Wednesday evening, February 22nd, I got the the Church and set up my classroom. Then I went to the ladies room before class started. Walking back down the hallways of the Church, my right eye felt like it was very itchy. It was like pollen allergies or when I am around cats. When I got to my classroom, one student was there. She looked at me and said, "What is the matter with your eye?" I assured her nothing that I knew of. I did have some itching when walking down the hallway like an allergic reaction to something but other than that nothing that I was aware of. Valerie then told me my eye was very red and asked if she should take a picture of it so I could see. I told her that wasn't necessary, I would rather she look it for the next one and a half hours while I taught the lesson. We laughed. Someone else was in the room and they confirmed my eye was red. I completely forgot about it as the others entered and we had our lesson. Didn't think about it again until I got home and Claude said, "What happened to your eye?" I went to look at it and, sure enough, it was very red. Claude immediately was very concerned. I was sure it was probably a little blood vessel.
We got to Michigan and everyone was concerned. By now Claude was sure I had blood pressure issues and they were popping and I needed to see a doctor. I pulled out my cell phone and Googled "Why blood vessels break in the eye". I found something by the Mayo Clinic and felt like they were pretty reliable. Their entry said, "A subconjutival hemorrahage often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye. Even a strong breeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye. ...But a subconjuctival hemorrhage is usually a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or so." I read this to Claude and he felt some relief. Now we wait for the red to go away.
And, in a completely unrelated vein (haha), a friend posted a great quote on Facebook. "The only time you look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbor's bowl to see if you have as much as them. ~~Louis CK
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Trekking to Michigan One More Time...
We headed north again on Thursday, February 23rd. Claude was selling the yellow Jeep to Nissa and Todd. So we did our mini-caravan thing with Claude in front in the yellow Jeep and me behind in my Envision.
We arrived Friday in time to leave the yellow Jeep at the Tyler home with Todd. Then we went to check in to our hotel room and unwind a bit before dinner. Nissa was working and we were waiting for her to finish work before they joined us for a nice dinner. Our plan was to walk the three or four blocks to the restaurant. They called to alert us the rain had started and they would come to the hotel and pick us up and take us to Hennessy's. It was absolutely lovely having dinner with just Nissa and Todd. Most of the time we are doing all the family together. But this time we opted to just leave that evening for the adults. Such nice conversation and good food. Just a really lovely evening.
Friday we got to sleep in until we wanted to get out of bed. Rare and wonderful treat. Nissa would work until noon. We would pick her up from work leaving Todd the car to get himself home. Then we would have until 4pm with just Claude, Nissa and me. We would get the title signed and notarized, have lunch and visit. How nice was that! Very, very nice.
But, before we left the hotel we had an interesting thing happen. I went in to get my shower and when I pulled the shower curtain out to get the liner inside the tub and the curtain outside the tub I realized there was a washcloth draped over the shower curtain rod. It had been tucked between the folds of the shower curtain and we had not noticed it until then. I asked Claude if he had used a washcloth since we arrived. He assured me he had not. I washed my hands when we checked in and at other times. I opened a washcloth and used it as a hand towel for that. It had been on the bathroom counter since and we both had used it for a hand towel. I had placed it in the shower before opening the shower curtain so that I could use it to bathe. This was someone else's washcloth on the shower curtain rod. I took a picture. Then, when we went downstairs to leave for the day, I showed the picture to the front desk clerk and assured her from my work at a hotel I knew there should be a house keeping supervisor that checked each housekeepers work before a room was given to the front desk as ready for check-in. This meant a housekeeper and a housekeeping supervisor missed this part of their cleaning. She assured me they would get with housekeeping about this error. We left for the day and, other than sharing the story with Nissa and Todd, we really didn't think about it much until that night.
Nissa had called the Credit Union she uses to be sure they had a notary on duty. They assured her they did. We went to the branch of the Credit Union Nissa uses to get the signatures and notary work done. The notary asked if Nissa and Claude were members of the Credit Union. Nissa assured her she was but that her father was not. Claude told her he was a member of the Federal Employees Credit Union in Washington, DC but he was not a member of their Credit Union. She refused to notarized the car title since they weren't both members of the Credit Union. Mind you, this was the same Credit Union we used with Katelyn and the Buick, it was just a different branch closer to Nissa's home. The notary didn't care that the other branch had done this for Katelyn and Claude. They had told us when Katelyn called that, if we weren't members, they could do the notarizing but it would cost $20. If one of us was a member, there would be no charge. We left. We drove to the branch we used with Katelyn. The notary there was on duty, the same one we used with Katelyn. We asked if she could notarize the title to the Jeep. We told her Nissa was a member of the Credit Union and she said fine. The notary work was done and we were happy. Whew. Not sure why one branch would notarize and the other would not. But we got the job done.
The kids started to arrive around 4pm. Paul first, then the Roper car with the Ropers and Aubrey. Good to have the grandmonsters together. The plan was to wait for Todd to get off from work and then all go to Pizza Ranch for dinner. Todd was concerned, since it was a Friday evening and Pizza Ranch is a popular place, that we would not be able to get a table. So he suggested we go ahead and have dinner and he would find something at home. We all went to Pizza Ranch and enjoyed pizza and fried chicken and dessert. Raelyn entertained us with her newest scrunched up face. She loves making this funny face.
A nice Mennonite family was in the same back room with about six kids. They were all so quiet and so very subdued. They had a little boy that was a year old also. Raelyn picked up on that and kept waving and saying hi. The poor little guy didn't know how to handle that. The family was very amused by our very active and happy little girl. We also ran into Drew's aunt and his grandparents on his mother's side. I played the video of Bailey playing her recorder for Raelyn. Raelyn squealed and clapped her hand. She really loved that video.
I ordered a chicken plate with mashed potatoes and gravy for Todd for his dinner before we left. He LOVES Pizza Ranch fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
Claude and I took Paul home. Katelyn and Drew took Nissa and Aubrey home. Then Katelyn and Drew came back to Nissa's to visit.
This is when Raelyn did her walking and I actually got it on video. She is walking a lot more but whenever anyone pulls out a camera she quickly hits the ground and crawls. This little one has a definite idea of how her life should go. But at the end of the evening she was trying to stay awake and it gave the me opportunity to get a video of our wobbly toddler.
Raelyn loves to wave and say hi, she loves to clap her hands and scrunch up her face. Such a cutie.
The Ropers had to get Raelyn home and to bed. Claude and I also left. Nissa and Todd had very early morning on Saturday and Drew had to work the night shift.
When we got back to the hotel and to our room, we found this on the desk in our room.
This was a very nice gesture from the hotel to apologize for the washcloth we found that morning. However, we left the hotel before noon and did not get back to our room until after 9pm. That left 9 full hours for housekeeping to freshen the room. We didn't ask for linens to be changed. We had some towels that needed to be replaced and a bed to be made. We don't leave a messy room ever, so that was really all that should have been done. Nothing was done, absolutely nothing. But someone did enter and leave the note, candy and two bottles of water stating housekeeping would be better. Do you see the irony? It was just a little ridiculous. You pay handsomely for a nice hotel room these days. Your bed being made is part of the niceness of that fee. Clearly the housekeeping department at this hotel is in need of some training. If you walk in to leave an apology for an earlier mistake and you walk out leaving a room not touched at all, you really don't get the problem.
When we checked out Saturday morning, I stopped at the desk to give them the rooms keys so they would know the room was vacant. The front desk clerk smiled and asked if we had a lovely stay. Hmmmm.... I told her I was the lady with the dirty washcloth on my shower curtain rod. She knew immediately who I was when I said that. I told her how we appreciated the gesture with the card, candy and water. However...we were out of the hotel for nine hours and, even though someone came into our room, no one cleaned our room. I assured her that left me a little frustrated. I did not yell. I just calmly told her the problem. Then we left. We will try a different hotel next time.
Outside the snow was falling. We had to scrap the windows of the Envision. The seat warmers felt good when we got into the car to drive away. The roads had just enough snow accumulated to make them slippery. But by the time we got to Chelsea, Michigan there was no snow on the roads.
We had a nice lunch with Jake at the Mexican Restaurant in Chelsea. Then we headed on to Sadieville and he headed to Ann Arbor.
We made it home in great shape but Claude was starting to exhibit signs of a cold through the day. By the time we got home his voice was an octave lower. Hope he gets well quickly.
We arrived Friday in time to leave the yellow Jeep at the Tyler home with Todd. Then we went to check in to our hotel room and unwind a bit before dinner. Nissa was working and we were waiting for her to finish work before they joined us for a nice dinner. Our plan was to walk the three or four blocks to the restaurant. They called to alert us the rain had started and they would come to the hotel and pick us up and take us to Hennessy's. It was absolutely lovely having dinner with just Nissa and Todd. Most of the time we are doing all the family together. But this time we opted to just leave that evening for the adults. Such nice conversation and good food. Just a really lovely evening.
Friday we got to sleep in until we wanted to get out of bed. Rare and wonderful treat. Nissa would work until noon. We would pick her up from work leaving Todd the car to get himself home. Then we would have until 4pm with just Claude, Nissa and me. We would get the title signed and notarized, have lunch and visit. How nice was that! Very, very nice.
But, before we left the hotel we had an interesting thing happen. I went in to get my shower and when I pulled the shower curtain out to get the liner inside the tub and the curtain outside the tub I realized there was a washcloth draped over the shower curtain rod. It had been tucked between the folds of the shower curtain and we had not noticed it until then. I asked Claude if he had used a washcloth since we arrived. He assured me he had not. I washed my hands when we checked in and at other times. I opened a washcloth and used it as a hand towel for that. It had been on the bathroom counter since and we both had used it for a hand towel. I had placed it in the shower before opening the shower curtain so that I could use it to bathe. This was someone else's washcloth on the shower curtain rod. I took a picture. Then, when we went downstairs to leave for the day, I showed the picture to the front desk clerk and assured her from my work at a hotel I knew there should be a house keeping supervisor that checked each housekeepers work before a room was given to the front desk as ready for check-in. This meant a housekeeper and a housekeeping supervisor missed this part of their cleaning. She assured me they would get with housekeeping about this error. We left for the day and, other than sharing the story with Nissa and Todd, we really didn't think about it much until that night.
Nissa had called the Credit Union she uses to be sure they had a notary on duty. They assured her they did. We went to the branch of the Credit Union Nissa uses to get the signatures and notary work done. The notary asked if Nissa and Claude were members of the Credit Union. Nissa assured her she was but that her father was not. Claude told her he was a member of the Federal Employees Credit Union in Washington, DC but he was not a member of their Credit Union. She refused to notarized the car title since they weren't both members of the Credit Union. Mind you, this was the same Credit Union we used with Katelyn and the Buick, it was just a different branch closer to Nissa's home. The notary didn't care that the other branch had done this for Katelyn and Claude. They had told us when Katelyn called that, if we weren't members, they could do the notarizing but it would cost $20. If one of us was a member, there would be no charge. We left. We drove to the branch we used with Katelyn. The notary there was on duty, the same one we used with Katelyn. We asked if she could notarize the title to the Jeep. We told her Nissa was a member of the Credit Union and she said fine. The notary work was done and we were happy. Whew. Not sure why one branch would notarize and the other would not. But we got the job done.
The kids started to arrive around 4pm. Paul first, then the Roper car with the Ropers and Aubrey. Good to have the grandmonsters together. The plan was to wait for Todd to get off from work and then all go to Pizza Ranch for dinner. Todd was concerned, since it was a Friday evening and Pizza Ranch is a popular place, that we would not be able to get a table. So he suggested we go ahead and have dinner and he would find something at home. We all went to Pizza Ranch and enjoyed pizza and fried chicken and dessert. Raelyn entertained us with her newest scrunched up face. She loves making this funny face.
I ordered a chicken plate with mashed potatoes and gravy for Todd for his dinner before we left. He LOVES Pizza Ranch fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
Claude and I took Paul home. Katelyn and Drew took Nissa and Aubrey home. Then Katelyn and Drew came back to Nissa's to visit.
This is when Raelyn did her walking and I actually got it on video. She is walking a lot more but whenever anyone pulls out a camera she quickly hits the ground and crawls. This little one has a definite idea of how her life should go. But at the end of the evening she was trying to stay awake and it gave the me opportunity to get a video of our wobbly toddler.
The Ropers had to get Raelyn home and to bed. Claude and I also left. Nissa and Todd had very early morning on Saturday and Drew had to work the night shift.
When we got back to the hotel and to our room, we found this on the desk in our room.
When we checked out Saturday morning, I stopped at the desk to give them the rooms keys so they would know the room was vacant. The front desk clerk smiled and asked if we had a lovely stay. Hmmmm.... I told her I was the lady with the dirty washcloth on my shower curtain rod. She knew immediately who I was when I said that. I told her how we appreciated the gesture with the card, candy and water. However...we were out of the hotel for nine hours and, even though someone came into our room, no one cleaned our room. I assured her that left me a little frustrated. I did not yell. I just calmly told her the problem. Then we left. We will try a different hotel next time.
Outside the snow was falling. We had to scrap the windows of the Envision. The seat warmers felt good when we got into the car to drive away. The roads had just enough snow accumulated to make them slippery. But by the time we got to Chelsea, Michigan there was no snow on the roads.
We had a nice lunch with Jake at the Mexican Restaurant in Chelsea. Then we headed on to Sadieville and he headed to Ann Arbor.
We made it home in great shape but Claude was starting to exhibit signs of a cold through the day. By the time we got home his voice was an octave lower. Hope he gets well quickly.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
A Few Things More...
Friday, February 17th, I was in our bathroom. I put my December 2015 poinsettia that I re-potted in there some time back. It appeared it had something on its leaves. When I got closer, this is what I found.
The leaves are turning red! I was so excited I took this picture and sent it to Claude. This poinsettia just doesn't give up. It is full and green and now it is turning red. I am truly amazed and very happy with this plant.
Saturday, February the 18th I received a text message from our Katelyn. This is how our dialogue went:
Monday, we enjoyed time with the Marx family. Andie is a 4th Grade teacher and made herself a costume for President's Day. She was George Washington. I think she did a great job.
While we visited, Bailey decided Grampa needed to be George Washington. Here is Claude as George Washington. He had to put his glasses on his nose. Cracked me up.
I only got that picture after Bailey photobombed the first one. Such a kid, such a kid.
Bailey also let me video her playing her recorder for Raelyn and Papa.
There you have it, a few things more.
Saturday, February the 18th I received a text message from our Katelyn. This is how our dialogue went:
- KT: Have I ever told you that you remind that you remind me of Julie Andrews?
- Sandi: Have you been hacked?
- KT: No, ha ha, just saying :)
- Sandi: When I was young people said I was like Carol Burnett. Do you know her?
- KT:Yes, she had her own show and played Ms. Hanagan in Annie, right?
- Sandi: Did not see Annie. But she did have her own show. She looked for a younger person that looked like she did to be on her show. People would tell me I should try out for that part.
- Sandi: Why Julie Andrews?
- KT: Haha, you could pass for Carol as well. It is your mannerisms and how you carry yourself that reminds me of her. That and your smile.
- Sandi: That is a real compliment. I shared your thought with Grampa. He couldn't see me as Julie Andrews because she is a soprano and I am a tenor. Like that shows in your face!! I just see her as a very refined person and I am a little too rough around the edges.
- KT: She is a tenor though, since her surgery she can't hit any real notes. You are not rough around the edges. You are southern belle with a Scarlett O'Hara attitude. Haha.
- Sandi: I like that Scarlett O'Hara attitude. I can arch one eyebrow like her.
- KT: Rae is working on hers. I told her no the other day. She gave me that eyebow and said no back... I cracked up laughing.
Monday, we enjoyed time with the Marx family. Andie is a 4th Grade teacher and made herself a costume for President's Day. She was George Washington. I think she did a great job.
The Church Lady...
Just felt like I needed to post some of the things done at Church. It occupies a fair amount of time in our lives and I don't always give it the Blogger portion of my story that maybe I should.
We both hold callings in the Church that require regular service. Claude is a High Councilor and helps the Paris Ward (congregation) as well as the Stake Relief Society (women's organization) and many other related things. I am an Institute teacher and teach two lessons each week on Wednesday evenings for 1 1/2 hours. I also visit three ladies (visiting teaching) who have each become very dear friends. These are the standard things that we cover every week.
But there are other things that we get to do as well.
We just finished teaching another set of Temple Preparation classes. There are seven of these classes that should be taught to anyone preparing to enter one of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples. We have two young people in our Ward (congregation) preparing to serve missions and one couple who will be married. Claude and I teach two lessons at a time which takes three weeks to complete. These are great lessons. Claude and I were asked to teach these several years ago. We went through the manual and divided portions of the lessons so we each taught a part of each lesson. We very much enjoy this opportunity to prepare members to enter the Temple for the first time. Sunday was the last of these three lessons times for this round of Temple Preparation classes.
Each family is also asked to help clean the meetinghouse three times each year. The membership has been divided into teams of three families and a member who is the only one in their family that is a member. Our team consists of Claude and me, the Buttars family, the Alcorn family and Shelly Molpus. Claude and I are the team leaders. Our first turn for this year was last weekend. Our group could all work together on Saturday morning. The Alcorn's came in early and then texted us to let us know what they cleaned. The rest of us came at 9:30am and finished the cleaning list. If you have everyone working you can get the entire building cleaned in a hour and a half. Little Matthew is maybe 3 years old. He loves to clean windows and push the vacuum cleaner.
Friday the 17th, Claude and I went to the Alumni Building in Lexington to meet with the other Seminary and Institute teachers. We were served a buffet dinner with gyros and hummus. It was delicious. Then we all watched a video broadcast from Salt Lake City of Elder Gerritt Gong speaking to all the Seminary and Institute teachers around the world. I still marvel that we have so much access to all these things through the technology we live with today. Amazing. It was a lovely evening and the address was excellent. They always are.
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for all the programs and events the Church provides to meet our needs socially and, most important, spiritually. I just want to be sure that this Journey of mine expresses that love and appreciation and belief.
We both hold callings in the Church that require regular service. Claude is a High Councilor and helps the Paris Ward (congregation) as well as the Stake Relief Society (women's organization) and many other related things. I am an Institute teacher and teach two lessons each week on Wednesday evenings for 1 1/2 hours. I also visit three ladies (visiting teaching) who have each become very dear friends. These are the standard things that we cover every week.
But there are other things that we get to do as well.
We just finished teaching another set of Temple Preparation classes. There are seven of these classes that should be taught to anyone preparing to enter one of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples. We have two young people in our Ward (congregation) preparing to serve missions and one couple who will be married. Claude and I teach two lessons at a time which takes three weeks to complete. These are great lessons. Claude and I were asked to teach these several years ago. We went through the manual and divided portions of the lessons so we each taught a part of each lesson. We very much enjoy this opportunity to prepare members to enter the Temple for the first time. Sunday was the last of these three lessons times for this round of Temple Preparation classes.
Each family is also asked to help clean the meetinghouse three times each year. The membership has been divided into teams of three families and a member who is the only one in their family that is a member. Our team consists of Claude and me, the Buttars family, the Alcorn family and Shelly Molpus. Claude and I are the team leaders. Our first turn for this year was last weekend. Our group could all work together on Saturday morning. The Alcorn's came in early and then texted us to let us know what they cleaned. The rest of us came at 9:30am and finished the cleaning list. If you have everyone working you can get the entire building cleaned in a hour and a half. Little Matthew is maybe 3 years old. He loves to clean windows and push the vacuum cleaner.
Friday the 17th, Claude and I went to the Alumni Building in Lexington to meet with the other Seminary and Institute teachers. We were served a buffet dinner with gyros and hummus. It was delicious. Then we all watched a video broadcast from Salt Lake City of Elder Gerritt Gong speaking to all the Seminary and Institute teachers around the world. I still marvel that we have so much access to all these things through the technology we live with today. Amazing. It was a lovely evening and the address was excellent. They always are.
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for all the programs and events the Church provides to meet our needs socially and, most important, spiritually. I just want to be sure that this Journey of mine expresses that love and appreciation and belief.
Seeing Green...
Thursday, February 16th, Claude had an appointment at Frank Shoop to have the oil changed in the yellow Jeep. He wanted to be sure it was at its best when we take it to Michigan. He invited me to go to Georgetown and have breakfast with him while he waited for the Jeep. Well, gee whiz, I am sure I can do that!! I drove my car because I would head off to do other things while Claude headed in other directions after the oil change. When I pulled in to Frank Shoop's parking lot, this is what I saw and parked beside!!
That's right. The new Ultra Green Jeep was in the lot. It would have to be cleaned and running boards added before Claude took possession. We would come back on Friday afternoon to pick it up. How cool is that. Sent this picture to our family. Katelyn said it reminded her of a certain dinosaur in those colors that shall remain nameless. Barney was Katelyn's favorite as a tiny little girl. She had the stuffed animal and loved it to pieces. Katelyn couldn't say Barney so she called him NeeNah. Andie did not like Barney at all and would not let her children watch or have Barney in their home. Hence, Katelyn's vagueness about the dinosaur.
Friday afternoon we drove to Frank Shoop's in my car and Claude took possession of his Jeep. He was one happy camper. It really looks yellow in this picture but it is truly Ultra Green. When Claude was having the yellow Jeep serviced for the last time, he told Kim in the Service Department that she would not see that Jeep again. He explained he just purchased the green Jeep. Kim, whom we love, said, "Oh, you mean the booger green Jeep!" Claude told Bailey this story and Bailey now says it is the color of snot. On My!! Ultra Green every one, Ultra Green!!
If felt a little sad leaving the yellow one in the driveway so the green one could not have the garage space.
Monday, we drove to LaGrange, Kentucky in the afternoon to introduce the Mini's to the new Jeep and take them to dinner. They pronounced it GREAT!
It is nice to each have a new car to enjoy. It is also nice that our former cars are both going to family members who will loving care for them.
Friday afternoon we drove to Frank Shoop's in my car and Claude took possession of his Jeep. He was one happy camper. It really looks yellow in this picture but it is truly Ultra Green. When Claude was having the yellow Jeep serviced for the last time, he told Kim in the Service Department that she would not see that Jeep again. He explained he just purchased the green Jeep. Kim, whom we love, said, "Oh, you mean the booger green Jeep!" Claude told Bailey this story and Bailey now says it is the color of snot. On My!! Ultra Green every one, Ultra Green!!
Monday, we drove to LaGrange, Kentucky in the afternoon to introduce the Mini's to the new Jeep and take them to dinner. They pronounced it GREAT!
Tenderly Caring for Sadieville...
If you are the Mayor of Sadieville, you quickly learn there are only a few people and you must just do some things by yourself. Last fall someone complained about the seesaw seats pinching them at Sadieville's park. Claude went down and took the seats off for the winter. He brought them home and purchased nice wood to make new ones. My only help with this part was asking that the new seats be contoured so they were easier to sit on. Having done the seesaw many times with the Mini's, I knew how uncomfortable that plain rectangular seat was for adults and the kids. Claude took the suggestion and went to work.
I went down to walk the treadmill and found this on his work table in the basement.
The new seats looked wonderful.
Yesterday Claude had them ready to install. I went along to take pictures of the finished project. The first thing I saw which sent me into peels of laughter was this delightful method of keeping kids safe until the new seats were made and installed. My understanding is that Brian Reese, one of our City Commissioners did this to make sure no one used them until the new seats were on the metal posts. Love it!
This is the finished project. I posted these before and after pictures on Facebook and the citizenry are all very happy to have nice new seats on the seesaw. Claude will go back and fill the old holes with wood putty or somethings to make that part right.
When we left a little boy was already trying them out. Sure felt good to see someone enjoying all Claude's hard work. Thanks Mayor!!
Celebrating Our Love...
Our anniversary is the day before Valentine's Day. We were married on Friday the 13th forty-seven years ago. This year our anniversary was on a Monday. Our morning was full of meetings and chores for each of us. We parted ways in the morning and met back at the house in the afternoon. This gave us all the rest of the day to fill as we pleased.
Our original plan was to go north somewhere for dinner. We are always going to Georgetown or to Lexington. However, when we met back at the house, the light came on and we decided to go to a little place called Wallace Station. They are located on Hwy. 1681 between Midway and Versailles, Kentucky. This restaurant is owned by Chris and Ouita Michel. It is one of a group of restaurants with Chef Ouita. We have eaten at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, The Midway Bakery in Midway, and Windy Corner between Paris and Lexington, Kentucky. Every one of these places has been exceptionally good. We expected no less from Wallace Station. And it proved to be great!
I had the Valentine's Day special. It was grilled salmon on a salad. The dressing was a balsamic something or other. The neat things was the dried strawberries in the salad. The whole strawberry was dried and left at a chewy state. It was like eating a chewy candy. Yummy. Can't remember what Claude had but he also loved his meal. The great thing was we had plenty to eat but it didn't leave us stuffed and uncomfortable. We got dessert treats to take home.
Once home we picked out a movie and curled up to watch the movie and enjoy our dessert. It was just a delightful afternoon and evening and the perfect celebration of our 47 years of marriage. We marvel that it has been 47 years.
Tuesday was Valentine's Day. I usually don't get too busy with this holiday. The anniversary is the most important to me. This year I posted a Valentine's message on Facebook. I shared this picture and the message below.
"This is the box from the first chocolates Claude Christensen ever gave me. He was an Airman in the Air Force. I was trying to make my way as a beautician. My tips were burger money at Burger King and dates were Claude singing and playing his guitar. The best of times. To my grandmonsters and young friends on Facebook, when you find someone like that, hold on tight for a grand journey. When times are hard, step out of the situation and remember that in your heart of hearts this is the one for you and become stronger together as you work through them. Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valentine. I promise never to deliberately Stomp on Your Heart Darlin'."
Saturday, February 18th, Claude purchased tickets for us to see Ronnie Milsap at Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts in Richmond, Kentucky. In addition, there was an offer to have dinner at the Black Box Theater. We decided to try that also. So we arrived at the EKU Center for the Arts and gave them our tickets for dinner and for the Ronnie Milsap show. They pointed us in the direction we needed to go and we found our way around hallways and down stairs to the Black Box Theater. We were assigned to sit at Table 1 and had four other people already there. They were fun table mates and we had lovely conversation with them. Mayor Barnes of Richmond also came to dinner and we got to visit a bit with him and his lovely wife. Dinner was super good. After dinner we went up stairs to the main theater. We had nice seats and waited for the concert to begin.
Ronnie Milsap was okay. It is interesting that Claude and I haven't really gone on and on about the concert per se. Lots of good songs were sung. We have been to see a lot of the musicians from our younger years. Most have been in great or good voice still. Ronnie was in okay voice. But we loved hearing the old songs we enjoyed years ago. Claude even purchased a CD of his classic hits. Once again I ended up sitting behind a very large lady with a very big head that she loved to bounce up and down and side to side with the music. The other interesting thing was that the concert itself was only one hour long. No intermission. The back up lady vocalist also sang two solo songs. Ronnie did do a medley of some of his best hits so that you got a lot of his music. There was one of his band that was from Lexington. He played every instrument under the sun, everything from a saxophone to a steel guitar. Amazing. Happy we had this fun evening together.
Our original plan was to go north somewhere for dinner. We are always going to Georgetown or to Lexington. However, when we met back at the house, the light came on and we decided to go to a little place called Wallace Station. They are located on Hwy. 1681 between Midway and Versailles, Kentucky. This restaurant is owned by Chris and Ouita Michel. It is one of a group of restaurants with Chef Ouita. We have eaten at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, The Midway Bakery in Midway, and Windy Corner between Paris and Lexington, Kentucky. Every one of these places has been exceptionally good. We expected no less from Wallace Station. And it proved to be great!
I had the Valentine's Day special. It was grilled salmon on a salad. The dressing was a balsamic something or other. The neat things was the dried strawberries in the salad. The whole strawberry was dried and left at a chewy state. It was like eating a chewy candy. Yummy. Can't remember what Claude had but he also loved his meal. The great thing was we had plenty to eat but it didn't leave us stuffed and uncomfortable. We got dessert treats to take home.
Once home we picked out a movie and curled up to watch the movie and enjoy our dessert. It was just a delightful afternoon and evening and the perfect celebration of our 47 years of marriage. We marvel that it has been 47 years.
Tuesday was Valentine's Day. I usually don't get too busy with this holiday. The anniversary is the most important to me. This year I posted a Valentine's message on Facebook. I shared this picture and the message below.
Saturday, February 18th, Claude purchased tickets for us to see Ronnie Milsap at Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts in Richmond, Kentucky. In addition, there was an offer to have dinner at the Black Box Theater. We decided to try that also. So we arrived at the EKU Center for the Arts and gave them our tickets for dinner and for the Ronnie Milsap show. They pointed us in the direction we needed to go and we found our way around hallways and down stairs to the Black Box Theater. We were assigned to sit at Table 1 and had four other people already there. They were fun table mates and we had lovely conversation with them. Mayor Barnes of Richmond also came to dinner and we got to visit a bit with him and his lovely wife. Dinner was super good. After dinner we went up stairs to the main theater. We had nice seats and waited for the concert to begin.
Ronnie Milsap was okay. It is interesting that Claude and I haven't really gone on and on about the concert per se. Lots of good songs were sung. We have been to see a lot of the musicians from our younger years. Most have been in great or good voice still. Ronnie was in okay voice. But we loved hearing the old songs we enjoyed years ago. Claude even purchased a CD of his classic hits. Once again I ended up sitting behind a very large lady with a very big head that she loved to bounce up and down and side to side with the music. The other interesting thing was that the concert itself was only one hour long. No intermission. The back up lady vocalist also sang two solo songs. Ronnie did do a medley of some of his best hits so that you got a lot of his music. There was one of his band that was from Lexington. He played every instrument under the sun, everything from a saxophone to a steel guitar. Amazing. Happy we had this fun evening together.
Crafty Lady...
I have completed two craft projects in the last few weeks.
The first was a new purse. Once again I pulled out the pattern and cut out the pieces for the next quilted fabric purse. The pattern is from the first of these purses I purchased in 2005 and carefully cut apart when it wore out. I decided to go with spring colors since that is the majority of the time this new purse will be used. Plus, it is an uplift to the spirits to have this light colored purse.
As I cut the fabric I found this little critter on the fabric. That's right. A cute little lady bug. It crawled around the entire time I was cutting the fabric. Kinda nice to have a little visitor while I worked.
I was really happy with how this one turned out. Same pattern. Same kind of fabric. I have even made one out of this pattern before. But this one just seemed to go together great. Love the feel of it on my should and the size of all the pockets is perfect this time.
One of the young adults I have taught in the Institute class at Church is getting married. Time to crochet a bit. This time I made the piece into a throw pillow for them. I really love how this turned out.
With a road trip in our future, I have picked out the Christmas ornament to give away this Christmas. I will try and get the crochet work done on them on the drive home.
There is something very fulfilling about creating something with your hands. I can feel the arthritis getting more intense in my hands and arms but I will keep on going as long as I can. I may be a little slower in completing the projects, but I truly believe I need to keep creating.
The first was a new purse. Once again I pulled out the pattern and cut out the pieces for the next quilted fabric purse. The pattern is from the first of these purses I purchased in 2005 and carefully cut apart when it wore out. I decided to go with spring colors since that is the majority of the time this new purse will be used. Plus, it is an uplift to the spirits to have this light colored purse.
As I cut the fabric I found this little critter on the fabric. That's right. A cute little lady bug. It crawled around the entire time I was cutting the fabric. Kinda nice to have a little visitor while I worked.
There is something very fulfilling about creating something with your hands. I can feel the arthritis getting more intense in my hands and arms but I will keep on going as long as I can. I may be a little slower in completing the projects, but I truly believe I need to keep creating.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
We Did It Again...
Friday, February 10th, Claude and I each took a car to Georgetown. We had lunch at Fazoli's before we each went our separate ways. At lunch we talked about buying a Jeep for Claude. We have had this conversation many times. I assured him he should go ahead and do it. So I was not surprised to get a text message from him saying he was at Frank Shoop and was going for a test ride.
He did take the test ride. He did let Chris look for him a neon green Jeep. Chris found one in Pennsylvania. Frank Shoop has sold the two he has had on his lot already. So, Claude signed the papers for a new green Jeep with a hard top. He is adding running boards to the side and a trailer hitch. Goodness. It should arrive this Friday.
This means another drive to Michigan. We decided not to trade the Jeep in. While in Michigan taking the Lucerne to Katelyn, Claude and Nissa had a chat about the Jeep. Nissa said she and Todd would want the Jeep. They used to ride Harley's. They would take the top off the Jeep and go for nice rides with it. So, when Claude made the deal with Frank Shoop for the new Jeep, he contacted Nissa and Todd and by Sunday evening they were sure they would take the yellow Jeep. That means another trip to Michigan.
Again, I sent Jake a note stating when we were planning to do this trip and to see if he would be available for another meal. Jake's response, "Let me finish chuckling and then I'll check my calendar." So we are going to get another meal with Jake, a visit with our Michigan family.
Picture to follow after we pick up the green Jeep... Goodness...
He did take the test ride. He did let Chris look for him a neon green Jeep. Chris found one in Pennsylvania. Frank Shoop has sold the two he has had on his lot already. So, Claude signed the papers for a new green Jeep with a hard top. He is adding running boards to the side and a trailer hitch. Goodness. It should arrive this Friday.
This means another drive to Michigan. We decided not to trade the Jeep in. While in Michigan taking the Lucerne to Katelyn, Claude and Nissa had a chat about the Jeep. Nissa said she and Todd would want the Jeep. They used to ride Harley's. They would take the top off the Jeep and go for nice rides with it. So, when Claude made the deal with Frank Shoop for the new Jeep, he contacted Nissa and Todd and by Sunday evening they were sure they would take the yellow Jeep. That means another trip to Michigan.
Again, I sent Jake a note stating when we were planning to do this trip and to see if he would be available for another meal. Jake's response, "Let me finish chuckling and then I'll check my calendar." So we are going to get another meal with Jake, a visit with our Michigan family.
Picture to follow after we pick up the green Jeep... Goodness...
Papa...
What would this 'Sandi's Journey' be without an entry about Papa. His care takes a big portion of my time, thoughts, and energy.
Thursday, February 2nd, we went on a long car ride. It was long, lasting most of the day. It would have been a bit shorter had I not missed the correct road in two places on back country Kentucky mountain roads. That was my fault. Papa is truly oblivious to this. He just loves the drive and does not know we are retracing roads we have just driven. After all, we are going the other way and it just looks different from the other direction. But I returned him home completely worn out and very happy. Our next drive will be this Thursday for a long, long drive.
However, Wednesday, February 8th, Papa had some kind of episode. I called him earlier to remind him I would pick him up to take him to the nursing home. I arrived at his apartment, knocked really loud, and then entered when I got no response. Usually that means he is asleep or in the back bedroom and just doesn't hear the knock. When I got to his kitchen I could see the back bathroom light was on. I stood in the bedroom doorway and yelled to Papa so he would know I was in the apartment. I told him I would close the bedroom door so he could finish getting ready. Then I waited and waited and waited. It was past time now for us to be at the nursing home. After a bit longer, Papa came around from the back bedroom into the living room. He was obviously not doing well at all. I asked what was happening and he said he just suddenly didn't have any strength at all. None. He couldn't even hardly get his pants buttoned at the top. He didn't have on a shirt. He came into the living room and sat in his chair. I got him a long sleeved t-shirt to slip on but he didn't even put that on right away. I called the nursing home and told them Papa was not well at all and we would not be there. I directed them to the DVD we leave just in case we can't make it. Then I went back and sat in the chair by Papa. He drifted off to sleep and I sat with him for about two and a half hours. He took three nice naps during that time and was picking up in energy after that. He said he was okay in his stomach but his bathroom told another story. I got it cleaned.
Truly, I would not have been surprised if he passed away during one of those naps. I watched his breathing and it was a lot like Mom's as I held her hand when she was dying. I could have easily seen Papa passing just like that. And my heart was okay with that. My prayer has been, as it was with Mom, to be there with Papa when he passes away. Unlike Mom who had nurses watching her that were very familiar with that process and could get me there to be with her as she lived her final days, Papa is in an apartment on his own and it is very likely I may not be there with him. So, if he had passed that afternoon, I would have felt blessed that the good Lord gave me a tender mercy of being with him for the moment of transition. There is nothing morbid in this. It is a fact of life that death is there for each of us. If I can't be there with Papa, my next prayer is for him to just fall asleep and not wake up and me find him in his chair. We'll see how and what the Lord intends for that point in Papa's life. And I will understand it is the way it was meant to be. But Papa rested and recovered well enough that I felt comfortable leaving him to go teach my Institute class that night. By the next day he was sounding like Papa again and not aware of how badly he was doing the day before.
Friday February 10th I called Papa. When he went to answer the phone, he got out of his chair to go to the counter where his phone base is located. When he finally got there, there was no phone in the base. He realized it must be on the end table by his chair. He turned to go back to the end table and in picking up the phone he managed to drop it. When he went down to pick it up, he fell on the carpet. He got the phone and was talking to me as he picked it up. I thought he was back like he was on Wednesday. But it was just the sound of him trying desperately to get himself back up from the fall while he was on the phone. By Sunday afternoon as he talked to my sister on the phone, his recollection of that fall was that he got tangled up in the chair I sit in by his chair when I visit. He didn't hurt anything in the fall.
This is just how it goes with Papa. He really can't bend over any more. He has a hard enough time with balance to just walk. He uses the walker a lot in his apartment and that is a good thing. So we'll just keep on trying to keep him going. He believes he is doing great. He doesn't see himself as failing at all. I see a different picture and don't want to diminish his positive feelings about himself. It is a tough place to be.
Thursday, February 2nd, we went on a long car ride. It was long, lasting most of the day. It would have been a bit shorter had I not missed the correct road in two places on back country Kentucky mountain roads. That was my fault. Papa is truly oblivious to this. He just loves the drive and does not know we are retracing roads we have just driven. After all, we are going the other way and it just looks different from the other direction. But I returned him home completely worn out and very happy. Our next drive will be this Thursday for a long, long drive.
However, Wednesday, February 8th, Papa had some kind of episode. I called him earlier to remind him I would pick him up to take him to the nursing home. I arrived at his apartment, knocked really loud, and then entered when I got no response. Usually that means he is asleep or in the back bedroom and just doesn't hear the knock. When I got to his kitchen I could see the back bathroom light was on. I stood in the bedroom doorway and yelled to Papa so he would know I was in the apartment. I told him I would close the bedroom door so he could finish getting ready. Then I waited and waited and waited. It was past time now for us to be at the nursing home. After a bit longer, Papa came around from the back bedroom into the living room. He was obviously not doing well at all. I asked what was happening and he said he just suddenly didn't have any strength at all. None. He couldn't even hardly get his pants buttoned at the top. He didn't have on a shirt. He came into the living room and sat in his chair. I got him a long sleeved t-shirt to slip on but he didn't even put that on right away. I called the nursing home and told them Papa was not well at all and we would not be there. I directed them to the DVD we leave just in case we can't make it. Then I went back and sat in the chair by Papa. He drifted off to sleep and I sat with him for about two and a half hours. He took three nice naps during that time and was picking up in energy after that. He said he was okay in his stomach but his bathroom told another story. I got it cleaned.
Truly, I would not have been surprised if he passed away during one of those naps. I watched his breathing and it was a lot like Mom's as I held her hand when she was dying. I could have easily seen Papa passing just like that. And my heart was okay with that. My prayer has been, as it was with Mom, to be there with Papa when he passes away. Unlike Mom who had nurses watching her that were very familiar with that process and could get me there to be with her as she lived her final days, Papa is in an apartment on his own and it is very likely I may not be there with him. So, if he had passed that afternoon, I would have felt blessed that the good Lord gave me a tender mercy of being with him for the moment of transition. There is nothing morbid in this. It is a fact of life that death is there for each of us. If I can't be there with Papa, my next prayer is for him to just fall asleep and not wake up and me find him in his chair. We'll see how and what the Lord intends for that point in Papa's life. And I will understand it is the way it was meant to be. But Papa rested and recovered well enough that I felt comfortable leaving him to go teach my Institute class that night. By the next day he was sounding like Papa again and not aware of how badly he was doing the day before.
Friday February 10th I called Papa. When he went to answer the phone, he got out of his chair to go to the counter where his phone base is located. When he finally got there, there was no phone in the base. He realized it must be on the end table by his chair. He turned to go back to the end table and in picking up the phone he managed to drop it. When he went down to pick it up, he fell on the carpet. He got the phone and was talking to me as he picked it up. I thought he was back like he was on Wednesday. But it was just the sound of him trying desperately to get himself back up from the fall while he was on the phone. By Sunday afternoon as he talked to my sister on the phone, his recollection of that fall was that he got tangled up in the chair I sit in by his chair when I visit. He didn't hurt anything in the fall.
This is just how it goes with Papa. He really can't bend over any more. He has a hard enough time with balance to just walk. He uses the walker a lot in his apartment and that is a good thing. So we'll just keep on trying to keep him going. He believes he is doing great. He doesn't see himself as failing at all. I see a different picture and don't want to diminish his positive feelings about himself. It is a tough place to be.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Paxton...
On the way home Tuesday, February 7th, I received a text from Velvett Bossio. I visit her regularly and have come to really love her and her family. Her grandson, Paxton, had a school project. He needed to interview a military person or an elected official and ask them three questions. He needed to have a picture of him with the person he interviewed and then make a poster about the answers to the questions. The report he will give to his class is a major portion of this 10 year olds grade. Velvett's text was to see if Claude would be willing to be the person Paxton interviewed. I asked Claude and he agreed to do that. We set the date for the interview for Thursday, February 9th, as Claude would be in Frankfort all day Wednesday with KLC and the Legislature. Velvet sent me the questions in a text so that Claude would have some time to think about them.
Thursday I gave Claude my key to the Church and he met Velvett, Silver, her daughter and the mother of Paxton, and Paxton at the Church at 4:30pm. As good fortune would have it, the Scouts left their American flag out on a stand the night before. Claude and Paxton did their interview in that room and then took their picture by the flag.
These kinds of things are just icing on the cake for Claude. They are the stuff that really matters of all that he does with his public life. He was amazed at how happy and excited Paxton was that he would let him interview him. He said the interview went well. When I talked with Velvett later, she said Paxton was over the moon with how it went. Silver was very impressed with Claude and how he talked with Paxton. Velvett assured me that Claude gave great answers that a young person Paxton's age could understand and work with. I appreciate Velvett's thoughts because she is the author of several books and knows these kinds of things. It was truly a win-win for both of Paxton and Claude. Now isn't that just nice!
Thursday I gave Claude my key to the Church and he met Velvett, Silver, her daughter and the mother of Paxton, and Paxton at the Church at 4:30pm. As good fortune would have it, the Scouts left their American flag out on a stand the night before. Claude and Paxton did their interview in that room and then took their picture by the flag.These kinds of things are just icing on the cake for Claude. They are the stuff that really matters of all that he does with his public life. He was amazed at how happy and excited Paxton was that he would let him interview him. He said the interview went well. When I talked with Velvett later, she said Paxton was over the moon with how it went. Silver was very impressed with Claude and how he talked with Paxton. Velvett assured me that Claude gave great answers that a young person Paxton's age could understand and work with. I appreciate Velvett's thoughts because she is the author of several books and knows these kinds of things. It was truly a win-win for both of Paxton and Claude. Now isn't that just nice!
Road Trip...
Okay, Claude and I do not need three cars. We really need two but we definitely don't need three. The Lucerne would not give us much in trade. We both felt the best thing to do was offer it to a grandmonster. We called Nissa and Todd and shared our thoughts about who should get it. We all agreed that Katelyn should get it and she should give her car to Aubrey. We called Katelyn and told her what we wanted to do and she was very happy with getting a newer car.
We contacted everyone about the timing for us to bring the Lucerne to Michigan to Katelyn. This would be a quick three day trip. Leaving on Sunday, February 5th in the afternoon and going to Chelsea. Having Sunday evening with Jacob and spending that night in Chelsea. Then off to Muskegon on Monday where Nissa would have the entire day off. Nissa would get Raelyn so we could have her while Katelyn worked and Drew slept. We would sign the title over to Drew and Katelyn on Monday after Katelyn got off work. Then we would return home on Monday. The weather was to be rainy but that is so much better than snow this time of year that we were delighted. When I contacted Jacob and told him our proposed plan and verified he would be available Sunday evening, he gave me the cutest statement about giving the Lucerne to Katelyn, "So, Katelyn is joining me as an heir to the Buick line!" Yep the two previous Buick's were given to Jacob.
We had a great visit with Jake on Sunday. Claude was feeling poorly so we ordered pizza into our hotel room and hunkered down in the room for a nice visit. Didn't even watch the Superbowl. But we checked the scores on our cell phones every now and then. You see, the New England Patriots are the favored team of Drew. The rest of us really didn't care a whole lot about it. It is always nice to visit with Jake.
Monday we drove directly to Muskegon. Did not stop of Krispy Kreme. Just forged our way to Muskegon. We had rain and fog all day Sunday as we drove. Monday turned out to be a much better day weather wise. It got into the 60 degrees. Quite out of the norm for Michigan that time of year, especially Muskegon which is right on Lake Michigan.
Nissa got Raelyn in the morning so we could have her for the day.
Paul came over for a visit. Nissa and I would pick up Aubrey from work for a visit. We all went to Pita Place for lunch. Raelyn was watching the men at the table next to us. I assured them they might have to share with her. They were quite smitten with our little one. She was very well behaved and ate well.
We wore her out and she was quite ready for a nap when we got her back to Nissa's home.
Katelyn got off work a little earlier and she and Drew drove over. We found a notary and took the title to sign the Lucerne over to them. Paul walked home. Aubrey had friends pick her up. Todd came home. We ordered pizza from Pizza Hut and had a nice dinner with Nissa, Todd, Katelyn, Drew, Raelyn, Claude and me. Then it was time to find a pillow and get some rest before the long ride home on Tuesday.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in downtown Muskegon. It is near the Harbor for Lake Muskegon. Lovely facility. We were tiring of the Comfort Inn we have stayed at for year's in Muskegon. They are just getting more and more rules and not nearly as user friendly as they were years ago. So we have decided to try some other hotels and find another place we like to stay when in Muskegon. Claude and I were both very happy with the Holiday Inn.
Katelyn sent me this picture of Raelyn's first ride in the back on the Lucerne.
Katelyn asked me if I ever named my cars. I told her I had not. Monday night I got a text from her saying she was naming the red Lucerne. It would be 'Virginia Rose'. I told her Virginia was Mimi's first name. She is very happy with the 'new to her' car.
The drive home was rainy and foggy again. We stopped in Bowling Green for lunch, gasoline and so Claude could lead a conference call. While in the ladies room at the Wendy's in Bowling Green, I noticed this and found in very interesting.
Claude asked me as we drove home if it was hard for me to give up the Lucerne. I have truly loved that car. I told him I really thought it would be harder. But when I knew it was going to someone I loved who would love it as much as I did, it just seemed easier to part with it. Even though at that point I had only driven the Envision a couple of times.
The other observation I had and shared with Katelyn was a memory of her living with us the summer after she graduated from High School. She was learning to drive and asked many times if she could drive the Lucerne. I always said no. I told Katelyn I found it interesting that now I could just give her the keys and hand it over without a tear. She had thought of that as well. She is very grateful and that feels good to me and to Claude.
We contacted everyone about the timing for us to bring the Lucerne to Michigan to Katelyn. This would be a quick three day trip. Leaving on Sunday, February 5th in the afternoon and going to Chelsea. Having Sunday evening with Jacob and spending that night in Chelsea. Then off to Muskegon on Monday where Nissa would have the entire day off. Nissa would get Raelyn so we could have her while Katelyn worked and Drew slept. We would sign the title over to Drew and Katelyn on Monday after Katelyn got off work. Then we would return home on Monday. The weather was to be rainy but that is so much better than snow this time of year that we were delighted. When I contacted Jacob and told him our proposed plan and verified he would be available Sunday evening, he gave me the cutest statement about giving the Lucerne to Katelyn, "So, Katelyn is joining me as an heir to the Buick line!" Yep the two previous Buick's were given to Jacob.
We had a great visit with Jake on Sunday. Claude was feeling poorly so we ordered pizza into our hotel room and hunkered down in the room for a nice visit. Didn't even watch the Superbowl. But we checked the scores on our cell phones every now and then. You see, the New England Patriots are the favored team of Drew. The rest of us really didn't care a whole lot about it. It is always nice to visit with Jake.
Monday we drove directly to Muskegon. Did not stop of Krispy Kreme. Just forged our way to Muskegon. We had rain and fog all day Sunday as we drove. Monday turned out to be a much better day weather wise. It got into the 60 degrees. Quite out of the norm for Michigan that time of year, especially Muskegon which is right on Lake Michigan.
Nissa got Raelyn in the morning so we could have her for the day.
Katelyn got off work a little earlier and she and Drew drove over. We found a notary and took the title to sign the Lucerne over to them. Paul walked home. Aubrey had friends pick her up. Todd came home. We ordered pizza from Pizza Hut and had a nice dinner with Nissa, Todd, Katelyn, Drew, Raelyn, Claude and me. Then it was time to find a pillow and get some rest before the long ride home on Tuesday.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in downtown Muskegon. It is near the Harbor for Lake Muskegon. Lovely facility. We were tiring of the Comfort Inn we have stayed at for year's in Muskegon. They are just getting more and more rules and not nearly as user friendly as they were years ago. So we have decided to try some other hotels and find another place we like to stay when in Muskegon. Claude and I were both very happy with the Holiday Inn.
Katelyn sent me this picture of Raelyn's first ride in the back on the Lucerne.
The drive home was rainy and foggy again. We stopped in Bowling Green for lunch, gasoline and so Claude could lead a conference call. While in the ladies room at the Wendy's in Bowling Green, I noticed this and found in very interesting.
The other observation I had and shared with Katelyn was a memory of her living with us the summer after she graduated from High School. She was learning to drive and asked many times if she could drive the Lucerne. I always said no. I told Katelyn I found it interesting that now I could just give her the keys and hand it over without a tear. She had thought of that as well. She is very grateful and that feels good to me and to Claude.
Following Claude Around...And My New Car...
My life would be a little calmer if I didn't follow my hubby, Big Guy Clauda, around. I just know I would enjoy more time at home. But, alas, that is not our life.
Tuesday, January 31st, Claude conducted the awards portion of the Bluegrass Tomorrow Annual Awards Breakfast. He bought a table of tickets to support this organization. This is a good thing. Then he invited people to sit at the table. I agreed to attend and sit there if he needed another body. And...he did, so I did. People love to hear Claude behind the microphone. He has a quick mind and a quick wit and everyone enjoys the laughter at events that would normally lean on the stuffy side. I did manage to get a couple of pictures of him and some of the recipients. I usually am all over the picture taking thing. This time I was just waiting to hear him speak and hoping he would filter before he spoke. At one point he tried to signal me to take pictures. I wasn't getting what he was signaling about and it was a comedy in itself watching us trying to subtly try to communicate and it becoming obvious to everyone we were trying but it wasn't working. Claude finally announced over the microphone that I should take a picture for the grandmonsters to see on Facebook. Ah....okay, I got it! Here are a few pictures. The people in the second picture are Rob Rumpke, the CEO of Bluegrass Tomorrow, two people from Perryville Battlefield and Claude.
Next that day we went to the Scott County Library. The Scott County Chamber of Commerce was providing a class on Listening Skills. Claude wanted to go and invited me to attend with him. For the price of two box lunches we attended this class. The teacher was using Dale Carnegie material. It was interesting. I don't think anything changed in how we listen. But it is always good to try and improve.
Now we zip forward to Friday, February 3rd. This would be a super busy day. Claude has wanted to take a smoked brisket to KLC for fun for some time. We are always talking about how great his smoked brisket is and they want to try it. Friday the 3rd, Claude would take in a brisket, potato salad and rolls to the KLC office. KLC was also holding a baby shower for one of the ladies that works there. I gave Claude a baby blanket I sewed and he took that as the gift. I rode with him to Lexington to deliver these items. Time was not such that we could stay but Claude just felt really good doing these nice things for people at KLC. They are very good to him and he enjoyed returning the kindness.
Then Claude took me to Chipotle's for lunch. I love Chipotle's veggie burrito bowl. I ask for white rice, pinto beans, mild salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce. I truly believe I love it because the base of it is pinto beans and rice. We ate that a lot when I was a child. Inexpensive and very nutritious. I loved it then and I love it now all dolled up by Chipotle. Yum!!
After lunch we drove back to Georgetown to do some banking and then to go to Frank Shoop to pick up my new car!! That's right. We bought me a brand, spanking new Buick Envision. Here is that story...
Saturday, January 28th, Claude and I took time to 'build a Buick' on the computer. We picked out which items we wanted in a new car and while Claude added them to the imaginary car in his laptop, I recorded them on paper. This left us with a feel for whate we wanted and what that would cost.
Monday, February 30th, Claude and I went to Frank Shoop to look at and drive the car I decided I would purchase when we decided to do that. We could both go that day and I would go and then do my regular Monday 'take care of Papa' things right after. We went with the intent of getting information but prepared to make a deal if we felt like we should. We drove the Buick Envision they had for display and then talked numbers. It ended up they could find one in Midnight Amethyst in Indiana with all that we wanted on it. It takes a lot of time to get that all worked out but before we left that Monday, we had signed papers and made a deposit on a new car for me. The arrangement was made for Frank Shoop's dealership make a swap with the dealer in Indiana. It was anticipated they would have the new car it in Georgetown by Wednesday or Thursday. By the time we finished all I could do was get groceries for Papa and sit and visit for a bit.
Tuesday morning, I got a call from Chris Barber, our sales person, stating the dealership in Indiana sold the Buick they promised to him to someone else Monday evening. Chris said he had looked around and found another Envision just like the Indiana one but with a few more bells and whistles in West Virginia. Arrangements were made. The manager in West Virginia had the keys in his pocket so no one could sell it. Exchange of cars was being worked out. Chris needed Claude and me to come back in and sign new papers since the West Virginia car would have a different VIN number. While visiting with Chris, I told him I wanted to take Papa for a car ride Thursday or Friday and would do that on the day the car wasn't being delivered. Chris said he would set up everything for a pick-up on Friday so I could take Papa for a drive on Thursday.
Which brings us back to Friday, February 3rd. We went back to Frank Shoop and picked up the Buick. I wanted the Midnight Amethyst because in all the pictures on the Internet it looked a lovely shade of purple. I LOVE purple. When we got our first look at the car, it was a very cloudy day. The car only faintly looked a nice shade of purple. It really looked more a chocolate brown. But it was beautiful, simply beautiful.
Chris had me get in the driver's seat for him to give us some instructions. There is so much electronic stuff on this car that it was mind blowing to try and take even a fraction of it in. There are things that just come standard on it that is standard on all cars now. My Lucerne was 10 years old. Lots of changes in that amount of time. One of the cutest things to happen was the seat warmers. It was a cold day, I had on my red coat that is extremely warm. Chris turned on the seat warmer and had me turn on the steering wheel warmer and I had on my coat and then I had a major hot flash. Goodness. I was quickly learning to turn that warming stuff off!! Those are items I would not have paid for as an add on but they come standard in the version of Envision we purchased.
We left Frank Shoop and headed to Papa's. He came out and got a quick peek at the car. I left my Lucerne in his driveway. Our plan was to go to LaGrange and take the Mini's to dinner in the new car. We got up on I-64 and passed a Highway Patrol car pulled to the side of the road. We thought he was ticketing someone until we came up beside him. Turns out another Highway Patrol car ran out of gas and he was bringing a can of gas to get him going again. For some reason that struck Claude and me as amusing. While we chuckle, the Envision told us there was a wreck ahead. We assumed that was the Highway Patrol on the side of the road. Not so, not so. It seems before we got on I-64 there was a bank robbery in Richmond or Berea just south of Lexington. One of the robbers got away and there was a high speed chase going north on I-75 and then west on I-64 ending in a crash in Frankfort at the intersection of I-64 and Hwy. 60. The back up lasted two hours. We were between exits with no way to get off I-64. We pulled out the handbook for the Envision and started to check out how some of the things worked while we waited out the traffic.
When we finally made it to the Marx home. Andie asked if we would like to pick up Hayden from his Track practice. Of course. Turns out Hayden didn't know we got a new car. He was so full of enthusiasm when he saw it and us that he was fairly bursting. He hopped right in the back seat and started checking things out. It was fun to have someone so very excited about this car.
Bailey got home from her play practice and we let her open her birthday presents. She is opening a stuffed Nubian goat, a box full of craft supplies, and a story book that Claude colored for Bailey.
Andie and Michael headed out for dinner and the Mini's jumped in the back seat of the Envision and we were off to Red Robin for dinner. The Mini's were greatly impressed that I had already put Ziplock bags in the seat pocket for them if they needed to hurl. They really, really appreciated the ability to set the temperature on their sides in the back seat. And, they found out that they could recline the back seats a bit. They really enjoyed the new car. However, the lobby at Red Robin was bursting with people so they opted to go next door to the Dairy Queen instead. A good time was had by all. We got them home and to bed before their parents got home.
Claude drove us back to Papa's where I picked up my Lucerne and we headed to Sadieville. At this point, all I had driven my new car was to pull it forward a few feet in the dealership parking lot so someone could get their car out. But I was happy and Claude was enjoying the new ride.
I would eventually get lots of drive time. But Claude would get some more miles before me.
Tuesday, January 31st, Claude conducted the awards portion of the Bluegrass Tomorrow Annual Awards Breakfast. He bought a table of tickets to support this organization. This is a good thing. Then he invited people to sit at the table. I agreed to attend and sit there if he needed another body. And...he did, so I did. People love to hear Claude behind the microphone. He has a quick mind and a quick wit and everyone enjoys the laughter at events that would normally lean on the stuffy side. I did manage to get a couple of pictures of him and some of the recipients. I usually am all over the picture taking thing. This time I was just waiting to hear him speak and hoping he would filter before he spoke. At one point he tried to signal me to take pictures. I wasn't getting what he was signaling about and it was a comedy in itself watching us trying to subtly try to communicate and it becoming obvious to everyone we were trying but it wasn't working. Claude finally announced over the microphone that I should take a picture for the grandmonsters to see on Facebook. Ah....okay, I got it! Here are a few pictures. The people in the second picture are Rob Rumpke, the CEO of Bluegrass Tomorrow, two people from Perryville Battlefield and Claude.
Now we zip forward to Friday, February 3rd. This would be a super busy day. Claude has wanted to take a smoked brisket to KLC for fun for some time. We are always talking about how great his smoked brisket is and they want to try it. Friday the 3rd, Claude would take in a brisket, potato salad and rolls to the KLC office. KLC was also holding a baby shower for one of the ladies that works there. I gave Claude a baby blanket I sewed and he took that as the gift. I rode with him to Lexington to deliver these items. Time was not such that we could stay but Claude just felt really good doing these nice things for people at KLC. They are very good to him and he enjoyed returning the kindness.
Then Claude took me to Chipotle's for lunch. I love Chipotle's veggie burrito bowl. I ask for white rice, pinto beans, mild salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce. I truly believe I love it because the base of it is pinto beans and rice. We ate that a lot when I was a child. Inexpensive and very nutritious. I loved it then and I love it now all dolled up by Chipotle. Yum!!
After lunch we drove back to Georgetown to do some banking and then to go to Frank Shoop to pick up my new car!! That's right. We bought me a brand, spanking new Buick Envision. Here is that story...
Saturday, January 28th, Claude and I took time to 'build a Buick' on the computer. We picked out which items we wanted in a new car and while Claude added them to the imaginary car in his laptop, I recorded them on paper. This left us with a feel for whate we wanted and what that would cost.
Monday, February 30th, Claude and I went to Frank Shoop to look at and drive the car I decided I would purchase when we decided to do that. We could both go that day and I would go and then do my regular Monday 'take care of Papa' things right after. We went with the intent of getting information but prepared to make a deal if we felt like we should. We drove the Buick Envision they had for display and then talked numbers. It ended up they could find one in Midnight Amethyst in Indiana with all that we wanted on it. It takes a lot of time to get that all worked out but before we left that Monday, we had signed papers and made a deposit on a new car for me. The arrangement was made for Frank Shoop's dealership make a swap with the dealer in Indiana. It was anticipated they would have the new car it in Georgetown by Wednesday or Thursday. By the time we finished all I could do was get groceries for Papa and sit and visit for a bit.
Tuesday morning, I got a call from Chris Barber, our sales person, stating the dealership in Indiana sold the Buick they promised to him to someone else Monday evening. Chris said he had looked around and found another Envision just like the Indiana one but with a few more bells and whistles in West Virginia. Arrangements were made. The manager in West Virginia had the keys in his pocket so no one could sell it. Exchange of cars was being worked out. Chris needed Claude and me to come back in and sign new papers since the West Virginia car would have a different VIN number. While visiting with Chris, I told him I wanted to take Papa for a car ride Thursday or Friday and would do that on the day the car wasn't being delivered. Chris said he would set up everything for a pick-up on Friday so I could take Papa for a drive on Thursday.
Which brings us back to Friday, February 3rd. We went back to Frank Shoop and picked up the Buick. I wanted the Midnight Amethyst because in all the pictures on the Internet it looked a lovely shade of purple. I LOVE purple. When we got our first look at the car, it was a very cloudy day. The car only faintly looked a nice shade of purple. It really looked more a chocolate brown. But it was beautiful, simply beautiful.
Chris had me get in the driver's seat for him to give us some instructions. There is so much electronic stuff on this car that it was mind blowing to try and take even a fraction of it in. There are things that just come standard on it that is standard on all cars now. My Lucerne was 10 years old. Lots of changes in that amount of time. One of the cutest things to happen was the seat warmers. It was a cold day, I had on my red coat that is extremely warm. Chris turned on the seat warmer and had me turn on the steering wheel warmer and I had on my coat and then I had a major hot flash. Goodness. I was quickly learning to turn that warming stuff off!! Those are items I would not have paid for as an add on but they come standard in the version of Envision we purchased.
We left Frank Shoop and headed to Papa's. He came out and got a quick peek at the car. I left my Lucerne in his driveway. Our plan was to go to LaGrange and take the Mini's to dinner in the new car. We got up on I-64 and passed a Highway Patrol car pulled to the side of the road. We thought he was ticketing someone until we came up beside him. Turns out another Highway Patrol car ran out of gas and he was bringing a can of gas to get him going again. For some reason that struck Claude and me as amusing. While we chuckle, the Envision told us there was a wreck ahead. We assumed that was the Highway Patrol on the side of the road. Not so, not so. It seems before we got on I-64 there was a bank robbery in Richmond or Berea just south of Lexington. One of the robbers got away and there was a high speed chase going north on I-75 and then west on I-64 ending in a crash in Frankfort at the intersection of I-64 and Hwy. 60. The back up lasted two hours. We were between exits with no way to get off I-64. We pulled out the handbook for the Envision and started to check out how some of the things worked while we waited out the traffic.
When we finally made it to the Marx home. Andie asked if we would like to pick up Hayden from his Track practice. Of course. Turns out Hayden didn't know we got a new car. He was so full of enthusiasm when he saw it and us that he was fairly bursting. He hopped right in the back seat and started checking things out. It was fun to have someone so very excited about this car.
Bailey got home from her play practice and we let her open her birthday presents. She is opening a stuffed Nubian goat, a box full of craft supplies, and a story book that Claude colored for Bailey.
Claude drove us back to Papa's where I picked up my Lucerne and we headed to Sadieville. At this point, all I had driven my new car was to pull it forward a few feet in the dealership parking lot so someone could get their car out. But I was happy and Claude was enjoying the new ride.
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