The Littles...June 28 and 29

Thursday, June 28

This day began with a BANG about 1 AM when a horrible wind storm began to rock Big V every way but loose! Jim and I quickly awoke and pulled in the slide-outs…we’ve learned that this is the easiest way to deal with high winds. Shortly thereafter, the rain started and didn’t let up until 4:30. How do I know this? While Jim slept soundly after helping to secure the motor home, I protected us by staying up until things settled down.

The rest of the morning and afternoon were just a regular Artesia day. Then around 6 we went out to Kwan Den’s to eat Chinese with Jerry and Jean (Nancy had a shower to attend). After dinner, the four of us went out to the sports field to watch Becky play softball with her church league team.

Jim and I captured the night with photos…at this point, I must confess that Jim’s skills in photography are beginning to surpass mine…he took the awesome fence view of Becky running to 1st base…

After the game, we all returned to Jean’s where we enjoyed a slice of Becky’s delicious cheesecake. Unfortunately, due to the horrific storm last night, Jim and I were exhausted and returned to Big V before Nancy arrived from her shower.

Friday, June 29

Since Jim and I didn’t realize that the cycle and the small trailer had to be tagged by June 30th…not July…we got up at 4:30 and were on the road to Lubbock by 5 this morning. We knew from experience that if one doesn’t get to the tax office early, the wait is way too long!

After taking care of business, we went by Jimmy and Cathey’s to pick up Jaycie who was going to accompany us while we did some mall browsing and getting hair cuts. Before we could leave the house though, Jaycie had to demonstrate some basketball skills she had perfected at camp this week.

After waiting about 45 minutes to get our hair cut (where is MonDel when you need him? in Liberal, I suppose), we finally got to wander the mall. However, even Jaycie couldn’t find anything she couldn’t live without in any of the stores so we returned to her house without even one purchase. Now that is a real shame, don’t you think?

Jim and I had a lunch date with our friend Becky so we set out for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center where we would pick her up as soon as she got her break. We all went a couple of blocks down the way to Rosa’s Café, a great Mexican place. Since the day was still rather cool and pleasant, we opted to sit out on the patio. Luckily, on Friday’s Becky gets an hour and a half lunch so we had some extra visiting time!

At 3:00 the Monterey High School basketball camp was holding a demonstration of skills the kids had learned this week…that’s why Jim and I were still in Lubbock! So, we met up with Jimmy and Cathey there and watched what the girls had been taught. And, actually, Jim and I were quite impressed with the precision and discipline shown by the girls. They had obviously had been drilled and coached very well. After a 30 minute demonstration by the participants, the coach presented awards to some outstanding athletes. We were pleased and excited when Jaycie’s name was called to receive Outstanding Hustler award.
After hugs and kisses to the kids, Jim and I pointed the Vibe in a westerly direction making it back to Artesia in 3 hours flat.

Jim and Barbara

“The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” …Joe Paterno

The Littles...Another Artesia Day

Wednesday, June 27

While Jim did some things around the place, I worked on yesterday’s journal. Then, before we knew it, it was time to prepare for our weekly Wednesday outing…eating at Chaos with the Terpening/Francis clan.

Yesterday we had invited Edith, Jim’s mom, to go out to eat today; but she hadn’t committed one way or the other…so, we headed over to her house to find out her final answer. (Sounds like a TV show question…”Is that your final answer”?) Anyway, we were delighted to discover her dressed and ready for an afternoon on the town.

Wow! Today there were 9 of us at Chaos…the three of us plus Jean, Jerry, Nancy, Becky, Susie, and Karen. Becky is out of school…well, she teaches in the mornings…but is now free to join us in the summer; and Karen, who graduated from Duke in May, came over with Susie from Hobbs. Anyway, we were a large, lively group this day.

My sister, Nancy, sent me photos of her clan that are going to be used in their church directory. I immediately sought permission to use them in our journal. Keep in mind that this is my “baby” sister by seven years (which is why she looks so much younger than I) and as Carol and I claim, which led to her being thoroughly spoiled when she was growing up! Oops, I bet I hear about that statement…But, I will give you a perfect example of why this is true. Then you can decide for yourself if I’m being truthful…

We grew up in an era where girls had 2 pairs of shoes…black for fall and winter…white for after Easter only!

But, one time when I came home from college, I found Nancy wearing RED shoes…yes, I said, “RED!” Then she boasted of having other colors as well…green, brown, etc. Sure enough when I checked her closet I found that she was telling the truth. That’s not the only example I could give (and I’m certain Carol has one or two she could name…but ...enough! )

Seriously, though, these are the first photos they’ve had as a family since Tom’s serious motorcycle accident so we’re just thrilled to be able to receive them.

Nancy and Tom have one daughter Brandi who is married to Paul…between the two of them, they have two daughters.

Keylin, who just graduated last month from kindergarten and is responsible for Nancy coining the word, Keylinism, keeps us in stitches with her insights on life, church, and the Bible. She is Brandi’s daughter.

Then there is Eva, Paul’s daughter, who keeps everyone busy chasing her around as one does with one that young.

As I typed this, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe sister Carol would get me some pictures for her family…well, maybe she could get Lynette or Connie to do it for her…guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

After a nap, we went into town to visit with Edith and then over to his brother Ernie’s house. Since he was still at work, we chatted with his wife Billee for a little bit about Fourth of July plans.

Once home, we grabbed our walking sticks for a lap around the block…pretty big block out here! Then we pestered Jean for a little while before coming home.

Doing and remembering what we want ...

Jim and Barbara

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” …From the television show The Wonder Years

The Littles in Artesia

Tuesday, June 26

How wonderful it feels to be back to a normal world that doesn’t involve traveling from point A to point B for a while. Our morning and afternoon was spent just cleaning, sorting, and getting cabinets reorganized! We’re not always good on the road at putting things in their proper place, but then we didn’t always do that when we lived in a real house either!

Some of the day was used to reconnect with some friends and family on the internet, something we don’t have much time for when we’re on the road. The results of this brought about the desire in us to use this week before our mile mark of retirement to look once again at different family members and friends.

While we were in Richmond, Jerry, Nancy, and Becky went to Amarillo to celebrate Father’s Day as well









as Amanda’s birthday, with Amanda and her family (left). The photo on the right is Jerry with his two daughters, Amanda and Becky. What a great shot!

(Now obviously we didn’t take these, nor were we there when they were taken, but Jerry gave me permission to use them…if I gave the photographers credit...J…only problem…I don’t know who actually took the shots…just know it wasn’t me or Jim!) Was it you, Nancy?

This was an especially important visit since it was their last time to go to Amarillo. Zeke has finished his residency and will open up his own medical practice in Knox City, TX. Congratulations, Dr. Zeke Duke! (And, just for the record, our travel to Lubbock from Carrollton took us right through Benjamin, which is close to Knox City and where Zeke’s parents live!)

Big Dad (aka Jerry) looks pretty pleased with his grandsons, Daniel (sitting) and Jonah (in his arms) don’t you think?

Thanks for sharing your photos and your family with Jim and me, Nancy and Jerry! What a wonderful part you have played in our first year of retirement.

The next email I opened was a photo album from Andy showing us their new home, and with his permission, we are sharing them in our journal. Since they were still handling business at the time Jim and I got to see the home, we left the camera in the car…I know, it’s hard to believe I showed such restraint, isn’t it? Actually, that’s a really good thing because Andy knows how to take a panoramic view and I don’t…this is what he used to show the back yard and the home.









While Heather and Andy were signing papers and looking around with the realtor, Jim and I sat in their airy living room area checking out the magazines. Andy must have taken this photo while he was in the upstairs area.

The photo of Heather and Abby is taken downstairs by the fireplace.

Alexander was really excited about his new “blue” bedroom. However, Andy said that the room he was declaring as his probably wouldn’t be that one. When we said that Alexander didn’t like the brown room, Andy quipped that it can turn blue with a little paint.

As Heather walks around the living room upstairs, Alexander seems to be examining the walls.

Jim admits that he doesn’t really want a house that large, but he does covet the kitchen area and the deck covered with a grape arbor that you can see in the background of this photo.

We really hit the mother lode; because shortly after Andy’s album arrived, we received a note from Whitney and new photos of Little Jimmy, who has already perfected the movie star look at an early age.

He was 2 months old June 22 and has developed quite nicely. In fact, when he had his two month medical check-up, he weighed 13 lbs. 5 oz. and was 22.75 inches long!

There we so many good ones of Jimmy that it was hard to choose which ones to share. Most of all, it was hard not to jump right in the car and head that direction…they grow so fast, but though the heart was willing, our bodies just weren’t up to another long trip so soon. So, for now, we just have to be content with photos to help us keep up with the changes in him.

He is definitely a keeper! Thanks to Whitney and Jim for allowing us to share these photos with everyone.

This was certainly a red letter day with all the photos and messages we received. It made us realize just how blessed we are to live in an age where one does not have to depend on the mail to keep in touch with loved ones. In fact, we’ve decided that one major link to a successful retirement is the ability to communicate with family and friends via the internet.

Keeping the journal has added a certain quality to our life that we have come to depend upon immensely. It’s also kind of awesome to think that when we have left this earth, we will have left a little piece of ourselves for future generations to learn about us. Pretty deep thinking…enough!

Finally, we made it over to Edith’s for a short visit. When we jokingly told her we were thinking of heading to the mountains where it would be cool for the rest of the summer, she offered, and we accepted, the use of an oscillating fan to use in Big V. It’s hard for the air conditioner in any building around here to keep up with the 100+ degree temperature!

After supper when it had cooled down, we grabbed our walking sticks and took the long way over to Nancy’s and Jerry’s. The four of us sat out on their lovely patio and enjoyed the night air talking and catching up on each other’s lives…after all we had been gone over a month!

Suddenly, the wind exploded into some kind of heathen monster…since we had left the awning out, Jim and I rushed home. What a nightmare trying to get the awning to retract while you’re fighting 55-60 mile an hour gusts! Jim and I both could visualize total destruction, but finally by starting up Big V’s engine, we were able to get enough power to get the awning put away.

Once inside, we realized that we’d better put the slide-outs in or the wind could/would damage them. It’s an interesting life we live! Can you imagine folding up your home to protect it from the wind?

Jean called and warned Jim that Artesia was under a severe thunderstorm alert so he might want to move the Vibe next to her car under the carport. Jim thought that sounded like a winner…so he did…maybe that’s why we wound up getting absolutely no rain out of that silly storm! I mean, if it’s going to bluster and blow like that, the least it could do is rain!

Happy, well, and blessed in Artesia,

Jim and Barbara

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust, French author (1871-1922)

The Littles...Back Home!

Monday, June 25

Today we made the last leg of the journey back to Artesia. We started early in Lubbock…not because we wanted to start early, but because our “camping site” in the Wal-Mart parking lot wasn’t the quietest place we’ve ever stayed…seems that things start hopping pretty early around there.

I left at 9:00 am to go re-register the car and get new tags for the big trailer and the new motorcycle cargo trailer. Luckily, I was third in line, so it took me only a half hour to get everything done. With several license tag offices located all around the city, Lubbock
County has done a very good job of making the process as painless as possible (as long as you have all the documentation in order).

Barbara: Jay Bird and I were so busy with our morning activities that the thought of the camera never entered my mind! First, we made our traditional walk over to Krispy Kreme to get our morning breakfast…Jaycie did inform me as we walked back that doughnuts are not really a healthy breakfast; but since we were walking, we would be burning the calories off! Thank you, Jaycie, for the health lesson! Once breakfast was completed, we got involved in a hot game of Life on the computer…I did win that game with 3 million dollars in my account…whoa! Wish that were real! Then, while Jaycie played for all three of us, I began washing the dishes which is where Jim re-entered the picture.

Jim: Back at Big V I found Jaycie playing The Game of Life on one of the computers while Barbara was washing dishes and getting things ready to head out again.

Shortly before 10:00, Jimmy Clint and Cathey came by to pick up Jaycie and reclaim Jimmy’s car (he had loaned me his car so I wouldn’t have to take our Vibe off the trailer and then load it back and get it tied down again).

After the kids left, we finished straightening Big V and getting things packed away so they wouldn’t fly or fall all over the place when we turned or hit bumps along the way. Finally, it was back into the traffic flow for the ride to Artesia.

The Pecos Valley looked pretty and green as we topped 12-mile hill east of the city. It felt like we were finally getting home; but first, a stop to top off the propane tank, since we plan to be parked for at least five weeks and don’t want to have to break everything down and drive across town to get our “cooking gas.”

Then, it was on to Jean’s place to get the car and cargo trailer off the big trailer, move and unhook the trailer, and then get Big V back on the pad and set up. Once we were “settled in,” we went back in to town to see Mother and let her know we were back in place…this evening – dinner with Jean and a quick trip to Wal-Mart for some “necessaries” before finally calling it a day.

So here we are - home again after 6,225 miles (3,398 in Big V and 2,287 in the Vibe), 38 days of travel through 14 states, and countless memories of places visited and times shared with family and friends.

Happy to be home in Artesia,

Jim & Barbara

“Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.”
…Francis Bacon, Sr. (1561 – 1626)

The Littles in Lubbock, TX

Sunday, June 24

We hit the road this morning and drove, drove, drove. Final destination for tonight was Lubbock, TX, where we would meet up with Jimmy, Cathey, and Jaycie after Jaycie’s cheer practice.

Before the kids arrived at our standard Wally World parking slot, Jim and I went inside to pick up a few things we needed to prepare supper. Plus, we hoped that Big V would cool down some while we were inside…didn’t quite work that way though! When the temps in the 90’s, it just takes a long time for the motor home to cool down.

Jay Bird was really hungry after that 2 hour cheer practice so that was the first thing on the night’s agenda. But, before I was able to get the meal served, Cathey captured Gramps and Jaycie having a “dog”gone good time!

Thank goodness the kids were good sports because the heat in the motor home was quite stifling for a while…sorry about that! It didn’t stop us from visiting and documenting the moments.

We pulled out the calendars and tried to find some time before school starts for Jaycie and, hopefully, Randi to visit us. It’s really getting hard to find time since the girls are involved in so many activities…

We’re still hoping, too, that Andy and Heather will be able to find time for us to have Alexander since he’s getting older. Abby and Little Jimmy will have to wait a couple more years since we’re not sure we’re equipped for ones that young!

Keep in mind that when we park at this Wal-Mart we are only able to put out the slides in the kitchen and the bedroom so room is kind of at a premium…that means that figuring out a place and way to take a family photo was a challenge! Our first attempts kept us in stitches since once I got the camera set, I still wasn’t able to find the right place to sit. (photo on left) We didn’t let this stop us though and tried different sitting arrangements.

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again!" was our motto…and finally…we did it!

After the kids left (Jay Bird thought they’d never leave!), Jaycie, Gramps, and I enjoyed an evening of watching, Night at the Museum, what a fun movie that is! And, it’s filled with a lot of oldie, but goodie actors…Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney…told you they were oldie!

We decided that this was double feature night so for our next viewing pleasure we watched the animated DVD, Flushed Away. During intermission between these two showings, we took our “good night shot.”

From Lubbock, TX

Jim and Barbara

“If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”...Thomas Edison

The Littles...From Destiny RV Ranch

Saturday, June 23

Had a slow start to the day…slept in a little, and then Barbara worked on Friday’s entry and the blog. For some reason, the pictures wouldn’t transfer to the blog the way they were supposed to, so that part didn’t get completed until later in the day.

Heather and Andy are in the process of purchasing a new house and had asked us if we would help watch the kids for a part of the day while they went over the inspection. The only question was when it would happen. We had planned to leave about 11:30 to go meet them, but Andy called at 10:45 to say that things had moved up a bit, so we hopped in the car and met them at the far eastern side of Garland…then followed them to the location of their new house, somewhere in Richardson.

Our job for the time was to watch Alexander and Abby, but they were clinging to their mom and dad for the most part, so we were there more for moral support than anything. Alexander finally loosened up and showed us the new house, especially “his” new room. He did stay still long enough to have his picture taken beside the fireplace before we all left at the end of the inspection.

From the house, we followed the kids to a really nice outdoor mall, the Firewheel, right off the eastern end of the George Bush Turnpike. The first order of business was to grab sandwiches at Charley’s, a new place for all of us (and we highly recommend it if you’re in the neighborhood…great Philly steak and chicken sandwiches at a really reasonable price).

Right next door to Charley’s was a Carter’s store (clothing for the little ones), so that was also a “must stop.” Heather wanted to look at some things for the kids, and we took the opportunity to find a little something for Alexander, Abby, and Little Jimmy (oops…Whitney and Jim, that’s a surprise, so just disregard that part).

We’ve been pleasantly surprised in our travels to find that shopping malls are really beginning to cater to parents with small children in tow by providing nice recreation areas. This mall was no exception, with a very nice outdoor play area (spongy synthetic playing surface and great “rides” for the kids. We managed to spend about 30 minutes watching, playing, and taking a bunch of pictures (although, as with yesterday’s efforts, the kids moved so fast that we ended up deleting about 4 of every shots because they moved out of range before the shutter snapped).

When we were finished at the playground, Barbara and I made a visit to Barnes and Noble to see what they had that we couldn’t live without. I’ve been looking for a copy of “Lakota Noon” (an Indian perspective of the Battle of Little Big Horn) for the past year, but haven’t been able to find it anywhere in the country. Since it was written in the early 1970’s, it’s hardly standard fare at most bookstores. As usual, the Barnes and Noble shop didn’t have it, but the young man working the counter looked it up and was able to special order a paperback copy for me. Wes Fox, it looks like your personal copy is safe for now. We can compare notes later.

With a couple of purchases in hand and the book on order, we met up with Heather and Abby and returned to the car where Andy and Alexander were waiting for us. Then, it was back on the road to the kids’ apartment in Carrollton to visit for the afternoon (but not without a stop for Barbara and me at the local Sonic…Diet Coke for her and a cherry limeade for me…great stuff for a 94-degree afternoon).

The little ones were asleep when we got to the apartment, so we passed the time visiting, working at our computers, and watching television. Heather whipped up a great meal…barbecued brisket, ribs, biscuits, and salad that we thoroughly enjoyed. After a wonderful lemon bar dessert, it was time for us to say our goodbyes and head back up to Denton to get ready for our Sunday morning departure.

From the Destiny RV Ranch,

Jim and Barbara

“You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”…Anonymous

The Littles...Grams and Gramps

Friday, June 22

Our day began when Heather, Andy, and the kids came over for Jim’s pancake breakfast. Although it hasn’t really been that long since we’ve seen them, Alexander has grown so tall and knowledgeable. It was a hoot to hear him discuss issues always prefacing everything with, “Daddy said” or “Mommy said.” Little Miss Abby is walking all over the place and has the sweetest disposition.

We really thought that the kids might cry when Heather and Andy left to do some chores, but they didn’t. After cleaning the kitchen, we began the process of donning bathing gear in preparation for some time at the pool. Just as we were leaving, the lady in the rig next to us said they had left some kids toys down at the pool so to feel free to use what we wanted. We were delighted to find that one of the toys was a little inner tube contraption that Abby fell in love with and gave her independence of sorts.

I decided to try to get a group shot, but wasn’t very successful on the first try since the little inner tube blocked out Abby’s face.

However, when I tried the second time, we weren’t very successful either; but decided that that would have to do! Obviously, the camera, sitting on the side of the pool wasn’t very level either…but we had a good time trying to get the perfect shot!

After the water adventure, it was time for Batman DVD and snacks! We really thought after all the energy exerted by both kids that they would take a nap. At least we knew the grandparents were definitely ready for one! The snacks seem to work in reverse on the kids…Abby readily fell asleep with me in the bedroom…while Alexander resisted all means of persuasion from Gramps! “Nap, no!” was his mantra! And, he kept his word.

Once Abby and I awoke, we all prepared for a trip to the mall where we found a wonderful play area for the kids. They each were willing to explore the entire area though Abby had the most fun lying down to examine the huge flowers on the soft carpet and playing in a less active area.

Alexander in the meantime had found some other kids his size to roam and run around with. He was everywhere and it was much more difficult to capture his movements as he was never in one place long enough to shoot him! Luckily, I captured these two shots before he started playing with his new-found friends.






Eventually, we bundled them up and headed for some “cool” rides further down the mall area.

Abby immediately decided that she wanted to ride Garfield, but Alexander wanted no part of that! He ran from ride to ride trying to decide which one was the best for him. Thankfully, his search lasted long enough for Abby to get her ride in on Garfield. In the background of the picture of Abby and Garfield, you can see Alexander searching…did he want the boat, the bull, no…maybe the car…don’t know…that pick-up looks mighty enticing. Finally his choice was made! The pick-up won his heart…better watch out, Heather and Andy, before you know it, he’ll want a real one!

We were terribly impressed that Alexander immediately told Abby that she could ride in the pick-up with him…it didn’t bother him at all that she had already ridden one ride. He’s a really considerate and loving big brother! Only one problem…this ride was much more active than the cat; so I had to hold on to Abby to keep her from landing on the floor!

Next was a short shopping spree to Penney’s where we found 2 little outfits for Abby on sale. She already at this early age picked out the two she liked…one had bees on it…the other flowers.
Alexander was determined that a Spiderman outfit was what he should have and there were none his size there…his solution…go to another store! So…while I purchased Abby’s clothes, Jim and the kids headed for Sears. However, along the way, they ran into Heather and Andy who just happened to be wandering the mall.

After successfully finding a shirt and shorts for Alexander that met his qualifications in Sears, we all went to El Chico’s there in the mall for supper. Jim and I were really looking forward to this as we love the one in Lubbock that we go to with Jimmy and Cathey. However, though the company was great, the food was definitely lacking!

Once back home Jim and I found that we were too exhausted to even watch TV or work on the computer! It was time to hit the sack!

Jim & Barbara

“The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.”…Sam Levenson