This ship is so big that people are not friendly. On the elevators, no one speaks and when you do say hello, folks seem surprised. Most people on cruise ships are chatty. It must be because, on this ship, most people are with a group, just like us.
Labadee, where we are docked, is an area of Haiti owned by the cruise line, so on shore, everything is new and pristine. The young of our group are off on shore being active, snorkeling, riding zip lines or visiting the beach. It is a busy scene, watching from our balcony.
This ship has great food at multiple restaurants which are included with the price of the cruise. In addition, several specialty restaurants are available where you pay extra money. There must be at least six of these fancy restaurants. I am surprised that people spend more money to eat when they have already paid for it. Yesterday, Ken and I walked the ship, visiting and inspecting all the fancy restaurants. We did not wish to stumble into a restaurant where we had to pay. Why would we do this?
Ken and I fit very well in our cabin. Our clothes are put away and the Internet access has been established. We like the balcony. Dave and Irene booked a very expensive suite for themselves, which has proved very useful. It is big enough to fit us all together for cocktails. Then we wander off to dinner. Good planning on their part. This ship has been steady. Not a sign of a rocking. So far, it has been a lovely cruise, all thanks to Dave and Irene getting married in 1953.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
December 30, 2013. The Allure of the Sea. Announcements.
It was exciting. Dave and Irene were hosting a cocktail party in their suite on board ship. For the first time on this Anniversary Cruise, everyone was together and pleased to all be in one place. The family had gathered from Vancouver, Korea, Montreal, Mississippi and Hamilton, to join the celebration. I proposed a toast to the oldest Buckley members, Dave and Irene. Then we toasted Alana, the youngest Buckley.
Brendan next made the most important announcement. He and Marnie were expecting a baby. Everyone was thrilled even though Norm thinks he is too young to be a grandparent. Brendan is Norm's son. Dave and Irene will now be a great grandparent. It was a wonderful announcement.
The Royal Caribbean ship, The Allure of the Sea, is huge. It is the largest cruise ship afloat. And it is beautiful. Dave and Irene chose this ship because of all the activities available for the young people. They will do them all, I am sure, from zip line to rock climbing to surf riding. Each evening we will gather in Dave and Irene's suite to catch up with the events of the day. It is an exciting time for all.
Brendan next made the most important announcement. He and Marnie were expecting a baby. Everyone was thrilled even though Norm thinks he is too young to be a grandparent. Brendan is Norm's son. Dave and Irene will now be a great grandparent. It was a wonderful announcement.
The Royal Caribbean ship, The Allure of the Sea, is huge. It is the largest cruise ship afloat. And it is beautiful. Dave and Irene chose this ship because of all the activities available for the young people. They will do them all, I am sure, from zip line to rock climbing to surf riding. Each evening we will gather in Dave and Irene's suite to catch up with the events of the day. It is an exciting time for all.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
December 29, 2013. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beginnings.
The beginning of anything is always an adventure. You never really know what will happen, once you have started out. Mary Frances was knitting a scarf for her Mother for Christmas and I watched her as she added stitch after stitch for the first row. She was excited to be launching a new project, knowing full well that some time during the knitting, she will be weary with the knitting.
Today, Ken and I feel the same. Our trip has been planned over the course of almost a year and now we are beginning to take the first step, the equivalent of adding those first stitches for Mary Frances. The difference between Mary Frances and us is that after she has completed the scarf, she will have a product that Christina will wear. At the end of our five months of travel, we will have a memory and perhaps some pictures. But we will have visited many places in the world that we have only read about, so we are excited to be taking the first stitch.
One anxiety of this trip is the access to the Internet. On a ship it can be difficult and I am told expensive. Ken already needs a drug store. All the comforts of home will not be at our fingertips, but we will manage, one way or another, I feel sure. And we are beginning our journey.
Today, Ken and I feel the same. Our trip has been planned over the course of almost a year and now we are beginning to take the first step, the equivalent of adding those first stitches for Mary Frances. The difference between Mary Frances and us is that after she has completed the scarf, she will have a product that Christina will wear. At the end of our five months of travel, we will have a memory and perhaps some pictures. But we will have visited many places in the world that we have only read about, so we are excited to be taking the first stitch.
One anxiety of this trip is the access to the Internet. On a ship it can be difficult and I am told expensive. Ken already needs a drug store. All the comforts of home will not be at our fingertips, but we will manage, one way or another, I feel sure. And we are beginning our journey.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
December 28, 2013. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A Travel Day.
You never know what will happen when you are traveling. In order to get from Jackson to Fort Lauderdale, we were required to fly to Houston, wait two hours, then board another plane for our destination. But the plane in Houston did not appear on time. For us, it was not a real problem as we board our cruise tomorrow, so other than being weary, we were fine. Ken and I just read and watched the people....and waited.
Not for other travelers. A big group was flying in order to embark on a cruise, which was leaving at 4:00 today. The original schedule had us arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 12:30. We finally left an hour late which was fine for the cruisers, but when we had Fort Lauderdale in sight, the plane began to circle, and circle, and circle. Finally we landed. We checked into our motel at 3:15, so it is my guess these anxious travelers would make their cruise departure. But they were worried!!
The first day of travel is always difficult, and I am not sure why. I know that you must get through the first day, have a good night sleep, then enjoy the rest of the journey. But even seasoned travelers like us finds the first day tedious and trying, even though you have no anxiety. We just get through the day.
Not for other travelers. A big group was flying in order to embark on a cruise, which was leaving at 4:00 today. The original schedule had us arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 12:30. We finally left an hour late which was fine for the cruisers, but when we had Fort Lauderdale in sight, the plane began to circle, and circle, and circle. Finally we landed. We checked into our motel at 3:15, so it is my guess these anxious travelers would make their cruise departure. But they were worried!!
The first day of travel is always difficult, and I am not sure why. I know that you must get through the first day, have a good night sleep, then enjoy the rest of the journey. But even seasoned travelers like us finds the first day tedious and trying, even though you have no anxiety. We just get through the day.
Friday, December 27, 2013
December 27, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Cruise-a-Thon.
Andrew has christened our five month journey a Cruise-A-Thon. It seems to be an apt name. We hope we have packed the right clothes because we certainly have filled our new bigger bags. When I was carrying my bag downstairs I was wishing we had used our old very small bag, as my bag is heavy. It seems that you will fill the space of any bag.
People have asked how we planned such a long and complicated trip and our response is always the same. The trip just grew, bit by bit. We certainly did not intend to take five cruises and be gone for five months. Once we decided try to avoid flying, the journey stretched out and we looked for how to get from where we were to where we wanted to be. Blame Dave and Irene, who started the whole thing by inviting us on the 60th Anniversary Cruise with the whole Buckley family, leaving and ending in Fort Lauderdale. One thing led to another. Now here we almost ready to leave.
Tomorrow morning we fly to Florida to board the Caribbean Cruise on the 29th, along with all the Buckley Family. After that cruise, we spend two weeks in resorts in Florida with Dave and Irene. Ken and I then take the Panama Canal Cruise, ending up in Los Angeles. A quick flight to San Francisco and four days there, we board the Cunard Queen Elizabeth for Auckland, New Zealand. A two week private tour ends up with ten days with Gill in Christchurch. We wanted to cruise home from Sydney, so to get there we are taking another cruise of New Zealand and Australia followed by ten days in Sydney. The final step is the 28 cruise back to Vancouver where we will stay a week, staying right down town with no car.
The total is three short flights, five cruises and no rental cars, traveling almost as was done in the 19th Century. Tomorrow we will begin.
People have asked how we planned such a long and complicated trip and our response is always the same. The trip just grew, bit by bit. We certainly did not intend to take five cruises and be gone for five months. Once we decided try to avoid flying, the journey stretched out and we looked for how to get from where we were to where we wanted to be. Blame Dave and Irene, who started the whole thing by inviting us on the 60th Anniversary Cruise with the whole Buckley family, leaving and ending in Fort Lauderdale. One thing led to another. Now here we almost ready to leave.
Tomorrow morning we fly to Florida to board the Caribbean Cruise on the 29th, along with all the Buckley Family. After that cruise, we spend two weeks in resorts in Florida with Dave and Irene. Ken and I then take the Panama Canal Cruise, ending up in Los Angeles. A quick flight to San Francisco and four days there, we board the Cunard Queen Elizabeth for Auckland, New Zealand. A two week private tour ends up with ten days with Gill in Christchurch. We wanted to cruise home from Sydney, so to get there we are taking another cruise of New Zealand and Australia followed by ten days in Sydney. The final step is the 28 cruise back to Vancouver where we will stay a week, staying right down town with no car.
The total is three short flights, five cruises and no rental cars, traveling almost as was done in the 19th Century. Tomorrow we will begin.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
December 26, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Fried Chicken.
Today, Ken and I ate the best fried chicken we have ever tasted, all while sitting in the truck by the side of a road. Our plan was to get to Edwards, then have lunch, as we had an appointment to look at another farm property at 2:00. When we got to Edwards, we discovered that they have no restaurants, but we discovered a service station with a sign for fried chicken so we went in.
For $8.00 we bought 5 pieces of chicken which included two rolls. We found a spot beside the rural road and ate our fried chicken. Now perhaps we were hungry but the chicken tasted better the more we ate. That chicken tasted delicious. It was a bit spicy and very tender and juicy. Of course, we were a mess. I dropped pieces of fried chicken all over my skirt but I didn't care a bit. That chicken was worth all the stains.
So just north of Highway 20, at exit 19 on highway 22, you can find this small service station making the best fried chicken in the world. Some days you just get lucky, even if you must eat in the truck.
For $8.00 we bought 5 pieces of chicken which included two rolls. We found a spot beside the rural road and ate our fried chicken. Now perhaps we were hungry but the chicken tasted better the more we ate. That chicken tasted delicious. It was a bit spicy and very tender and juicy. Of course, we were a mess. I dropped pieces of fried chicken all over my skirt but I didn't care a bit. That chicken was worth all the stains.
So just north of Highway 20, at exit 19 on highway 22, you can find this small service station making the best fried chicken in the world. Some days you just get lucky, even if you must eat in the truck.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
December 25, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Christmas Day.
Our Christmas Day was perfect. We arrived at Andrew and Christina's home just after they had finished opening presents, so we walked in with a big bag of goodies for each girl and a smaller bag for the adults. It took the girls an hour to go through their new belongings. They were delighted with each object but the ones they liked the best were the two pieces of art. While we drank coffee and admired our own gifts and stockings from Santa, the girls were glowing, surrounded by their gifts.
Christina made breakfast casserole which we ate while watching the Disney Parade. I like parades. Phone conversations with David and Suzanne and the girls in San Antonio made us wish we were all together, but they were happy to be heading west to ski. Molly received a video for Christmas, so we all watched together. Ken and I took a walk while Molly rested. Then just after 4:30, Linda, along with Peter and Bethany and their two children arrived for dinner. Beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans and brussel sprouts were served and was delicious. After a break and conversation, we ate a dessert of bread pudding and ice cream, made by Christina.
I have read and heard that families have difficulty over holidays. It has never happened to me. Our Christmas times have always been happy and fun, with never a harsh word. As I am 76 and am aware of at least 72 different Christmas Days, I can say with assurance that Christmas Days have always been a delight to me. Perhaps I was lucky with my families both past and present.
Christina made breakfast casserole which we ate while watching the Disney Parade. I like parades. Phone conversations with David and Suzanne and the girls in San Antonio made us wish we were all together, but they were happy to be heading west to ski. Molly received a video for Christmas, so we all watched together. Ken and I took a walk while Molly rested. Then just after 4:30, Linda, along with Peter and Bethany and their two children arrived for dinner. Beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans and brussel sprouts were served and was delicious. After a break and conversation, we ate a dessert of bread pudding and ice cream, made by Christina.
I have read and heard that families have difficulty over holidays. It has never happened to me. Our Christmas times have always been happy and fun, with never a harsh word. As I am 76 and am aware of at least 72 different Christmas Days, I can say with assurance that Christmas Days have always been a delight to me. Perhaps I was lucky with my families both past and present.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
December 24, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Christmas.
The churches are smart to have the Christmas Eve Service at 4:00, and they are even smarter when the preacher speaks for five minutes and the whole service lasts 45 minutes. The church was packed. Late arrivals were forced to sit in the choir stalls. One of the nicest part of the service was to hear the chirping of the little children, all over the huge church.
All the Creath and Dickie families sat together, in one long row. It was the same for all the families, who had gathered together from all parts of the country to worship on Christmas Eve. We sang eight carols and two separate solos pieces. It was lovely and festive and reverent. The children were attentive and well behaved and everyone was surprised to discover that at 4:45 we were walking out.
Christina's Mother Linda took us all out to dinner at their favorite Japanese restaurant. She had pre ordered so when we all arrived and sat down, the food just started coming..and coming...and coming. The food was delicious and we ate it all, much to my surprise. Our group consisted of 7 adults and 5 children although Kate and Mary Frances are almost adults. The choice of restaurants was excellent. Very few people dine out on Japanese food on Christmas Eve, so we had the restaurant to ourselves.
When we got home, Molly scurried around setting up cookies and a note for Santa. After we left, Christina will read The Night Before Christmas, then Molly would be keen to sleep, as she knows that Santa does not come until children go to sleep. Our Christmas Eve was delightful.
All the Creath and Dickie families sat together, in one long row. It was the same for all the families, who had gathered together from all parts of the country to worship on Christmas Eve. We sang eight carols and two separate solos pieces. It was lovely and festive and reverent. The children were attentive and well behaved and everyone was surprised to discover that at 4:45 we were walking out.
Christina's Mother Linda took us all out to dinner at their favorite Japanese restaurant. She had pre ordered so when we all arrived and sat down, the food just started coming..and coming...and coming. The food was delicious and we ate it all, much to my surprise. Our group consisted of 7 adults and 5 children although Kate and Mary Frances are almost adults. The choice of restaurants was excellent. Very few people dine out on Japanese food on Christmas Eve, so we had the restaurant to ourselves.
When we got home, Molly scurried around setting up cookies and a note for Santa. After we left, Christina will read The Night Before Christmas, then Molly would be keen to sleep, as she knows that Santa does not come until children go to sleep. Our Christmas Eve was delightful.
Monday, December 23, 2013
December 23, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Baking.
Yesterday, Wendy and I congratulated ourselves for doing no baking in Christmas, 2013. For many years, we made ourselves slaves to the kitchen. Now that we are old, we depend on our daughters in law.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, to exchange a dozen cookies to each of us in Picnic Group. We actually did it for several years. As there were 14 friends in the group, we each must bake thirteen dozen cookies, then wrap them individually in a package of 12 of your special cookies, then give a gift to each other. The first year was the most fun, as you received 13 different types of cookies. The second year was tedious and the third year we voted it down, perhaps because of Gill.
Gill did not really enjoy baking but she was a good sport and baked her cookies and set them out on racks to cool. Fourteen dozen cookies is a lot of cookies. An hour later, she discovered her very sick dog, and no cookies. Her Airedale had eaten every chocolate chip cookie, them proceeded to defecate and vomit all over her house. Not only was she required to clean up her house, but she was required to bake 14 dozen cookies, all over again. She was not pleased.
The rest of us, of course, thought it funny. but we all agreed on no more cookie exchange!! Our Christmas tasks got a lot easier.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, to exchange a dozen cookies to each of us in Picnic Group. We actually did it for several years. As there were 14 friends in the group, we each must bake thirteen dozen cookies, then wrap them individually in a package of 12 of your special cookies, then give a gift to each other. The first year was the most fun, as you received 13 different types of cookies. The second year was tedious and the third year we voted it down, perhaps because of Gill.
Gill did not really enjoy baking but she was a good sport and baked her cookies and set them out on racks to cool. Fourteen dozen cookies is a lot of cookies. An hour later, she discovered her very sick dog, and no cookies. Her Airedale had eaten every chocolate chip cookie, them proceeded to defecate and vomit all over her house. Not only was she required to clean up her house, but she was required to bake 14 dozen cookies, all over again. She was not pleased.
The rest of us, of course, thought it funny. but we all agreed on no more cookie exchange!! Our Christmas tasks got a lot easier.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
December 22, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Jambalaya.
The jambalaya was delicious, as was the company. In Jackson, you live just close enough to New Orleans that you catch the flavors in the local cooking, and the Jambalaya prepared by Nelson was the best we have ever eaten. I could have eaten three servings.
Katy and Nelson invited the Dickie family for a Christmas celebration. It was delightful and delicious. We snacked on Bree and cranberries wrapped in pastry while we drank milk punch, a delightful Mississippi speciality. All children sat together with the adults at the dining table. We were all in a festive mode.
We ate our jambalaya, salad and bread on Christmas dishes which made me nostalgic for my dishes, but I said not a word but just enjoyed the moment. Christina made brownies for dessert and served it with candy cane ice cream. I might point out that Andrew ate so much jambalaya that he could not finish his brownie, so he took it home!!
Mississippi folks are gracious and hospitable and being entertained in their homes are a delight. On the way home at 10:00, all seven of us in the car felt sustained in body and soul. There is nothing better than spending time with friends in their gracious home. We are fortunate.
Katy and Nelson invited the Dickie family for a Christmas celebration. It was delightful and delicious. We snacked on Bree and cranberries wrapped in pastry while we drank milk punch, a delightful Mississippi speciality. All children sat together with the adults at the dining table. We were all in a festive mode.
We ate our jambalaya, salad and bread on Christmas dishes which made me nostalgic for my dishes, but I said not a word but just enjoyed the moment. Christina made brownies for dessert and served it with candy cane ice cream. I might point out that Andrew ate so much jambalaya that he could not finish his brownie, so he took it home!!
Mississippi folks are gracious and hospitable and being entertained in their homes are a delight. On the way home at 10:00, all seven of us in the car felt sustained in body and soul. There is nothing better than spending time with friends in their gracious home. We are fortunate.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
December 21, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Storms.
This place has it's share of storms. Right now, we are under a tornado watch. It has been warm today and very windy. This afternoon, a tree blew down across the electrical lines, right in front of the condo property, which immediately shut off the electricity. We were leaving to have dinner with the family and by the time we returned at 8:30 the electricity had been restored.
The electrical company does an excellent job of informing us of the problem and the time periods, all done on Ken's cell phone. Within 5 minutes of the lack of power, we were told what had happened and when the repairs would be completed. Updates come regularly too. It is impressive to receive those text messages.
Now it is raining very hard and the storm warnings are still in effect. Thunder and lightning are everywhere. Of course, as we have no TV or radio in the condo, we are out of touch. We assume the rain will be stopped by morning. Kate and Mary Frances are singing in the main church services, combining with the senior choir for both services, so Ken and I will go and be proud of our granddaughters. My Mother would be pleased too. Then we will take them home. I will not wear my boots, which have candy cane stripes, to church and I hate wearing wet shoes!! Grumble grumble.
The electrical company does an excellent job of informing us of the problem and the time periods, all done on Ken's cell phone. Within 5 minutes of the lack of power, we were told what had happened and when the repairs would be completed. Updates come regularly too. It is impressive to receive those text messages.
Now it is raining very hard and the storm warnings are still in effect. Thunder and lightning are everywhere. Of course, as we have no TV or radio in the condo, we are out of touch. We assume the rain will be stopped by morning. Kate and Mary Frances are singing in the main church services, combining with the senior choir for both services, so Ken and I will go and be proud of our granddaughters. My Mother would be pleased too. Then we will take them home. I will not wear my boots, which have candy cane stripes, to church and I hate wearing wet shoes!! Grumble grumble.
Friday, December 20, 2013
December 20, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. A Cajun Christmas Tree.
It is sitting on the counter, right beside the bar in our condo, lending a festive note to the whole room. This Cajun Christmas Tree was given to us by Greta Barbour and John just tonight. I had never heard of such a thing, but here it is, lighting up the Christmas season, right in my own home.
We twelve dined together at Spice Avenue, an Indian Restaurant in Jackson. During dinner, this Cajun Christmas Tress was presented to us, appearing out of a large red bag. John is from Louisiana, so must know about Cajun Culture. Our Christmas gift is a large empty whiskey bottle. Stuffed inside the bottle and also wrapped around it, is a string of Christmas lights. Poking out of the top of the bottle is a small branch of pine tree, with Christmas ornaments hanging from the branch. When you plug in the lights, the whole thing sparkles with lights. It is a Cajun Christmas Tree and it is beautiful.
I wonder if John knows that we are from the home of the Cajuns? The Acadians were kicked out of Nova Scotia in 1755. Some of them ended up in Louisiana as Cajuns. The food served by Acadians in Nova Scotia is bland, for example, rappie pie, but the Cajun food in Louisiana is flavorful and delicious. I wonder what happened? And I wonder if you could see a Cajun Christmas Tree in Nova Scotia? Probably not. Too long ago. But we love our Cajun Christmas Tree. Thank you John and Greta Barbour.
We twelve dined together at Spice Avenue, an Indian Restaurant in Jackson. During dinner, this Cajun Christmas Tress was presented to us, appearing out of a large red bag. John is from Louisiana, so must know about Cajun Culture. Our Christmas gift is a large empty whiskey bottle. Stuffed inside the bottle and also wrapped around it, is a string of Christmas lights. Poking out of the top of the bottle is a small branch of pine tree, with Christmas ornaments hanging from the branch. When you plug in the lights, the whole thing sparkles with lights. It is a Cajun Christmas Tree and it is beautiful.
I wonder if John knows that we are from the home of the Cajuns? The Acadians were kicked out of Nova Scotia in 1755. Some of them ended up in Louisiana as Cajuns. The food served by Acadians in Nova Scotia is bland, for example, rappie pie, but the Cajun food in Louisiana is flavorful and delicious. I wonder what happened? And I wonder if you could see a Cajun Christmas Tree in Nova Scotia? Probably not. Too long ago. But we love our Cajun Christmas Tree. Thank you John and Greta Barbour.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
December 19, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Bops.
It is a Jackson institution. They serve frozen custard and is delicious. I have no clue how it differs from ice cream so we call it ice cream although on their sign it says "frozen custard". Of course, they have all the fancy sundaes with weird names such as 'dirt and worms', and 'gummy bugs' but is really just good old fashioned ice cream sundaes, all gussied up.
This evening, Andrew and Mary Frances went to see The Hobbit. We five were left home so after dinner, I suggested that we have dessert at Bops. Molly was thrilled. She had already put on a pair of cosy pajamas, but it took her a nano second to dress to be ready to get our ice cream. Kate had two final exams today. which she had finished just at 5:30. A treat was in order for her too as the exam this afternoon was science/physics and was not easy. Christina drove, and on the way we enjoyed all the Christmas lights, although Molly is not pleased with white lights. "These are not my favorite", she said time and time again.
It is always interesting to me just how much pleasure is derived from a small event such as driving for ice cream. We listened to Christmas music all the way there and back. As it was only 60 degrees, we elected to order at the drive through and eat in the car, so all the way home, we nibbled on our ice cream. And a good time was had by all.
This evening, Andrew and Mary Frances went to see The Hobbit. We five were left home so after dinner, I suggested that we have dessert at Bops. Molly was thrilled. She had already put on a pair of cosy pajamas, but it took her a nano second to dress to be ready to get our ice cream. Kate had two final exams today. which she had finished just at 5:30. A treat was in order for her too as the exam this afternoon was science/physics and was not easy. Christina drove, and on the way we enjoyed all the Christmas lights, although Molly is not pleased with white lights. "These are not my favorite", she said time and time again.
It is always interesting to me just how much pleasure is derived from a small event such as driving for ice cream. We listened to Christmas music all the way there and back. As it was only 60 degrees, we elected to order at the drive through and eat in the car, so all the way home, we nibbled on our ice cream. And a good time was had by all.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Packing.
I thought long and hard about what I need to take in my suitcase and I made the decisions. Being away for five months is a long time but my system is to launder regularly. Normally, we take one weeks clothing in our bag and keep wearing the same clothes, week after week. This works well for a month but not for five. Also we will be in settings that require fancy clothes. I know we will be in summer in New Zealand, but I expect their summers will be similar to Nova Scotia summers, so we will need warmer clothes. Going through the Panama Canal and through the tropics on the boat means I need warm weather clothes. It means taking more clothes.
In my mind, I knew what clothes to bring. I brought clothes from the farm and from Texas, but what I did not know was whether or not they would fit in my case....until now. This morning, I sorted through my clothes. I was ruthless, putting back in the drawers any duplicates, then folded and stacked the clothes I was taking. Much to my great surprise, everything fit. Success.
Yesterday, Ken and I bought new very small overnight cases for our medications. Our old rolling cases don't fit in overheads well so we bought small cases that look just like our bigger ones. except very small. Although they are small, they hold all our medicines plus space left over to be used for overnight stuff. They will work well when we tour New Zealand with our own driver.
For the first time ever, Ken packed his new medication case early. Whoopee. With our new bigger bag and our new small bag we are ready to hit the high seas. December 28 we leave Jackson, to return May 30. Even though I am using a bigger bag, I think I will be sick of looking at those clothes. Now I am packed, ten days early and I will relax and enjoy Christmas. My job is done.
In my mind, I knew what clothes to bring. I brought clothes from the farm and from Texas, but what I did not know was whether or not they would fit in my case....until now. This morning, I sorted through my clothes. I was ruthless, putting back in the drawers any duplicates, then folded and stacked the clothes I was taking. Much to my great surprise, everything fit. Success.
Yesterday, Ken and I bought new very small overnight cases for our medications. Our old rolling cases don't fit in overheads well so we bought small cases that look just like our bigger ones. except very small. Although they are small, they hold all our medicines plus space left over to be used for overnight stuff. They will work well when we tour New Zealand with our own driver.
For the first time ever, Ken packed his new medication case early. Whoopee. With our new bigger bag and our new small bag we are ready to hit the high seas. December 28 we leave Jackson, to return May 30. Even though I am using a bigger bag, I think I will be sick of looking at those clothes. Now I am packed, ten days early and I will relax and enjoy Christmas. My job is done.
December 17, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Escape.
It is a good car, but we never drive it. We bought the Escape used in Texas, when we were flying to visit the family and renting a car. It has been a great vehicle. Our practice was to leave it at David and Suzanne's house, then use it when we flew into town. One year shortly after Andrew and Christina moved to Jackson, we drove from Texas to Mississippi and we left the car at their house. It has been there ever since because we started driving the truck from Maryland after I retired, so we drive to Texas in the truck.
Finally, today, we have gotten Mississippi license plates for the Escape. It took us all of ten minutes and $35. Now the new tags must be put on the old Escape and then we are legal. The Escape has been driven 150,000 miles. Ken does not wish to drive north again so we will once again fly. We will keep the Escape in Mississippi to drive when we are here. We must figure out what to do with the truck. When we leave for our five month journey, the truck will stay with Andrew and Christina, so they will have four vehicles at the house. Life is complicated but at least now we have one car with a Mississippi license and one with a Texas license. The vehicles are both legal.
Finally, today, we have gotten Mississippi license plates for the Escape. It took us all of ten minutes and $35. Now the new tags must be put on the old Escape and then we are legal. The Escape has been driven 150,000 miles. Ken does not wish to drive north again so we will once again fly. We will keep the Escape in Mississippi to drive when we are here. We must figure out what to do with the truck. When we leave for our five month journey, the truck will stay with Andrew and Christina, so they will have four vehicles at the house. Life is complicated but at least now we have one car with a Mississippi license and one with a Texas license. The vehicles are both legal.
Monday, December 16, 2013
December 16, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. G.E.
We were both impressed with the service. I called a G.E. toll free number I found in the Yellow Pages at 9:30 this morning, and by 3:00 the appliance was repaired. Pretty good service I would say.
Our dishwasher here in the condo is a basic bottom of the line model. It was here when we moved in. I don't like it but it gets the dishes clean, after you first rinse the dishes. When we arrived in Mississippi before Thanksgiving, I discovered that the dishwasher switch would not advance, so after every cycle, I advanced it by hand. Then it quit. Ken fiddled with the switch and then it worked...once. Last evening, it died.
I was pleased because now we could buy a good dishwasher. But we will be gone for five months so we did want to buy a new dishwasher and let it set unused. We decided to see if the repair was cheap.
G.E.has a service company and when I called them this morning, the system was efficient. They told me the repairman would be at our condo between 1 and 5. He got to us at 1:30 and by 3:00 he was walking out the door. It cost us half the cost of a new dishwasher, so we were pleased. However, we still own an inferior dishwasher. Next time it breaks, we will quickly buy a new unit at Lowes, before we talk ourselves into saving money. Every decision in life comes with a trade off, apparently.
Our dishwasher here in the condo is a basic bottom of the line model. It was here when we moved in. I don't like it but it gets the dishes clean, after you first rinse the dishes. When we arrived in Mississippi before Thanksgiving, I discovered that the dishwasher switch would not advance, so after every cycle, I advanced it by hand. Then it quit. Ken fiddled with the switch and then it worked...once. Last evening, it died.
I was pleased because now we could buy a good dishwasher. But we will be gone for five months so we did want to buy a new dishwasher and let it set unused. We decided to see if the repair was cheap.
G.E.has a service company and when I called them this morning, the system was efficient. They told me the repairman would be at our condo between 1 and 5. He got to us at 1:30 and by 3:00 he was walking out the door. It cost us half the cost of a new dishwasher, so we were pleased. However, we still own an inferior dishwasher. Next time it breaks, we will quickly buy a new unit at Lowes, before we talk ourselves into saving money. Every decision in life comes with a trade off, apparently.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
December 15, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Decisions.
Making decisions is difficult. Weighing the options available and selecting the path that is best is not without anxiety. My philosophy has always been to allow a child to make as many decisions as possible as they grow up, with the hope that when the child is an adult, the early experience will lead to better decision making.
Once I was driving to a company wide meeting in a car with four fellow managers. During the drive of four hours, one of the managers talked on the phone 16 times to her children. There was no crisis. My friend was not allowing her children to make decisions about anything. There were calls about the color of the shower curtain in her apartment, and questions about courses, all questions that should have been handled and decided by the child. These children were all in college or graduate school. I did not endear myself to my friend by suggesting that she was harming the kids down the road. Her response was to say somewhat superciliously, "We are a close family so we like to keep in touch". Pure bull. It was all about her.
Kate and Mary Frances, who are 16 and 13, were asked by me, to select the restaurants each Sunday for Brunch. They did an excellent job, looking up on the Internet for restaurants, then reading the reviews. Today they chose a restaurant that was new to all of us, which I thought brave. It was a new Spanish restaurant, called Babano, where they served tapas. The girls selected the restaurant and made the reservations. Now the girls are skilled at what I do best, which is selecting a restaurant, then making reservations. It is a most useful skill!!
Once I was driving to a company wide meeting in a car with four fellow managers. During the drive of four hours, one of the managers talked on the phone 16 times to her children. There was no crisis. My friend was not allowing her children to make decisions about anything. There were calls about the color of the shower curtain in her apartment, and questions about courses, all questions that should have been handled and decided by the child. These children were all in college or graduate school. I did not endear myself to my friend by suggesting that she was harming the kids down the road. Her response was to say somewhat superciliously, "We are a close family so we like to keep in touch". Pure bull. It was all about her.
Kate and Mary Frances, who are 16 and 13, were asked by me, to select the restaurants each Sunday for Brunch. They did an excellent job, looking up on the Internet for restaurants, then reading the reviews. Today they chose a restaurant that was new to all of us, which I thought brave. It was a new Spanish restaurant, called Babano, where they served tapas. The girls selected the restaurant and made the reservations. Now the girls are skilled at what I do best, which is selecting a restaurant, then making reservations. It is a most useful skill!!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
December 14, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Projections.
Tonight we were supposed to be taking the Mills and Dickie families out to dinner to a Mexican restaurant, but John was ill, as are two of the children. At first we cancelled, but after three questions from Andrew as to whether or not we were really staying home, Ken and I decided to go out to dinner with just the family, but change the restaurant. Instead of the Mexican restaurant, we decided to got to Anjou, arguably the best restaurant in town.
The waitress asked what we were celebrating, as we seemed to be in a festive mode. I answered that we were celebrating Kate's visit to Mississippi College yesterday, so we did. She sat at the head of the table. Andrew commented that ten years ago, we wouldn't have believed that we would be thinking about Kate attending a school in Mississippi. They were all happily ensconced in Maryland, attending a small Episcopal school. Trying to project ten years into the future is always difficult, if not impossible.
We are all pleased to be here in Mississippi. Kate will soon turn 17 and she does not need to shovel snow. Mary Frances wishes she had snow to shovel, but not Andrew. Trying to figure out the future is impossible but Ken and I still try to project for a ten year cycle. My need to plan ahead requires me to try to figure out what will happen next, then make our decisions according to our projections. But as you can see, it does not always work out. Sometimes the future turns out better than you expected it would be. Tonights dinner was delicious and delightful.
The waitress asked what we were celebrating, as we seemed to be in a festive mode. I answered that we were celebrating Kate's visit to Mississippi College yesterday, so we did. She sat at the head of the table. Andrew commented that ten years ago, we wouldn't have believed that we would be thinking about Kate attending a school in Mississippi. They were all happily ensconced in Maryland, attending a small Episcopal school. Trying to project ten years into the future is always difficult, if not impossible.
We are all pleased to be here in Mississippi. Kate will soon turn 17 and she does not need to shovel snow. Mary Frances wishes she had snow to shovel, but not Andrew. Trying to figure out the future is impossible but Ken and I still try to project for a ten year cycle. My need to plan ahead requires me to try to figure out what will happen next, then make our decisions according to our projections. But as you can see, it does not always work out. Sometimes the future turns out better than you expected it would be. Tonights dinner was delicious and delightful.
Friday, December 13, 2013
December 13, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Children.
Children do the oddest things. Right after Thanksgiving, we bought the Christmas tree at Andrew and Christina's home and we all helped decorate it. First Christina put on the lights, then the ladies put on the decorations, with the fragile objects at the top, where Molly can not reach them. We had a jolly, festive time. Ever since then, Molly has been rearranging the decorations. I have no clue why she does it, but she must have a grand plan. I have noted that she has taken the decorations from the front of the tree around to the back. She is the only person who can squeeze in behind the tree, but bit by bit, she is taking her favorites to a place where no one else can get them.
This evening after dinner, Christina, Andrew, Mary Frances, Ken and I were sitting chatting in the living room. Kate was baby sitting down the street. Molly was singing Christmas Carols at the top of her lungs, one after another, totally oblivious that we could hear. She does know every verse of every carol. When I finally got up to get my purse to leave, I discovered that she was busily moving decorations around the tree, except now she was returning them to the front. She must have a reason for her actions but she is not telling. Children do the oddest things, but to them it seems normal. But to a grandmother, it is interesting.
This evening after dinner, Christina, Andrew, Mary Frances, Ken and I were sitting chatting in the living room. Kate was baby sitting down the street. Molly was singing Christmas Carols at the top of her lungs, one after another, totally oblivious that we could hear. She does know every verse of every carol. When I finally got up to get my purse to leave, I discovered that she was busily moving decorations around the tree, except now she was returning them to the front. She must have a reason for her actions but she is not telling. Children do the oddest things, but to them it seems normal. But to a grandmother, it is interesting.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
December 12, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Unexpected Gift.
Someone knocked on my door. This is an unusual event at our condominium in Mississippi. We seldom entertain here and we know few people in the complex. When I went to the door, I found a young lady holding a red box. Our units step back from one another, so although this woman lives three doors down from us, we only see her walking to her car. And of course, we are seldom here.
She told me that she had just baked cookies and she brought me this red box to say Merry Christmas. She lives with two other young ladies who are trainees at Ballet Magnificat, where Kate, Mary Frances and Molly take ballet lessons. These three ladies are trying to find jobs as dancers. I have chatted with two of the young ladies, but never at any length. Now she has given me a box of cookies. There is something delightful about an unexpected gift. I was charmed by her gesture.
Ken and I were just leaving to see the family, and I took the cookies with me. We ate those cookies with our tea. Our problem, as Molly could clearly see, that we had eight cookies and seven people. Finally, the one cookie left was divided into three, for the three girls. It was an unexpected gift but much appreciated by all.
She told me that she had just baked cookies and she brought me this red box to say Merry Christmas. She lives with two other young ladies who are trainees at Ballet Magnificat, where Kate, Mary Frances and Molly take ballet lessons. These three ladies are trying to find jobs as dancers. I have chatted with two of the young ladies, but never at any length. Now she has given me a box of cookies. There is something delightful about an unexpected gift. I was charmed by her gesture.
Ken and I were just leaving to see the family, and I took the cookies with me. We ate those cookies with our tea. Our problem, as Molly could clearly see, that we had eight cookies and seven people. Finally, the one cookie left was divided into three, for the three girls. It was an unexpected gift but much appreciated by all.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Planning.
It will be necessary for each of us to take a carry on onto the plane to Florida to begin our five month journey. In that carry on case will be our medications. Sad but true. Most insurance companies will authorize 90 days of medications at a time, but as we will be away a full five moths, we need two batches. They do have an over ride program but it must be authorized by the doctors and you are only allowed two a year. Irritating but understandable.
The Walgreen's Pharmacy in Jackson is excellent. Efficient, polite and enthusiastic. In the past, we obtained our medicines from the mails from a company called Medco but it was difficult to get the medicines at the right time, so Ken investigated other options and we chose Walgreen. Their computers can be accessed from any of the pharmacies so we can obtain medicines in Texas too. It is very easy and we are pleased with their service.
Monday morning I spoke to the pharmacist and asked her to work on obtaining two 90 day batches of my medicine and eye drops. Today I picked them up. She talked with the insurance company multiple times, on some I am paying full price, but at least I am ready to go and stay healthy. Not easy, but she did it. Now she is working on Ken's list, which is much longer than mine. Good luck to her.
The Walgreen's Pharmacy in Jackson is excellent. Efficient, polite and enthusiastic. In the past, we obtained our medicines from the mails from a company called Medco but it was difficult to get the medicines at the right time, so Ken investigated other options and we chose Walgreen. Their computers can be accessed from any of the pharmacies so we can obtain medicines in Texas too. It is very easy and we are pleased with their service.
Monday morning I spoke to the pharmacist and asked her to work on obtaining two 90 day batches of my medicine and eye drops. Today I picked them up. She talked with the insurance company multiple times, on some I am paying full price, but at least I am ready to go and stay healthy. Not easy, but she did it. Now she is working on Ken's list, which is much longer than mine. Good luck to her.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
December 10, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Another Book.
The Art Forger is another book worth reading. B.A. Shapiro wrote the book. It took me a long time to warm up to the book, perhaps because I did not like the protagonist. What I did enjoy was learning about forging art, which I expected to read, but what I did not expect to be reading was a detective story thriller. The main character is an artist and continues doing dumb things until, finally, all is resolved.
For the first half of the book, I continued reading reluctantly but then I decided that I was taking the book too seriously. The book spoofs the art world and the experts along with the Boston Police Department. I could not figure out what the author was saying. Once I realized that it was really a detective story, I relaxed and read very quickly to the end. Eventually, I got to like Clair, the main character, but not much. How ever, I understand that artists have a different way of looking at the world than me, so I forgave her and enjoyed the book. The information on the world of art forgers is invaluable and interesting. Actually, well worth the price of admission.
For the first half of the book, I continued reading reluctantly but then I decided that I was taking the book too seriously. The book spoofs the art world and the experts along with the Boston Police Department. I could not figure out what the author was saying. Once I realized that it was really a detective story, I relaxed and read very quickly to the end. Eventually, I got to like Clair, the main character, but not much. How ever, I understand that artists have a different way of looking at the world than me, so I forgave her and enjoyed the book. The information on the world of art forgers is invaluable and interesting. Actually, well worth the price of admission.
Monday, December 9, 2013
December 9, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Doctors.
Our Doctors have all been transferred to Jackson. This is the site of the Medical School, so there is a large contingent of specialists and sub specialists right here in Jackson. Both Ken and I said a fond farewell to our Bethesda Physicians, who have cared for us so competently, and we have gotten to know a whole bunch of new Doctors, all of whom look about 16.
As we are not in Jackson all year, during the times that we do live here, we spend our time visiting doctor's offices. Ken and I are not good at waiting so we try to get the first appointment of the day, but then we are into morning traffic. This morning my eye appointment was at 8:30, right at the peak of traffic. We have decided to forget the early appointments and just take a book. In June, 2014, my next appointment with the good eye doctor is set for 10:00. Everything is relative of course. The traffic is never terrible in Jackson, but you become accustomed to the lack of congestion.
The Eye Doctor, who looks 16, is excellent. He is happy to see me every six months although people with glaucoma should be seen every four months. He realizes that it is silly for me to see other doctors in other places so he accepts me coming every six months. He is no match for my background in sales. My check up with him today went well. I see 20/20 without glasses and my pressures are 12 in each eyes. My diligence with the five drops a day is working. We are pleased with our Mississippi physicians.
As we are not in Jackson all year, during the times that we do live here, we spend our time visiting doctor's offices. Ken and I are not good at waiting so we try to get the first appointment of the day, but then we are into morning traffic. This morning my eye appointment was at 8:30, right at the peak of traffic. We have decided to forget the early appointments and just take a book. In June, 2014, my next appointment with the good eye doctor is set for 10:00. Everything is relative of course. The traffic is never terrible in Jackson, but you become accustomed to the lack of congestion.
The Eye Doctor, who looks 16, is excellent. He is happy to see me every six months although people with glaucoma should be seen every four months. He realizes that it is silly for me to see other doctors in other places so he accepts me coming every six months. He is no match for my background in sales. My check up with him today went well. I see 20/20 without glasses and my pressures are 12 in each eyes. My diligence with the five drops a day is working. We are pleased with our Mississippi physicians.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
December 8, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Party.
The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas, both inside and out. We arrived to find cousins dressed like elves, ready to check coats. Their red and green outfits, which included a hat, made it easy to fine them. The presence of the young girls made you know that this party had been well organized. The eggnog, served by the twins was excellent.
Music was everywhere. A five piece band was playing all evening in the dining room, which turned into the dancing room. They accompanied John and Mary Jane as they sang. In the living room, a young man played Christmas music on a key board. Nothing was left to chance, with everything in place for a successful party. The food was plentiful and interesting.
But the best part of the evening was talking to the people. When we arrived, I knew half a dozen people and as the house was full, I had many folks to select to whom I should chat. John's Mother and I talked for ages. I had met her before but never at length. And we met a couple who we will meet for lunch next week. I spent the whole evening talking to new people, most from Mississippi. I loved it. Thankfully, Andrew and Christina drove. For us, getting home at 11:00 is a late night, so we were weary and happy to be home. It was a lovely party.
Music was everywhere. A five piece band was playing all evening in the dining room, which turned into the dancing room. They accompanied John and Mary Jane as they sang. In the living room, a young man played Christmas music on a key board. Nothing was left to chance, with everything in place for a successful party. The food was plentiful and interesting.
But the best part of the evening was talking to the people. When we arrived, I knew half a dozen people and as the house was full, I had many folks to select to whom I should chat. John's Mother and I talked for ages. I had met her before but never at length. And we met a couple who we will meet for lunch next week. I spent the whole evening talking to new people, most from Mississippi. I loved it. Thankfully, Andrew and Christina drove. For us, getting home at 11:00 is a late night, so we were weary and happy to be home. It was a lovely party.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
December 7, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Anticipation.
This evening, Ken and I have been invited to a Mississippi Christmas Party, to be held in the home of the Greaves Family in Madison County. I am full of anticipation. Firstly, we have never attended a Christmas Party in Mississippi. Secondly, many of the guest will be new to us, which always brings pleasure.
The five siblings give a big party together at their family home every few years. Mrs. Greaves, who is 86, still lives there, along with the oldest son and his wife. The home is big and it is old so seeing it decorated for Christmas will be a delight, I am sure. All five grown children invited friends so no telling how many people will be there. I know we were to bring our dancing slippers. When Christina asked about dress, she was told by Eleanor that "you could wear whatever you wish but in Mississippi we do like to dress up." One thing I will look for is what people are wearing.
I have always held my anticipation of future pleasures in check, knowing that often events are disappointing. I never promise a good time in my mind but when all is well, I am delighted so enjoy it thoroughly. It is perverse I know but it has worked. But tonight, I see no down side. I will wander and look and talk and enjoy so at the moment, two hours before party time, I am looking forward with pleasure to attending my first Mississippi Christmas Party.
The five siblings give a big party together at their family home every few years. Mrs. Greaves, who is 86, still lives there, along with the oldest son and his wife. The home is big and it is old so seeing it decorated for Christmas will be a delight, I am sure. All five grown children invited friends so no telling how many people will be there. I know we were to bring our dancing slippers. When Christina asked about dress, she was told by Eleanor that "you could wear whatever you wish but in Mississippi we do like to dress up." One thing I will look for is what people are wearing.
I have always held my anticipation of future pleasures in check, knowing that often events are disappointing. I never promise a good time in my mind but when all is well, I am delighted so enjoy it thoroughly. It is perverse I know but it has worked. But tonight, I see no down side. I will wander and look and talk and enjoy so at the moment, two hours before party time, I am looking forward with pleasure to attending my first Mississippi Christmas Party.
Friday, December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Birthdays.
Lethargy is it's own reward. If you don't do anything to get a ball rolling, the ball will never start down the hill and nothing will happen. Then you won't need to do anything except watch the world go by. It is the same in the world of social events. If you wait for someone else to plan and execute an event, nothing might happen, so I have learned to take the bull by the horns and just plan. This is especially true for birthdays. I leave nothing to chance. If I want folks to celebrate my birthday, I plan an event, even though I do not tell anyone it is my birthday. It is my own surprise party for them.
Today is my birthday. I am 76 years old today. In 2017 I will be 80 and we will plan another Big O party. But tonight, I invited my Mississippi family along with the Sutherland Family to join us for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Ridgeland. The Sutherlands feel like family to us anyway. The dinner was fun and festive and everyone enjoyed the celebration. It would have been easy to just stay home quietly and enjoy each others company, but instead we shared the joy and everyone left for home very happy. Gathering people together is valuable on many levels. The seven children loved being part of the birthday and the adults were just pleased to be together. Most of all, I enjoyed being with loving family and friends. That is worth making the effort of planning the dinner party, all for myself.
Today is my birthday. I am 76 years old today. In 2017 I will be 80 and we will plan another Big O party. But tonight, I invited my Mississippi family along with the Sutherland Family to join us for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Ridgeland. The Sutherlands feel like family to us anyway. The dinner was fun and festive and everyone enjoyed the celebration. It would have been easy to just stay home quietly and enjoy each others company, but instead we shared the joy and everyone left for home very happy. Gathering people together is valuable on many levels. The seven children loved being part of the birthday and the adults were just pleased to be together. Most of all, I enjoyed being with loving family and friends. That is worth making the effort of planning the dinner party, all for myself.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
December 5, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Yazoo County.
Up and down we drove, on dirt roads and paved. We saw many farms, with large fields of cotton and corn, also an abundance of animals. The area we drove was between Highways 55 and 49. The land is lovely, with just enough elevation to be interesting. We liked the looks of the area. Fortunately we did not see anything for sale that looked appealing. Ken and I did what we do best, which was just poke around rural Yazoo County.
Our long term plan is the buy country property in Mississippi, but first, the farm in Pennsylvania must sell, so we are in the first stage of the process. We are so ignorant of the counties in Mississippi that we can not effectively read the for sale signs or the MLS. The Realtor recommended to us by Katie, told us to focus our thoughts on Yazoo County. John recommended Rankin County too, so our next drive will be to Rankin County, which is just to the east of where we live.
Trying to become knowledgeable about an area is interesting. Lots of folks have asked us over the years how we ever found our Pennsylvania farm or the Texas ranch. The answer is that we did exactly what we are doing now, which is to scope out the area, and determine what is affordable. Our preference is to be one hour from our condo with the maximum being a two hour drive. The process has begun.
Yazoo City has a very nice restaurant right down town called Tom's Place. I ordered shrimp and cheese grits. I am becoming southern!!
Our long term plan is the buy country property in Mississippi, but first, the farm in Pennsylvania must sell, so we are in the first stage of the process. We are so ignorant of the counties in Mississippi that we can not effectively read the for sale signs or the MLS. The Realtor recommended to us by Katie, told us to focus our thoughts on Yazoo County. John recommended Rankin County too, so our next drive will be to Rankin County, which is just to the east of where we live.
Trying to become knowledgeable about an area is interesting. Lots of folks have asked us over the years how we ever found our Pennsylvania farm or the Texas ranch. The answer is that we did exactly what we are doing now, which is to scope out the area, and determine what is affordable. Our preference is to be one hour from our condo with the maximum being a two hour drive. The process has begun.
Yazoo City has a very nice restaurant right down town called Tom's Place. I ordered shrimp and cheese grits. I am becoming southern!!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
December 4, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Sam Robson.
I know nothing about him, except I know he sings and as best as I can tell, he sings only hymns. He can be heard on You Tube videos where he does acapella singing using multi track recordings. Basically, he sings with himself, singing multiple parts and harmonies. And he sings hymns. They are great. Tonight I sang "It is Well With My Soul", and "Great is Thy Faithfulness".
Next I turned to a Bruce Chen video of the Three Tenors, singing "It Is Well With My Soul", performed in Bath. He also gave the history of how the hymn was written. It also was on You Tube.
Finally, on my screen was a David Dawes playing a cornet solo, "Glorious Ventures". He was in Salvation Army uniform, and the band was a Salvation Army Band but it did not tell me anything about David or the Band. Maybe someone will tell me. He is a good player.
I am often asked about my background. People want to know what in my upbringing has taken. My response is always the same, in that I still love the hymns of the church and Salvation Army Bands. My life has always been grounded with firm Christian concepts, which of course has come from my upbringing in a Christian family, belonging to The Salvation Army. Tonight, I had a happy hour on the Internet, listening to the hymns of the church and to the Salvation Army...all on You Tube. Wonderful technology.
Next I turned to a Bruce Chen video of the Three Tenors, singing "It Is Well With My Soul", performed in Bath. He also gave the history of how the hymn was written. It also was on You Tube.
Finally, on my screen was a David Dawes playing a cornet solo, "Glorious Ventures". He was in Salvation Army uniform, and the band was a Salvation Army Band but it did not tell me anything about David or the Band. Maybe someone will tell me. He is a good player.
I am often asked about my background. People want to know what in my upbringing has taken. My response is always the same, in that I still love the hymns of the church and Salvation Army Bands. My life has always been grounded with firm Christian concepts, which of course has come from my upbringing in a Christian family, belonging to The Salvation Army. Tonight, I had a happy hour on the Internet, listening to the hymns of the church and to the Salvation Army...all on You Tube. Wonderful technology.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
December 3, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Post Office.
When I walked into the Ridgeland Post Office, the place was almost empty. There were no long lines of people waiting to be served. One customer was being served and one man behind the counter of about 50 was standing waiting to help me. I was delighted and as I walked up to him I said "You are making my day. I do not need to wait in line at the post office". He did not smile. But what he said to me made me very sad for him. He said, "I will make my day at 5:30 when I am off duty".
I had eight different types of transactions. It was complicated. The man was competent and even though I tried to lighted the experience, he was having no part of having fun on his job. He was just putting in the hours until he could leave at 5:30.
The sad part is that if he would just enjoy the customers and have fun on his job, the time would move along much faster. I did everything I could to make him smile or laugh but he never did. He did his job and that was all he did. He answered my queries with a yes or no. Nothing more. It was sad for him and irritating to me that he refused to make our mundane task turned into a pleasant event. Most people in Mississippi are gracious and pleasant but not that man in the Post Office. He just wanted to go home.
I had eight different types of transactions. It was complicated. The man was competent and even though I tried to lighted the experience, he was having no part of having fun on his job. He was just putting in the hours until he could leave at 5:30.
The sad part is that if he would just enjoy the customers and have fun on his job, the time would move along much faster. I did everything I could to make him smile or laugh but he never did. He did his job and that was all he did. He answered my queries with a yes or no. Nothing more. It was sad for him and irritating to me that he refused to make our mundane task turned into a pleasant event. Most people in Mississippi are gracious and pleasant but not that man in the Post Office. He just wanted to go home.
Monday, December 2, 2013
December 2, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The New Phone.
Driving home from shopping, Ken's phone rang. It had a strange ring but as the phone was in his pocket, we knew it was his. The funny part was that Ken could not figure out how to answer the phone and take the call. We just laughed and laughed.
Ken and I have been using old flip type phones. Ken decided that he needed a smart phone that had all the gadgets. Also we needed to upgrade our MiFi, and find out about international calling. We visited a Verizon store. Those visits always last four times as long as you anticipate it will be. The young lady helping us was wonderful but we had lots of questions and so did she. Finally, Ken bought a fancy phone, but not an iPhone. He had been reading about other phones and had isolated the one he wanted. And of course, we increased our minutes on the mifi, and bought a wireless charger. But they needed to set the new phone up.
It was well past lunch time so I left the Verizon store to check out the Honey Baked Ham store right next door. I hit pay day. At that same store, they also make deli sandwiches, so I ordered us each a sandwich and told Ken what he had done. The food was a big surprise. Ken was so hungry that he would not wait for any instructions, which is why he could not answer the phone. The rest of the afternoon he has spent figuring it out. Now if you call him 301 509 2026, he will answer on his fancy new phone...maybe.
Ken and I have been using old flip type phones. Ken decided that he needed a smart phone that had all the gadgets. Also we needed to upgrade our MiFi, and find out about international calling. We visited a Verizon store. Those visits always last four times as long as you anticipate it will be. The young lady helping us was wonderful but we had lots of questions and so did she. Finally, Ken bought a fancy phone, but not an iPhone. He had been reading about other phones and had isolated the one he wanted. And of course, we increased our minutes on the mifi, and bought a wireless charger. But they needed to set the new phone up.
It was well past lunch time so I left the Verizon store to check out the Honey Baked Ham store right next door. I hit pay day. At that same store, they also make deli sandwiches, so I ordered us each a sandwich and told Ken what he had done. The food was a big surprise. Ken was so hungry that he would not wait for any instructions, which is why he could not answer the phone. The rest of the afternoon he has spent figuring it out. Now if you call him 301 509 2026, he will answer on his fancy new phone...maybe.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
December 1, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi.. Decorating the Tree.
Mint was the restaurant chosen by Kate and Mary Frances for Brunch. I gave them the task of selecting our Sunday brunch and today was their first choice. It was excellent. They serve New Orleans food and the first thing we ordered even before reading the menu was two orders of Beignet. Heaven.
Christina put the lights on the tree while Molly rested and the adults watched football. Then we were all ready to decorate the tree. Kate put the fragile ornaments right near the top. Molly likes to rearrange the decorations. We had boxes of decorations. We worked diligently and soon the tree looked full but we still had another box so we kept finding spots. It was fun and festive.
First Christina sat down to watch the action. Next Kate and Mary Frances disappeared. Finally, only Molly and I were working on the tree and when Andrew made tea, only Molly was working. The tree is beautiful now but still needs garlands draped around the boughs. And all the boxes are open, sitting on the dining table, ready for Christina to find a spot in their home.
It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the Andrew Dickie Family home.
Christina put the lights on the tree while Molly rested and the adults watched football. Then we were all ready to decorate the tree. Kate put the fragile ornaments right near the top. Molly likes to rearrange the decorations. We had boxes of decorations. We worked diligently and soon the tree looked full but we still had another box so we kept finding spots. It was fun and festive.
First Christina sat down to watch the action. Next Kate and Mary Frances disappeared. Finally, only Molly and I were working on the tree and when Andrew made tea, only Molly was working. The tree is beautiful now but still needs garlands draped around the boughs. And all the boxes are open, sitting on the dining table, ready for Christina to find a spot in their home.
It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the Andrew Dickie Family home.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
November 30, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Tree.
We have learned a lot over the years about buying a Christmas tree. At the beginning of our marriage, Ken and I would shop for a tree together. I soon learned to stay at home and let Ken chose the tree. He was picky/careful about his choice, at least in the early years. It was his habit to buy the tree immediately upon arrival at the lot at Miller's Fruit Stand in Kensington. The trees were fresh so he kept the tree in a pail of water in the backyard. until we were ready to decorate the tree, which was right after Thanksgiving. He also discovered that the tree is more easily transported when still wrapped, so that was what he always did. "Modern trees are all cultivated and trimmed so you don't need to inspect them", said Ken. Our trees were always beautiful so I was happy.
This afternoon, Christina, Molly, Ken and I went to buy their Christmas tree. The trees at the lot were all the same type. When we asked, we were told they were Douglas Fir trees. To us, they looked like Spruce trees, but they were well shaped and well trimmed. And they were cheap. In Texas, in San Antonio, we looked at modest sized trees for $200. and more. The tree we bought was $50. Amazing. Christina brought their tree stand with us so the good folks at the store attached the wrapped tree to the stand, making it easy for us to bring it into the house and water the tree. Yes. We used Ken's trick of buying a wrapped tree. Christina wisely chose a 6 foot tree and we looked for a wrapped tree that was fat. We did everything right. The tree fits perfectly into the corner of the TV room. Molly was thrilled. Tomorrow, we decorate. It is very exciting.
This afternoon, Christina, Molly, Ken and I went to buy their Christmas tree. The trees at the lot were all the same type. When we asked, we were told they were Douglas Fir trees. To us, they looked like Spruce trees, but they were well shaped and well trimmed. And they were cheap. In Texas, in San Antonio, we looked at modest sized trees for $200. and more. The tree we bought was $50. Amazing. Christina brought their tree stand with us so the good folks at the store attached the wrapped tree to the stand, making it easy for us to bring it into the house and water the tree. Yes. We used Ken's trick of buying a wrapped tree. Christina wisely chose a 6 foot tree and we looked for a wrapped tree that was fat. We did everything right. The tree fits perfectly into the corner of the TV room. Molly was thrilled. Tomorrow, we decorate. It is very exciting.
Friday, November 29, 2013
November 29, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Countryside.
The day was lovely. The sun was shining and it was 55 degrees, so late this morning we took a drive in the Mississippi countryside. First we had to stop at the drug store. It will not be easy to get enough medications for us during the five months we will be gone in 2014, but we are working on it. After a short drive, Ken decided to have lunch so before we left Ridgeland we had lunch at Newt's, a favorite of the big girls.
The countryside around Jackson is not dramatic. No big hills or valleys, but it does have small hills. The development north of Jackson is dramatic. Every back road has houses. It is only east of 55 toward Canton that you see farms. The new houses are big too so this will not an area we could afford. Further west, you hit the delta, which is absolutely flat with rich black soil that will grow anything. We like trees and pastures so we will not buy in the delta. The cost per acre is high too, which is another reason we would not buy there.
Coming home, we drove along the Natchez Trace, which runs right beside the Reservoir. The water was perfectly still so we saw many many ducks and geese. It is a wonderful drive, right beside the water. Our circle trip was perfect.
The countryside around Jackson is not dramatic. No big hills or valleys, but it does have small hills. The development north of Jackson is dramatic. Every back road has houses. It is only east of 55 toward Canton that you see farms. The new houses are big too so this will not an area we could afford. Further west, you hit the delta, which is absolutely flat with rich black soil that will grow anything. We like trees and pastures so we will not buy in the delta. The cost per acre is high too, which is another reason we would not buy there.
Coming home, we drove along the Natchez Trace, which runs right beside the Reservoir. The water was perfectly still so we saw many many ducks and geese. It is a wonderful drive, right beside the water. Our circle trip was perfect.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
November 28, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day.
Everyone says the same thing. "Thanksgiving is the nicest Holiday in the year". I believe them too. You have no decisions, except what kind of rolls to serve with the turkey.
This evening at dinner, we started a new tradition. Instead of one person asking the blessing before dinner, at Andrew's suggestion, we all gave our own thanks silently and individually. Interestingly though, we all said Amen together. I suspect that practice will continue and will become a tradition at their Thanksgiving feast for their family.
Tonight at dinner, Christina made changes to the menu. We ate cheesy potatoes. And we did not eat stuffing. Instead of pumpkin pie Christina baked an apple, pear, cranberry crumble. The meal was delicious. Of course we ate turkey, smoked by Andrew.
The kitchen help has been doing a good job. After dinners, Christina sits down and relaxes while the girls and I clean up after the meal. I really can't help myself, but I play games to see how fast we can get the job done. The girls are good sports. Even Molly helps to clear the table.
In one month, Ken and I will join with the Buckley family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dave and Irene. We are being taken on a Caribbean Cruise. Now for this Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for my family, both immediate and extended. Hurrah for Families.
This evening at dinner, we started a new tradition. Instead of one person asking the blessing before dinner, at Andrew's suggestion, we all gave our own thanks silently and individually. Interestingly though, we all said Amen together. I suspect that practice will continue and will become a tradition at their Thanksgiving feast for their family.
Tonight at dinner, Christina made changes to the menu. We ate cheesy potatoes. And we did not eat stuffing. Instead of pumpkin pie Christina baked an apple, pear, cranberry crumble. The meal was delicious. Of course we ate turkey, smoked by Andrew.
The kitchen help has been doing a good job. After dinners, Christina sits down and relaxes while the girls and I clean up after the meal. I really can't help myself, but I play games to see how fast we can get the job done. The girls are good sports. Even Molly helps to clear the table.
In one month, Ken and I will join with the Buckley family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dave and Irene. We are being taken on a Caribbean Cruise. Now for this Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for my family, both immediate and extended. Hurrah for Families.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
November 27, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Eggnog.
The first drink of eggnog signals to me that the Holiday Season has begun. It is the sign in my mind of future fun. At the grocery store this week I bought a quart of eggnog. It will be the first and last eggnog I will buy. When I put away the groceries, I poured myself a small glass and cherished it. I never put liquor in the eggnog so I can enjoy it any time of the day. Tonight I drank another small glass, but the second glass did not taste so good, perhaps because my first glass was too big and made me queasy.
By the time my quart of eggnog is gone, I will have completed my enjoyment and I will drink no more eggnog this season. But it is so evocative of the holidays that I love the first drink, but I want no more. Last year on Christmas day, Katie served eggnog and it was delicious. It did not taste the same as when I purchase eggnog at the grocery store and I enjoyed Katie's eggnog. Hers was light and frothy and was served with a dob of ice cream.
Some foods and drinks are specific with the event. Eggnog for me begins the festivities of the season and I love drinking my first glass. The season has now begun.
By the time my quart of eggnog is gone, I will have completed my enjoyment and I will drink no more eggnog this season. But it is so evocative of the holidays that I love the first drink, but I want no more. Last year on Christmas day, Katie served eggnog and it was delicious. It did not taste the same as when I purchase eggnog at the grocery store and I enjoyed Katie's eggnog. Hers was light and frothy and was served with a dob of ice cream.
Some foods and drinks are specific with the event. Eggnog for me begins the festivities of the season and I love drinking my first glass. The season has now begun.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
November 26, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Chores.
Kate, Mary Frances, Molly and I are taking over the clean up in the kitchen, starting tomorrow and continuing until Sunday night. This is our Thanksgiving Holiday gift to Christina. We will try to keep her out of the kitchen after dinner. This is not easy. Immediately after dinners, we all retreat to the living room to chat. Soon, Christina will offer us a glass of water and when she returns, I discover that while in the kitchen, she has put away the food and loaded the dishwasher. But this Thanksgiving holiday will give her a break, whether she wants it or not.
Of course, Christina is better at cleaning than me. Ken says that sometimes, the pots and pans need dry cleaning, as sometimes I miss dirty spots. Must be my eyes. She will probably spend every morning re washing the pots and cleaning the counter tops. But after dinner, the girls and I will escort her to the living room while we take over the kitchen. Christina will be cooking the meals of course. The girls were delighted with the scheme, especially Molly. I am not so sure about Christina, but she is a good sport, so we will have fun and give Christina a break. The holiday season has officially begun in the Dickie family.
Of course, Christina is better at cleaning than me. Ken says that sometimes, the pots and pans need dry cleaning, as sometimes I miss dirty spots. Must be my eyes. She will probably spend every morning re washing the pots and cleaning the counter tops. But after dinner, the girls and I will escort her to the living room while we take over the kitchen. Christina will be cooking the meals of course. The girls were delighted with the scheme, especially Molly. I am not so sure about Christina, but she is a good sport, so we will have fun and give Christina a break. The holiday season has officially begun in the Dickie family.
Monday, November 25, 2013
November 25, 2913. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Rain and Shopping.
I thought the day would be perfect for shopping. The weather was cold and rainy so sensible people should have stayed at home. It turns out that everyone went to the stores, including me. But I was successful with the shopping, even though I was gone four hours.
Last evening I made a list of every task needing attention. By the time we leave on December 28th, every task must be checked off the list. In addition, tonight I remembered tasks I had forgotten to put on the list, such as order nuts for gifts, so my list is growing. Thinking is so much more difficult than doing, so when the thinking part is done and you have made your list, I always feel relaxed and confident. Now I just must do it!!
We have never lived in a place that gets 52 inches of rain a year. Today it has rained all day. Starting at 2:00, it has rained hard and it is still is pouring. Fortunately, Ken and I are snug as bugs in our little condo, so we don't mind. It just seems so unusual after spending two months at the ranch. They do not pray for rain in Jackson. The conversation at the grocery store is to ask when the rain will stop? They are not complaining, just observing. It is fascinating to note the difference from one place to another. Of course, when you see the lush foliage and large trees in Jackson, you know they have an abundance of rain, and I never complain either. I love the green look!!
Last evening I made a list of every task needing attention. By the time we leave on December 28th, every task must be checked off the list. In addition, tonight I remembered tasks I had forgotten to put on the list, such as order nuts for gifts, so my list is growing. Thinking is so much more difficult than doing, so when the thinking part is done and you have made your list, I always feel relaxed and confident. Now I just must do it!!
We have never lived in a place that gets 52 inches of rain a year. Today it has rained all day. Starting at 2:00, it has rained hard and it is still is pouring. Fortunately, Ken and I are snug as bugs in our little condo, so we don't mind. It just seems so unusual after spending two months at the ranch. They do not pray for rain in Jackson. The conversation at the grocery store is to ask when the rain will stop? They are not complaining, just observing. It is fascinating to note the difference from one place to another. Of course, when you see the lush foliage and large trees in Jackson, you know they have an abundance of rain, and I never complain either. I love the green look!!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
November 24, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Cold Weather.
Ken and I do not like cold weather. The dry cold air is difficult for him. Today was a lovely sunshiny day but it was cold. The temperature never went higher than 40 degrees F. Tonight it will be 34. Of course, all our cold weather clothes are at the farm so most of the time we feel chilly. We have no winter coats here in Mississippi, nor good warm boots. And of course, soon the temperature will moderate so we won't need the warmer clothes. There is no need to buy more warm clothes. We will just wait.
Our plan is to sell the farm in the spring. After it sells, we will either buy a country property or a bigger condominium. We definitely will bring our cold weather clothes south so we don't need to freeze the whole time when it is cold. Our condo is so small we could not possibly house any more clothes or shoes. In the meantime, we will grin and bear it.
One month today is Christmas Eve. Lots to be done between now and then!!
Our plan is to sell the farm in the spring. After it sells, we will either buy a country property or a bigger condominium. We definitely will bring our cold weather clothes south so we don't need to freeze the whole time when it is cold. Our condo is so small we could not possibly house any more clothes or shoes. In the meantime, we will grin and bear it.
One month today is Christmas Eve. Lots to be done between now and then!!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
November 24, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Six Years Old.
Molly is now 6 years old. Tonight we celebrated. For her special birthday dinner dinner she chose chicken and mashed potatoes, with ice cream sundaes for dessert. She wanted nothing. Andrew cooked the chickens on the grill and were delicious as well as moist and tender. And Christina's mashed potatoes were superb. Linda, the other grandmother was there too so it was a festive occasion, complete with decorations and balloons.
Molly loved it all, but she especially enjoyed her gifts. Last Christmas, her cousin was given a fancy Cinderella coach, that turns into a pumpkin. She loved it and played with it while her cousin was visiting. Ever since, Molly has been wanting that same gift. For these 11 months, she has asked if perhaps Santa could give her one of those coaches. Of course, no one told her yes, until tonight. Linda gave her the Cinderella Coach with the horse along with Cinderella, who lights up. She was thrilled. The rest of the gifts were opened and thanked but but she quickly returned to the Cinderella Coach.
Of course, the whole time she was wearing the Princess Belle dress, sent to her from Aunt Susie in Texas. Molly was in heaven. The adults and other children all toasted and gave thanks for Molly, born six years ago. She just kept smiling.
Molly loved it all, but she especially enjoyed her gifts. Last Christmas, her cousin was given a fancy Cinderella coach, that turns into a pumpkin. She loved it and played with it while her cousin was visiting. Ever since, Molly has been wanting that same gift. For these 11 months, she has asked if perhaps Santa could give her one of those coaches. Of course, no one told her yes, until tonight. Linda gave her the Cinderella Coach with the horse along with Cinderella, who lights up. She was thrilled. The rest of the gifts were opened and thanked but but she quickly returned to the Cinderella Coach.
Of course, the whole time she was wearing the Princess Belle dress, sent to her from Aunt Susie in Texas. Molly was in heaven. The adults and other children all toasted and gave thanks for Molly, born six years ago. She just kept smiling.
Friday, November 22, 2013
November 22, 2013. Shrevesport, Louisiana. Rain.
We have becoming smart in our old age. This morning, we left Jewett in the rain. Ken was at the wheel. After 90 minutes, we stopped for gas and I took over and drove another 90 minutes, still driving in the rain. We have driven three hours and it was for lunch.
Country Comfort was the name of the restaurant. The food was surprisingly good and we enjoyed our lunch. As we were now in Louisiana, a Casino was attached to the restaurant. But we did laugh. The waitress asked Ken is he wanted brown gravy with his pot roast. When the food arrived, his plate was floating brown gravy. When we both stopped laughing, Ken commented that he knew he did not want white gravy, so he had said yes. His meal was actually very tasty.
While walking to the car through the rain, we looked at each other and decided that we were too old to drive through any more rain, so after driving for ten miles, we checked into a Marriott Fairfield Inn. It was 2:00. Our afternoon was lovely. I took a nap while Ken worked at the computer and read. Then I got into a hot bath tub. Finally, we walked to The Cracker Barrel restaurant for a light supper, but mostly we congratulated ourselves for not driving in the rain!!
Country Comfort was the name of the restaurant. The food was surprisingly good and we enjoyed our lunch. As we were now in Louisiana, a Casino was attached to the restaurant. But we did laugh. The waitress asked Ken is he wanted brown gravy with his pot roast. When the food arrived, his plate was floating brown gravy. When we both stopped laughing, Ken commented that he knew he did not want white gravy, so he had said yes. His meal was actually very tasty.
While walking to the car through the rain, we looked at each other and decided that we were too old to drive through any more rain, so after driving for ten miles, we checked into a Marriott Fairfield Inn. It was 2:00. Our afternoon was lovely. I took a nap while Ken worked at the computer and read. Then I got into a hot bath tub. Finally, we walked to The Cracker Barrel restaurant for a light supper, but mostly we congratulated ourselves for not driving in the rain!!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
November 21, 2013. Jewett, Texas. The Nick Of Time.
The truck was loaded. The house was set. Ken had just locked the door, while I was starting the truck. Except the truck would not start. Nothing. First a grinding, then nothing. Just in the nick of time, we were still at home at the lake in Texas. At 11:15, I spoke with the AAA to hear that help was on the way.
Talk about luck. The young man arrived and discovered that the battery was dead. The truck is a Ford 150, 2006 and still had the original battery. Soon, a new battery was installed and the paper work completed, including the three year warranty. By 12:15, we were on the way to Mississippi, thanks to the AAA and the polite young man.
These new vehicles give you no warning that the battery soon will die. All of a sudden, the truck will not start. As we were about to get on the road to Mississippi and as we do not drive always on the main highways, no telling where we might have broken down. Today, we just got lucky.
Talk about luck. The young man arrived and discovered that the battery was dead. The truck is a Ford 150, 2006 and still had the original battery. Soon, a new battery was installed and the paper work completed, including the three year warranty. By 12:15, we were on the way to Mississippi, thanks to the AAA and the polite young man.
These new vehicles give you no warning that the battery soon will die. All of a sudden, the truck will not start. As we were about to get on the road to Mississippi and as we do not drive always on the main highways, no telling where we might have broken down. Today, we just got lucky.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
November 20, 2013. Canyon Lake. A Big Mess.
Ken opened the small fridge under the bar. He needed nothing from the fridge, but he noted water seeping out the bottom and wanted to investigate. He discovered that this small fridge had a freezing compartment at the top, which was full of ice. There was a solid block of ice inside and surrounding the small compartment. The freezer door would not open. It was a mess. Clearly the fridge was operating in an efficient manner so Ken and I decided to defrost the whole thing.
This small fridge has a history. When we renovated the house, Ken and I installed an expensive wine cooler under the bar, right beside the ice maker. David and Suzanne sleep right under the bar and the noise of the machines kept them awake so at night they would drain the ice and unplug the cooler. After a few years, the expensive wine cooler broke and the ice maker began leaking into their room, so they pitched the cooler and put the ice maker outside on the lower lever and they brought the cheap under the counter fridge from the lower deck, right outside our master bedrooms. That was ten years ago. I do not think that fridge has been defrosted from that day to now, but it has worked well, we thought.
Now I am boiling water to steam the ice. I change the boiling water every ten minutes but so far I only get dripping into the pans. I am afraid to pour the boiling water on the ice for fear it will drip down into the lower lever, which would be the bedroom of David and Suzanne. Soon I will be able to pry off the big chunks of ice but so far I can not get to the metal. Time is on my side. Ice will melt, eventually, and soon the mess will be gone. Guaranteed.
This small fridge has a history. When we renovated the house, Ken and I installed an expensive wine cooler under the bar, right beside the ice maker. David and Suzanne sleep right under the bar and the noise of the machines kept them awake so at night they would drain the ice and unplug the cooler. After a few years, the expensive wine cooler broke and the ice maker began leaking into their room, so they pitched the cooler and put the ice maker outside on the lower lever and they brought the cheap under the counter fridge from the lower deck, right outside our master bedrooms. That was ten years ago. I do not think that fridge has been defrosted from that day to now, but it has worked well, we thought.
Now I am boiling water to steam the ice. I change the boiling water every ten minutes but so far I only get dripping into the pans. I am afraid to pour the boiling water on the ice for fear it will drip down into the lower lever, which would be the bedroom of David and Suzanne. Soon I will be able to pry off the big chunks of ice but so far I can not get to the metal. Time is on my side. Ice will melt, eventually, and soon the mess will be gone. Guaranteed.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
November 19, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. Our Mail.
Every couple of weeks, we send for our mail. Usually, a good sized box arrives full of magazines and letters and bills. I like it when the mails arrive. My preference is always to read hard copy so I love to put the Weekly Standard magazines in chronological order and start reading, from the latest and working backwards. Ken does the opposite so we never argue about the issue we wish to read. And there's always a note or two with real hand writing which pleases me too.
Ken does not look forward to the arrival of the mail. As he does our accounting, the mails bring him lots to do and he doesn't really enjoy the process. Today, he asked me to contact three groups to change our address from the farm to our mailing service in Florida. It took me over an hour and I never was able to be successful with the Medicare.
The mails arrived yesterday. I quickly separated the piles...with a big pile for Ken and the magazines and notes for me. Since then, I have been reading, except when Ken gives me tasks.
Evidently, in Nova Scotia, the post office has built a group box, so instead of delivering mail to our mail box out by the road, we must now pick up the mail at the group box, which is not even close to our home. In fact, it is not even at Western Head. Now in Nova Scotia, we will probably do the same as we do now, which is get the mails every so often. But we are used to it so who cares. The trick will be to keep track of the keys to the box. Our mail is never easy.
Ken does not look forward to the arrival of the mail. As he does our accounting, the mails bring him lots to do and he doesn't really enjoy the process. Today, he asked me to contact three groups to change our address from the farm to our mailing service in Florida. It took me over an hour and I never was able to be successful with the Medicare.
The mails arrived yesterday. I quickly separated the piles...with a big pile for Ken and the magazines and notes for me. Since then, I have been reading, except when Ken gives me tasks.
Evidently, in Nova Scotia, the post office has built a group box, so instead of delivering mail to our mail box out by the road, we must now pick up the mail at the group box, which is not even close to our home. In fact, it is not even at Western Head. Now in Nova Scotia, we will probably do the same as we do now, which is get the mails every so often. But we are used to it so who cares. The trick will be to keep track of the keys to the box. Our mail is never easy.
Monday, November 18, 2013
November 18, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. Great Days.
It was not a bit fancy but it was delightful. Both Saturday and Sunday, Ken and I drove into San Antonio to spend time with David, Suzanne and the girls. We arrived mid afternoon and just hang out at home.
On Saturday, when we arrived mid afternoon, the girls and Suzanne were doing errands while Sarah was attending a volleyball game.. David was sitting in the living room watching an on line art auction. Both Ken and I sat beside him on the couch and watched too. It was fascinating, especially with the sophisticated technology. David, for his garage, collects original movie art, and he had bids on two pieces later in the sale. It is such a surprise to see a movie poster sell for $10,000. and the next one for $500. They looked the same to me. We watched with great interest. And the best part is that David was able to buy the two pieces he wanted. We three felt like we had won the lottery. The sale only had three pieces or original art. David bought the first piece for a modest amount but the one after sold for $7,000. And the second piece he bought was even more inexpensive. It was his Christmas present to himself!!
We watched the Baylor football game together on Saturday evening while eating Chinese food and we watched more football late in the day on Sunday.
But now it did get fancy at the Dickie family. For dinner on Sunday, we ate in the dining room, a dinner of beef fillets and baked potatoes and asparagus. Delicious and fancy too. Ken and I enjoyed two great days with our Texas family.
On Saturday, when we arrived mid afternoon, the girls and Suzanne were doing errands while Sarah was attending a volleyball game.. David was sitting in the living room watching an on line art auction. Both Ken and I sat beside him on the couch and watched too. It was fascinating, especially with the sophisticated technology. David, for his garage, collects original movie art, and he had bids on two pieces later in the sale. It is such a surprise to see a movie poster sell for $10,000. and the next one for $500. They looked the same to me. We watched with great interest. And the best part is that David was able to buy the two pieces he wanted. We three felt like we had won the lottery. The sale only had three pieces or original art. David bought the first piece for a modest amount but the one after sold for $7,000. And the second piece he bought was even more inexpensive. It was his Christmas present to himself!!
We watched the Baylor football game together on Saturday evening while eating Chinese food and we watched more football late in the day on Sunday.
But now it did get fancy at the Dickie family. For dinner on Sunday, we ate in the dining room, a dinner of beef fillets and baked potatoes and asparagus. Delicious and fancy too. Ken and I enjoyed two great days with our Texas family.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
November 17, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. My Aunt Miriam.
My aunt Miriam was a very able lady. And she was beautiful too. Everyone who spoke about her always said those two things. In addition, she was very gracious. She was my Mother's older sister and seemed to think that she could tell my Mother what to do, which did not endear her to my Father. In fact, my Father did not particularly like her although he never said anything bad about Aunt Miriam, but I could tell.
Aunt Miriam was a Salvation Army officer at age 18 and rose to be in charge of all women's programs in Canada. She stayed single until she retired and then married the Commissioner for Canada of the Salvation Army. I was the bridesmaid when I was 15. When he died, she became the Chaplain of Grace Hospital in Toronto.
In later years, she lost her recent memory but no one really knew because most of her dialogue was on automatic pilot. I would love to know when she started to have problems. My Aunt Margaret, who was her dear friend, was almost always with her and Aunt Margaret picked up the conversation if she knew Aunt Miriam did not know the answer. I suspect Aunt Miriam had lost her memory long ago. Eventually, she was in a locked ward for old folks who were just like her, but she was so used to working, she was often upset so they gave her the task of monitoring the elevator. Then she was happy.
Whenever I can't recall a persons name, I wonder if I am becoming like Aunt Miriam? She died well up in her 80's, but was in the home for about five years. So maybe soon I will become Aunt Miriam. Horrors!!
Aunt Miriam was a Salvation Army officer at age 18 and rose to be in charge of all women's programs in Canada. She stayed single until she retired and then married the Commissioner for Canada of the Salvation Army. I was the bridesmaid when I was 15. When he died, she became the Chaplain of Grace Hospital in Toronto.
In later years, she lost her recent memory but no one really knew because most of her dialogue was on automatic pilot. I would love to know when she started to have problems. My Aunt Margaret, who was her dear friend, was almost always with her and Aunt Margaret picked up the conversation if she knew Aunt Miriam did not know the answer. I suspect Aunt Miriam had lost her memory long ago. Eventually, she was in a locked ward for old folks who were just like her, but she was so used to working, she was often upset so they gave her the task of monitoring the elevator. Then she was happy.
Whenever I can't recall a persons name, I wonder if I am becoming like Aunt Miriam? She died well up in her 80's, but was in the home for about five years. So maybe soon I will become Aunt Miriam. Horrors!!
November 16, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. Another Book.
It really is a wonderful book, written by Rachel Joyce. It is her first novel although for 20 years she wrote radio plays for the BBC. The book is "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry". It is well worth reading this very English book.
The book can be read at many levels. The story itself is engaging. And the language is precise. Every word contributes to the whole. The author brings everything down to the personal and private level which of course is the most important. Trying to figure out what is happening is another pleasure in the book. And the images of the land with it's colors brings the landscapes alive and vibrant.
Rachel Joyce is an excellent writer and I await future books from her but The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an excellent book. I read it with great pleasure.
The book can be read at many levels. The story itself is engaging. And the language is precise. Every word contributes to the whole. The author brings everything down to the personal and private level which of course is the most important. Trying to figure out what is happening is another pleasure in the book. And the images of the land with it's colors brings the landscapes alive and vibrant.
Rachel Joyce is an excellent writer and I await future books from her but The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an excellent book. I read it with great pleasure.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
November 15, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Basketball Games.
You never know what will happen at high school basketball games. Sarah and Abigail both played games tonight at their school and there was never a dull moment.
The first game was delayed. The opposing team got stuck in traffic. Instead of 8 minute quarters they played 6 minute quarters. Abigail plays on the JV team, which was the first game. 6:00 was to be the start time, but as the team arrived late, the game began at 6:40. Then at 7:00, all lights went out, except the score board. Evidently, the school has an automatic turn off at 7:00 and someone forgot to over ride the timer. Immediately, all cell phones were turned on so the pitch black disappeared but the officials took awhile to open the box and re program the lights. Abigail's team won their game. They have the makings of a nice team.
Sarah plays on the Varsity team. Four of the JV players also play on the Varsity team as substitutes, Abigail included. The coach for the opposing team was one of those coaches that you love to hate. He yelled instructions at his girls throughout the whole game. And he got upset if the girl did not do what he told them to do, all at the top of his lungs. It was uncomfortable for everyone. Our team was missing two of the starters, one due to her birthday party and the other on a college visit, but for the most of the game, we were ahead. But ultimately, we lost. But the girls tried very hard and only lost by three points.
The stands were full of parents and grandparents but no one enjoyed the games more than me. I don't even care if the girls win, just as long as they work hard and exert themselves. I loved every minute, even when we were in the dark.
The first game was delayed. The opposing team got stuck in traffic. Instead of 8 minute quarters they played 6 minute quarters. Abigail plays on the JV team, which was the first game. 6:00 was to be the start time, but as the team arrived late, the game began at 6:40. Then at 7:00, all lights went out, except the score board. Evidently, the school has an automatic turn off at 7:00 and someone forgot to over ride the timer. Immediately, all cell phones were turned on so the pitch black disappeared but the officials took awhile to open the box and re program the lights. Abigail's team won their game. They have the makings of a nice team.
Sarah plays on the Varsity team. Four of the JV players also play on the Varsity team as substitutes, Abigail included. The coach for the opposing team was one of those coaches that you love to hate. He yelled instructions at his girls throughout the whole game. And he got upset if the girl did not do what he told them to do, all at the top of his lungs. It was uncomfortable for everyone. Our team was missing two of the starters, one due to her birthday party and the other on a college visit, but for the most of the game, we were ahead. But ultimately, we lost. But the girls tried very hard and only lost by three points.
The stands were full of parents and grandparents but no one enjoyed the games more than me. I don't even care if the girls win, just as long as they work hard and exert themselves. I loved every minute, even when we were in the dark.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
November 14, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. Johnson City.
Every so often we drive straight to our destination. We avoid back roads and stay on main highways. Today was one of those days when we decided to drive straight east on 290, then south on 281. Finally we drove around the north side of the lake on 306. Driving that route takes you right through Johnson City, the home town of LBJ.
Over the years, we have driven through Johnson City many times, but have never been able to find a decent restaurant. In fact, we told Ian and Rita not to bother stopping there. Today I was the driver and we arrived needing to eat lunch, so I turned off the main road and discovered a lovely town square, complete with a beautiful county court house and many lovely homes. But the best part was I found a restaurant, with 20 cars parked in front. It was The Pecan Restaurant and Brew Pub.
The place was charming and the food was good. And they do brew their own beer. Now we know. It just took us 17 years to get off the main road in order to find this good restaurant. Better late than never!!
Over the years, we have driven through Johnson City many times, but have never been able to find a decent restaurant. In fact, we told Ian and Rita not to bother stopping there. Today I was the driver and we arrived needing to eat lunch, so I turned off the main road and discovered a lovely town square, complete with a beautiful county court house and many lovely homes. But the best part was I found a restaurant, with 20 cars parked in front. It was The Pecan Restaurant and Brew Pub.
The place was charming and the food was good. And they do brew their own beer. Now we know. It just took us 17 years to get off the main road in order to find this good restaurant. Better late than never!!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
November 13, 2013. Harper, Texas. Friends.
I have been blessed with good friends. This is as true when I was growing up as it is today. And I am fortunate to have kept the friends over the years, which when you move is not an easy feat. Perhaps my interest in organizing has made it feasible. At our 55th, friends attended from every era of my life. But despite all my efforts, good friends got lost and I don't know why.
Our friend Sharon Berry worked with us at the Salvation Army camp just outside of Boston in 1961. She was a good friend and we had a great summer together and even almost got her in trouble!! For many years we kept in touch. She became a Salvation Army Officer and we kept in touch. Now she is lost to me. She played trombone and once she and I played a trombone duet, she on her trombone and me on the comb. It was a duet my brother played and I had heard him practice so often that I knew every note. I would have liked to see her at the 55th.
Lenore Ittman is another good friend I have lost. She and her husband Bev lived in Galveston, he as a city planner and Lenore a teacher in the children's Psychiatric ward at the University, which was where we met. I worked there too. Their 3 children were adolescents and we had no children so we were both foot loose and fancy free. For three years we had a great time, from 1964 to 1967, and then they moved to Michigan. We visited them and talked with them on the phone for many years. Bev called to tell Ken that he was not dying from lung but from pancreatic cancer and he did. Lenore went on to complete her PhD in education. All three children are with an MD. or PhD or both. But now I have lost her, despite my efforts.
And there are others too. I wonder why.
Our friend Sharon Berry worked with us at the Salvation Army camp just outside of Boston in 1961. She was a good friend and we had a great summer together and even almost got her in trouble!! For many years we kept in touch. She became a Salvation Army Officer and we kept in touch. Now she is lost to me. She played trombone and once she and I played a trombone duet, she on her trombone and me on the comb. It was a duet my brother played and I had heard him practice so often that I knew every note. I would have liked to see her at the 55th.
Lenore Ittman is another good friend I have lost. She and her husband Bev lived in Galveston, he as a city planner and Lenore a teacher in the children's Psychiatric ward at the University, which was where we met. I worked there too. Their 3 children were adolescents and we had no children so we were both foot loose and fancy free. For three years we had a great time, from 1964 to 1967, and then they moved to Michigan. We visited them and talked with them on the phone for many years. Bev called to tell Ken that he was not dying from lung but from pancreatic cancer and he did. Lenore went on to complete her PhD in education. All three children are with an MD. or PhD or both. But now I have lost her, despite my efforts.
And there are others too. I wonder why.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
November 12, 2013. Harper, Texas. A Lovely morning.
I wouldn't want to do it every day, but this morning has been a delight. Here it is, 12:15, and I have just showered and dressed and have yet to go downstairs. Ken brought me coffee at 8:30. I was already sitting in my chair catching up with the news and views in my iPad and I just never got up. It was cosy and warm. After Ken ate breakfast, he came upstairs to the computer and with me reading and him hard at work, we did nothing except enjoy the morning.
Ken reported to me that although the temperature was 59 when we woke up at 7:30, by 8:30 it had dropped and was now 40. "By nightfall it may be 30", says Ken, so it was a perfect morning to stay warm and stay upstairs.
I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but every so often, it can't hurt. Today, my first meal of the day will be lunch. Is this a good thing or a bad thing, I wonder? It is kind of like being retired. Is it a delight or am I just being lazy? Perhaps it is a bit of both!! Today, there is no ambiguity. I had a lovely morning.
Ken reported to me that although the temperature was 59 when we woke up at 7:30, by 8:30 it had dropped and was now 40. "By nightfall it may be 30", says Ken, so it was a perfect morning to stay warm and stay upstairs.
I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but every so often, it can't hurt. Today, my first meal of the day will be lunch. Is this a good thing or a bad thing, I wonder? It is kind of like being retired. Is it a delight or am I just being lazy? Perhaps it is a bit of both!! Today, there is no ambiguity. I had a lovely morning.
Monday, November 11, 2013
November 11, 2013. Harper, Texas. A Last Fire.
We burn our trash, both here at the ranch and at the farm. This afternoon, while it was still warm at the ranch, Ken built a fire. We brought all the trash down from the Top House, which wasn't much, but when I opened the garbage cans by the garage of the ranch house, I discovered four cans full of stuff left over from the 55th. It seems that just as the tasks from the 55th are over, more pops up to take it's place. Ken built a small fire, for a small amount of paper trash. Instead he had ten bags of trash that have been sitting for a month. awaiting his fire.
But it was fun watching the trash burn. We laughed as the 4 stale lunch boxes melted and the sandwiches finally burned. They took ages to burn. We saw many water bottles melt, the same ones that were supposed to be put in the blue round bin. And we laughed about that too. We burned all the foodstuff that would not freeze well. They took a long time to first dry and then burn. I spotted my shoes in the fire, the shoes that fell apart when we were out to dinner at Karen and Jacques. As each bag was put on the fire, we were reminded about the joys of the celebration.
Tomorrow the weather will be a cool 50 degrees F. during the day, and Wednesday afternoon we drive to the lake, so this afternoon was the last fire of the year at the ranch. But that fire held many happy memories.
But it was fun watching the trash burn. We laughed as the 4 stale lunch boxes melted and the sandwiches finally burned. They took ages to burn. We saw many water bottles melt, the same ones that were supposed to be put in the blue round bin. And we laughed about that too. We burned all the foodstuff that would not freeze well. They took a long time to first dry and then burn. I spotted my shoes in the fire, the shoes that fell apart when we were out to dinner at Karen and Jacques. As each bag was put on the fire, we were reminded about the joys of the celebration.
Tomorrow the weather will be a cool 50 degrees F. during the day, and Wednesday afternoon we drive to the lake, so this afternoon was the last fire of the year at the ranch. But that fire held many happy memories.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
November 10, 2013. Harper, Texas. Trade Offs.
You can never do everything you wish to do. Even the very wealthy must trade off time and activities. So the question must be asked and answered; "What is the most important thing to do right now?" Even in this time of retirement, choices must be made. Although we have unlimited time, we do not have unlimited abilities, so there are always decisions.
Right now, Ken is off by himself checking the back fence. His plan was to drive the mule to the back corner of the ranch, then walk along the fence line. Just as he was leaving, he asked if I wanted to come. My response elicited contrary thoughts. On the one hand, I don't think it wise for him to be off in the back forty all by himself. Also I like to wander around the ranch with him too. On the other hand, Ken likes to be by himself. I had just finished breakfast and do not like to walk directly after eating. So I had to make a trade off.
I decided that it was more important to Ken to wander himself so I stayed at the Top House. Later today, we will drive the ranch together. There will come a time that wandering alone will not be an option....but that time has not yet come.
Right now, Ken is off by himself checking the back fence. His plan was to drive the mule to the back corner of the ranch, then walk along the fence line. Just as he was leaving, he asked if I wanted to come. My response elicited contrary thoughts. On the one hand, I don't think it wise for him to be off in the back forty all by himself. Also I like to wander around the ranch with him too. On the other hand, Ken likes to be by himself. I had just finished breakfast and do not like to walk directly after eating. So I had to make a trade off.
I decided that it was more important to Ken to wander himself so I stayed at the Top House. Later today, we will drive the ranch together. There will come a time that wandering alone will not be an option....but that time has not yet come.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
November 9, 2013. Harper, Texas. Mason.
The day was beautiful so Ken and I drove the back roads to Mason. It has been several years since we actually walked the town square. We have driven through the town recently but have not checked out the stores. The last time we were there to investigate the stores must have been 2008, but I recalled that the downtown scene was vibrant with interesting, unusual shops. I was looking for Christmas gifts for my daughters in law.
Our route took us north on 385, then east on 1871 right into Mason. The county court house is beautiful, set all by itself in the center of the town square. Fortunately, the traffic was sparse. The roads are so wide that getting across the streets could be difficult, but it makes the town lovely and open. Ken and I walked around the whole square, going into the stores that seemed interesting and ignoring the rest. Fortunately, we were successful with our purchases, but the town did not seem very active. Several store fronts were closed which is never a good sign. And one of the store owners told us that she is relocating her business to Ingram, just outside Kerrville. She also plans to move to Harper!!
Getting home required us to drive south for a bit on 87, then turn right on 782 to Harper. The countryside was lovely and the traffic was sparse. Our outing was successful in many ways.
Our route took us north on 385, then east on 1871 right into Mason. The county court house is beautiful, set all by itself in the center of the town square. Fortunately, the traffic was sparse. The roads are so wide that getting across the streets could be difficult, but it makes the town lovely and open. Ken and I walked around the whole square, going into the stores that seemed interesting and ignoring the rest. Fortunately, we were successful with our purchases, but the town did not seem very active. Several store fronts were closed which is never a good sign. And one of the store owners told us that she is relocating her business to Ingram, just outside Kerrville. She also plans to move to Harper!!
Getting home required us to drive south for a bit on 87, then turn right on 782 to Harper. The countryside was lovely and the traffic was sparse. Our outing was successful in many ways.
Friday, November 8, 2013
November 8, 2013. Harper, Texas. Coffee Pots.
Ken likes coffee pots. Yesterday another coffee pot arrived for the Top House at the ranch. He likes the pot to be specific for the number of cups you will need, so on the counter we have a pot that holds 10 cups and another small pot that will serve four cups. He does not drink much coffee so four cups is really too big for us, Ken thinks. The new pot makes coffee by the cup, which he says is perfect.
Our room in Mexico had one of these fancy coffee pots, so Ken looked them up on the Internet and ordered a pot, along with two good sized boxes of the individual coffee. They arrived yesterday, so this morning, Ken brought me coffee upstairs, which I love. Fortunately, the coffee was excellent. The pot also will make Espresso, which he likes.
I asked Ken whether or not we would leave the pot at the ranch, but he thought no. Soon we will be leaving Texas for Mississippi, so the new coffee pot will go with us, although we already own a small pot and a large pot in our tiny kitchen. In Nova Scotia we have three coffee pots, all different sizes and we have the same at the farm. Some husbands have elaborate train sets in their garage, but my husband owns three coffee pots in every home. It is a very inexpensive eccentricity!!
Our room in Mexico had one of these fancy coffee pots, so Ken looked them up on the Internet and ordered a pot, along with two good sized boxes of the individual coffee. They arrived yesterday, so this morning, Ken brought me coffee upstairs, which I love. Fortunately, the coffee was excellent. The pot also will make Espresso, which he likes.
I asked Ken whether or not we would leave the pot at the ranch, but he thought no. Soon we will be leaving Texas for Mississippi, so the new coffee pot will go with us, although we already own a small pot and a large pot in our tiny kitchen. In Nova Scotia we have three coffee pots, all different sizes and we have the same at the farm. Some husbands have elaborate train sets in their garage, but my husband owns three coffee pots in every home. It is a very inexpensive eccentricity!!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
November 7, 2013. Harper, Texas. The Ridge Cafe.
The restaurant opened a year ago. Two years ago, it was being renovated both inside and out. The most obvious part of the site was their landscaping. The whole property was being redone with large earth movers moving to and fro, making it difficult to know what they were planning. Now I know.
In addition to renovating the restaurant, they also installed a nursery. The whole scene is charming with the flowers and the fences and bushes. But the best part is the restaurant and bakery. The food is delicious. We restrained ourselves from eating dessert but while we were there, many folks came in to buy desserts or bread. The restaurant was full so they have survived their first year.
The Ridge Cafe is located on the Harper Road so if you are driving from Kerrville to Harper, look for it on the right side. In the past, the restaurant at that site was horrible and it closed and stayed closed for two years. Now the restaurant is not only charming but also serves terrific food. We were pleased to have lunch there today.
In addition to renovating the restaurant, they also installed a nursery. The whole scene is charming with the flowers and the fences and bushes. But the best part is the restaurant and bakery. The food is delicious. We restrained ourselves from eating dessert but while we were there, many folks came in to buy desserts or bread. The restaurant was full so they have survived their first year.
The Ridge Cafe is located on the Harper Road so if you are driving from Kerrville to Harper, look for it on the right side. In the past, the restaurant at that site was horrible and it closed and stayed closed for two years. Now the restaurant is not only charming but also serves terrific food. We were pleased to have lunch there today.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
November 6, 2013. Harper, Texas. Helpers.
The 55th celebration is behind us but I still marvel about the folks who helped. On the Monday, we had our last meal with the caterers and we ate fajitas. It was a festive, joyful meal, eaten with friends and family that had enjoyed each other for the past four days. The young folks left the table to play games. Suzanne asked if there was anything needing to be done because soon, she would take the four girls home to San Antonio. I answered that before tomorrow morning, we must stack the chairs and table, ready for the tent people to pick them up. She went and asked the girls to help.
Immediately, all the young folks came and took down and stacked the tables and chairs. All the Buckley cousins and the Dickie cousins and the nieces and the nephews worked, while I sat on a chair and marveled at their efficiency. Within fifteen minutes, it was done, thanks to the group efforts.
Rita, Wanda and Darlene swept out and emptied every trailer. It was a huge help. I was fully expecting to finish the cleaning after folks had left but one by one, the three ladies took over and did the job, quickly and efficiently.
Every morning, Mal made the first pot of coffee. Soon, Rita and Marion brought out the rest of the breakfast and made more coffee and kept the food coming. Every morning, Gary filled the water tank of every trailer, a not insignificant time commitment.
Ken and I were grateful for all the helpers who made the 55th the success that it was. Hats off to all.
Immediately, all the young folks came and took down and stacked the tables and chairs. All the Buckley cousins and the Dickie cousins and the nieces and the nephews worked, while I sat on a chair and marveled at their efficiency. Within fifteen minutes, it was done, thanks to the group efforts.
Rita, Wanda and Darlene swept out and emptied every trailer. It was a huge help. I was fully expecting to finish the cleaning after folks had left but one by one, the three ladies took over and did the job, quickly and efficiently.
Every morning, Mal made the first pot of coffee. Soon, Rita and Marion brought out the rest of the breakfast and made more coffee and kept the food coming. Every morning, Gary filled the water tank of every trailer, a not insignificant time commitment.
Ken and I were grateful for all the helpers who made the 55th the success that it was. Hats off to all.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
November 5, 2013. Harper, Texas. Tasche Engineering.
The room looks like it has not changed since 1923. There are shelves of books telling the names and numbers of automobile parts. The shelves are ten feet long and there are two of them. Also on the shelves are telephone books. The latest one I found was 2003. I feel sure that no one has opened those books for twenty years. The room is 20 by 30. The place is full of stuff from top to bottom.
This Tasche engineering is the place in Harper where we have the truck serviced and inspected. The owner bought the business from Mr. Tasche and the new owner kept the name and everything in the shop. And I mean everything. Right against the wall is a lovely old oak display cabinet, which is full of stuff. No one ever opens the cabinet because the cabinet is right against the wall and the door to the cabinet can not be opened unless you move the whole thing. You could not move the cabinet because four chairs and a table sit right in front of it, all of which came with the shop twenty years ago.
This is not a modern work shop but we like it. The owner is well spoken and dignified and is a good mechanic. His mother arrives at lunch for him and the workers, bringing the food from the Longhorn Cafe. Today, there were three trash cans full of boxes from the cafe. Today, when waiting for the truck to ready, I sat in wonder at all the objects in this room, knowing full well that they have not been touched for years. It is not like me to just sit and do nothing but I convinced myself that the owner would not be pleased if I started to organize the place, so I just sat and marveled that in 2013, there is still a place of business that looks as if it was 1923. Only in Harper, Texas.
This Tasche engineering is the place in Harper where we have the truck serviced and inspected. The owner bought the business from Mr. Tasche and the new owner kept the name and everything in the shop. And I mean everything. Right against the wall is a lovely old oak display cabinet, which is full of stuff. No one ever opens the cabinet because the cabinet is right against the wall and the door to the cabinet can not be opened unless you move the whole thing. You could not move the cabinet because four chairs and a table sit right in front of it, all of which came with the shop twenty years ago.
This is not a modern work shop but we like it. The owner is well spoken and dignified and is a good mechanic. His mother arrives at lunch for him and the workers, bringing the food from the Longhorn Cafe. Today, there were three trash cans full of boxes from the cafe. Today, when waiting for the truck to ready, I sat in wonder at all the objects in this room, knowing full well that they have not been touched for years. It is not like me to just sit and do nothing but I convinced myself that the owner would not be pleased if I started to organize the place, so I just sat and marveled that in 2013, there is still a place of business that looks as if it was 1923. Only in Harper, Texas.
Monday, November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013. Harper, Texas. Improvements.
One of the side benefits of giving a big party is to fix up your place in order to get ready for company. We had dinner at our friends the Sutherland's in Mississippi. Jim and his father had just completed their new dining room, and reported to us that without the dinner party, the table would have waited another month to be completed. Having company has additional motives than having a party.
I was reminded of that when we arrived at the ranch today, and noted several improvements, made specifically for the 55th celebration. The gate was changed and upgraded in order to accommodate the bunkhouse delivery. The road to the Top House was changed to make it easier to drive up the hill. The bunkhouse was installed to serve the 8 cousins during the event. It worked splendidly. The electrical system was upgraded and past code violations corrected. Now we have an additional 200 amps of electricity on a different pole plus 4 permanent plugs for trailers or RVs. And we have three dusk to dawn lights, which Ken does not like. We moved an ugly play house to accommodate the tent.
All these improvements will be enjoyed over the life of the ranch. The reason for having the celebration was to gather together friends and family. Memories were made that will last a lifetime. In addition, we will enjoy the improvements at the ranch and recall happy times!!
I was reminded of that when we arrived at the ranch today, and noted several improvements, made specifically for the 55th celebration. The gate was changed and upgraded in order to accommodate the bunkhouse delivery. The road to the Top House was changed to make it easier to drive up the hill. The bunkhouse was installed to serve the 8 cousins during the event. It worked splendidly. The electrical system was upgraded and past code violations corrected. Now we have an additional 200 amps of electricity on a different pole plus 4 permanent plugs for trailers or RVs. And we have three dusk to dawn lights, which Ken does not like. We moved an ugly play house to accommodate the tent.
All these improvements will be enjoyed over the life of the ranch. The reason for having the celebration was to gather together friends and family. Memories were made that will last a lifetime. In addition, we will enjoy the improvements at the ranch and recall happy times!!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
November 3, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Good Read.
My life has been hectic these past few weeks and my reading has been neglected. I have kept up with political articles and magazines but the books have been waiting. Last week in Mexico, I seemed uninterested but now that we are back to normal, my reading habit has returned, but on an easy scale.
This book is a terrific read, especially for someone like me who loves to read about successful people. Zev Chafets is the author. His style is breezy and sparse, which makes for a good quick read. The book is called "Roger Ailes: Off Camera." It is not really a biography, just the story of how Roger Ailes got to be successful, which I find interesting.
Throughout the book, the author tells stories about famous and not so famous people, stories I have never heard before and were very funny. One story about Barbara Streisand is a hoot. You must read the book. I am not telling. I have enjoyed reading this book. Anne Tyler has been quoted as saying that she loves reading because she can be in more than one place at the same time. This book makes me feel as if I have known all these people through the years. It is a good read.
This book is a terrific read, especially for someone like me who loves to read about successful people. Zev Chafets is the author. His style is breezy and sparse, which makes for a good quick read. The book is called "Roger Ailes: Off Camera." It is not really a biography, just the story of how Roger Ailes got to be successful, which I find interesting.
Throughout the book, the author tells stories about famous and not so famous people, stories I have never heard before and were very funny. One story about Barbara Streisand is a hoot. You must read the book. I am not telling. I have enjoyed reading this book. Anne Tyler has been quoted as saying that she loves reading because she can be in more than one place at the same time. This book makes me feel as if I have known all these people through the years. It is a good read.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
November 2, 2013. Canyon Lake, Texas. 45 Days.
The weather is beautiful at Canyon Lake. 75 degrees and sunny. Perfect weather. The rain came down and the lake went up, which is a good thing. Everything at the lake looks better with more water in the lake. The Hill Country is still short of rain, even though Austin got 12 inches last weekend. As the shuttle driver said when we asked about the rain. "We always want more rain in the Hill Country."
Now I have a list of what needs to be done over the next 45 days. Ken and I must return to the ranch and finish fixing it up after the 55th. I must organize and wrap the Christmas gifts for the Texas family and leave them with Suzanne. I discovered to my horror that I have not one gift selected for Suzanne. Some of the clothes at the lake and the ranch I may take on our New Zealand jaunt, but I must carefully sort and select the clothes. We are taking one case each and a carry on to last us the five months.
Then we drive to Mississippi, right after Thanksgiving, or perhaps just before. Again, I must organize the Mississippi family gifts. And finally, I must pack my case. I must do it early because I might need to pare down my stack of clothes. I need clothes for fancy events and clothes for cool and warm weather. But we do not need to take clothes for snow. My next 45 days will be busy but now I can work from my list, which reduces anxiety. Along the way, we will enjoy all the social events that come with Thanksgiving and Christmas, so here we go.
Now I have a list of what needs to be done over the next 45 days. Ken and I must return to the ranch and finish fixing it up after the 55th. I must organize and wrap the Christmas gifts for the Texas family and leave them with Suzanne. I discovered to my horror that I have not one gift selected for Suzanne. Some of the clothes at the lake and the ranch I may take on our New Zealand jaunt, but I must carefully sort and select the clothes. We are taking one case each and a carry on to last us the five months.
Then we drive to Mississippi, right after Thanksgiving, or perhaps just before. Again, I must organize the Mississippi family gifts. And finally, I must pack my case. I must do it early because I might need to pare down my stack of clothes. I need clothes for fancy events and clothes for cool and warm weather. But we do not need to take clothes for snow. My next 45 days will be busy but now I can work from my list, which reduces anxiety. Along the way, we will enjoy all the social events that come with Thanksgiving and Christmas, so here we go.
Friday, November 1, 2013
November 1, 2013. Cancun, Mexico. The Last Supper.
Rene, the manager of the restaurant called Zen, arranged a special final dinner for us in his restaurant. We had dined three times this week in Zen and we had gotten to know him, chatting with him about his English and his wife, and most importantly, the birth of their first baby in four months. He is a very nice young man who works very hard to make Zen the best restaurant in the Hard Rock Hotels.
We started with miso soup. But the real deal was a big plate of sushi and shashima, brought to our table held high by Rene. It was delicious and we ate our fill. The dinner ended with a dish of ice cream. While we were dining, Isaac our butler, was checking us out. Tomorrow, all we need to do in the morning, is to get on the vehicle that will take us to the airport. No fuss and muss. These Hard Rock Hotel Resorts have worked hard to make life easy for their guests. and it shows.
In exchange, the staff members ask as you to fill out the evaluation which will be sent to us via e mail. They tell us that the bosses pay close attention to the comments from the guests, both pro and con, so the workers are keen to have you write good comments about the experience we had in Cancun. Rene commented that many people are quick to speak of bad experiences but not so quick to praise. We will try to do our part. Certainly, the staff members were wonderful in every way. Cheerful, helpful and competent and we have enjoyed our stay here at the Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun.
We started with miso soup. But the real deal was a big plate of sushi and shashima, brought to our table held high by Rene. It was delicious and we ate our fill. The dinner ended with a dish of ice cream. While we were dining, Isaac our butler, was checking us out. Tomorrow, all we need to do in the morning, is to get on the vehicle that will take us to the airport. No fuss and muss. These Hard Rock Hotel Resorts have worked hard to make life easy for their guests. and it shows.
In exchange, the staff members ask as you to fill out the evaluation which will be sent to us via e mail. They tell us that the bosses pay close attention to the comments from the guests, both pro and con, so the workers are keen to have you write good comments about the experience we had in Cancun. Rene commented that many people are quick to speak of bad experiences but not so quick to praise. We will try to do our part. Certainly, the staff members were wonderful in every way. Cheerful, helpful and competent and we have enjoyed our stay here at the Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
October 31, 2013, Cancun, Mexico. Another Hair Cut.
Ken does not like these very short hair cuts. This time, it was an issue of language. While she was cutting my hair, I just kept wondering how short my hair was eventually going to be, but once she did one small section, I knew my hair would be shorter than Ken's, which is short. Last evening, after a glass or two, I suggested that Ken get a haircut too, just so his hair would be shorter than mine. He just laughed.
The hair cutter was having difficulty figuring out what I wanted to do with my hair. We were speaking in English but as I was not specific enough for her, she thought she could not understand my English. We spoke in Spanish too, with the same result. Finally she went away and came back in three minutes with magazines of different hair styles, and she showed me five styles of short hair. Clearly she was struggling with what type of short hair style she was supposed to cut for me. I chose one picture of a short hair cut.
I will tell you that my hair has no similarity to the picture. First off, the lady in the picture is very thin. And she is very young. Her hair also is dark and she has hair poking out in all directions. My hair is one half inch at the top and about one eight inch on the side and back. When I left, my hair poked up at the top but as soon as I hit the humid air, it fell close to my head and has been there ever since.
The best part of hair is that it will grow, which is a great blessing. At the moment, I will get sympathy for recovering from chemotherapy. But this too shall pass!!
The hair cutter was having difficulty figuring out what I wanted to do with my hair. We were speaking in English but as I was not specific enough for her, she thought she could not understand my English. We spoke in Spanish too, with the same result. Finally she went away and came back in three minutes with magazines of different hair styles, and she showed me five styles of short hair. Clearly she was struggling with what type of short hair style she was supposed to cut for me. I chose one picture of a short hair cut.
I will tell you that my hair has no similarity to the picture. First off, the lady in the picture is very thin. And she is very young. Her hair also is dark and she has hair poking out in all directions. My hair is one half inch at the top and about one eight inch on the side and back. When I left, my hair poked up at the top but as soon as I hit the humid air, it fell close to my head and has been there ever since.
The best part of hair is that it will grow, which is a great blessing. At the moment, I will get sympathy for recovering from chemotherapy. But this too shall pass!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)