When he called me up for dinner, this is what I found. This was a different recipe entirely and it was absolutely delicious.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Chef Claude Is At It Again...
On Tuesday, April 12th, I came upstairs and found my hubby doing this!!
Ya just never know with this man what he will find. It seems he purchased corn tortillas for another recipe. It is just the two of us and they come in a package with 50,000,000 (that could be a slight exaggeration). What to do with all those corn tortillas? Why, make them into little bowls by cooking them on the wrong side of the muffin tins. I have not the inclination to do this. So very happy this is something he enjoys. I thought these were going to contain whatever he was thinking of making for dinner. Not so...not so.
When he called me up for dinner, this is what I found. This was a different recipe entirely and it was absolutely delicious.
Definitely a keeper in our meal rotation. Several people asked for the recipe. We give Pillsbury the credit for this one. Claude found it in a magazine and thought it looked worth a try. Here is the recipe for this one.
On Thursday the 14th of April we finally had dinner using the little tortilla bowls. It was basically a taco in a bowl instead of a folded tortilla. So very yummy.
They were a little messy to eat but those little bowls have all kinds of possibilities. Go ahead. Give them a try. Not hard to do and very, very good.
When he called me up for dinner, this is what I found. This was a different recipe entirely and it was absolutely delicious.
A Day Out with Papa...
Time for another drive with Papa. What could we find this trip? And where would we go? Hmmmm....
Papa gave me the atlas he has of just Kentucky. We took it with us to the nursing home Wednesday, April 13th and I plotted a possible route as we listened to the DVD with the residents. This route would take us through the back roads to Versailles. For some reason Papa thought he wanted to go to Versailles (He thought he had never been there. We have been through there many, many times. He just can't remember anymore.) So, we would first go to Versailles and then around the outside of the Lexington area staying close to the Kentucky River. At some point we would have to cross the Kentucky River. There is a road crossing at I-64 at Frankfort and at the High Bridge south of Versailles. Then you must get back to I-75 to have a road across the river. I found two places where it looked like the road went to the river and one could then maybe take a ferry across. I picked one of them and then the road down through Richmond to Beattyville and, if time allowed, follow Hwy. 11 to Mt. Pleasant and then take Hwy 460 back to Georgetown. I had to attended a dinner that night with Claude so I told Papa we would plot that long a drive and then find a stopping place if it got close to when I needed to get home. Papa looked as I explained the route and pronounced it good. A lot of it was road we have not driven together in an area we usually don't drive.
Friday morning, April 15th, we left Papa's apartment at 10:30am and I returned him at 4:45pm. It was a beautiful day and he just loved being out and driving.
When we got to the first place I thought was a crossing, it turned out the road went right down to a dirt area where you could put your boat into the Kentucky River. Sure enough the road picked up on the other side of the Kentucky River but there was no ferry and my little chariot will not float across the river. We turned around and found our road to the next potential crossing closer to Richmond.
This turned out to actually have a ferry over the river. No fee was charged to use the ferry. It could hold three carefully placed cars at one time. You were not allowed out of your vehicle.
Papa loved it even with the limited views of the river. I posted these pictures on Facebook and immediately my sister, Junie, posted this, "How did he do on the boat? He could see the shore but does he realize yet that he's probably no longer capable of swimming to it?" You see, our father has absolutely NO desire to take a cruise or be in a boat from which he can't see the shore. But he really did just fine.
We drove on past the Bluegrass Army Depot and into the 'knob' country of Kentucky. The roads just wind and wind and wind, up and down and around these hills. It is gorgeous. Lots of red bud trees and dogwoods in bloom this time of year. Papa was in heaven. He kept saying how much he wants to do this drive again when all the leaves are on the trees.
It was a good day. We had a new adventure with crossing the river on a ferry. We both do enjoy the drive. Nice to share that time with Papa.
Papa gave me the atlas he has of just Kentucky. We took it with us to the nursing home Wednesday, April 13th and I plotted a possible route as we listened to the DVD with the residents. This route would take us through the back roads to Versailles. For some reason Papa thought he wanted to go to Versailles (He thought he had never been there. We have been through there many, many times. He just can't remember anymore.) So, we would first go to Versailles and then around the outside of the Lexington area staying close to the Kentucky River. At some point we would have to cross the Kentucky River. There is a road crossing at I-64 at Frankfort and at the High Bridge south of Versailles. Then you must get back to I-75 to have a road across the river. I found two places where it looked like the road went to the river and one could then maybe take a ferry across. I picked one of them and then the road down through Richmond to Beattyville and, if time allowed, follow Hwy. 11 to Mt. Pleasant and then take Hwy 460 back to Georgetown. I had to attended a dinner that night with Claude so I told Papa we would plot that long a drive and then find a stopping place if it got close to when I needed to get home. Papa looked as I explained the route and pronounced it good. A lot of it was road we have not driven together in an area we usually don't drive.
Friday morning, April 15th, we left Papa's apartment at 10:30am and I returned him at 4:45pm. It was a beautiful day and he just loved being out and driving.
When we got to the first place I thought was a crossing, it turned out the road went right down to a dirt area where you could put your boat into the Kentucky River. Sure enough the road picked up on the other side of the Kentucky River but there was no ferry and my little chariot will not float across the river. We turned around and found our road to the next potential crossing closer to Richmond.
This turned out to actually have a ferry over the river. No fee was charged to use the ferry. It could hold three carefully placed cars at one time. You were not allowed out of your vehicle.
We drove on past the Bluegrass Army Depot and into the 'knob' country of Kentucky. The roads just wind and wind and wind, up and down and around these hills. It is gorgeous. Lots of red bud trees and dogwoods in bloom this time of year. Papa was in heaven. He kept saying how much he wants to do this drive again when all the leaves are on the trees.
It was a good day. We had a new adventure with crossing the river on a ferry. We both do enjoy the drive. Nice to share that time with Papa.
Yards & Yards of Fun...
It's Springtime!! Finally arrived. So look forward to it after the winter. Actually being able to wear my Capri pants and sandals makes my heart happy. However, (isn't there always a 'however') this also signals the growth of weeds...lots and lots and lots of weeds. It is also the signal for new things to be planted, maybe rearrange how some things are in your yard or garden, deck furniture to take care of, grass to be fertilized and weed killer applied, and the list goes on and on. And, as icing on this cake of Springtime delight, I am allergic to some pollens and all that poison ivy that grows in the country. Yep, it is Springtime and I love it.
To begin the festivities we set Saturday, April 16th as 'Sadieville Clean-up Day'. We had a small crew of volunteers show up at 7am to help weed and pick up our streets. For two years now the discussion has been, among the ladies in the group, to remove the flowers around the Sadieville sign as you enter town. They are beautiful pink flowers but there are lots of them and their leaves look like weeds. They take over the other plants put there and choke them right out. This would be the day we took the first steps to remedy that situation. After 5 1/2 hours of weeding, the flower bed was devoid of these little pink flower plants. We emptied out one of the long flower beds along Warring Pavilion and filled it with the plants we removed. Then we just continued to dig up, by the root as much as possible, the remaining plants and empty the space around the Sadieville sign with the exception of the little irises and the day lilies under the sign. Other than leaving with a big hole in the back side of my pants from scooting around on the ground to accomplish this feat, it was a good morning.
All who participated were given a nifty t-shirt. This would be Sadieville's effort to support Earth Day (Earth Day is actually April 22nd).
We got home and I hit the shower. Did not know if I was going to make it though the rest of the day. After the shower I just laid on the love seat in the living room and tried to recuperate. I finally had enough energy to get a banana and put something with nutritional value in my tired old body. That and a lot of liquid helped me to revive a bit. I determined I really needed a pain reliever. I am NOT a pill taker. For me to concede this point indicates the degree of my pain and basic undoneness. (I just created a word and added it to my dictionary! Yeah Me!!) I let that pain killer work for 2 hours and then took another. I was beginning to be able to move about a bit.
Claude and I had responded that we would attend a fund raiser in Stamping Ground that evening. A Stamping Ground fireman's wife has stage 4 cancer and they were having a fish fry to raise money for her health care. Noble cause if ever there was one. Claude and I only eat one big meal a day so we were ready to enjoy that fish fry and drove to Stamping Ground. We found the line and proceeded to wait. Clearly they were still getting ready. We were patient. As the line moved a bit it was clear we would go through a line to pay at the entrance to a barn-like building. There we would get our soda and then go to the next line which went outside to tables under tents where the food was laid out with firemen behind to serve you your portions. Only problem was, that line was not moving at all. Kayla Jones, Stamping Grounds Mayor, came over to chat and thank us for supporting them. We then waited more. We noticed a large pile on the grass of baked beans. We were pretty sure that was not their serving area. Clearly someone had dropped all the baked beans along the sidewalk. But, never fear, the city dog was there trying to eat as many as he could. I would not want to be around that dog that night...just sayin'! After an hour, Claude and I gave up. We had made out contribution and our poor, tired bodies really needed nourishment. The mini-bagel and banana I had eaten were completely used up at this point. We left this event and drove to Burger King and ate probably the best hamburgers we have ever had. Things are always sooooo much better when you are really hungry. Thank heavens the next day was Sunday and there would be NO yard work on Sunday.
Then comes Monday. Claude wanted to put new dirt in the three Bourbon barrels and flower beds. Two of the places he was going to put it are planters along the patio. I needed to weed before he did that at all. He also wanted to cut the grass. He can't cut the grass until the dew is off our hill or the tractor could easily slide and roll over. So, I got up and was outside at 8am to weed some in the back yard. I knew I wouldn't get it all done. Helps to have reasonable expectations. But I did get the two planters, the hosta bed and the three big flower beds on the slope of the back yard. 4 1/2 hours later I was again done in. Back up the hill I trudged and into the house for lots to drink and a shower. My favorite part of these days was the time between things. We each get something to drink and sit on the front porch and chat. That feels so good. It is how I pictured retirement. The two of working at a common goal (whatever it may be) and then having a quiet time to reflect on how our work was going. Very nice moments. Claude did get the grass cut in the afternoon. Then he moved all the furniture and plants off the decks and the patio.
Monday afternoon was my time to get Papa's groceries and clean his apartment. I got the groceries and put them away. I filled his prescription things. But I just had nothing in me to clean. I still had our grocery shopping to do so I made a command decision. My father need me there more than he needed me cleaning. So we sat and visited for a couple of hours and then I left to get our grocery shopping done.
While doing our grocery shopping at Walmart, I took our City Clerk's advice and checked out their flowers. It seems our Walmart has a new policy now that they will put out their flowers and let them sit for two weeks. If they aren't sold by that time they mark them down 50%. If they aren't gone by another week, they mark them down 75%. I was searching for something for Sadieville around that sign. I also needed something for the planters on the patio. I was fortunate enough to find some deep red snap dragons for our patio and lots and lots of pansies for Sadieville.
Tuesday morning found me out again in the front yard. Somehow I thought this would go more easily. Not so. Not so at all. Another 4 1/2 hours later, I had done in the front what I wanted to accomplish. Claude came out and took the snap dragons and planted them in the patio containers for me. Yep, I was again wiped out but it sure felt good to have that much done. Claude drove me and my plants to Sadieville and left me with everything I needed to plant while he went into City Hall to actually do some Mayor things. I got all the pansies plants and then walked water to them. There will be lots more weeding to clean out the old plants as they try to come up. So many roots still in the ground but we'll get there. I came home and spent the afternoon cleaning out some more files in my office while Claude, bless his heart, power washed the decks and patio making sure to get the railing so I didn't have to go out and clean that white railing by hand.
Wednesday morning I should have headed down the hill to work on those two big beds and the area around the bench. I just couldn't do it. My knees are killing me and I decided to stay off them for a bit. Claude and I did determine we needed to get one more plant to put in the front flower bed. I wanted one to match another at the other end of that bed. I showed it to Claude who was stopping at Lowe's that afternoon. He said he would pick a leaf and take it with him and find one for me. He found exactly what I needed and even got me the ant killer I needed for one of the other flower beds.
Today Claude had an early morning meeting in Georgetown. While he was gone I put the new plant in the front flower bed.
In Georgetown, Claude stopped at Lowe's to pick up some dirt for the rain garden in Sadieville beside City Hall. While he was there, he checked for trees. We had looked at them but didn't find what we really wanted. We have gophers who think they need to tunnel under the dirt on the hill that is our back yard. There is not much dirt and then rock. So, they really are just making ruts and the rain is causing serious erosion. Goofy gophers! Claude believes planting a tree at the top of the big rut and putting a wall around the lower side so it is like a bench will stop that erosion. My suggestion was a pink dogwood. We had one in front of our home in Maryland and both loved it so very much. Well, this morning Claude found a pink dogwood at Lowe's. He came home with a Jeep full of dirt for Sadieville and emptied that dirt into its spot before coming home. When he got home, he told me he found three dogwood trees with pink blossoms. I looked at him and said, "We need to go back and get one before they are gone!" He agreed. We got a couple of things finished here and headed to Georgetown again. We picked out that tree and then found another one for a place lower in the yard. The other tree is a Garnet Japanese Maple. Prettiest feathery-like leaves on this tree and a deep garnet red color. It won't get really tall but it should help that part of the yard a lot. Nothing will be planted today. Rain is in the forecast and we just aren't going to get caught in the rain doing this. We did get the furniture and planters back on the decks and patio. We bought a hanging plant for the front porch. And I have Irish moss to plant under the cedar tree by the concrete bench. Lots more to do but so very much accomplished in the last few days.
To get the decks stained (there are two in the back of the house), all the furniture and planters had to be moved. They all came inside the house or the garage somewhere since they would need a spot to be for several days. I took this picture yesterday and posted it on Facebook telling Claude I was kind of getting used to our 'new look'. What do you think? A real keeper!
I always thank Adam and Eve for our opportunity to 'eat bread by the sweat of our brow' this time of year. It is so much work. We know living on this hill will eventually have to come to an end. We keep being grateful we still have the ability to get it done, knowing full well that once we quit our bodies will just not stay as strong as they happen to be right now. Ah, aging and enjoying it! That would be that key.
To begin the festivities we set Saturday, April 16th as 'Sadieville Clean-up Day'. We had a small crew of volunteers show up at 7am to help weed and pick up our streets. For two years now the discussion has been, among the ladies in the group, to remove the flowers around the Sadieville sign as you enter town. They are beautiful pink flowers but there are lots of them and their leaves look like weeds. They take over the other plants put there and choke them right out. This would be the day we took the first steps to remedy that situation. After 5 1/2 hours of weeding, the flower bed was devoid of these little pink flower plants. We emptied out one of the long flower beds along Warring Pavilion and filled it with the plants we removed. Then we just continued to dig up, by the root as much as possible, the remaining plants and empty the space around the Sadieville sign with the exception of the little irises and the day lilies under the sign. Other than leaving with a big hole in the back side of my pants from scooting around on the ground to accomplish this feat, it was a good morning.
All who participated were given a nifty t-shirt. This would be Sadieville's effort to support Earth Day (Earth Day is actually April 22nd).
Claude and I had responded that we would attend a fund raiser in Stamping Ground that evening. A Stamping Ground fireman's wife has stage 4 cancer and they were having a fish fry to raise money for her health care. Noble cause if ever there was one. Claude and I only eat one big meal a day so we were ready to enjoy that fish fry and drove to Stamping Ground. We found the line and proceeded to wait. Clearly they were still getting ready. We were patient. As the line moved a bit it was clear we would go through a line to pay at the entrance to a barn-like building. There we would get our soda and then go to the next line which went outside to tables under tents where the food was laid out with firemen behind to serve you your portions. Only problem was, that line was not moving at all. Kayla Jones, Stamping Grounds Mayor, came over to chat and thank us for supporting them. We then waited more. We noticed a large pile on the grass of baked beans. We were pretty sure that was not their serving area. Clearly someone had dropped all the baked beans along the sidewalk. But, never fear, the city dog was there trying to eat as many as he could. I would not want to be around that dog that night...just sayin'! After an hour, Claude and I gave up. We had made out contribution and our poor, tired bodies really needed nourishment. The mini-bagel and banana I had eaten were completely used up at this point. We left this event and drove to Burger King and ate probably the best hamburgers we have ever had. Things are always sooooo much better when you are really hungry. Thank heavens the next day was Sunday and there would be NO yard work on Sunday.
Then comes Monday. Claude wanted to put new dirt in the three Bourbon barrels and flower beds. Two of the places he was going to put it are planters along the patio. I needed to weed before he did that at all. He also wanted to cut the grass. He can't cut the grass until the dew is off our hill or the tractor could easily slide and roll over. So, I got up and was outside at 8am to weed some in the back yard. I knew I wouldn't get it all done. Helps to have reasonable expectations. But I did get the two planters, the hosta bed and the three big flower beds on the slope of the back yard. 4 1/2 hours later I was again done in. Back up the hill I trudged and into the house for lots to drink and a shower. My favorite part of these days was the time between things. We each get something to drink and sit on the front porch and chat. That feels so good. It is how I pictured retirement. The two of working at a common goal (whatever it may be) and then having a quiet time to reflect on how our work was going. Very nice moments. Claude did get the grass cut in the afternoon. Then he moved all the furniture and plants off the decks and the patio.
Monday afternoon was my time to get Papa's groceries and clean his apartment. I got the groceries and put them away. I filled his prescription things. But I just had nothing in me to clean. I still had our grocery shopping to do so I made a command decision. My father need me there more than he needed me cleaning. So we sat and visited for a couple of hours and then I left to get our grocery shopping done.
While doing our grocery shopping at Walmart, I took our City Clerk's advice and checked out their flowers. It seems our Walmart has a new policy now that they will put out their flowers and let them sit for two weeks. If they aren't sold by that time they mark them down 50%. If they aren't gone by another week, they mark them down 75%. I was searching for something for Sadieville around that sign. I also needed something for the planters on the patio. I was fortunate enough to find some deep red snap dragons for our patio and lots and lots of pansies for Sadieville.
Tuesday morning found me out again in the front yard. Somehow I thought this would go more easily. Not so. Not so at all. Another 4 1/2 hours later, I had done in the front what I wanted to accomplish. Claude came out and took the snap dragons and planted them in the patio containers for me. Yep, I was again wiped out but it sure felt good to have that much done. Claude drove me and my plants to Sadieville and left me with everything I needed to plant while he went into City Hall to actually do some Mayor things. I got all the pansies plants and then walked water to them. There will be lots more weeding to clean out the old plants as they try to come up. So many roots still in the ground but we'll get there. I came home and spent the afternoon cleaning out some more files in my office while Claude, bless his heart, power washed the decks and patio making sure to get the railing so I didn't have to go out and clean that white railing by hand.
Wednesday morning I should have headed down the hill to work on those two big beds and the area around the bench. I just couldn't do it. My knees are killing me and I decided to stay off them for a bit. Claude and I did determine we needed to get one more plant to put in the front flower bed. I wanted one to match another at the other end of that bed. I showed it to Claude who was stopping at Lowe's that afternoon. He said he would pick a leaf and take it with him and find one for me. He found exactly what I needed and even got me the ant killer I needed for one of the other flower beds.
Today Claude had an early morning meeting in Georgetown. While he was gone I put the new plant in the front flower bed.
In Georgetown, Claude stopped at Lowe's to pick up some dirt for the rain garden in Sadieville beside City Hall. While he was there, he checked for trees. We had looked at them but didn't find what we really wanted. We have gophers who think they need to tunnel under the dirt on the hill that is our back yard. There is not much dirt and then rock. So, they really are just making ruts and the rain is causing serious erosion. Goofy gophers! Claude believes planting a tree at the top of the big rut and putting a wall around the lower side so it is like a bench will stop that erosion. My suggestion was a pink dogwood. We had one in front of our home in Maryland and both loved it so very much. Well, this morning Claude found a pink dogwood at Lowe's. He came home with a Jeep full of dirt for Sadieville and emptied that dirt into its spot before coming home. When he got home, he told me he found three dogwood trees with pink blossoms. I looked at him and said, "We need to go back and get one before they are gone!" He agreed. We got a couple of things finished here and headed to Georgetown again. We picked out that tree and then found another one for a place lower in the yard. The other tree is a Garnet Japanese Maple. Prettiest feathery-like leaves on this tree and a deep garnet red color. It won't get really tall but it should help that part of the yard a lot. Nothing will be planted today. Rain is in the forecast and we just aren't going to get caught in the rain doing this. We did get the furniture and planters back on the decks and patio. We bought a hanging plant for the front porch. And I have Irish moss to plant under the cedar tree by the concrete bench. Lots more to do but so very much accomplished in the last few days.
To get the decks stained (there are two in the back of the house), all the furniture and planters had to be moved. They all came inside the house or the garage somewhere since they would need a spot to be for several days. I took this picture yesterday and posted it on Facebook telling Claude I was kind of getting used to our 'new look'. What do you think? A real keeper!
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Three Cold Tales...
First Cold Tale:
I received a Facebook post on April 5th from Diane Campisi George. We met Diane during our Gold Wing Road Rider days. She was a Chapter Director while Claude was the Maryland State Director. She road her own Gold Wing and was single when we met. She eventually married Bob George, the Delaware State Director, and they have been happily married ever since. We have remained friends via Facebook and Christmas correspondence.
I had a HUGE goal to go through the box of pictures from our days with GWRRA, scan them, save the ones we might want and mail the others off to places they might be enjoyed. I managed to get through the project. I ended up with two boxes of pictures and mailed the one with pictures of anything that happened in Region B to Diane. The other box was things that happened at the National level. Claude became the National Director of Leadership Training and created an entire training program for the officers of GWRRA and eventually the general membership as well. Those pictures I mailed to the National Office in Phoenix. I did all this the first part of this year. I had some Omaha Steak boxes that were just the right size for these stacks of pictures. I used them to mail to Diane and the National Office.
Here is Diane's Facebook message to me:
"Got home from 3 mos in FL last night. Neighbor picked up our mail while we were gone and left a 2' X 3' box full in our kitchen because he had to go to Annapolis. Bob went next door to check on his wife today and she had forgotten to give us a package she had in her freezer. Came in the mail, she said, and since it said "Omaha Steaks" on it, she didn't want them to spoil! Now why would Claude and Sandi send us Omaha steaks? Then we opened it. With all the unloading and unpacking today, I haven't looked at them yet, but THANK YOU! Thought you'd get a kick out of this. She's 83 and was just taking care of the package for us."
I totally enjoyed the laugh this message from Diane gave me.
Second Cold Tale:
Last Saturday we started feeling cold in the house. Then Claude and I received text messages on our phones. It seems that lovely new HVAC unit we installed last year was not working properly. Claude started checking things and then we started plugging in space heaters. Claude called the HVAC people and he said he would come out Sunday afternoon. Turns out he had a bad sinus infection and was just starting medication for it. That was fine, we could deal with the space heaters.
I got home from Papa's Sunday evening and found Claude and the repairman moving up and down the stairs checking things in the basement and upstairs with the thermostat. Bottom line...some 'board' that is very significant was not working anymore. He would get the right part and be back Monday evening.
Monday evening I got home and he was just finishing up. We are back to normal. again. So very happy this didn't happen while Andie and the Mini's were here for Spring break.
Third Cold Tale:
So...what would you do if you were offered a free banana split? Here's what I did...
I stopped at Dairy Queen for a late lunch. Just as I was finishing lunch the cashier came to me with a banana split and said that after it was made they were told they couldn't eat pineapple. He said I could have it for free. I only thought a few seconds before I said yes. Haven't had a banana split in ages. It was delicious.
So there you have it. It is Springtime in Kentucky and we are cold. But they assure use that by the weekend we will be sunny and in the 70's. Yippee!! Just in time for Sadieville Clean-up Day.
I received a Facebook post on April 5th from Diane Campisi George. We met Diane during our Gold Wing Road Rider days. She was a Chapter Director while Claude was the Maryland State Director. She road her own Gold Wing and was single when we met. She eventually married Bob George, the Delaware State Director, and they have been happily married ever since. We have remained friends via Facebook and Christmas correspondence.
I had a HUGE goal to go through the box of pictures from our days with GWRRA, scan them, save the ones we might want and mail the others off to places they might be enjoyed. I managed to get through the project. I ended up with two boxes of pictures and mailed the one with pictures of anything that happened in Region B to Diane. The other box was things that happened at the National level. Claude became the National Director of Leadership Training and created an entire training program for the officers of GWRRA and eventually the general membership as well. Those pictures I mailed to the National Office in Phoenix. I did all this the first part of this year. I had some Omaha Steak boxes that were just the right size for these stacks of pictures. I used them to mail to Diane and the National Office.
Here is Diane's Facebook message to me:
"Got home from 3 mos in FL last night. Neighbor picked up our mail while we were gone and left a 2' X 3' box full in our kitchen because he had to go to Annapolis. Bob went next door to check on his wife today and she had forgotten to give us a package she had in her freezer. Came in the mail, she said, and since it said "Omaha Steaks" on it, she didn't want them to spoil! Now why would Claude and Sandi send us Omaha steaks? Then we opened it. With all the unloading and unpacking today, I haven't looked at them yet, but THANK YOU! Thought you'd get a kick out of this. She's 83 and was just taking care of the package for us."
I totally enjoyed the laugh this message from Diane gave me.
Second Cold Tale:
Last Saturday we started feeling cold in the house. Then Claude and I received text messages on our phones. It seems that lovely new HVAC unit we installed last year was not working properly. Claude started checking things and then we started plugging in space heaters. Claude called the HVAC people and he said he would come out Sunday afternoon. Turns out he had a bad sinus infection and was just starting medication for it. That was fine, we could deal with the space heaters.
I got home from Papa's Sunday evening and found Claude and the repairman moving up and down the stairs checking things in the basement and upstairs with the thermostat. Bottom line...some 'board' that is very significant was not working anymore. He would get the right part and be back Monday evening.
Monday evening I got home and he was just finishing up. We are back to normal. again. So very happy this didn't happen while Andie and the Mini's were here for Spring break.
Third Cold Tale:
So...what would you do if you were offered a free banana split? Here's what I did...
I stopped at Dairy Queen for a late lunch. Just as I was finishing lunch the cashier came to me with a banana split and said that after it was made they were told they couldn't eat pineapple. He said I could have it for free. I only thought a few seconds before I said yes. Haven't had a banana split in ages. It was delicious.
So there you have it. It is Springtime in Kentucky and we are cold. But they assure use that by the weekend we will be sunny and in the 70's. Yippee!! Just in time for Sadieville Clean-up Day.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Pure Kentucky...
There are three things I personally believe are the foundation of the Kentucky economy: horses, tobacco and Bourbon. These three things are also three 'vices' that this Mormon girl doesn't take part in: gambling, smoking and drinking. So, sometimes I find it amusing that we moved to Kentucky and that I love this Commonwealth so very much. Kind of a little ironic maybe?
This weekend we spent yesterday afternoon and this afternoon at Keeneland. It is a beautiful race track for gorgeous thoroughbred horses located in Lexington, Kentucky.
Saturday the Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce held one of its fundraisers by selling tickets to opening day at Keeneland in the Kentucky room on the 4th floor of the above the grandstands. Claude, being a past president of the Chamber and a strong supporter of its efforts, purchased tickets for he and I to attend this event and support the Chamber of Commerce at the same time. Then Claude received tickets from Toyota for the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland today. These were given to us because Claude is the Mayor of Sadieville. I lovely perk if I do say so myself. Hence, we spent two afternoons at Keeneland.
Saturday was a rainy and unusually cold day for April in Kentucky. We got into the building just before the first race and the rain coming down. We left just before the evening rain falls began. Whew. Today was a beautiful sunny day but very cold for April in Kentucky.
Claude and I love the view from this lofty location. We love the great meal we are served. We love pouring over the program and trying to hone our skills at 'picking a winner'. We love to watch the race and cheer for the horses we have chosen or those our table mates have chosen. But...we don't bet on the horses. We have an uncanny ability to pick the horse that would be dead last almost every time. Today I did manage to pick the 4th place horse several times and the winner only one time. Claude never picked a winner. It is a good things we don't believe in gambling or we would be very poor people.
It was good to be at the opening for Keeneland's April meet. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment and my memory.
This weekend we spent yesterday afternoon and this afternoon at Keeneland. It is a beautiful race track for gorgeous thoroughbred horses located in Lexington, Kentucky.
Saturday the Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce held one of its fundraisers by selling tickets to opening day at Keeneland in the Kentucky room on the 4th floor of the above the grandstands. Claude, being a past president of the Chamber and a strong supporter of its efforts, purchased tickets for he and I to attend this event and support the Chamber of Commerce at the same time. Then Claude received tickets from Toyota for the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland today. These were given to us because Claude is the Mayor of Sadieville. I lovely perk if I do say so myself. Hence, we spent two afternoons at Keeneland.
Saturday was a rainy and unusually cold day for April in Kentucky. We got into the building just before the first race and the rain coming down. We left just before the evening rain falls began. Whew. Today was a beautiful sunny day but very cold for April in Kentucky.
Claude and I love the view from this lofty location. We love the great meal we are served. We love pouring over the program and trying to hone our skills at 'picking a winner'. We love to watch the race and cheer for the horses we have chosen or those our table mates have chosen. But...we don't bet on the horses. We have an uncanny ability to pick the horse that would be dead last almost every time. Today I did manage to pick the 4th place horse several times and the winner only one time. Claude never picked a winner. It is a good things we don't believe in gambling or we would be very poor people.
It was good to be at the opening for Keeneland's April meet. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment and my memory.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
A New Technology Adventure...
Our first born grandmonster, Katelyn, sent me a message a few weeks ago. She was going to have an Usborne Books Party over the Internet. She wanted to invite me but she wanted to be sure that was okay. She assured me I could respond with a 'maybe' and be able to order without actually being a part of the on-line party. I assured her that would be okay and I responded 'maybe' when the event was published on Facebook.
Tonight was the night. It was to begin at 9pm. I came down to my sewing/craft/lesson preparation/everything I needed it to be room and opened Facebook. Soon I got the little light at the top of Facebook indicating I had and message. It was the opening of the event. And I was off on another interesting adventure.
The lady with Usborne Books would send us all a Facebook notice. Each was numbered in consecutive order so you knew where you were if you had to refer back. Most had someone doing a YouTube video about a different type of book (i.e. Big Books, Activity Books, 1,000 Books, See Inside Books, etc.). These videos each lasted different amounts of time.
While the videos were playing I opened up the link to their sales website and started looking at things. Then I realized I never asked Katelyn what she might want for Raelyn. Goodness.
I grabbed my cellphone and sent her a text message asking for suggestions for Raelyn. She sent me a text back with a couple of possibilities. I looked at them and they seemed great. So I put them in the shopping cart.
Then I started to search for Bailey. All the time I'm clicking over to the Facebook thing when their video is talking about something that might fit my age grandmonsters. I noticed something about a 'story time app' available with some books. Hmmm...I wanted to understand that. I posted a message on the Facebook event going on and the lady responded that it is an app that can be downloaded to tablets for those who use them to read. I checked one on their sales website and it appeared to have stuff for iPads. Skip that.
Back to searching. Back to messaging with Katelyn. Back to watching bits of videos and reading the Facebook posts by the lady running the on-line party. I even kept Facebook open on my cell phone so I could check Facebook messages without stopping the videos on my laptop.
There were things going on to get you to make comments. Each of your comments earned you points toward a free book. There was a point where you were asked to ask the leader of the party how that works. Each question earned you points toward that free book for someone. We were even asked how we store books for easy reading. This too earned you points for that free book someone would receive.
I finally found a table on the sales website in all this flipping back and forth that gave you books by age brackets. This narrowed the search for Hayden and Bailey. I ended up finding a series of book about a dog that is a detective. It was for kids in Bailey's age range. Bailey is a lover of all animals so this just might be right up her alley. I found the first one in the series and put the paperback one in my shopping cart. Then I found a series of books that I thought Hayden might find interesting and ordered him the paperback copy of the first one. That was it for my ordering.
Next I sent a message to the leader of the party on Facebook asking if I needed a login to place this order. How was I to be sure the credit was going to Katelyn. She sent me a link. I opened it and my shopping cart was right there with my items. I checked out and received a prompt eMail saying they had my order and it should be here with standard delivery in 2-3 weeks. Voila!!
It was an very new experience for me. Katelyn sent me a thank you text for participating. I sent her a text explaining how many digital things I was looking at the entire time. It really took a lot out of this old brain to keep that stuff all going. I know I wasn't as fast as some of the young sprouts who were popping messages to get that free book. But I was hanging in there with them anyway.
It was a fun adventure, a learning adventure, a helpful adventure for my grandmonsters and great grandmonster, and I feel fulfilled and suddenly tired. Night!
Tonight was the night. It was to begin at 9pm. I came down to my sewing/craft/lesson preparation/everything I needed it to be room and opened Facebook. Soon I got the little light at the top of Facebook indicating I had and message. It was the opening of the event. And I was off on another interesting adventure.
The lady with Usborne Books would send us all a Facebook notice. Each was numbered in consecutive order so you knew where you were if you had to refer back. Most had someone doing a YouTube video about a different type of book (i.e. Big Books, Activity Books, 1,000 Books, See Inside Books, etc.). These videos each lasted different amounts of time.
While the videos were playing I opened up the link to their sales website and started looking at things. Then I realized I never asked Katelyn what she might want for Raelyn. Goodness.
I grabbed my cellphone and sent her a text message asking for suggestions for Raelyn. She sent me a text back with a couple of possibilities. I looked at them and they seemed great. So I put them in the shopping cart.
Then I started to search for Bailey. All the time I'm clicking over to the Facebook thing when their video is talking about something that might fit my age grandmonsters. I noticed something about a 'story time app' available with some books. Hmmm...I wanted to understand that. I posted a message on the Facebook event going on and the lady responded that it is an app that can be downloaded to tablets for those who use them to read. I checked one on their sales website and it appeared to have stuff for iPads. Skip that.
Back to searching. Back to messaging with Katelyn. Back to watching bits of videos and reading the Facebook posts by the lady running the on-line party. I even kept Facebook open on my cell phone so I could check Facebook messages without stopping the videos on my laptop.
There were things going on to get you to make comments. Each of your comments earned you points toward a free book. There was a point where you were asked to ask the leader of the party how that works. Each question earned you points toward that free book for someone. We were even asked how we store books for easy reading. This too earned you points for that free book someone would receive.
I finally found a table on the sales website in all this flipping back and forth that gave you books by age brackets. This narrowed the search for Hayden and Bailey. I ended up finding a series of book about a dog that is a detective. It was for kids in Bailey's age range. Bailey is a lover of all animals so this just might be right up her alley. I found the first one in the series and put the paperback one in my shopping cart. Then I found a series of books that I thought Hayden might find interesting and ordered him the paperback copy of the first one. That was it for my ordering.
Next I sent a message to the leader of the party on Facebook asking if I needed a login to place this order. How was I to be sure the credit was going to Katelyn. She sent me a link. I opened it and my shopping cart was right there with my items. I checked out and received a prompt eMail saying they had my order and it should be here with standard delivery in 2-3 weeks. Voila!!
It was an very new experience for me. Katelyn sent me a thank you text for participating. I sent her a text explaining how many digital things I was looking at the entire time. It really took a lot out of this old brain to keep that stuff all going. I know I wasn't as fast as some of the young sprouts who were popping messages to get that free book. But I was hanging in there with them anyway.
It was a fun adventure, a learning adventure, a helpful adventure for my grandmonsters and great grandmonster, and I feel fulfilled and suddenly tired. Night!
Spring Break...
Another tradition was enjoyed this week. The Mini's were on Spring Break from Oldham County Schools. They arrived Sunday evening and left mid-day Wednesday.
Sunday evening we thought we might have a cook-out. Burgers on the grill was in order. Corn on the cob was purchased, pasta salad made, deviled eggs prepared and ready...then...it was too cold. A shady deck is great in the hot summer but when the temperature is dropping and your in the shade with a breeze, not so much. Claude pulled out the George Foreman grill and we cooked indoors. The Mini's really enjoyed the indoor cook-out!
Lots of chatter takes place when the Mini's arrive. They share all they are doing and have done since our last visit. Favorite items are pulled out in our home they want to enjoy while they are here. Sleeping arrangements are determined. Plans are confirmed for the next day. It just fills the evening with buzz.
Monday we thought it was supposed to rain all day so we planned to be inside all day. As it turned out we should have planned an outside day. It got up to 70 degrees and was beautiful outside. Geez!
I had all the makings for a new wreath for my front door. I have enjoyed the gold one I made but I wanted a burlap one for the summer. Andie wanted to learn how to make them so I started her and she created this beautiful wreath for me. I have silk flowers and will add them later.
Down in the bottom of my bag of supplies for the wreath was a package with four pots of gold to be used on a future St. Patrick's Day wreath. The light bulbs went off in Bailey's brain and she asked for paper. We went to Claude's office and he gave her a sheet of typing paper. Back to the kitchen she went with colored pencils in hand and created a rainbow to go with the pot of gold. Then she placed it on the entryway table with our picture from Ireland.
After these projects were completed, Hayden and Andie spent some time reading their book they are reading together. I had to cancel our Dish Network service.
I needed to grocery shop for Papa. Hayden wanted some one-on-one time, so we went to Georgetown together to purchase groceries for Papa.
I suspected there was a bit of an ulterior motive. Just thought I would let it unfold. Sure enough as we went south on I-75 Hayden asked from the back seat, "Are we going to buy Papa's groceries next?" "Yes." "Where do you get them?" "Kroger." "Does it have a toy aisle?" And...there it was! I had a grin on my face and I looked in my rear view mirror to see Hayden's expression. So not subtle!!
We discussed the potential opportunity to check out the one aisle of toys they would have at Kroger and what purchasing potential might lie therein. He was satisfied. Andie has taught our young man well. He will set you up but he knows how to be polite if you say no. He is also very considerate about cost. Hayden has mild autism so these are important skills for him to learn as they are not natural to what he sees as logical.
We got Papa's groceries except for the Slim Fast. We needed to walk by the toys section to get there. We pulled our cart into that aisle and Hayden started his search. Then he paused and looked at me and said, "Just to be clear, what price range are we looking at here?" See, he knows he can only receive what someone is willing to give and that some grandparents spend a whole lot more than others. Good lesson to know and understand and react to appropriately. I told him this was just a little thing to fill his time so he needed to stay in the $10 - $15 dollar range and, if we got him something, he must help me find something to take to Bailey. Agreed. He found just the right thing for $10 and then we found Bailey just the right things on the sale rack for $7. These made me happy because they were both Lego sets and I knew the kids would have great fun putting them together and playing with them during their visit. It was a win-win for everyone.
We found the Slim Fast and went to check out. As we were getting ready to push the cart out of the check out lane to go to my car, Hayden noticed the Slim Fast in the bottom of the cart. Now I purchased Kroger brand which is called Slim Rite. Hayden saw it and said, "What a minute. Why did you get Slime right for Papa?" He was really concerned. I had him read it again and he understood then I really didn't get Papa bottles of slime!!
Papa was very happy to have Hayden pop into his apartment. While I took care of bringing in and putting away groceries and refilling prescriptions, Hayden talked with Papa and put together his Lego set. We stayed for a bit and visited with Papa before heading home.
When I got in my car, I had a text message from Claude. It seems in our purchasing of chips for the Mini's visit we both neglected to get Pringles. Bailey loves to tote around cans of Pringles when she visits. Claude said we needed to take care of this situation. I texted back we had finished grocery shopping but we would stop somewhere on the way home.
Off to K-Mart we went. Found Pringles. Got three different flavors just to be sure. And...that put us by the toy section in K-Mart. Yep, we took a pass through the toy section. Same rules as before. Hayden found something in the Lego's he liked and we found a Friends Lego toy for Bailey. We were off.
Bailey was so happy to score two Lego's sets from the Friends category. Hayden had two in the boy category and they were ready to put them together. Each was given a cookie sheet to hold all those tiny little pieces and they each diligently stood at the breakfast table and made their creations.
While Hayden and I were doing our Georgetown run, Bailey had come armed with a project for just her and Pa (Claude) to work on. It was a cat tent. They watched the YouTube video on how to make this creation. Bailey had all the supplies. She and Claude put it together. When the Mini's got home they put it out for their new kittens who immediately fell in love with this cozy little spot made just for them. My Easter bunny is inside in this picture just to be sure things would fit okay.
Claude made Beefaroni and salads and we put out the old beach towels for a picnic in front of the television for dinner. It was time to educate this young generation to the good things about Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy as brain exercise! They loved it. We all tried to guess and had a great time.
Tuesday morning Claude had to leave to go to Frankfort for a morning meeting. The rest of us loaded in my car and drove to Georgetown to get Papa for breakfast. I don't want to say he was excited about this dining option in his life, but he did call us on the way there to be sure about when we would get there. When we got in his driveway he came out the door to join us. He was right there watching and waiting. Off to Dairy Queen we went. This was mainly my choice. I love Dairy Queen's biscuits and gravy. I know they have pancakes which the others would love. It was a win-win for all. Papa had ham. Bailey loves to share food. She looked at Papa and said, "I would give you a bite of my biscuits and gravy if you would give me a bite of your ham?" Papa was happy to share with this little brown-eyed wonder. We had a lovely breakfast and visit time at Dairy Queen.
Then we took Papa home and spent some time visiting him in his apartment. I took the Mini's for rides on his walker. Bailey found his harmonicas and took two in for them to play together. Papa gave them each a Cadbury egg for a treat. Good times at Papa's apartment. The kids think his apartment is just cool.
We left to meet Claude at Ft. Harrod in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The Osage Orange tree is there and all of our grandmonsters love this tree. We should have gone Monday when it was 70 degrees. Instead, we were bundled up for a sunny day but only in the 40's. I took my Dollar Store gloves for the Mini's little hands and we had fun watching them climb all over that tree. Lots of pictures were taken. Hayden even took some of Claude and me. A budding photographer we have there I tell you.
We walked over to the Ft. Harrod Cemetery. There is a rock wall around the outside. The Mini's ran around that. We walked through the graves with their stone markers. Bailey found that addition on one side to this cemetery.
Then it was time to take our cold bodies home. Something about spending hours in the cold and then getting warm just makes you want to relax. Into comfy clothes we got, crocheting was pulled out, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were watched, and a quiet evening was had by all. Grampa cooked pizzas for us for dinner.
Wednesday was the day the Mini's would head home. But first we gave Andie and Bailey a haircut. They gathered most everything. I did find Bailey's flip flops under the end table after they got home. Oops. She thinks she left her stuffed dragon here. Haven't found that yet.
Good visit. Lots of fun things accomplished. A little just down time for everyone. Andie finished her novel. I got most of a baby afghan crocheted. Claude got a few quick naps. It was good for young and old alike.
Sunday evening we thought we might have a cook-out. Burgers on the grill was in order. Corn on the cob was purchased, pasta salad made, deviled eggs prepared and ready...then...it was too cold. A shady deck is great in the hot summer but when the temperature is dropping and your in the shade with a breeze, not so much. Claude pulled out the George Foreman grill and we cooked indoors. The Mini's really enjoyed the indoor cook-out!
Lots of chatter takes place when the Mini's arrive. They share all they are doing and have done since our last visit. Favorite items are pulled out in our home they want to enjoy while they are here. Sleeping arrangements are determined. Plans are confirmed for the next day. It just fills the evening with buzz.
Monday we thought it was supposed to rain all day so we planned to be inside all day. As it turned out we should have planned an outside day. It got up to 70 degrees and was beautiful outside. Geez!
I had all the makings for a new wreath for my front door. I have enjoyed the gold one I made but I wanted a burlap one for the summer. Andie wanted to learn how to make them so I started her and she created this beautiful wreath for me. I have silk flowers and will add them later.
I suspected there was a bit of an ulterior motive. Just thought I would let it unfold. Sure enough as we went south on I-75 Hayden asked from the back seat, "Are we going to buy Papa's groceries next?" "Yes." "Where do you get them?" "Kroger." "Does it have a toy aisle?" And...there it was! I had a grin on my face and I looked in my rear view mirror to see Hayden's expression. So not subtle!!
We discussed the potential opportunity to check out the one aisle of toys they would have at Kroger and what purchasing potential might lie therein. He was satisfied. Andie has taught our young man well. He will set you up but he knows how to be polite if you say no. He is also very considerate about cost. Hayden has mild autism so these are important skills for him to learn as they are not natural to what he sees as logical.
We got Papa's groceries except for the Slim Fast. We needed to walk by the toys section to get there. We pulled our cart into that aisle and Hayden started his search. Then he paused and looked at me and said, "Just to be clear, what price range are we looking at here?" See, he knows he can only receive what someone is willing to give and that some grandparents spend a whole lot more than others. Good lesson to know and understand and react to appropriately. I told him this was just a little thing to fill his time so he needed to stay in the $10 - $15 dollar range and, if we got him something, he must help me find something to take to Bailey. Agreed. He found just the right thing for $10 and then we found Bailey just the right things on the sale rack for $7. These made me happy because they were both Lego sets and I knew the kids would have great fun putting them together and playing with them during their visit. It was a win-win for everyone.
We found the Slim Fast and went to check out. As we were getting ready to push the cart out of the check out lane to go to my car, Hayden noticed the Slim Fast in the bottom of the cart. Now I purchased Kroger brand which is called Slim Rite. Hayden saw it and said, "What a minute. Why did you get Slime right for Papa?" He was really concerned. I had him read it again and he understood then I really didn't get Papa bottles of slime!!
Papa was very happy to have Hayden pop into his apartment. While I took care of bringing in and putting away groceries and refilling prescriptions, Hayden talked with Papa and put together his Lego set. We stayed for a bit and visited with Papa before heading home.
When I got in my car, I had a text message from Claude. It seems in our purchasing of chips for the Mini's visit we both neglected to get Pringles. Bailey loves to tote around cans of Pringles when she visits. Claude said we needed to take care of this situation. I texted back we had finished grocery shopping but we would stop somewhere on the way home.
Off to K-Mart we went. Found Pringles. Got three different flavors just to be sure. And...that put us by the toy section in K-Mart. Yep, we took a pass through the toy section. Same rules as before. Hayden found something in the Lego's he liked and we found a Friends Lego toy for Bailey. We were off.
Bailey was so happy to score two Lego's sets from the Friends category. Hayden had two in the boy category and they were ready to put them together. Each was given a cookie sheet to hold all those tiny little pieces and they each diligently stood at the breakfast table and made their creations.
Then it was time to take our cold bodies home. Something about spending hours in the cold and then getting warm just makes you want to relax. Into comfy clothes we got, crocheting was pulled out, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were watched, and a quiet evening was had by all. Grampa cooked pizzas for us for dinner.
Wednesday was the day the Mini's would head home. But first we gave Andie and Bailey a haircut. They gathered most everything. I did find Bailey's flip flops under the end table after they got home. Oops. She thinks she left her stuffed dragon here. Haven't found that yet.
Good visit. Lots of fun things accomplished. A little just down time for everyone. Andie finished her novel. I got most of a baby afghan crocheted. Claude got a few quick naps. It was good for young and old alike.
A Bit O' Christmas in April...
Every December my sweet hubby buys me a beautiful poinsettia and I place it between the kitchen and the living room. By now I would have tossed the beleaguered plant. Not sure what the difference is this year, but this hearty fella isn't giving up. It has put on all new starts and even some red leaves. I'm interested in just how long it will keep on going.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
A Gentle Breeze...
Sometimes one just needs to pause and take a deep breath. Just inhale life and feel peace and joy. I don't do that often enough.
While in Peru on top of Machu Picchu I did stop and just held my arms out and felt the breeze on my face, the warmth of the sun and the peace and joy in that moment.
The other day while taking out the mail in the morning I stopped in our drive way and felt the breeze on my face again. The morning was fresh and for that moment everything felt okay. Like I could accomplish all I needed to accomplish and love every minute of it.
Love these moments in time.
Yesterday was a full day. Needed to get Papa's weekend tide-me-over-till-Monday groceries. I ran out of time Monday so I needed to clean in his apartment. I also wanted to cut his hair and wash his feet and trim his toe nails. My to-do list included going into Lexington to get buttons for Claude's sports coat and pick up a painting we had framed from our trip to Peru. Then I needed to buy groceries for our home as Andie and the Mini's come on Sunday for several days. That would make a full enough day.
But the thought was in my mind and heart that I needed to get Papa out and about. How to fit that in, how to fit that in. Then the inspiration came. Lexington Cemetery. I had always heard it was like a huge arboretum and especially beautiful in the spring. Papa has so enjoyed the blooming white and yellow trees on our ride last week. Maybe there would be some at the cemetery. The thought was not lost on me that taking Papa to a cemetery might seem a little odd at his age and health. But, we both enjoyed driving through the Frankfort Cemetery last year, so....
I got Papa's groceries and headed to his apartment. It included a treat for him to enjoy during General Conference this weekend. I put the groceries away when I got to his apartment and started my cleaning. When that was finished we did his feet (this is not a fun job at all!!) and cut his hair. Then he grabbed a SlimFast as it was close to lunch but not quite there and we weren't sure when we would have him home. Out the door we went and off to Lexington staying on the back roads as much as possible.
The Lexington Cemetery was absolutely amazing. We slowly wound our way through the outside edges and Papa was in awe. He kept saying, "This is the biggest cemetery I ever saw. Look at the marker, it looks like a house. Oh, look at that beautiful tree. Now that is a funny name on that marker." Well, you get the idea. He was having a grand time.
Then we found a tulip garden area. I stopped and rolled down the windows so Papa could enjoy the view while I took a few pictures.
Papa particularly loved the bright red tulips. The picture of the single blossom should have my hand beside it to show how huge it is. It would take my two hands lightly cupped to be the size of this one blossom.
The cemetery was a huge hit for both of us and we will go back when the leaves are full on the trees.
One the way to run my two Lexington errands I plotted my drive to pass Krispy Kreme. They had the 'Hot' sign lit. We would be getting very fresh donuts for a treat. Papa had never been inside a Krispy Kreme and he enjoyed watching them being cooked and glazed. We finished my errands and then I took a happy Papa home.
The one sad thing was my stop at Hancock Fabric for buttons. It seems they were notified the day before that all Hancock Fabrics stores across the United States will be closed by July. Very, very sad.
I picked up the painting we purchased in Peru and brought it home. Now we have to find the right place on our family room walls for this beautiful painting. It has a llama, alpaca and a little Andean child in it. So makes me want to go back to Peru.
Now I settle in for two days of General Conference broadcasts on BYU-TV. This is turning into a truly great weekend.
While in Peru on top of Machu Picchu I did stop and just held my arms out and felt the breeze on my face, the warmth of the sun and the peace and joy in that moment.
The other day while taking out the mail in the morning I stopped in our drive way and felt the breeze on my face again. The morning was fresh and for that moment everything felt okay. Like I could accomplish all I needed to accomplish and love every minute of it.
Love these moments in time.
Yesterday was a full day. Needed to get Papa's weekend tide-me-over-till-Monday groceries. I ran out of time Monday so I needed to clean in his apartment. I also wanted to cut his hair and wash his feet and trim his toe nails. My to-do list included going into Lexington to get buttons for Claude's sports coat and pick up a painting we had framed from our trip to Peru. Then I needed to buy groceries for our home as Andie and the Mini's come on Sunday for several days. That would make a full enough day.
But the thought was in my mind and heart that I needed to get Papa out and about. How to fit that in, how to fit that in. Then the inspiration came. Lexington Cemetery. I had always heard it was like a huge arboretum and especially beautiful in the spring. Papa has so enjoyed the blooming white and yellow trees on our ride last week. Maybe there would be some at the cemetery. The thought was not lost on me that taking Papa to a cemetery might seem a little odd at his age and health. But, we both enjoyed driving through the Frankfort Cemetery last year, so....
I got Papa's groceries and headed to his apartment. It included a treat for him to enjoy during General Conference this weekend. I put the groceries away when I got to his apartment and started my cleaning. When that was finished we did his feet (this is not a fun job at all!!) and cut his hair. Then he grabbed a SlimFast as it was close to lunch but not quite there and we weren't sure when we would have him home. Out the door we went and off to Lexington staying on the back roads as much as possible.
The Lexington Cemetery was absolutely amazing. We slowly wound our way through the outside edges and Papa was in awe. He kept saying, "This is the biggest cemetery I ever saw. Look at the marker, it looks like a house. Oh, look at that beautiful tree. Now that is a funny name on that marker." Well, you get the idea. He was having a grand time.
Then we found a tulip garden area. I stopped and rolled down the windows so Papa could enjoy the view while I took a few pictures.
The cemetery was a huge hit for both of us and we will go back when the leaves are full on the trees.
One the way to run my two Lexington errands I plotted my drive to pass Krispy Kreme. They had the 'Hot' sign lit. We would be getting very fresh donuts for a treat. Papa had never been inside a Krispy Kreme and he enjoyed watching them being cooked and glazed. We finished my errands and then I took a happy Papa home.
The one sad thing was my stop at Hancock Fabric for buttons. It seems they were notified the day before that all Hancock Fabrics stores across the United States will be closed by July. Very, very sad.
I picked up the painting we purchased in Peru and brought it home. Now we have to find the right place on our family room walls for this beautiful painting. It has a llama, alpaca and a little Andean child in it. So makes me want to go back to Peru.
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