Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 63 degrees, cloudy skies, rain showers late
This is weird weather - snow last weekend and bitter cold, now rain and warming for at least a day or two. Then, there's the tornadoes in the mid-west that killed several people today. Is it caused by global climate change? I'm not convinced.
Remember in yesterday's post that I wrote about Carolyn going to the doctor? Well, she suffered an allergic reaction to the medicine that was prescribed, and I had to take her to the emergency room at midnight last night to get treatment for the reaction. I felt bad about it, because I was the one that talked her into going to the doctor yesterday. At least we know she can't take that particular medicine again.
We didn't get in to the bed until after 0200 hours this morning, so we slept in a little in an effort to rest. It was at least 1000 hours before we started doing anything at all, and Carolyn took it easy all day in an effort to get to feeling better.
Our old printer bit the dust yesterday. Since I needed to go to the drugstore to get Carolyn a new prescription (I hope this one works), I decided to stop at the WalMart Mall to see what they had. I found a new printer that cost $49.00, and the ink for it is about half the price of the old printer. On top of that, I had a gift card for $40.00, so once that was applied to the price, the printer only cost us $9.00.
When I installed the new printer, I couldn't get it to print what I wanted. Looking at the trouble shooting directions, I found that I needed to do all sorts of things in an effort to find out what was wrong. To make a long story short, I found that the printer wouldn't print a document for me if we were connected to the Internet. When the Internet was disconnected, the document printed with no problems at all. I don't know what causes that anomaly, because it would seem that the Internet wouldn't stop the printer from working.
This has been a good year for us in many ways, but also a trying year at times. We tend to be the type of people who prefer to concentrate on the good things that happen to us versus the bad things. We're thankful that we have our family and friends, and look forward to seeing them every chance we get. Rather than be selfish and say what we would like for ourselves in the new year, let me say that I hope our country begins to find it's way out of the mess that it is in. I think all of us would be better off if that were to happen.
Finally, Carolyn and I wish everyone good health and prosperity and A Happy New Year.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bastrop, Texas: The Heart Of The Colorado
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Carolyn Went To The Doctor
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 36 degrees, high 50 degrees, cloudy skies
As predicted, the warmer weather has taken care of the the last of the snow. Will there be enough for the kids to build snowmen again before winter is over? I wouldn't be surprised.
Terri and Thomas left for Tuscaloosa and home today, but not before helping us polish off the rest of the homemade soup from last night. We enjoyed having them here for the holiday, and the house was just a tad too quiet for us when they left. Of course, it's the type of thing that you bear up to. Wouldn't it be great if families could still stay in one place as a family unit, instead of being spread all over creation making a living?
Carolyn has been fighting a terrible cold all week, and once Terri and Thomas were gone, it seemed that her reserves went with them. She was about as sick as she has been, and I was finally able to talk her in to going to see a doctor. She has an upper respiratory infection, so she got a shot and some antibiotics which we hope will start giving her some relief before long.
Our printer bit the dust today, so we're going to be looking for one. It's been a long time since we have needed a new printer, so I guess I'll have to educate myself as I did on the televisions before buying them. Terri gave me a gift card for one of the major electronics stores, so maybe I'll be able to find what I'm looking for at that store. Hmmm. Should I buy a wireless one or continue using one that hooks up to the computer?
We put the tree away today, along with the few Christmas decorations that we still have. Maybe when Carolyn feels better, we can take a trip in to town and take advantage of some of the after holiday sales.
That's about it from here. Hopefully, Carolyn will start feeling better, and we will get back into a little bit of a routine. Such as road trips.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Canton, North Carolina: Where The Mountains Kiss The Sky
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 36 degrees, high 50 degrees, cloudy skies
As predicted, the warmer weather has taken care of the the last of the snow. Will there be enough for the kids to build snowmen again before winter is over? I wouldn't be surprised.
Terri and Thomas left for Tuscaloosa and home today, but not before helping us polish off the rest of the homemade soup from last night. We enjoyed having them here for the holiday, and the house was just a tad too quiet for us when they left. Of course, it's the type of thing that you bear up to. Wouldn't it be great if families could still stay in one place as a family unit, instead of being spread all over creation making a living?
Carolyn has been fighting a terrible cold all week, and once Terri and Thomas were gone, it seemed that her reserves went with them. She was about as sick as she has been, and I was finally able to talk her in to going to see a doctor. She has an upper respiratory infection, so she got a shot and some antibiotics which we hope will start giving her some relief before long.
Our printer bit the dust today, so we're going to be looking for one. It's been a long time since we have needed a new printer, so I guess I'll have to educate myself as I did on the televisions before buying them. Terri gave me a gift card for one of the major electronics stores, so maybe I'll be able to find what I'm looking for at that store. Hmmm. Should I buy a wireless one or continue using one that hooks up to the computer?
We put the tree away today, along with the few Christmas decorations that we still have. Maybe when Carolyn feels better, we can take a trip in to town and take advantage of some of the after holiday sales.
That's about it from here. Hopefully, Carolyn will start feeling better, and we will get back into a little bit of a routine. Such as road trips.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Canton, North Carolina: Where The Mountains Kiss The Sky
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Jerald Was Sick
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 35 degrees, high 45 degrees, cloudy with misty rain until late afternoon, then clear skies
Carolyn slept better last night, even though she had to stay on the couch to do it. The couch allowed her to prop herself up in a way that stopped her cough, and she slept for most of the night. Maybe she's made the turn toward getting better.
I, on the other hand, did not sleep for most of the night. I felt like the symptoms for the pneumonia I had in Florida were coming back. Difficulty in breathing along with pain in the lungs. Scary feeling, and when the doctors opened this morning, I called and got an appointment. The office I went to is only about a mile away, and I was pleasantly surprised by this country office.
The people working in the office all seemed to have my best interest at heart, and got me in to see the doctor as soon as possible. When the doctor came in to see me, he allowed me to tell him about my symptoms, as well as the problems I had with pneumonia. Then, he went in to action, doing a detailed examination. He found that I had a rattle in my left lung, along with chest congestion and a runny nose. Before I left the office, I had received an injection in each hip, and three prescriptions including an antibiotic for the lung issue.
The doctor told me that if I didn't feel much better tomorrow to give him a call. Well, based on how I feel right now, I won't have to call him. I feel much better than I did this morning, and the pain in my lung is going away. I think I'll be able to sleep tonight.
To top off the office visit, the doctor recommended a new cardiac specialist to me to help me with some maintenance stuff with my heart. It's great to live in a small town, especially one with people as friendly and helpful as these are.
Today was the day that I prepared my famous vegetable soup. Luckily, I was feeling better by the time it needed to be cooked. I have been making it for about 40 years, adapted from an old family recipe. To me, the best thing to go with the soup is some corn bread that I bake in an iron skillet. Needless to say, the soup and bread were a big hit for supper. And, what's even better is that there was enough left for lunch tomorrow.
With trying to get us feeling better, the supper was about all we accomplished today. It looks like we're getting there on feeling better. Now, maybe we can get out and do some roaming around.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cuero, Texas: Turkeyfest Capital of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 35 degrees, high 45 degrees, cloudy with misty rain until late afternoon, then clear skies
Carolyn slept better last night, even though she had to stay on the couch to do it. The couch allowed her to prop herself up in a way that stopped her cough, and she slept for most of the night. Maybe she's made the turn toward getting better.
I, on the other hand, did not sleep for most of the night. I felt like the symptoms for the pneumonia I had in Florida were coming back. Difficulty in breathing along with pain in the lungs. Scary feeling, and when the doctors opened this morning, I called and got an appointment. The office I went to is only about a mile away, and I was pleasantly surprised by this country office.
The people working in the office all seemed to have my best interest at heart, and got me in to see the doctor as soon as possible. When the doctor came in to see me, he allowed me to tell him about my symptoms, as well as the problems I had with pneumonia. Then, he went in to action, doing a detailed examination. He found that I had a rattle in my left lung, along with chest congestion and a runny nose. Before I left the office, I had received an injection in each hip, and three prescriptions including an antibiotic for the lung issue.
The doctor told me that if I didn't feel much better tomorrow to give him a call. Well, based on how I feel right now, I won't have to call him. I feel much better than I did this morning, and the pain in my lung is going away. I think I'll be able to sleep tonight.
To top off the office visit, the doctor recommended a new cardiac specialist to me to help me with some maintenance stuff with my heart. It's great to live in a small town, especially one with people as friendly and helpful as these are.
Today was the day that I prepared my famous vegetable soup. Luckily, I was feeling better by the time it needed to be cooked. I have been making it for about 40 years, adapted from an old family recipe. To me, the best thing to go with the soup is some corn bread that I bake in an iron skillet. Needless to say, the soup and bread were a big hit for supper. And, what's even better is that there was enough left for lunch tomorrow.
With trying to get us feeling better, the supper was about all we accomplished today. It looks like we're getting there on feeling better. Now, maybe we can get out and do some roaming around.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Cuero, Texas: Turkeyfest Capital of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Carolyn's Rotten Cold
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 20 degrees, high 44 degrees, clear skies
It's hard to believe after the weather warming up like it has the last two days, but we still have snow on the ground from the weekend snow. Tomorrow will probably finish it off, and if it doesn't, we have some rain coming in on Thursday that will.
The word for today in the home base was sick. As in Carolyn being sick with a rotten cold that had her up all night. Unable to sleep because of coughing and all the things that go with a bad cold, she spent most of the night on the couch in the living room. She finally got to sleep just before daylight. She spent the day wrapped up in blankets and sleeping, until about mid-afternoon, when she felt better. At that point, she felt well enough to get her crsfting stuff out so she could show Terri how to make some Christmas decorations. We'll see if the cold is starting to get better. Of course, all of us are probably going to get one now.
With Carolyn sick, I did the laundry and all the cooking for the day. That should give you some idea how bad Carolyn felt, because she doesn't like to think that someone else is doing her work. She had no problem with me doing it today. It's like I told her about the surgery I'm having on my wrist next week. Usually, I wash the dishes, but while my wrist is getting over the surgery, she'll be doing the dishes. So, we share the household chores, doing whatever needs to be done.
The truck was started for the first time since Friday, as I needed to drive to the Piggly Wiggly about a mile away for a few groceries. It wasn't even far enough to warm the heater up. I think that's a new low for miles for the truck in the last four years.
The bad weather, combined with Carolyn getting sick, has kept us at home the last few days. I told Terri that we were hoping to get out do some roaming while she and Thomas were here, but she said she didn't mind staying at home. I think she likes Mom and Dad taking care of everything.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bellville, Texas: Where Small Town Living Is Still A Way Of Life, Cowboys Are Still Cowboys, And Children Can Still Be Children
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 20 degrees, high 44 degrees, clear skies
It's hard to believe after the weather warming up like it has the last two days, but we still have snow on the ground from the weekend snow. Tomorrow will probably finish it off, and if it doesn't, we have some rain coming in on Thursday that will.
The word for today in the home base was sick. As in Carolyn being sick with a rotten cold that had her up all night. Unable to sleep because of coughing and all the things that go with a bad cold, she spent most of the night on the couch in the living room. She finally got to sleep just before daylight. She spent the day wrapped up in blankets and sleeping, until about mid-afternoon, when she felt better. At that point, she felt well enough to get her crsfting stuff out so she could show Terri how to make some Christmas decorations. We'll see if the cold is starting to get better. Of course, all of us are probably going to get one now.
With Carolyn sick, I did the laundry and all the cooking for the day. That should give you some idea how bad Carolyn felt, because she doesn't like to think that someone else is doing her work. She had no problem with me doing it today. It's like I told her about the surgery I'm having on my wrist next week. Usually, I wash the dishes, but while my wrist is getting over the surgery, she'll be doing the dishes. So, we share the household chores, doing whatever needs to be done.
The truck was started for the first time since Friday, as I needed to drive to the Piggly Wiggly about a mile away for a few groceries. It wasn't even far enough to warm the heater up. I think that's a new low for miles for the truck in the last four years.
The bad weather, combined with Carolyn getting sick, has kept us at home the last few days. I told Terri that we were hoping to get out do some roaming while she and Thomas were here, but she said she didn't mind staying at home. I think she likes Mom and Dad taking care of everything.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Bellville, Texas: Where Small Town Living Is Still A Way Of Life, Cowboys Are Still Cowboys, And Children Can Still Be Children
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Return Visit To Sweet Pepper Deli
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 20 degrees, high 36 degrees, mostly clear skies
The weather started a little warming trend today, as the bright sun and warmer temperatures combined to melt much of the snow. After tomorrow, just about all the snow of the last three days will be gone.
Remember me posting about how much food we had left over after the Christmas Day meal? Well, I started doing something with it today. Some went in to the freezer, some went in the garbage, and Thomas continued to vacuum down the food that was still in the refrigerator. Have you ever noticed how much food a 14 year old boy can eat? He is about 6' 3" tall now, and at the rate he is growing, he will be at least 6' 7". He is as skinny as a fence rail, so when he starts filling out, he will be some kind of man. It does me good to see him eat like he does, since I don't have the appetite I used to.
Carolyn said she was tired of eating Christmas leftovers, and wanted to get out of the house for the first time in three days. We decided to go to the Sweet Pepper Deli to get one of their excellent sandwiches. In the past, the deli was covered up with people by 1130 hours, but when we walked in there today, we were the only customers. I guess most people were still hungover from the holiday.
Terri and Thomas had not been to the deli before, so we guided them a little in what they should get. I ordered my old standby, a Reuben Panini on pumpernickel bread with cole slaw. Everyone else got different things, and from the way they carried on about the sandwiches, they were good. Thomas was the only one to finish his lunch (naturally), so three of us took half of our sandwiches home for supper.
When we left the deli, we drove out to visit Roger and Judy and take back some of their dishes from the Christmas Day meal. Roger has been suffering from a respiratory problem, so he had been lazing around all day, trying to feel better. We had a good visit, laughing and talking about any number of things. I hope the visit helped Roger feel better.
By the time we got back home, everyone but Thomas was ready for a nap or meditation. The rest of the day was spent reading, watching television, and surfing the web. And, napping and meditating. I guess everyone knows I was the one meditating. Carolyn and Terri were napping.
All in all, another nice day to help recover from the excesses of the holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Flagstaff, Arizona: The Mile And A Quarter High City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 20 degrees, high 36 degrees, mostly clear skies
The weather started a little warming trend today, as the bright sun and warmer temperatures combined to melt much of the snow. After tomorrow, just about all the snow of the last three days will be gone.
Remember me posting about how much food we had left over after the Christmas Day meal? Well, I started doing something with it today. Some went in to the freezer, some went in the garbage, and Thomas continued to vacuum down the food that was still in the refrigerator. Have you ever noticed how much food a 14 year old boy can eat? He is about 6' 3" tall now, and at the rate he is growing, he will be at least 6' 7". He is as skinny as a fence rail, so when he starts filling out, he will be some kind of man. It does me good to see him eat like he does, since I don't have the appetite I used to.
Carolyn said she was tired of eating Christmas leftovers, and wanted to get out of the house for the first time in three days. We decided to go to the Sweet Pepper Deli to get one of their excellent sandwiches. In the past, the deli was covered up with people by 1130 hours, but when we walked in there today, we were the only customers. I guess most people were still hungover from the holiday.
Terri and Thomas had not been to the deli before, so we guided them a little in what they should get. I ordered my old standby, a Reuben Panini on pumpernickel bread with cole slaw. Everyone else got different things, and from the way they carried on about the sandwiches, they were good. Thomas was the only one to finish his lunch (naturally), so three of us took half of our sandwiches home for supper.
When we left the deli, we drove out to visit Roger and Judy and take back some of their dishes from the Christmas Day meal. Roger has been suffering from a respiratory problem, so he had been lazing around all day, trying to feel better. We had a good visit, laughing and talking about any number of things. I hope the visit helped Roger feel better.
By the time we got back home, everyone but Thomas was ready for a nap or meditation. The rest of the day was spent reading, watching television, and surfing the web. And, napping and meditating. I guess everyone knows I was the one meditating. Carolyn and Terri were napping.
All in all, another nice day to help recover from the excesses of the holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Flagstaff, Arizona: The Mile And A Quarter High City
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Slow Day After Christmas
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 19 degrees, high 29 degrees, cloudy skies, windy, snow
The snow continued here today, sometimes hard, sometimes soft. There were not as many people stirring outside in it today, as I think most people are going through post-Christmas laziness. I think we all needed a slow day, after being so busy leading up to the holiday.
The leftover food got hit hard today, but there's still plenty left. We'll freeze what's left for a day when we don't want to cook. I think our imaginations got carried away with us when we planned the menu. Plus, Judy brought over a lot of food. Maybe we were planning for surprise visitors that never showed up. If they had, no one would have gone hungry. I think we could have fed 20 people with no problems at all.
As I'm writing the blog, I'm listening to Pandora radio with Rodney Crowell, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, John Lennon....... Great music that seems to be ageless to me. Tapping along to the beat, I have to go back and correct my typing from time to temi, I mean time. See what I mean?
Thomas spent the day playing his new Play Station 3 game system. He received several new games with the system, including NCAA Football 11, Mafia 2, and others that I'm not familiar with. I let him set the system up in our bedroom, where he could play all he wanted and not tie up the television in the living room. Plus, he could use the easy chair in the bedroom. Pretty good digs for playing games. I think the only thing that would have made it better for him was if Julian and Zoe had been here.
Terri did a lot of reading and watching television, as did Carolyn and I. I think we overdosed on Orange County Choppers. Carolyn is fighting a cold that's trying to get her down. She has a sore throat and a little cough with the sniffles. I guess being out with all the shoppers caught up with her.
The truck probably thinks I've forgotten her. This is the second day in a row that I haven't started her up, and I may not do it tomorrow. She's been working hard, and deserves a break. Just like me.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Florence, South Carolina: FLO
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 19 degrees, high 29 degrees, cloudy skies, windy, snow
The snow continued here today, sometimes hard, sometimes soft. There were not as many people stirring outside in it today, as I think most people are going through post-Christmas laziness. I think we all needed a slow day, after being so busy leading up to the holiday.
The leftover food got hit hard today, but there's still plenty left. We'll freeze what's left for a day when we don't want to cook. I think our imaginations got carried away with us when we planned the menu. Plus, Judy brought over a lot of food. Maybe we were planning for surprise visitors that never showed up. If they had, no one would have gone hungry. I think we could have fed 20 people with no problems at all.
As I'm writing the blog, I'm listening to Pandora radio with Rodney Crowell, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, John Lennon....... Great music that seems to be ageless to me. Tapping along to the beat, I have to go back and correct my typing from time to temi, I mean time. See what I mean?
Thomas spent the day playing his new Play Station 3 game system. He received several new games with the system, including NCAA Football 11, Mafia 2, and others that I'm not familiar with. I let him set the system up in our bedroom, where he could play all he wanted and not tie up the television in the living room. Plus, he could use the easy chair in the bedroom. Pretty good digs for playing games. I think the only thing that would have made it better for him was if Julian and Zoe had been here.
Terri did a lot of reading and watching television, as did Carolyn and I. I think we overdosed on Orange County Choppers. Carolyn is fighting a cold that's trying to get her down. She has a sore throat and a little cough with the sniffles. I guess being out with all the shoppers caught up with her.
The truck probably thinks I've forgotten her. This is the second day in a row that I haven't started her up, and I may not do it tomorrow. She's been working hard, and deserves a break. Just like me.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Florence, South Carolina: FLO
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
White Christmas
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 27 degrees, high 33 degrees, cloudy, SNOW!!!!!!!!!
Here's what we got up to this Christmas morning. And a fine morning it was.
At the time this picture was taken, there was about two inches of snow on the ground. The snow continued most of the day, and by the time it was dark, about 3 to 4 inches had accumulated. The white stuff is supposed to continue tonight and in to tomorrow morning. Perfect weather for the first Christmas in the new home base.
We had Judy, Roger, and Traci here for lunch. Terri and Thomas were supposed to be here, but Terri had to drive from Tuscaloosa, and people were being advised to stay off the highway unless they had to be there. Finally, Terri left Tuscaloosa about 1400 hours, and managed to get here before I-65 was closed. She got here about 1700 hours, and it was a happy time seeing her and Thomas. Judy and her family were still here, so it was like a family reunion.
Our daughters know what we like to get for Christmas, and they outdid themselves this year. Here's an example of what we got.
Books, books, and more books. Plus - CHOCOLATE!!
Note that those are 42 ounce bags. I can see a chocolate overload coming on. That was just a sample of the chocolate that we got, as there was also Godiva and Dove chocolates. If I was still a teenager, I would be breaking out in acne just looking at it.
All the work I went through to get the wireless router working paid off, as Terri was able to get on the Internet with the router using her I-phone. She was impressed with the speed, and both of us were using the router at the same time with no noticeable slowdown in speed. I like it when a plan works. Even if it was so hard to get to work.
It was a good day for us that could only have been improved if Lori and her family could have been here. Maybe next year. In the meantime, we're grateful for being able to spend the holiday with Judy and her family for the first time in about 20 years.
I want to reiterate again how much we appreciate all the people in the armed forces who are spending the holidays away from family.
Merry Christmas.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Abilene, Texas: A Whole Lotta Texas Going On
Not all who wander are lost.
More later, be safe.
Weather: low 27 degrees, high 33 degrees, cloudy, SNOW!!!!!!!!!
Here's what we got up to this Christmas morning. And a fine morning it was.
At the time this picture was taken, there was about two inches of snow on the ground. The snow continued most of the day, and by the time it was dark, about 3 to 4 inches had accumulated. The white stuff is supposed to continue tonight and in to tomorrow morning. Perfect weather for the first Christmas in the new home base.
We had Judy, Roger, and Traci here for lunch. Terri and Thomas were supposed to be here, but Terri had to drive from Tuscaloosa, and people were being advised to stay off the highway unless they had to be there. Finally, Terri left Tuscaloosa about 1400 hours, and managed to get here before I-65 was closed. She got here about 1700 hours, and it was a happy time seeing her and Thomas. Judy and her family were still here, so it was like a family reunion.
Our daughters know what we like to get for Christmas, and they outdid themselves this year. Here's an example of what we got.
Books, books, and more books. Plus - CHOCOLATE!!
Note that those are 42 ounce bags. I can see a chocolate overload coming on. That was just a sample of the chocolate that we got, as there was also Godiva and Dove chocolates. If I was still a teenager, I would be breaking out in acne just looking at it.
All the work I went through to get the wireless router working paid off, as Terri was able to get on the Internet with the router using her I-phone. She was impressed with the speed, and both of us were using the router at the same time with no noticeable slowdown in speed. I like it when a plan works. Even if it was so hard to get to work.
It was a good day for us that could only have been improved if Lori and her family could have been here. Maybe next year. In the meantime, we're grateful for being able to spend the holiday with Judy and her family for the first time in about 20 years.
I want to reiterate again how much we appreciate all the people in the armed forces who are spending the holidays away from family.
Merry Christmas.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Abilene, Texas: A Whole Lotta Texas Going On
Not all who wander are lost.
More later, be safe.
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