Monday, May 12
With the Taz Trip behind us, it was time to get back to "normal" life in Mineola...but not too quickly...we didn't want to rush things.
We slept in late (for us) and took our time getting around this morning. John, our neighbor across the street, had collected the mail for us while we were gone, so while I unpacked some of the luggage and began putting things where they more or less belonged, Barbara started the tedious process of going through all the mail, sifting out the obvious junk stuff, and sorting and reading what was left.
Once we had things pretty much in order, I went to the vet to bail Bonita out and bring her back home. Bonnie wasn't thrilled about the ride to the house, but she sure didn't waste any time getting acclimated to her home.
One thing we did enjoy about the day was receiving photos of kids and grandkids; that always brightens a day and gives us all the opportunity we need to stop whatever we were doing and check them out.
While we were riding home through the Dallas/Fort Worth area yesterday, Heather, Andy, Alexander, and Abby were celebrating Mother's Day by watching a Rangers baseball game in Arlington.
Tuesday, May 13
I went to prayer meeting at Yantis First Baptist Church this morning and then returned to the house to help Barbara do some more unpacking and get the laundry started. Later, we put together a list of necessities and drove to Walmart to do some shopping.
On the way back to the house, we stopped at Autumn Winds Assisted Living Center to check on our friends Elmer and Jenny Bunn and let them know we were back in place.
Wednesday, May 14
The biggy for today was to see Leslie Bautista at Naturally Nails and get our hair cut. We'd been on the road way too long and were both getting pretty shaggy. Barbara also got her nails done, and while that was going on, I went to the house and did some more unpacking and putting away. It was amazing how much "stuff" we had brought home with us!
Thursday, May 15
Barbara went through all the accumulated mail on Monday, but today it was time to do something about it. We had several things that needed to be sent out today, and it took most of the morning to get everything ready for a trip to the post office.
I had a rehearsal with the Lake Country Symphonic Band this evening. With our Spring Concert coming up soon, it was time to get the chops back in shape and do some sight-reading on the music that had been passed out while we were gone.
Friday, May 16
I started the day by going to Dr. Bankhead's office for a blood draw and some lab work...not the best way to start a day, but at least I didn't have to wait long.
We had TJ over for lunch today at noon. I grilled some small steaks and Barbara fixed all the trimmings for the meal. While we were eating, we told all about our trip and TJ got us caught up on the latest news from around Mineola.
Saturday, May 17
We didn't even leave the property today. Barbara did the laundry and cooked meals while I washed the car and waxed Taz. And then we enjoyed a long afternoon nap...a great way to spend a Saturday!
Tonight was granddaughter Jaycie's high school prom in Lubbock. J-Bird did a great job of keeping us supplied with photos of the preparations and the grand event.
Sunday, May 18
It was wonderful to return to our home church at Yantis today and get back in the swing of things. We enjoyed good services and met some really nice folks at churches while we were on the Taz Trip, but just as there's nothing like home cooking, there's nothing like good home preaching and singing!
Monday, May 19
This was pretty much a "Tyler Day" for us. Barbara had an appointment at the Ross Breast Center at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital for a needle biopsy, and Aunt TJ had an appointment at the eye clinic to have an injection in one of her eyes. So, I was the designated driver to get everyone to where they were supposed to be.
Barbara's procedure took a couple of hours and when she was finished, we drove to the eye clinic to wait for TJ. While we were waiting, we found a great Mexican restaurant across from the clinic and decided we'd have a late lunch. We offered to wait for TJ and all eat together, but she said she'd just as soon stop at Sonic on the way home when she was finished with her procedure.
When everyone was back in place in Mineola, we found that we'd hit the jackpot with photos of grandkids today.
Grandaughter Randi in San Antonio sent us these:
Whitney sent us these photos of Jimmy Jim:
And Mike and Kelly sent us these pics of Ava and Jack:
Tuesday, May 20
I rode Taz up to Yantis for the weekly prayer meeting this morning and then stopped by Our Little Lot at Holiday Villages of Lake Fork to check on the condition of the lot and Big V. Then it was back to the house until noon when I had to get ready for a doctor appointment for me.
Luckily, my cardiology appointment was in Quitman. Dr. Smith proclaimed me fit for another year and sent us home.
Wednesday, May 21
I spent the morning mowing and trimming the yards while Barbara took care of the bill-paying and bookkeeping.
The flag in the front yard was provided by the Mineola Kiwanis Club. For a slight subscription fee, the club sets out flags six times a year to display for major national holidays.
When the yard work was done and the bills were paid, we drove to Tyler to see what Sam's Club had to offer. Along the way, Barbara busied herself by playing with the camera.
We had a Sam's Club membership years ago when we lived in Liberal, but found when we retired and lived in the motorhome that buying in bulk wasn't very practical. But, we've been thinking lately that it might be to our advantage, since we do quite a bit of cooking for family and friends (we still haven't learned to cook for just the two of us), we might find some deals that would be to our benefit.
Sure enough, we managed to find some of what we were looking for and even more that we didn't know that we couldn't live without. Loading everything into the car was a bit of a challenge, but the bigger challenge was finding where to put it when we got back to the house.
When we returned from our trip on Taz last week, we found that the Bradford pear tree in the front yard didn't survive the last freeze. It was budding out when we left in April, but the buds and the rest of the tree died off, and there was no choice now except to cut it down.
Maria, the lady who cleans house for Aunt TJ, brought her husband and son by this afternoon and did a beautiful job of cutting down the tree, cleaning up the mess, and hauling everything away...that was probably the best $100 we've spent in a long time!
Thursday, May 22
We learned last night that Cousin Madalyn had gone to Trinity Mother Frances to start the process of having her first child. So, we made our third trip to Tyler this week to deliver some goodies (zucchini bread and zucchini chocolate cake that Barbara had baked) to share with the family and friends who were anxiously waiting for the arrival of the newest family member.
When it became obvious that the baby wasn't going to make an appearance anytime soon, we left and returned to Mineola.
Friday, May 23
Jarhett Colby Thompson was born late yesterday afternoon after a 24-hour period of labor, so we drove back to Tyler for the fourth time this week (we should be getting a discount at the parking garage by this time), to see the new arrival.
When we got back home, I grabbed the camera to take some photos of some particularly beautiful plants. The Crown of Thorns was given to us by Wanda, our neighbor across the street a couple of years ago. It has survived a couple of transplants to larger pots and continues to thrive.
Saturday, May 24
On the first night of our Taz trip last month, we met a couple from Lindale who were also Can-Am riders. We talked about getting together for a ride when we got back in place, and today that talk turned into action.
We rode Taz to Lindale this morning to meet David and Pam Austin and Gary and Micki Green for a ride through the East Texas countryside.
And yes, there are photos!!!
Barbara took these shots between Mineola and Lindale:
We all met at the Valero station in Lindale, made introductions all around, and began the adventure.
We stopped for lunch at The Back Porch in Kilgore...good food and time to get to know each other.
After eating our fill and resting for a bit, it was time to hit the road again, taking a different route back toward Lindale.
We waved goodbye to our friends as we returned to Lindale and began our trip back to Mineola, stopping a few miles up the road for a butt break and some camera clowning,
We arrived back home feeling both weary from the hours on Taz, but exhilarated by a great ride with new friends.
Sunday, May 25
We were still riding a high from our cycle adventure yesterday, so since it was a beautiful morning, we decided to ride Taz to Yantis for the church service this morning. Of course, that was only after we made sure that my trumpet, stand, mutes, and music would fit in the front trunk.
The ride was very nice and Barbara had lots of time and opportunities to photograph the sights along the way.
When we arrived at Yantis, I went inside to begin warming up for the praise service while Barbara took some more pictures before and then during the service.
When the service was over, we packed everything up and headed back south toward Mineola.
We arrived back at the house, unpacked Taz, had a light lunch and a short nap, and then began preparing the Puerto Rican potato salad for tomorrow's picnic lunch.
Since this was a holiday weekend, there was no church service tonight, so we spent the evening preparing for all that had to be done tomorrow morning.
Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day
It's Memorial Day...A time to remember and honor all those who gave their lives in defense of our great nation.
Our Memorial Day celebration included a family and neighbors picnic hosted at our house. We spent the morning making all the final preparations and then around noon, family members TJ, Ladd, Angela, and Logan, along with neighbors John and Wanda from across the street and Addie, from next door, and David, Lorri, and Amber Bagwell, joined us for burgers, hot dogs, and all the usual picnic trimmings...and lots of conversation.
Everyone helped with the cleanup after the meal, so it didn't take long to have everything back in place. David, Lorri, and Amber stayed with us for awhile so we could get caught up on each other's lives. Then, it was time to show off Taz and give Amber and Lorri their first rides.
The Bagwells had to get back to Sulphur Springs, so we said our goodbyes. We finished a little bit of straightening in the house and decided that even though it might be a little late for it, a nap was definitely in order.
Tuesday, May 27
Barbara had an appointment with Dr. McGeehe at 11:00 this morning, so we made the drive to Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler for the consult on a possible surgical biopsy to be done at a later date. When all was said and done, we were scheduled to return to Tyler twice next week for pre-surgical screening and the surgery.
When we got home, we found a message from TJ letting us know that our good friend Elmer Bunn had been taken to East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. We quickly hopped back in the car and drove up there to visit with Elmer and Jenny to find out what was going on with him,
Wednesday, May 28
Today was a day for major yard work and houscleaning...some things just couldn't be put off any longer. We worked together to clean the house and then Barbara paid bills, cooked our meals for the day, and took care of her house plants while I went outside to do the mowing and trimming of the front yard, back yard, and the north 40.
When all the work was done and we got cleaned up, we drove back up to Quitman to visit with Elmer, Jenny, and Gary, one of their sons.
Thursday, May 29
Some days aren't particularly noteworthy, and this was one of them. Aside from some light household chores, we didn't get much done.
We drove to Quitman this morning and again this afternoon to check on Elmer and Jenny. Elmer seemed to be doing better and even agreed to let us take a picture of he and the love of his life.
+++++++
Friday, May 30
I don't know anyone who would call me a purist, but most folks who know me do know that I'm definitely "old-school" a little hard-headed, and prone to speak my opinion when I think it needs to be spoken.
That being said, I grew up when Memorial Day was observed on May 30...a day set aside for a grateful nation to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. I grew up in a generation in which parents and school teachers taught and reinforced the values of patriotism and honoring those whose selflessness made our freedoms possible.
This was in a time before Congress decided that three-day weekends were more important than honoring historical dates and fostering their significance for future generations.
My junior high band director, Mr. Beasley, and my high school band director, Mr. Bradbury, would ask me to go to one of the local cemeteries on May 30 to sound Taps in observance of this very special day; and because I would do anything either of those men asked, I did. Little did I know then where that would lead me.
The first national Memorial Day observation was held on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a date that deserves special respect and recognition. I hope that each person who takes the time to read this today will pause for a moment and give thanks for those who gave their all for us
This photo was taken by Barbara when we visited Arlington National Cemetery during the ceremonies for the 150th anniversary of the first sounding of Taps.
Saturday, May 31
We worked in a ride on Taz today with a two-fold purpose...it was a beautiful day for a ride, and we would later join East Texas Patriot Guard Riders for honors at a funeral east of Lindale.
First, the ride:
Members of the East Texas Patriot Guard Riders honored the life and service of Harvey Lee Nichols (25APR1921 - 23MAY1914) today as they posted an honor guard at his funeral service and burial at St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church near Lindale. Mr. Nichols saw military service during World War II as a Medical Aidman assigned to the 742nd Medical Company in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Following the service, we rode back toward Mineola, enjoying the beautiful scenery of this part of the country.
When we returned to the house, we rested for a few minutes and then drove to Quitman to visit with Elmer and Jenny for a few minutes.
This evening we received this photo of John and Carol, who are preparing for a vacation get-away.
And that wraps up another month in our retirement story!
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and the government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain
From Mineola, Wood County, Texas,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsy
We slept in late (for us) and took our time getting around this morning. John, our neighbor across the street, had collected the mail for us while we were gone, so while I unpacked some of the luggage and began putting things where they more or less belonged, Barbara started the tedious process of going through all the mail, sifting out the obvious junk stuff, and sorting and reading what was left.
Once we had things pretty much in order, I went to the vet to bail Bonita out and bring her back home. Bonnie wasn't thrilled about the ride to the house, but she sure didn't waste any time getting acclimated to her home.
One thing we did enjoy about the day was receiving photos of kids and grandkids; that always brightens a day and gives us all the opportunity we need to stop whatever we were doing and check them out.
While we were riding home through the Dallas/Fort Worth area yesterday, Heather, Andy, Alexander, and Abby were celebrating Mother's Day by watching a Rangers baseball game in Arlington.
+++++++
I went to prayer meeting at Yantis First Baptist Church this morning and then returned to the house to help Barbara do some more unpacking and get the laundry started. Later, we put together a list of necessities and drove to Walmart to do some shopping.
On the way back to the house, we stopped at Autumn Winds Assisted Living Center to check on our friends Elmer and Jenny Bunn and let them know we were back in place.
+++++++
Wednesday, May 14
The biggy for today was to see Leslie Bautista at Naturally Nails and get our hair cut. We'd been on the road way too long and were both getting pretty shaggy. Barbara also got her nails done, and while that was going on, I went to the house and did some more unpacking and putting away. It was amazing how much "stuff" we had brought home with us!
+++++++
Thursday, May 15
Barbara went through all the accumulated mail on Monday, but today it was time to do something about it. We had several things that needed to be sent out today, and it took most of the morning to get everything ready for a trip to the post office.
I had a rehearsal with the Lake Country Symphonic Band this evening. With our Spring Concert coming up soon, it was time to get the chops back in shape and do some sight-reading on the music that had been passed out while we were gone.
+++++++
Friday, May 16
I started the day by going to Dr. Bankhead's office for a blood draw and some lab work...not the best way to start a day, but at least I didn't have to wait long.
We had TJ over for lunch today at noon. I grilled some small steaks and Barbara fixed all the trimmings for the meal. While we were eating, we told all about our trip and TJ got us caught up on the latest news from around Mineola.
+++++++
Saturday, May 17
We didn't even leave the property today. Barbara did the laundry and cooked meals while I washed the car and waxed Taz. And then we enjoyed a long afternoon nap...a great way to spend a Saturday!
Tonight was granddaughter Jaycie's high school prom in Lubbock. J-Bird did a great job of keeping us supplied with photos of the preparations and the grand event.
+++++++
Sunday, May 18
It was wonderful to return to our home church at Yantis today and get back in the swing of things. We enjoyed good services and met some really nice folks at churches while we were on the Taz Trip, but just as there's nothing like home cooking, there's nothing like good home preaching and singing!
+++++++
Monday, May 19
This was pretty much a "Tyler Day" for us. Barbara had an appointment at the Ross Breast Center at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital for a needle biopsy, and Aunt TJ had an appointment at the eye clinic to have an injection in one of her eyes. So, I was the designated driver to get everyone to where they were supposed to be.
Barbara's procedure took a couple of hours and when she was finished, we drove to the eye clinic to wait for TJ. While we were waiting, we found a great Mexican restaurant across from the clinic and decided we'd have a late lunch. We offered to wait for TJ and all eat together, but she said she'd just as soon stop at Sonic on the way home when she was finished with her procedure.
When everyone was back in place in Mineola, we found that we'd hit the jackpot with photos of grandkids today.
Grandaughter Randi in San Antonio sent us these:
Whitney sent us these photos of Jimmy Jim:
And Mike and Kelly sent us these pics of Ava and Jack:
+++++++
Tuesday, May 20
I rode Taz up to Yantis for the weekly prayer meeting this morning and then stopped by Our Little Lot at Holiday Villages of Lake Fork to check on the condition of the lot and Big V. Then it was back to the house until noon when I had to get ready for a doctor appointment for me.
Luckily, my cardiology appointment was in Quitman. Dr. Smith proclaimed me fit for another year and sent us home.
+++++++
Wednesday, May 21
I spent the morning mowing and trimming the yards while Barbara took care of the bill-paying and bookkeeping.
The flag in the front yard was provided by the Mineola Kiwanis Club. For a slight subscription fee, the club sets out flags six times a year to display for major national holidays.
When the yard work was done and the bills were paid, we drove to Tyler to see what Sam's Club had to offer. Along the way, Barbara busied herself by playing with the camera.
We had a Sam's Club membership years ago when we lived in Liberal, but found when we retired and lived in the motorhome that buying in bulk wasn't very practical. But, we've been thinking lately that it might be to our advantage, since we do quite a bit of cooking for family and friends (we still haven't learned to cook for just the two of us), we might find some deals that would be to our benefit.
Sure enough, we managed to find some of what we were looking for and even more that we didn't know that we couldn't live without. Loading everything into the car was a bit of a challenge, but the bigger challenge was finding where to put it when we got back to the house.
When we returned from our trip on Taz last week, we found that the Bradford pear tree in the front yard didn't survive the last freeze. It was budding out when we left in April, but the buds and the rest of the tree died off, and there was no choice now except to cut it down.
Maria, the lady who cleans house for Aunt TJ, brought her husband and son by this afternoon and did a beautiful job of cutting down the tree, cleaning up the mess, and hauling everything away...that was probably the best $100 we've spent in a long time!
+++++++
Thursday, May 22
We learned last night that Cousin Madalyn had gone to Trinity Mother Frances to start the process of having her first child. So, we made our third trip to Tyler this week to deliver some goodies (zucchini bread and zucchini chocolate cake that Barbara had baked) to share with the family and friends who were anxiously waiting for the arrival of the newest family member.
When it became obvious that the baby wasn't going to make an appearance anytime soon, we left and returned to Mineola.
+++++++
Friday, May 23
Jarhett Colby Thompson was born late yesterday afternoon after a 24-hour period of labor, so we drove back to Tyler for the fourth time this week (we should be getting a discount at the parking garage by this time), to see the new arrival.
When we got back home, I grabbed the camera to take some photos of some particularly beautiful plants. The Crown of Thorns was given to us by Wanda, our neighbor across the street a couple of years ago. It has survived a couple of transplants to larger pots and continues to thrive.
+++++++
Saturday, May 24
On the first night of our Taz trip last month, we met a couple from Lindale who were also Can-Am riders. We talked about getting together for a ride when we got back in place, and today that talk turned into action.
We rode Taz to Lindale this morning to meet David and Pam Austin and Gary and Micki Green for a ride through the East Texas countryside.
And yes, there are photos!!!
Barbara took these shots between Mineola and Lindale:
We all met at the Valero station in Lindale, made introductions all around, and began the adventure.
We stopped for lunch at The Back Porch in Kilgore...good food and time to get to know each other.
After eating our fill and resting for a bit, it was time to hit the road again, taking a different route back toward Lindale.
We waved goodbye to our friends as we returned to Lindale and began our trip back to Mineola, stopping a few miles up the road for a butt break and some camera clowning,
We arrived back home feeling both weary from the hours on Taz, but exhilarated by a great ride with new friends.
+++++++
Sunday, May 25
We were still riding a high from our cycle adventure yesterday, so since it was a beautiful morning, we decided to ride Taz to Yantis for the church service this morning. Of course, that was only after we made sure that my trumpet, stand, mutes, and music would fit in the front trunk.
The ride was very nice and Barbara had lots of time and opportunities to photograph the sights along the way.
When the service was over, we packed everything up and headed back south toward Mineola.
Since this was a holiday weekend, there was no church service tonight, so we spent the evening preparing for all that had to be done tomorrow morning.
+++++++
Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day
It's Memorial Day...A time to remember and honor all those who gave their lives in defense of our great nation.
Our Memorial Day celebration included a family and neighbors picnic hosted at our house. We spent the morning making all the final preparations and then around noon, family members TJ, Ladd, Angela, and Logan, along with neighbors John and Wanda from across the street and Addie, from next door, and David, Lorri, and Amber Bagwell, joined us for burgers, hot dogs, and all the usual picnic trimmings...and lots of conversation.
Everyone helped with the cleanup after the meal, so it didn't take long to have everything back in place. David, Lorri, and Amber stayed with us for awhile so we could get caught up on each other's lives. Then, it was time to show off Taz and give Amber and Lorri their first rides.
The Bagwells had to get back to Sulphur Springs, so we said our goodbyes. We finished a little bit of straightening in the house and decided that even though it might be a little late for it, a nap was definitely in order.
+++++++
Tuesday, May 27
Barbara had an appointment with Dr. McGeehe at 11:00 this morning, so we made the drive to Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler for the consult on a possible surgical biopsy to be done at a later date. When all was said and done, we were scheduled to return to Tyler twice next week for pre-surgical screening and the surgery.
When we got home, we found a message from TJ letting us know that our good friend Elmer Bunn had been taken to East Texas Medical Center in Quitman. We quickly hopped back in the car and drove up there to visit with Elmer and Jenny to find out what was going on with him,
+++++++
Wednesday, May 28
Today was a day for major yard work and houscleaning...some things just couldn't be put off any longer. We worked together to clean the house and then Barbara paid bills, cooked our meals for the day, and took care of her house plants while I went outside to do the mowing and trimming of the front yard, back yard, and the north 40.
When all the work was done and we got cleaned up, we drove back up to Quitman to visit with Elmer, Jenny, and Gary, one of their sons.
+++++++
Thursday, May 29
Some days aren't particularly noteworthy, and this was one of them. Aside from some light household chores, we didn't get much done.
We drove to Quitman this morning and again this afternoon to check on Elmer and Jenny. Elmer seemed to be doing better and even agreed to let us take a picture of he and the love of his life.
+++++++
Friday, May 30
I don't know anyone who would call me a purist, but most folks who know me do know that I'm definitely "old-school" a little hard-headed, and prone to speak my opinion when I think it needs to be spoken.
That being said, I grew up when Memorial Day was observed on May 30...a day set aside for a grateful nation to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. I grew up in a generation in which parents and school teachers taught and reinforced the values of patriotism and honoring those whose selflessness made our freedoms possible.
This was in a time before Congress decided that three-day weekends were more important than honoring historical dates and fostering their significance for future generations.
My junior high band director, Mr. Beasley, and my high school band director, Mr. Bradbury, would ask me to go to one of the local cemeteries on May 30 to sound Taps in observance of this very special day; and because I would do anything either of those men asked, I did. Little did I know then where that would lead me.
The first national Memorial Day observation was held on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a date that deserves special respect and recognition. I hope that each person who takes the time to read this today will pause for a moment and give thanks for those who gave their all for us
This photo was taken by Barbara when we visited Arlington National Cemetery during the ceremonies for the 150th anniversary of the first sounding of Taps.
+++++++
Saturday, May 31
We worked in a ride on Taz today with a two-fold purpose...it was a beautiful day for a ride, and we would later join East Texas Patriot Guard Riders for honors at a funeral east of Lindale.
First, the ride:
Following the service, we rode back toward Mineola, enjoying the beautiful scenery of this part of the country.
This evening we received this photo of John and Carol, who are preparing for a vacation get-away.
And that wraps up another month in our retirement story!
+++++++
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and the government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain
From Mineola, Wood County, Texas,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsy
