Peaches in Paradise - Days can be Interesting

Will try to play catch up with this!!!

2009-07-29T05:26:00.002-05:00

Can never catch this up completely so will have to hit the highlights!!
Mom is holding her own. As expected, she is still slowly going down hill mentally. Physically; she is walking less and as long as she does not have the urinary tract infections, she is fine. With the infections; she gets a little wierd. Like trying to barricade herself in her room at the nursing home. They got the door open and the furniture back in place but she was pissed.

Bob is doing great!!! He is working with Jim again hauling metal and getting back physically after the long sabitical of no work before and after his surgery for the prostate cancer. He is back to making the fire calls and medical calls, but not going into the fires.

Ellen is still waiting to hear about a job she really wants. If she gets it, she will be moving to Austin for the next 3 to 5 years. The job will be back with Club Corp again, but not in the corporate office. Kenny will stay in Grapevine and hopefully find a full time job in DFW area. He has been doing temp jobs at dealerships since February, but every job they offer him, is less than he wants, so he turns them down. Eventually he will run out of offers and unemployment, and he will really be in a world of hurt, as the jobs will be taken by then. Ellen has repainted the kitchen cabinets, and haul at her house and re-finished the game room table top. All looks totally professional. If she gets the job in Austin; she will set up an apartment there with stuff from the house here plus whatever she has to buy to complete the furnishings.

Leeman and Leah are doing well. They have been playing a lot of golf, but the heat has gotten to the point that they are cutting back from every day to once or twice a week. Leeman broke a rib so that pretty much puts paid to the golf for a while

I have been on a roll. Life is really good. Was sick last week for the only time in ages. Had not had a urninary tract infection for over 40 years. But when I got one I got a goooood one. The meds they gave me for that and the ones for the hives caused by the virus I carry, lost me a total week. Yuck!!!

Fire house stuff is the same as usual. Lots of personnel inside griping between 25 members. The Fire House as had a lot of changes the last couple of months with a new chief and president, but things smooth out for a while and then get back to the grumbeling and back stabbing. Yuck!!!

Finished a new correl for the donkey Moms and 2 new babies. We decided to seperate the herd in half with one jack for each herd. The dominate Jack didnt like it one bit, but the less dominate one appreciated it. No fighting now. We want to tame down the two babies and so the correl will be their home for at least a month. Then out into the pasture for a while. We will change the herds out every couple of months from east to west and back and keep one pasture not used for a while. Rotation, rotation!!

The vege garden did great this year. We have a few pumpkins, and got a lot of tomatoes, which are still coming, but the heat has pretty much killed them back. The black eyed peas a going good, and even the green beans are coming again. Yeah yeah. No peaches from the peach orchard though. We have two trees here by the house that will give us enough for a few jars of peaches I hope.

We now have power to the motor home thanks to an electrician friend of ours. Found the two water leaks and will get the parts for those this week. Then I can finish cleaning the bath room and shower and fridge. I got to drive it the other day around the yard moving it to the dump station we have installed, but still cant travel as still looking for the two new windshields that wont cost us an arm and a leg.

Bob and Ellen refinished the his bathroom floor and we installed a new potty. But have a leak in the shower someplace. So even after recalking still have it, and will have to watch to see where the water is coming from when he showers next.

Next repair job will be a new toilet in my bathroom and maybe new floor tile there too, and then the floor in the game room with new subflooring and carpet.

Now that we are getting our first real rain in about 2 1/2 months, we will be able to put in the St Augestine runners where the old hot tub was that we removed. It never worked from the time this guy gave it to Bob in lue of payment for a job he did. Damn old fart was a thief from day one.

Ellen and I are going to see Mom this morning and then to Gainesville for some shopping at the outlet mall. Then maybe to the Casino in Oklahoma for a bit or even to OK City if we feel like it. Bob and Jim are hauling to the metal yard today, so he will be gone all day.

Ahhhh more thunder and rain, thank the Good Lord!!!!!!! Prayers are answered. More grass will grow for the animals and we wont have to use so many round bales.

Well time to play my Mafia Wars and Mobsters and Pirates and Mob Wars, etc. :)

Nice get together with Bob's Family

2009-06-21T05:43:00.002-05:00

We had a great get together with Bob's oldest, Robbie's family for Fathers Day yesterday. Today we go to Ellen's for Fathers day with a little swimming. Been a rather warm busy week this week. A few calls but with the heat building I hope people have better since than to start a brush fire to burn off stuff and let it get out of control. Vegetable garden is doing wonderfully. Need to pick this morning before it gets cool. Leeman gave me a new wildland gear hat. PINK!!! Bob has put my number etc on it so will take it to the fire dept when Kevin and Rainer are there and really tweek their feathers !!!!!

Long time no blog

2009-06-14T04:58:00.002-05:00

It has been 5 weeks since the last blog and seems like it was just a week ago. We have been incredibly busy. Just the usual but more of it. Which is ok, keeps the brain active. Bob has been thru a series of tests over the last 5 weeks, and the results are in. The brain scan for seizures has found the brain in a small corner of the skull. The lack of mass :) indicates the typical male mentality. That test came back normal - what is normal for the untypical male, such as in Bob's case. On to the next test - the scan of the neck arteries - blood flow excellent - but slow as in OLD MEN. Again normal. Heart scan - not normal - they found a BIG heart - working away loving his wife - uhhhh to mushy there, and loving hauling metal again, and doing fire stuff.
I have been working 4 + hours a day on department secretary and treasurery books and keeping us out of debt and out of the red. Not an easy task there, as 24 Firemen not counting me, seem to think that the department pockets are deep. We are trying to build another new brush truck, satisfy two grants given by the Texas Forest Service and apply for a grant from FEMA for a new fire house building that has been needed for the last 3 years+. Anyone want to donate? Send it to CVFD, P O Box 1987, Boyd TX 76023. We are a 501c4 non profit and we will send a letter for your taxes. Alms for the poor, alms for the poor!!!!
We have a wonderful garden this year with all the rain. Tomatoes, Squash, Pumpkins, Green Beans, Blackeyed Peas, and Peppers. We will have to get out and pick tomatoes etc this morning and since it supposed to be another 110 heat index today, we are going to get that done early and get a shade covering over the outside a/c unit for the south side of the house to give the unit a little less work load we hope and of course keep the house cooler.
Hershey, the Brittney Spaniel, tore a hole in the screen on the sun room door to get in yesterday morning while we were gone. So closed the glass on that and opened another window. Keeps the plants and the dove from getting too hot. It's not like he doesnt have shade!!! A nice dog pin, shade covering, dog house, carpet on the ground to lay on, large water bucket he likes to lay in and shade all afternoon from the house. Spoiled Dog here!!!
We are still looking for 2 windshields for the 1985 Executive motor home that Rodney and Sheena GAVE us. 35' of real beauty. We sure want to go fishing with it/in it/drive it, anyway we are so ready to go but cant get it inspected until we get new windshiels. One guy said he could get us two and install them for $4500. I DONT THINK SO!!!!!! So we continue to look and ask.
Leeman turned 40 with a great Birthday Party put on by Leah and Ellen and Kenny. They found all his best buddies from scouts and they came and oh my gosh, the stories they told. Would raise your hair and at scouts too. :)
Derek Graduated from high school, and our nephew Cody Graduated also. My oh my - time just flies. Hope to get to Colorado soon so we can see Paul and family and then see Alan for a while. But time will tell. Have to check our lottery ticket and see how much we won so we will know how long we have that we can travel. :)
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed it will be a nice long vacation!!!!!
Hoping to hear from Dean and Debbie, and a wedding date to make it official that Debbie is part of the family. She is already in our hearts for sure and she makes Dean so happy!!!
Got the floor mopped this morning in the kitchen and dinning room, and vacuumed the game room and the utility room. Going to shampoo the carpets in these two rooms as Callulah had a potty accident yesterday and I just shampooed them 2 weeks ago. Yuck. Then to the grocery store as I dont have breakfast stuff unless I can talk Bob into buying breakfast at IHOP. Then the garden and a/c and then to Springtown to get Ellen's mower, and then to Grapevine with that and the carpet shampooer for her to use the shampooer for their cats upchucks spots in the den. Then back home and rest, I HOPE!!!
Been to the DR this week and have lost a total of 11 lbs the last 2 months. Have to loose 3 to 5 this month so better get on the stick. Gained back 25 of what I had lost 3 years ago, so on with the better eating habits.

Bob's hospital visit and tests

2009-05-06T15:17:00.002-05:00

Last Wed Bob had a seizure that may have been caused by a low blood sugar count of 51. He had a MRI brain scan and then a 12 hour glucose test where he didn't eat for 24 hours. That showed he was a pretty constant mid 80's. So tomorrow we get the results from the DR.
Weekend was busy selling tickets in front of Walmart for the FD raffle and getting donations.
Still have not gotten the motor home power washed as it has rained every day. So try again tomorrow.
We have a new baby donkey. Her name is Bambi. A beautiful spotted donkey. And I think we are going to have another one soon. This makes 10 we have. Woopeeee!!!!

6 weeks since the last blog

2009-04-30T07:55:00.002-05:00

I dont think I can remember all the happenings for the last 6 weeks. Maybe if I list then I can fill in? Hmmmm well its worth a try.
Not necessarily in order:
Bob's Prostate Surgery - cryogenics is the only way to go. Cancer is all gone and yes there was pain and sometimes still has a little, but no cancer and he didnt have to have the kemo/radiation.
Water leak in my bathroom found and fixed and hopefully the water bill will go back down within reason.
Debbie is moved into her mobile home in our orchard. She hired Ross to fix the fence back up and put in a gate and we went 1/2 and 1/2 on the cost. So that is fixed. She has finished moving out of the broken in 1/2 trailer so Bob and Jim can start taring it down maybe next week and getting it out of in front of the one she is in now. She still has some remodeling to do, but Bob got her new elect water heater in and she still has the guest bath to remodel and get the central a/c hooked up.
Dramatics still going on at the cafe everyday, but maybe that got stopped with an outsider letting the owner know that the waitress was causing alot of the trouble with her dirty mouth.
Elections for new positions at the fire house were earlier this month. New chief, new asst chief, new president, and vice president, and got rid of the secretary and I was voted back in as treasurer and also secretary with a change in the By laws initiated that night. Oh that caused the new chief and president a real pain in the ass with with old secretary calling them 3 and 4 times a day bitching and accusing me and others of wrong doing. I volunteered my books for audit and the new chief and president did the audit with me and all was perfect. We did initiate some new procedures for viewing the books once a month on line at the fire house computer. Of course the old secretary - butter wouldnt melt, but I acted like I didnt know she accused me of theft. She is taking a course paid for by the fire dept along with 2 others to be certified EMT's and yesterday she couldnt take a blood prssure as she had the ste/scope turned up side down.
Mom is doing very well. Holding her own.
Donkeys are doing well, the jacks have been having fights to see who was going to be the head of the herd. No babies yet but who knows we might yet.
Planted 18 tomato plants, 4 japaleno plants, one raised bed in black eyed peas, one raised bed in blue lake green beans, and one bed in pumpkins and winter squash. Then another bed in okra. So hope we have good crops to can, and looks like the tomato plans are going to be the best in several years. The peaches are really making but we lost 10 trees this last summer and fall to the drought and fire ants, even though we were watering.
Bob had a seisure caused by low blood sugar yesterday and had to call the ambulance to the fire house where we were to take him to the emergency room. They got his sugar leveled again, did blood work and ekg and all came back ok. He is tired today as he worried all night about his sugar levels. He is hipo/glysemic, which is low blood sugar. he hasnt been this bad since we were in Ft Worth. He has been drinking everynight with Dean - he introduced us to Wild Turkey with honey and oh my gosh - we killed 2 - 5's of that, a pint of Wild turkey and 1/2 - 5th of Crown while they were here.
He is sore from the thrashing around but his sugar level is good today.. He is napping and still says he will be going fishing tonight with Corkey doing the Thursday Tourniment tour.
Ready for some fishing etc now but found another leak under the sink in the front bathroom and the inside of the toilet in Bob's bathroom broke so we have to have a new toilet in there. Not that it isnt about time; its over 20 years old.
The motor home is still coming along. We had to get a new tire, but that was only one of 8 and the others look good. We have to have two more of the 5 sky lights replaced as we hoped we didnt have to replace them but one broke in the wind day before yesterday. We hope to get it moved forward so we can hook into the drop we put in years ago for dumping camper or motor home for visitors, and sure enough we will be the first to use it. Then I can finish cleaning the bathroom and stove, but we have to see where a leak is under the sink. Our friends told us there was one but didnt tell us where.

Couldnt Sleep

2009-03-06T04:07:00.002-06:00

Went to bed at 10:30. Woke up at 12:05 and couldnt go back to sleep. Last looked at the clock at 1:05am. Bob woke me up at 1:30am and needed a potty trip, so up and worked the valve on his bladder tube while he held the cup to measure the output. He was able to pee naturally first!!! This is the second time since his surgery and then finished with the tube. We were both awake and could not go back to sleep so back up at 1:50am and I swept and mopped the dining room and the kitchen and swept the utility room and our bedroom and started on the game room. We took out the 50 gal fish tank and put it on the kitchen deck to clean and put in storage as well as the stand. Then scooted the pinball game where the fish tank was and moved the curio cabinet someone gave us, into the spot where the pinball machine had been. Now we have to level the cabinet when we get back from the cafe from breakfast.
I got most of my tackle box emptied and put into the individual trays we bought yesterday. Each tray will be for a certain kind of fishing. We paid for 4 each and only got home with 7, so have to go back to Walmart and get the other one we didnt get. Will probably get a larger tray for the lures. Bob starts tournament fishing next Thursday night with Corkey, so he has to have his trays in order and the reels ready to go. Will work on those later today after we get the cabinet leveled etc.
Will work at the Cottontop this evening as have not been there in two weeks, what with Bob's surgery last week and Mom in the hospital the week before.
We are going to put new batteries in the yard lights also today so that they will work again.
I got 28 - 24"x24" stepping stones pulled up over at Ellen's that Mom put down in the back yard, then loaded in the truck, and moved over and put down in the front yard making us a nice walk way that will keep us from mashing down the St Augistene grass wearing a path. Got it fertilized yesterday and the 7 bushes planted, in the front of the house. Used Lantana as they draw butterflies and hummingbirds. Still have a pine tree and a blueberry bush to plant when I make up my mind where I want it. Also got the tack room cleaned up yesterday and everything put back this morning. Got the kitchen deck shed cleaned out yesterday and finished putting stuff in there today. Got another pile of metal for Jim to pick up; put together yesterday and took two car batteries over to Jim's this morning. Got two loads of trash out of the sheds to the dump this morning also, and the garbage for the week taken yesterday. Have a pile of wood to burn as soon as the wind lays long enough to get it done.
Tomorrow we are going to try to go to Bowie with Jim to sell raffle tickets for the fire department. Bob's Dr said he could go but if he got tired to just come home.
Sunday we will not go as JIm and Corkey will do the sales then.
Well it is 4:28 so guess will try to rest until 6 and then take Bob to the cafe for coffee.

Bob cant sleep and the dogs are loud

2009-03-04T03:39:00.003-06:00

Bob cant sleep - worried about his Dr visit tomorrow. He still is having to use the bladder tube and valve all the time. They warned him from day one that he would have this bleeding and need to use the tube because of swelling in the urinary track. I talked to the Dr on Monday and he said that Bob would have more bleeding than some as they had to work in that base area of the prostate to get the cancer. The Dr warned us that Bob would have to have the tube longer as he wasn't able to pee naturally. The prostate was so large that they could only freeze the bottom 1/2 of the prostate. If the psa goes up markedly over a 6 months period, then they will go back in and freeze the other 1/2.
Mom is doing better. She is eating two full meals a day, walking to the meeting room for meals. This after not eating for over a week, in the hospital for 3 days for lack of fluids and not eating. Then back to the nursing home and she got the stomach flu with vomiting. Meds for that and now getting back to good condition.
Debbie moved out completely tonight. She slept in her new home the first time last night and now again tonight. She has cold water only until she gets a new electric water heater as the one in the house is gas and she is not going to have gas except for the central heat, and maybe not even then as she wants an electric heater.
I cleaned out two of our storage sheds - ie the tack room and the kitchen shed. Seems some stuff had gravitated in there that didn't belong. So cleaned and straightened and now we know where everything is located and can get in the shed again. Got the 5 white aluminum windows with fan tops we were given for the house, moved to an area of the garage that will allow me to park back in the garage again. We have 3 windows that need replacing; 2 in the bedroom and 1 in the library. Jim came over and took off some of the metal I had piled up. He will come back for the rest soon so the yard will look more open instead of cluttered. Will go over to Ellen's next door and get the deck cleaned up of all her camping stuff and get it stored with ours and bring the lawn tools of Mother's over here and put them away with ours. Gave Debbie Mom's rocker from the deck as she wanted it for her living room. Got Ellen's microwave today and moved it to our storage building in case ours goes out.
Today when we get home, if Bob is feeling ok, will go out and transplant 8 bushes to the front yard. Have 5 mulit colored Lantana, will move and 2 sage. They should look very good against the front of the house. Will fertilize the StAugestine and then water really well. Will put out pre emergent on the lower yard for burrs, and then water. The top of the yard will get liquid fertilizer from the spray rig so the grass will come up thick. Next time out will do the pastures with the spray rig.
Bob starts his fishing turminents with Corkey next Thursday, and I think he is worried that he wont be ready to go. Personally I think he will be good to go.
We are doing Bowie days this weekend for ticket sales. Bob wants to try going on Saturday, but only time will tell. Jim has help for Sunday sales so told Bob we might try it if he has no swelling by then. At least for a couple of hours if he doesn't get tired. He can lay down coming back if he wants to in the back seat.
Got a curio cabinet this week. A lady was having her house bulldozed to build a new one, and she gave Debbie and I each a cabinet. Mine needs glass in the door and one glass shelf replaced, but otherwise is in good condition. Have it temporary in the game room but want it on another wall. Hopefully will get it moved this weekend as have to have some one to help me move the fish tank and the curio cabinet and the pin ball machine, so I can put the cabinet where I want it. Then I can unpack some of the stuff I got from Mom's things and put them in there.

Mom and Bob both down this week.

2009-02-25T16:14:00.003-06:00

and They moved the time for Bob's surgery for his prostate cancer; we have to be there at 6:15, said they moved Bob to first place but dont know what time they will actually start and it will be 2 hours long and at least 1 hour in recovery then he can go home. Jim will get there after he gets the boys on the bus at 7 and eats breakfast so about 8. Ellen has on jury duty in district court so she cant make it
Mom still isnt eating and hardly drinking and wont take her pills of any kind spits them out. They have ordered an evaluation psyc, to see what stage she is actually in with the Altizmers, or if it is something else, dont know when though, she was pretty colorless this morning but seemed to gain color after we talked a little. she just wanted me to hold her and told me she loved me a lot and had always love me. Told her we had a 63 year love affair going, she laughed about that, then she got tired and wanted to lay down, so tucked her in and we talked a while more. Then left so she could sleep. Will go see her after Bob gets out of surgery.
Debbie's mobile home is in place but only partially blocked. We have the elect wire so the electrician can do that Sunday. The wire was $750 but thank goodness someone donated what they had and didnt need so we didnt have to buy any. Have to dig up the sewage line we already had laid and covered and the water line, as the new house is too far away from where the old one is and since we couldnt scoot the old one back w/o breaking it in two, we had to leave it put and will salvage it, or at least Bob and Jim will when Debbie gets her stuff out that she wants to keep. Then we will fence it off from the rest of the orchard and go from there.
Ellen's house has leased we hope. The family is supposed to bring the deposit and 1st months rent today or tomorrow, so will just have to see what happens.

Bob is better today

2009-02-15T05:41:00.003-06:00

Well Friday Bob had another dizzy spell and nausea, that didnt go away this time. So off to the Dr and sure enough, after some tests, ie, sit, recline, and stand for blood pressure, and an ekg, his blood pressure was way high. The off to the hospital for chest xray and blood work. So now we take his blood pressure every two hours while he is awake, and an additional blood pressure pill two more times a day and a dizzy pill, and 1/2 asprine. Blood presure is down from the Dr's office at 170/110 to 130/80.
Tomorrow he goes back to the prostate Dr for an ultra sound on the prostate to see if the harmone theropy has worked and if so then they will schedule the final treatment.
We sold tickets at the Chili Cookoff in Cottondale and do their silent auction. All the proceeds from the cook off go to the fire department.
We get the axles and wheels tomorrow for Debbie's new house and Ross will get them under the house next week and get it unblocked. Then they will move it next weekend into place. She is so ready to get in the new place. She has a lot packed out of the old one to make it lighter for them to push to the side. Hopfully will finish packing this weekand get it loaded on our stock trailer to keep it out of the weather, and we dont want any rain until the new one is in place and she has her stuff in it.
I want to get Ross to finish the underpinning too and get the roof started on the barn, but will see if that can be accompolished this week if he gets everything else in place for Debbie.

2009-02-05T20:54:00.002-06:00

would you believe this - we worked on the under pinning yesterday - got up this morning and cleaned windows, dusted cobwebs, washed clothes - Bob went out on a grass fire - he came home and ate a sandwich and Erin and Hugh drove off. We went over to the house and called Ellen. Erin left the house looking like a disaster!!!!!!!
We started work on it at about 2:30 after going out on another grass fire. Ellen almost had a fit when she got there and saw the house!!!!]\\We just got home after calling a halt at 8:30 and will resume tomorrow morning when she gets here.
Debbie helped us by cleaning one of the bathrooms, and cleaning out the kitchen cabinets, and shampooing the carpet from the bedroom to the kitchen, and we will have to do some of it again. She had let the dog even piss on the Corner of Ellen's couch and on the carpet.
Bob has a load of trash that fills the back of the truck and we still are not finished.
Ellen is cleaning out her storage room and the kitchen too. We decided not to leave the dishes and pans as Debbie could use them
The kitchen and dinet are full, and I have done 2 loads of towels and bath rugs and have a 42 gallon bag of mom's old towels to do that were in the cabinet in the bathroom
So- tired and sore and ready for some down time. Sure hope we don't get another grass fire tonight!!!

Another busy day scheduled

2009-02-05T07:48:00.002-06:00

Dogs barked on and off all night last night. Shadow of course in the lead. Think I will try the bark collar next!!!
Mover didnt make it yesterday so maybe today for the look over and an estimate to move. Hope we get it done before the rain Monday!!!!!
Erin and Hugh are still packing the uhaul this morning. Have the neighbor, Mike and his brother Robert working on it this morning and most of the day yesterday. Erin says they will leave by 10 today so will have to see how they progress. Then will go over and clean and get started on Ellens stuff packing. Ellen is coming over as soon as they leave to see the house and I may try to show it this morning. Do have a good bit on a lease with op to buy so will see. Have 3 families interested in seeing it. Will try to get all over this morning and see what happens. Will be calling the first one shortly.
Got a lot done yesterday on the new underpinning on our house. Ross helped Bob with the part under the front deck and it looks great. Have to put the cap on that part and caulk the edge next to the house. Then we will start on the next section. Wish we could get about 4 more sections so we could do both ends of the house too. We have decided to change the door on the back deck/sun room from a glass storm door to a regular door. The air that gets in around the storm door is quite a lot and would cut way down on the heat/cooling out there. That will be the next project after the eastern barn wall, as we already have a door in storage that will fit. :)
Bob off to the cafe and coffee this morning and I have quite time and got the dusting finished on all the ceilings, man it gets there quickly. Had cereal and bacon for breakfast, and now washing clothes etc. Ready to get the day going!!!

The days have flown by

2009-02-04T05:54:00.002-06:00

Goodness seems like I just posted and it has been several days.
Mom is doing well and looks good. Will see her this weekend again, as the days this week and last week are fully booked. 3 structure fires in the last week that we went mutual aid to other fire districts. As treasurer of the fire dept, went down and bought a new 2009 Ford F250 chasse to build a new brush truck as the old one we have has third gear going out. Also bought a zero turning mower for the fire dept fundraiser in May, so we could get started selling tickets at $2 each.
Debbi's house is almost ready to be moved out of the way to make way for the newer model someone gave her. Just have to finish digging the ditch for the elect conduit and line. Then we can put the fence back up and the gate in place for her to park in front of her house.
Have Ellen's house up for sale at $63,000 w/o the furniture and appliances. Anyone need a double wide, 2000 sq ft house, with 3 bedrooms, living/dining area, and library/sitting room, with built in deck?
Debbie's divorce will be final next Monday according to the last hearing with the Judge, whether her soon to be x is there or not. So Lets ALL say a prayer that he doesn't show up!!!!!, as she has a protective order against him and doesn't need the hassle. Bob and I and Rev Hamby will be going with her to court.
Dogs have been giving us problems the last few days. Seems the armadillos are out in full force and the deer and the coyotes, and it keeps the dogs stirred up at night. Shadow seems to be the leader in the barking issue so will have to figure out something or someplace to put her out, as we cant keep her in the house at night since she has now started barking and carrying on about 3 every morning and gets the 3 outside going. I have spent my last night getting up and trying to quiet her and then having to put her outside and she continues to bark with me hollering at her until I get up at 5. Think a new dog area is in order away from the house!!! as the one we have is on the south side of the house with an entrance to our back sun room, which is next to our bedroom.
Ellen and Kenny are really doing well getting their new business going. New business is coming in which means Ellen can work the business as well as teaching her on line class with UNT.
Kenny still hasnt found a job.

Good weather today

2009-01-29T06:30:00.002-06:00

Supposed to be in the 50's today thank goodness. 21 right now at 6:31am 15 degrees here yesterday morning.
Off to court with Debbie at 7:45 this morning to see if the judge will sign her divorce papers. Doubtful as her hopefully x is in the hospital as the results of bad drugs, and too much alcohol, and refused to sign the papers. He still seems to think she is going to go back to the abusive relationship they had. :(
Bob is going to a friends wife's funeral this morning at 10 with Jim. They have coffee in the mornings with the husband at the round table at the cafe.
The donkeys liked the walls we got up on the north and west side of the barn. We temped a tarp for the roof, of which tore down the middle from the weight of the ice, but enough is till there for them to get under until we can get another tarp or whatever.
Need to cut some wood as we are very low. May see if it isnt too muddy this afternoon and try to cut some and split what needs to be split.
2 structure fires this week - one last Friday afternoon that came out in the local paper and on the local news, and had my picture on the front page of the paper with a lead in to the second page with a larger picture. Then one the next night that we didnt go out on, as Bob wasnt feeling well.
Debbie has had an offer of another house trailer. Belonged to Heaths wife's uncle that passed. Has been remodeled inside and out and they just want it moved. We will go look at it this afternoon and see if Deb wants it. If she does, she will have Ross unblock it and put the wheels back on it, and then we will just have to find a truck to move it the 2 miles or so to our place. Move her old one that is still broken and has to be welded to get it to the point it can be pulled. Then Bob and Jim can tare it down and sell the metal and wire

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

2009-01-25T09:51:00.002-06:00

Had a big structure fire Friday afternoon. Video was on Wfaa TV and Wise Messinger. My picture was on the front page of the Messeger and a larger shot of me put water on the house on the next page with a story about the fire. We were out on it for 3 hours. Learned a lot about drafting even though we had it in training but we didnt useto 500 gallon portable tanks in our training. Hope Ellen can get Michael to copy the video's off the internet.
Yesterday we spent the day at Ellens, moved the furniture out of the dinning room, took up the carpet and the extras. scraped the floor of all the paint and extras the remodelers left under the carpet. cleaned the floor and put down 18" tiles. Looked really good. Now they are ready to put the curio cabinet back and buy their desk and get it set up and put the new computer and printer in place and got home about 8:30 and ate a bite and rested and in bed by 9:30
Today, we are going to unload the old carpet and pad at Debbies, get the skin back in place on her house and close up the windows etc for the rain tomorrow. Then to the fire house and pick up the Christmas Tree and take it and the santa and sleigh that ellen gave the fire house and go to storage with those and pick up the rest of the can drinks for the coke machine. back home and put up some more metal on the barn and a tarp up for make a temporary roof and cut some wood for next week as we are rather low. I think that will take up a lot of the day.
Bob got pretty tired Friday, and again yesterday, but he didnt let up and did really great. He is napping in the chair this morning for a bit until it warms up enough to empty the truck and do our errands. We have a fire in the fire place and the sun is beginning to peek out.

Progress on Debbie's home

2009-01-19T06:57:00.002-06:00

Ross made good progress yesterday. Got the sewer line ditch completed and the pipe laid. Will hook up the sewer line today to the septic tank as soon as they get the connection this morning. Then they will start leveling the house. Good progress. She might get in early this week. She worked at cleaning up some of the mess yesterday and will work her part time job today then back to her regular job tomorrow.
Bob and I got the lumber for the walls of the barn yesterday. So this morning it is time to start the walls. Hope we make good progress today as Bob has to help Jim tomorrow with a leak in the kitchen at Jim's fatherinlaws house in Whit. Wednesday he hopes to get Jesse to help figure out what is wrong with Deb's car and get if fixed.
Thursday we move Doc's furniture out of the house next door as we have a good bite on the house and Erin will be out by Feb 2. Then we have to pack the rest of Ellen's personal stuff in the storage room over there. Debbie took Erin 7 boxes yesterday to get her started packing. We have to find at least 10 more so she can empty the white plastic crates she borrowed from us 7 months ago when she moved in. She says she is going to rent a truck and find someone to do the lifting and moving of the furniture as Bob is not lifting anything too heavy right now, and couches and dressers and things of that nature are out.
Anyone need a 1900+ square foot very nice home? We are still posting flyers as nothing is for sure until the papers are signed.
Bob had a fair day yesterday but a lot of pain the night before. Some pain all day yesterday, and last night and again this morning, but he is being tough and doing anyway. Taking his pain meds and ignoring the residual pain.
No word yet on a Job for Kenny or Ellen. Both looking hard for something!!!

Beautiful Weather

2009-01-17T05:44:00.002-06:00

Busy few days.
Cold weather has slowed down the outdoor processes. We are out of wood and have had the chain sharpened and tree cutting is in the forcast for this week. Also barn building. We are going to get some lumber this evening or in the morning and get started while the weather is good.
Debbie is still getting her trailer worked on to get it in shape so she can get moved in. We are going to put up cattel panels around her house to mark it off from the orchard so we dont loose our agriculture exemption.
Kenny got laid off yesterday so now both Ellen and Kenny dont have jobs. Kenny was making calls yesterday afternoon and late morning putting out feelers for a job in any of the dealerships he has worked with in his last job. He has some good feed back so keeping our fingers crossed.
Put out the word yesterday that Ellen's house is up for sale. $65000 with the appliances and livingroom furniture. Talked to an agent and they gave me some good input on how to sell it as there is no land that goes with it. Although will lease the spot to someone with a very tight lease.
Going to spend the day messing around as Bob and Corkey are going fishing today. Will go see Mom and do a little shopping and watch some of my showes on TV.

What a day

2009-01-14T05:19:00.003-06:00

We got the whole fence down, the oak tree trimmed in the orchard where the house is to go, and the water line found, cut and then repaired. The preliminary ditches dug to the the sewer and water line, and all the pipe bought and dropped in the orchard.
Found the septic tank and cleared the top of one of the dirt, the ditch witch delivered by Ross's friend to use free except for the donation of a case of Bud.
Then Deb found out last nite about 9:30 that the mover that had been putting her off backed out and she has to be moved by tomorrow. So we are looking for another mover. Cooked lasagna dinner, salad, with bread, for the fire department and had our meeting last night, then a board meeting, and then two trainings. Home at about 9:45. Then Bob couldnt sleep as he didnt want to get back up and take his meds, so he was up at 2 and slept in his chair the rest of the night, my computer updated at 3 and went off and an email from netflix came in at 4:30 so I just gave up and got up. dammmmn
So today off to the cafe at 7 for breakfast, then to pick up Ross at 9 to come back to help again and work on the ditches and get the lines in place. Get the house un blocked for Debbie and hope she finds a mover today.

Lots Accompolished

2009-01-12T05:36:00.002-06:00

Lots finished yesterday and the day before.
Have the heater vents back up and sealed after Bob had to crawl under the house 2 days in a row to get them back in place and secured and sealed again; after the cats played"tiddelee winks" on top of them or "hang from the ducts".
Bob had a very bad day and night - night before last and day before yesterday, but yesterday seemed to be a much better day. He got the tractor motor power washed and the chain saw working again, and found the oil leak on the tractor under the gas tank and the water leak in the same area, so today is a hose for the water leak and replace a grommet for the oil leak.
I got the house swept and two closets cleaned out, with a construction bag of Bob's shoes and old summer shorts and shirts and some hats cleared out, plants watered and fed, washing done, stuff from the closets out to the sheds, but a slight glitch there, as had to straighten up the one shed in order to put the ice chests "oh my gosh these things have never been cleaned from the use before Christmas, thought he had done that!!@@##" back where they belong, as "oh my gosh, what happened to the space where they belonged"???? Then to the other shed to put up Christmas Decorations I missed in the first round, and "oh my gosh!!! the Christmas decorations are in the middle of the isle"!!!@@@### So up on the ladder and put them up in the ceiling shelving and straightened up the isle so I could get the stuff in there where I wanted it on desk etc. ie, took out the bags of Deer corn that should have been in the feed shed and put them in the feed shed!!! but all with a smile and a "hi honey, I LOOOVVEEE you"!!!!!!! Then around to the dog pin and did the pin clean out ohhh yuccckkkkyyy, and the disemboweled pollow scattered all over the pin where the dogs had played "tug a war and lets scatter this shit everywhere". Took a 42 gallon construction bag to clean up after 3 dogs and a pillow, damn they put a lot of stuffing in those things!!!! Then Bob and I moved in another larger dog house and took out the smaller one as now that we have "3" large dogs in the pin and they fought over the 2 larger dog houses; we had to do some switching. Then another feeder hung so Shadow didnt play "no you men, you dont get to eat out of this unless I say so". Not that they were loosing any weight here, as they played "lets sneek a bite while she is asleep and see if she can catch us", and we have now gone thru 60 lbs in 3 weeks. That done, we cleaned out the fish ponds for the winter and got the water cleaned and added clorox to the water to kill the allgy. Then back inside and broom swept the floor as big foot was not cleaning his feet between trips to the chair and kitchen; I take my shoes off at the door. Debbie came in from work and we planed our day today to get ready for her home to move tomorrow. She has hired a guy to come in this morning and take down the pasture fence and start digging the ditch for the sewer lines and water lines and the elect co is supposed to come see about putting in a pole at 2pm. He will also start taking down her under pinning and unhooking her sewer and elect lines, and move what furniture needs moving to the floor. This way she and Bob will supervise and not have to do the hands on as Bob will start the ditches for him using the tractor and the plow.
Bob and I are going to cut wood today because we are getting low and Ellen and Kenny need a 1/2 cord also and we need a 1/2 cord on stand by in case we get a call for some wood. I think Phyllis and Danny are coming over after it warms up a bit and cut wood also as they want to get ready for a bit of a cold snap later this week. We are also going to try to get some of the lumber for the barn and get a wall or two up before the cold and wind gets up Thursday and Friday. Thank goodness it will be a dry cold front!!!

Another busy day

2009-01-08T20:43:00.002-06:00

Got the correl finished except for the gate and that will come when we get the first wall of the barn up and can take down a panel/gate that we can use in the pasture and move that gate to the correl. Then when the funds become available, we will get the first of the wood for the barn.
We showed Debbie where she can park her home, and we may go and look at a different one that is being offered by the movers to replace the one she is in now. Have to see how much it costs to see if she can afford it. She still has her car down and is still driving Bob's little truck so Bob and Jesse have that scheduled for next week. The Elect company will be here Monday to have us show them where to put her new elect pole and meter. She has to arrange for the septic hook up and a ditch for the water and the septic lines. We will provide gravel for a drive way and she will have a friend put the fence back up to the orchard and a walk thru gate that we will provide for her, that we just happen to have leaning against the barn. She was served with eviction papers by the neighbor and a suit asking for rent they are claiming she has not paid. But low and behold, she has the receipts signed by Elizabeth and a copy of the lease. Should be interesting with them and the judge, Jan 15.
Told Erin, Ellen's friend that is living in her house, that we will be moving the home in in a couple of days, as the movers will probably do it this weekend.
Ellen got our remote replacement for the new TV from Best Buy today, so need to make a trip into town and pick that up. Phyllis and Danny are going to give us their old stero system so we can hook it up and have surround sound I hope.

Busy few days

2009-01-08T06:37:00.002-06:00

Lets see; corner post welded and holes dug and in place. Barbed wire in place today and hopefully gate posts holes dug and the poles welded and in place. Brush truck back from the shop with new clutch for $1640. New fence posts, 14 of them, in the ground thanks for help from Ellen. 8 trees down and cut up and split and stacked in case any one calls for fire wood, but now we need to cut more for your fire wood.
We are going to make a new parking place for a mobile home at the edge of the orchard for Debbie, our friend, to move her mobile home. Where she is now, which is down the street, isnt workable any more. The grandson is home from prison, and he is trying to get money from Debbie using threats of cutting of her electricity and taking her trash barrel, and trying to get the hasps off one of the door to get inside. So we told her if she moved her home into the edge of the orchard, we would sign a lease with her for the spot, and she would have to put in her own elect and she could hook into the existing water line and hook into the existing septic tank that would be between Ellens house and hers. So she is contacting a mover today and see how quickly they could move her house and how quickly they could get her a pole set. In the mean time, she is going to stay in our spare bedroom as she cant live without elect for heat.
Doc and Pat will be here tomorrow for the day. We will meet at the nursing home and visit Mom and then lunch and home for a visit.
Looks like our friends Glenda and Lee just found out that Lee many have cancer of the colen.
Off to the coffee shop and then home and get to work. Gotta clean out the dog pen this morning.

Great Holiday and visit with Stan

2009-01-03T05:56:00.002-06:00

Great Holiday and Stan's visit was really nice. He left yesterday morning heading back to NC. He called once from Little Rock, and had been thru some fog and got backed up in a wreck so said he was making poor time, but hoped to make up some before stopping for the night. Told him he would not run into any rain or snow, but he seemed upset that I didnt tell him about possible fog. His weather channel didnt show it but NOAA did, but fog didnt seem an issue as he was more worried about rain and snow.
We had a great visit with Mom on her birthday, gave her a pair of pj's. Checked her clothes situation and all her clothes were in her closet, even her new ones we gave her from Christmas. Her lap blanket was back too. But had an issue with her still wearing the same clothes from the day before Christmas. So had to call the Director and let her know that she was in the same clothes. She said that she would take care of it.
Ellen came out yesterday and we cut down 8 trees and cut them up and then split them. We now have enough wood to sell again and use of course. She is coming back out today and we are going to put up a new corell fence of about 14 posts and then run barbed wire. Then open the fence to the pasture so the donkeys can get in there as that is where we will be feeding them their hay which will be the part where the barn we hope to start, will be.
Tomorrow we will go east of Garland to Joe and Linda's house for a New Years dinner. Supposed to be in the 40's tomorrow so I think a fire in the fire place will be called for.
Bob had a good day yesterday but a bad day the day before. Had a lot of pain and didnt feel good in general. Seems like today is starting off well which is good since we have toe appts at 9:30 and then the fence, and he has to go to Lowes for lumber for the walls of the barn as we already have the metal for the outside.

Nice Day

2008-12-27T06:39:00.002-06:00

Nice and warm yesterday and so far this morning, although the front is just one county away from us at the moment.
Had a nice relaxing day yesterday. Moved hay up for the donkeys, and moved some brush to the revene. Bob busted a power steering line on the tractor, so will have to take that off and have another made.
Still having issues with the remote on the tv, but the customer service dept said to go back to the store and have them order me one that matches the tv, not a general use one that only works the on and off and sound. So Ellen will go to back to Best Buy for me and order another.
Robbie and his family are coming for dinner this afternoon, so have to get a pie cooked this morning and finish up the last present to give for Christmas.
We are going to have to cut wood soon as the 1/2 cord we had is down to about 1/4 cord. Was going to do that yesterday, but Bob was having a bad day,.
I went out on a call with 4 other members of the dept last night; two kids, 10 and 14 hit head on on dirt bikes. Both with head trama, as one was not wearing a helmet, and the other helmet was ruined. Both with Broken Femers on the left, and broken shoulders and/or arms and wrist on the left. They were on top of a dam so that made for interesting rescue and landing the two choppers. Put traction splints on and secured the arms, but all went well and the kids were real troopers with the pain.

Wonderful wonderful Christmas

2008-12-25T22:31:00.002-06:00

Mom was doing very well today. Took her two new pair of pants and two new sweaters. She was back in her orginal room with her first room mate. She had gotten a red sweat suit off the angel tree at the care center and a new doll.
Went to Ellen and Kenney's last night for Christmas Dinner and again today for Christmas day dinner and cards and just enjoying.
The kids and their families got together and had their pictures taken together and gave it to Bob and I for Christmas. It is really wonderful. We will be putting it up in the bedroom tomorrow.
First time we have had pictures like this - such a wonderful surprise.
Stan has been having fun on his visit with us too. He wont be going home until after New Years so we will try to go to the casino next week sometime and take Debbie too.
Doc and Pat are supposed to come this Sunday to have Christmas with us and with Mom. Have a good visit.

Christmas is just a couple of days away

2008-12-22T06:50:00.002-06:00

We are making progress. Almost all the gifts are done, should finish up today. Bob is going to get started smoking and cooking the 8 turkeys and 2 hams for the family gift boxes we will give out tonight. I have 4 more cakes to make to put in the boxes also. Then put in the boxes that are already wrapped and put on the ribbon to close.
Weather is warming up today to 37 and no wind thank goodness.
Stanley gets here tomorrow and Wednesday will finish up the Christmas shopping for the Grandkids. Mostly gift certificates for the older ones so they can buy what they want.

17 degrees and winds at 25mph

2008-12-21T06:23:00.003-06:00

Brrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
High today at 37 with winds at 10 and we have another 1/2 cord of wood to deliver. Took one to Grapevine and before we got home Ellen had sold another 1/2 cord. So we had to go cut wood and split wood to deliver this morning after it gets hopefully a little warmer.
Santa at the fire house was really great. Even brought home some of the cookies we took for the kids. Had a bowl of soup and a cookie and watched a foot ball disaster on tv. Went to bed before it was over.
Bob had a good day yesterday but this morning is starting out with low back pain, so gave him some meds and put horse liniment on his back as we do have to deliver this other wood this morning.
Get home today and start baking 10 cakes for the Christmas Boxes we are giving out tomorrow evening at the Fire Dept.

Two nice days before the next Cold Front

2008-12-19T06:34:00.003-06:00

Cut wood yesterday with Danny and Phyllis and visited with them for a while. Repairman fixed the heater in Ellen's house next door to the tune of $363. Erin called us asked us to put a sign up at the Cottontop to sell her old Fridge and Office Desk.
The control on the new tv went out so have to take it back to Best Buy tomorrow and get another one. They didnt want to come out to the house to get it as I have a 4 year in home service policy to do any repairs. At first he said to bring the tv and remote in but when I told him it was a 60', he sure was back tracking.
We worked on Christmas presents on and off all day and will do that again today and tomorrow.
Tomorrow night Santa comes to the Fire Department between 7 and 8pm, will have to be there at 5:30 to get everything set up for Santa's visit. Bob or Chip will take the Fire Engin to meet Santa and bring him in to the Department. We will take pictures and give out cookies for Santa's visit. Then Sunday I have to cook 10 cakes for the food boxes to put together and Bob has to smoke 10 turkeys Monday for the boxes, for the department members to deliver to families this Christmas. The boxes will have a turkey, box of dressing and a mashed potatoes, a can of soup and veggies and cranbery, and a bag of dried onion. Then a cake will be added. We will wrap each box and put a bow on it and a card. That way they will have a full meal for Christmas Eve or Day or before if necessary.
Have to work at the Cottontop this evening then not again until the Friday after New Years.
Bob had two bad days and then a fair day yesterday. Starting out good today though. Hope that keeps up.
Stanley is due in next Wednesday for a weeks visit. Sure will be glad to see him.

Darn it - its Cold

2008-12-15T07:28:00.002-06:00

20 degrees and 20 mph winds and its cold - darn cold
Donkeys are around the roll of hay and the cats are in hiding
Little Dogs didnt want to stay out very long and the big dogs did their doo and back inside
We have a fire in the fire place and have our hot drinks
See they have taken the ice out of the forcast from Noaa and thankful for that.
Hard to get to fire dept calls in the ice.
Think I will do some baking - Banana Spice Bread as I made Rum ball yesterday. Slept reaaallllly good last night :)
Sure enjoyed Jim's Church's Christmas Play and Jim as a Cowboy
Split another 1/2 cord of wood yesterday so we have plenty of wood for the 20 degree weather.

Weather is getting ready to turn Winter

2008-12-14T06:21:00.002-06:00

Busy yesterday with going into town for Kenny's Birthday dinner and working on the Christmas presents, and addressing Christmas Letters. Sent out Christmas ecards to several and will continue to send out both as I either have email addys or physical addys.
A friend is bringing over a larger log splitter than we have to split the large logs we still need to split and Ellen is putting up a wood for sale sign for us in her yard. Sure would be nice to get a good few bucks for wood this week.
We have a Christmas play to go to tonight at Jim's church, that is supposed to be a comedy about Jim as a cowboy and giving for Christmas.
Will make some more Christmas Presents today so may just make the all by the 25th. Still have to plan the deliveries of the Christmas Dinners from the fire department and get the turkeys smoked by the date and help make deserts for the boxes also.
Bob had a really bad day yesterday. Still worked on presents but had to take a lot of breaks. Hopefully he will feel better today. This is about the 4th time he has had bad days since the treatment started. Hurts a lot, and general flu like symptoms. PMS is a struggle also as he says he could sure be grouchy. :) Hmmm sounds familiar!!!

Life is Good

2008-12-12T06:25:00.002-06:00

We used the log splitter yesterday and it works great. Took 1/2 truck load of wood to Ellen yesterday and the splitter and finished splitting the logs she had left from last year. Wish we could get some sales on the wood.
Nothing on the agenda today until I have to be at the cafe to work for my Friday nite shift.
Off to fix breakfast.

Another Cold Morning

2008-12-11T06:35:00.002-06:00

26 degrees this morning with a lite wind. Brrrrr, but means a fire in the fire place.
Still didnt get the new log splitter put together. Had to go on a medical call about 3 and didnt get back before dark. So today after Bob gets back from the coffee shop, we will put out hay for the donkeys and put the log splitter together and split wood. Have to take the splitter to Ellen and Kenny's and split the stuff they have that is too big for their fire place.
Have to take the big fire attack truck to the shop for new brakes also today sometime.
Got the fire house cleaned up from the party yesterday and trash to the dump station too so that is off the list of things to do for today.
Supposed to be in the 60's today and as it didnt get out of the 40's yesterday, we should get a lot done outside today.

Brrrrrrrr!!!!

2008-12-10T07:22:00.002-06:00

It has gotten down to 22 degrees here and the wind at 15 mph.
Trinity Care called yesterday afternoon to tell me that they had trouble with mom. Seems they did their evening bed check to be sure everyone was tucked in, and Mom wasnt in bed, which in itself is not unusual as she doesnt sleep at night very well. They started looking for her and she was in bed with another lady, by the name of Dora Lee, which is the same name as her Sister that died 6 years ago. The Charge Nurse said they worked with Mom for 2 1/2 hours trying to get her to go back to her room and bed and she refused to get out of Dora's bed. So they finally moved the room mate for Dora to another room and move Mom's bed into Dora's room before they could get her out of Dora's bed. So they got permission from the other families to move their Mothers around so they could put Mom with Dora. They called me to ask my permission to move her into Dora's room and I told them that her sister was named Dora Lee and thats why she wanted to be with her, and of course they didnt know that and it made since the way she was acting. So she is moved to another room and will go see that she is settled today.
Had our Department Christmas Party last night and had a great time. All but 4 members and their families came for the party, one was in church, 2 on duty with the police department and one doesnt celebrate Christmas.
Today is going to be a rest day for the most part. Ellen hunted yesterday but didnt see anything, and will be back out tomorrow to hunt again and I think Bob is going to hunt also, and if not I will go out with her. She is also trying to get Leeman to come out with her and see if they cant get something.
Have to move more hay in for the donkeys today and go get some more. the cold weather makes them eat a lot more. Double feed to day also

Bob has a cold

2008-12-05T07:31:00.002-06:00

Well I have given him a hot toddy, he said that helped :) and Vicks on the chest, with a heating pad, and alergy pills and Musinex DM, so hopefully with him staying in all day yesterday and today we will get a handle on it. Cant have him sick. Harmone shot seems to be working as he says he is sore in the prostate.
Really havent been that busy around here, waiting for Home Depot to get in touch about the log splitter they cant sell me on line, because they only take one type of payment per each purchase, so I can use both my gift cards and Check Card. Atlanta Customer Service says they will make the arrangements to get it done, and they said yesterday it would be approved and arrangements made and would get back to me, but needless to say, they didnt call me back. So will see what this morning brings.
Social Security is trying to reduce my monthly payments. In January they awarded me an amount to begin in April. On November 7 they said they had under paid me and would make it up in December check. Yesterday I got a letter telling me that they had over paid me and wanted $1008 back in 30 days. So I filled out a Waver asking for a review of my account by an independent source, and enclosed a letter with copies of the other letters stating that obviously they didnt know what was going on, and to please give me the reason for the reduction. So will see what happens next.

Busy two days

2008-11-29T19:34:00.002-06:00

Spent yesterday morning early at Best Buy and Walmart and Home Depot. Sold the big boat and the buyer came from Oklahoma and picked up the boat after he and Bob went to the Bank and had the papers notorized. Then went to Robbie's for dinner and visiting. Had a great time
Today was back to Grapevine and bought our monthly groceries at Cosco and Tom Thumb and saved about 100.00 from shopping Walmart locally and Brookshires locally,
Put away groceries and went to the fire house to do radio inventory issuing new radios to members. Back to the house for late lunch and tv watching. Have a big fire in the fire place and snug as a bug in a rug.
Tomorrow will be resting and not going anywhere I hope. But who knows!!!

Thanksgiving Prep and Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-27T13:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was really fun. First time off for the day before Thanksgiving w/o having to take a day of vacation. Ellen and I cooked and fixed all day and got home at Midnight last night. They have given us 4 turkeys to smoke for Christmas gift boxes for the needy thru the Fire Department. Storing those at the fire house in the freezer, and hopefully someone will add a few more before Christmas. Ellen is having 13 over for dinner this evening, and to watch the foot ball game this afternoon. Lots of food for dinner and lots of snacks. Bob will fry the turkey and Ellen will cook a pork loin on the grill so we will have a good variety. We also made a pumpkin cheese cake along with two pumpkin pies. Genia's family is also bringing desert and a salad, and Michael and Teresa and Tab are bringing their world famous chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. Wish Phyllis and Danny and S & m and the boys were coming too. Would have had a field day.
Sold the big boat and the guy is coming to get it tomorrow morning. Bob told him we would grease the barrings on the trailer so he wouldnt have a hard time taking it back to Oklahoma.
Ellen and Kenny gave us gift certificates for Home Depot for Christmas so we can add a little to them and get the log splitter we wanted. Will order that tomorrow after I see if there are any on line discounts we can take advantage of.
We found a guy that has a lot of scrap lumber and think we can get enough to finish the pole barn for the donkeys. fingers crossed here!!!
The CT's went well yesterday, although today he doesnt feel very good. Radiation stuff in the blood stream and iodine stuff too. Monday we get the results and prognosis and treatment options.
Going to pickup some wood tomorrow morning that will be added to what we have to split and maybe sell. Then to Robbie and Tammy's for their Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow evening.

Lots of Projects and Bob's Health

2008-11-24T15:26:00.002-06:00

The test results for Bob were bad and good; bad that he has been diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer and good that it may be in the first stages. So CT's day after tomorrow for Bone and Abdominal Cancer and then Dec 1 for the prognosis and treatment suggestions. We are very hopeful that with the first stages they can get rid of it.
We are keeping busy around the place. Had a young man come in an jack up the kitchen deck and level it again and calk the holes in the garage metal roof so it wont rain on us in the garage. that was worth the $40 to get that done.
We have decided to cut and sell wood this winter. We cut for 3 days for us; cut down 8 trees and have about a cord and 1/2 for us to burn this winter. About 1/2 has to be split, but Ellen and Kenny are giving us the splitter for an early Christmas present, and hope to have it by the first of next week as it has to be ordered and shipped in to Home Depot. It will be an electric one, that rolls on wheels and will work great for us. Then we can split what we have to burn and the stuff in the future to sell. We have two people that are giving us wood that has been cut down and they want it off their property, so will go get a truck load tonight and then the other this weekend.
Bob is welding a 5' long pipe hitching post for a friend of ours; they gave us 5" pipe to weld for them. He hopes he gets thru with it this evening so we can deliver it tomorrow morning before we have to go to our first visit with the Dermatologist.
Ellen had her shoulder operated on. Had a pre cancer birthmark that needed removing. They sure took a hunk out of her shoulder. She can use the arm for a few days for any heavy lifting or cleaning, so will go back over there tomorrow evening and Wed after Bobs CT's to get ready for Thanksgiving. Then Thurs of course for all day Thanksgiving.
Since my Palm Pilot is going out, Ellen is giving me her Blackberry that she used for a company phone. Sure can use it as mine is getting termental and cuts off when it wants to.
Debbie got her protective order last Wed as we all had to go to court to testify. The DA and the judge told her soon to be x that he was going to get it either way, he could sign volunatrially or the judge would issue one any way. That helps her feel a little safer. We had taken the rest of his stuff to their old place, Bob and Ric and I and left it for him to go there and pick up. The x seemed to think that he could lie to the DA about Debbie and get away with it. He didnt :)
She has asked to move in with Erin in Ellen's house next door and pay 1/2 the rent and utilities. Ellen is all for it as she got laid off and wants rent to start January 1 for $512. that is only part of her outlay on that house each month but that much will help a lot.
Mom is doing well. Had a great Thanksgiving Lunch with her on Friday, with Doc and Pat and Mimi and Bob and I. She seemed to really enjoy it.
SS and I are still going round and round about how much I should be getting. They want to cut my SS each month, butTHEY couldnt figure out why they wanted to do that. Typical lack of training for the representatives.

Great Rodeo and Back Stage

2008-11-09T06:53:00.002-06:00

Really enjoyed the Pro Rodeo Finals last night and the back stage with Keith shelton and Marinda Lambert. They both were really nice. Got autographs and our picture with both. Then watched the rest of the rodeo and then the concert started.
Got home about 12:15.
This morning is leisure time and then we will work on getting the rest of the carpet glue off the inside of the jon boat we got Friday. Worked on it a few hours yesterday so hope to finish cleaning it up today. The cover the camper with a tarp as the wall is coming away from the roof, I guess it happend in the move from down the road to here. May cut some wood afterwards if we feel like it. Who knows. It is supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, and as Bob has to take it easy tomorrow and not get dehydraded before his surgical procedure on Tuesday, we will just hang out all day. May bake some applesauce cakes and/or some pumpkin bread.
Thinking about Christmas Decorations and what we want to put out this year around the house. Need to get some mini bows for our little live 3' Christmas tree from last year we still have in the house, and decide what we are going to do about outside lites this year. Ellen and Kenny saw this awsome blow up Santa and fire truck with North Pole Fire Department on it, but it was out of our price range. It would have been coool on the kitchen deck and then in front of the fire department for Santa's visit on Dec 20.

Colder weather

2008-11-06T06:52:00.004-06:00

52 here this morning with the wind about 10.
Bob is getting ready for his pre op this morning but coffee at the shop first. He wants to see if he can meet with Corkey about Corkey's old old travel trailer. Its a little one but will sleep two and needs renovation. Word has it he doesnt want it any more and we moved it here off of Elizabeths place where Debbie had been staying to get it off Elizabeths place. If he really doesnt want it think we may renovate it for fishing trips with the guys. Seems that after Ellen and Bob and Jim and my fishing trip, that the professionals want us to join up with them for some camping and fishing trips locally. That would be really great. The camper has a sink and stove and fridge, but in pretty rough shape. It would take a new cabinet and new mattress of course, and some wall cleanup but should work for weekends. I think. I am rather picky about that stuff, so will just have to see if I could be comfortable. At least Bob could use it when he and the guys go for men only trips.
Erins dog Little Guy stayed with us yesterday and last night as Ellen and Erin were going to a concert in Dallas. All the dogs got along well, but the big dogs had to stay in their run as little guy is a little dog and they were too big to play.
Erin fell off a hip high wall last night at the concert and injured her elbow and other parts. She is already on short term disability with IGA for her back from lifting too much. Will hear today what damage was done last night.
Bob's test is set for Next Tuesday at 7am and he should be out and going home by 10am. Hope they tell us something before we leave as it will be done at the hospital.
We found one of Mom's pewter cats that was in her curio cabinet, out in the area of the new corral. Seems to have gotten out of the cabinet and walked over to the corral to the west of our place
Hmm sounds like breakfast time.

Beautiful Beautiful Weather

2008-11-05T07:38:00.002-06:00

Oh I do love fall and the cool weather. Cloudy today but I really dont care, it is still 70.
Bob is rested from his Speedway week and seems ready to tackle something this week. Will have to have a planning session. We had two round bales delivered yesterday but the tractor has developed a short and pulled the battery down. So bought new battery cables and will see if that will fix the problem. Then move one round bale to the donkeys. We have completed plans for the new barn and checked for materials and it looks like we have enough around here to build the 3 sided barn to give the donkeys some shelter this winter. And a place to put the hay as we will also expand the corral. Have the one fence to finish and then build a fence for the barn and we will be in business. Of course watching the weather for colder temps as have to cut wood too for the beginning of winter. Then will cut every Sunday for the next week depending on the forecast.
Have to go back to court with Debbie on the 19th and the DA wants all her witnesses there to tell the judge what we have seen that her husband has pulled the last few weeks.
Mom is doing very well. She seems to be sleeping more and still smiles and laughs but right now she knows me but not who I am.
Received a very nice carving from Naiomi yesterday and will find a stand to put it on. It is an Elk carved in sand stone.
Patrick and Pamela brought us back 4 western place mats for the dinning room table and a friendship pot made at the Trinidad Pueblo for feeding their goats and dogs while they were on a two week vacation. It was no trouble to feed them but they brought the gifts. The place mats even match the color of the new floor and they had never been in the house. The pot will go into our indian pottern collection. Really neat.
Debbie gave me a fountain for the kitchen deck. Will figure out how to use it in the house this winter in the dinning room with the plants. Need a tray to put it in incase it gets over filled.
Ric, our friend that hunts our place killed a doe, and gave us some back strap, so we had back strap for breakfast with gravy and eggs and tomatoes. Man it sure was good. He is going to bring us a bass boat that he wants to sell us for $200. As the boat we have doesnt go, since the motor is bad, wont go but 1/3 throttle, and it has been sitting up for 2 years after we remodeled the inside, and it will cost more than the $200 to get the motor up to par; we decided to sell the one we have and get what we can for it on ebay, and use that money to buy the 3 year old 16' bass boat Ric has. It is aluminum with a 15 horse motor, depth finder and trolling motor, so cant hardly go wrong, as it runs. Hope he brings it out soon as would like to do a little fishing while the fish are in the mood to bite before cold weather.
The donkeys are protesting the lack of breakfast so getting dressed is necessary and feeding. Dogs are done for the morning and Bob is still at the coffee shop talking "shop". :)

New Buffer works great

2008-10-30T17:30:00.002-05:00

Waxed and buffed the kitchen floor and it turned out great. So will buff again tomorrow to finalize.
Saw Mom this morning and she was sleeping really hard, but thats ok as she tends to stay awake at night anyway. She stayed on the bed while we talked and finally set up when I left
Made a trip into Decatur and Bridgeport on errands and got to fill up the truck for $50. First time in many months.
Day has been beautiful and the fall colors are really coming out.

Bob recovering

2008-10-29T07:16:00.003-05:00

Bob seems to be better this morning. He says that he only has the soreness on his head and elbow and a place on his left leg from his fall Saturday. Came home yesterday evening from the speed way tired but in good spirits. Fixed him chicken fried pork loin, parsleyed potatoes and green beans, with a brownie and whipped cream for desert. He slept until bed time :)
I will start my new project of picture scanning this morning after my walk and feeding the donkeys. Patrick and his wife will be back Friday, and that will end our feeding his goats and dogs as we have been doing that for the last week and a half while they are on vacation. They called from Provo Utah to check in and said they were having a great time. They couldnt have gone if we hadnt volunteered to feed for them.
Hope my buffer gets here today that I got from auction on ebay so I can buff the floors in the dinning room. We are soooo enjoying the concrete painted and waxed floor. It really looks good in the terracotta red, and we moved in my 5 pots of pink begonias and the monster plant for the winter and it looks good in there too. My new blue tooth should be getting here today or tomorrow as I got it on ebay for about 60.00 less than what Walmart had it for. Thank goodness.
Many have to run to town today and get a couple of things for a receipe I want to do for dinner tonight. Dont like to use up the gas for one stop trip so will have to debate that.

Organized !!

2008-10-28T13:13:00.002-05:00

Started my day off sitting on the back deck watching the Sun come up. Was sitting there and talking to Bob on the phone as he went to the Speed Way and kept catching something in my side vision. Still talking to Bob, and a full grown coyote walked between the farm equipment and the donkeys, about 20 feet away from them, and about 100 feet from the house, and walked across the open area below the house. Let me tell you Pete went crazy. I thought he was going to break the cable he was tied to to get to that coyote. The coyote took off south bound and went thru the lower pasture fence at a full run. Have never seen one up this close to the house, but it was barely light so guess he was still hunting. The donkeys bunched together and just watched it as it posed no threat to them. Really neat to see.
Got all my fire department grants organized for last physical year and filed properly. A little slow on the uptake on those. Submitted a new grant for fire equipment. Organized and filed all my bills for this year and only have to add Nov and Dec and will be ready to file the income taxes in January instead of waiting until we get the w-2 to begin organizing.
Updated the books for this week for the fire department and sent a copy to the Board of Directors as I do every Tuesday.
Sent another copy of the minutes for the last Board Meeting for Fly Without Wings as the first copy didnt get to the Treasurer for some unknown reason.
Baked some brownies, walked only a mile today, and cut up the pork loin I bought Saturday; into chops and packaged and put in the freezer.
Cleaned off the deck of misc stuff and put back the cambro and pans in the kitchen storage area from this weekend.
Fixed a bowl of soup for lunch but only ate 1/2 as got full really quickly. So now, I will watch a movie and then fix dinner when Bob gets home from the speed way.

Great Fall Weather

2008-10-28T05:26:00.002-05:00

Well the fishing trip to Lake Bridgeport with Corkey, and Ellen and I in one boat, and Chan, and Bob and Jim in one boat, and Ronny and Aubrey in the last boat was wonderful. Everyone caught fish; our boat 35 fish, Chan's boat 16, and Ronny's boat who knows as they thru all of theirs back where we only thru back the non keepers. The guys cleaned the fish and filleted them so we divided them between Jim and our house. This was the fishing trip that Ellen and I bid for and won at the Fire Department Fund Raiser. I think we will put 2 more certificates up for next time and see what happens.
Saturday went over to Ellen's and we did nails and then went grocery shopping for Derek's birthday party on Sunday. Took our time and went to Costco and Tom Thumbs then back to her house to unload her stuff and I headed back home. Left the house at 8:30am and got home at 5pm. We had a good time though. Bob had gone fishing with Corkey and Ronny to Lake Lewisville but they didnt catch much and what they did catch they thru back.
Doc and Pat came in Saturday afternoon and stayed for Derek's party Sunday and then left for Arlington.
Derek had a great party. Bob cooked two briscuits for dinner and Ellen fixed potato salad and beans and fruit salad to go with it. Also had spinach dip and rotel dip for eats during the football game. We left about 4:30 as had to get home to feed Patrick's goats and dogs while they have been gone on a two week vacation.
Had to take Erin to the Doctor yesterday at 2 as she had pinched her siatic nerve and could hardly walk. She got two shots and was feeling a LOT less pain by the time we got home.
Washed some clothes yesterday, and finished washing up the big pans from the meat cooking and eating Saturday and Sunday. Bob and I took Debbie to Walmart to get new tires put on her car and whle we waited for them to do that, went to Bridgeport and visited with Mom. She was rather veigue but still had a nice visit. Came home and took Patrick's tractor back as Bob and Jim wont be hauling gravel to the drive way until next week again after the speedway.
Bob has to have a major biopsy set up for after this week that he has to check in for out patient and it will take about 2 hours. Lots of prayers please.
I have this week and weekend to hang out here at the house while he is do the Speed way. Will seem wierd. Havent decided what I will do around here, but will try to keep the truck in the garage and use little or no gas if possible. Payday not being until next week.
May try to put up some fence posts, but will see how hard the ground is, even if I can get in a couple a day that would be 14 of the 20 or so we have to put up. Time will tell. Will paint the kitchen door though, as it is in dire need.

Fall is Here

2008-10-23T06:06:00.002-05:00

The weather is beautiful, 37 degrees this morning. Toasty warm under the quilt last night. Supposed to be in the 60's and 70's all weekend but frost Fri and Sat morning, so have to get my plants in to keep them from burning. Ready for fall - Big yes.
Well the fund raisers are over for the year. Fire dept did $20,535 and Fly Without Wings did $14,000. So all in all very successful.
Christmas and the turkey and dressing gift boxes will be the next project. We will have Santa on Dec 20th and give out the boxes that weekend also. Bob will smoke the turkeys for the second year in a row, so each box will have a turkey, couple boxes of dressing, and canned goods and desert for Christmas. We did 5 families last year, so hope to do 10 this year, depending on how many turkeys we can get.
I have been canning tomatoes, peppers, and apples, and then blackberry jelly for Jim, for the last 3 weeks. Have put up 45 pints of tomatoes, 15 pints of hot chopped peppers, 16 pints of Arse Burner, and 15 pints of rotel tomatoes, and 16 pints of apples. So we have plenty for this winter for pies, and soups.
We have pulled down and repaired 500 feet of barbed wire fencing and have about 350 feet more to go to get all the fences back in shape. Bob was given 22 t-posts so we can get everything fixed up. We have 1/2 of the dinning room floor refinished and will finish the rest today and tomorrow. Then fix the nail holes in the garage roof so it wont leak, and then build the donkeys a pole barn for this winter.
Still doing the Department Treasurery work, and paying bills for two friends online, and helping one friend get thru her divorce procedures and getting her protective order completed with the DA. Nov 3 for the final hearing for the protective order, and Dec 1 for the Divorce.
Bob and Jim have not been hauling metal to the salvage yard in Ft Worth as prices are way down so they are stock piling. Bob goes to work at the Speedway next week, so at least we will get a check in about 3 weeks for that.
Mom is doing well. Still doesnt know me but thats ok she seems happy.
Derek's 18th birthday party is this weekend, so lots to help Ellen with. Bob is doing bbq briscuit for it and me lemonade. Then the 31 his real birthday he has a football game and the seniors will be recognised by the School at half time.

What a Month

2008-09-25T06:27:00.002-05:00

We have had a busy month. Getting ready for the fund raiser, visiting Mom, taking care of the farm, Bob hauling metal with Jim, and keeping the books for the fire dept, and doing the Secretarial work for the Board of Directors for Fly Without Wings. An Equine Theropy Non Profit Organization for people that have social and emotional issues.
Fire Department Fund Rasier went great. Cleared about $20,000+
Fund Raiser in Oct for Fly Without Wings and then that will be it for this year I hope.
Health wise, we are both doing very good; I have gained back 15 lbs of what I had lost almost 3 years ago, and have found out that it is due to Lyrica I have been taking the last 7 months which has side effects of weight gain and respiratory distress, which I have had and could not figure out why. Now I know and needless to say, am off the Lyrica and back on the muscle relaxers. Rather hurt a bit than keep gaining weight and not having any breath to speak of. Bob's blood presure is up for some reason and he has gone back on blood presure meds as of yesterday. think he is eating at the Cottontop too much.
Donkeys are doing very well. May have one of the Jacks sold. Sure do hope so.
Dogs are healthy and doing well.
Mom is doing good. Still does not know who I am just that she knows me. We have a good time visiting and laugh a lot, but she doesnt know why I am there. She was very purkey yesterday and visited until they had "church" time. they took her off the hall and to the chapel and she didnt have any trouble with it.
Nacona on the fire department had a "I know more about the fire department fit" at Bob and I the other day. Seems we are not following the rules as she sees them and she is "tired of it" and "having to listen to her husband the Captain always complaining about us and our friendship with Jim CLICK". So we informed her that as Bob is an officer also she needed to read her SOP and find out what the rules were before she spoke and she did not like that at all, especially when we told her that the reason the fire department didnt work any better than it does is that there is more than one "click", one of which is her husband and her and their friends.
We have taken up the carpet in the dining room and stripped the concrete and when dry will fill in any cracks and chips and then when the Bri wax comes, we will stain the floor and wax at the same time. should make it look like marble and have picked out Lite Oak to go with the walls we hope. Cant wait to see how it looks.
Helping one of the neighbors file for her divorce herself, and I am learning alot. IF I can get all of it typed up by Monday morning we will go to the court house and file and that should keep her drunk/substance abusive husband from taking anything from her house. Interesting lady and what stories she has to tell. Second divorse from this guy and the last time was after he went to prison for detaining her against her will and abuse, and she broke his leg with a tire iron to get away from him. Really nice but had to get tough over the last few years to deal with lifes issues, and believe me, she can do it.
Another friend goes to court next week and hopefully for the last time from her x husband suing her for her car and what money she has - again an abusive relationship and continues to try to control her. She has gotten stronger over the last year and she even went to her first court appearance w/o a lawyer and the judge couldnt believe that she appeared with out friends or attorney. He gave her two weeks to get an attorney and she ended up with a real flake that was going to just roll over and give her x what he wanted. She changed lawyers and she got a real bull dog lawyer this time. Cant wait to see how the x's lawyer fairs with time.
Another friend disappeared to Missouri from her relationship with live in that tore up her house when he left and wouldnt leave her alone.
Glad I dont have to deal with these types of partners. The first one was bad enough.
Going to the Cowboy game this Sunday with Ellen and Bob and Joey. Joey, a friend of Ellen and Kenny's, got 5 tickets, so we are all going and I dont know who the 5th will be.

Vacation is Wonderful

2008-08-21T10:03:00.003-05:00

We have had a wonderful vacation. It has been an awesome 2 weeks of getting to know my cousin better and myself better and a few new family secrets. Boy talk about skellitens in the closet. Got my psychic abilities out and aired them and got them working better than ever. Had some wonderful experiences channeling with my cousin.
Went hiking 3 days and walked about 10 miles for our first experience in consecutive days of hiking and we loved it. Didnt push or hurry-- just had a good time. Saw lots of indian ruins and vegged out in the evenings or went to visit with friends of my cousin. Fishing was a no go. Really hated that too. Bob watched some of the olympics when he got a chance, but we really talked a lot with the cous and his friends. Saw some beautiful Elk but no Mountain lions this time eventhough the tracks were up and down the drive way.
Erin called today and she is out of dog food and donkey food but I left her some money to buy both and she was on the way to the feed store when she called.
We have had beautiful weather here; no rain but cool nights and 85 degree days. Fall is in the air and wish we were going to be here to see the leaves change. But no such luck, but thats ok as we enjoyed this time and got our roasted peppers to take back.
Found Erin a beautiful Indian Malicite Necklace and earrings and bracelet for feeding for us while we are gone.
Hate to go home so quickly.

Yesterday was a hot one

2008-08-04T06:25:00.002-05:00

110 degrees yesterday and we stayed in as much as possible. Watered the yard to hopefully keep it from burning up with the heat. Read a book and washed clothes and that was about it other than fixing meals. No plans so far for today as it will be 104 and Bob doesnt know what Jim wants to do. Need to put up the other parts of the dog pen, bet we have marks in the grass from the new parts laying there yesterday.

Busy Day

2008-08-02T23:46:00.002-05:00

Uncle Raymonds memorial service was today at Restland. Really was wonderful. 21 gun salute from the Marine Crop as he was a Capt in the Marines with 2 Purple Hearts. Really was a celebration of his life. Went back to the house for lunch and I had taken green bean casserole and cherry pie and spinach dip and the neighbors brought in all the rest. Everyone visited for about an hour and we headed back. Stopped and dropped of Ellen as Kenny didnt go. Leeman couldn't go as he had to work and Derek couldn't as he had his first of the season drum line practice.
We got home and Doc and Pat rested for a while and headed back to Wichita Falls as they had stayed the night last night and were ready to get home. We will be stopping up there next Sunday after Bowie days Ticket sales and spending the night and going to the casinos and then on the Tucumcari, NM to spend the night and then on to Cortez.
Just came in from a structure fire. Got called out at 9:30pm and Paradise responded with us. Saved the house but lost the small house beside it. No one living in it thank goodness. Home owner got some smoke inhalation so had to call the paramedic to check him out. Still rather strung out after my shower so will sit a while and then we are off to bed.
Have not seen the wild marauding cow.

Kept on the go

2008-07-31T15:10:00.002-05:00

Roxanne called yesterday morning and Raymond passed away. He was the last of my immediate Uncles, and I have one Aunt, his wife, left. Ordered flowers today for our side of the family, to be delivered today at the house as there will only be a memorial service on Saturday at the Cemetery. Moved our nail appt to tomorrow from Sat Morning as we will have have lunch at Genia's house after the Memorial Service. Doc and Pat will be coming in from Wichita Falls and we will all go together, and Leeman and Leah will meet us there and so will Ellen and Kenny. Then we will all go to the Cemetery together by convoy. The Marine Corp will be there also for the service as Raymond had 2 Purple Hearts from WWII. The Board of Directors for Fly Without Wings had a meeting set for Saturday at 5 but have moved that to Tuesday so that I wont miss. We will be talking about the fall fund raiser. Only one fire call yesterday and didnt make that one as was tied up with animals. Non today. thank goodness

Rested yesterday

2008-07-30T06:03:00.002-05:00

Went to see Mom yesterday. She was doing very well. Took her some more baby clothes and blankets and she just ohhhh and ahhhhed of them. We talked thru lunch of which she ate almost all of it. Then left and headed back to the house. Ate lunch and did some fire dept computer work. Talked with the President and Barn Manager for Fly Without Wings and set up a date for the fund raiser for Oct 18 in Sunset. They will be going today to borrow the money to get the raffle item and the food, and tickets. This fund raiser will be about a month after our fire department fund raiser. So should be a busy fall. Ellen is working on the website and hopefully will have that up and running this week. She was in San Diego yesterday when the rumble hit LA and they felt it down there. Just another week and 1/2 before we leave for Colorado. Yea yea. Then back for a day and off to Shreveport with Jim and Nancy for 2 1/2 days of gambling etc. Erin is going to feed for us. She had another court date yesterday and had to pay more of her money out fighting Jackie to keep her rights to her house she got in the divorce. He is such and Ass.
Well Bob is up so guess better see to the coffee pot. Have a load of wash in ready to move to the dryer and the inside dogs fed and shots given. Cats watered and and other bill added to bill pay for the 1st. Erin's water bill.

Ok I AM TIRED

2008-07-28T20:26:00.002-05:00

We were toned out at 2:30pm - Grass fire and structure fire. Five Departments but we saved both houses. Sony and I were on the rescue truck and they pulled us off as soon as we got there and had us pack out and do the structure fire. Our airpac's were not working so we had to fight w/o the air pacs. Did under the house fire fighting until we got too hot. Lots of damage to one but the one that had the burn barrell that started the fire - theirs had no damage thanks to our brush truck. Burn Ban in effect but they still burn. Was released from that fire and had not pulled off the scene, and were toned out for a medical about a mile from the dept. We got there and one of our other trucks was already there and in charge so we were able to sign off. On the way back we got a call for a burn ban violation a block from the fire department. Rainer and I went on that and put out the fire. Back to the fire house. we were out for 5 hours. Let me tell it - I am pooped and so is Bob.

Restful Sunday busy Monday

2008-07-28T13:13:00.003-05:00

Rested all day yesterday, and just as well as did not feel good. Even laid down and slept for 2 hours and still woke up feeling like poopoo. Could have been the lack of caffeine for the last two days or it could have been just not sleeping good for the last couple of weeks. Who knows. Anyway glad to have rested all day.
Now today is another story. Up at 5:30 - dogs wanted out. Morning shower, coffee and hot chocolate made, breakfast done, and Bob off to Jim's to work on metal to take to the yard. I fed the donkeys - all well with them. Took off on my morning 1 mile walk and back home to rest and do the exercise cycle for 5 miles. During the rest time the dogs started to raise all kinds of hell. Looked out and didn't see anything. Walked out on the kitchen deck and the two Jacks were fighting and jumped the fence into the yard. Well the chase was on for 30 min and almost had them in the gate and they took off again. so I called for reinforcements - Bob. I was behind the donkeys as they headed up the road and he comes down the road just as I got them turned. So he chases them with the truck down to the next property line and turns them back into Ellen's yard and follows them with the truck. The decide to stop for a bite to eat - yet again. So after 15 more minutes - they are in the pasture and head right back to where they jumped the fence, but we were ahead of them. So we repaired fence for another 30 min by putting in 3 new fence posts and believe me that ground was like concrete and didnt think I would get thme pounded into the ground, but they cant get out now. Bob went back to Jim's and I went in and got on the exercise cycle. Then computer work and Bob back home for lunch - tuna salad with avocado.
Nancy called and we have reservations for Aug 25 thru 27 at Diamond Jacks in Boisser City to go gamble. Should be lots of fun. Never been there. We leave for Alan's week after next the evening of the 10th for 2 weeks also. Unless Ellen and Kenny need us that is. If they want us to stay home and help them then of course that comes first. We should know within the week. yea yea.
Mom is doing very well. Will be seeing her tomorrow again and more baby clothes. then Wednesday if Bob works, think I will go to Denton and visit friends at UNT, and go to Ellen's and get some book and get my hair cut at Lisa's. That hair cut should hold me until Labor Day.
Wish we had a car to go to Colorado in instead of the truck. But it has been serviced so we are ready to go. Who knows what we might bring back.

Busy morning - more relaxing afternoon

2008-07-27T06:47:00.002-05:00

Spent yesterday morning working on fire department related business. Had to go get a window a/c unit for the equipment building for the new 120' radio tower. The building was so hot that we were afraid that the equipment inside would ruin. Then did a 1/4 circuit of the outside perimeter of the fire district to see how far our hand helds would get out. They really rock, all the way around the perimeter and then some. Home and gathered trash and to the dump station.
Went over to Grapevine and visited Ellen and Kenny. Made a trip to Cosco and City Market for goodies and Ellen fixed sausage on the grill and navy beans in the crock pot. We had snacks before dinner and then sat on the patio at the pool and read our books while the guys sat in front of the auto races. Home and fed the animals and rested.
Today, I hope nothing but rest, as it is supposed to be 105.
Two weeks until our trip to Colorado.

Busy 10 days

2008-07-26T03:00:00.002-05:00

We have had a busy 10 days. Spent 5 days in Port Aransas fishing with friends. Then home and catch up on farm stuff and fire department business. One more major item to catch up on for the fire department and all my self appointed projects will be finished.
Mom has settled down even more at Trinity. The dolls have helped a lot and have been taking her baby clothes for her to dress them. Her blood presure was high but the Dr increased the dosage and it has come down to a more manageable amount. She now calls her shared room her bedroom and is more acceptable of not leaving.
I am now on the Board of Directors for a non profit organization "Fly Without Wings", based in Sunset Texas. The organization helps persons from 4 years to adult seniors with social, and psychological issues thru therapy with horses. It is just in the forming stage of only a year old and in need of donations to sustain the small horse ranch. I have volunteered to help with fund raising this fall if we can get the money to hold a raffle and fund raiser night. Of course this has to take second place tot he fire department fund raiser in September.
Bob has recovered from his surgery and this week has been the first week that he is back to working with Jim hauling metal. Still not lifting much, but each day adding a little more physical to his routine. The cancer free declaration by his doctors was wonderful. the shock alone of being told that he had lung cancer, and a spot on his pancreas and his liver gave us a new look at life in general. Lots of prayers were said for him and they were sure answered, and just over night.
We have two baby donkeys now. Red, the jack that is about a month old, and Earlene Gray a little over a week old. Red wont let us handle him as his mom wont let us near him. But Sally will let us pet and rub on Earlene. We should have another in August and maybe two. Coco and Chere should each have one, we hope.
We have planned another trip in August, this time to Colorado, if Erin will feed for us again. We want to go to see Alan for a couple of weeks. Have not seen him in about a year. Maybe even take a trip with friends to Shreveport to Gamble for a couple of days.
Ellen and Kenny should hear this next week on their purchase of the auto dealerships. They set a deadline with the manufacturer for Aug 1 or I think they will withdraw their offer to purchase. So things should be moving along quickly.
Erin has just about moved in completely in to Ellen's house next door. She and her friend moved a lot of furniture today and rearranged everything and it really looks nice and has made it more her home than the way Mom had it looking. They did a great job today. She still has unpacking to do and more stuff to pack and move in from the old house she is selling but that should happen the rest of next week on her days off.
We will be gong to Ellen's tomorrow for a visit and some swimming if I can remember to take the swim suits. Have started my walking and exercise cycle again as seem to be having some pain issues again. Meds dont seem to be helping with the sleep much unless I take a pill that knocks me out and then I cant get up during the night to go out on calls.
Have not heard from Doc in a couple of weeks so need to send him off a quick note to see what he is up to.
Been baking bread in a pottery baker, and the last loaf really has been the best so far. Baked a cherry pie for Jim also this week and banana bread for us and canned strawberry jelly and just been messing around in the afternoon staying cool. Mowed the yard one morning or at least the yard around the house and edged as the rest of the 3 acres have just about burned up with the heat. Been watering next to the house, or rather the yard around the house just to keep it green using the well water. Cost too much to use the city water. Have had to start buying round bales for the donkeys as their grass isnt growing either.
Think I will try crawling back into bed, as the advil seems to be cutting the pain somewhat.

3 weeks since the last blog

2008-07-14T07:30:00.004-05:00

Hard to believe I have not had time to write down what has been going on.
Mom is settling now that she has her 3!!!!! dolls. There were two now she has come up with 3. Guess one of the other ladies lost one of their dolls, and believe me, she wont let them go even to go potty unless really made to. I have been looking for baby clothes for 3 month old or smaller at garage sales, as she seems to enjoy dressing them. Of course she says they have broken arms as the arms are cloth at the shoulder and the arms move loose. Cant change that thought pattern either. Went to visit her one day and she had two attendents with her in the restroom and she was crying because she needed to go to the potty and would not give up the dolls. So I told the ladies to take a break which they were VERY appreciative of, and got Mom the give me the dolls and she pottied twice with me squirting soap at her from the soap dispenser. then we had a good talk and visit and I headed for the house with the attendant distracting her.
Fridays visit was good too. Bob and I went after we came in from a fire and visited with her. She always crys when we come and I asked her why she crys and she couldnt tell me why. Her nurse said that it was a crying day for her. She now has three dolls. A new one from the last visit.
Wednesday; Patrick and I dug 450 feet of ditch with a ditch witch for the ground cable for the new radio tower for the department and it was 101 degrees. We were out there from 1 pm to 4pm. Thursday; Bob and I mowed the yard, Bob on the riding mower and me doing the other mowing. He mowed for about 45 minutes and then I finished the riding and the push mowing and the edging, and it was 102 degrees between 2 and 5pm. Friday we had a structure fire and Bob was with Jim setting up for Bowie and I went on that with Sonny as my partner in the truck. Bob still cant go unless he drives. It was 102 degrees that afternoon. Saturday we sold ticekts at Bowie and thank goodness for the awning as it was 101 on the black top. Sunday we drove to Port Aransas with Danny and Phyllis and we were in the water about 4pm thank goodness. Had dinner at the Castaways and Bob and I split a small platter and had plenty for both of us as neither eats very much. Today we go fishing when Danny and Phyllis call that they are up and moving. Too much sea weed to fish on the gulf side so have to find a bay side area to fish, and that wont be tooooo hard.
Great breakfast here at the hotel. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, and waffle. They even have free dinner if you are a guest on a week night. Will have to see about that.
Well think I will fishing

Tired Tired

2008-06-28T06:30:00.002-05:00

Busy day yesterday. Up early and got over to where we were going to have the garage sale and put out signs. Back to the cafe and dropped Bob off to have coffee, and breakfast. Home and fixed my breakfast. Fed the animals and started boxing books we didnt want to take to the garage sale. Ellen arrived at 8:30 and helped me box books. Bob and Jim arrived at 9 and Jim helped us load the 16' trailer with all of Mom's stuff and the books we had packed. Arrived at Erin's house and unloaded and ready by 11 and salers started to arrive. Closed down at 4pm so I could go home and get showered and to work by 6pm. Home at 9:30 and in bed at 10:30. Up at 2:30am for grass fire. Finished that call and before we got 1/2 way home got called out for another grass fire. Finished that one and home at 4am. Up at 6am to get ready to to go back to re-set up for the garage sale today. We will close that one down at 2pm. Then to Ellen's for swiming and much needed rest.
We buried Bella yesterday when we got home. She died while we were gone yesterday. Guess her heart just gave out. Now we have lost Precious and Bella in one week; Precious was 17 and Bella 16. So we are down to 1 outside dog and 2 inside/outside dogs. And of course Asta and Calula inside.
Dr McIntyer visited Mom yesterday and started her on a vitamin with iron and Trazadone for rest at night and morning. 1 in the morning and 2 at night as needed. So that will help her rest more. The nurse said that she and two other ladies take their dolls down to the meeting room and pack and un pack their babies things and then exchange dolls. and start over again. She said the three have a good time.
Well off to feed the animals and the Bob animal and have to call and wake Erin to be sure she is up and to the garage sale.

Fire Department Train to end the day

2008-06-24T22:11:00.002-05:00

We have just came in from Emergency Exit training and I emergency exited first using an ax. Had to go thru sheet rock and between 16" studs in full gear with air pack. Man, in this weather in full gear it was hot hot. But made it and passed the test. So made more hours toward my FF I certificate. Bob went to the training class part but not the Emergency Exit part.
We had to do some running around again today and made arrangements for the garage sale Saturday by running an ad in the Messenger for Thursday. Hope to sell all of Mom's stuff and not go home with anything. Ellen is going to come Friday and help get set up by noon and we will stay as long as we can and then back on Saturday until 2pm. then home. bob will be the money man.

Monday was rather busy

2008-06-24T02:31:00.003-05:00

Started the day off before breakfast, and mowed the front yard and the side yard and edged both. The rest of the 3 acres didnt need mowing as the heat has already stopped the grass growing except where I am watering from the well to give us a bit of green yard. Finished up what I was doing on the yards about 11 and fixed breakfast and headed to Decatur to Walmart to get the doll Trinity wanted for Mom and the two receiving blankets. Then to Lowes to exchange the deck umbrella that broke when I raised it the other day. Got another one and headed for Bridgeport to see Mom and go by Phyllis and Dannys. Erin called and said that she needed us to show her house to a perspective buyer as she had to work. No problem at 1:15. Got to Trinity and Mom was having back pain issues. Got her the meds she needed and got her settled after about an hour and headed for the showing late. Finished that with going to the hardware store and getting a lock box for the key for the door as the perspective buyers said that they would be back to see it w/o anyone showing it as they knew where we put the key. That was not going to happen as Erin still had her things in the house. Left there and home about 3 and fixed lunch. Rested a while and piddled a bit outside with putting up the new umbrella, Cleaned out one of the fish ponds, the other has lily pads, and found that the pump for the fountain has quit working so will have to buy another. Watered all the plants on the kitchen deck and moved the St Anthony over here and put it in the graveled area next to the kitchen deck and it looks really good but need more gravel. Darned thing must have weighed 75 lbs. Got the picture out of the sitting room at Ellen's house and hung it in the dinning room above the bombay chest. Looks really good, and unloaded the 50 lbs of bird seed, and back inside to feed the dogs and fix dinner. Bob is doing well and we go back on Thursday to have the staples out.
Have to take Calulah to the vet in the morning for a drop off for them to stableize her blood sugar and see if the 5cc is right for her shots twice a day.
Ellen says that she will come over on Friday and help get the stuff loaded and out for the Garage sale at Erin's on Saturday. May even get it started on Friday if we get it set up early enough. Willl put an ad in the paper if we have time before they publish for Thursday.

The surgery went well

2008-06-22T19:45:00.002-05:00

The surgery went well and we are in recovery mode - Day 4. Still a lot of gas issue, but very little up and moving around so guess it will last longer that it really should. He is feeling better though and even went to Ellen's yesterday for her birthday pool party - stayed in the house and stayed cool - and then with Jim on a metal run this afternoon for the ride and the get out of the house for a while. Which really was good, as I was emptying boxes of misc stuff from Mom's and cleaning out my office as it has been a mess since I took over as Fire Dept treasurer/ just not orgainised like I wanted it. Well it is now, just need some hanging file folders. Will get those tomorrow. Cleaned house and finished the front bedroom of boxes and found a place for everything, even the cedar chest when I can get someone to help me get it over here, and got a construction bag of more stuff to put in the garage sale next Saturday. Finished the office and it looks a lot better. Started a plastic storage box for pictures I am putting in storage until I can get a scanner/copier with a feeder to do the pictures to cd.
Had to take Mom's dog to the groomer as Erin didnt want it the way it looked, and then found out that it had a bladder infection and doggie diabetes so it is on shots twice a day and special food. Erin didnt want to do the shot thing so we have two dogs with shots twice a day, but she seems to be putting on a little weight and still cant see for shit as she has cataracts like Asta. Doubt I will be able to find it a home now. Shit!!!
We lost our 17 year old dog Precious this week also.
Trinity Care called yesterday and Mom was having back issues. So they called the Dr and he prescribed Tylenol and Advil for pain. Dr Mc said he would be in to see her if he had time this weekend. She now has a doll that the floor furnished for her. She carries it around and says it is one of her babies but she is looking for the other one. So they asked if I would get another one and a couple of receiving blankets for her to wrap them in. so will do that tomorrow and have her some pj's to take and a bag to carry her stuff in for the dolls. They said she is a lot more settled since they got her the first one, but keeps looking for the other one.
Tomorrow have to return the patio umbrella as it broke while I was raising it and then to Phyllis and Danny's to return a book, and Trinity, and Walmart, and then home unless we get the tires rotated.
Gave Jessie some chicken and dumplins and a spaghetti casserole and a banana pie for helping out Erin with her truck even though it still needs more work. She is getting moved into Mom's house and feeling more at home.
Have to mow the yard in the morning before it gets too hot, as the back yard and the fenced front yard are getting out of hand, get them edged, and they really look good.
Well off to the chair as have worked for the last 7 hours and cooked dinner; Bob had rice, peas and chicken soup I made and some jello, and then ice cream. I had a baked chicken breast, rice and peas. Have to feed the outside dogs as the inside ones have been fed. I think I am tired!!! I need a vacation!!!!!

Surgery Day

2008-06-18T06:17:00.002-05:00

Well today is surgery day for Bob. Awake early and showered and ready to go 3 hours early. Hmmm seems a bit ????
Asta and I are chilling. Sure is nice outside.
Busy day yesterday; got Mom's dog groomed, (much better) as Erin says she likes the dog, banking done, met with the Grant writer that will help us with Grants for the fire department- that lasted 2 1/2 hours, helped out at the cafe from 7 to 8:30 as she had no help, worked on pictures of the extra water tanks sitting behind the fire department to see if we can get rid of them and that is up to the Texas Forest Service as they are the ones that we got the truck from that they were removed in the remodel. Worked on getting the concrete donated for the pad for the building that will sit next to our new 180' radio tower for next week and got that donated, and trying to get a handle on what day they will be ready for the building so I can be sure we have someone that has the forms ready. These firemen have other things to do and we cant really wait much longer.
Talked to the chief and told him what I had done for the day so he would know as I wont be doing fire dept stuff for a couple of days. Then sent out an email to the members for Jim telling them what day we will be doing ticket sales for Walmart in August and September. Talked to Jim about getting a large sign made to take to the Walmart ticket sales for Sept as the atv will be at Bowie for sales there.
Soooo, now can begin today and tomorrow with a clean slate. yeah right.

Monday

2008-06-16T15:20:00.003-05:00

Oh what a busy Monday. Still have not heard from my friend Catherine Hardy, and beginning to worry about her. No email either. hmmmmm
Got up early, as could not sleep and was awake at my usual time of 12:27am and could not go back to sleep. So up and read until 4am. Then back to bed and slept to 6:30, and up again and fixed breakfast to get Bob off to meet Jim at 7;30. Washed clothes, fed the animals, straightened the house and started on the computer work. Went to Bridgeport to make a deposit for the Fire Dept and talked to the loan officer about a loan for a new roof for the house. Hmm will think about that one for a while. The over to see Mom and she has been moved across the hall to be with another lady that talks a bit more. Mom seemed confused but the lady showed her where their in room potty was. That was nice. All of her clothes were gone and do mean all. Went to find an aid and she said that they had to wash all her clothes as she had taken her dirty clothes out of the laundry hamper and put them back in her drawers. So they had to wash all of Mom's and the other ladies. then back home and scanned 16 pages of a sellers agreement for Erin to sell her house in Boyd and then to the fire house to meet Noconna and help her fax some papers, and went ahead and faxed the papers for Erin too so that there would be sure to be one that got there. Back home and worked on the computer for the dept and fixed lunch for me as Bob was eating with Jim The dr office said we would find out on Wed about the Catscan as the Dr was out of the office until then, but emergency was not on the file so that was a good sign. So will see when we see the Dr Wed for surgery.
100 degrees outside now, so I am in and brought the dogs in. Have a beauty appt for Calulah in the morning at 9 so get her cleaned up as Erin likes the dog. yeah yeah

Wowwww

2008-06-15T13:29:00.002-05:00

Other than Flo's Cedar Chest and a large picture and the statue of St Francis, we have finished clearing Mom's house. Doc and Pat have to get theirs, but thats it. Yeah yeah yeah. Finish the garage sale stuff and all is done. Thanks be.
Hotter than all get out today, going to be 103 the tv says. Hope I dont have to get back out in it. Bob is napping in his chair and I am going to rest except for his father's day dinner tonight. Robbie has called so far and of course Ellen early today. She is in route to Hawaii for a week of teaching classes at one of the clubs. But for Bob's surgery, I would be in the air with her. She is saying the she and Kenny and Derek my want to go to Corpus with us in July. That would be way cool. Will see what happens. Three schedules to coordinate with them, so who knows.
Have fire department stuff to do and call be a geek and get Erin some internet service.
Tomorrow, Bob is going to work with Jim early and then home before it gets hot. I am going to see Mom and clean this house.

No word yet

2008-06-14T17:30:00.003-05:00

Well the Dr didnt call yesterday, as we found out that he was closed even though the hospital said they were open yesterday. So no word on the emergency Catscan. Chest Xray on Wednesday for his surgery next Wed and a call on Thursday that there was a nodule on his lung and he was to come in for a catscan on Friday morning. So guess we wont know until Monday now.
Didnt do good on the garage sale in Wichita Falls for Mom's stuff, so will do it again June 28th in Boyd at Erin's right on the highway, so hope to do better and get rid of everything this time. Made $90 and that is all and it was 100 degrees up there.

Off to the garage sale

2008-06-14T03:59:00.002-05:00

Well I actuallly got all Mom's house sorted and boxed and barreled and ready to go to the garage sale at Wichita Falls at Doc's house. We have a 16' trailer full and the back of the truck and the back seat of the truck loaded. Of course we dont have out stuff moved over to the house or Doc's stuff to Wichita Falls, but at least Erin will have a place to put her stuff when she gets packed up and moved in. Hopefully she will have a contract on the house today as she has had one verbal offer and maybe two by this morning. We hauled 8 barrels of paper and 4 contract or bags of stuff to the dump from Mom's house. She never through away a greeting card or personal paper since 1952. And we had to open each one as with Altimers they put stuff in places we would never think to look. We found the truck title in a stack of bank statements from 1980. Pictures - my gosh we have pictures I have never seen 2 - 1/2 barrels of pictures to go thru. We have to leave here for the garage sale at 4:30am so better get up from here and get the biscuit and sausage ready and the drinks in the cooler. Have our chairs and big umbrella and stand in the truck as it is supposed to be 100 today.

More house cleaning

2008-06-06T06:21:00.002-05:00

Wellllll, have the front bedroom, and Mom's bedroom and bathroom finished. Stuff separated into piles by type of clothes and type of sheets and blankets etc. Have a counter full of misc garage sale items that will have to be boxed before I can add any more to it. Have been washing steadily anything that smells doggish. I just dont know where she has gotten all this stuff. My gosh!!!
The dog has been surprisingly good. Has yet to even wet on the floor in the wash room at night. The barking has decreased 50% and I think that she is finally getting the point that barking is NOT going to get her in the house. Time will tell. Getting her a bath and a cutting is next as no one will take her looking like she does but that will be after the vet exam. Have to call for an appt.
Saw Mom for over an hour last night. she had packed up all her undies in a trash basket plastic liner and someone had put it in the bottom drawer of her dresser. She had taken some of the other ladies that had died undies and some of mom's were missing. Also some of her clothes, so they much have gone with the ladies dresser they moved out yesterday. Glad I have some back up. I put all the clothes back were they belonged but have to take another brush and tooth brush as they disappeared. Mom was crying when we got there as she had taken the ladies clock off the wall and couldnt straighten back up so we got her into a chair and they have her some tylenol. They brought her dinner to her room on a tray and we talked while she ate her sandwich, soup, fruit, and milk shake. Today they have chili cheese dog for dinner. they have a great menu and everything is posted on the wall for lunch and dinner each day. They didnt call us last night so guess she had a good night. We are going to take her tv and replace the missing stuff this morning.
Better get a move on it as Bob wants to go meet Jim for coffee and breakfast and then we will get started.

Issues

2008-06-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

Trinity called last night about 10pm and Mom was wanting to go home as she had left her kids at home alone. They could not get her to go to bed as she was very anxious and kept telling them that her family was coming to take her home. They wanted to know what we did in that situation, so explained what we usually did, and they said the would handle it. Called this morning and they had gotten her settled and she went to sleep. She was up this morning and had a good breakfast. So will go this afternoon for a visit and take Bob this time as we have a Dr appt for him just down the street.
Had a great day yesterday. Worked on Mom's/Ellen's house and got one room finished so far and the hall closet and started on the back bedroom closet. There is piles of clothes everywhere in the living room as trying to sort them out so I can box them according to type. Blankets and pillows and sheets out the ears; piles of each. Have to open every box and every envelope to be sure that she hasnt put something in one to hid it, and have found lots of pictures that way and even some papers/deeds, old ones.
Went to Ellen's and then to Leeman's and gave them things for the grand kids of moms and Grandma's and Grandpa's. Then ran around with Ellen and Erin all afternoon and than swam and had taco's and buritto's for dinner. Had a great time.

The move has been completed for Mom

2008-06-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

I need boxes, for packing. We have moved Mom to Trinity Nursing Care Center yesterday. It has been a very traumatic week for Bob and I, and for my Brother and his wife. They came in yesterday morning to help get her there and to go thru things to see what has to be cleared out. I hope that no one has go ever go thru that!!! We took her yesterday morning and it went better than any one expected, including the staff. When we left, which I went first and then the nurse moved the others out as a group, they said the staff sat with her for a while and she settled in better than expected. They were so good!!! They even got her to take a shower and wash her hair; said she tried to get out with soap on her but they told her she had to rinse it all off. So that was a first in over 6 months. She has eaten all her meals in the cafeteria and ate well, but they want us to stay away for a few more days to be sure this just isn’t a fluke - settling in well. We think that she is remembering the routine that her sister had in the Altimers unit in Colorado for 8 years, and that may be helping. Thank the good Lord.

Going into her house this morning to feed the dog and her not being there was a trama I was Not expecting. So the next time was with my brother and sister in law and that was better. We have started going thru stuff to clear out but as they left a bit ago, I will be doing the cleaning out for the next 2 weeks. The a big garage sale at their house in Wichita Falls and then Ellen will sell her house. Changes changes!!

Bob goes to the Dr Thursday for them to explain the surgery and set the date. More Changes!!

Busy few days

2008-05-31T03:07:00.002-05:00

Mowing the yard has been a priority and edging. Mowed both yards day before yesterday and got our yard edged yesterday before I had to leave both days to meet the overhead door repair company at the fire dept. Will try to get the rest of the edging done today and finish the push mowing. Bob worked on getting the mowing deck back on the other riding mower but he is having issues with where each thing goes as he has waited so long to put it back together. Watered the yards to keep them from drying out, but still have the orchard to do.
Got the papers signed to get Mom moved into the nursing home and the first check written for $2060 for the first month until Medicaid gets set up. Got her medication to the also and now to get a dresser and tv there for her to use. Will explain what we are going to do I guess on Sunday when we take her. Who knows. Just playing it day by day and leaving it in God's hands. She had a great day Thursday; wanted to help mow the yard, so told her that wouldnt work and she could come over and weed the raised beds. She wanted to know when, and I told her any time she wanted to come over, and sure enough looked up from mowing and there she was, with her sun hat on and she was ready to weed. So took her to the raise strawberry bed and she worked in it for about 30 min. Told her we needed a Coke break and we went in and sat for a while, and Erin came over and we talked and she was ready to go home. So walked her home and she got in bed to rest. Went back over with her dinner, and she was sitting up in bed watching tv. We talked while she ate and she was just as chipper as could be. Yesterday she was talkative also and very confused. Started her pills for keep her calm for this weekend per the Doctor, so will see how she is today.
I seem to be having pain issues more than usual this morning. Have taken pain meds again - advil again as took some before bed but they seem to have worn off. Hmm?
Talked to the funeral home and have to go sign a new contract with them this morning to keep Mom's pre arrangement going. Down from $950 per quarter to $400, so that will help. I think we can manage that. Put the lots at Restland up for sale for her again, so sure hope they sell so we can pay off the prearrangement and have some left over for her account for extras she may need in the future.
Bob has an appt with the Dr for next Thursday to set up his surgery for the hietal hernia, and he has been asked to work in the office for the Golf Cart Rentals next week at the Speedway. That will help pay for the a/c units installation.
Will go thru Mom's stuff next week after Doc and I decide what we each want. Then have a garage sale and put the monies in her account for extras. That will take at least a week to get ready for, as will be doing that on my own since Bob will be out of pocket. Phyllis said she will come help when she doesnt have the grand kids, so may ask her too.
Anyway. back to bed and maybe a bit of sleep, although still have a lot of pain issues. Will see

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T11:01:00.002-05:00

Warm outside, and windy. We spent the morning cleaning up the tent, ie scrubbing it inside and out roof to bottom, of all the mud. Then the ice chest, from the bag of fish they forgot to keep iced down that was 4 days old, oh my G--. He even brought the bag in the house for me to divide. Gag Gag. Cleaned out the chuck boxes, not so bad, thank goodness, just two dish washer loads of dishes and pans. then had to recure my iron skiller. :) Ah the fishing trips the men take.
Mom is doing pretty goood this morning. Ate well, but has been rearranging again. Got all her new clothes yesterday and have the washed and will mark them later. Tomorrow off to the Care center and see the room and make sure we are ok for Sunday. Havent heard from Doc and Family yet.
We are resting and then off to Ellens and Kennys for cook out.
Tomorrow will be lawn mowing etc and Asta's hair appt. Busy day....

Kept busy

2008-05-24T05:23:00.002-05:00

Kept myself busy yesterday, and the cough and head congestion is better. Maybe by the time Bob gets back it will be mostly cleared up. :)
Cleaned one of the bathrooms yesterday, still two to go. Gave Mom her meals, and she ate every bite. She was having a good day yesterday, that makes me wonder if I am doing the right thing, and then I know she will have the bad days.
Talked with the Dr at 10;30 and he said not possible to get her into the hospital and then admitted to the nursing care center, unless she had something physically wrong. If that was the case, then she would have a 3 day stay and then to the nursing care center. We have to take her. I talked to Doc yesterday, and told him about the visit, and he was no more happy about it than I was. Now we have to be the bad guys. The date set is next Sunday, June 1. I will go down between now and then and get her new clothes etc, and get them in place, with her name on everything. She still have a few nice pieces of clothes, that I will include, but that will have to come later. Also talked to Doc about getting the house cleaned out, and the dirty dog used carpet out of the house, and then seal the floor. Alan wants to cut off the Elect as soon as possible so that the moneys she does have can be used for her daily upkeep. Going to have a drink after this is alllll over, a bigg drink, and as I am not used to drinking any more, one should do the trick.
Went over to see Phyllis and Danny for a bit and just visited and talked. That helped a lot as just talked about it helped take off the sharp edges. Then I talked to Glenda and Lee last night, and that helped too, they will keep us in their prayers.
Bob called a couple of times yesterday, and I told him about Mom when he called the first time. He called again to talk about it and said he would talk to me today.
Went to bed last night about 10pm and was awake again at 12:30am and up changing the sheets and started the washer. Folder the clothes in the dryer and put them away. Then back to bed and slept until Asta woke me at 5am wanting her walkies. Let her out, found I was actually hungry, so fixed bacon and biscuit with peach conserve.
Today, will give Mom breakfast, and then to my nail appt at 9:30 with Ellen. Then to Costco for some meds we dont have. Home to give Mom lunch, and hmmmm, just dont know. Will have to see what the mood strikes me.

Another Page turned

2008-05-23T06:33:00.003-05:00

Eventful day yesterday. I guess it has been a good thing to have quiet time to think. I say "I guess" as it did cause the beginning of a change of events that will change to the rest of our lives. Of course I have a headache to beat all headaches this morning, just tension but still have issues to come to terms with, and life to live. Would love to crawl into a book or movie like I did last night, watched 2 movies from Netflix after finishing a Nora Roberts Book. Think I will have to read another one today, if thinking gets to be tooo much. I know that I am a strong person and can shut away stuff to pull out and analise later, but this affects so many. Ellen and Kenny, Doc and Pat, Alan, and most of all Bob and I. Our life will change a lot over the next few months, and I will have to be sure that I dont get crabby with him. I am sure he would understand but only so much can a person take from crabby. If you could ask my x husband, and Bob, they would tell you when life change happen, until I come to terms with it, I can be crabby. Would love to go to Colorado for a couple of weeks to talk to Alan and just come to terms with it. He is so good for me!!!!!My next to go to is Phyllis, and I will probably go see her today, if she is at home. She has those grandbabys to take care of, and that comes first. Bob is fishing with the guys at the big "men verses fish men get together" up on the the Little Wichita and will be home Sunday. He deserves the get away, as he has been worried a lot lately. God works in the ways that are best for he and I. I can get past this first stuff and he can come home to a hopefully calmer person. Time will tell. Hmmmm the headache is better just talking about going to Colorado and talking to Phyllis/good sign. Didnt hear from Ellen last night so I am sure she is having long talks with Kenny about what they will do. I laid out my plans for everything yesterday to Doc and Ellen so that I can have this stuff preliminary planned in my mind, and as I am the on site person, figured I could lay out my ideas and see how they fly. After she is gone, Doc and I and Pat and Bob will go in and take out all of her stuff. Take up the carpet and seal the floor, and find a place for the dog, (not at our house), and clean the house. Doc and Pat were ok with it and Ellen was ok until she talked to Kenny. Talked to Alan first of course, as he is the money person, and he got the ball rolling and knows that he has to go to a lawyer today to get the final papers done and sent down here. All else he already had ready. He offered to come down and be here with me and give me moral support, but until I talk to the Dr this morning at 10:30 and talk to Jessica again this morning to be sure the room will hold until the first, I cant go forward with any other plans. Which is ok, as we have to have some time here to put everything in place. I realized that I was probably putting my wanting her to feel things and do things and be things that she just wasnt. I thought I had gotten past that with the "her not wanting to participate at holidays" thing, but I guess it was more than I thought. Or I have added more with time, who knows. I tend to compartmentalize things, to keep them in order, and some I put a lock on and dont reopen, which is the bad stuff, but it works for me.
Mom was very confused last night at dinner. She had her keys out and accused me of taking her purses, as she was leaving. Asked her where she was going and she didnt know, she was just going someplace. I think just as I left she knew who I was for an instant. Her eating certainly has not changed, seems to be getting better :) She is not getting around well, and seems dizzy more each day. This is not unusual as she seems to go thu cycles. I think, and I say think, that I saw the beginnings of an anger issue again last night. This would be unusual for her to have one again this quick, with only a week between. Will see what this morning brings, as it is almost breakfast time. She woulding change clothes again yesterday, so hopefully she did it on her own last night or I can get her to change today, as I will change her sheets again, and see if that will trigger a clothes change. Jessica was surprise yesterday that we could not get her to bathe, and change clothes when I was giving her the information on Mom. But she said it wouldnt be an issue and if she did start to wander, they would put her in the locked in area for a while to see if she would calm down, and the routine of bathing and clothes changing would come with time. I sure hope so. The nurse from Angles Care said that she thought with Mom in care, that the stimulus of other people, would help her to do more. I sure hope so. I will have to stay away for a while, up to 10 days or more, depending on what Jessica sees in Mom after she gets there. That alone will be a hard one as the waiting will make it seem worse than it will be going the first time to see how she reacts to us. Time will tell!!! Going to get her new clothes and night clothes, and have them ready for the event, as a lot of what she has will have to go.
Breakfast time so better pull the thought back and go see what new happening we have this morning. Prayers Prayers, that will keep me going. :)

Quick note

2008-05-20T06:55:00.002-05:00

We are now into the phase of "dont want to sleep on the bed - will sleep in the chair". So, she eats, she sleeps in the chair, and good Lord only knows when she goes to the bathroom. Mind is alert somewhat, no more than any other time, maybe a bit less. Holds a short conversation when prompted. Not sure always who Bob is, other than he cooks her food. :) Made sure she did the potty thing after she ate breakfast today, but she cant straighten up, this makes 3 days.
Bob and Jim are off this morning seining for shad again, caught 3 yesterday :)
Then they are off to Weatherford for prices on ATV's for the fall fund raiser and home to start the fishing trip packing. Bob is now in debt to our vacation fund for $250, and owes me 5 days of vacation. :) oh he willl paaayyyyyy biggie!!! big!!!
Training tonight at the department at 6:30 so have to have dinner over and Mom finished by 6. Watering everything outside as we hit 99 deg. yesterday and everything is very wilted. The well will get a good use today. Need to get the repairs done on the irrigation in the orchard quickly or we wont have very large peaches - the few we do have.

Slow Monday

2008-05-19T11:05:00.002-05:00

Well the Trazadone for mom is to be used only for anger incidents, not continually. I had cut her back to 1/2 twice a day and now have taken her completely off of the med, except for emergencies. Either she has had another spell, or the meds work on her exceptionally well. Will see as the day progresses. Her demencia has increased, 10 fold. She apparently has hurt her back leaning over doing what ever, as she has to use the walker today to get around. I got her back to bed mid morning and left her asleep to come do her wash.
Bob and Jim left at 7am this morning to go catch shad for bate, no luck of course. So they came back and got the weed eaters and are heading for the Little Wichita fishing spot to get it cleaned up for them to go back up on Wed afternoon. Of course they stopped and got night crawlers just in case the fish were biting. :) They will be back when I see them.
Got the Fire Dept accounts up to date, bills paid that came in this weekend, and all balance. That is soooooo nice. Got the personal accounts done also.
Went by Grandma and Grandpa's graves yesterday with Bob and Ellen as we were already at Restland to go to a funeral. Genia and Ray's bench was in place really nice.
House is in an upheavel again, as Bob is redoing his bathroom, and he lacks the trim and taking up the old vinyl tile. All of his tools will go out and the house will be tool free.
Upper resportary is better today. A week of this is the shits, and dont feel like doing anything as the fever stays about 100 to 101. But today so far it is better.

Lots been happening

2008-05-18T10:39:00.002-05:00

Lots been happening and the days have run together. So think I will just put it down as it comes to me rather than try for order
Bob has been thru a barrage of tests for his gall bladder and a scope of his esophagus, and he has a 4" heital (sp) hernia, and an over active gall bladder. One more test next week and another visit to the surgeon and we should have a date for the surgery. Then 6 weeks of no lifting which will include 3 weeks of no driving, which puts us into the middle of July and he should be as good as new.
We had hoped to go to Colorado and visit Alan this summer but with his vacations and Bob's surgery I dont know if we will make it in July. May have to wait until the end of summer. Of course have to work into Doc's schedule to watch Mom.
Went and reviewed a retirement center and nursing center and liked what I saw of each. When the time comes, hope to get Mom into one or the other, which ever she qualifies for, but I imagine it will be the nursing center. She has had a period of anger that has lasted longer than usual and the Dr has put her on Trazadone for 20 days to see how that works. She is definately calmer and we are past the anger. She is up around more now, not sleeping as much or so it seems.
We have no baby donkeys yet, but Bob says we will have two calves within the month. That will make 4 baby donkeys and to calves this summer. Hope one of the calves is a bull as they are going for premium prices.
We have finished the trim in the house now and Bob is working on getting the 1/2 wall replaced in his bathroom. Praise the Lord. Love him but want my bathroom to myself again. Then we will start taking up the carpet in the dining room and will paint the floor a terracotta red and put in lines to make it look like tile. Should be fun. The front yard looks awesome. The pallet and 1/2 of St Augustine we put down has really taken well. We put in red mulch in two of the long beds and some of the rocks we collected in Colorado and with the deck finished it looks good. Now to cut up and haul away the old hot tub that never got fixed, and we will level that area and put in gravel and big Mexican pots of cactus. We have started landscaping the area around the fountain and pond by the kitchen deck again. It has really sunk below lawn level, the stepping stones that is, so we are going to take the all up, and level again, and put down plastic, and the stones and put gravel between them this time. Should really look good.
Bob got the lumber and wood out from under the back deck and now it is open and snake free, but still have the toads to keep down the bugs.
Bob is planning on going on the yearly fishing trip with the guys next week. He and Jim will leave on Wed after his sonogram and come back Sunday. They found a Lone Star Metal boat with a trolling motor and trailer for $500 and split the cost and they have a river boat for catfishing etc. So they can now fish on their own w/o having to wait for someone else to go out. They are like to kids - have 4 legal pads pages two columns long of stuff to take. I think lots are duplicates, but the group is having a last meeting Monday night to finalise what food each is responsible for, as there is 11 or 12 going.
Been working every Friday night at the Cafe working the cash register for our friends. They pay me in free meals, so I think I can handle that. Did do one Sunday, but that was only because the waitress didnt show up.
I have had an upper respiratory mess for about a week. Mowed the lawn last Monday w/o a mask and have paid for it with fever, etc, and brocitis. Bob still has not gotten over his bought from 3 weeks ago.
Jim's daughter got married yesterday in Cottondale and Bob and a Constable held shotguns on the groom until he said I DO. Was a typical redneck wedding. :)
Fire department treasurer work continues with each day a new issue. Books are balanced though and the last business meeting went well, as everyone could see what each bill was and how much was paid. Waiting on the results of the new 2008 FEMA Grants as they have not started awarding yet. We hope for a building and a new truck. We got the contract signed this week on the tower construction, so maybe in a month or so, we will have a radio tower that will allow us to hear all the calls that go out, not 50%. We are all so ready. Matt resigned from the fire department last week. Health issues, and we have the Fire Fighters Ministery available to help him get thru it.
Guess better get up and get the wash changed over. LOve the new washer and dryer and the new Motorola Blue Tooth. They all work great, and already see a reduction in the water bill.

Mom got her hair cut

2008-05-03T06:10:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful Thursday that was. I took her lunch over to her and she told me as I walked in - that she wanted her hair cut. I asked her before or after she ate. So she ate her lunch and I went for the truck, fully expecting to have to put it back. But much to my surprise, she was getting ready to go. We went to Grapevine to get it cut to Lisa's place, and she did a great job, leaving it straight so she didnt have to worrry about curls. We stopped for ice cream and headed for the house. She at a good dinner and wanted to have a day out again. So we certainly will.
Went to Trinity care also and they were really nice and the place is nice., and the Assisted living cost $2305 per month, or $85 per day for short term visits, rather like a hotel. Bob and I had a long talk and decided that until she started to wander or we couldn't physically take care of her, that she would stay at home. Talked to Doc also and he was in full agreement. They have Pat's Mom every other 3 months to care for, and Lisa and the kids moved out and into their own place, so they have the care issue also.
Have had grass fires every day and ems calls as usual, so will catch up on the paper work today when we arnt working outside doing yard work and clean up, from under the back deck and the garage, and finish mowing the yards and edging, as the 5 1/2 hours I spent yesterday mowing and spraying didnt get it finished.
Worked at the Cafe last night and came home ready for my take home dinner and bed. Then we got a call this morning about 2:30am and decided someone else could take that one. Just turned off the radio.
Rainer talked to me about the supposed issue between Mary and I and I told him that it was all on her side, and my ego didnt have to be bolstered by telling stories in the department, that she was the Secretary and I had told her that. Explained about her trying to tell me what to do and that Stan was standing there when she tried it and I told her that I would take care of the food issues. That during the fund raiser. Seems she had decided to be a Chip and try to run the department. Told her when she said that she would be running the monthly meetings that she needed to talk to the Chief about that as that was his job, and I dont think she liked that at all. So informed Rainer that I wasnt worried about all her calling to different members of the department but they better not call me with her stuff. He said he was tired of it too. And so is the Chief. So Rainer said to follow protocol with issues that pretain to the fire stuff and go to the chief with the stuff about the Treasurers job. Said that was what I was doing, that Mary's stuff was not important enough to worry about, and if people didnt know me for being honest by now, that they never would.
Still no Baby Donkies, so hopefully this next week. Sweetie Pie looks so miserable.

More grass fires

2008-04-30T16:59:00.002-05:00

Had another grass fire yesterday, but not as bad as the other days and an ems so far today.
Bob and Jim worked this morning and made a load to Ft Worth. Back to get the Attack truck and take it with out brakes to Bridgeport to get it fixed. Bob drove and I followed in the truck. The to Bowie and got the part and back to Bridgeport and then met Jim for Lunch.
Took Mom a chicken salad sandwich, cleaned her house, and turned the mattress and got her to change clothes so at least she has on clean clothes. Then home and have about 7 loads to finish up. Worked on the books today and cleaned house and moped and waxed the floors. Bob is home and working on the spray rig so I can mow and spray/fertilize the yard tomorrow. Fixing tuna salad and crackers for dinner as we had big lunch, he had the meatloaf special and I had a fried chicken breast and 5 ff. Hopefully with the 30mph wind we wont get a call out when someone gets home and gets stupid.
Hopefully we will get our income tax rebate next week and can enjoy that a bit. My first retirement check is due in the bank tomorrow so will be watching for that for sure.
Talked to John today and he told us where to get the kit to fix the boat motor so that is on the agenda too. Ready for some down time for sure for sure.

What a Day

2008-04-28T22:44:00.002-05:00

Two EMS Calls and two brush/grass fires and the last one finished at 10:30pm. We are tired. Dr appt for Bob this morning with the Chiro, then to Bowie for part for the Attack Truck, then to Bridgeport for a stop at the bank for the fire dept. Then a stop for donkey feed. Then home and fix lunch and give mom hers. Then vacuum, mop the floors, wax the floors, and dust and wash clothes. Bob went to work with Jim. Called out for the brush fire in the middle of the afternoon after the ems call. Then the ems call. Home and fix dinner and feed the animals and the juju and the call goes out for a hay field fire. So out for 2 hours on that. Now home. I think I am tired and need a shower. On top of that the Attack Truck we were driving lost its brakes and Bob was driving the whole time with the gears, pretty damn good!!!!!! and in the dark using the emergency lights to see the gullies. Another good fire squelched. :)

Great visit with Stan

2008-04-27T15:43:00.002-05:00

We had a great visit with Stan. Lots of things to do and he went home walking straight. Still needed a little assistance getting up, so loaned him the old walker of Bob's. He drove straight thru and checkin with us on MSN at 4am this morning. Heard it ping so got up and answered him. Back to bed and slept to 7:30.
Leasurely get up and sat on the back deck as it was a bit chilly/windy outside. Fixed breakfast and off to get Mom her breakfast and she wants a hair cut!!!!!!!! Wow thats wonderful. So we discussed and will try for Tuesday morning. Hopefully. Then Sonic for a hamburger and icecream. She has had 3 good days, holding good conversations with both of us. Really neat.
Didnt win anything at the casino Friday, but I didnt loose but $3 and Bob lost $9. So went home very please it wasnt more. Stan won $35.
We have Dr appts with Dr Chuck in the morning and then back home and do some yard work as havent mowed since Thursday a week ago. And it does need mowing and the raised beds need weeding. Got my first strawberry of the season and it was wonderful.
Bob is hurting today, had to give him a pain killer as he stepped of a concret rise and didnt see it and hitched his hip. Glad we are going to Dr Chuck in the morning.
Had my toes done yesterday, with Ellen, then we went with them to get a new mattress for their footon and then lunch and Costco. Stopped at Erins's and dropped off her clothes, and pay envelope for last weekend at the Cotton Top. Then home and rested.
Got a couple of plants today at Walmart when we went to get mom groceries and dry goods. Got them planted and washed up clothes - still doing that - and straightening up the house. Filled the bird feeders, and the hummingbird feeders and we hummers in right away.
Donkeys wanted feeding but it is too early. Looks like Sweetie Pie will domino in the next two weeks according to Kit our horse friend.
Got the accounts for the fund raiser balanced and we made $10,012.88 this time. And the bank statement reconcilled with the operating and Quick books, it balances. Now to get the reports done for the Texas Forest Service and I will be caught up.
Fish for dinner tonight as we had hot dog for lunch and Mom sure liked hers, with her Fritos and cookie. :)

Well No Vacation

2008-04-23T06:11:00.002-05:00

Got the truck back yesterday evening, and it cost over 1/2 of our vacation money to get it fixed. So, let Alan know we were not coming. Sure would liked to have gotten away for a few days.
But then on the other hand, the Chiropractor told Stan that he needed another treatment as he was in bad shape. Gave him some muscle relaxers and pain pills, all organic, and told him to come back today. Doubt that he is going to though as he is on ice pac per the Dr Chuck, and he doesnt think he did him any good.
He will be resting until he can drive or go. Told him he has three options; bed rest and get better, or Dr and surgery, or Dr and adjustments. He has not decided which he wants to do. He did walk into the game room this morning and sitting on ice pac after he had a lot of difficulty getting off the side of the bed. He was walking around the house some yesterday afternoon with lots of difficulty.
Bob has gone to borrow Mom's walker since she isnt using it, and see if he can motivate better with that. Well he is walking around the house now, so that is better w/o help. Getting up and down causes a catch, sounds just like Mom's issue with her pulled muscle and pinched nerve last spring. His visit may extend for a bit longer even though he is ready to go home. Dont think he loves us any more :) Too much fund raiser standing, and standing at the accident site the other day taking pictures and helping with traffic control, and walking around here over uneven ground taking pictures.

Fund Raiser went well and Stan's visit is great

2008-04-22T15:28:00.002-05:00

We have had a busy week and 1/2. Starting with getting ready for the fund raiser and then the day of and the day after clean up. Rest Sunday afternoon. Monday lots of rest for the two old farts, and me on the computer all day getting the accounts balanced for operating, fund raiser, and benevolent fund. Today we started getting ready to go on vacation on Friday, and Stan hurt his back getting out of the car this morning, and we have an emergency appt with our chiropractor after his office hours in Denton. Looks like he wont be heading home tomorrow as planned, as he is not walking very well.
The fund raiser went great. We made 6964.00 that day and that with the profit we had already banked will pay off our loan on the new truck, with a little left over. Yea yea. So looks like we can make another loan and get another truck started. :)
Still no baby donkeys, just waiting. Raised beds are really doing well, tomatoes and peppers look good and the strawberries are starting to bare. Even have tomatoes on the tomato plants. Planted a pineapple top today to see if we can grow one. The celiantro looks good to and already cutting some, and the chives look good too.
The donkeys got into the peach orchard and ate all the peaches off as far up as they could reach. So new fence up there.
Mom has had some really bad days in the last 3 weeks, to the point that the visiting nurse suggesged we put her into care. Me, I keep putting it off. She has had 2 really good days which makes up for the bad.
We are still hoping to go on vacation on Friday, but Stan's visit may postpone it a few days depending on how he is moving. Waiting to let Doc and Alan know until we hear from the Chiropractor today.

Busy Sunday and Monday

2008-04-07T16:43:00.003-05:00

Got up Sunday Morning and Bob and I went to the Cottontop and worked for 3 hours, as their cook and waitress had quit the day before. We left there and headed back to the house and gave mom her lunch and then loaded up our stuff and headed for Ellen's. Helped them put out a palet of st augistine, and 16 bags of top soil, and make a small patio around their storage building for putting pots. Had dinner with them, and then home. Didnt sleep worth a flip as we had a call go out at 1 and finally got back to sleep around 4am and up at 6 to get ready for my Dr checkup. Stopped for brunch as had not eaten since last night. Then xrays on my right hand to see why my knuckle is still swelled. then home and left my presc at the drug store for the "unknown" bladder infection and the renewal of everything else. No cholesterol meds this time, he is going to see if I really need them. Bob is out filling the trailer with Jim so they can do a metal run tomorrow. Rain or shine.
Mom is having the 4th bad day in a row. Didnt hardly speak but did eat all her food. Not even sure that she knew me at lunch. will see what dinner brings. A/c man did not come to install our a/d unit so now the rain will keep that from happening that is supposed to start tonight, and for the next 3 days. Changed mom's phone number as someone keeps calling her and trying to get her to give them money. So now that will stop I hope. Going to Trinity care one day this week to talk to them about their facility.

Have a new Washer and Dryer

2008-04-05T18:31:00.002-05:00

Went with Ellen yesterday to Hilton Hotel for her Special Events class to take the tour. While I was there talked to the General Manager and he is having the Hotel Donate a weekend package for our fund raiser auction. Thats was really nice. Then went to Bestbuy and got a new washer and dryer they had on sale, and a new blue tooth. They will deliver them next Thursday, 18 months to pay, thank goodness. While I was gone the A/c man showed up after waiting for two years, and checked out our central a/c and will be back Monday to install and move everything so we will have central heat and a/c hopefully by the end of the week, and he is letting us pay that out also. Lord be praised. Then had lunch with Kenny and Ellen, and home to work at the cafe here in Cottondale from 4pm until 9pm. And they ran 47 tables in that 5 hours. I worked for food, as cant make any money due to SS docking me if I make too much. Home and bed by 10:30.
Today up and picked up the mower to take to Walmart for the Ticket sales day, for some of the members. Then back home and burned feed bags that Bob had been saving in the feed shed and cleaned out the shed and picked up wood etc in the yard and burned it too. Really looking better around here. Cafe called and want Bob and I to work at 7am in the morning as the cook and waitress quit today. So we will work for 3 1/2 hours before we have to leave to go to Ellens to help them put down their sod. Will feed mom her lunch first and then home for her dinner.
Doc called and he and Pat cant go to Colorado with us so he is going to stay here and take care of Mom so we can go for a few days, from the 25th thru the 30th. Yeah yeah. Then we will plan our party again.
The fund raiser is the 19th and Stanley is coming the 18th so we will have a ball. Looking forward to the help he can give of course, hehehe
Well ribs on to grill ready to come off. hmmmmmm

Day 3 of the retirement

2008-04-03T20:54:00.002-05:00

Well started off with Breakfast at the Cottontop at 7:15 this morning, after feeding the dogs and fixing and taking mom her breakfast. Then to the fire house for some needed papers. Then back to the house for paperwork and some various cleaning. Then to the fire house again and to Danny and Phyllis' to return the tiller before it rains. Talked to the Dr and made an appt for Monday for refills on presc, talked to the Porta Potty people and order 2 for the fund raiser day. Then talked to Country Meats in Fort Worth, and ordered 300 New York Steaks, and 300 4" link port sausage for the fund raiser. Then stopped at the feed store and spent $132 on donkey feed and vegetables for the raised beds. Got 4 more tomato plants, 8 peppers, 2 cilantro, and 1 chive. So now I have 8 total tomatoes. Bob worked on the push mower and the tractor spray rig, and almost got both finished. I put out the hummingbird feeders too, all 4 as we are seeing hummingbirds daily now.
Fixed dinner and went to a board of directors meeting that didnt accomplish anything toward getting our radio tower put up. so they will vote on Tuesday before the Board meeting.
Home and fixed a bowl of cereal as still hungry, and now fielding phone calls for the department and sooth ruffled feathers. Watching the weather build up and down so hope we dont get called out tonight.
Off to Ellen's in the morning by 7:45 and then home in time to possibly work at the cafe to help them out in a personnel shortage, probably will work the register. Who knows?

More spring house cleaning

2008-04-02T21:55:00.003-05:00

Made good head way today too. Finished the kitchen side of the house, and the livingroom side of the house except for Bob triming out the various projects to finish. He says he will do them before the goes to the speed way tomorrow to visit with his friends. Then all his tools in the utility room go back out to his storage shed and I dont have to climb over his tools to get to the door of the dryer. And his compressor will come out of the dining room. :)
Went to the fire house and got everything ready for the ticket sales at Walmart Sat and Sun, so the members going will just have to get the Attack truck and the ticket sales items and head out. Fixed broiled salmon, no egg noodles with garlic and butter, and asparagus brazed. Bob had cake for desert, I refrained :0)
Bob got me an extension for my lap top usb port, so now I can use my thumb drive and stay hooked to my air card. Sure was glad he found it at Walmart.
Watered our grass this afternoon as we only got 1/10 of an inch last night and have to keep that St Augestine going.
Mom is having a better day today. She had a really bad day yesterday. I put new clean sheets on her bed, and she took the top sheet and folded it to the side in a long roll???. Asked her why she did that and she said she didnt know what it was for. Told her to cover up, and she just looked blank. Didnt talk much at all. Today she talked all thru her lunch, and dinner. She was watering her plants on her deck this evening, but had not gotten dressed. Yesterday she had on only her robe and a tshirt. She continues to eat well, but she is having more bad days this week than good. Still have not found another person to take care of mom so the 4 of us can go to Colorado the end of the month. I can get the animals fed, but would really need someone close to get her meals and check on her between meals. So guess will be hanging out here which is ok for sure. Will miss seeing Alan though. Have to call and let Doc and Pat know too. She has even stopped going thru her stuff like she enjoys, just sleeps or watches tv. Will see if I can get her out again as we enjoyed the last two trips for ice cream and hamburger (for her)

Retirement is wonderful

2008-04-01T18:06:00.002-05:00

Monday was great. We started the day heading for Kenny and Ellen's to meet the grass delivery truck, with a palet of St Augentine for us as well as K and E and others near by. They loaded it on our little trailer, and the whole front of the truck came off the ground. They pushed it to the front of the trailer and the truck settled down and we had to stop and put air in the tires as it was making them bulge. We made it home with the grass in tack, and met the husband of a woman the department did a high water rescue on the 18th. We gave him a copy of the incident report per the Chief, and then we put down the grass in the front yard. Watered it like crazy until 10pm. Went out to eat at Catfish Oharleys as didnt feel like cooking.Today Bob went back to work with Jim and I started spring house cleaning. Was cleaning away and an ems call went off and had to drop everything and go to the station. bob and Jim were leaving for FT Worth with a haul, so Rainer and I went. Got back to the fire house and went on to Decature, for groceris, and to Lowes for 20 - 40lb bags of top soil. Then to Bridgeport for a bank stop and home to fix mom's lunch. Then put out 14 of the bags of soil in the cracks between the squares of grass. Then finished shampooing the carpets in the dining room, office, bedroom and game room. Moped the livingroom floor, planted 3 pots of flowers, and put everything back in the dining room. Washed the curtains in the two rooms and two loads of sheets. Sprayed Bella for flees and now fixing dinner while Bob is trying to get the tractor spray rig working so I can fertilize the other part of the homestead. I think I will fix grilled chicken, brazed spinach and baked potato for dinner, and then stop for the evening

I am retired

2008-03-30T06:11:00.002-05:00

Friday was check out day, ie, went to the office and turned in my Keys and said good by to the ones that had come in for the day, human resources, new id card for retirees, and new parking pass for retirees. Sure was nice. Bob walked me around the campus while I checked out. Then went to Cosco and bought groceries, and darned atm card wasn't working so had to use different card. That was the second time this week that that happened and even the bank says it is their fault as we sure have money in there, but this is more than the first or second time in the last 3 months, that they have not posted Bob's SS check correctly and the bank service doesnt get it right. So will move all our auto deposits back to our old bank. Anyway, went on to Ellen and Kenny's for Bob's birthday lunch, and then home. Went to the Cottontop for late dinner, and they had a surprise birthday/retirement cake for us, and cards and Kathy gave Bob a Christian ring, and I got a Christian bracelet for prayers. Then we got a gag gift of a sucker which will go undescribed and a pair of hand cuffs. :)
Saturday - we went to watch Derek's Winter Drum line perform, and they took third in their catagory, and then went to get our nails done at 12. Left there and went to get an Air Card for my lap top as I had gift cards to pay for over 1/2 and will get a $100 rebate. Sweeeet.
Then lunch with Kenny and Ellen and back home and fixed mom dinner, she had had her lunch already as we left it for her while we were gone.
Sunday morning- awake at 3am for an ems call, women difficulty breathing, and Kevin and I did cpr in the ambulance to the hospital for 30 min, but she didnt make it. Home and fixed breakfast, biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs w chopped ham. Fed the dogs. Fixed Mom's breakfast and bob took it over. Mopped the kitchen, living room, and both halls, and oiled them and washed our clothes we had on this morning, and dusted, and now will do some accounting work.
Bob is asleep in the chair. Didn't have hardly any pain or nausea yesterday or the day before, so the diet restriction seems to be helping. Will see what today brings.
Going to Danny and Phylis' to borrow their tiller this morning, after they get up, and till the front yard, as we have a pallet of St Augustine coming in the morning and want to get it down before the heavy rain starts, I hope. Fill between the squares with top soil and maybe by the end of the summer the yard will be covered. I hope.

Busy week and weekend

2008-03-25T05:08:00.002-05:00

We had a busy weeks end last week and this weekend. Yesterday was about the same. Had 1/2 day Friday off and took off a whole day yesterday for Birthday and to take Bob to the Hospital for his Hydra Scan Test. We finished the front bedroom this weekend except for hanging the quilt holder back up. Then waxed and buffed the livingroom, and kitchen 4 times and it really looks good. Still have the hall to trim out and the door pulls to put on the cabinet doors in the utility room and then do Bob's bathroom and shampoo the carpet in the office and dinning room. That will come this weekend. We have cancelled the bbq party for this Saturday, as Bob's not feeling well from the gall bladder issue and is tired a lot. No since in having a party if you can have fun doing it. So we will do that later. The trip to Shreveport is off with Nancy and Jim. They had to have certain days for their baby sitter, very understandable, and it didnt jive with our dates. So we have decided to go see Alan in Colorado. Doc and Pat want to go too, so will check with Darlene and see if she and her daughter would like to come stay here and get mom her meals and feed for us. Sure hope they want to. Would like to stay about a week or 10 days.
Got Mom's carpets cleaned yesterday and they sure do smell and look better. Of course they couldnt guarantee them, but that was ok, considering what they had to work with with the dog going on the floor issue. So Bob will vacuum today and get up the resedue and then have Darlene and her daughter come in Thursday evening to clean the windows and dust and do the blinds. Yea yea, I wont have to clean this weekend. Now if we could get Mom to clean up we would be in good shape.
I am working today but will probably take off tomorrow, and work Thursday and then go in Friday and check out of the university and be finished and retired. Oh I cant hardly wait.
Mom did well yesterday, was very adjitated but that is ok, she still ate a good dinner. Will see how she is this morning. We walked around the yard with the dog while the carpets dried not that they did that quick, but thats ok. She had Callula wrapped up in a sweat shirt, and sitting on pillows in the rocking chair on the deck when we go over there yesterday eveing, and let me tell you that dog wanted down big big. Not counting that it was 75 out side.

Busy days remodeling

2008-03-17T21:25:00.002-05:00

Well the front yard is finished except for painting the bottom of the deck, and in the future we want to put up the arbor over the door from the living room to the deck. Got the weed and feed out in case we catch some rain, if not will water tomorrow. Bob got some more of the kitchen tile down, and I cooked dinner with the stove in the middle of the kitchen, but it works ;)
The Juju is doing good this week. Seems to be with it more this week, and eating well. Changing her clothes daily. thank good ness.
We will be working on the front bedroom tomorrow and putting down more kitchen tile, hopefully to finish it. Then Bob's bathroom wall yes yes. It is all coming together.
Shadow decided to eat a ring of sandpaper tonight so, dont know how the tummy will be doing tomorrow. Crazy dog.
Finally got my blue tooth working again. That was so weird, just quit working. Now it is working again.
Bob is still not feeling well. We have started Malox with his meals and that seems to be stopping the nausea. The pain is at about a 5 or 6 sometimes spiking to an 8. Still no word from the Dr.
Kenny has his company car in the shop for a thorough check up and complete repair of anything wrong. Then he can let his boss know that he is ready for his new one, and I get to buy his company car. So maybe in a week or so I will get to have his company car, Nissan 2004 Maxima. Reallllly nice.

Retirement lunch ends a busy week

2008-03-16T06:55:00.002-05:00

Our week began with Mom loosing her dog Tanga, who was an 11 year old Schnauzer. We saw the dog at Breakfast on Monday and Lunch on Monday, but after that, NO dog. We looked inside everything, thinking that the dog had died and she had done her usual, of putting them in a plastic garbage bag and in the freezer. Thank the good Lord, that was not the case. We went thru drawers, cabinets, closets, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher, everything we could think. No dog, so I asked her what she did with the dog. She would not talk period, just ate her dinner and would not look up. NOT good for the dog issue. So, ok we would see if the dog showed up Monday morning. No dog. Noon no, dinner no. Tuesday no, and she still would not talk. Wed evening, she asked Bob if he had seen her dog, calling it by the wrong name, and started with the dog she has left, Calluah, treating her like Tanga. Thursday no dog, and Friday morning, she told me the dog was gone, and she guessed it was dead, and that was it. No other reference to the dog. So we are down to one. Which is going to the groomer the next time that Asta goes, for a clean up. No ads in the paper for a found dog, so we have no idea where the dog went. She is talking again and we went ( for the first time since Christmas) to get ice cream on Thursday afternoon; she put on makeup and combed her hair,(no bath yet) and got her lost purse, and we headed out. We had a sundae, and went to the bank, and we took the long way back home. She wanted to come in the house and she saw the newly painted kitchen cabinets, and realized there was a new color, saw the new floor in the living room and couldnt believe how it made the room so big, her comment not mine. And the front room new paint - very yellow - and really liked that. She has had good days ever since, so we are in a goooood time period for her. Eating everything I fix for all her meals too as usual.
I had my retirement lunch on Friday. It was great. We went to the Mexican restaurant of my choice and I and Bob had chili renoes, and Ellen had enchiladas and 1/2 of one of my chilis, they were so gooood. Eloise, my first supervisor at unt was there, and Laurie, the Senior Advisor when I first started, and they both had been gone 6 years. The office gave me a $100 gift certificate to Coldwater Creek spa, and the Pre med Director Deb, gave me a $50 gift cert, and I also got from the office a hooded sweat shirt from the university, and an exercise bag to carry my stuff in. We left there and followed Ellen to home to Grapevine, and she and I headed for the nail place and got toes and she got her hands done. Back to her house with me driving their new red vet convertible. Oh my - yes I want a vet convertible. Then home and fix juju her dinner and then comfy time.
Yesterday, was ticket sales at Walmart and they did $1034 for the day. Bob and I worked on the front deck railing and will finish that this morning, and we bought a new door for the deck with a built in blind. Cant wait for that to go in today as the rain is supposed to start this evening. Will get the weed and feed on the yard tooo today, and get my organic planter box planted too.
Tomorrow with the university closed we will do the floors etc and then the front room. Then bob's bath room wall and new floor. 17 hears has taken its tole on the house, so it is fix it up time. Then next weekend is the yard and garden, and painting the underpinning and washing the siding with the power washer from the fire department.
We will have this all done before my last day the 28th. yeah yeah.

Snow storm is past but the Snow lingers after 2 1/2 days

2008-03-09T13:46:00.003-05:00

Snow still on the porch after 2 1/2 days and today is 50 degrees. We got 9 inches here, went out and measured so know that we did. It was beautiful and will put the pictures out on my picture site. Too many to just pass around. Took me 2 1/2 hours driving in 1st and 2nd gear to get from Denton to the fire house where we were set up to do rescue work. Didnt get home until 9:30pm after a Board Meeting and no more requests for help or shelter.
Nice to have 3 1/2 days off from the University. But back to it tomorrow.
Ellen and I drove to Hot Springs Ark yesterday to take Derek's leased Dodge Truck to the dealer they leased from and pick up his new 2008 Dodge Charger. Really nice. Left at 7 from Springtown and got to Hot Springs at 1, with a stop over at Grapevine for about 30 min to get Ellen. Picked up the car and ate lunch with Kenny, as he had timed his flight out of Little Rock for 4pm and we headed back. Got to Ellen's again at 7 and took a breather and she took me home to Cottondale and stayed to play with her and Derek's dog Hershey. Then she headed for Springtown to get Derek after an away Winter Drum Line competition. He drove his new car home and Ellen rested and he is running errands for Ellen and Kenny today. Of course it could be the encouragement of the new car to drive instead of the stick shift truck. Hmmmm :)
Fixed Mom's breakfast, boiled egg, sausage patty, biscuit and jelly, banana, and fruit mixture for her to have her pills. Bob is selling tickets with Jim for the Fund Raiser in Bowie again today. I am cleaning house, been to the grocery store to get Mom some staples, bras and panties, etc, and she wanted some movies to watch. So took care of that. Fixed and gave her lunch, turkey sandwich, chips and brownies.
Back home to wash her 7 or 8 loads of wash and get them folded and back to her, and put away.
Put away her groceries and will remove the worn out clothes from the wash and replace them with her new clothes.
Can sure tell a front is coming in. Fibromialga, and joints are bothering me today big big.

10 days have been busy days

2008-03-02T09:48:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we spent the weekend working on the house. The painters were in to paint the kitchen cabinets and they worked about 5 hours Saturday getting them primed etc. Then came back Sunday morning and worked until they had the cabinets painted inside and out but not the doors. They took they with them to do at the shop which was ok by me as I could still put my stuff back when the cabinets were dry. So Monday stayed home and put the kitchen back together but got rid of 3 boxes and one large bag of stuff I wont use, and Bob and Jim wants to take it to Bowie trade days next weekend when they go to sell raffle tickets.
Then we started on the front bedroom and got the carpet out and the walls primed. Got them painted the first coat and oh my gosh ---- my light yellow turned into sunshine yellow. Holly mackerel. Oh well, they are yellow so trimmed out the door and the window and the ceiling and floor trim in white. Bought a white comforter for the sleigh bed - mahogany -and will get a quilt out with colors and hang it up over the bed. Then hang the pictures I had in there and see how it looks. Have new beige carpet to lay also and Bob is going to sand and refinish the bed side table to back in there. I got rid of all the old bedding out of the closet and put the good Stuff - ie down sleeping bag etc. in blanket bags. Going to have to get a set of twin sheets for the bed though as the ones I have will NOT match the color change in the bedroom
Yesterday the painter "Greg" came in and put the doors up and touched up any nicks and it loooksss sooooo goooood. To go from dark brown wood to nice and bright - even the brushed aluminum handles go perfectly. Now to get the new tile down in there and it will be finished.
Then the floor in the hall and the game room carpet and Bob's bathroom wall and the library floor and we will be finished inside. Yeah yeah.
Then for the mess outside, winter always seems to mean dont put away and leave it lay around. And of course get the plants in the garden.
Bob went to the Dr Friday morning and the Dr sent him to xray to see if he had pneumonia. Then Tuesday he will go for a sonogram on his liver and gall bladder. He is s till tinder there. Dr Chuck told him to start eating beats and the juice off the beats after they are cooked, as they will clean out his gall bladder and keep it clean. So I bought out IGA of all their baby beets in a can. I have a good receipe for beets and he liked it last night when we had dinner.
Tonight fried chicken - Popeyes Fried Chicken style- beets, potatoes, and gravy made with Lactaid milk, and green beans. Hungry already.
Bob is out with Jim at Weatherford Trade days to sell raffle tickets for the Fire Dept. Winds gusting to 40mph. Glad it is him and not me. I painted trim and put handles on the cabinets and working on our Quick Books accounts.
No fires so far from the high winds and none the last week or so. Even slow on the EMS calls thank goodness. We did get a call for a dead man on the side of the road yesterday, but about the time I got the Rescue out of the building, they 1022'd us and he was asleep waiting for his wife to bring a tire for his flat on his truck. :)
14 more actual working days left until retirement, as I plan on taking a few days here and there this month. Man this is just toooooo gooood.
Mom is having a bad two days. Thought we were going to go thru a few good ones, but she is not feeling very well. I think the weather changes are bothering her back etc. She is a bit confused, more so than usual. I asked if she wanted to go to the Dr, and she flatly refused. So guess she isnt that bad. Time will tell.

Rain Rain, Snow, Sleet, thank goodness

2008-02-21T12:29:00.002-06:00

We are having snow and sleet and mixed rain out at the house. Keeps down the fires thank goodness. Had a call for a grass fire in another district last night but did not make the call with the others as Bob is sick and I was too tired.
Mom is still mentally declining per the nurse and the Dr. Bob talked to the Dr yesterday and he recommended we find a care facility in the very near future. When the time comes he will have a ambulance come and get her and admit to the hospital, then a check up and on thru to the nursing care facility. Seems a lot better for her as she will transition better.
Erin finally contacted Ellen yesterday, only the 2nd or 3rd time since before Christmas. She seems to be a bit lost and down due to her finances. Hated she cut herself off from all of us but I guess it was a part of her moving on after her divorce.
Bob has been sick all week. Seems he has a recurring lower stomach issue that if the new antibotics dont help, he is going to have tests done for gall bladder.
The living room looks wonderful. Finally finished except for a coat of wax. That will come after a few other things are finished. Like the new floor in the kitchen, then we can do both at the same time. Sure are making progress as the painters will be in on Sat to paint the kitchen cabinets. Cant hardly wait. If Bob feels up to it he is going to work on the hall floor and then I hope to paint the front bedroom walls and get the carpet up afterwards. Then down with the new carpet and put in the twin bed. It will be finished too. The the carpet for the game room. and Bob's bathroom wall fixed. Yea yeah. then on to the outside and the yard etc.

Weather and the weekend is here finally

2008-02-15T16:06:00.003-06:00

Cold weather is moving in and winter weather advisory is getting closer. Ready for a fire in the fire place and a soft blanket, a book, a cup of hot chocolate and rest.
Been working on fire department issues all day yesterday and today, and hopefully will resolve these over the weekend with the result that by Monday we will be ready to submit the Grant information to TFS and start the ball rolling to get our money.
Bob and I are going to work on the house remodeling all weekend, and make some good progress, thinking positive here.
Shadow tried to kill one of the new kittens last night but thank goodness I got out there in time, before she got hold of it. Such a beautiful little thing. So she is now on a leash when she goes out to potty. I am determined that we will get a place outside of the yard for the dogs to go potty so we dont have that issue any more.
Bob worked with Jim all day today hauling metal, even thou it was in the 30's. Said they got a lot moved to the separation lot. Hope to see some loads go out next week.

Weekend almost here with nice cold weather

2008-02-14T09:34:00.003-06:00

Monday was only one fire call and a busy day at work. Mom seemed to be holding on to her good days a bit longer. Tuesday was less busy at work, but had to prepare for the Monthly business meeting at the fire dept, so took 1/2 off and got my hair cut and go to the Dr for my hands. Seems I have a tumor of some kind in the palm of my hand attached to the sac that surrounds my regiment to my middle finger and it will eventually cause the finger to not release when I close my hand. When it gets to that point I can have it removed. In the mean time I have to wear a glove over the palm and not the fingers any time I do any thing other than something light. Well dauuuuh, that means any time I am not typing.!!! Had him look at my right hand also as I hit the middle finger knuckle on my right hand about 3 weeks ago, and it was not working to good back then until I pulled it straight out and it hurt quite a bit, but it seemed to have straightened it out and the pain has gradually gone away, but it doesnt work as quickly as it had been before. He said I had cracked the bone but it seemed to be healing just fine, so if it didnt get better in 2 weeks, I had to go get it xrayed. Then to the fire dept and cleaned the meeting room and sanitized it for the dinner that Raymond's BBQ was catering to us for letting them borrow all our tables and chairs. They delivered at 5:30 for our meeting at 6:30 and it was wonderful as usual. The meeting was less agitating as no screaming and hollaring. The treasurer announced he was not running again in April and recommended me for the position. Then the proposal was made to split the sec/treas position into two positions. Everyone seemed to agree, so will take a vote next month. The treas will be getting with me this weekend and we will start the transition of info. Didnt get home until after 10 and the painter on the fire dept came by and told us he would paint the kitchen cabinets for $150 so went to Lowe's last night and then to dinner, and picked out the color we want, so going to get him lined up for asap before the tile is delivered for the kitchen. He is going to do the inside and outside-- cant hardly wait.
Then yesterday Mom was in a real snit and got into it with Bob over our changing the sheets on her bed. Seems this morning that she was rolled up in the bottom sheet on the bed when he got there. We had to laugh about it as she didnt know why she was rolled up in the her bottom sheet. Ah well. Our washer is going out so guess washing all her clothes, ie 6 to 7 loads a week and our clothes, has just worn it out.
So this morning is Valentines, and gave Bob a one hour massage in Boyd, for Valentines, and he picked up my fossils from here in the office and took them with him as he went to the see Dr Chuck and then take Asta to her blood review for her diabeties and her beauty appt with the groomer.
Applied for an Emergency Grant for a new Brush truck yesterday, as the Texas Forestry Serv was meeting yesterday for the emergency funds for Wise County Fires, so I faxed my request, then followed it with the original by snail mail.
We are looking at some pretty intense weather coming in this weekend, so I hope we get some wood cut and everything covered before tomorrow evening.
Tonight, well I HOPE we have a quiet night.

Sunday again and selling tickets again

2008-02-10T06:15:00.000-06:00

Sunday morning and drinking my Earl Grey Green Tea, no hot chocolate - need to make up more of my mix. Off to the Chili Cook Off again today to see if we can sell some more tickets. Did well yesterday, $325 for the day and hopefully a bit more today. We had Life Star Land about 3pm to do a display of their helicopter and it really went over well. they donated a certificate to fly for the silent auction, and Jim won that for Nancy. He is really excited to give it to her for Valentines. I won a one hour massage for Bob for his Valentines gift, and he really like that.
We only had one call yesterday, and EMS call Motorcycle verses Pickup. The Truck won, but not really as the guy didnt really hit the truck, ended up face first into a field fence, no helmet. Interesting scars he will have, on his face in the shape of fence squares. Concussion, broken ribs, etc. Would not go in the ambulance but went pov with his wife.
Mom has been have some confused days this week. Still no bath, even the visiting nurse is making comments, but Mom still refuses to bathe. Said the nurse just could quit coming if she didnt like the smell.
Bob and Jim have only made one haul in the last week and 1/2 as they always seem to have something else going. Hope they make one or two next week.
Counting down the days until March 28. Did figure it up and cant make over 6,000.00 the rest of the year. SS limits income until I am over 66. yuck
Still planning to go someplace during what would have been the support staff's spring break. The classes dont hold, but we are expected to be there. Well at lease I only have one time to put up with that.
May be the new Sec/treasurer for the fire dept. The intrum one I should say. Chip says he is backing off, and wants me to take it over. Hmmmm will see what happens Tuesday. If that happens, will have to back off doing the fund raiser. That should be interesting to see who will take that over. Bet no one volunteers.

Yesterday was a fire day

2008-01-30T05:16:00.000-06:00

Went to work yesterday morning and thank goodness, had all my work done when Bob called at 11:15. He told me that Paradise was on fire and I was needed at the fire dept asap. I told Larinda I needed to go and she told me to leave but be careful. Her husband is a fireman with Roanoke Department. Bob, Rainer, Vann, Jim and Patrick were already gone with I got to the department, following me closely by Chip, Matt, Greg, and then Harold. We suited up and the men went to relieve our Paradise crew, leaving myself, Rob, and Trey to watch over our district and the rest of Paradise's district that wasnt involved. We got called out for another fire and left one at the fire house to answer calls. Took care of that and enroute back to the fire hall. Paradise crew was still helping to get a handle on new fires coming out in Paradise proper. The rest of us went on standby until 10:30 last night. Rainer and Bob and Van were on fire defense for their area Paradise they were assigned and evacuation. They did find one women asleep in her bed when no one answered the door. They got her out in time and only lost one room on her house. She didnt answer her door when they knocked so Rainer went in and did a sweep and found her asleep.
Today more wind like yesterday. Bob and Rainer and Vann will be on call all day. Harold and myself will go to work and come back if we get the call. They rest of the second crew will do the same, as they all work for/with Chip.
Cottontop Cafe closed at 2 and started making food for us and came to the fire house and stayed to help if needed.
While we were on standby, we took our final test for our ems First Responder and low and behold, Bob and I passed. Rainer is going to sign us up for the next test up, ECA, so have to really study for it as it is on line. Will have to wait and see, and I feel I can pass that too.

Busy Sunday

2008-01-28T05:13:00.000-06:00

Sunday started out nice and slow. Sitting on the sun deck, soaking up the rays, drinking our drink of choice and Bob reading the paper and me studying. Then Bob joined in in the studying. Both of us had dressed which is unusual for a Sunday as we like our lounge clothes until he takes Mom's breakfast over. So nice slow breakfast and he took mom's over before we ate, good thing too. We had just finished when Rainer called and wanted to know if we were going on "that call". What call I asked, --the call for a wreck. Oh shit, so we hit the road. Car and a truck got together, minor injures. No transport except pov. So back to the station. Nice leisurely morning continues. Bob is too tired to trim out the floor for painting or fix the faucets. Then another call. Grass fire on a private road. So we hit the road again, but low and behold. We see the smoke, seems awfully close. AND DAMN if it isnt on the property next to ours on the west side. Fire had already jumped the road and moving east and west. And we couldnt do anything but get to the fire house and get equipment. I did a scene size up and called it in over the radio to dispatch, bob was driving. We got to the fire house and Chip and little Robert were just heading out. We were not far behind. We got there and called for 4 other stations. 8 houses threatened, and our property. Bob and got on the eastern head of the fire and got it stopped from heading more our way and toward Little Roberts house. Headed across the road and stopped a fire approaching a home and barns. It was in their side yard. Then refilled and stopped it moving into their back yard. Back around to the other houses and the other depts were there by that time. We were all fighting to save the homes. One house lost all of their out buildings, one was scorched but saved, and two others it was stopped in their yards. The county brought in a dozer to cut a fire line between the fire and the trees thank goodness, as the fire would have been catastrophic if it jumped the fire line. Winds were at 15 to 20 and we fought it for 3 1/2 hours. That was a little too close for comfort. If we had not gotten it stopped we would have been the next going east. Had EMT on standby to evacuate Mom if necessary but we would not have had time to load the donkeys or cows if we had had to. It started with Gene's golf cart shorting out and he had to walk from his pasture to the house to call in the fire.
We got home at 7:30 and I had already called Mom to tell her we were going to be late with her dinner. Fixed her dinner and Bob took it over while I showered, and then I fixed ours while he showered. We were resting by 8:30 and we were in bed at 9:30. This morning would like to have slept in. Darn it.

The living room floor is down

2008-01-27T05:53:00.000-06:00

News Flash!!!
The living room floor is down. It really looks nice. All cleaned up and ready for the trim. If Bob feels up to it today, we will put down the trim and then we will be ready to put the finish coat on the floor, the hall and one side of the room at a time of course, so we dont have to move the furniture but once.
Then the faucets in my bathroom to replace.
Then the hall floor. We decided to put down the laminated flooring there, and figured we needed 3 boxes. Then the library with new decking and carpet. Then the front room with new carpet and new paint. Replace one wall in Bob's bathroom. New front door w/ arbor. Then the kitchen floor and paint the kitchen cabinets. Paint above the waines coating in the office. And then the siding on the sun room and paint the underpinning all the way around.
Boy, cant hardly wait.
The house will be finished!!!!!!!!! 18 years and it will be finished
Mom had a fair day yesterday. We are back to the dog lost issue again. She showed up at the back door the middle of the afternoon yesterday, saying she had lost all of her dogs. Walked her back to the house asking her what they looked like and what were their names. Pissed her off big time as she didnt know their names or what they looked like. We went inside and she was going out to look for them. Told her I would walk with her and she didnt like that. Told her that as she was not familiar with the roads that she might get lost and we would have to call out the Fire Dept and the Sheriff to find her and that wouldnt be too good. So we talked and she told me something was wrong and I told her yes there was. So she went in and put the dogs to bed. Went over to give her dinner and she was ready for a fight again, this makes two days of this, but when I put her food down for her she was ready to eat and we talked while she ate about other things. Left when she was finished after feeding the dogs.
Bob is naping in the chair and the dogs want in for breakfast, and thought I would make him blueberry muffins for breakfast so better get that started. Need to move a load of laundry that just finished and have finished my weight training exercise for today. Really like the shadow boxing with 6.5 lb weights.

Icy Day

2008-01-25T06:08:00.000-06:00

Ice seems to be here. Got up at 4:30am and sure enough, we had an icy glaze and it has steadily gotten worse. Precipitating at the moment and the dogs are out and running around in it. Except Asta of course. So I took the day off as am not going to deal with roads when I dont have to.
Mom has been having an interesting week and a half. Was really perky and with it for about 3 or 4 days and has been going down hill since. Seems like she cant hold a thought less than usual. The nurse continues to visit with her on Thursday or Friday, and they have left two paper books on "Care of the Altimers Patient". Thought that was really nice of them. Very good Books. She seems to be sleeping in shorts sprints, and awake the same. Never know when we may find her asleep or awake. She did finally take a shower and wash her hair, and even put a clean sheet over her others in an attempt to change her sheets. That was last weekend. Her dogs both now have cataracts so they dont see well. Of course Tanga had the stroke that caused her partial blindness.
Bob has started seeing my Chiropractor. He really likes Dr Chuck, as he is Holistic meds and his adjustments are not the cracking and popping like some. He has been to him twice, and he is feeling so much better. He wished he had gone when I tried to tell him to when I started. Anyway, he has fewer headaches already, in fact not one since he went a week ago, and he was having them every day most of the day. His foot feels better and is not as painful also. Soo progress, and Medicare and his insurance will pay for 80%.
The livingroom floor is still 3/4 finished, but the decking in the hall is down and ready for the hardwood floor. So we still make progress. Hopefully more today but time will tell,
Social Security finally contacted me this week. Seems that they needed a certified copy of my birth certificate, as I was born out of Texas. So sure enough, I had one that was so old it was yellow and I didnt see the seal, but Bob did when he held it up to the light. Yea yea. Didnt have to order one and delay the process for 3+ weeks. They said that they could process immediately as Bob took it directly to the Denton office, and they copied it, gave it back to him, and gave him a receipt and copy of my application. Pretty good!
Any way we make progress.
Bob was offered a full time job by Robby at his store as a maintence man, but he turned it down as he has other prospects with Kenny and Ellen and he likes doing the metal thing with Jim.
We are planning a big party March 29 for Bob and my birthday, and my retirement. Inviting all our friends and family. Lots of food etc. Figured I will send out the internet invite about Feb 15. with rsvp so I can get a head count.
Well need to do my exercise.

Fire Fighting Today

2008-01-20T19:25:00.000-06:00

We got called out on a structure fire today. Call went out at 11:50 am and we cleared at 17:30. Rainer, Bob, Patrick, and I on the engine. Nocona on the tanker. 4 other departments called in the assist. Log house was complete engulfed when we got there. We started squirting water, and Patrick and I took the first hose. We started squirting water and damn if things didnt start exploding. Seems the guy had black powder and bullets and guns in the house. That was blowing our windows on us. Shiiitttttt!!!. We backed off quickly. Both of us go a good dose of smoke etc, but we had our bunker gear on and oxygen so that helped. Was on a hose for 3 out of the 5 hours. Ran out of water twice and put a pump in their pool and pumped it dry. Then the tanker was back and we hooked up again and was in good shape. The other departments ran out too and had to wait for their tankers to get back. Man am I tired. We did get to save a few things from the ashes etc, pictures, and gun barrels etc.
I think I will be tired tomorrow. I know I am now.

Added note

2008-01-13T20:12:00.000-06:00

Lunch and Dinner went better. She refused lunch at first, but after I told her I would just set it on her tv tray, and she could have it later, steamed rice and mixed vegetables, with chicken. Jello with cool whip. She ate every bit while we sat and talked. She said I could come and get her clothes any time, and not to hurry. :) So she ate.
I planted all my Poinsettas out side, cleaned out the fountain and got it working again. Took down all the Christmas Decorations and got them packed ready to go back into storage. Baked all afternoon also. Got the kitchen storage room cleaned out and got my empty canning jars out there where they are supposed to be and out of the pantry to make room for the Red Pepper Jelly I made this morning, 24 jars.
Vacuumed the other side of the house and straightened up and cooked during all that all afternoon, so ended up doing 3 dishwashers of dishes. Last load of clothes in the washer.
Bob took over her dinner; home made shrimp gumbo, steamed rice, and an apple turn over with cool whip to hide the meds. She thanked him for bringing over her dinner. I was baking cookies so he took her food over.
We ate dinner and now we are putting down more of the living room floor. I am laying it out and Bob is nailing them down. I got too far ahead of him and he didnt like my lay out so I am waiting for him to catch up. So we make headway on the floor tonight. Yea yea.

I think I am getting tired.