This morning I saw Dr. Flynn, the eye surgeon from San Antonio. He and his crew come to Kerrville on Wednesdays so I saw him there. When I first met him, I was on the cliff, very close to falling over and becoming blind but today, we both agreed that together we have made progress. I can see 20/25 in each eye and my pressures are within normal range. I need no eye drops. Of course, I see nothing out either side of my eyes, but straight ahead I am close to perfect. He is pleased. Now I must see him in three months when we return.
Dr. Stotz, our long time neurologist in Fredericksburg, saw Ken today. That appointment also went well. Dr. S. thinks Ken is handling his situation just fine. Ken was able to pass all the dexterity tests plus the memory tests too. Except Ken could not remember whether it was May or June. Ken was remembering that when he would make rounds and ask a patient for the date and day, he always had to ask a resident if the answer was correct because Ken never did know the day or date. He did know it was Wednesday. No need to change any medications for Ken. His advice to Ken was to just keep on doing what you are doing. And keep going.
So our appointments went well. Of course, neither of us either look or feel perfectly well. But we are walking and talking and doing everything we are able to do. Tonight we will sleep in the Top House in our beautiful bedroom. Getting here was an accomplishment.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017. Kerrville, Texas. The Hampton Inn.
Ken has been experimenting with modest priced motels. Some time last year when we were staying at our favorite Comfort Inn in Fredericksburg, Ken thought our room seemed a bit musty. That very night, he looked at the rating for all other motels. We have been using a different motel ever since. Much to his surprise, La Quinta has the top rating but we have yet to use it, at least not yet. Next week I have doctor appointments on adjacent days so we will probably stay the night in Fredericksburg, but nor in The Comfort Inn.
Our drive from the lake to Kerrville was just over an hour. We left just after noon. I loaded the car with our small cases and backpacks, along with the food that Suzanne had kindly set out in the fridge for us. I can not carry a loaded cooler out to the store so yesterday David put 2 bags of ice in the cooler and put it in the car. Today I just carried the food to the car in bags, which I was able to carry on my shoulders. On stairs, I must hold on to a railing. His system was great. The ice was still frozen and I was able to load up the car. David and Suzanne also took our car to fill up with gas so we did not need to stop today.
The Hampton Inn is just fine. The room was ready when we arrived so we took a nap before going out to eat. Ken was still asleep before I was hungry so I ordered a big pizza and salad along with cheese cake, which was delivered in 20 minutes. We now have enough food to eat all evening so we are now in our night shirts and will stay in our lovely room. Tomorrow my appointment with the eye surgeon is for 9:30 so we must be up to have breakfast before heading to the doctor.
We arrived at The Hampton Inn at the same time as a storm. I got drenched just getting my backpack out of the car. On the elevator, a man wearing leather clothes had just driving through pelting rain. It was definitely not a good day to be driving a motor cycle. He said he was pleased to be at his motel, safe and should. We too were pleased that we got as far as Kewrrville with only one short rest stop. Progress.
Our drive from the lake to Kerrville was just over an hour. We left just after noon. I loaded the car with our small cases and backpacks, along with the food that Suzanne had kindly set out in the fridge for us. I can not carry a loaded cooler out to the store so yesterday David put 2 bags of ice in the cooler and put it in the car. Today I just carried the food to the car in bags, which I was able to carry on my shoulders. On stairs, I must hold on to a railing. His system was great. The ice was still frozen and I was able to load up the car. David and Suzanne also took our car to fill up with gas so we did not need to stop today.
The Hampton Inn is just fine. The room was ready when we arrived so we took a nap before going out to eat. Ken was still asleep before I was hungry so I ordered a big pizza and salad along with cheese cake, which was delivered in 20 minutes. We now have enough food to eat all evening so we are now in our night shirts and will stay in our lovely room. Tomorrow my appointment with the eye surgeon is for 9:30 so we must be up to have breakfast before heading to the doctor.
We arrived at The Hampton Inn at the same time as a storm. I got drenched just getting my backpack out of the car. On the elevator, a man wearing leather clothes had just driving through pelting rain. It was definitely not a good day to be driving a motor cycle. He said he was pleased to be at his motel, safe and should. We too were pleased that we got as far as Kewrrville with only one short rest stop. Progress.
Monday, May 29, 2017
May 29, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Quiet House.
Everyone has left for San Antonio and the house is extraordinarily quiet. But we are busily getting organized, ready to drive to Kerrville tomorrow. I have the last laundry in the machine. My roll on is standing by the front door, ready to be loaded into our rental car tomorrow. David and Suzanne have been helping us all weekend. Today they filled our cooler with ice and put it into the car. Tomorrow U will carry the food from the fridge to the car, bit by bit, after first draining off any water from the cooler.
Tomorrow our plan is to stay in Kerrville at The Hampton Inn as I have an appointment with eye surgeon on Wednesday, the one who was displeased we were leaving town. My appointment is at 9:30. Ken has an appointment with his neurologist in Fredericksburg at 1:00. Then we will drive to the ranch.
Last year, David urged us to consider selling the ranch. We agreed it was a good idea, until we got to the Top House, when Ken decided a definite NO. But our situation this year is different. I can not drive and Ken can only drive a short distance so getting to the ranch is now difficult. On Friday we are meeting with a realtor and we will see about what to do next. David loves the ranch but the twins will be home for three more years so getting there is difficult for them too. But we will enjoy our visit to the ranch this time and I suspect that the ranch will be slow to sell. So here we go.
Tomorrow our plan is to stay in Kerrville at The Hampton Inn as I have an appointment with eye surgeon on Wednesday, the one who was displeased we were leaving town. My appointment is at 9:30. Ken has an appointment with his neurologist in Fredericksburg at 1:00. Then we will drive to the ranch.
Last year, David urged us to consider selling the ranch. We agreed it was a good idea, until we got to the Top House, when Ken decided a definite NO. But our situation this year is different. I can not drive and Ken can only drive a short distance so getting to the ranch is now difficult. On Friday we are meeting with a realtor and we will see about what to do next. David loves the ranch but the twins will be home for three more years so getting there is difficult for them too. But we will enjoy our visit to the ranch this time and I suspect that the ranch will be slow to sell. So here we go.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
May 28. 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Group dinner.
The dinner was delightful. All three families contributed and we used paper plates. So cleanup was minimal. The friends and their children we know and love so out dinner together was extra special. Combining resources is always a good idea for a meal and tonight was no exception. Debbie brought appetizers and a salad while Bonnie brought appetizers and another salad along with pepperoni for more appetizers. David cooked pork tenderloin on the grill while Suzanne cooked sruffed papers purchased from Costco, along with two containers of macaroni and cheese. The food was delicious.
The children sat at one table for 6 while the adults sat at the dining table. The conversations at both tables were lively. One of Bonnie and Wade's sons Ben is being married in two weeks. He brought a load of stuff from Austin and joined us for dinner. It was a treat to see and talk to him. He and his new wife will be moving to DC, he to take a job and his wife to go to GW University to pursue her PHD in Physical Therapy.
These folks are good friends and all have houses on the lake. The best part of dinners together is always their conversations. Each adult has a different occupation so the outlooks are different. When you include Ben, the newly graduate from U of Texas, you really have different courses of action. A main topic ov conversation was what will happen with employment when robots take over.
Tonight was another pleasures from life at the lake. Good food and good friends makes for a lovely evening.
The children sat at one table for 6 while the adults sat at the dining table. The conversations at both tables were lively. One of Bonnie and Wade's sons Ben is being married in two weeks. He brought a load of stuff from Austin and joined us for dinner. It was a treat to see and talk to him. He and his new wife will be moving to DC, he to take a job and his wife to go to GW University to pursue her PHD in Physical Therapy.
These folks are good friends and all have houses on the lake. The best part of dinners together is always their conversations. Each adult has a different occupation so the outlooks are different. When you include Ben, the newly graduate from U of Texas, you really have different courses of action. A main topic ov conversation was what will happen with employment when robots take over.
Tonight was another pleasures from life at the lake. Good food and good friends makes for a lovely evening.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
May 27, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Typical Day.
To day was a normal day at the lake with nothing fancy going on but everything pleasant and interesting to me. Right now, Ken and I are at home along with Moose to look after us and the house. Everyone has gone to a wonderful Italian restaurant, meeting friends from across the lake for dinner along with the children. Ken and I elected to stay home as it is easier to eat at home especially as the reservation was for 8:00.
First thing this morning turned out to be 9:00. Mornings are always quiet. David immediately went fishing, using the poke boat. By the time I wandered upstairs, Suzanne had the coffee pot full while she was reading on the deck. The morning was foggy and cloudy so the deck was pleasant. We face east so usually we use the deck in the afternoon but today the deck was warm but with no sun. Suzanne and I were companionably reading which was pleasant indeed.
One by one the girls appeared. Eventually, Suzanne, Allison and Samantha went out on the kayaks while David and Abigail worked on the jet skis. Sarah and Abigail took a jet ski ride and soon the friends across the bay came to pick them up in the boat. It was a pontoon boat so all 11 of them were comfortable. Everyone took a tube ride. The afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the water. Ken and I read and watched the boats, of which there were many.
Shortly after 6, they arrived home for a visit with us and for showers. By 7:45 they were gone. The 4 girls looked darling heading out for dinner wearing their shorts and short skirts. The day was a typical day at the lake for both the family and for us. At our age we are happy to watch from the shore.
First thing this morning turned out to be 9:00. Mornings are always quiet. David immediately went fishing, using the poke boat. By the time I wandered upstairs, Suzanne had the coffee pot full while she was reading on the deck. The morning was foggy and cloudy so the deck was pleasant. We face east so usually we use the deck in the afternoon but today the deck was warm but with no sun. Suzanne and I were companionably reading which was pleasant indeed.
One by one the girls appeared. Eventually, Suzanne, Allison and Samantha went out on the kayaks while David and Abigail worked on the jet skis. Sarah and Abigail took a jet ski ride and soon the friends across the bay came to pick them up in the boat. It was a pontoon boat so all 11 of them were comfortable. Everyone took a tube ride. The afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the water. Ken and I read and watched the boats, of which there were many.
Shortly after 6, they arrived home for a visit with us and for showers. By 7:45 they were gone. The 4 girls looked darling heading out for dinner wearing their shorts and short skirts. The day was a typical day at the lake for both the family and for us. At our age we are happy to watch from the shore.
Friday, May 26, 2017
May 26, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. The Lake.
Living at the lake is free and easy. This evening, our family assembled bit by bit. First came David with Moose so first we opened all the containers of food and filled up the fridge. Then David and I sat on the deck drinking a glass of water and talking while Ken took a nap. Next came Sarah and Abigail from camp so now we were four sitting and talking on the deck. Finally, Suzanne, Allison and Samantha arrived with more groceries from the store which needed to be put away. When that was done, we ate dinner, which was sushi from the grocery store. The food was perfect because people could help themselves and eat anywhere they wanted.
But eventually we all ended up sitting on the deck talking. No one had anything that needed to be done so we were relaxed and enjoying ourselves. We have just come inside at 11:00 which means we have been talking since 8. We had the best time. I actually just listened because everyone was regaling me about events that occurred during their trip to France, which was 3 years ago. Abigail still had pictures on her phone which prompted many memories, which were hilarious. Sarah had been in college last year so this family have not been together often recently. Today they made up for lost time and we all enjoyed ourselves, both old and young. The lake house is a wonderful place to relax. We four are so pleased with ourselves that we bought it all those years ago. It has served it's purpose well.
But eventually we all ended up sitting on the deck talking. No one had anything that needed to be done so we were relaxed and enjoying ourselves. We have just come inside at 11:00 which means we have been talking since 8. We had the best time. I actually just listened because everyone was regaling me about events that occurred during their trip to France, which was 3 years ago. Abigail still had pictures on her phone which prompted many memories, which were hilarious. Sarah had been in college last year so this family have not been together often recently. Today they made up for lost time and we all enjoyed ourselves, both old and young. The lake house is a wonderful place to relax. We four are so pleased with ourselves that we bought it all those years ago. It has served it's purpose well.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
May 25, 2017. Canyon Lake, Texas. Leftovers.
On Thursday I ate a delicious lunch at David and Suzanne's home. Everyone left for work or school while Ken and I stayed at home and enjoyed ourselves and the house. My instructions were to help ourselves for lunch, so I did. I discovered a remarkable number of leftovers. I ate the most eclectic lunch, comprised of cold mashed potatoes, guacamole, two types of olives and cold chicken. It was delicious. Ken ate left over Italian food from the night before. So we both enjoyed leftover food.
I know people who never eat leftovers. I can't imagine why not. I love them especially when I can root around the fridge opening every container and then put together a feast of cold food. When I attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute, I often walked home from schoolwith Fairie Halsey, the only daughter of Mj. and Mrs. Halsey, who were long time friends of my parents who were all Salvation Army officers. They lived on Davisville Avenue, just a few blocks from us. We always stopped to say hello because their containers were full of baked goodies. Mrs. Halsey would always invite me to look in the fridge to see the goodies. I discovered that I loved looking into other peoples refrigerators. I also enjoyed her brownies or cookies or butter tarts. and sometimes left over chicken. It was great fun. Perhaps that started my pleasure , looking into other peoples fridge.
I have never gotten over the pleasure, always looking for some treasure. That mashed potatoe container was tucked right at the back of the fridge on a lower level, so I am sure that soon it would be put into the trash. But I loved it. What a find.
I know people who never eat leftovers. I can't imagine why not. I love them especially when I can root around the fridge opening every container and then put together a feast of cold food. When I attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute, I often walked home from schoolwith Fairie Halsey, the only daughter of Mj. and Mrs. Halsey, who were long time friends of my parents who were all Salvation Army officers. They lived on Davisville Avenue, just a few blocks from us. We always stopped to say hello because their containers were full of baked goodies. Mrs. Halsey would always invite me to look in the fridge to see the goodies. I discovered that I loved looking into other peoples refrigerators. I also enjoyed her brownies or cookies or butter tarts. and sometimes left over chicken. It was great fun. Perhaps that started my pleasure , looking into other peoples fridge.
I have never gotten over the pleasure, always looking for some treasure. That mashed potatoe container was tucked right at the back of the fridge on a lower level, so I am sure that soon it would be put into the trash. But I loved it. What a find.
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