June 30, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Chiggers.

The first time Ken went hunting in Texas, he came down with a large case of chiggers.  As he had never seen chiggers before, he was slow to recognize the bites but he knew he was had lots of itchy places on his body.  He had not had a bout of chiggers since 1964.

Steve looks after our longhorn cattle.  He was at our bonfire before anyone else arrived to see if we needed help.  He asked us if we had been bothered by chiggers because he said they are very bad this year.  We told Steve that we had been indoors most of the time so  were having no trouble.  But I was too quick to speak.  By yesterday, I have red bites in many places of my body.  I have been using the anti itch stuff we use for mosquito bites but tonight I texted Steve for advice.  His solution was to use either alcohol or clorox.  I could find no rubbing alcohol so now I smell like a laundry. The big question to know is if everyone came down with an attack of chiggers while sitting around the fire?  Next time we are at the ranch, I will ask.  But not yet.  At the moment they are trying not to scratch their bites  because that spreads the red blotches and feel worse.  Not good to get chiggers.  But this too shall pass...I hope.

June 29, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Our journey.

Our journey from the ranch to the lake took over four hours.  Everytime we turned around, we were stopping.  By the time we got organized upstairs at the Top House, it was 11:00 and we had not eaten breakfast so we decided to leave immediately and eat lunch at the Longhorn Cafe which we did.  When we walk in now we are treated as old friends.   Their special today was pecan crusted pork chops.  Delicious.  We brought back a big box of food.

Next stop was the drug store in Fredericksburg.  Ken needed to pick up the last of his prescriptions for the three months in Nova Scotia.  Keeping track of his medications is not easy but I think he has them all.   Peach season in the Hill Country is just about over but we wanted to bring peaches back to the lake for everyone to eat, so we stopped in Stonewall, the peach capital of Texas.  Last year I bought a very large container of peaches.  Suzanne cooked most of them and froze the cut up peaches. This year she wants just enough for eating.   We stopped at the same place as we did last year.  Their system is to have you select your fruits and vegetables, then go inside to pay your bill.  Last year I refused to go inside.  I was just too weary so they took my money outside.   But this year I went inside and bought honey and bread.  No wonder they force you inside.  The place smells delicious of home made peach pies and cobler and fresh baked bread.

A normal drive from the ranch to the lake takes 2 hours but today we stretched it out.  We enjoyed the afternoon and switched drivers twice.  Ken drove to Harper, I drove to Blanco and Ken got us home to the lake.  After unloading the truck we both took an hour nap.  We might be weary from our impromptu neighborhood bonfire or perhaps we were just lazy.  Once again, we are pleased to be at the lake.

June 28, 2016. Harper, Texas. A Bonfire.

This morning at 10:00 Ken and I decided to make a fire and invite our neighbors.  I made the calls.  Even though it was short notice, everyone seemed pleased to be invited.   At four o'clock we drove down the hill to get organized.  Our immediate neighbors arrived before I was ready so Lorrine helped me ice down the beer and water bottles and open the cans of nuts.   And we opened the wine bottles.   Then we sat and talked.  One by one our neighbors arrived and were delighted to see us.  Also Karen brought a dip and crackers and Kristy brought cheese so with our nuts and Pringles we had plenty to eat and nibble.

There is no better place for conversation that sitting around a fire.  Everyone was relaxed and no one needed to work.  These folks are the salt of the earth.  If you needed help they would be there to assist you.  By 8:30, everyone had left except Steve and Cindy and they helped me put everything back into the house and garage.    This was one of our better ideas.  Our ranch neighbors were delighted to see each other and to see us still walking and talking.   Sitting by the fire was the perfect place to meet and talk.  And I did not need to cook!!

June 27, 2016. Harper, Texas. Dr. DeLeon.

One year ago, Dr. DeLeon was not pleased.  I was flying to Nova Scotia, which had risks all by itself and I was planning to spend the whole summer without any Oncologist looking after me.  I did not even have a G.P.  But he could see that we were going so he made a plan.  He gave me a month supply of antibiotics in case I got sick.  I was to have blood drawn every two weeks and fax the results to him.  I was to find a G.P. who would look after me if I got sick.  If I did get sick, I was to take the medicine for a week.  If I was still sick, I was to go to the hospital and have the G.P. call him.   At that time my white cells were 1.1 so I was at great risk for infection.

This morning I met with Dr. DeLeon, my Texas Oncologist.  He says I look 1,000% better than one year ago.   "It is astonishing," said the good doctor.  He was very pleased.  Now I go off with his blessings with no need to check blood counts.  I am to call him when we return in October.  What a difference a year makes.  Ibrance, clean Atlantic air, good friends and good food and multiple healing hugs have made the difference in my life.

June 26, 2016. Harper, Texas. Country Club Brunch.

Everything was perfect.  Robbie drove.  The food was delicious and son Michael joined us from San Antonio for brunch.  Our day was delightful.

Robbie and Joyce had plumbing problems.  Tiny pin hole leaks developed in multiple places in their home.  The small amount of water seeped into the dry wall before the leaking was discovered.  The plumber recommended all the copper pipes be replaced.  Evidently, the copper was faulty and after 20 years of hard water, tiny holes had developed all over the house, so all their pipes were replaced.  Next the drywall and finally the painting, which is what is happening now.  Instead of inviting us for dinner, they invited us for Brunch at the River Falls Country Club in Kerrville.  Their house is too pulled apart for her to cook.

Robbie and Joyce have been members of that Country Club for a long time.  We four ate lunch there the day after we settled on our ranch in 2001.  We had not been back.  The golf course is surrounded by beautiful homes so after brunch, Robbie drove us on a tour of the subdivision.  Michael would like them to move closer to him so perhaps one day they will move to River Falls.   Today we were grateful for their hospitality.   Being wined and dined is a delight and spending time with son Michael was an added pleasure.

June 25, 2016. Harper, Texas. Bad Ideas.

Ken and I have made many good decisions but we have also made some  really bad decisions too.

I taught for the Toronto School Board and always contributed the max to the pension plan.  When we moved to Texas, we made the decision to take my money out of the plan.  With the funds we bought a new car and left in great style.  Now we loved that car but had we left the funds in the pension plan, at retirement I would have hundreds of thousands of dollars in Canada.   When we talk about it, Ken says that we had no money so we needed to cash in the fund but had we been smarter, we could have found another way to buy a new car.  It was a bad idea.

We owned 4 rental properties in the Washington area.  After about 10 years,  one by one we sold them. We were tired of tenants.  And there was always a reason to sell them.  Once Ken was having surgery and I could not deal with them.  Another time we were renovating and expanding the Nova Scotia house and wanted the cash.    So we sold our rental properties.   We sold them all at a hefty profit but had we kept them, they would be worth much more dollars today.  It was a bad idea to sell them.  We should have hired a property manager.

These bad decisions keep us humble I guess!!

June 24, 2016. Harper, Texas. Vivien.

Vivien came on our horse back riding trip north of Banff, Alberta.   It was about 20 years ago.  16 of our picnic group went,  which included several grown children.  Gill invited Vivien, who was her sister who lived in Florida.. We spent 10 days riding in the wilderness and being looked after by the guides.  The scenery was spectacular.  We had never met Vivien before but what I remember about Vivien was that every evening after dinner, she and Gill and Karen went to groom the horses.  They brushed them and took them treats.    When I asked Vivien why she did it, she said that she felt sorry for the horses, working so hard all day with us on their backs.   Now that never crossed my mind, but that told me everything I needed to know about Vivien/  She was very kind.

Vivien just died at age 67.  For many years, she visited Gill in Nova Scotia, bringing her two grandchildren so we got to see her every summer.    Indeed, it turned out to be true.  She was a kind soul, as well as hard working and energetic.  Gill and Vivien cut out a path to the shore through the dense shrub and they made stone walkways around Gill's house.  As the grandchildren grew older, the visits ceased.  Then a year ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and she and I e mailed every day about dealing with adversity.  Her goal was to get well enough to visit Nova Scotia one more time.  But her tumor returned, despite chemotherapy and radiation.  Two days ago, she died.  Her children and grandchildren will miss her as will the whole family.  And the Gull Bay Group will miss her too.

June 23, 2013. Harper, Texas. Tasch Automotive.

When you drive through Harper on Highway  290 you will see two stone buildings side by side.   You can date the two structures by the color of the stone, which is a mix of light colored stone.  That was the style in 1920.  The first building you see is Tasch Automotive.  Years ago, Mr. Tasch repaired cars.  Right next door is a house where Mr. and Mrs. Tasch lived.  The stone work is identical.  But time passes and twenty years ago the property was sold to a new owner, who still runs it today.  The adjacent house he used as an office.

Ken and I have been dealing with this place ever since we moved to the ranch.  He does our required inspections and often has done regular maintenance.  Two years ago, our builder Loren told us that the interior of the house had been remodeled, but to my knowledge, no one lives there.  The owner is a dignified Texas man and we enjoy working with him.  We leave the car for him and walk down the road to the Longhorn Cafe for lunch.  When we return, the car is almost always ready.   Today when we drove away after they attended to our inspection and repaired a tire on the Mule, I told Ken that one day I will offer to organize his front office.  I swear that objects are still in the same place as they were 40 years ago.  It would be a joke but what would I do if he said yes?

The whole interior looks like a wreck but they do a good job and are polite and energetic.  So we like the place.  And the two stone buildings side by side are distinctive.  You can't miss it when driving through Harper.

June 22, 2016. Harper, Texas. The Longhorn Cafe.

The Longhorn Cafe has been in Harper for many many years.  We have dined there since 2001 when we moved here.  Finally, the present owners have turned it into a rousing success.  When we stopped for lunch on the way back from Fredericksburg the place was full.  Every table was full.  Fortunately, a couple left so we could be seated.  The owners own a restaurant in Kerrville so they know how to be successful.  In the old days, the food took ages to bring.  Now the cook is quick and the two wait staff hustle.  The decor has changed too, all for the better.

The parking lot has paved with rustic fencing around the lots.  And a new sign was installed.  The whole place has an atmosphere of success.  Every day they have a special, which Ken and I always order.  The food is not fine dining, such as the Italian restaurant in Startsville, but it is nourishing and tasty.  The most important thing is that it stays open in Harper, in our little town close to the ranch.  It is the only place in town.  Fortunately, we like it and so do a lot of other people.  Hurrah for the new owners.  They know how to run a successful restaurant.  It is a pleasure seeing it in operation.

June 21, 2016. Harper, Texas. Dr. Stotz.

"You look like a million dollars'" said Dr. Stotz.  We both laughed gleefully.  Dr. Stotz is our Neurologist.  We like him very much.   He last examined me one year ago when he diagnosed my advanced case of neuropothy.  At that time I had no hair so was wearing my scrub cap.  My blood counts were terrible both white and red cells under 2.  I walked with a walker and had lost 45 pounds.  He suggested that I should take whatever pain medication works best for me because the side effects only appear over time.  In other words, I would not live long enough to make it to the side effects.

Then today I walked into his office in all my glory, walking with no walker, hair on my head and color on my cheeks with my normal energy in voice and face.  He was stunned and so very pleased.  He examined my neuropothy with his tuning forks and hot and cold metal objects.  Also checked my feet and hands with my eyes closed.  He asked if my Neuropothy was getting better or worse.  I told him that I had been doing leg exercises and walking and that I was taking Vitamin B12 shots and that I thought I was actually getting a bit better.  He agreed with me.  He thought that a year ago I could not feel the tuning fork on my feet, now I can.   My balance is still terrible but the stronger my legs get, the easier will be my balance.

When I was getting ready to leave,  we discussed whether or not I should visit him in a year and we both decided that it was unnecessary.  But as I was walking out the door, he said to me "I want you to know that you have made my day".   And I was pleased to.

June 20, 2016. Fredericksburg, Texas. Mexican Food.

Ken and I ate such a large lunch that we skipped dinner.  Ken drove from the lake to Fredericksburg and by the time we arrived,  we were hungry, so we selected Mexican food for lunch.  We had been in Texas for three weeks and had not yet eaten Mexican food, so today was the day.  Normally, so much food is served at restaurants that we end up taking a box of food home.  But today we ate everything on our plate.  I am still feeling full.

We are staying in Fredericksburg because I have an appointment with Dr. Stotz, our Neurologist,  tomorrow morning at 10:00 and we wanted to avoid the drive to the ranch and back.  We are staying at The Comfort Inn, our motel of choice in Fredericksburg.  They charge $75. per night, which includes cookies and bottled water upon arrival and a full breakfast when we leave.  Amazing.

In the truck, we keep goodies in case we fade when driving so at 8:00, I raided our box and brought us a box of energy bars so for dinner tonight we ate one bar each.  We might have eaten another but they were sickly sweet.  Tomorrow we move on to Dr. Stotz and the ranch.  I suspect that we will not eat Mexican food any time soon.  One large meal is sufficient.

June 19, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Summer Weekend at the Lake.

These lazy, hazy days of summer are with us right now.  We do now need to bring on those days of long ago.   The days were hot so the girls and David and Suzanne enjoyed their afternoons on the water, both on the jet skis and in their friends boat.  This afternoon, David and Abigail drove their jet skis to the river and up the river as far as they could go.  They even shot rapids.  The weather was perfect for one of those lazy weekends at the lake.

In addition our friend Marilyn and Tuppen came to visit.  This is the first time we have seen Marilyn since Richard died.  I missed his presence.  He was such an energetic positive force in any conversation that we all missed his spirit along with his intellect.  We feel fortunate have known him. While the young folks were out on the water, we older folks sat on the deck and talked, and talked, and talked.  Tuppen is from Norway and we talked about the summer house she owns with a sister that sets right overlooking a fiord.  Her parents died not too many years ago.  We remember them from their two visits to Galveston in the late 6o's.  And we caught up with Marilyn's children and grandchildren and she did the same with ours.

Tonight I sat on the deck and watched the moon come up over the water.  I was all by myself.  Everyone had gone home.  This lazy summer weekend at the lake is officially over, but it was delightful.

June 18, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Gennera's Trattoria.

The restaurant was packed when we arrived for our 6:00 reservation and people were waiting.  Fortunately we were on time and our table was ready.   The whole restaurant is divided into separate sections, all decorated to look like an old Italian restaurant.   Marilyn's first comment was "How does this fancy restaurant get to be in Startsville, which is not really the center of the world?"

The Turkey Cove Group had dinner together at the Giddens.   We four were invited but I declined.  Instead Ken and I decided to take Marilyn and Tuppen to Genera's for dinner.  Our time together would be limited so we elected to just be together with the four of us.   Unfortunately, the restaurant was noisy so conversation was difficult.  But we persevered and enjoyed ourselves.

Of course, the food was excellent from the antipasto to the terimisu and everything in between.  That is why the restaurant was packed with people waiting to get in.  Fortunately I made the reservation ten days ago.  Ferrera's Trattoria is the best restaurant on Canyon Lake.

June 17, 20016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Turkey Cove Group.

The dogs and the adults are sitting on the deck enjoying the almost full moon discussing deep thoughts.  The 8 teenagers, who are sitting ten feet away from me at the dining table, are playing a game.  Both groups are having a wonderful time.  At 11:30, I am already well passed my curfew but I have enjoyed both groups so much I lost track of the time.  Ken has already retired.  It is obvious that this group of kids and adults enjoy each other which is a good thing, because they are the Turkey Cove Group.

The four families are friends and have been for many years.  One by one they have purchased vacation homes at Canyon Lake.  They have made their own picnic group.   One family has just purchased their home and have no dishes or facilities.  The seller even took the refrigerator.   Tonight they came for dinner with David and Suzanne and families.  Ken and I are more than ready to join in the fun.   Another of the family came over to celebrate their purchase so we have had an impromptu  party.  The fourth family is coming to the lake tomorrow so tomorrow night they will all have dinner together again.  

The name of our little bay is called Turkey Cove so I have named them.  I feel sure this group of lively and interesting adults and children will enjoy each other for many years to come.  I am certainly enjoying myself tonight being part of this Turkey Cove Group.

June 16, 2016. Questionable Ideas 2.

Walking from the house to the water at the lake Ken and I got the good idea to install a pond at the bottom, with two pools at the top and a stream running across the property down to the bottom pool.   We thought it would be fun for the girls to play in the little stream, which we decided should go under the walk way.  We hired a young man who was eager to take on the task, and he did.   He also planted shrubs as directed by Ken so on both sides of the walk down to the lake you could sit and listen to the little stream and admire the shrubs and flowers.  It seemed like a great idea.

Unfortunately, he did not make the lower pool large enough so every time we wanted to use it, we were required to add water.  Of course we put gold fish in the lower pool  which the Great Blue Herons were quick to spot and eat.  David replaced the fish at least 8 times and finally quit feeding the Herons. We hired another man to make the pool bigger but it was still not big enough to allow the water to be pumped up to the two top pools and then run down the stream.   So we gave up.  The last two times we have been to the lake we have not turned it on.  It  was another good idea that turned out to be a bad idea but the streams with all the stone work looks pretty and the lower pool is still full of water plants.   Not everything we try to do turns up a winner!!

June 15, 2016. Harper, Texas. Questionable Idea # 1.

One day when shopping in a china store in Bethesda I spotted dishes on the sale table.  The pattern was called "Sarah's Garden".  Sarah at that time was 20 months old.  I bought the four pieces of porcelain and gave them to Sarah for her birthday.  Suzanne, being gracious, thanked me very much and put the china in a box in the attic.   Every time I needed a gift for Sarah, I gave her more chins, which added to the box in the attic.  My idea was to finally have a full set of dishes she would have for her first apartment.

Of course, I could not give a set of dishes to Sarah only so I started a set for Kate, Abigail and Mary Frances.  For them I bought the whole set and gave them as gifts in bits and pieces.  When we moved from Maryland, I gave the whole set to each of the girls.  Now both daughters in law have stored in their attics a full set of dishes for each of the older girls.  It seemed like a good idea at the time but actually has been a bit of a burden on both Christina and Suzanne.  The girls of course have not seen their fine china for ages but eventually, when they move into their own apartment, they will get to use their china, given to them by their grandmother many years ago.  It seemed like a good idea at the time!!

June 14, 2016. Harper, Texas. Flooding.

For the past three weeks, East Texas has been deluged with rain.  Every other day it rained.  As far east as Austin and San Antonio there was torrential rain.  The Hill Country had rain and hail but nothing as bad as further east.  Houston was perhaps the worst.  Ken and I had been watching the weather.  We decided if the rains still were coming down, we would drive south on 55, then take Interstate 10 all the way to San Antonio to avoid back roads and low spots.  But the rains stopped so we drove across Texas on the minor highways, which we prefer.  The Interstate Highway System is wonderful but we prefer the roads less travelled, if time is on our side.

All the way here from Mississippi to Texas we watched for flooding and found none.  Every river was full and covering trees on their sides and we saw fields still covered with water.  Turning onto 385 from Harper,  large trees were beside the road, upended with branches broken off.  Obviously there was high water on that road, high enough and swift enough to move trees.   When Joyce and Robbie were driving home to the ranch from San Antonio two weeks ago,  the water was so high they turned around and stayed overnight in Fredericksburg.  They were wise.

The rains at the ranch caused no damage but the grasses are green and the ranch is lush.

June 13, 2016. Harper, Texas. The Double D Ranch.

Green is an usual color at the ranch, at least on the ground.  But this year we have green grass in all directions.    The cows are happy.  Five calves were born this season on our ranch.  One little guy was just born yesterday.  We don't yet know how many bull calves have been born but usually we send the bull calves to auction.  Steve came by this evening just to say hello and said that someone wants to buy some of the heifer calves, so we must think about that.  But the trees are green and full and the whole place looks lovely.

We always forget how much we like the Top House until we return and walk around inside patting ourselves on the back.   The house is so livable while also gracious and elegant.  What makes the place  special are the views.  With balconies on both front and back and on both stories, we can see for miles in all directions.   The sight is glorious.

Today we had no trouble getting here.  I drove to Harper and after stopping at the post office, where our box was stuffed, and then the little grocery store for milk and gas, Ken drove the rest of the way to the ranch.  So we did well.  I was not sure that we would be able to commence our old pattern of coming for a short time then going to the lake, but I think we will be fine.  I hope so because we go to the lake for the weekend with the Texas Family.  And Marilyn and Tuppin are coming on Saturday.  But for now, we will enjoy the ranch.

June 12, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. The Dinner Party.

We were 10 adults and 8 teenagers having dinner at the home of David and Suzanne.  One couple live in Austin and were friends before they moved to Austin from San Antonio.  They have all kept in touch and in fact, on Friday they settle on a house on Canyon Lake, right across the Cove from us.  So now all four couples will own homes on Canyon Lake.  The other two couples we know well.  A new person into a group is always interesting to me and this turned out to be true tonight.  David smoked pork tenderloin which was delicious, Bonnie prepared three types of vegetables grown from her parents garden in west Texas,  The Wright's brought  wine, appetizers and dessert and the Austin family brought cocktails.  It was food fit for a King.   The twins prepared scalloped potatoes which were delicious.  I ate two servings.

After dinner, the kids escaped to see a movie.  Abigail drive all 7 in Susanne's car.  The youngest Austin girl did not wish to go.  The adults talked.

One day the Austin man asked his son, who was 15, if any of his friends from church or school might be suitable wives in the future.   The family has 2 daughters and 1 son and the father and son often share in conversations dealing with "what do you think...".   The son wrinkled up his nose and said "Oh no.  None of those girls wold be interesting to me, but either of the San Antonio twins would do".   This story was quickly passed on to David and of course to the twins who are 14.   Everyone thought it very funny except Samantha who objected to the fact that either Samantha and Allison could do the job.   Samantha said "He must select only one."  We roared.

The dinner party was a great success, enjoyed by all.  And when it was time to come home at 9:45, Suzanne drove us home so I would not have to drive at night.  Ken says my night driving is not good.

June 11, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. Family Time.

Sarah graduated from High School this May but we had not yet given her any gift.  This afternoon she returned from her job at a summer camp to find her gift sitting on the hearth.   It was a painting by Bernard Bowles, of a Nova Scotia river in winter.  She was delighted.   Sarah is working in the kitchen at camp, doing dishes, preparing and serving food and generally working long hours.  She has already decided not be be a chef.  She is looking forward to college at University of Texas.

Allison and Samantha are helpful in every way, looking after our need for water and chocolate.   They graduated from 8th grade and between the two of them, won more awards than any one else.  Both girls are conscientious and diligent at school and it shows in their awards.

Abigail came home from camp with a cold but was still her old charming self with her quick wit and sparkling eyes.  In July, the whole family will rent a 12 seater van to drive from San Antonio to Seattle, stopping at colleges on the way.  She has chosen a whole different set of colleges to consider than Sarah, which is a good thing.  Several are within an hour or two from Seattle, which is the home of Suzanne's brother Sam and his family.  While in the west, they will take a four day rafting trip on the Snake River.  After their two week trip, they will fly home.

A new parasite moved into the San Antonio area and has killed all David's bees.   After 10 years of successfully raising bees,  they are without their own honey.   David and Suzanne are looking after us in every conceivable way, feeding us wonderful meals today and driving us to and fro.  Ken and I stay close by at the Comfort Inn and they drive us to avoid us driving in the dark.  We are fortunate to be blessed with our wonderful family in San Antonio and we are enjoying our visit.  

June 10, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Truck.

The good news is that Gateway Tire and Repairs in Ridgeland, Mississippi will reimburse us the cost of the repair in Texas, a total of $783.78.  The bad news is that they must mail the cheque and until I see the funds in our account I will be dubious.   The tale is interesting, especially if it had happened to someone else, but as it was our truck and our time and money, it was only irritating.

What happened is that when Gateway did our 100,000 check and replaced the spark plugs, they used the wrong plugs and no one noticed.  Two weeks after we left the shop, the engine started missing, so it got fixed.  But 3 hours from Texas, the engine began missing again, which got worse.  We just kept driving.  Turkey Cove Automotive, who have worked on the truck in the past,  took five minutes to discover the error and they fixed it yesterday.  The owner called Gateway and explained what had happened.   At first the Gateway refused to believe the story but when they looked up the parts list, they had to agree that they had made a mistake.

What happened was this: the mechanic ordered the parts, which were delivered and installed without the mechanic even checking to see if the parts matched the required list for that truck.  The incorrect plugs over time heats the coil so the spark fails.  Eventually we would have been stuck.  But the cheque will be in the mail on Monday to compensate for our expense of their error.  The Gateway folks were pleasant but I am not sure I will ever trust them again.  The best news is that the truck seems to be running well, which is a good thing because we drive a lot in Texas.

June 9, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Renovation.

Last time we were in Texas we were unable to stay at the lake house because it was it the midst of a renovation.  All the pictures were off the walls and the furniture was jammed into the guest room and the children's room.   The house looked like a construction zone.   David and Suzanne took upon their shoulders the task of repairing several items that have long needed attention.  But now the repairs are all done.  They have installed new windows, removed the fireplace and hearth in their bedroom, repaired the hardwood floors in both master suites, removed the old chimney and replaced the flashing, and finally painted the main living area and the master bedrooms.  And they removed the plantation shutters from the whole back of the house and installed whole new decks.

The view of the lake when first walking into the main room is breathtaking, at least it was before Ken and I installed shutters.  We thought the shutters would help with utility costs.  We face east so morning sun in Texas being bright, we decided to make the room more useful.  But it ruined the look so we are all pleased to have them gone.  But the best part is that the windows do not leak.  Ever since we did the first renovation we have been fighting leaking windows.  No amount of caulking seemed to work.  But no more leaking, thanks to David and Suzanne.

Tonight as I sat on the deck at 7:00 drinking a glass of water and looking at the lake I was reminded just how pleasant this spot really is, as is the house.  I think I had forgotten how much we love this place.

June 8, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Two Days and Done.

We did well.  One night on the road and we were here at Canyon Lake.  Our motivation to move along was the truck.  Three hours from our destination our trusty truck started to miss a beat or two with the engine, the same thing that happened two weeks ago and was repaired.  All went well with the truck until it started missing so we knew we needed to get the truck to our mechanic at canyon lake before they closed for the day.  We just kept driving and arrived on time to arrange to take the truck in first thing in the morning.

But we were tired.  By the time we unloaded the truck and I went to the grocery store, I managed to buy Ken Buttermilk for his breakfast cereal.   The lake house has no Internet.  We have used a fancy piece of equipment through the phone.  But our system was with Verizon so we left it in Mississippi and actually forgot that the lake did not have Internet service.  Ken figured out that his iPhone would work as a hot spot for the Internet.  By the time he figure it out and was up and running,  I had already gone to bed,  so today I am posting my yesterdays events.

The most important event of the day was that we arrived in one piece although we did not stop enough for sufficient walking.   The GPS sent us along highway 21, a route we have not driven for several years.  The roads were good and the topography interesting.  Texas has such variety in it's agriculture and foliage.  We always enjoy driving across Texas.  But we were pleased to arrive at our destination where the lake and the lake house look spectacular.

June 7, 2016. Carthage, Texas. A Splendid Drive.

Ken drove like a champ today and so did I so we are now in Texas, which always feels good.  My goal was to leave at 11:00 and we did pretty well to be driving away at 11:15 with me at the wheel.  After a 2 hour drive, we stopped for lunch at a Popeye.   Perhaps we were hungry but the food was delicious.   Ken started driving at 2:00, intending to drive for 90 minutes but we could not find a place to change drivers so he drove for over 2 hours which was too long.  Tomorrow we will do a better job of planning ahead.  I drove for another hour before Ken found a motel on his phone and we checked in just after 5:00.

We are staying in a very pleasant Comfort Inn.  Our room is spacious.  And the hand holds in the shower are plentiful, which for us is essential.   Now we always ask when checking in.  A couple of times we discovered we could not shower because there was no safe way to hold on.  Our priorities have changed.

No restaurants were within walking distance so I ordered Pizza.  We could not face getting back into the truck.  My bathing suit is still in my backpack, dry as a bone.  I went to inspect the pool and hot tub which looked enticing until you looked closely.  Neither looked sparklingly clear so I decided to stay clear.   Instead I watched a baseball game, Mets against the Pirates.  Good game won by Pittsburgh.  Now after a good nights sleep we will get back in the truck to see how far we will get tomorrow.  So far so good.

June 6, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Last Supper.

Our plans changed on Sunday.  Kate sings in the choir for the late church service at 10:45 and Christina had a 1:30 meeting for VBS Committee, which began today, so instead of gathering for our Sunday brunch,  our family met for an early dinner at 5:00.   We dined at Bianca's, at Italian restaurant in the Renaissance shopping center.  Ken and I had lunch there with Don and Doreen so we knew it was good. Actually, many restaurants close on Sunday so the two we really wanted to have dinner were closed so we finally selected the Italian.   Also many of the best restaurants are not open for lunch and as Ken  and I prefer to eat out at the noon hour, we get left out.

Last evening was our last supper together before Ken and I leave to drive to Texas tomorrow.   Our occasion was a happy one because very soon we will all meet in Nova Scotia.  Also Molly had spent a week at sleep over camp so we heard stories galore of the cabin activities.  And we were happy to see Molly again.  She always encourages us to have dessert so of course we all join in with her glee.

Now we will be on the road by ourselves.  For the past two journeys back and forth to Texas, Suzanne drove us, but this year both Ken and I are in much better condition so we think we can do it ourselves.  We will find out tomorrow if we are right!!

June 5, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Arial America.

Every Sunday morning at 10:30 I enjoy watching Mississippi Roads on PBS.   The narrator visits towns and villages in Mississippi which to a new comer to Mississippi I find fascinating.  But this morning it was not on.  Instead it will be aired on Thursdays at 7:30, which is not nearly as convenient as Sunday morning.  No problem.  Soon I will search for Texas Reporter.

As I was expecting to watch TV and was already eating my late breakfast, I searched for something to watch and found on the Smithsonian Channel a program called Arial America.  I picked it up as they were exploring Utah.   It was wonderful.  The narration discusses the history of the different places in the state along with the current situation.  And of course the arial photography is breathtaking, especially the parks in Utah.   Ken and I have been fortunate to visit southern Utah and northern Arizona many years ago but the pictures stay in your mind, so the pictures today brought it all back to my mind.

Each program, they visit another state.  Next up was Vermont and the Green Mountains, another state Ken and I have explored.   I have always marveled at the beauty of North America.  Many folks will make multiple visit to European cities and towns yet not see the Canadian Rockies or the Utah parks.  When we were much younger, we travelled extensively in North America.  We have visited every state and every province.  It is a good thing we did not wait until we retired as we could not do it now.  These Arial America shows are worth watching and I suspect they can be purchased at the Smithsonian.  Never believe it when people tell you that Television is a wasteland.  You just must search for the gold, in this case Arial America.

June 4, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. A Close Call.

Our hot water heater was not leaking but it was 14 years old.  And when Ken filled the big tub, rusty crud ended up in the bottom of the tub.  We suddenly lost water pressure on the second floor and sure enough, all the taps were filled with stuff.  We called for the plumber to check the pressures.  The plumber suggested we replace the tank especially since we will be gone for several months.  So we did.    The plumbers are excellent, quiet, polite and efficient and we have used them many times.

I was not paying attention to the three plumbers but was reading in the living room.  We have a bad habit of not closing our bathroom door.  Usually no one is here except us and the bathroom is set up so the toilet is beside a 4 foot ceramic wall on the far side of the bathroom so when anyone comes into the bathroom they would never see anyone sitting on the toilet except when they are in from of the sink which is 10 feet away.

I needed to use the bathroom.   Never thought a thing about the three men in the house.  I was sitting on the commode when a young man came in and walked quickly to the two sinks and took apart the faucets to be sure they were clear of junk.  He never saw me.  He was intent at his task so I stood up and walked out.  He never saw me.  Neither did I flush the toilet.  Had he seen me sitting on the commode when he walked in he would have been very embarrassed.    It was a close call but the young plumber was not aware that I was sitting on the toilet when he walked in.  I waited to flush after they left!!

June 3, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Good News.

My scans this morning came back clear of cancer in my bones.   And my blood counts are all within normal range.   As I said to Mary Frances, "I am almost perfect!"   My next appointment with my Oncologist will be in November when we return to Mississippi.  When we are in Texas and Nova Scotia, I will visit no Oncologist nor will I have blood checked.  It is an amazing recovery.  Five months ago my white cells were 2.1.  Eight months ago they were 1.3.  Now they are 7.8.  My body has been working overtime.  Modern medicine along with good food,  clean air,  encouraging friends, many prayers and healing hugs carried the day.

I lost a lot of weight during the first chemotherapy.  Bones stuck out everywhere.  I was thin but  looked sick.  Then over this winter I began to gain weight.  The last time I was at the Oncologist, Ken asked me to ask her when I should stop gaining weight.  I suspect he liked me at that medium weight.  She said not yet so I kept eating.  Today I asked her whether or not I should lose weight as I now fit my clothes.  "Definitely not,"  was the stern response.   "Your weight has been stable for three months.  You keep eating".  And that was the best news of all.

June 2, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Erin.

The card was most unexpected but it brought me great pleasure.  Erin is the middle of five children of Tammy and Brian.  She was the only child on the farm who absolutely hated her chores.  Every day  was an argument.  She clearly was not going to be a farmers wife.   Farm children all have chores.  Even though the bus picks them up at 7:15, the chores must be done before leaving.   Calves had to be fed, cows milked, potatoes sorted, vegetables set out to be taken to the market.  When you lived on the farm, everyone helped.  The other 4 children did not complain but Erin hated every chore and told everyone too..  

Her grandmother made and decorated fancy cakes.  It was a booming business that allowed them to pay off all their debt.  Every weekend,  Erin, from the age of 8, helped her grandmother decorate the cakes.  Helen, our good friend and the grandmother was clever and kept teaching Erin skills with the cakes.  When Helen died suddenly and  Erin was in the 8th grade, Erin took over the cake business because by then she could do it all.  She needed help to deliver the cakes because she would not drive but she could make the most beautiful wedding cakes.  And the siblings and relatives helped with the delivery.

The card that brought great pleasure to me was an announcement that Erin had graduated from Everett High School on May 27, 2016.  And in the Fall she will be attending The Culinary Institute of America, in Poughkeepsie, New York.   Perfect choice.

June 1, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Progress Report.

Ken said right from the beginning that Walt's progress back to good health would be a long and bumpy road.  And he was correct.  Much progress has been made but more much more is needed for Walt to walk out of the hospital and go home.  He is breathing by himself.  The breathing tube was removed a couple of weeks ago.  His kidneys are working properly.  The pneumonia had cleared.  He walks well with the assistance of the walker and two people by his side.  So much progress has been made to return to normal.

On the other hand, he is still unable to swallow.  When they try him on the swallow test, the water goes into his lungs.  And his heart is not working hard enough to clear fluid from his body.  The Cardiologists are trying to stabilize his heart function.  As he is still in the Cardiac unit of the ICU, Walt has trouble sleeping with all the lights and machines running 24 hours.   One of the Residents in this teaching hospital has twice told Walt that they may never be able to get him out of the hospital, which of course is not something that he wants to hear.  Mary had a stern discussion with the young doctor today and for good reason.

Mary sets up the computer for Walt to watch documentaries and movies and he enjoys them.  There is no TV in the ICU.  And Mary is managing to hang together herself in order to be helpful to Walt.  But this progress is slow and will be bumpy still.   Ken feels that over time, Walt will regain enough heart function to go home.  But not next week.  And that is the progress so far for Walt.