Sunday, August 19
A fairly early start to the day found us leaving Albuquerque with the nose of Big V pointed towards Amarillo, TX, where we have an appointment early Monday morning to get the much needed repairs done on the motor home.
About 5 miles from Amarillo, we found a wonderful RV resort to spend the night! For only 31 dollars, we could set up our home, have free wi-fi, free laundry, and an Olympic size pool. What more could one need! Taking advantage of the laundry came right after getting the home organized. While the clothes were washing, we headed to the pool to cool off. A couple who had just returned from a month in Alaska were there and we passed the time learning all the do’s and don’t’s of an Alaskan trek in a motor home.
Monday, August 20
By 8:00 AM we were planted on the doorsteps (figuratively, not literally) of Sisemore RV. While Big V was being diagnosed and repaired, we walked to Wally World just to get out of the waiting room. Finally, at 1 we were on our way to Lubbock to have the convection/microwave oven repaired.
Though we weren’t staying the night, we were hoping that we’d be able to spend a few minutes with the kids. I thought we had missed them though when I tried to call back to let them know we were through; but no one answered.
Then my phone rang and it was Jaycie. I said, “Where are you, I just tried to call?” She laughed and said, “Daddy and I are right behind a motor home with a bicycle and a blue Vibe on a trailer.” We had no idea they were following us, but quickly agreed to meet at the United at 50th and Q where we could get a quick drink and visit. Cathey was working on a Habitat construction site so we didn’t get to see her this time.
By nightfall, we were home in Artesia thankful for all the needed repairs and safe travel!
Tuesday, August 21
Basically this was a catch up day with sights on things that needed to be done tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 22
At 8:45 Jim and I met Lydia, Jean’s housekeeper, at Edith’s where the three of us would give Edith’s home a much needed thorough cleaning. While I started in the kitchen, Lydia began in the guest bath and bedroom, and Jim started the shampooing of the carpet.
Edith isn’t able to do the deep cleaning and we decided that this would be the perfect time to get this taken care of!
Six hours later, we were all pretty proud of the results of our efforts; though Jim and I still had more to do tomorrow. It was time to call it a day!
Thursday, August 23
Happy anniversary, Jerry and Nancy…
Another early morning for us as I followed Jim (he was on the cycle and I drove the car) to take the Vibe to the car hospital. Then I hopped on the back of the cycle and we went over to Edith’s to finish up our cleaning endeavors.
We finished up in time to eat a KFC meal while we watched Venezuela and Curacao Little League teams play in the semi-finals. Then, since the car still wasn’t ready, we went over to Jean’s to watch the Lubbock Little League game, which they won!
Finally, Guy Chevrolet called to tell us that the Vibe had 2 collapsed filters in the air conditioner which was not a big deal, except that they had to order them. We could come get the car but we’d need to bring it back Monday morning.
Friday, August 24
We heard from the Melton family about Jeffery’s surgery and sent out the report to our journal and blog friends.
Then Billee, Jim’s sister-in-law, called to say that her mother, who had been in poor health, died in Arkansas. She will be brought back here to Artesia to be buried, but that’s about all we know at this time.
Did talk to Glennis today and found that they have pretty much gotten a routine down as they work with radiation treatments and Hospice. However, like it can sometimes do, when it rains it pours! Raymond has a bladder infection now, their dog had to be put down, and the roof began to leak today! I told you when it rains, it pours!
Seriously, we ask that you keep these three families in your thoughts and prayers.
Jim spent the day working on the trailer so we can haul the motorcycle and cargo trailer together on our next trip while I pretty much was worthless!
We closed this day by sharing resources and company with Jean and Becky for an evening meal.
Saturday, August 25
Good morning, world! Jim’s computer that we just had fixed has once again displayed the FATAL ERROR message…not a good start to the day and it doesn’t say much for the reliability of a computer only a little over a year old or the place that “fixed” it last week!
We stayed glued to the TV to watch the games in the Little League tournament. Unfortunately, Lubbock came out on the short end of the stick, but it was still a good game.
Jerry and Nancy invited us over for a spaghetti meal which, as always, was great fun.
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” …Maria Robinson
Once again in Artesia…
Jim & Barbara
