Sunday, January 11
What a beautiful morning! The sun rose bright and beautiful over the southeastern New Mexico plains and promised (and delivered) another wonderful January day. The online newspapers were full of stories about snow, ice, and other types of storms around the country, but we were blessed with bright sunshine, light breezes, and shirt-sleeve temperatures.
We attended Artesia’s First Baptist Church this morning, the first time we’ve been back there since all the moves. While we were expecting a great sermon/lesson from Pastor Rick Sullivan, we were blessed to hear instead a wonderful message by a visiting speaker, Tom Elliff, a senior staff member on the International Missions Board in Richmond.
When the service was over, we made a beeline to the vestibule to introduce ourselves and tell him that our daughter-in-law worked at the IMB. Before we could finish saying Kelly’s name, he was already responding that he knew her well. What a small world this can be!
Jean had offered last night to buy Sunday dinner if we would stop at KFC on the way home to pick it up, so we went by there first, got our order (didn’t even have to wait…one more blessing in a great day), and took it back to Jean’s house to join her for a meal as we watched the second quarter of the NFC playoff game between the Giants and Eagles.
We went back to Big V at halftime to change clothes and take care of some chores and then I returned to Jean’s to watch the rest of the game while Barbara, who wasn’t feeling well, took a nap.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening working on some ongoing projects…I finished writing the journal entry for the week while Barbara created collages and loaded pictures to the blog site.
We went back to Jean’s house for a short visit during the evening and then returned to Big V to eat supper and watch some television before calling it a day.
Monday-Thursday, January 12-15
Retired or not, the duties and responsibilities of real life go on. These days were taken up with the mundane chores of everyday life…paying bills, getting our tax information put together (as much as we could at this point), cleaning house, working outside when the weather was good, doing laundry, etc…nothing exciting, but all very necessary. The only thing noteworthy is that the 15th was my sister Nancy’s 58th birthday. Happy birthday, Nancy!!!
Friday, January 16
Happy Birthday to Jim’s brother, Jerry, in Roswell!!!
After finishing some chores around the house, we packed the car, and headed for Lubbock for the week-end so we could attend the 90th birthday celebration of Charlotte, Cathey’s grandmother.
Blessed with safe travel for the 3 hours, we arrived in Lubbock in time to deliver the Hershey candies with birthday wrappers that I had made for Saturday’s party. Since Jimmy and Cathey were at the airport picking up relatives and Becky was at work, Jim and I decided to visit some friends of mine.
Our first stop was to the Garrison House where my former next-door neighbor, Barbara, lives in the Alzheimer’s unit. This visit was extremely difficult as Barbara once was such a feisty lady with her Eastern accent and opinionated views. As we sat and visited, hoping against hope for a glimmer of recognition, for a word, for something…a nurse appeared to offer her some water which Barbara readily accepted. After she drank her fill, she did say, “Leave, there!” as she pointed to the table. The nurse had already told us that Barbara could still be a spitfire so we were delighted to witness even this small act and to hear her voice, even if it was just those two words.
At times as I reminisced about the past, it seemed as though she was connecting. One such time was when I talked about the time she caught Jimmy and John playing basketball out in the snow with no shirts and only shorts on. She told them to get in the house immediately, which thankfully they did. When I got home from school, they asked if they had to mind Barbara since she was a neighbor. In the past, we retold that story a zillion times and it always brought laughter. The only other time that I felt she understood what I was saying was when I talked about how much she meant to the boys and Leah and I before and after Henry’s death. Jim and I both kept telling her how much we loved her and how important she and Don had been in our lives.
I don’t understand this disease…how such a strong, beautiful lady can be locked up inside nothingness. It just doesn’t seem right. She looked so young, so pretty…but so lost. It broke our hearts.
After leaving Barbara, we went over to Martha’s house. Martha and I taught together for years at Wheelock. We went to the same church, took oil painting classes together, and I learned much about life from her and Edgar. Martha can no longer walk without the aid of a walker, but her mind is still as sharp as a whip! We enjoyed the visit with her immensely.
Finally, it was time to meet Becky at her house where we would move in for the week-end. We had been surprised to find that even with her broken ankle, she had returned to work, but after seeing her navigate that scooter, we understood. Being a work, even sitting and doing the boring parts of nursing, is better for her than being at home 24/7.
Between visiting, eating, and watching movies, the 3 of us finished off this day in high style!
Saturday, January 19
Happy 90th celebration to Charlotte, Cathey’s grandmother! (Her actual b-day is the 26th, but this is when all the family could get together.
Since the party wasn’t until 3, we had a leisurely morning and early afternoon with Becky before beginning today’s activities.
First on our list was another trip to visit Barbara. This time Barbara was in her room instead of in the commons area. Since I was having trouble talking today, Jim took over…reminding Barbara of his first meeting with Don and her, how Don took him out in the back yard and had a “private” talk with him, etc. At times, Barbara would move her hand towards her eyes as though she knew what he was saying…is that wishful thinking on my part? Don’t know…
We did find out from the nurse that we could hold her hand as long as we didn’t make any sudden move that scared her. That was a comfort to me…to hold her hand…to remind her of our love.
Then it was back to the car to switch gears…not understanding how we were now going to a party for a classy woman of 90 who can still walk unaided, spar and laugh with the best, who’s only sign of old age might be a little loss of memory once in a while. (And, who among us younger folks don’t have that same problem???)
The party was a delight! And, it was great to see and visit with everyone again. I’ll let the photos do the talking for this event!
Top row: Jaycie with cousin Emily, Charlotte and daughter Susan (Cathey's mom), Jimmy & niece, Morgan
Middle: CharlotteBottom: Susan and husband, Bill; Cat’s brother David and his daughter, Emily; Jaycie & cousins, Emily and Morgan
I just included other pics I took during the celebration of Jimmy, Cathey and Jaycie as well as other members of Cathey's family. And, of course, no visit with Jaycie is complete without at least one photo of her doing her scorpion exercise as the bottom photo shows.
We were also thrilled when Cathey suggested that it’s been quite a while since we’ve had a good photo of the 5 of us. So…we found a willing soul who captured the five of us in a couple of really good shots. Good thinking, Cathey!!!
After making arrangements to see the kids tomorrow morning, Jim and I headed for Wal-Mart for a few items for tonight’s supper before returning to Becky’s.Jim, intending to while away the hours as Becky and I watched a chick flick, settled back with his novel. Much to his surprise, he found that Calendar Girls wasn’t nearly so boring after all and soon the book was down and he was watching and laughing along with us.
Following Calendar Girls, we all watched The American President for the umpteenth time and it was still a cute movie. Then we called it a day and went to our rooms to read and then fall asleep.
Sunday, January 18
Jim and I went over to Jimmy and Cathey’s to check out some school projects that Jaycie had finished up during the week. We knew we were going to see her science fair project, but were even more delighted and amazed at her creativity when she presented her “Bottle Buddy” that her class had been assigned to do at home. Her bottle buddy, Shawn Johnson, (remember, the Olympic star) was decked out in a red exercise suit with arms raised as though she was about to begin her gymnastic routine. Both projects were superb and, of course, we aren’t at all prejudiced in our thinking!
Eventually, it was time to say good-bye and head back over to Becky’s to load up the car and head for Artesia.Being rather bored at the end of our journey, we decided I should take photos and let each of our friends and family see what we see as we approach Artesia.
The photo on the bottom left shows the beauty of the open plains as one begins to enter into the city.
At the first red light after the refinery, a new statue greets each visitor. And, for a small town, we have our own “big city” building in the Yates Company. (It even has a glass bridge leading from one building to the other!) Impressive for a town of around 12,000 people!
Monday, January 19
Jim began working on the hot water heater today since we had bought a replacement part while we were in Lubbock. I was just taking it easy…not doing anything earth shattering…until Jim came in and said, “Guess what! I bought the wrong part. I have to go to Roswell…you want to go?” Well, since I found an empty spot on my calendar, I decided that yes, I did want to go.
On the way over there, I called sister Carol and said how about meeting me at the used book store. Jim’s going to drop me off there while he goes to the RV place. So…that’s what we did. Obviously, it was just a short visit, but…hey, any visit is better than none! Carol still seemed to be fighting the “bug” that had gotten hold of her, but overall, she said she was feeling better.
Tuesday, January 20
Since we traveled on Sunday and didn’t make it to church, we decided that a trip to the mountains of Ruidoso and the home of J Bar J Country Church was in order. As we did a couple of weeks ago, we stopped at KFC for a bucket of chicken to take to the covered dish supper, and this time we even got to eat some of it (along with some wonderful other foods). Of course, we also enjoyed the singing, prayer service, and sermon during the three hours we were there.
Wednesday, January 21
On the way home, we stopped by Roswell to check in with sister Carol and her husband Cal. Cal seemed to be feeling better and Carol was finally over her bout of flu or whatever she had had. Carol and I had photo lessons again on her computer while the guys talked about this and that!
When we returned home, Jim had an email from his longtime friend, Max, saying that his wife, Marion was in the hospital in Santa Fe. Marion has rheumatoid arthritis and it has caused some major problems for her. We discussed whether we needed to go, but after a phone call to Bob Stevens in Albuquerque to see if he knew any other details, we decided that maybe we just needed to wait for a bit on a travel decision.
Thursday, January 22
Happy Birthday to daughter Leah and daughter-in-law Kelly!
The decision was made this morning that we would go to Santa Fe to see Max and Marion. We knew that really there’s nothing we could really do, but we could be there for moral support! So…with very little packing (instead I grabbed the dirty clothes hamper…I could wash at the motel! Now, how lazy is that? I was tired of packing!) We hopped in the car and once again hit the road. Gotta love the freedom of retirement!
Before checking in at the motel, we went straight to St. Vincent’s and enjoyed a short visit with Max and Marion…think they were rather surprised to see us walk in! While I stayed and talked with Marion, Jim and Max went down the hall to find a cup of coffee.
Once checked in, washing clothes was top priority! After all, if we wanted clothes to wear tomorrow…it had to be done!
Another stop at the hospital was in the schedule, before we called it a night.
Friday, January 23
Happy Birthday to Paul in Grand Prairie!
We began the day with a visit to see Marion and Max. Marion really looked great this morning. Seems her personal hairdresser, Max, had brushed her hair and had it styled quite well. Just think, if he decides to quit giving hazardous incident workshops to government and state agencies, he can slide right in to his new career!
About 3:30 we decided to head back to the hospital since we were to meet Jim’s and Max’s friends, Bob and Teresa, at the hospital by 4:00. Well…let me tell you, from the traffic we met on the way, we thought we were in Dallas or Houston! What a crazy city! What should have been a 10 or 15 minute drive took us 35 minutes!
After visiting once again with Marion and Max, Bob, Teresa, Jim and I went to Red Lobster for supper, and then went back to the hospital to check on Max and Marion.
Saturday, January 24
Happy 80th Birthday to our good friend Jesse Fairfax!
We were unable this morning to see Marion, but after saying farewell to Max, we pointed the car to the south and headed home.
After a short nap, Jim and I began preparations for a night out on the town with Jerry, Nancy, Becky, and Jean. We all went to Eversprings for their Chinese buffet before attending a performance of The Perfect Gentlemen, a magnificent male quartet, at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Tonight’s concert was one of the 26 touring shows that are on this season’s performing arts calendar in Artesia…pretty amazing for a community this size!
“Don’t worry about what people think; they don’t do it that often.” Brownfield, Texas Bank Sign
With family and friends in Lubbock, Santa Fe, and Artesia
Jim & Barbara
Wednesday, January 21
On the way home, we stopped by Roswell to check in with sister Carol and her husband Cal. Cal seemed to be feeling better and Carol was finally over her bout of flu or whatever she had had. Carol and I had photo lessons again on her computer while the guys talked about this and that!
When we returned home, Jim had an email from his longtime friend, Max, saying that his wife, Marion was in the hospital in Santa Fe. Marion has rheumatoid arthritis and it has caused some major problems for her. We discussed whether we needed to go, but after a phone call to Bob Stevens in Albuquerque to see if he knew any other details, we decided that maybe we just needed to wait for a bit on a travel decision.
Thursday, January 22
Happy Birthday to daughter Leah and daughter-in-law Kelly!
The decision was made this morning that we would go to Santa Fe to see Max and Marion. We knew that really there’s nothing we could really do, but we could be there for moral support! So…with very little packing (instead I grabbed the dirty clothes hamper…I could wash at the motel! Now, how lazy is that? I was tired of packing!) We hopped in the car and once again hit the road. Gotta love the freedom of retirement!
Before checking in at the motel, we went straight to St. Vincent’s and enjoyed a short visit with Max and Marion…think they were rather surprised to see us walk in! While I stayed and talked with Marion, Jim and Max went down the hall to find a cup of coffee.
Once checked in, washing clothes was top priority! After all, if we wanted clothes to wear tomorrow…it had to be done!
Another stop at the hospital was in the schedule, before we called it a night.
Friday, January 23
Happy Birthday to Paul in Grand Prairie!
We began the day with a visit to see Marion and Max. Marion really looked great this morning. Seems her personal hairdresser, Max, had brushed her hair and had it styled quite well. Just think, if he decides to quit giving hazardous incident workshops to government and state agencies, he can slide right in to his new career!
About 3:30 we decided to head back to the hospital since we were to meet Jim’s and Max’s friends, Bob and Teresa, at the hospital by 4:00. Well…let me tell you, from the traffic we met on the way, we thought we were in Dallas or Houston! What a crazy city! What should have been a 10 or 15 minute drive took us 35 minutes!
After visiting once again with Marion and Max, Bob, Teresa, Jim and I went to Red Lobster for supper, and then went back to the hospital to check on Max and Marion.
Saturday, January 24
Happy 80th Birthday to our good friend Jesse Fairfax!
We were unable this morning to see Marion, but after saying farewell to Max, we pointed the car to the south and headed home.
After a short nap, Jim and I began preparations for a night out on the town with Jerry, Nancy, Becky, and Jean. We all went to Eversprings for their Chinese buffet before attending a performance of The Perfect Gentlemen, a magnificent male quartet, at the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Tonight’s concert was one of the 26 touring shows that are on this season’s performing arts calendar in Artesia…pretty amazing for a community this size!
“Don’t worry about what people think; they don’t do it that often.” Brownfield, Texas Bank Sign
With family and friends in Lubbock, Santa Fe, and Artesia
Jim & Barbara
