Gathering Place at 2650 S. John Williams Way. It its by the Riverwalk Trail in Tulsa. It is kind of like a big playground. I thought we could hang out there, but it started raining. We were able to pick Anthony up as he was leaving the BOK Center. Then we drove around a little bit and then found a place to hang out until he was ready to re-join his buddies for the evening session. We hung out at Tacos X Mezcal. It was at 39 E. 18th in Tulsa, also close to downtown. After a nice  visit, we took him to the Riverwind Casino to join up with his buddies. He lives in New Jersey and I don't get to see him very often, so it was fun to meet up. It did rain on us after our dessert meet-up but that was OK. We got home about 4:30 or 5:00 PM. 

Me, Anthony, Steve

 

Friday (17th) The morning was routine as usual. It was 32• when we got up this morning, brrrr.  We left at 3:30 PM today to go to Yukon. We went to Kristi and John's place and ordered Hideaway Pizza! The kids picked it up and after we ate we played games. We got back home about 10:30.  It was a lot of fun, but we were tired. Saturday (18th) So today we sat around awhile after breakfast and just relaxed. We did some errands around town and worked on the computer some. I made us some nice Chicken Vegetable soup for supper. We tried on our dress clothes for the wedding and we can wear what we have. Yea, No Shopping! Sunday (19th) Today we did all the morning routine things. Then Austyn came up and shampooed the carpet. She wanted to earn some extra money and we were glad she did the work. 

Monday (20th)- We were off to Walmart this morning and then back home for lunch and to put away the stuff. After lunch we worked on the computer music again. It still doesn't work like Steve wants it to work. Finally I just left him to it. Tuesday (21st) - Today was spent doing laundry and later I had a hair appointment. We ate supper at La Macarena with Linda, Hazel and Stetson. Wednesday (22nd) -A day at home spent on the computer doing bills, and working on pictures. I also started a picture book on Shutterfly. I broke a bit of my tooth on my upper plate, so I made an appointment to get a replacement. It's so fun to get old and need all these appointments. Thursday (23rd) - We went to Stillwater for my Denture Clinic appointment. They needed me to come back after two hours, so we went out to Boomer Lake and took a short stroll and listened to a podcast to pass the time. Then we checked prices for the rear tires on the motor home (the price takes my breath away!)  and I picked up a couple of items from Walmart. When we got home we relaxed and I took a short nap. Friday (24th)- It was drizzly and cloudy today so we did  the routine things as needed around the house. Saturday (25th) - Today's highlight was cooking some burgers and potatoes outside on the grill. We also watched KState get beat in the Elite Eight Basketball tournament. Sunday (26th) I got up late today. In the afternoon we went to OKC and bought a lawnmower at Lowe's. Then Kristi, John, Austyn, Logan, and Cielo, met us at Texas Roadhouse for supper. YUM! The food and company were great!

We got a new bedspread

Egret?

Duck

Burgers on the grill!

Monday (27th) Today was a big day for us. After we finished our morning routines the Foundation Repair guys arrived about 11:30. We locked our dogs up so they wouldn't interfere with the work. They got busy and dug 4 deep holes on the north side of the garage to install the piers. I am so glad that the hard work was done by them. I am sure I couldn't dig a big, deep hole! They also fixed the bad spot on the driveway. That entailed digging out a couple of big roots. Very hard work. The were here til about 6:30 PM and only took a short break for a late lunch. I am glad that is not my job. Tuesday (28th)-The guys from Power Lift (foundation repair) were here about 9:30 to check on the driveway and get paid. Then we had lunch and drove to Stillwater to pick up my new upper plate. After that was completed we went to Walmart Market for groceries and picked up medications at the other Walmart. Our supper was at La Macarena. Wednesday (28th) Steve felt really bad today. So I put the TENS unit on him first thing  this morning. I was on the phone making appointments for me, the dogs and Steve's hip. I  also paid the  insurance bills for the house and RV. Man, these bills and repairs sure do add up! Thursday (30th) Steve still didn't feel great. So he just putzed around. I am still doing my home PT 4-5 times per week. In the afternoon Steve & I got the new lawn mower unloaded and put together. I mowed the front yard, then we rested. Friday (31st) - Our schedule for laundry got messed up somehow, so today we did laundry. Later we went to Homeland and putzed around. It wasn't too exciting today, and that was OK!

Driveway repaired

Working on Driveway repair

Holes for piers

Stumps dug out from under driveway