Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 93 degrees, partly cloudy
It looks as though Hurricane Gustav is taking a more westerly course, which should take it into southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas. That should be good news for New Orleans, but not for towns in the path of the storm. Hurricane Hanna is projected to hit Florida sometime next week, so we'll wait a little longer before we make firm plans to go to Florida to see family.
We went out to check the house this afternoon, and while there we found more pictures that we'll be scanning for Terri. At least it keeps us off the street.
Late this afternoon, I started putting wax on the outside of the RV. I haven't done this in about six months, so it is badly needed. About 1/3 of the waxing was done today, and I'll try to do more tomorrow. Then I need to check the roof, wax the truck, mow the yard at the house, get the RV ready to travel.......
While we're in Florida, I'm looking forward to some of my sister Janie's fried chicken, potato salad, peas, and homemade biscuits. Ummmmm!! She usually fixes that when we visit, and it's just what I like. Especially those homemade biscuits.
It was a quiet day, just what the doctor ordered.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Fort Payne, Alabama: The Sock Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
College Football Starts
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 93 degrees, partly cloudy
Today was fairly slow for us. After my morning walk, we went out to check on the house and make sure there were no problems. The only problem I saw was that the grass is growing too fast.
Returning home, I watched some college football, and was pleased that Florida started the season with a win over Hawaii, 56 to 10. Once the game was over, I started taking care of some little chores that we had neglected during the time we have been so busy on Terri's house. One of the posts on the truck battery was covered with corrosion, so I took that apart, cleaned it up, covered everything with anti-corrosion spray, and put it back together. Other than being dirty, that wasn't too hard. Next, I wiped down the outside of the truck to get the dirt and grime off it. At least it looks like I take a little pride in it now.
It looks like Hurricane Gustav is going to be a real problem for the gulf coast. I hope everyone down there heeds the warnings and take the appropriate steps. We're sitting here for a few days at least until conditions get better. Of course, we may not be able to go to Florida immediately, anyway. Carolyn has a doctor's appointment next Tuesday. Future plans will depend on what comes of the appointment.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Port Arthur, Texas: Energy City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 93 degrees, partly cloudy
Today was fairly slow for us. After my morning walk, we went out to check on the house and make sure there were no problems. The only problem I saw was that the grass is growing too fast.
Returning home, I watched some college football, and was pleased that Florida started the season with a win over Hawaii, 56 to 10. Once the game was over, I started taking care of some little chores that we had neglected during the time we have been so busy on Terri's house. One of the posts on the truck battery was covered with corrosion, so I took that apart, cleaned it up, covered everything with anti-corrosion spray, and put it back together. Other than being dirty, that wasn't too hard. Next, I wiped down the outside of the truck to get the dirt and grime off it. At least it looks like I take a little pride in it now.
It looks like Hurricane Gustav is going to be a real problem for the gulf coast. I hope everyone down there heeds the warnings and take the appropriate steps. We're sitting here for a few days at least until conditions get better. Of course, we may not be able to go to Florida immediately, anyway. Carolyn has a doctor's appointment next Tuesday. Future plans will depend on what comes of the appointment.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Port Arthur, Texas: Energy City
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Oil Spill
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, partly cloudy
Have you ever woke at 0400 hours, and not been able to go back to sleep? I woke up this morning at that time, and finally got up about 0415 hours, deciding that sleep was done. Imagine my surprise when after about 30 minutes, I was able to go back to sleep and slept until about 0730 hours. Most of the time when I wake up early, I can't go back to sleep. It must be conditioning caused by many years of getting up early to go to work. Today was a nice change.
After taking my walk, it was getting up in the morning. Especially after sleeping late. I returned home, rested a little and cooled down, then started cleaning up the tool box that is attached to the bed of the truck. Earlier this week, I noticed that there seemed to be some oil in the bottom of the tool box. Checking further today, I found that a quart of oil had sprung a leak, with the contents covering the bottom of everything in the box. What a mess! I removed everything and wiped it down, then cleaned the inside of the tool box. As a precaution to ensure this doesn't happen again, I moved the other three quarts of oil into a storage container in the basement of the RV. Then, I put everything back into the tool box and put the trash away. This was more work than I wanted to do today, but I only have myself to blame for not looking far enough ahead to realize that a plastic container of oil might spring a leak.
After lunch, I decided it was time to meditate. Later on in the day, we went with Terri to take Thomas up to Bessemer so his dad could pick him up for the weekend. On the way home, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for supper, which wasn't half bad. Today was the first time we have eaten out this week, so the change was okay. Most of the time, I would rather eat at home.
As I mentioned yesterday, college football season started last night. It starts in earnest for me tomorrow, when Florida plays Hawaii. Everything stops for me when Florida plays. It should be a good game.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ash Fork, Arizona: Flagstone Capital of the United States
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, partly cloudy
Have you ever woke at 0400 hours, and not been able to go back to sleep? I woke up this morning at that time, and finally got up about 0415 hours, deciding that sleep was done. Imagine my surprise when after about 30 minutes, I was able to go back to sleep and slept until about 0730 hours. Most of the time when I wake up early, I can't go back to sleep. It must be conditioning caused by many years of getting up early to go to work. Today was a nice change.
After taking my walk, it was getting up in the morning. Especially after sleeping late. I returned home, rested a little and cooled down, then started cleaning up the tool box that is attached to the bed of the truck. Earlier this week, I noticed that there seemed to be some oil in the bottom of the tool box. Checking further today, I found that a quart of oil had sprung a leak, with the contents covering the bottom of everything in the box. What a mess! I removed everything and wiped it down, then cleaned the inside of the tool box. As a precaution to ensure this doesn't happen again, I moved the other three quarts of oil into a storage container in the basement of the RV. Then, I put everything back into the tool box and put the trash away. This was more work than I wanted to do today, but I only have myself to blame for not looking far enough ahead to realize that a plastic container of oil might spring a leak.
After lunch, I decided it was time to meditate. Later on in the day, we went with Terri to take Thomas up to Bessemer so his dad could pick him up for the weekend. On the way home, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for supper, which wasn't half bad. Today was the first time we have eaten out this week, so the change was okay. Most of the time, I would rather eat at home.
As I mentioned yesterday, college football season started last night. It starts in earnest for me tomorrow, when Florida plays Hawaii. Everything stops for me when Florida plays. It should be a good game.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ash Fork, Arizona: Flagstone Capital of the United States
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Back To The Doctor
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, partly cloudy
We took Carolyn back to the doctor for a followup on the knots/swelling in her left calf. There has been no change, and the doctor has no idea what is causing the problems. As a result, he referred her to a specialist, set for next Tuesday. I hope the new doctor can find out what is going on. Carolyn doesn't need this to develop into what the vertigo did last year and early this year. She suffered with that problem for about seven months before it got better.
After getting home from the doctor, I finished cleaning the outside of the RV. The RV looks a lot better, and now I can put some wax on it as I have time.
In the afternoon, I went out to the house and mowed about 1/3 of the total area that gets mowed. After the rain of the last few days, there were a lot of limbs and other debris that needed to be cleaned up, which I did. Then it was back home, where I mowed and used the weed eater on our lot. I sure seem to stay busy for not having a lot going on.
College football season starts tonight. Outstanding!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Columbia, Tennessee: Mule Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 91 degrees, partly cloudy
We took Carolyn back to the doctor for a followup on the knots/swelling in her left calf. There has been no change, and the doctor has no idea what is causing the problems. As a result, he referred her to a specialist, set for next Tuesday. I hope the new doctor can find out what is going on. Carolyn doesn't need this to develop into what the vertigo did last year and early this year. She suffered with that problem for about seven months before it got better.
After getting home from the doctor, I finished cleaning the outside of the RV. The RV looks a lot better, and now I can put some wax on it as I have time.
In the afternoon, I went out to the house and mowed about 1/3 of the total area that gets mowed. After the rain of the last few days, there were a lot of limbs and other debris that needed to be cleaned up, which I did. Then it was back home, where I mowed and used the weed eater on our lot. I sure seem to stay busy for not having a lot going on.
College football season starts tonight. Outstanding!!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Columbia, Tennessee: Mule Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Fayette, Alabama
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 89 degrees, partly cloudy
No rain!! Alright! Actually, it was a pretty nice day for a change, and we took advantage of it to get out and take a ride in the country. When we started, it was to just go to the house and make sure everything was okay over there. Finding no problems, Carolyn said let's go for a ride. So, we took a right, then a left, and the next thing we knew, we were in Fayette. I'm not sure how we ended up going there, but it was a nice drive. The traffic was light and the scenery was pretty.
We forgot to take the camera and missed an opportunity to take pictures of a nice old courthouse in Fayette. It has a dome that looks as though it was recently painted a golden color. The town is typical of hundreds, if not thousands, that we have seen in our travels. I'm not sure what people do to make a living there, but it is not overrun with traffic. I imagine real estate would be fairly reasonable.
It was lunch time by the time we rode through the town, so we stopped at the Arches. Then we took a leisurely drive back to the RV, arriving about 1300 hours. After a busy morning, it was time for meditation.
About 1600 hours, I started cleaning up the outside of the RV. What a job! It has been several months since I had time to clean it up, and it was so dirty I didn't have time to finish before it got dark. I did manage to get about 3/4 of it, and should be able to finish tomorrow.
Our tentative plans are to go to Florida next week to visit Carolyn's mother and other members of her family. However, we may have to change those plans because of the projected path of Hurricane Gustav. I don't want to be on the road when the weather is nasty because of a hurricane.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Fayette, Alabama: The Best Kept Secret Of The South
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 89 degrees, partly cloudy
No rain!! Alright! Actually, it was a pretty nice day for a change, and we took advantage of it to get out and take a ride in the country. When we started, it was to just go to the house and make sure everything was okay over there. Finding no problems, Carolyn said let's go for a ride. So, we took a right, then a left, and the next thing we knew, we were in Fayette. I'm not sure how we ended up going there, but it was a nice drive. The traffic was light and the scenery was pretty.
We forgot to take the camera and missed an opportunity to take pictures of a nice old courthouse in Fayette. It has a dome that looks as though it was recently painted a golden color. The town is typical of hundreds, if not thousands, that we have seen in our travels. I'm not sure what people do to make a living there, but it is not overrun with traffic. I imagine real estate would be fairly reasonable.
It was lunch time by the time we rode through the town, so we stopped at the Arches. Then we took a leisurely drive back to the RV, arriving about 1300 hours. After a busy morning, it was time for meditation.
About 1600 hours, I started cleaning up the outside of the RV. What a job! It has been several months since I had time to clean it up, and it was so dirty I didn't have time to finish before it got dark. I did manage to get about 3/4 of it, and should be able to finish tomorrow.
Our tentative plans are to go to Florida next week to visit Carolyn's mother and other members of her family. However, we may have to change those plans because of the projected path of Hurricane Gustav. I don't want to be on the road when the weather is nasty because of a hurricane.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Fayette, Alabama: The Best Kept Secret Of The South
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fourth Day Of Rain
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 76 degrees, rainy
The rain continued for a fourth day, but we are expecting better weather for the next few days. Any remnants of a drought have been washed away.
We finished scanning Terri's pictures and keepsakes that we had been working on. I thought that was going to be all of them, but now Carolyn tells me that she has more that we can work on. Okay, let's get after it. It is amazing how much information can be put on a cd, when it is compared to the physical pictures and documents. One cd can hold thousands of documents, and the documents stay fresh looking. When we were down-sizing, we went through the same exercise. Our pictures and important papers are now on two cds.
Carolyn had another good day that was free of vertigo. That's two days in a row without vertigo, so maybe the latest episode is over. We hope so.
Yesterday, I had a disturbing visit to a strange store with Carolyn. I was concerned that the trauma of not going to WalMart might be hard to overcome. Today, I went to WalMart (without Carolyn), and it felt so good to enter familiar territory. I knew where to go to get what I wanted, and I was in and out with a minimum of fuss. Whew! I feel better.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lubbock, Texas: Hub Of The Plains
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 76 degrees, rainy
The rain continued for a fourth day, but we are expecting better weather for the next few days. Any remnants of a drought have been washed away.
We finished scanning Terri's pictures and keepsakes that we had been working on. I thought that was going to be all of them, but now Carolyn tells me that she has more that we can work on. Okay, let's get after it. It is amazing how much information can be put on a cd, when it is compared to the physical pictures and documents. One cd can hold thousands of documents, and the documents stay fresh looking. When we were down-sizing, we went through the same exercise. Our pictures and important papers are now on two cds.
Carolyn had another good day that was free of vertigo. That's two days in a row without vertigo, so maybe the latest episode is over. We hope so.
Yesterday, I had a disturbing visit to a strange store with Carolyn. I was concerned that the trauma of not going to WalMart might be hard to overcome. Today, I went to WalMart (without Carolyn), and it felt so good to enter familiar territory. I knew where to go to get what I wanted, and I was in and out with a minimum of fuss. Whew! I feel better.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lubbock, Texas: Hub Of The Plains
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Another Rainy Day
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 76 degrees, rainy all day
In yesterday's blog entry, I mentioned that we should start seeing more sunshine today. Wrong! The storm center turned and began moving to the northeast, with the center being to the west of us in Mississippi. As a result, it rained all day long with varying intensity. I have no idea when the weather will get better. At least it is staying cool.
Since we couldn't do anything outside, we worked on scanning more of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. We're on the last stack of stuff to scan, and only stop to take breaks. On one of those breaks, we went out to Terri's house and checked it to make sure there were no problems. While there, Carolyn cleaned out the refrigerator, and I consolidated the stuff that is still there in the basement. There was some evidence that the house is being shown by the Realtors.
After getting back from the house, we had lunch and then meditated. Is there a better time to meditate than after lunch on a rainy day? After the meditation, it was back to the scanning. The scanning is tedious and takes time. We're making progress.
During another break from scanning, we went in to pick up a few groceries. And guess what? We didn't go to the WalMart Mall! Carolyn insisted that we go to a different store. I felt lost. I hope the trauma is not lasting.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aberdeen, Washington: Birthplace Of Grunge
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 76 degrees, rainy all day
In yesterday's blog entry, I mentioned that we should start seeing more sunshine today. Wrong! The storm center turned and began moving to the northeast, with the center being to the west of us in Mississippi. As a result, it rained all day long with varying intensity. I have no idea when the weather will get better. At least it is staying cool.
Since we couldn't do anything outside, we worked on scanning more of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. We're on the last stack of stuff to scan, and only stop to take breaks. On one of those breaks, we went out to Terri's house and checked it to make sure there were no problems. While there, Carolyn cleaned out the refrigerator, and I consolidated the stuff that is still there in the basement. There was some evidence that the house is being shown by the Realtors.
After getting back from the house, we had lunch and then meditated. Is there a better time to meditate than after lunch on a rainy day? After the meditation, it was back to the scanning. The scanning is tedious and takes time. We're making progress.
During another break from scanning, we went in to pick up a few groceries. And guess what? We didn't go to the WalMart Mall! Carolyn insisted that we go to a different store. I felt lost. I hope the trauma is not lasting.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aberdeen, Washington: Birthplace Of Grunge
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Rain Easing Up
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 82 degrees, intermittent showers
Overnight, there was a lot of rain from the storm that has affected the area for the last three days. The rain continued today, but we did see some sunshine. We should see more rain the next couple of days, but the sun should make more appearances.
I was able to take my morning walk, and it felt good to get some exercise. I find that if I don't stay active, I have problems with my body getting stiff and sore.
After my walk and breakfast, I worked on scanning more of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. That task is one that takes a lot of time, and we take a lot of breaks. We are over half finished with the scanning, and hope to finish it this next week.
Terri and Thomas came over late in the afternoon, and we had a good visit. Thomas is a rabid Alabama football fan, and I have a good time kidding him about how poorly they are going to do when they play Florida. He's able to hold his own, and even gets some zingers in once in awhile.
Carolyn is still feeling slightly off-center because of the vertigo she suffers from. Today makes the fifth day she has not left the RV because of the vertigo. If there is not an improvement tomorrow, she will start her exercises again.
More later, be safer.
Today's Town - Astoria, Oregon: The Spirit Of The Columbia
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 82 degrees, intermittent showers
Overnight, there was a lot of rain from the storm that has affected the area for the last three days. The rain continued today, but we did see some sunshine. We should see more rain the next couple of days, but the sun should make more appearances.
I was able to take my morning walk, and it felt good to get some exercise. I find that if I don't stay active, I have problems with my body getting stiff and sore.
After my walk and breakfast, I worked on scanning more of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. That task is one that takes a lot of time, and we take a lot of breaks. We are over half finished with the scanning, and hope to finish it this next week.
Terri and Thomas came over late in the afternoon, and we had a good visit. Thomas is a rabid Alabama football fan, and I have a good time kidding him about how poorly they are going to do when they play Florida. He's able to hold his own, and even gets some zingers in once in awhile.
Carolyn is still feeling slightly off-center because of the vertigo she suffers from. Today makes the fifth day she has not left the RV because of the vertigo. If there is not an improvement tomorrow, she will start her exercises again.
More later, be safer.
Today's Town - Astoria, Oregon: The Spirit Of The Columbia
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Rainy Days Of Fay
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 75 degrees, rain
The rain started about 0630 hours this morning, and continued all day. It consisted of mostly drizzle which would get a person wet in a short time if out in it. The forecast for the next couple of days is for more of the same.
Carolyn's vertigo problems stayed away today until just a few minutes ago. That was probably because she is trying to not do anything that will cause it to come back. She hasn't left the RV for the last three days. That's beginning to be a little boring. It's about time she started her anti-vertigo exercises again.
About all we did today because of the weather was watch TV, read, meditate, and copy pictures for Terri. I'm ready for a little more action than that. I'll have to find something to do tomorrow, even if it is raining.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Billings, Montana: Star of the Big Sky Country
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 75 degrees, rain
The rain started about 0630 hours this morning, and continued all day. It consisted of mostly drizzle which would get a person wet in a short time if out in it. The forecast for the next couple of days is for more of the same.
Carolyn's vertigo problems stayed away today until just a few minutes ago. That was probably because she is trying to not do anything that will cause it to come back. She hasn't left the RV for the last three days. That's beginning to be a little boring. It's about time she started her anti-vertigo exercises again.
About all we did today because of the weather was watch TV, read, meditate, and copy pictures for Terri. I'm ready for a little more action than that. I'll have to find something to do tomorrow, even if it is raining.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Billings, Montana: Star of the Big Sky Country
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, August 22, 2008
More Dizziness
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 90 degrees, partly cloudy
The weather forecast for the weekend looks as though this area will be affected with rain from the tropical storm that went over Florida this week. One good thing out of it is that the temperatures should be lower for the next few days.
Up until about two hours ago, Carolyn felt as though she was getting over the vertigo episode she had on Wednesday. Then it hit again. At this time, she is trying to keep her head as still as possible so the dizziness doesn't return. I feel so bad for her, but I know it's not as bad as she feels. Hopefully, she will start feeling better soon.
After my morning walk, I cleaned out and straightened up the basement. We have been so busy working on Terri's house and property that we have neglected the RV. Now that the work at the house is finished, we can start getting the RV back in shape. If everything goes okay, we plan to go to Florida to see Carolyn's mother in a couple of weeks. Of course, Carolyn's vertigo needs to cooperate.
After cleaning up the basement, I mowed the yard around the RV. If it rains like the forecast says, the grass would have been really high if I had not cut it. After that little task, I went out to the house to make sure everything was okay there. The house does not have any other houses in view, and we want to make sure that if someone breaks in or vandalizes it, we know as soon as possible so the police can be notified. Everything was okay there, so I returned home and took it easy the rest of the day.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bainbridge, Georgia: The City Of Oaks
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 71 degrees, high 90 degrees, partly cloudy
The weather forecast for the weekend looks as though this area will be affected with rain from the tropical storm that went over Florida this week. One good thing out of it is that the temperatures should be lower for the next few days.
Up until about two hours ago, Carolyn felt as though she was getting over the vertigo episode she had on Wednesday. Then it hit again. At this time, she is trying to keep her head as still as possible so the dizziness doesn't return. I feel so bad for her, but I know it's not as bad as she feels. Hopefully, she will start feeling better soon.
After my morning walk, I cleaned out and straightened up the basement. We have been so busy working on Terri's house and property that we have neglected the RV. Now that the work at the house is finished, we can start getting the RV back in shape. If everything goes okay, we plan to go to Florida to see Carolyn's mother in a couple of weeks. Of course, Carolyn's vertigo needs to cooperate.
After cleaning up the basement, I mowed the yard around the RV. If it rains like the forecast says, the grass would have been really high if I had not cut it. After that little task, I went out to the house to make sure everything was okay there. The house does not have any other houses in view, and we want to make sure that if someone breaks in or vandalizes it, we know as soon as possible so the police can be notified. Everything was okay there, so I returned home and took it easy the rest of the day.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bainbridge, Georgia: The City Of Oaks
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Carolyn Takes It Easy
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy with light sprinkles
In yesterday's post, I mentioned that Carolyn had a vertigo episode. Today, she felt just a little off, so she took it easy all day in an effort to avoid anther occurrence. We have our fingers crossed that this is not the start of more problems with vertigo for her.
After my morning walk, I went with Terri to a meeting she had on an issue she is working on. After the meeting, I went to a body shop to get an estimate on fixing some little nicks and dings in the paint on the truck. It looks like we'll be taking care of that in the next couple of weeks.
When I got home, I took the laundry to the laundromat and washed it (not only can I cook, I can also wash clothes). After that little job was done, it was time for a little meditation. I wanted to start cleaning up the outside of the RV, but the occasional sprinkles kept me inside. Okay, I know that's a weak excuse, but we have been very busy. I have earned the right to put things off just a little.
We watched more of the Olympics tonight. Some of the events are boring to us, while others are exciting. We're glad that the US is doing well in the events that we like most. I can only imagine what it takes for these athletes to prepare for the competition. What a commitment they must make.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Brunswick, Georgia: Shrimp Capitol Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 89 degrees, mostly cloudy with light sprinkles
In yesterday's post, I mentioned that Carolyn had a vertigo episode. Today, she felt just a little off, so she took it easy all day in an effort to avoid anther occurrence. We have our fingers crossed that this is not the start of more problems with vertigo for her.
After my morning walk, I went with Terri to a meeting she had on an issue she is working on. After the meeting, I went to a body shop to get an estimate on fixing some little nicks and dings in the paint on the truck. It looks like we'll be taking care of that in the next couple of weeks.
When I got home, I took the laundry to the laundromat and washed it (not only can I cook, I can also wash clothes). After that little job was done, it was time for a little meditation. I wanted to start cleaning up the outside of the RV, but the occasional sprinkles kept me inside. Okay, I know that's a weak excuse, but we have been very busy. I have earned the right to put things off just a little.
We watched more of the Olympics tonight. Some of the events are boring to us, while others are exciting. We're glad that the US is doing well in the events that we like most. I can only imagine what it takes for these athletes to prepare for the competition. What a commitment they must make.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Brunswick, Georgia: Shrimp Capitol Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Vertigo Episode
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 92 degrees, partly cloudy
After a late start this morning, I went over to Terri's house and finished up the yard work. The work included trimming shrubs, weeding the flower beds, weed eating (yuck!), raking, and cleaning off the driveway and sidewalks. All that took about three hours. Even though it only got up to about 82 degrees, the humidity was very uncomfortable. When I got home, I took a shower and cooled it for a couple of hours. After lunch, we went to see Terri and helped her with some planning for a meeting she has tomorrow. After returning home, we meditated for about an hour.
Carolyn was preparing supper tonight when she had an episode of vertigo. She had to stop and lay down for the rest of the evening because it made her so dizzy. I finished preparing supper (I can cook, you know) and cleaned up the kitchen. She's going to take it easy for a couple of days to see if that helps keep the vertigo from coming back. At least she has some tools to use now that should help.
Yesterday when we were driving to and from Athens, we noticed that the price of gas and diesel appears to be higher in North Alabama than it is here. Gas was as much as $3.69 per gallon up there, compared to $3.45 per gallon in Northport. That's a surprise, since we have been told by several people that gas prices are higher here than anywhere else in the state. Diesel is down to $4.07 per gallon here, which is still too high. I remember when we bought our truck, we paid as little as $1.25 per gallon for diesel.
We have been watching the Olympics when Carolyn doesn't have anything else she wants to watch. The Americans have been doing well and representing the US in an outstanding manner. Michael Phelps is something, isn't he?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Flagstaff, Arizona: City Of Seven Wonders
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 92 degrees, partly cloudy
After a late start this morning, I went over to Terri's house and finished up the yard work. The work included trimming shrubs, weeding the flower beds, weed eating (yuck!), raking, and cleaning off the driveway and sidewalks. All that took about three hours. Even though it only got up to about 82 degrees, the humidity was very uncomfortable. When I got home, I took a shower and cooled it for a couple of hours. After lunch, we went to see Terri and helped her with some planning for a meeting she has tomorrow. After returning home, we meditated for about an hour.
Carolyn was preparing supper tonight when she had an episode of vertigo. She had to stop and lay down for the rest of the evening because it made her so dizzy. I finished preparing supper (I can cook, you know) and cleaned up the kitchen. She's going to take it easy for a couple of days to see if that helps keep the vertigo from coming back. At least she has some tools to use now that should help.
Yesterday when we were driving to and from Athens, we noticed that the price of gas and diesel appears to be higher in North Alabama than it is here. Gas was as much as $3.69 per gallon up there, compared to $3.45 per gallon in Northport. That's a surprise, since we have been told by several people that gas prices are higher here than anywhere else in the state. Diesel is down to $4.07 per gallon here, which is still too high. I remember when we bought our truck, we paid as little as $1.25 per gallon for diesel.
We have been watching the Olympics when Carolyn doesn't have anything else she wants to watch. The Americans have been doing well and representing the US in an outstanding manner. Michael Phelps is something, isn't he?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Flagstaff, Arizona: City Of Seven Wonders
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Visit Two Sisters
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 94 degrees, mostly clear skies
We drove up to Athens today to see my two sisters Judy and Janie and their husbands, as well as Judy's daughter Traci (our niece). The trip up was uneventful, and traffic was lighter than we expected. It has been awhile since we went up there, and it was good to get away, if only for a day. And it is always good to see family.
When we drove up to Judy's house, I had to look twice to make sure we were at the right place. They have done some remodeling on the house, including the outside, and the results were very nice. After hugs and handshaking and getting reacquainted, we all sat down and had lunch. It was a fun time, with everyone having a good time and getting caught up on what has been going on. Janie had pictures that she shared of her grandkids and her daughter Heather.
After lunch, we visited more and talked about everyone's plans. Roger is retiring (finally) in about a month, and looking forward to some well-earned rest and fishing. Janie and Wayne are excited about their upcoming trip to the Smokies in the fall, and a little sad because their daughter and the grandkids are moving to Hawaii.
After a great visit, we went outside and took pictures (we can't visit family and not take pictures, can we?). Fortunately, none of the cameras were damaged by what they were exposed to.
We're back in Coker and a little tired, but we're glad we were able to see everyone. It's too bad this modern society puts family members so far apart.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Athens, Alabama: City Of Tradition And Future
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 94 degrees, mostly clear skies
We drove up to Athens today to see my two sisters Judy and Janie and their husbands, as well as Judy's daughter Traci (our niece). The trip up was uneventful, and traffic was lighter than we expected. It has been awhile since we went up there, and it was good to get away, if only for a day. And it is always good to see family.
When we drove up to Judy's house, I had to look twice to make sure we were at the right place. They have done some remodeling on the house, including the outside, and the results were very nice. After hugs and handshaking and getting reacquainted, we all sat down and had lunch. It was a fun time, with everyone having a good time and getting caught up on what has been going on. Janie had pictures that she shared of her grandkids and her daughter Heather.
After lunch, we visited more and talked about everyone's plans. Roger is retiring (finally) in about a month, and looking forward to some well-earned rest and fishing. Janie and Wayne are excited about their upcoming trip to the Smokies in the fall, and a little sad because their daughter and the grandkids are moving to Hawaii.
After a great visit, we went outside and took pictures (we can't visit family and not take pictures, can we?). Fortunately, none of the cameras were damaged by what they were exposed to.
We're back in Coker and a little tired, but we're glad we were able to see everyone. It's too bad this modern society puts family members so far apart.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Athens, Alabama: City Of Tradition And Future
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Good News From The Doctor
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear until the late afternoon when it was mostly cloudy
I took Carolyn to a doctor today to check on a problem she has been having with the calf of her left leg. She has been having problems with some swelling and three knots on the back side of her left calf. The doctor said he thought it was one of two things: a staph infection or a blood clot. He sent her to the Northport Medical Center to have a sonogram performed of the affected area, and they found it was not a blood clot, which was good news. It appears that the problems are probably caused by insect bites which have become infected. She was prescribed an antibiotic to take for a week, and then go back to see what progress has been made.
While Carolyn was at the doctor's office, I went to the library in Tuscaloosa to return some books and check out more. She had the sonogram done this afternoon, but before having that done, we stopped at the Salvation Army to drop off the stuff from the yard sale that Terri didn't want. After returning home, I went out to the house and finished the mowing. Then back home for supper. It has been another busy day, but we are hopeful that the problem with Carolyn's leg has been found.
This morning I received a call from my sister Judy, who lives in Athens with her husband Roger. Judy told me that my younger sister Janie and her husband Wayne were in Athens visiting for a couple of days. We are going up to see everyone tomorrow.
Hey, that means no work tomorrow! Is the sky going to fall?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Valdosta, Georgia: A City Without Limits
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear until the late afternoon when it was mostly cloudy
I took Carolyn to a doctor today to check on a problem she has been having with the calf of her left leg. She has been having problems with some swelling and three knots on the back side of her left calf. The doctor said he thought it was one of two things: a staph infection or a blood clot. He sent her to the Northport Medical Center to have a sonogram performed of the affected area, and they found it was not a blood clot, which was good news. It appears that the problems are probably caused by insect bites which have become infected. She was prescribed an antibiotic to take for a week, and then go back to see what progress has been made.
While Carolyn was at the doctor's office, I went to the library in Tuscaloosa to return some books and check out more. She had the sonogram done this afternoon, but before having that done, we stopped at the Salvation Army to drop off the stuff from the yard sale that Terri didn't want. After returning home, I went out to the house and finished the mowing. Then back home for supper. It has been another busy day, but we are hopeful that the problem with Carolyn's leg has been found.
This morning I received a call from my sister Judy, who lives in Athens with her husband Roger. Judy told me that my younger sister Janie and her husband Wayne were in Athens visiting for a couple of days. We are going up to see everyone tomorrow.
Hey, that means no work tomorrow! Is the sky going to fall?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Valdosta, Georgia: A City Without Limits
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Looking For A Doctor
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 73 degrees, high 92 degrees, mostly clear skies
After the work of the last two days with the yard sale, we took it easy this morning until about noon. Then I dumped our holding tanks while Carolyn defrosted the refrigerator. After dumping the tanks, I went out to Terri's house and started mowing so I won't have so much to do this next week. Then it was back to town to go pick up Thomas in Birmingham after his trip to Athens to visit his dad for the weekend. We got back to the RV about 1900 hours and had a sandwich for supper because we didn't want to fix anything or go out to eat.
Tomorrow, we will be looking for a doctor to see Carolyn about a problem she is having with the calf of her left leg. This problem started about two months ago and has gotten worse. Normally, we prefer to see our doctors in Texas, but sometimes we have to find one wherever we happen to be. Luckily, we have had good luck in the doctors we see occasionally on the road, and I hope tomorrow will be a good visit for Carolyn.
Since the yard sale is finished, I will be taking what's left to the Salvation Army when we return from the doctor's office. Then I'll go back to the house and try to finish the mowing. Tuesday, I'll be working with that instrument of torture, the weed eater.
It's been a busy week. Maybe we're almost to the point where things will slow down some.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Palacios, Texas: City By The Bay
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 73 degrees, high 92 degrees, mostly clear skies
After the work of the last two days with the yard sale, we took it easy this morning until about noon. Then I dumped our holding tanks while Carolyn defrosted the refrigerator. After dumping the tanks, I went out to Terri's house and started mowing so I won't have so much to do this next week. Then it was back to town to go pick up Thomas in Birmingham after his trip to Athens to visit his dad for the weekend. We got back to the RV about 1900 hours and had a sandwich for supper because we didn't want to fix anything or go out to eat.
Tomorrow, we will be looking for a doctor to see Carolyn about a problem she is having with the calf of her left leg. This problem started about two months ago and has gotten worse. Normally, we prefer to see our doctors in Texas, but sometimes we have to find one wherever we happen to be. Luckily, we have had good luck in the doctors we see occasionally on the road, and I hope tomorrow will be a good visit for Carolyn.
Since the yard sale is finished, I will be taking what's left to the Salvation Army when we return from the doctor's office. Then I'll go back to the house and try to finish the mowing. Tuesday, I'll be working with that instrument of torture, the weed eater.
It's been a busy week. Maybe we're almost to the point where things will slow down some.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Palacios, Texas: City By The Bay
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Yard Sale 2, Day 2
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 87 degrees, cloudy early with an occasional sprinkle, then clear skies, then cloudy again
When we got up this morning, Carolyn remembered to tell me that the couple from California who looked at the house this past week was going to look at it again this morning. I went out to the house to make sure everything was okay, and found that the burglar alarms had been turned on. Needless to say, if the people had entered the house with the alarms on, they would have gotten quite a surprise. After turning the alarms off, I checked the house and found no problems. Then it was back to the RV to get ready for the last day of the yard sale.
As I mentioned in the weather section above, we had some light sprinkles, and were concerned that it might rain. We decided to take a chance on the rain, and it was the right decision, with the weather not affecting the yard sale. We had everything set out by 0730 hours, and customers started showing up a short time later. We did not have as much stuff to sell on this second day, but it was still a good day and a good sale, overall. We brought over five truckloads of stuff, and will have about 1/2 to 3/4 of a truck load to get rid of. Most of what we didn't sell consisted of Christmas decorations and odds and ends of stuff. The remainder of the stuff will go to the Salvation Army thrift store on Monday.
After packing the leftover stuff and putting it in a safe place, I finished mowing our yard. Earlier in the day, I had done the weed eating as I waited for customers. It was a busy two days, and I'm glad we're finished with this task.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mooresville, Alabama: Alabama’s Williamsport
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 87 degrees, cloudy early with an occasional sprinkle, then clear skies, then cloudy again
When we got up this morning, Carolyn remembered to tell me that the couple from California who looked at the house this past week was going to look at it again this morning. I went out to the house to make sure everything was okay, and found that the burglar alarms had been turned on. Needless to say, if the people had entered the house with the alarms on, they would have gotten quite a surprise. After turning the alarms off, I checked the house and found no problems. Then it was back to the RV to get ready for the last day of the yard sale.
As I mentioned in the weather section above, we had some light sprinkles, and were concerned that it might rain. We decided to take a chance on the rain, and it was the right decision, with the weather not affecting the yard sale. We had everything set out by 0730 hours, and customers started showing up a short time later. We did not have as much stuff to sell on this second day, but it was still a good day and a good sale, overall. We brought over five truckloads of stuff, and will have about 1/2 to 3/4 of a truck load to get rid of. Most of what we didn't sell consisted of Christmas decorations and odds and ends of stuff. The remainder of the stuff will go to the Salvation Army thrift store on Monday.
After packing the leftover stuff and putting it in a safe place, I finished mowing our yard. Earlier in the day, I had done the weed eating as I waited for customers. It was a busy two days, and I'm glad we're finished with this task.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Mooresville, Alabama: Alabama’s Williamsport
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Yard Sale 2, Day 1
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 93 degrees, mostly clear until late in the afternoon when it became cloudy
We were up early this morning to get ready for the yard sale. I went out to the house to pick up a bed to be sold, and was back home by 0700. That made five truck loads of stuff to sell. When I returned home, we finished setting up for the sale, but were hampered somewhat by the heavy dew that kept us from putting stuff on the grass until about 1000 hours. Shoppers started showing up almost immediately, and business stayed good all day. I estimate we will have less than a truck load remaining when finished that we will donate to the Salvation Army.
Carolyn got a little break from the yard sale because she went with Terri to deliver Thomas to his dad about 30 miles north of Tuscaloosa. I say she got a break, but really she was riding with Terri during one of the busiest rush hours she has seen here. While she was gone, I mowed the yard in between serving customers. Tomorrow, I need to weed eat our yard.
The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow shows showers, but I am hopeful that the rain holds off until we are done. However, we prepared for rain when we were putting everything up tonight by consolidating as much as we could and then using tarps to cover the stuff.
It was almost 1900 hours by the time we finished tonight. We were tired and had not prepared any supper, so we went down to Hardee's for a hamburger. It was a good choice because it was close to home and we didn't have to wait long. As soon as we returned home, I took a shower that helped me feel better. Then it was on to writing the blog for the day.
It has been a busy day, but was productive. I hope tomorrow will be as good.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Vallejo, California: City Of Opportunity
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 93 degrees, mostly clear until late in the afternoon when it became cloudy
We were up early this morning to get ready for the yard sale. I went out to the house to pick up a bed to be sold, and was back home by 0700. That made five truck loads of stuff to sell. When I returned home, we finished setting up for the sale, but were hampered somewhat by the heavy dew that kept us from putting stuff on the grass until about 1000 hours. Shoppers started showing up almost immediately, and business stayed good all day. I estimate we will have less than a truck load remaining when finished that we will donate to the Salvation Army.
Carolyn got a little break from the yard sale because she went with Terri to deliver Thomas to his dad about 30 miles north of Tuscaloosa. I say she got a break, but really she was riding with Terri during one of the busiest rush hours she has seen here. While she was gone, I mowed the yard in between serving customers. Tomorrow, I need to weed eat our yard.
The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow shows showers, but I am hopeful that the rain holds off until we are done. However, we prepared for rain when we were putting everything up tonight by consolidating as much as we could and then using tarps to cover the stuff.
It was almost 1900 hours by the time we finished tonight. We were tired and had not prepared any supper, so we went down to Hardee's for a hamburger. It was a good choice because it was close to home and we didn't have to wait long. As soon as we returned home, I took a shower that helped me feel better. Then it was on to writing the blog for the day.
It has been a busy day, but was productive. I hope tomorrow will be as good.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Vallejo, California: City Of Opportunity
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Preparations For Yard Sale
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 93 degrees, mostly clear skies
After taking my morning walk, I got an early start on moving Terri's stuff for the weekend yard sale from the house over to the RV. We are very fortunate to have good landlords who allow us to do things like this at the RV park. Thanks, Ruth and Marsha.
By 0830 hours, I had the first load of stuff back to the RV, and two more by 1300 hours. In between the second and third load, we went to Sam's Club to pick up a few things we use on a daily basis. While there, we had a quick lunch, then went out to the house to pick up the third load. Late in the afternoon, we went back and picked up the last load, for a total of four loads.
We will be up early in the morning to get everything set up, and then stand back for the rush. We have already priced most of it, so it should not be too big a deal to put it out so people can see it. The plan is to run the sale on Friday and Saturday, and take whatever is left to the Salvation Army on Monday. It would be nice if it took one load or less to move everything out.
That's about all that's going on here today.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New Orleans, Louisiana: The Crescent City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 93 degrees, mostly clear skies
After taking my morning walk, I got an early start on moving Terri's stuff for the weekend yard sale from the house over to the RV. We are very fortunate to have good landlords who allow us to do things like this at the RV park. Thanks, Ruth and Marsha.
By 0830 hours, I had the first load of stuff back to the RV, and two more by 1300 hours. In between the second and third load, we went to Sam's Club to pick up a few things we use on a daily basis. While there, we had a quick lunch, then went out to the house to pick up the third load. Late in the afternoon, we went back and picked up the last load, for a total of four loads.
We will be up early in the morning to get everything set up, and then stand back for the rush. We have already priced most of it, so it should not be too big a deal to put it out so people can see it. The plan is to run the sale on Friday and Saturday, and take whatever is left to the Salvation Army on Monday. It would be nice if it took one load or less to move everything out.
That's about all that's going on here today.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New Orleans, Louisiana: The Crescent City
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
House Looker
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 85 degrees, mostly cloudy until noon, then mostly clear
I didn't get to go for my morning walk yesterday because of the rain, but was back at it this morning. The cooler weather has made it much more comfortable when outside. On the way home from the walk, I stopped by the local U-Haul dealer and rented a ramp trailer along with an appliance hand cart to move Terri's washing machine and dryer with. I picked up Carolyn from the RV and we went out to the house, loaded the appliances, and had them unloaded and installed at Terri's apartment before noon. Along with the appliances, we took her some outdoor chairs and flower pots. Not a bad morning's work.
After returning the trailer and hand cart to U-Haul, we went home and had lunch. After eating, we worked on some computer stuff and took it easy. At 1600 hours, I had an appointment in Tuscaloosa, but it didn't take long, allowing me to be back at home before 1700 hours. Almost as soon as I walked in the door, we received a call from the realtor that she was taking a family out to look at the house. That was fine, except for one thing: the security alarm was on, and the realtor did not know the disarming code. We rushed out to the house, calling back to the office so they could notify the realtor to not go in the house until we could get there and disarm the system. Luckily, the realtor was caught just in time, and we were able to turn the alarm off and allow the interested party to look at the house. Now, if they'll buy it. We did notice that the people who were looking at the house are from California. Maybe that's a good sign, since they are probably used to paying inflated prices for property. I know where they can get a deal. Our fingers are crossed.
It looks like the weather will be good Friday and Saturday for the yard sale, so we'll start moving stuff over for it tomorrow. Once this last yard sale is done, we'll take what's left to the Salvation Army. Then, it's a matter of mowing once a week or less. I'm ready for less work.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pueblo, Colorado: Home Of Heroes
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 85 degrees, mostly cloudy until noon, then mostly clear
I didn't get to go for my morning walk yesterday because of the rain, but was back at it this morning. The cooler weather has made it much more comfortable when outside. On the way home from the walk, I stopped by the local U-Haul dealer and rented a ramp trailer along with an appliance hand cart to move Terri's washing machine and dryer with. I picked up Carolyn from the RV and we went out to the house, loaded the appliances, and had them unloaded and installed at Terri's apartment before noon. Along with the appliances, we took her some outdoor chairs and flower pots. Not a bad morning's work.
After returning the trailer and hand cart to U-Haul, we went home and had lunch. After eating, we worked on some computer stuff and took it easy. At 1600 hours, I had an appointment in Tuscaloosa, but it didn't take long, allowing me to be back at home before 1700 hours. Almost as soon as I walked in the door, we received a call from the realtor that she was taking a family out to look at the house. That was fine, except for one thing: the security alarm was on, and the realtor did not know the disarming code. We rushed out to the house, calling back to the office so they could notify the realtor to not go in the house until we could get there and disarm the system. Luckily, the realtor was caught just in time, and we were able to turn the alarm off and allow the interested party to look at the house. Now, if they'll buy it. We did notice that the people who were looking at the house are from California. Maybe that's a good sign, since they are probably used to paying inflated prices for property. I know where they can get a deal. Our fingers are crossed.
It looks like the weather will be good Friday and Saturday for the yard sale, so we'll start moving stuff over for it tomorrow. Once this last yard sale is done, we'll take what's left to the Salvation Army. Then, it's a matter of mowing once a week or less. I'm ready for less work.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pueblo, Colorado: Home Of Heroes
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rainy Day
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 78 degrees, rainy most of the day
The rain started early in the morning and continued all day, with varying intensity. It has been so dry here that most of the water soaked in, with very little runoff. As a result of the weather, we were unable to move the washer and dryer. We should be able to move them tomorrow.
Early in the day, we took it easy. I did some more scanning of pictures, while Carolyn went through the pictures that are left and placed them in some semblance of the order we should be scanning them in. About 1200 hours, we went over to the house and washed our clothes. While the clothes were washing, we went through some more things to get rid of, pricing them as we went. It is beginning to look as though this weekend may be a good time for a yard sale.
We left the house about 1530 hours. After getting home and putting up our clothes, we did some meditation. With a good hour of meditation under my belt, I returned to scanning pictures for an hour or so. The scanning is moving along well, considering how many pictures Terri has.
If we are able to have the yard sale this weekend, we will be able to finish at the house except for yard work by the end of Monday. What a relief that will be. Then it will just be a matter of doing the yard work once a week or so until it sells.
The cool weather has been a real break from the heat we have been going through. Here's hoping we have seen the worst of the hot weather.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New York, New York: The Big Apple
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 78 degrees, rainy most of the day
The rain started early in the morning and continued all day, with varying intensity. It has been so dry here that most of the water soaked in, with very little runoff. As a result of the weather, we were unable to move the washer and dryer. We should be able to move them tomorrow.
Early in the day, we took it easy. I did some more scanning of pictures, while Carolyn went through the pictures that are left and placed them in some semblance of the order we should be scanning them in. About 1200 hours, we went over to the house and washed our clothes. While the clothes were washing, we went through some more things to get rid of, pricing them as we went. It is beginning to look as though this weekend may be a good time for a yard sale.
We left the house about 1530 hours. After getting home and putting up our clothes, we did some meditation. With a good hour of meditation under my belt, I returned to scanning pictures for an hour or so. The scanning is moving along well, considering how many pictures Terri has.
If we are able to have the yard sale this weekend, we will be able to finish at the house except for yard work by the end of Monday. What a relief that will be. Then it will just be a matter of doing the yard work once a week or so until it sells.
The cool weather has been a real break from the heat we have been going through. Here's hoping we have seen the worst of the hot weather.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New York, New York: The Big Apple
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Visit to Salvation Army Store
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, mostly cloudy
The humidity was higher today, but the temperature remained moderate. The area is expected to get some rain tomorrow, with a high temperature expected in the high 70s. We were going to move Terri's washer and dryer, but will probably wait until Wednesday when the chance of rain is less.
We went over to the house about 1030 hours and stayed for about four hours. While there, we sorted through part of the yard sale stuff and placed prices on it so that when we have the yard sale, we only have to bring the stuff over and put it out in front of the RV. We are undecided as to whether the yard sale will be this coming weekend or the following one. We'll decide before Friday.
After leaving the house, I brought Carolyn home, then went to the Salvation Army Store, where I dropped off about 3/4 of a truck load of stuff, primarily clothes and books. Then I drove into Tuscaloosa to the library to return some books and pick up some more. Did I mention that we both like to read? We really like a good mystery.
Returning home from the library, I meditated for about a half hour, then did some more scanning of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. We're making good progress on the scanning, but it's still going to take awhile.
While I was scanning stuff, Carolyn fixed a quick supper of quesadillas which were very tasty. After supper, I returned to the scanning, but got tired of the repetition after awhile. Then it was checking e-mail and reading about the Olympics.
I may not have done much today, but I'm tired. I think I'll call it a day after watching some of the Olympics.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New Orleans, Louisiana: The Big Easy
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 70 degrees, high 83 degrees, mostly cloudy
The humidity was higher today, but the temperature remained moderate. The area is expected to get some rain tomorrow, with a high temperature expected in the high 70s. We were going to move Terri's washer and dryer, but will probably wait until Wednesday when the chance of rain is less.
We went over to the house about 1030 hours and stayed for about four hours. While there, we sorted through part of the yard sale stuff and placed prices on it so that when we have the yard sale, we only have to bring the stuff over and put it out in front of the RV. We are undecided as to whether the yard sale will be this coming weekend or the following one. We'll decide before Friday.
After leaving the house, I brought Carolyn home, then went to the Salvation Army Store, where I dropped off about 3/4 of a truck load of stuff, primarily clothes and books. Then I drove into Tuscaloosa to the library to return some books and pick up some more. Did I mention that we both like to read? We really like a good mystery.
Returning home from the library, I meditated for about a half hour, then did some more scanning of Terri's pictures and keepsake documents. We're making good progress on the scanning, but it's still going to take awhile.
While I was scanning stuff, Carolyn fixed a quick supper of quesadillas which were very tasty. After supper, I returned to the scanning, but got tired of the repetition after awhile. Then it was checking e-mail and reading about the Olympics.
I may not have done much today, but I'm tired. I think I'll call it a day after watching some of the Olympics.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - New Orleans, Louisiana: The Big Easy
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Large Eggs Smaller?
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 77 degrees, cloudy, light sprinkles and showers
The weather was the type that you don't see often in August: cool, cloudy, sprinkles. I could stand more of this type of weather.
Other than me taking my morning walk, we didn't do much today. It's hard to realize that just over a week ago we were covered up with work to do at the house. The weather was so hot that it felt unbearable. Now, most of the work is done, and the weather is much more bearable. Could it be that work and hot weather go together in the summer?
One thing we did do today was work some more on scanning Terri's pictures and keepsakes into the computer. This type of work is not hard, but it is tedious because it becomes like running a production line. It wouldn't surprise me if we're still scanning stuff a month from now.
We boiled some eggs for egg salad and other uses today. As I was taking the eggs out of the carton, it occurred to me as prices are going up on all types of food products, the sizes keep getting smaller. The large eggs we boiled looked like what I remember medium or even small eggs looked like several years ago. Am I imagining this? Are what the stores selling as large eggs smaller than they used to be?
Part of the boiled eggs went into a salad that Carolyn fixed, along with sweet potatoes and pork chops. Very good supper.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Macon, Georgia: Cherry Blossom Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 65 degrees, high 77 degrees, cloudy, light sprinkles and showers
The weather was the type that you don't see often in August: cool, cloudy, sprinkles. I could stand more of this type of weather.
Other than me taking my morning walk, we didn't do much today. It's hard to realize that just over a week ago we were covered up with work to do at the house. The weather was so hot that it felt unbearable. Now, most of the work is done, and the weather is much more bearable. Could it be that work and hot weather go together in the summer?
One thing we did do today was work some more on scanning Terri's pictures and keepsakes into the computer. This type of work is not hard, but it is tedious because it becomes like running a production line. It wouldn't surprise me if we're still scanning stuff a month from now.
We boiled some eggs for egg salad and other uses today. As I was taking the eggs out of the carton, it occurred to me as prices are going up on all types of food products, the sizes keep getting smaller. The large eggs we boiled looked like what I remember medium or even small eggs looked like several years ago. Am I imagining this? Are what the stores selling as large eggs smaller than they used to be?
Part of the boiled eggs went into a salad that Carolyn fixed, along with sweet potatoes and pork chops. Very good supper.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Macon, Georgia: Cherry Blossom Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Copying Pictures
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 91 degrees, clear skies
The nice weather continued today, with lower humidity and enough of a breeze that the temperature was not bad. It was another day of almost no work, which was fine with us.
As part of the process of Terri downsizing and getting rid of things, we offered to help her scan and copy pictures and keepsakes. We started doing that today, and it brought back memories of the many hours we spent doing the same thing for our pictures when we were getting ready to sell our house in Bay City. When we started doing it for our pictures, we found that many of the older pictures had started fading and losing their color. Scanning them into a computer and saving them on CDs means we can look at our pictures any time we want to, and they won't fade anymore. We have found that we look at our pictures more often now, because it is much easier to call them up on the computer. In addition, our pictures fit on a couple of CDs, even though we had thousands of them. The actual pictures, before we copied them, took up about fifteen feet of shelf space. It was a lot of work, but worth it.
The last few times we went to the WalMart Mall was on Sunday afternoon. Sundays always seem so busy, and there are never enough cash registers open. This week, we went to the WalMart Mall today, and it was busy, just like on Sunday. And guess what? There were not enough cash registers open. Going today was still better than going on Sunday because we were able to find everything we needed. And the best thing of all is that the task is done.
When we got back from the Mall, I noticed that there seemed to be a bigger puddle of water than usual on the ground where the air conditioner runoff drips off the RV. I found that one of our water hoses had a bad female connection. Usually, I have replacement hose parts, but for some reason, I didn't have what I needed to repair the hose. What I did have was another hose that we were not using. So, I changed out the defective hose, and we were back in business. Another emergency taken care of. Now, I have to remember to get some parts to repair the bad hose.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sequim, Washington: Lavendar Capital Of North America
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 91 degrees, clear skies
The nice weather continued today, with lower humidity and enough of a breeze that the temperature was not bad. It was another day of almost no work, which was fine with us.
As part of the process of Terri downsizing and getting rid of things, we offered to help her scan and copy pictures and keepsakes. We started doing that today, and it brought back memories of the many hours we spent doing the same thing for our pictures when we were getting ready to sell our house in Bay City. When we started doing it for our pictures, we found that many of the older pictures had started fading and losing their color. Scanning them into a computer and saving them on CDs means we can look at our pictures any time we want to, and they won't fade anymore. We have found that we look at our pictures more often now, because it is much easier to call them up on the computer. In addition, our pictures fit on a couple of CDs, even though we had thousands of them. The actual pictures, before we copied them, took up about fifteen feet of shelf space. It was a lot of work, but worth it.
The last few times we went to the WalMart Mall was on Sunday afternoon. Sundays always seem so busy, and there are never enough cash registers open. This week, we went to the WalMart Mall today, and it was busy, just like on Sunday. And guess what? There were not enough cash registers open. Going today was still better than going on Sunday because we were able to find everything we needed. And the best thing of all is that the task is done.
When we got back from the Mall, I noticed that there seemed to be a bigger puddle of water than usual on the ground where the air conditioner runoff drips off the RV. I found that one of our water hoses had a bad female connection. Usually, I have replacement hose parts, but for some reason, I didn't have what I needed to repair the hose. What I did have was another hose that we were not using. So, I changed out the defective hose, and we were back in business. Another emergency taken care of. Now, I have to remember to get some parts to repair the bad hose.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sequim, Washington: Lavendar Capital Of North America
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Moe's Mexican Grill
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear skies
What a difference a day has made in the weather! We had a shower yesterday as a front passed through the area. This morning, it was cooler with much lower humidity. The nice weather is supposed to last through the weekend.
We decided to not go to the house today, and will probably stay away from it the rest of the weekend. I think we are feeling a little burn out from all the work we have been doing over the last 4+ months. Our plan is to finish everything there by the end of next week, except for the yard work, which I can do once a week.
Since we didn't go to the house, we decided to have lunch with Terri. She took us to a new restaurant named Moe's Mexican Grill. It is located in Tuscaloosa across from University Mall. Carolyn and Terri had the Chicken Quesadilla, while I had the biggest burrito I have ever seen. It must have weighed at least a pound. Needless to say, I couldn't eat all of it. We had enough food left for supper. Along with the quesadillas and burrito, we were served thin tortilla chips, which are my favorite. The restaurant serves several different sauces, and I tried the traditional salsa, which had just enough heat to be interesting. Terri said it was too hot. I don't think it's too hot unless a sweat breaks out on your forehead, and this one didn't cause that. The food was not bad, and I'm sure we'll go there again.
After eating, Terri wanted to look at some TV stands, trying to find one for Thomas's room. I followed along, trying to remain alert until I could get home and meditate. There hasn't been much meditation lately with all the work going on.
Late in the day, I helped Billy Plowman pick his tomatoes. Billy is a little short, and has problems reaching the tomatoes inside his bushes. I'm taller with longer arms and legs, so it was easier for me to reach the bushes. It looks like we will have tomatoes for a few days.
After picking tomatoes, I decided to mow our yard. The yard was looking a little ragged, and I knew I probably wouldn't have a better day based on temperature. Now the yard looks good, and I will probably find something else to do tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bartow, Florida: The City Of Oaks
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 72 degrees, high 91 degrees, mostly clear skies
What a difference a day has made in the weather! We had a shower yesterday as a front passed through the area. This morning, it was cooler with much lower humidity. The nice weather is supposed to last through the weekend.
We decided to not go to the house today, and will probably stay away from it the rest of the weekend. I think we are feeling a little burn out from all the work we have been doing over the last 4+ months. Our plan is to finish everything there by the end of next week, except for the yard work, which I can do once a week.
Since we didn't go to the house, we decided to have lunch with Terri. She took us to a new restaurant named Moe's Mexican Grill. It is located in Tuscaloosa across from University Mall. Carolyn and Terri had the Chicken Quesadilla, while I had the biggest burrito I have ever seen. It must have weighed at least a pound. Needless to say, I couldn't eat all of it. We had enough food left for supper. Along with the quesadillas and burrito, we were served thin tortilla chips, which are my favorite. The restaurant serves several different sauces, and I tried the traditional salsa, which had just enough heat to be interesting. Terri said it was too hot. I don't think it's too hot unless a sweat breaks out on your forehead, and this one didn't cause that. The food was not bad, and I'm sure we'll go there again.
After eating, Terri wanted to look at some TV stands, trying to find one for Thomas's room. I followed along, trying to remain alert until I could get home and meditate. There hasn't been much meditation lately with all the work going on.
Late in the day, I helped Billy Plowman pick his tomatoes. Billy is a little short, and has problems reaching the tomatoes inside his bushes. I'm taller with longer arms and legs, so it was easier for me to reach the bushes. It looks like we will have tomatoes for a few days.
After picking tomatoes, I decided to mow our yard. The yard was looking a little ragged, and I knew I probably wouldn't have a better day based on temperature. Now the yard looks good, and I will probably find something else to do tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bartow, Florida: The City Of Oaks
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
THINGS
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 75 degrees, high 94 degrees, mostly cloudy, scattered showers
We were at the house by 0900 hours, and I had the attic emptied by 0930 hours. I'm glad I got an earlier start because it was already heating up. The heat seems to concentrate in the attic, and it gets worse as the day goes on. About noontime, we got a shower that lowered the temperature, and the rest of the day was cooler.
Everything from the attic was placed on the floor of the garage where Terri could go through it. Some of the stuff was easy for her to make a decision on, and some of it was difficult because it was personal items. Things like keepsakes for Thomas, photos, Christmas items, etc. In the end, some of the items were set aside for scanning and others were put aside so she could think about what to do with them.
We understand how difficult it is to give up THINGS that a person has accumulated over the course of twenty years. Several years ago, my mother went into a nursing home because of several ailments that she was suffering with. As a result, she had to give up the apartment she had. Carolyn and I had the task of going through her possessions and belongings and cleaning up the apartment. It was one of the hardest chores either of us has had to do. My mother had a lifetime of memories, pictures, and little possessions that we had to move out and find a home for or dispose of. In the end, we got it done, but as I said, it was difficult. That made us decide that we needed to go through our house and start taking care of things so that if something happened to us, our daughters wouldn't have to do it.
When we were getting ready to sell our house, we had to go through the THINGS we had accumulated over more than 40 years of married life. I can remember seeing Carolyn sitting and wiping her eyes as she looked at pictures or little keepsakes from our daughters' childhoods. The way I handled that was to tell her to keep whatever she wanted, and that we would find a way to store them. In the end, we were able to take pictures of items, scan all of our pictures, and give many of the items to our daughters. Some time later, we realized that we had been keeping a house to keep a roof over our THINGS. It is kind of liberating to know that the only THINGS that we really need are in our RV with us or in a safe deposit box. Beyond those THINGS, we don't need anything else.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cody, Wyoming: Rodeo Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 75 degrees, high 94 degrees, mostly cloudy, scattered showers
We were at the house by 0900 hours, and I had the attic emptied by 0930 hours. I'm glad I got an earlier start because it was already heating up. The heat seems to concentrate in the attic, and it gets worse as the day goes on. About noontime, we got a shower that lowered the temperature, and the rest of the day was cooler.
Everything from the attic was placed on the floor of the garage where Terri could go through it. Some of the stuff was easy for her to make a decision on, and some of it was difficult because it was personal items. Things like keepsakes for Thomas, photos, Christmas items, etc. In the end, some of the items were set aside for scanning and others were put aside so she could think about what to do with them.
We understand how difficult it is to give up THINGS that a person has accumulated over the course of twenty years. Several years ago, my mother went into a nursing home because of several ailments that she was suffering with. As a result, she had to give up the apartment she had. Carolyn and I had the task of going through her possessions and belongings and cleaning up the apartment. It was one of the hardest chores either of us has had to do. My mother had a lifetime of memories, pictures, and little possessions that we had to move out and find a home for or dispose of. In the end, we got it done, but as I said, it was difficult. That made us decide that we needed to go through our house and start taking care of things so that if something happened to us, our daughters wouldn't have to do it.
When we were getting ready to sell our house, we had to go through the THINGS we had accumulated over more than 40 years of married life. I can remember seeing Carolyn sitting and wiping her eyes as she looked at pictures or little keepsakes from our daughters' childhoods. The way I handled that was to tell her to keep whatever she wanted, and that we would find a way to store them. In the end, we were able to take pictures of items, scan all of our pictures, and give many of the items to our daughters. Some time later, we realized that we had been keeping a house to keep a roof over our THINGS. It is kind of liberating to know that the only THINGS that we really need are in our RV with us or in a safe deposit box. Beyond those THINGS, we don't need anything else.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cody, Wyoming: Rodeo Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Cheaper Gas
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, mostly clear skies
We only worked at the house about four hours today, but accomplished a lot. We did some more touch up, cleaned all the carpets, cleaned the hardwood floors, and mopped the bathrooms. In addition, Carolyn cleaned the granite counter tops while I was mowing the yard. On top of that, she washed our laundry. How's that for getting some work done?
Tomorrow, we plan to remove everything from the attic and go through it to decide what to keep or get rid of. I am hopeful we can do this task early because it gets so hot in the attic. If we have time after that, we'll probably start going through the stuff in the basement.
Gas continues to come down in price here. At WalMart, which seems to have the lowest prices, it is $3.639/gallon. That is still too high, but at least there is some relief. I filled up with diesel today for $4.399/gallon, which is about $.30/gallon cheaper than the high price for the summer so far. I read that Americans are driving 4% less this summer than last summer, so that probably helps. We're still not seeing many RVs on the road.
Thomas starts back to school tomorrow. He has only been out on summer break for about two months. It seems like the school year gets longer each year. I remember when I was in school (I think) that we didn't start back until after the Labor Day holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Huntsville, Alabama: The Rocket City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, mostly clear skies
We only worked at the house about four hours today, but accomplished a lot. We did some more touch up, cleaned all the carpets, cleaned the hardwood floors, and mopped the bathrooms. In addition, Carolyn cleaned the granite counter tops while I was mowing the yard. On top of that, she washed our laundry. How's that for getting some work done?
Tomorrow, we plan to remove everything from the attic and go through it to decide what to keep or get rid of. I am hopeful we can do this task early because it gets so hot in the attic. If we have time after that, we'll probably start going through the stuff in the basement.
Gas continues to come down in price here. At WalMart, which seems to have the lowest prices, it is $3.639/gallon. That is still too high, but at least there is some relief. I filled up with diesel today for $4.399/gallon, which is about $.30/gallon cheaper than the high price for the summer so far. I read that Americans are driving 4% less this summer than last summer, so that probably helps. We're still not seeing many RVs on the road.
Thomas starts back to school tomorrow. He has only been out on summer break for about two months. It seems like the school year gets longer each year. I remember when I was in school (I think) that we didn't start back until after the Labor Day holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Huntsville, Alabama: The Rocket City
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Slowly, But Surely
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 98 degrees, mostly clear skies
If it wasn't so hot, the weather would be great. The past week or so has been hot, and the current trends are expected to last a few more days. I will probably be wishing for some warm weather in January, but right now I could stand for it to cool off some.
After my morning walk, I helped Terri with some important business she had to take care of in Tuscaloosa this morning. As a result, we didn't get out to the house until about 1230 hours. We moved the remainder of Terri's clothes and personal items out of the house and did some more touch up. The only things left to remove from the house itself is the washer and dryer, and a bed from Thomas's room. The washer and dryer probably won't be removed until the end of the week or later. The bed will be moved tomorrow. Then I'll do a final cleaning of the carpets. On Thursday, I'll do the weekly mowing and trim the shrubs. Hey, it sounds like we'll be taking the weekend off again.
We still have to remove some stuff from the attic, but most of it will be sold in a yard sale in a couple of weeks. In addition, we have more stuff in the basement that will be disposed of in the yard sale or given to charity. Slowly, but surely, we are getting finished. It's a great feeling.
As most of our readers know, we had planned to go to Alaska this year. Due to Terri needing our help, we were unable to make that trip. The past couple of weeks, we have been talking about whether we will attempt to make the trip next year. Our instincts tell us to not get too excited about the prospect, but it is difficult to keep my imagination under control. I mentioned the hot weather here in Alabama. In Alaska this year, they are having an unusually cool summer. It would be a treat to wear a jacket every day, instead of trying to dress as light as possible, or stay in the air conditioning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Baghdad By The Bay
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 98 degrees, mostly clear skies
If it wasn't so hot, the weather would be great. The past week or so has been hot, and the current trends are expected to last a few more days. I will probably be wishing for some warm weather in January, but right now I could stand for it to cool off some.
After my morning walk, I helped Terri with some important business she had to take care of in Tuscaloosa this morning. As a result, we didn't get out to the house until about 1230 hours. We moved the remainder of Terri's clothes and personal items out of the house and did some more touch up. The only things left to remove from the house itself is the washer and dryer, and a bed from Thomas's room. The washer and dryer probably won't be removed until the end of the week or later. The bed will be moved tomorrow. Then I'll do a final cleaning of the carpets. On Thursday, I'll do the weekly mowing and trim the shrubs. Hey, it sounds like we'll be taking the weekend off again.
We still have to remove some stuff from the attic, but most of it will be sold in a yard sale in a couple of weeks. In addition, we have more stuff in the basement that will be disposed of in the yard sale or given to charity. Slowly, but surely, we are getting finished. It's a great feeling.
As most of our readers know, we had planned to go to Alaska this year. Due to Terri needing our help, we were unable to make that trip. The past couple of weeks, we have been talking about whether we will attempt to make the trip next year. Our instincts tell us to not get too excited about the prospect, but it is difficult to keep my imagination under control. I mentioned the hot weather here in Alabama. In Alaska this year, they are having an unusually cool summer. It would be a treat to wear a jacket every day, instead of trying to dress as light as possible, or stay in the air conditioning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - San Francisco, California: Baghdad By The Bay
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, August 4, 2008
A New Week
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, clear skies
Doing nothing the last two days was restful and helped us recover some of our enthusiasm for finishing our work at the house. I was up early and gone for my morning walk by 0530 hours, finishing just as the sun was up. On the way back to the RV, I stopped at WalMart and picked up some pine bark mulch to replace what was messed up in the flower beds by the dogs before they were adopted by new families. After taking care of a few errands at the RV, we were at the house by 0900 hours. I put the mulch in the flower beds, watered the flowers, swept the front porch and sidewalks, put the garbage out, and a couple other tasks before going in the house.
The remainder of work in the house consists of moving the rest of Terri's things out, separating what will be for charity and what will be put in a yard sale, minor touch up of walls and door facings, etc. She moved her clothes today, as well as most of the frozen food in the refrigerator. Before we know it, we'll be in a maintenance mode on the house. I can't wait.
At the rate things are getting done, we will probably have a yard sale in about two weeks. It is amazing the number of yard sales that we see in this area. I wonder if people really buy so much stuff that they don't need, or are they having these sales so they can buy gas for the car?
We left for home from the house about 1645 hours this afternoon. After getting home, we decided we wanted some Publix chicken for supper. I didn't want to go anywhere, but the chicken sounded good, so off we went to Publix. For a change, traffic was not bad, and it only took about 30 minutes to drive in, shop, and drive back home. The chicken was good, and we have enough for another day. Not bad.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: The Frontier City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, clear skies
Doing nothing the last two days was restful and helped us recover some of our enthusiasm for finishing our work at the house. I was up early and gone for my morning walk by 0530 hours, finishing just as the sun was up. On the way back to the RV, I stopped at WalMart and picked up some pine bark mulch to replace what was messed up in the flower beds by the dogs before they were adopted by new families. After taking care of a few errands at the RV, we were at the house by 0900 hours. I put the mulch in the flower beds, watered the flowers, swept the front porch and sidewalks, put the garbage out, and a couple other tasks before going in the house.
The remainder of work in the house consists of moving the rest of Terri's things out, separating what will be for charity and what will be put in a yard sale, minor touch up of walls and door facings, etc. She moved her clothes today, as well as most of the frozen food in the refrigerator. Before we know it, we'll be in a maintenance mode on the house. I can't wait.
At the rate things are getting done, we will probably have a yard sale in about two weeks. It is amazing the number of yard sales that we see in this area. I wonder if people really buy so much stuff that they don't need, or are they having these sales so they can buy gas for the car?
We left for home from the house about 1645 hours this afternoon. After getting home, we decided we wanted some Publix chicken for supper. I didn't want to go anywhere, but the chicken sounded good, so off we went to Publix. For a change, traffic was not bad, and it only took about 30 minutes to drive in, shop, and drive back home. The chicken was good, and we have enough for another day. Not bad.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: The Frontier City
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Hot, Lazy
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, mostly clear skies
Today was a hot one and the forecast for the next 4-5 days is for more of the same. Come on, cooler weather!
We slept late again this morning, and I didn't get up until 0745. And the sky didn't fall. As I said before, I could get used to this late rising. After getting myself awake, I went for a walk so I could get loosened up. It didn't take long in this heat. After returning from the walk, we hunkered down in the RV and stayed cool.
Late in the day, it was time for me to dump our holding tanks. That was the extent of anything approaching work that I did for the weekend. We have been working hard and it was nice to take a couple days off. We hope to be able to finish up our work at the house this next week.
That was it for our day. It was slow and lazy and we loved it!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Decatur, Alabama: D-Rock
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, mostly clear skies
Today was a hot one and the forecast for the next 4-5 days is for more of the same. Come on, cooler weather!
We slept late again this morning, and I didn't get up until 0745. And the sky didn't fall. As I said before, I could get used to this late rising. After getting myself awake, I went for a walk so I could get loosened up. It didn't take long in this heat. After returning from the walk, we hunkered down in the RV and stayed cool.
Late in the day, it was time for me to dump our holding tanks. That was the extent of anything approaching work that I did for the weekend. We have been working hard and it was nice to take a couple days off. We hope to be able to finish up our work at the house this next week.
That was it for our day. It was slow and lazy and we loved it!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Decatur, Alabama: D-Rock
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Italian Restaurant
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, foggy early, mostly clear in the middle part of the day, cloudy with light showers late in the day
As I stated a couple of times this past week, we were not going to do any work over the weekend. So far, we have not done anything except go see Terri and Thomas this afternoon in their new apartment. We did not get up this morning until 0700 hours, which is late for us. I could get used to getting up at that time. After a slow couple of hours, I went to the library to trade our books. On the way back, I stopped at WalMart for a couple of things we needed. Then it was more laziness, with some meditation thrown in until the middle of the afternoon. That's when we went to Terri's apartment.
On the way over, we stopped at Sonic Drive-in to pick up a milkshake for Thomas. His new braces are making his mouth sore, so it is difficult for him to eat. The braces are not so cool now.
Terri and Thomas are getting settled into their new home. Both of them like being closer to all of the advantages of town living. They also like having a smaller place to take care of.
When we started home, it was past time for supper. We decided to stop at a restaurant we had not tried before named Mr. G's Italian Restaurant. This restaurant is different from all the Italian restaurants we have eaten at before. In a normal restaurant, you go to a table where you read a menu and give your order to a server. Then, drinks are brought along with a salad if you ordered one. After a little while, the meal is served by the server, who comes back to the table several times to see if you need anything. At Mr. G's, you enter the restaurant, walk up to a counter where your order is taken and your drinks are given to you. After paying for the order, you receive a serving number. After 5-10 minutes, your number is called. You go back to the counter and pick up your order on a serving tray, which you take to your table.
Now, for the food. We chose the daily special, which was zita with meat, garlic bread, and salad. Was it good? Only about as good as the best Italian food we have ever eaten. And that includes in New York, which was the best Italian food we had ever eaten before today. As I said, the food was very good, there was plenty of it, and the price was very reasonable ($6.99 for the special). We were able to only eat about half of the serving, so we know what supper will be tomorrow night. Will we go back? Absolutely!!
After eating, we stopped at K-Mart to pick up a couple of things that we like to buy there. Then it was on to the RV. On the way, we observed a great light show from the lightning that was playing across the clouds. It looks like today's heat is causing this display. We expect this heat wave to continue another 2-3 days, then it should cool off a little.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aransas Pass, Texas: Saltwater Heaven
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 76 degrees, high 101 degrees, foggy early, mostly clear in the middle part of the day, cloudy with light showers late in the day
As I stated a couple of times this past week, we were not going to do any work over the weekend. So far, we have not done anything except go see Terri and Thomas this afternoon in their new apartment. We did not get up this morning until 0700 hours, which is late for us. I could get used to getting up at that time. After a slow couple of hours, I went to the library to trade our books. On the way back, I stopped at WalMart for a couple of things we needed. Then it was more laziness, with some meditation thrown in until the middle of the afternoon. That's when we went to Terri's apartment.
On the way over, we stopped at Sonic Drive-in to pick up a milkshake for Thomas. His new braces are making his mouth sore, so it is difficult for him to eat. The braces are not so cool now.
Terri and Thomas are getting settled into their new home. Both of them like being closer to all of the advantages of town living. They also like having a smaller place to take care of.
When we started home, it was past time for supper. We decided to stop at a restaurant we had not tried before named Mr. G's Italian Restaurant. This restaurant is different from all the Italian restaurants we have eaten at before. In a normal restaurant, you go to a table where you read a menu and give your order to a server. Then, drinks are brought along with a salad if you ordered one. After a little while, the meal is served by the server, who comes back to the table several times to see if you need anything. At Mr. G's, you enter the restaurant, walk up to a counter where your order is taken and your drinks are given to you. After paying for the order, you receive a serving number. After 5-10 minutes, your number is called. You go back to the counter and pick up your order on a serving tray, which you take to your table.
Now, for the food. We chose the daily special, which was zita with meat, garlic bread, and salad. Was it good? Only about as good as the best Italian food we have ever eaten. And that includes in New York, which was the best Italian food we had ever eaten before today. As I said, the food was very good, there was plenty of it, and the price was very reasonable ($6.99 for the special). We were able to only eat about half of the serving, so we know what supper will be tomorrow night. Will we go back? Absolutely!!
After eating, we stopped at K-Mart to pick up a couple of things that we like to buy there. Then it was on to the RV. On the way, we observed a great light show from the lightning that was playing across the clouds. It looks like today's heat is causing this display. We expect this heat wave to continue another 2-3 days, then it should cool off a little.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aransas Pass, Texas: Saltwater Heaven
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thomas Has Braces
Coker, Alabama
Weather: low 75 degrees, high 97 degrees, mostly cloudy all day
After a leisurely start to the day, we went to the house to do a few things before our weekend started. I weeded the flower beds, planted some flowers, filled in some holes the dogs had dug, swept the downstairs patio and garage, and did some touch up painting of door facings. Carolyn did some touch up painting of base boards and miscellaneous chores. With that work finished, our work at the house is done for this week. We are taking the next two days off, and should finish at the house next week. Then, it's just a matter of monitoring things and mowing the yard until the house sells. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later.
Thomas had his braces installed this morning. He has an overbite that can only be corrected with braces. He thinks the braces are cool right now, but I have a feeling he'll change his mind. Especially since he has to wear them about 26 months.
I'm not sure what we will be doing this weekend. This will be the first weekend we haven't worked in a while, and if we do nothing at all, it will be fine with me. We're thinking about trying an Italian restaurant that we haven't eaten at before. Maybe I'll have a good report on that.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: Magic City Of The Plains
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 75 degrees, high 97 degrees, mostly cloudy all day
After a leisurely start to the day, we went to the house to do a few things before our weekend started. I weeded the flower beds, planted some flowers, filled in some holes the dogs had dug, swept the downstairs patio and garage, and did some touch up painting of door facings. Carolyn did some touch up painting of base boards and miscellaneous chores. With that work finished, our work at the house is done for this week. We are taking the next two days off, and should finish at the house next week. Then, it's just a matter of monitoring things and mowing the yard until the house sells. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later.
Thomas had his braces installed this morning. He has an overbite that can only be corrected with braces. He thinks the braces are cool right now, but I have a feeling he'll change his mind. Especially since he has to wear them about 26 months.
I'm not sure what we will be doing this weekend. This will be the first weekend we haven't worked in a while, and if we do nothing at all, it will be fine with me. We're thinking about trying an Italian restaurant that we haven't eaten at before. Maybe I'll have a good report on that.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cheyenne, Wyoming: Magic City Of The Plains
Not all who wander are lost.
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