Tuesday, April 30, 2013

April 29th - Water Aerobics - on Monday?

I decided to do the drop-in deep water aerobics class today.  It was the first time I tried deep water and I really enjoyed it.  That kind of made my Monday a little off kilter, but it was worth it. 

When I got home, cleaned up, etc., I returned a call to Lisa.  They had been thinking of going to the mall to play, but weren't sure.  I told her I would call when I was cleaned up and we would see what they had decided to do.  As it turned out, the kids were tired and really didn't want to go anywhere.  So, the mall trip will be another day.

I had my usual Monday morning cleaning to get done, so it was probably a good thing we didn't go malling.  I got that all done, as well as a list of things at the computer.  By then, it was time for lunch.  By early afternoon, I was getting tired myself, so ended up resting and reading.  I had just gotten comfie when Bill got home from his job.  He snoozed in the chair and I fell asleep on the bed.  We are such an energetic duo!

Dinner was just left over burgers from Saturday, so I didn't have much to fix.  I did get a little family history done, which I had been working on earlier, but then Bill remembered that he had to get the senior letters for a couple of the young men written.  The absolute deadline was today.  He spent the whole evening typing those two letters and then had to hand deliver them.  I filled my evening reading.  Not a bad trade off. 

Billy called, too, and I talked to him for a long time.  He has another job interview this week in Cedar Rapids.  He was not sure it would be a fit, but he can't pass up any CR opportunities! 

So Manic Monday wasn't really so bad - I accomplished quite a lot, got some exercise, and got to talk to my kids.  Very good, in fact!

Monday, April 29, 2013

April 28th - Another Great Sunday

I just noticed that almost every Sunday I say the same thing.  I guess that is because my Sundays are pretty much the same - but each one is wonderful.  It is my favorite day of the week!

Church meetings were good - interesting talks, wonderful lessons - as is usually the case. 

When I got home, I got dinner going.  We had a roast chicken, rice, fresh broccoli, fried apples, homemade bread from bread machine (didn't turn out too well, though), and pineapple angel cake with whipped topping. 

Brooks went in to take a nap, but he never did go to sleep.  Sundays really mess up his napping time and he gets so tired.  Their meetings are 11 - 2, which is right when he ought to be sleeping.  Then, by the time, they get here, he is wound up and just won't go down. 

It was such a rainy day and he wanted to go play out in the dirt with his "mighty machines," but obviously that was not possible.  So I got out a small under-bed storage container that happened to be empty and a bottle of rice from storage and let him have a go at playing in it.  He had a ball, as did Ashby and Grandpa.  I had put a big mat under the bin, so that caught a lot of the spilled rice.  The rest vacuumed up easily when they finished playing.  It certainly kept him entertained and happy for a long time!

Because of the no-nap situation, they took off around 6, so he could get to bed early.  It made the afternoon a little shorter than normal, but we enjoyed it.  I do love my Sunday family time.

I was so tired myself that I did a few things on the computers - had a couple of emails to send out, etc.  Then I just curled up with my book. 

Wonderful day of rest!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

April 27th - Busy Saturday!

Bill had to go down to work at the family history center this morning, but I actually fixed him breakfast before he left - omelets!  I know he was in shock, too.

While he was gone, I did laundry, dusted, straightened the house, did computer stuff, etc.  I finally even got to start on some family history.  Then I got an adorable call from Ashby asking if she could come help Grandpa work on the swing set.  About an hour later, she and David showed up - just after Bill had gotten home.

They worked the rest of the afternoon getting the swing set all stained.  It really looks good and will be like a brand new set once it gets put together, which will be the next step.  All this prep work is a pain, but the final result should be worth it.

When Brooks woke up from his nap, he and Lisa came over, too, so we had a full house.  Knowing everyone was going to get hungry, we decided to grill some hamburgers and hot dogs for a quick dinner.  Lisa ran to the store for me and picked up what I had on my list, plus a few extras to go with the burgers.  She always enjoys an excuse to get off by herself, even for a half hour.  I was more than happy to let her be the one to go!

It was such a beautiful day that we just ate outside at the table while the kids ran around, playing in the playhouse.  Such an easy dinner - but so good!  What a fun day!


Saturday, April 27, 2013

April 26th - Unexpected Fun Day with Kids!

When I checked email this morning, Lisa had sent a note asking if I was going to be around could she bring the kids over while she had her hair done.  I, of course, immediately responded with a "bring them on"!  I then tried to get my normal things taken care of, so I would be free to have fun.

She dropped them off around 10:00 and we had a fun time.  Once it warmed up a little, we spent a long time outside.  They played in the play house and had the bubble maker machine out, too.  It was a gorgeous day and it felt good to be out.  Just about the time we were going to get a little lunch, Bill called and said he was on his way home and would pick up a pizza.  We all sat around the table eating the pizza and being entertained by those two.

By 1:00, Brooks was spent, so he went right down for his nap.  He ended up sleeping over 3 hours!  Meanwhile, Ashby wanted to read books, so she read some and had me read some.  Her reading is amazing.  She was reading books that are Easy Readers, but not the beginning type.  I think she must be reading somewhere around 2nd grade level already.  She also went outside with Grandpa for a while.  He was doing the final sanding on the playset and she helped him out.  She looked so cute with her goggles and ear protectors.

When Lisa finished the hair appointment, she called and since Brooks had just gone down for a nap, she took the opportunity to do some things she needed to do and which are much more quickly accomplished alone!  She loved having a free afternoon.

They left around 4:30 or so, which gave us a short break before we had to get ready to go to the church for the YW fundraiser - a Mexican dinner from Del Rio and a silent auction.  It was a fun evening and Bill especially loves auctions - although he likes the loud kind better so he can get in a bidding war with someone.  He actually did that on a couple of the gift baskets, so I think he got his auction fix.  We ended up bringing home quite a haul!  It was all for a good cause.

This quiet Friday turned into quite a busy day - and so much fun!

Friday, April 26, 2013

April 25th - Another Mostly Lazy Day!

I am having a good run on lazy days this week.  Today I spent mostly at home, doing all the usual routines, including working on my RS email, which I still didn't quite finish.  I guess that will be on tomorrow's agenda, too!  I did run out for a few errands - CVS, library, etc.  I spent most of the rest of the day working on family history.  When I get into that groove, it is hard to do anything else!

We did go out for dinner to Del Rio.  It has been a while since we went out to eat, so we enjoyed it. 

I do enjoy these totally relaxed days!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

April 19th - Fun Day with Ashby!

OOPS!  Just discovered that this post never got out of the draft mode.  Well, better late than never!



The day started off with the normal routine, but got better when Lisa called.  She and the kids were going to a new play place near the mall and asked me to go along.  They had to pick me up since the car was in the shop.  The place is called Everland and the children had a great time - climbing, jumping, and doing all sorts of creative play.

From there, we picked up Wendy's for lunch, then they took me back home.  Ashby stayed with him for the afternoon, while Lisa and Brooks headed home for a nap and some errands.  Ashby and I had a lot of fun playing and doing a craft.

Lisa came back over later with things for Ashby, so she could spend the night.  While she was here, we went by to pick up my car.  Then Ashby and I came back home and fixed some french toast for our dinner.  Then we played some more.

When Bill got home, he put in a video for Ashby to watch.  Then it was time to get ready for bed, have a snack, say prayers, and go to sleep.

What a fun day!

April 24th - Ooh, a Lazy Day!

The one thing I had on my schedule today was cancelled, so I have had a pretty lazy day.  That doesn't mean I just sat around, but then I really didn't do all that much either!  Of course, the normal morning routine was accomplished, along with a load of laundry.  From then on......

What I actually did was work on family history.  It has been a long time since I just spent a whole day only doing that and I loved it!  I spent most of my time on my great-grandmother's siblings and their families. 

I did get tired and managed to sneak in some reading and a nap in the late afternoon.  Such a stressful day!  LOL!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

April 23rd - Some Brooks Time Today!

Tuesday is always water aerobics day.  Then home to get showered, etc.  I then did the usual morning routine. 

About noon, Lisa dropped Brooks off to spend the afternoon.  She and Ashby were headed to the airport to pick up David, who has been out in Colorado for the last 10 days.  Since it was nap time, she thought Brooks would do better if he didn't go along.  He and I had a blast playing with a ton of things.  We were outside for a while - what a beautiful day! - and he had the bubble maker going, as well as running around doing a number of other things.

When we came in, I tried to get him to eat a little lunch, but he only ate a few spoonfuls of yogurt.  He did get to playing in the pantry, though.  He loves playing with the cans in the shelves - take out the can on the bottom and put it in the top and they all roll around.  Next thing I knew, he was pulling all the cans out and making towers.  I was sure he was going to break a foot or something when he knocked those towers down!  Fortunately, I was able to distract him.

He finally went down for his nap and was still sleeping when Lisa, David, and Ashby got back.  We relaxed and chatted until Brooks woke up and they took off for home.  It sounds like David got everything done that he had gone out to help him mother do.  Everyone is sure happy to have him back home!

Once everything got quiet again, I worked on family history.  It was a great way to finish out a good day.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

April 22nd - Wow, a Busy Day!

I started my day off by picking up one of the sisters I visit teach so we could do a breakfast visit.  They are retired and sometimes she likes to chat with just the two of us, no husband.  We don't talk about anything "secret," but she feels more comfortable being able to share her feelings.  She is dealing with some stresses (not her husband!), and really just wanted an ear to unload.  We had a good breakfast at Steak N Shake, stopped by Kroger for her to make a bank deposit and for me to pick up some fruit, and then we headed back.  It was not the normal visiting teaching visit, but we enjoyed it immensely - even with the tears.

From her place, I ran by the library to return a stack of books that were due.  Then I went back home.  I had to do a good bit of cleaning today - I actually cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, mopped the floor, dusted, etc.  We had Empty Nesters at our house, so I couldn't put it off any longer!

I also made a fruit pizza for refreshments.  That was why I needed to pick up the fruit this morning.  I had everything else already on hand.  By late afternoon, I was feeling a little worn out, so I laid down for an hour and read. 

We had a nice turnout for FHE again.  Our activity was a Jeopardy game based on the most recent conference.  It was a lot of fun.  As usual, we had a table full of good things to eat.  We also enjoyed all the socializing. 

I guess I am getting back to normal now - at least, if busy is normal, then I am there!

Monday, April 22, 2013

April 21st - Good to Be Back in Church!

After being gone for two weeks, it was really great to be back at church this morning.  Meetings were all good.  I had to teach the RS lesson at the last minute, because of a mix-up with the regular teacher, but there was a special spirit and I thought it went well.  At least one sister came up afterwards and said the lesson really touched her heart, so maybe the lesson was just for her!

When I got home, I made up a meat loaf and got that and some potatoes in the oven.  The rest of our meal was just frozen corn, a salad, and some cantelope.  It was all ready by the time Lisa and the kids got here, so we were able to sit down to eat almost right away.

Brooks then went down for his nap, but he started crying and wouldn't sleep.  He is rarely fussy, so it was strange.  He finally fell asleep for a bit on the couch - something he never does.  But, he was fussy the rest of the time they were there.  On their way home, he threw up, so the poor thing had a tummy ache.

At one point, I was working on some family history and I checked on what was happening in the living room and Brooks was asleep on the couch and Ashby and Lisa were both sleeping in the recliner.  I guess this particular Sunday afternoon was made for sleeping!


Sunday, April 21, 2013

April 20th - Got a Brooks "Fix" Today!

Since Ashby spent the night, our morning was centered around her.  She slept all night in her bed and didn't come in to our room until 6:45 or so.  We usually get up around 7, so that was pretty good!  We had breakfast, got dressed, etc., and by then it was almost time for her mommy to come.  She had a birthday party to attend, so she didn't get to stay long.

Lisa arrived, took Ashby and left Brooks.  So I got to spend the rest of my morning playing with him.  He is a very busy little boy!  We had legos, puzzles, cars, block, and I don't know what else, all over the place.  I had laundry going and he loved helping put the wet clothes into the dryer and then turning it on.  Then we would fill the washer with another load and he turned that on.  As soon as we heard a buzzer from the laundry room, he took off like a shot! 

When Lisa and Ashby got back, we were just fixing some lunch, so they ate here.  Then they all took off for home.  It was suddenly overly quiet!  I finished up some things I needed to do, including the 6 loads of laundry, straightening, putting sheets back on the bed, etc.  By mid-afternoon, I was about shot, so I managed to get in a pretty good nap.

After my nap, I didn't feel like doing anything else, so I just spent the evening working on family history.  I haven't touched that in a while and there is so much I want to do.  I really enjoyed it.

So, what a fun couple of "grandma" days I have had!

Friday, April 19, 2013

April 18th - Luncheon with Long Time Atlanta Friends

One of the engine lights came back on in my car yesterday - the same one that had come on while I was in Iowa.  So we dropped the car off at the mechanics, then Bill dropped me off at water aerobics.  My friend brought me home.  Then I had to shower and get ready to go out for lunch.

There are still a few of the people who were members of the church here in Atlanta back in the 50's and 60's.  One of them was visiting from out of town, so they had a luncheon reunion.  This particular group was a bit older than Bill, but he had known them all and they invited us to come.  We had a fun lunch and afternoon with them - catching up and retelling the old stories!

When we finally got home, Bill had some yard work he wanted to do and I had some of the usual things that didn't get done earlier. 

It was a different day, but very nice.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

April 17th - Busy Today

Things are starting to get more back into the normal routine.  I started the day with the usual stuff around the house, computer, etc.  Then at 10:00, we had a RS presidency meeting.  It had been a while since we had last met, so there was a pretty good agenda of items. 

When I got home, I had to work on some of the RS things.  I spent the bulk of my time getting the Friday email ready.  It hasn't gone out while I have been gone and there was a good bit of updating to do.  I also spent some time on my food storage stuff, so I could get that part of the email updated, too.  That all pretty much took my afternoon, although I did slip in a short rest - no sleeping, but some reading and resting!

When Bill got home, he unloaded David's truck, which he had used today so Lisa could borrow the van.  Then we both went over to Lisa's to switch the cars back.  The kids were still up and we had a great time with them.  They went to the Aquarium today and they both had a lot of things to tell us about the fish they had seen.  The evening ended with a display of dancing by both of them.  Lisa does the pretty ballet dancing.  Brooks runs around in a galloping style and thinks he is doing leaps.  So funny.

Always a good day when grandkids are part of it!


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

April 16th - Trying to Get Back to Normal

This is my first day back to normal - or at least my first attempt at trying to get normal again!  I started the day with water aerobics.  It was fun to get back to doing that and to seeing the friends I have made there.

Back at home, the biggest priority was laundry.  I did four huge loads, which took a good bit of time!  I also worked on getting caught up at the desk/computer.  I still have a pile of stuff that I haven't gotten to yet.  Maybe tomorrow I can get that finished.  I also did a little straightening around the house, but I didn't spend much time on that and it really needs more!

I was so tired that I finally broke down and took a nap in the late afternoon.  I am not sure I am ready to go back to the normal schedule - too busy!  Maybe tomorrow I will do better.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

April 15th - Home At Last!

I slept in, then got ready, had breakfast at the hotel, and took off about 8:45 or so.  There isn't much to tell about driving - no problems, so that was good.  I got back home at about 2:50.  Somewhere in there, I lost the hour when I switched time zones, but it was still a good trip.

When Brooks woke up, Lisa and kids came over so I got to get recharged with hugs and kisses!  Brooks came wanting to play in the dirt again, so he was entertained for quite a while in the flower bed with his trucks.  Ashby wanted to cuddle for quite a while.  I was more than willing to accommodate her desires!

It is nice to be back home and tomorrow I can try to get back on a regular schedule.  Today, I just relaxed, got the suitcase unpacked and the laundry piled up.  It was fun seeing everyone and getting caught up.

Monday, April 15, 2013

April 14th - Starting home - after Amana breakfast!

Got up, ready, packed, and the car loaded first thing.  Then we met Mike Burns at the office and went up to have breakfast at the Amana Colonies.  They make the best breakfasts and it is all you can eat, family-style.  They bring fruit and toast right away.  Then come the platters of eggs, bacon and sausage, and potatoes.  The dinner plate is filled with a pancake - but not just any pancake!  They are thin, corn pancakes and are the best pancakes ever.  I only ate one - but remember the pancake was hanging over the edge of a very large dinner plate!  When you empty a platter, they offer to bring more.  Love going there!

Then it was back to the office, so I could check email, etc., before taking off.  I left around 10:30 and just drove the rest of the day.  Not much to tell there.  I finished one CD book and started another.  That was about it for excitement!  I stayed the night in Ft. Campbell, KY, so I am better than half way. 

Home tomorrow!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

April 13th - Back at Dad's!

Once we got up and going this morning, we went in to have breakfast at the Blue Bird Cafe again.  Then it was back to the airport.  Because it was finally a decent day after a week of rain, the place was pretty busy.

We got a surprise visit from Mike Frieden, who was in town visiting his son who lives in Coralville.  Mike and I have known each other since elementary school.  My mother worked for his father doing his books and brought the gospel to his family.  When they joined the church, when we were in high school, they were the second family in town who were members.  I had talked to Mike on the phone a few months ago while trying to track someone down, and he remembered that Dad was here.  My being here was a big surprise.  It was fun to catch up with him and his family.

Later, we picked up a pizza at Casey's and ate with Willie and Kalee at the Garage-Mahal.  Then we went back to Dad's and watched TV.

Tomorrow I am heading home, so this was my last day on vacation!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

April 12th - Last Day with Paula

I got up early this morning, since new carpeting is being installed in the room I have been using.  Paula's son was coming to help with the last minute preps, so I had to get out of the room.  I got everything packed and ready to go, as well as getting showered, etc.  Then we finished clearing things out, etc., so the carpet installers could do their job.

While the new carpet was being put in the bedroom, hall, and stairs, Paula and I worked on some cleaning.  We got her kitchen island totally done.  She was very excited to see it so clean!

For lunch, we met up with three of her friends, whom I have met before.  Then it was right back to the house.  We worked on getting some Christmas decorations that were in the corner packed away and bins all put out in storage.  We have made a good dent in the clutter.  Hopefully, she will be able to keep those areas clean, as well as completing a few other things that we put on her to-do list. 

I left her place around 5:00 to head back over to Dad's.  We had such a good time and I could easily have stayed a few more days.

Dad was at the Garage-Mahal, so I went there.  The three of us had fun talking for a while, before Dad and I headed back to his place.  I had some popcorn; we watched some TV and talked some more. 

My trip is getting close to an end. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

April 11th - Lunch with Peggy!

After getting ready for the day, we had breakfast at home, and did a few things around the house. 

For lunch, we drove up to DeWitt to meet Peggy for lunch.  We ate at a place called Crossroads, a nice gift shop and sandwich/soup shop.  We were there a good bit of the afternoon, then went to a couple of other gift shops.  What a great afternoon!

When we got back to Davenport, we did a couple of other errands.  Then relaxed at home for a while.  We met Rhett for dinner, the came back over to the house to do a few more things to get ready for carpet layers coming tomorrow.

Another fun day with Paula!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

April 10th - Fun, Relaxing Day

Paula and I slept in - good thing after being up so late last night!  We finally went out for breakfast about 10:30, then to the hairdresser.  Paula was scheduled for a highlight and her stylist fit me in for a haircut while Paula was under the dryer.  She did a great job fixing my last cut and I am loving it!

From there, we ran a list of errands, having fun everywhere we went.  Not so sure all the stores want us back, but........  Back home, we just sat and talked, planning to do a little work around the house, but not really accomplishing much. 

By evening, we realized we were hungry again, so we made another run out for a take out pizza from Caseys, with a quick grocery stop on the way.  Then we just talked some more.  It seems strange that we can talk for so many days straight and still have anything to say!  But, the only reason we quit was that we got too tired to keep going!

Another fun day.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

April 9th - Made it to Paula's

When I finally got up and going this morning, I packed things up and got them in the car all ready to leave.  It was rainy and I thought I would get the car loaded while there was a lull in the downpour.

Then Dad and I went in to the Bluebird for a nice breakfast.  When we got back, we had just a short time to chat before I took off for Davenport.  I was glad I had the car already loaded, as it was starting to rain pretty good by the time I left.

The trip to Davenport takes less than a hour and there were not problems.  I arrived at Paula's around noon.  We hung around a little, then went out for some lunch.  After running a couple of errands, we were back at the house, hoping to make some headway on the clutter.  We got a little done before it was again time to go out for dinner.

After dinner, we were back for more cleaning.  Paula was still going strong when I had to finally give in.  We have talked non-stop since I got here and will probably continue my whole stay.  We have laughed a lot, shed a tear or two, and shared our deepest feelings.  There aren't many friends like that - maybe it takes 60 years to have that kind of trust!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

April 8th - Beautiful Day for a Funeral

I got up, showered, and packed my bags.  When Billy got up, he fixed us a nice bacon and egg breakfast.  Then we both took off.  He was heading to work.  I was heading to Barb's funeral in Grundy Center. 

I got to Grundy shortly before 11:00 and checked in with my friends, who were almost there, too.  We all met up at the courthouse and then took just one of the cars to go out for lunch.  It was fun having a chance to get caught up with everyone, even though our purpose in meeting was a sad one.  From lunch, we headed over to the Baptist church for the funeral.

The funeral was nice.  Three of Barb's 7 children participated.  They shared some wonderful stories of her life.  After the trip to the cemetery, we all came back to the church for a luncheon.  There were a couple of other West Union friends there, so we all chatted.  I was also able to get to talk to Ronald and Roger, her brothers, as well as her uncle who remembered me and some of her children. 

When all of that was finished, I headed out for Dad's.  It was probably 6:15 or so by the time I got there, and I could see Dad was at the Garage-Mahal, so I just went straight there.  We stayed a while, then headed back to Dad's.  I hadn't eaten dinner, although I had eaten plenty earlier, so I wasn't really hungry.  That made it a perfect night for some popcorn.

This has been a sad day and a good day.  The weather was beautiful; I got to see some people I had not seen in years; I was here to say good-bye to Barb, even though I had thought this would be the day we would do lunch.


Monday, April 8, 2013

April 7th - Not Much Different than Yesterday!

We were just about as lazy today as we were yesterday.  It is Sunday, but General Conference is this weekend, so there weren't any meetings.  I didn't get to watch any of the sessions, since Billy was not interested.  I have caught a few headlines from Google Alerts and FB.  There will be some good talks to listen to when I get home!

We again did brunch - this time french toast.  I did three loads of laundry, too, so I will have clothes for the next week.  Around noon, we went out and rode around a little.  Our particular reason for going out was to look at a model condo that Billy had liked when he went a couple months ago.  We enjoyed checking that out.

When we got home, Billy got a pork roast in the oven.  He was excited to try out his cast iron dutch oven for cooking it.  It turned out fabulous - so tender and flavorful.  We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening just doing as before - reading, watching TV, talking. 

Having down time with Billy is a good way to find out how things are really going with him, so it has been a good weekend.  I have enjoyed it.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

April 6th - Totally lazy day!

Well, Billy and I have done absolutely nothing today and we enjoyed every minute of it!  We both slept in, although I was up a couple of hours before he was.  Mid-morning, he fixed us a nice breakfast.  Then we just sat and talked and watched a little TV; I read my book; he played some games. 

Billy also cleaned his fish tank - he has a salt water tank with 4 fish and come crabs and snails.  It was fun seeing how he took everything apart and cleaned it.  This type of cleaning is only done every few months, so it took a little longer.  It sure looked fresh and clean once he finished!

Later in the afternoon, we made a little run to the grocery store to pick up just a few things that we needed.  It was windy and overcast, but the temps were in the 60;s, so that is good!   Later, we went out to Macaroni Grille for some dinner, which was really good.

We really did not accomplish anything of value today, but it was very relaxing and we both thought it was a great day!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

April 5th - Sad Day RIP Barbara Tope Earle

I was in the office doing my computer stuff, checking FB to be specific, and I discovered that Barbara Tope Earle had passed away yesterday.  What a surprise and how my heart just dropped.  I was set to visit her on Monday and now I will be attending her funeral.

Our families became close friends when I was 5 years old.  Barb was just a month older than I.  Our families did everything together - more like cousins than just friends.  We camped together, went on picnics, went to each others homes almost every week.  We celebrated birthdays, and other big events, together.  There is almost not a memory of my childhood that does not involve them in some way. 

Barb and I were also classmates - well, at least once we were in junior high and high school.  Before that she attended country school.  So all of our teenage memories are also intertwined.  For our last class reunion, Paula and I picked her up, even though it was a couple of hours out of the way, because she couldn't drive.  Last fall, I went by  her home and we went out to lunch.  That was our plan again for Monday, if she was up to it.

She has had congestive heart failure for some time and was growing weaker.  She was on oxygen now, so I knew she was not doing well.  I just didn't expect this to happen before my visit! 

Dad and I went out for a late breakfast and then just hung around the airport for awhile.  They had three students going in to get licenses today, so there was a lot of interest.  The results were: the first student, an older man, failed the orals; the second going for instructor's license passed; and the third, the scholarship student, passed her flight test (she had already passed the orals.)  So, two out of three is good.

Around 3:30, I took off for Billy's.  It is a little less than two hours to Des Moines, so I got there just before he got home from work.  We went out for Thai food for dinner - very good!  Then we just sat around watching TV and talking.  It was a good evening with him.

So I have run the range of emotions today. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

April 4th - Great Day with Dad

Slept in, showered, and got dressed, went out for breakfast, and then went up to the office and did the email routine.  Very fun, relaxed and stress-free!  Several people were in and out, as it was a beautiful day to fly, other than some rather strong wind gusts.

We ran out to do a couple of errands.  I had forgotten my recharger cord for my Kindle, so we went by Best Buy to get another one.  Then we stopped and picked up my car.  They replaced whatever so the blower fan should work now, but didn't find any other problems.

Then it was back to the airport and all that fun.  For dinner, we went to Outback and had a bloomin' onion, with ribs for Dad, and shrimp for me.  So good!  Then we went to the Garage-Mahal and spent a couple of hours with Willie.  The Iowa Hawkeyes were playing in the finals for the NIT, so we watched that back at Dad's.  Well, mostly I read and just peeked up every once in a while.  We didn't watch the end of the games, though, since it was clear the Hawks were not going to pull that one out!

I had a great day - fun, relaxing, all the best!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

April 3rd - Safe Arrival

Slept in, got up and ready to go, had breakfast in the hotel, and on the road by 8:15.  I was a little worried about hitting bad traffic in St. Louis, but I got through without any problem.  I finally stopped for gas and a break a little north of Hannibal, MO.  I got to dad's around 1:15.  No problems on the way.

I did finish the CD book I was listening to, so now I have started book #2.  One of the dash lights came on, but I couldn't tell what it was, and the car was running fine, so I just kept going.  After I filled up with gas, the car started just fine, and the light was out, so I figured it wasn't anything.  It came back on later, so when I got to Dad's, we took the car in to have it checked out.  I still don't think it is anything, though.  He is also going to check the blower fan, which will only blow on high. 

It was steak night and Aero-Club meeting tonight, so that is where we were.  It is always interesting to see all this pilots together.  Guess what they talk about - airplanes, of course!

After the meeting, we went down to Willi's for a while.  A couple of the other guys were there, too.  A stop at the Garage-Mahal is a nightly event for Dad.

Back home, we watched TV a ltitle, before I decided I was tired.  It has been a busy day, but I am glad I am here.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

April 2nd - On the Road!

I finished packing and everything and was able to leave around 10:00.  I was hoping that the worst of the traffic would be done, but there were still a couple of really slow spots.  I hate to think what it would have been like at 7 or 8!

There isn't much to tell when all I am doing is driving and listening to a book on CD.  The book is a Robin Cook medical drama and it really helps the time to go by quickly.  I am one who likse to get in the car and just go, so I don't make many stops.  I made a quick stop at a rest stop for a bathroom break, pulled off the interstate to do a drive-though lunch at a burger place, and then finally stopped to fill up with gas shortly before Paducah.  My final stop of the day was in Shiloh, IL, at the Holiday Inn Express for the night.  I got checked in, ran over to the Target which is right next door.  I had a couple of things I wanted to pick up and also got a really good frozen dinner.  Then I unloaded my suitcase, cooked the dinner, checked my computer, and then got ready for bed early and read for awhile.  In fact, I finished my book that I had brought from home.

It was 8:00 Atlanta time when I stopped, but since the time changed, it was really only 7:00 here.  It was probably 8:30 when I finally climbed into bed with the book.  It has been a good travel day.  The sun was out for part of the day, but mostly it was a light overcast, but no rain, which makes for good driving.  I had no close calls or scary moments.  There was some road construction between Nashville and Paducah that slowed things down. 

So Day 1 of travel is finished and has been good!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

April 1st - New Month!

Oops, forgot to post this this morning.

I hate April Fool's Day, because I hate practical jokes.  The only purpose I can think of is to embarrass people or make them feel stupid.  Needless to say, I do not participate in April fool's jokes.  Fortunately, Bill has learned to play his jokes on other people!  HA!

My April Fool's Day fun was getting a phone call from Ashby asking if I wanted to meet them at the mall.  That sounded fun to me, so she said to meet them at the carousel at 11:30.  I was where I was told to be, at the time I was told to be there, and we all met up and had a fun time.  We ate lunch in the food court, rode the carousel, and played in the Disney store.  I let them each pick out an item for Easter and they were both excited about what they chose.

The rest of my day was spent getting ready to leave tomorrow.  I did laundry, packed suitcases, had a lot of emails and phone calls to handle, plus the usual pile of stuff that has to happen before you go on a vacation.

I am excited about leaving tomorrow!

Monday, April 1, 2013

March 31st - Happy Easter!

Today was another wonderful Sunday - even more so since it was Easter!  Church meetings were great, filled with talks and music about the Savior, the Atonement, and the Resurrection.

For dinner, I had a ham, potato salad, 4 bean salad, black-eyed peas, and artisan bread.  I finished putting things together when I got home and then still had time to get in a short nap before the kids arrived.  Ashby and Brooks were both dressed so cute in their new Easter clothes and so excited about Easter.  I had not gotten them baskets, and I probably should have.  But, we had fun anyway. 

After dinner, we had the usual fun time playing and talking.  After getting chocolate syrup down the front of his new shirt, Brooks decided he needed a bath and Ashby was happy to join him.  They spent a long time playing in the tub and then we had a couple of naked babies running around - so cute!  Then more playing and laughing before it was finally time to go home.  All in all, a great afternoon.

This evening, Glauco called.  We had reconnected with him via Facebook earlier in the week and had set Sunday evening for him to call.  We really enjoyed talking to him and getting caught up.  It was neat - when I answered the phone, he shouts, "MOM!"  I loved it!  How exciting to get caught up on what has been happening in his life over the past 13 or so years.

Easter is always a special time, remembering the love of the Savior for us and all that He did so that we might receive forgiveness and be able to cleanse ourselves to be worthy of exaltation.  I am grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ and for the power of the atonement that I have felt so many times in my own life.