Tuesday, November 4: Home, Sweet Home
There's a lot to be said for being back in your own bed with all the other amenities of home. (shower, kitchen, washer & dryer, etc.) As much as we love traveling and living in Big V, we are at the age now where having a house that sits on the ground is quite a pleasure!
Today was a day to enjoy cooking and getting back into the groove of things. First off, Jim began his great bread experiment. Since we really enjoyed the bread bowl dishes we had in Oregon earlier in the year and then back East, he decided to try his hand at "building" his own while I made some potato soup to put in them. Also, I wanted to whip up a caramel apple trifle to share with our Mineola friends who have been neglected during our 41 day trip.
And, since today was an election day, we had to be good citizens and get out to vote!
Wednesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 9
There's a lot to be said for being back in your own bed with all the other amenities of home. (shower, kitchen, washer & dryer, etc.) As much as we love traveling and living in Big V, we are at the age now where having a house that sits on the ground is quite a pleasure!
Today was a day to enjoy cooking and getting back into the groove of things. First off, Jim began his great bread experiment. Since we really enjoyed the bread bowl dishes we had in Oregon earlier in the year and then back East, he decided to try his hand at "building" his own while I made some potato soup to put in them. Also, I wanted to whip up a caramel apple trifle to share with our Mineola friends who have been neglected during our 41 day trip.
And, since today was an election day, we had to be good citizens and get out to vote!
On a more sober note, the husband of our friend, Shi, died today after a long battle with Alzheimers and other issues.
++++++++
Wednesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 9
Visiting with our friends in Autumn Winds Retirement Home led to the scheduling of a Christmas trumpet concert for Jim. Addie and Jennie have been telling Jim they wanted him to come play for them and their friends so when delivering the trifles, they cornered him and got a date scheduled. He will perform the 11th at 11...pretty easy to remember that.
Of course, being home also means that Jim has Praise Band and Lake Country Symphonic Band practices while I keep the home fires burning.
We did make a trip to Sulfur Springs to pick up a gift at Lowes on our way to the visitation for Frank. We couldn't believe the number of birds we observed in around Lowes. Didn't have a camera with us so had to use the phone which just doesn't do justice to the sight we saw.
Of course, being home also means that Jim has Praise Band and Lake Country Symphonic Band practices while I keep the home fires burning.
We did make a trip to Sulfur Springs to pick up a gift at Lowes on our way to the visitation for Frank. We couldn't believe the number of birds we observed in around Lowes. Didn't have a camera with us so had to use the phone which just doesn't do justice to the sight we saw.
Saturday we helped serve the meal for Shi and her family before attending the funeral. Though we never got to know Frank since his illness was advanced before we joined Yantis 1st Baptist, we deeply respect and admire Shi and know we missed a lot by not knowing Frank.
Monday, November 10-Saturday, November 15
Instead of putting Big V away when we got back to Mineola, we called Accelerated Diesel to see if we could have her serviced and the loose mirror fixed. Today they called to say that she was ready to go. It didn't take us long to have Big V back in her place on Our Little Lot at Holiday Villages.
A cold front came in but we didn't let it stop us from going to Tyler to see our friend Mary who was in Rehab after a long hospital stay. Bob has been staying with her so we were able to see both of them. Mary is supposed to go home on Thursday which is quite exciting for them!
We haven't been able to sell our trailer which is too short for Taz, so Thursday we moved it (you notice from the pics that I use the words "we moved it" loosely, as all I did was sit in the warm car and take pics) over to Ladd's house since he lives on one of the main streets and seems to always be able to sell items quickly. And, it proved to be that simple once again as he called Friday and said, "Hey, I sold your trailer." That guy could sell ice to an Eskimo! Thank you, Ladd!
After that exhausting task was completed, we took a spin through town and noticed that flags were still flying and llamas had been added to some land near the farm store. Some might say we are easily entertained!
Friday is the morning I have set aside to do some reading enrichment with my buddy Jameson. As much as I enjoy retirement, there are days that I miss the excitement of seeing a light bulb go on when a child learns something new or shows off what he/she knows. So, working with Jameson brings me much pleasure. While I do that, Jim usually goes out to the lake to work on our property there.
Our friend Marilyn posted on FB that she and Len had gone to see St. Vincent and it was quite good; so we decided that Saturday would be a date day and we'd go to the $4 matinee to see this movie. It was definitely an emotional experience as one minute you were laughing, the next crying, and then in no time you were ready to bop the main character on the head. Don't want to give too much info here in case you haven't seen it. But, we did enjoy our theater time and bought a big tub of popcorn to keep the hunger pains away. (And, no, that really isn't part of our diet program, thanks for asking. And, no, we did not have 2 tubs, we just passed the one around for picture taking.)
.jpg)
After the movie, we decided that cold weather or not, we had to walk off some of the calories we just added to our bods. So, we enjoyed poking in many of the antique shops along main street. In case you don't know it, Mineola is considered an antique lover's paradise. In fact, many people from the outlying towns such as Dallas, come in on the train just to shop and then return home. Go figure!
.jpg)
Sunday, November 16
Jim had the offertory special today at church.
Monday, November 17-Thursday, November 20
Monday, November 17th...Happy 20th birthday to granddaughter Randi! And, a happy ??th birthday to my niece Brandi.
We've gotten serious about Christmas baking...
No fun activities are allowed until the house is cleaned from top to bottom. Now, you might not know this about easy going Jim; but he likes things done his way. (I've learned this through the years...it's not readily apparent) And, no surprise to anyone, I like things done my way.
Well, cleaning house caused a really big problem until I got smart and relinquished all control. Let me explain. My "cleaning" and Jim's "cleaning" are miles apart...I'm a hit and miss type cleaner and Jim's a white glove kind of guy. Therefore, I used to get rather ticked when he'd go back and clean what I had already "cleaned". That is, until I realized that I could just turn over all those "deep" jobs to Jim and let him do his thing. So...now I dust the furniture...yep, that's all! In fact, one day we got really tickled when Jim (without thinking) said, "Barbara, did you already wipe down the shutters?" I just looked at him and said, "Did you really ask that?" The answer was no, of course...that's part of that "deep" cleaning I'm talking about! So, ask me if I am spoiled...the answer is yes!
After working with Jameson on Thursday, Jim and I hopped on Taz and enjoyed life knowing that the house was cleaned and we were fancy free!
While we were at the lake putting the cycle trailer back up, our friends Ken and Donna stopped by. We hadn't seen them in months. Yes, we travel; but so do they. They spend a lot of their time working on oil sites monitoring and accepting deliveries. They also are campground hosts during the summer months. So, when we do get to see each other, we talk up a storm!
Friday, November 21
Today is Grandparents' Day at Lakehill Preparatory School where grandchildren Alexander and Abby attend. Therefore, Jim and I had to get up early and be in Dallas by 9:30 to enjoy the program. Marilyn and Len were already there from Boston as they spend the Thanksgiving holidays with the kids. After the program, we all went out to eat lunch at Maggiano's and visit. The pictures tell the story. A good time was had by all!
Sunday, November 23
Thanksgiving Feast at the church Sunday night brought out the cameras and photos of just a few of the fine folks at YFBC.
Tuesday, November 25
Happy, happy birthday, Carol, our daughter-in-law!
Happy birthday to my younger son, Jimmy Clint who is sharing his birthday in heaven with his father.
Wednesday, November 26
Happy birthday to our son Mike in Virginia.
Thursday, November 27
Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends wherever you are!
We celebrated this day with Jim's aunt and cousins as well as former neighbor, Addie. No one went home hungry, that's for sure!
Friday, November 28
Happy 70th birthday to me!
What a wonderful day it was, too! It was filled with messages, letters, texts, gifts, and taking down Thanksgiving and putting up Christmas. This is just one of our favorite decorations for this fabulous time of the year.
Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30
Closing out the month with a visit to the nursing home that took care of Edith. We still try to take some kind of treat to the week-end crew and the weekly crew as we know how hard they work and the love they show each resident.
Sunday finds us in church. What better way to say good-bye to another November?
Having just celebrated Thanksgiving and now preparing for Christmas, we can't think of a better way to close out this month's blog than with the text of Family Tree, a song written and composed by Jack Noble White (published by Hal Leonard) especially for Lakehill Preparatory School, and sung by a massed choir students and staff at the conclusion of the annual Grandparents Day program.
++++++++
Monday, November 10-Saturday, November 15
Instead of putting Big V away when we got back to Mineola, we called Accelerated Diesel to see if we could have her serviced and the loose mirror fixed. Today they called to say that she was ready to go. It didn't take us long to have Big V back in her place on Our Little Lot at Holiday Villages.
A cold front came in but we didn't let it stop us from going to Tyler to see our friend Mary who was in Rehab after a long hospital stay. Bob has been staying with her so we were able to see both of them. Mary is supposed to go home on Thursday which is quite exciting for them!
We haven't been able to sell our trailer which is too short for Taz, so Thursday we moved it (you notice from the pics that I use the words "we moved it" loosely, as all I did was sit in the warm car and take pics) over to Ladd's house since he lives on one of the main streets and seems to always be able to sell items quickly. And, it proved to be that simple once again as he called Friday and said, "Hey, I sold your trailer." That guy could sell ice to an Eskimo! Thank you, Ladd!
After that exhausting task was completed, we took a spin through town and noticed that flags were still flying and llamas had been added to some land near the farm store. Some might say we are easily entertained!
Friday is the morning I have set aside to do some reading enrichment with my buddy Jameson. As much as I enjoy retirement, there are days that I miss the excitement of seeing a light bulb go on when a child learns something new or shows off what he/she knows. So, working with Jameson brings me much pleasure. While I do that, Jim usually goes out to the lake to work on our property there.
Our friend Marilyn posted on FB that she and Len had gone to see St. Vincent and it was quite good; so we decided that Saturday would be a date day and we'd go to the $4 matinee to see this movie. It was definitely an emotional experience as one minute you were laughing, the next crying, and then in no time you were ready to bop the main character on the head. Don't want to give too much info here in case you haven't seen it. But, we did enjoy our theater time and bought a big tub of popcorn to keep the hunger pains away. (And, no, that really isn't part of our diet program, thanks for asking. And, no, we did not have 2 tubs, we just passed the one around for picture taking.)
After the movie, we decided that cold weather or not, we had to walk off some of the calories we just added to our bods. So, we enjoyed poking in many of the antique shops along main street. In case you don't know it, Mineola is considered an antique lover's paradise. In fact, many people from the outlying towns such as Dallas, come in on the train just to shop and then return home. Go figure!
++++++++
Sunday, November 16
Jim had the offertory special today at church.
++++++++
Monday, November 17-Thursday, November 20
Monday, November 17th...Happy 20th birthday to granddaughter Randi! And, a happy ??th birthday to my niece Brandi.
We've gotten serious about Christmas baking...
No fun activities are allowed until the house is cleaned from top to bottom. Now, you might not know this about easy going Jim; but he likes things done his way. (I've learned this through the years...it's not readily apparent) And, no surprise to anyone, I like things done my way.
Well, cleaning house caused a really big problem until I got smart and relinquished all control. Let me explain. My "cleaning" and Jim's "cleaning" are miles apart...I'm a hit and miss type cleaner and Jim's a white glove kind of guy. Therefore, I used to get rather ticked when he'd go back and clean what I had already "cleaned". That is, until I realized that I could just turn over all those "deep" jobs to Jim and let him do his thing. So...now I dust the furniture...yep, that's all! In fact, one day we got really tickled when Jim (without thinking) said, "Barbara, did you already wipe down the shutters?" I just looked at him and said, "Did you really ask that?" The answer was no, of course...that's part of that "deep" cleaning I'm talking about! So, ask me if I am spoiled...the answer is yes!
After working with Jameson on Thursday, Jim and I hopped on Taz and enjoyed life knowing that the house was cleaned and we were fancy free!
While we were at the lake putting the cycle trailer back up, our friends Ken and Donna stopped by. We hadn't seen them in months. Yes, we travel; but so do they. They spend a lot of their time working on oil sites monitoring and accepting deliveries. They also are campground hosts during the summer months. So, when we do get to see each other, we talk up a storm!
++++++++
Friday, November 21
Today is Grandparents' Day at Lakehill Preparatory School where grandchildren Alexander and Abby attend. Therefore, Jim and I had to get up early and be in Dallas by 9:30 to enjoy the program. Marilyn and Len were already there from Boston as they spend the Thanksgiving holidays with the kids. After the program, we all went out to eat lunch at Maggiano's and visit. The pictures tell the story. A good time was had by all!
++++++++
Sunday, November 23
Thanksgiving Feast at the church Sunday night brought out the cameras and photos of just a few of the fine folks at YFBC.
++++++++
Tuesday, November 25
Happy, happy birthday, Carol, our daughter-in-law!
Happy birthday to my younger son, Jimmy Clint who is sharing his birthday in heaven with his father.
++++++++
Wednesday, November 26
Happy birthday to our son Mike in Virginia.
++++++++
Thursday, November 27
Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends wherever you are!
We celebrated this day with Jim's aunt and cousins as well as former neighbor, Addie. No one went home hungry, that's for sure!
++++++++
Friday, November 28
Happy 70th birthday to me!
What a wonderful day it was, too! It was filled with messages, letters, texts, gifts, and taking down Thanksgiving and putting up Christmas. This is just one of our favorite decorations for this fabulous time of the year.
++++++++
Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30
Closing out the month with a visit to the nursing home that took care of Edith. We still try to take some kind of treat to the week-end crew and the weekly crew as we know how hard they work and the love they show each resident.
Sunday finds us in church. What better way to say good-bye to another November?
++++++++
Having just celebrated Thanksgiving and now preparing for Christmas, we can't think of a better way to close out this month's blog than with the text of Family Tree, a song written and composed by Jack Noble White (published by Hal Leonard) especially for Lakehill Preparatory School, and sung by a massed choir students and staff at the conclusion of the annual Grandparents Day program.
May you see
your children’s children growing on your family tree;
Such a crown
of life’s true riches they can be.
Life may
bring you fame and fortune, but your greatest legacy
Is to plant a
strong and fruitful family tree.
Life is a
rhapsody of loving; both sad and joyful poetry;
But in your
symphony of living the most important melody
Is Family.
When you see
your children’s children, be you poor or royalty,
You will see
your greatest treasure, treasure beyond measure,
In your
fruitful family tree.
Life is a
rhapsody of loving; both sad and joyful poetry;
But in your
symphony of living the most important melody
Is Family.
When you see
your children’s children, be you poor or royalty,
You will see
your greatest treasure, treasure beyond measure,
In your
fruitful family tree.
++++++++
Back to the "real" world in Mineola, Texas,
Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsy and Jim/Dad/Gramps
