Thursday, September 1
We got up this morning, had a great breakfast, some more visitation time with Gene and Michelle in Plevna, packed the trailer, and said our goodbyes.
Then, we pointed Taz in the direction of Olathe and since we didn't have a strict schedule to follow, we just enjoyed being on the road under the beautiful Kansas sky.
When we got to Olathe, we checked at our hotel, let the kids know we were in town, and set up housekeeping in our room for a few days.
Later, we joined the kids for some great Kansas City Barbecue at a restaurant just across the street from the hotel.
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Friday, September 2
Heather, Mike, and Whitney were going to be busy most of the day making arrangements for their mother's funeral, so we used the time to acquaint ourselves with the neighborhood by walking around to see what we could see.
We joined the kids at a local burger joint for supper, and then went a few blocks down the road for some ice cream.
Then we went to Jimmy's school for some playground time with the grandkids.
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Saturday, September 3
Barbara Jean's funeral was in Lawrence this morning. While the family was there, we decided to ride Taz to downtown Kansas City for our day's adventure.
While on the ride, we discovered the City Market and spent a couple of hours just walking around and taking in the ambiance of the place.
And then returned to the hotel to do a little clowning around of our own.
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Sunday, September 4
I had breakfast with Mike this morning and then Barbara and I set out in search of a church. We knew which church we wanted to attend, but our GPS couldn't seem to get us where we wanted to go, so when we found the Indian Creek Community Church, we decided to give it a try...and enjoyed a wonderful service! After that we did some shopping at Target to try on caps and hats, and then went to Whitney and Jim's house for lunch with the kids and grandkids.
When lunch was over, we said our goodbyes and returned to the hotel to begin packing and loading Taz for tomorrow's return trip to Mineola.
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Monday, September 5
We got up early, enjoyed a great breakfast at the hotel, finished loading Taz and the trailer, and then struck out down U.S. 69 toward Mineola. We didn't know how far we'd get today, but the closer we got to home, the more we were compelled to finish the trip in one day; and, 488 miles later, just as the sun was disappearing over the horizon, we arrived at the house.
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Tuesday, September 6 - Thursday, September 8
These were days of just getting back into our daily routine...nothing of significance for us other than some photos we received. First was a shot of Ava on her first day of kindergarten, then a photo of grand-niece Riley in Houston, and then a photo of our good friend Jenny who lives at the assisted living center across the north 40 from our house.
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Friday, June 9
We headed west to Cleburne today for a surprise early birthday celebration for grandson Kaiden. We surprised him at school and then took him to an eatery for our own personal party.
And then it was back on the road to Mineola...another busy day!!!
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Saturday, September 10
It isn't often that we take a complete break from life, but today was one of those days as we just stayed inside, vegged out, and got caught up on episodes of Longmire on Netflix.
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Sunday, September 11
It was a beautiful fall morning, so we decided to ride Taz to church...
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Monday, September 12
There is absolutely nothing to say about this day, so that's what we'll say...absolutely nothing!
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Tuesday, September 13
We did a lot of running around today. I had prayer meeting at Yantis at 7:00 and then returned to Mineola to get Barbara so we could go to the hospital for a stress test for me. I had been assured by Dr. Smith's office that I would be doing the treadmill, but when I got there, they said I would have the nuclear test, something I've never experienced.
When that was all done, we returned to Mineola for a quick lunch before I took Barbara to Naturally Nails so Leslie could give her a pedicure. Talk about someone acting like a lady of leisure!!!
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Wednesday, September 14
My day wasn't quite as leisurely as yesterday was for Barbara. It was time for my quarterly visit with my friendly dermatologist, otherwise known as the world champion wielder of the liquid nitrogen spray bottle. Let's just say that after the visit, my head was on fire, and my teeth were gritted down about a 16th of an inch!
Luckily, Barbara took this photo before I went into the room for the treatment. I sure wasn't smiling afterward.
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Thursday, September 15
Today was baking day in our kitchen. I made up a couple of batches of dough, and then Barbara and I went to work making kolaches...yum-yum!
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Friday, September 16
The highlight of the day was another trip to the hospital in Quitman to review my stress test results with Dr. Smith. Luckily, everything was just fine, so I guess I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Barbara took the time to ask Dr. Smith about the problem she was having the veins in her leg. He took a look and explained what he thought was happening. In the end, Barbara began the process of transferring to Dr. Smith from her current cardiologist, which now means that both of us can have regular visit s in Quitman, rather than driving to Tyler (which is guaranteed to raise stress levels and blood pressure).
Tonight was a Harvest Moon night. We are well aware that about 37 kazillion photos were taken during the evening, but here is our offering anyway. The moon was a spectacular sight, not so much the photographs we took and/or saw. These were taken from our front porch as we looked to the east.
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Saturday, September 17
Happy 12th Birthday to Grandson Kaiden McQuitty!!!!!
We were up and out of here by 7:00 this morning for a Taz ride to Kaufman to join 50 PGR riders from around the area in honoring the memory of U.S. Army Spc Travis Jimmy Powell of Fort Bliss, Texas. 20 active duty officers and enlisted personnel drove out from El Paso to participate in a full-honors military funeral.
When we returned to Mineola, we made a quick stop at Brookshire's for a few items and spent some time visiting with the lady who had this little camper trailer hooked to her car. She was very pleased to show it off to us.
After returning to the house, having a bite to eat, cleaning up and changing clothes, we drove out in the country to join church friends at the monthly Gospel Sing.
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Sunday, September 18
This morning found us back at Yantis FBC, where we did our Children's Sermon based on Joshua 3.
Joshua 3: Overcoming Obstacles
JIM: The last few months, we’ve
talked a lot about prayer and building faith.
We learned that prayer can be very simple…talking to God as if he is our
best friend, because that’s what he wants from us. When we have a conversation with someone,
there are two parts…talking, and listening…and for most of us…especially us
older folks, listening is the hardest part of the conversation.
When we truly listen for God’s voice, He will let us know
what He wants us to do, and when He wants us to do it. Some pastors have said that God gives us
three answers to many of our questions; they are Stop…Go…and Wait. Of the three, waiting seems to be the most
difficult.
In today’s lesson from Joshua 3, we learn that even though
the Israelite army thought they were ready to go to battle with the city of
Jericho, God had different plans. God
wanted them to wait until He was ready for them to go, and the waiting included
time for each of the Israelites to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and
spiritually to enter the Promised Land and take what God had promised them.
Barbara: What
about you? Do you have trouble when your parents tell you no or to wait until
later? I know our grandchildren do. Sometimes they ask us for some candy.
Sometimes we say, yes. But sometimes we say, not now…later…after you eat your
dinner. And, sometimes we just say no. No, you can’t have candy because it
makes you hyper, crazy and grouchy…it just wouldn’t be good for you. But, then,
sometimes we say no because we have something better in mind, like going to Dairy
Queen to get ice cream. That’s the way God is with us. Sometimes he says Yes…
now…Sometimes later…Sometimes no…and sometimes He’s got something better for
you. But, always, always, always, He answers prayer.
We often face problems, or obstacles in our life. Sometimes
we are willing to try almost anything -- anything, that is, except what God
tells us to do. He has the solution to all of life's problems, if we will just
follow the directions He gives us.
Jim: To help you remember this lesson,
we have prepared these for you. The top has a red dot to remind you that
sometimes the answer is No. Inside are pieces of Now and Later candy. You may
see the results of your prayer now or maybe later; but always God wants you to
listen for his answers.
Let us pray…
Heavenly Father, when we face life's problems, help us to
be willing to follow the directions which you have given in your Holy Word. In
Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
It was beautiful out this evening, so we rode Taz back to Yantis, stopping first at Mary Parker's house to visit with Charlie Duncan and Mary.
After church, Benjamin Lovelady decided he needed a little Taz time...
On the way home, we stopped at What-a-Burger for our evening meal. Barbara stayed on Taz and took some selfies while I went inside to get our food.
Monday, September 19
We received a call from Cousin Ladd this morning letting us know that Aunt TJ had been taken to the emergency room at the hospital in Quitman. We stopped whatever we were doing and drove to Quitman to see what was going on. TJ, Aunt Glennis, Ladd, Angela, Maddey, and Jarhett were all there in the waiting room, so we pullled up some chairs and visited until they took TJ back to see what was going on with her.
Later, while Angela stayed with TJ in the emergency room, the rest of us went to Peralta's from some great Mexican food. Then, assured by Angela that everything was okay and TJ would be released shortly, we headed back to Mineola while the others returned to the hospital.
Tuesday and Wednesday, September 20-21
We got word yesterday that Stephanie Francis' mother had passed away in Albuquerque. Since the Francis family is part of our adopted Artesia family, we began making plans for a quick trip to Albuquerque. We considered taking Taz, but the weather along the way was iffy, so we opted for safety, speed, and comfort, and voted to take the car (a wise decision as it turned out).
These two days were filled with making all the preparations to be gone for a few days...housework, yardwork, getting the car ready, and packing.
Thursday, September 22
Our route for today took us up U.S, 69 to the intersection with U.S. 82 at Bells, where we headed west toward Wichita Falls and U.S. 287. We make more stops along the way than average travelers, and one of our more fun stops was at a rest area just outside of Clarendon, where we enjoyed the scenery and learned a little local history.
We had considered stopping in Amarillo for the evening, but when we got there, it was too early to stop, so we decided to press on to New Mexico.
It was beautiful out this evening, so we rode Taz back to Yantis, stopping first at Mary Parker's house to visit with Charlie Duncan and Mary.
After church, Benjamin Lovelady decided he needed a little Taz time...
On the way home, we stopped at What-a-Burger for our evening meal. Barbara stayed on Taz and took some selfies while I went inside to get our food.
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Monday, September 19
We received a call from Cousin Ladd this morning letting us know that Aunt TJ had been taken to the emergency room at the hospital in Quitman. We stopped whatever we were doing and drove to Quitman to see what was going on. TJ, Aunt Glennis, Ladd, Angela, Maddey, and Jarhett were all there in the waiting room, so we pullled up some chairs and visited until they took TJ back to see what was going on with her.
Later, while Angela stayed with TJ in the emergency room, the rest of us went to Peralta's from some great Mexican food. Then, assured by Angela that everything was okay and TJ would be released shortly, we headed back to Mineola while the others returned to the hospital.
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Tuesday and Wednesday, September 20-21
We got word yesterday that Stephanie Francis' mother had passed away in Albuquerque. Since the Francis family is part of our adopted Artesia family, we began making plans for a quick trip to Albuquerque. We considered taking Taz, but the weather along the way was iffy, so we opted for safety, speed, and comfort, and voted to take the car (a wise decision as it turned out).
These two days were filled with making all the preparations to be gone for a few days...housework, yardwork, getting the car ready, and packing.
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Thursday, September 22
Our route for today took us up U.S, 69 to the intersection with U.S. 82 at Bells, where we headed west toward Wichita Falls and U.S. 287. We make more stops along the way than average travelers, and one of our more fun stops was at a rest area just outside of Clarendon, where we enjoyed the scenery and learned a little local history.
We had considered stopping in Amarillo for the evening, but when we got there, it was too early to stop, so we decided to press on to New Mexico.
The weather started changing as we approached Moriarty on I-40, but we could still see the Sandia Mountains in the distance, letting us know we were close to Albuquerque.
We made it t the city before sundown, checked in at Homewood Suites Uptown, and prepared our room to be our home away from home for a few days.
Barbara decided that she needed to try on my cap for some selfies.
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Friday, September 23
With the family busy making arrangements for the visitation, Rosary, and service, we had most of the day free for sightseeing, and what better place for sightseeing than Albuquerque!
But first, we had to maneuver the car out of the parking place we chose last night when we arrived. It seems that a paint crew was working on the exterior of the hotel, and they had parked the lift vehicle behind our car.
We went out to Paul and Stephanie's place just outside of Tijeras to visit with them, the boys, and Susie and James.
Then it was back to the hotel to change clothes and go to the Rosary.
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Saturday, September 24
We got up relatively early this morning and went downstairs for the full breakfast. A young man wearing this shirt passed our table, and I just had to take a picture...hope I'll own one of these someday...
We drove across town for the funeral and graveside service, and then wen't to Stephanie's fathers house for lunch. Then, it was time for some more sightseeing. The Sandia's are always different and always majestic!
Tonight we walked down the block from the hotel for dinner at the Lone Star Steakhouse with some of the family and friends before saying our goodbyes.
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Sunday, September 25
We got up early, had breakfast downstairs, and then hit the highway, hoping to make it all the way home today. The only thing we saw of interest as we came down our of Tijeras Canyon was the sign on the back of this truck...it reads, "Don't like trucks? Stop buying stuff...Problem solved.
We were pretty much on schedule to get home this evening until we ran into some really bad weather and heavy rain between Amarillo and Wichita Falls. Knowing that it would be very late and dark before we could get home, we pulled off in Vernon and got a room for the night.
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Monday, September 26
We awoke to a beautiful new day...had breakfast in the dining area of the hotel and then struck out again.
We stopped at Muenster to do some shopping for specialty meats and cheeses, (and for Barbara to take this photo of me in my newest shirt), and then booked it on down the highway.
After a final break in Emory to get a meal that Sonic owed us for a terrible meal a couple of months ago, we drove on home, unpacked the car, and settled in for a restful evening.
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Tuesday, September 27
Just another day to take care of business and recuperate from the trip.
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Wednesday, September 28
Today was See You At The Pole day in Yantis. We drove out to document the activity and support the youth from our church who spearheaded the event.
See You At The Pole in Yantis is followed in the evening by Saw You At The Pole, an activity held in lieu of the usual Wednesday night youth activities.
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Thursday, September 29
Just another day in paradise!
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Friday, September 30
Abby had a soccer match in Highland Park this afternoon, so we drove over to help cheer her on.
Following the game, we drove to a new (for us) hamburger place for dinner with Andy, Heather, Alexander, and Abby...needless to say, a good time was had by all.
While we were eating, we looked up and saw one of Barbara's students from 38 years ago in Lubbock. Markay and her husband were having dinner with their kids at the same time we were there...pure serendipity!!!
And just because we can do it, here's a picture of Markay (and Barbara) when Markay was in Barbara's class at Wester Elementary School in Lubbock in the 1976-1977 school year
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Wrapping up another month in East Texas,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams/Gramsie
