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.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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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