Monday, August 25, 2008
New pictures of Sophie
I couldn't resist. These are pictures of Sophie, my great (YES, great) grand daughter who lives in Kansas City. She is almost 4 months old and already has stolen my heart...along with the rest of my greats and grandchildren. I haven't seen her in person yet and it's killin' me! She belongs to David and Tiffany.
Retirement, the myth
Odessa
Aug. 25
Yes, retirement, the myth is that you have lazy days and not much to do that you don't want to do. You don't have to WORK! Well, let me tell you, I know a few people that have flunked retirement (Yes, Gary W that means you) on a large scale basis and then there are the ones (like me) that have flunked on a minor basis. I have discovered I can't sit and do nothing. It is not in me! And I have tried, but after a few minutes I get figdety and can not sit still. I then either have to 1.) get up and do something, 2.) find something to do with my hands while sitting 3.)fall asleep (which doesn't come easily some times). WHY? Why can't I just relax? And I have enough projects going to keep me busy until, oh, 2121! And that is about the time I will finish them. Now, I am not saying that I WANT to do some of these projects (like paint the bathroom or the deck); but that until they get done I can't rest. I love some of my projects, quilting, scrapbooking, playing on the computer, reading, etc. However, I was brought up that you get your work done first and THEN play. DARN MOM! She instilled those values in me so deep I can't play until I get my work done. RATS! I may get my quilts done in 2010...maybe. I am hoping to get the baby quilts done before the babies I am making them for graduate from High School!
We got back to Odessa late Thursday. It was perfect traveling weather, not too hot, (except in Toppinish) and my car didn't explode or over heat...always a good thing. I really need to buy another car, but trying to make the Explorer last at least another year or so. Anyway, back home at the house, the cats had lots to tell us about how they were neglected (not) and other various cat tails, er tales. A friend called us and asked if we could dog sit her dog for the weekend as she and her kids were at the Lincoln County Fair with their horses, pigs, etc. SURE, I said. Well --here comes Brody, a rat terrier that isn't quite a year old! WOW, what a fun time we had with him. The dogs loved him and the cats hated him...situation normal.
On Sunday we had a luncheon for Al's cousin Christine and husband Denys from Australia; niece Claudia and husband Larry were here as well as Ardis and Jerry. WE had a short, but good visit.
Today is rainy and gloomy, which is nice for a change, as long as it doesn't stick around. AL isn't feeling well and I am trying to talk him in to going in to see the local doctor, but so far no luck. He has a bad cough and is congested and wheezing. I will keep after him until he goes to the doc just to shut me up!!!
I received this article from my cousin Ted in Colorado and I thought I would share it with you all. It made me laugh, and pretty much sums up the correct feeling!
WHO IS GETTING OLDER???
Column from Rocky Mtn. News)
I'm aging very well; so well, in fact, that I can do it in my sleep. I can wake up in the morning and see a face in the mirror that's decades older than the one that I remember putting to bed.
Like most people, I fight back against getting older, using medicine's most potent anti- aging agent: denial. So when my birthday came around recently, I told everyone that I wanted the passage of another year to be marked with absolutely no acknowledgement at all except presents. And OK, a party. With cake.
As I ponder my accumulated years, which I'm willing to admit is more than 30 - oh, who am I kidding, I'm not that old. Let's say I'm in my mid- to late 20s. In other words, I'm the same age as my daughter.
So anyway, as I ponder these years, which I've added the same way I've put on weight around my waist - surreptitiously, like a burglar coming into the house in the middle of the night, only a burglar who leaves stuff instead of taking it - I realize I've had enough.
That's right, when it comes to age, I'm good. I don't need any more. Give the rest of my maturity to someone who needs it, like, say, Lindsay Lohan. There's nothing to be gained by having me get older than I am right now. Indeed, as far as I'm concerned, we could have ended this nonsense 20 years ago, back when I could stand up without grunting like an Olympic weight lifter going for the gold.
I realize that if I stop aging, I might not be able to retire as soon as I want, which is last week. But columnists don't ever retire anyway, they just cease to be relevant. (By that standard, you could argue that I retired before I ever got started.)
Scientifically speaking, aging is the process wherein your body's cells decide they're tired of regenerating and want to do something else, like sag to the floor. Our cells are programmed from birth to undergo this transformation. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to halt the aging process, like die. If that strikes you as extreme, try doing an Internet search on "prevent aging." You'll come up with 625,000 articles. Read them all and you won't have time to age.
What I don't like about getting older is that I don't think I've done anything to deserve it. I'm not ready: Not only have I not accomplished everything I set out to do, but most of the things I've done I didn't set out to accomplish. When the Grim Reaper knocks, I'm going to have to tell him he'll just have to come back when I've finished my task list.
Yet as much as I don't like aging, I certainly wouldn't pass up an opportunity to do it again. There are about 8.2 million articles on the Internet about reincarnation - but don't worry, if you can't read them all in time, you can finish them in your next life.
I took an online quiz on a reincarnation Web site that informs me that when I come back in my next life, I'll be a rhinoceros. Great. Rhinos look old when they're born. I'll be even less popular in high school than I was last time, and my columns will all be late because I won't be able to type.
There are also more than a million articles about premature aging, which is ironic. Doesn't all aging feel premature? I realize the AARP wants us all to be old, but how about you - are you ready for it?
I expect I'll hear from a lot of people who will tell me they're "growing old gracefully." Well, I'm growing old the way I acted when I was 2 years old and my parents wanted me to take a bath.
Anyway, yeah, I had another birthday recently, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
I did like the presents, though. And the cake.
And on that note, I will close this blog for now....stay tuned...I may discover how to retire some day!
Aug. 25
Yes, retirement, the myth is that you have lazy days and not much to do that you don't want to do. You don't have to WORK! Well, let me tell you, I know a few people that have flunked retirement (Yes, Gary W that means you) on a large scale basis and then there are the ones (like me) that have flunked on a minor basis. I have discovered I can't sit and do nothing. It is not in me! And I have tried, but after a few minutes I get figdety and can not sit still. I then either have to 1.) get up and do something, 2.) find something to do with my hands while sitting 3.)fall asleep (which doesn't come easily some times). WHY? Why can't I just relax? And I have enough projects going to keep me busy until, oh, 2121! And that is about the time I will finish them. Now, I am not saying that I WANT to do some of these projects (like paint the bathroom or the deck); but that until they get done I can't rest. I love some of my projects, quilting, scrapbooking, playing on the computer, reading, etc. However, I was brought up that you get your work done first and THEN play. DARN MOM! She instilled those values in me so deep I can't play until I get my work done. RATS! I may get my quilts done in 2010...maybe. I am hoping to get the baby quilts done before the babies I am making them for graduate from High School!
We got back to Odessa late Thursday. It was perfect traveling weather, not too hot, (except in Toppinish) and my car didn't explode or over heat...always a good thing. I really need to buy another car, but trying to make the Explorer last at least another year or so. Anyway, back home at the house, the cats had lots to tell us about how they were neglected (not) and other various cat tails, er tales. A friend called us and asked if we could dog sit her dog for the weekend as she and her kids were at the Lincoln County Fair with their horses, pigs, etc. SURE, I said. Well --here comes Brody, a rat terrier that isn't quite a year old! WOW, what a fun time we had with him. The dogs loved him and the cats hated him...situation normal.
On Sunday we had a luncheon for Al's cousin Christine and husband Denys from Australia; niece Claudia and husband Larry were here as well as Ardis and Jerry. WE had a short, but good visit.
Today is rainy and gloomy, which is nice for a change, as long as it doesn't stick around. AL isn't feeling well and I am trying to talk him in to going in to see the local doctor, but so far no luck. He has a bad cough and is congested and wheezing. I will keep after him until he goes to the doc just to shut me up!!!
I received this article from my cousin Ted in Colorado and I thought I would share it with you all. It made me laugh, and pretty much sums up the correct feeling!
WHO IS GETTING OLDER???
Column from Rocky Mtn. News)
I'm aging very well; so well, in fact, that I can do it in my sleep. I can wake up in the morning and see a face in the mirror that's decades older than the one that I remember putting to bed.
Like most people, I fight back against getting older, using medicine's most potent anti- aging agent: denial. So when my birthday came around recently, I told everyone that I wanted the passage of another year to be marked with absolutely no acknowledgement at all except presents. And OK, a party. With cake.
As I ponder my accumulated years, which I'm willing to admit is more than 30 - oh, who am I kidding, I'm not that old. Let's say I'm in my mid- to late 20s. In other words, I'm the same age as my daughter.
So anyway, as I ponder these years, which I've added the same way I've put on weight around my waist - surreptitiously, like a burglar coming into the house in the middle of the night, only a burglar who leaves stuff instead of taking it - I realize I've had enough.
That's right, when it comes to age, I'm good. I don't need any more. Give the rest of my maturity to someone who needs it, like, say, Lindsay Lohan. There's nothing to be gained by having me get older than I am right now. Indeed, as far as I'm concerned, we could have ended this nonsense 20 years ago, back when I could stand up without grunting like an Olympic weight lifter going for the gold.
I realize that if I stop aging, I might not be able to retire as soon as I want, which is last week. But columnists don't ever retire anyway, they just cease to be relevant. (By that standard, you could argue that I retired before I ever got started.)
Scientifically speaking, aging is the process wherein your body's cells decide they're tired of regenerating and want to do something else, like sag to the floor. Our cells are programmed from birth to undergo this transformation. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to halt the aging process, like die. If that strikes you as extreme, try doing an Internet search on "prevent aging." You'll come up with 625,000 articles. Read them all and you won't have time to age.
What I don't like about getting older is that I don't think I've done anything to deserve it. I'm not ready: Not only have I not accomplished everything I set out to do, but most of the things I've done I didn't set out to accomplish. When the Grim Reaper knocks, I'm going to have to tell him he'll just have to come back when I've finished my task list.
Yet as much as I don't like aging, I certainly wouldn't pass up an opportunity to do it again. There are about 8.2 million articles on the Internet about reincarnation - but don't worry, if you can't read them all in time, you can finish them in your next life.
I took an online quiz on a reincarnation Web site that informs me that when I come back in my next life, I'll be a rhinoceros. Great. Rhinos look old when they're born. I'll be even less popular in high school than I was last time, and my columns will all be late because I won't be able to type.
There are also more than a million articles about premature aging, which is ironic. Doesn't all aging feel premature? I realize the AARP wants us all to be old, but how about you - are you ready for it?
I expect I'll hear from a lot of people who will tell me they're "growing old gracefully." Well, I'm growing old the way I acted when I was 2 years old and my parents wanted me to take a bath.
Anyway, yeah, I had another birthday recently, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
I did like the presents, though. And the cake.
And on that note, I will close this blog for now....stay tuned...I may discover how to retire some day!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Seattle, Portland and beyond
Portland, Or
Aug 19
Whee...it has been a wild few days for us. Before we drove to Seattle last Tuesday we had company from Australia. Al's cousin Christine and husband Denys were in Odessa for a short visit. Also Aunt Helen, Christine's mother were with them. It was good to visit with them and we are looking forward to seeing Chris and Denys later in the month as well.
We drove over to Seattle a week ago for doctor, dentist appointments. It was HOT in Seattle...in the 90's, which confuzzled us (a new word granddaughter Lori coined not to long ago...confused and puzzled), but I was lovin it. We stayed with Jenn, which she had ONE fan going when we got there and by the time we left she had THREE fans going.
First day was a scurry of doctors in downtown Seattle, dentist, and cardiologist in Kirkland. Al had good check ups every where....however, the cardiologist didn't like his weight (tee hee...it isn't just me nagging him now!) and has scheduled him for a stress test next month. I told Al he was going to have to study for this test..so I will help by stressing him daily (just kidding). Then that night we had dinner with good friends Row and Kathy...we always enjoy being with them and lots of laughs. We went to Goldbergs, a Jewish deli in Factoria and boy is it good.
Thursday saw us at the neurologist and Al has improved some on memory (can't prove it by me!) and the meds are doing a good job. Then to Diabetes doc, a new one since our last one retired. We really like the new doc...she is direct and to the point. Put Al back on his Byetta, which he had been taken off of earlier in the year.
After doctor appointments we went to the Boeing Human Resources Retiree's luncheon that is held annually in Tukwila. We didn't get to go last year and Al had a great time catching up with old work buddies. Also, sad to note, we have lost a few this past year...Russ HOlly who always headed up the reunion died and a Jackie Evans, who was a friends wife and we were with in Saudi died in January. Really begins to tell you how mortal you really are.
Then we scurried to Kirkland so Jo could order new glasses. I broke my glasses 10 days ago and have been "BLIND" since then. I have been wearing 10 year old glasses...which really didn't do much for me.
We had dinner at friends Frank and Lynn Congers tonight. Frank made his famous Taco's and they were excellent as usual.
Friday up and at 'em. Al had an appointment in Issaquah for a hearing test...ha, it wasn't just me, he really has a hearing problem as we knew! Ordered new hearing aids (donations are gladly accepted for the cost!!! YIKES!) and then to pick up Jo's glasses. YEAH...I can see again!
We then scrambled back to Lynnwood to have lunch with Granddaughter Ashley and get caught up with her life. She is working two jobs now and learning living on her own is expensive!
Tonight we had dinner at Jenn's, Ric, Janet and Sherrie joining us for home made barbequed burgers. YUM. And it is still HOT.
Saturday dawned and we just lazed around for a while. Jenn took off for her walk. I might add she, Ric and Sherrie are doing the 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk next month and they are really training hard for it. And thank you to those friends of ours who have donated to them....really a great cause.
Saving Second Base Team Ric, Jenn and Sherrie
Saturday afternoon I had lunch with Granddaughter Cammie and had a great visit with her. She is always so fun to be around and makes me feel good. She is working at Starbucks and will be going to Shoreline Community College this winter.
Sunday started with a brunch at Ivar's Acres of Clams to celebrate Sherrie's 5 YEARS OF CANCER FREE. WHOOPEE!!! We are so glad to able to celebrate this point with her and pray for 50 more years of cancer free. She has struggled so hard with the breast cancer and the side affects of all the treatments. She is such a strong woman and I admire her so much....I am amazed at all she has gone through and came out of so strong. YOU GO GIRL.
Jo, Sherrie and Al
Jenn and Sherrie
Of course I shed a tear for Cindy, our neice who died from cancer a few years ago. I prayed so hard for both of them to survive.
It was still warm in Seattle, but it was time for us leave and head south to Portland. We are in Portland visiting daughter Melanie and her family; husband Ron, grandson Vic and granddaughter Lori.
We arrived in a warm Portland and met them for dinner at our favorite Chinese place. When we left the restaurant it was RAINING! WHAT????
Monday we awoke to a loud boom and two dogs in bed with us. THUNDER! We had a great thunder and lightning storm and a downpour of rain, of course, the dogs had to go out potty just when it rained the hardest...so I got a refreshing au natural shower!
Monday Melanie, Lori and I spent the day playing. We went downtown Portland to Powell's Books to snoop around and to get Al some books and Lori a book she needs to read before school starts in two weeks...(nothing like having all summer to read it..) I love Powell's Books...it is so fun to roam from room to room and see all the different types of books. It is such a unique book store. After that we went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes after picking up Al from the hotel. We barbequed ribs at Melanie's house for dinner...in the rain.
Lori is quite the horse person. She is competeing the the Jr. Rodeo's and also she has lettered at Oregon City Highschool in Rodeo. Vic also competes -- he is a bull rider (not my choice) or as I say he likes falling off the bulls!
Vic ---- Falling off the bull
Lori carrying American Flag at Rodeo
We will be leaving here on Thursday heading back to Odessa, where I hear it has been very hot...112 one day -- yup, that's hot! AHHHH...it feels so good!
So, until next time....we are busy and lovin' life..hope you are too!
Aug 19
Whee...it has been a wild few days for us. Before we drove to Seattle last Tuesday we had company from Australia. Al's cousin Christine and husband Denys were in Odessa for a short visit. Also Aunt Helen, Christine's mother were with them. It was good to visit with them and we are looking forward to seeing Chris and Denys later in the month as well.
We drove over to Seattle a week ago for doctor, dentist appointments. It was HOT in Seattle...in the 90's, which confuzzled us (a new word granddaughter Lori coined not to long ago...confused and puzzled), but I was lovin it. We stayed with Jenn, which she had ONE fan going when we got there and by the time we left she had THREE fans going.
First day was a scurry of doctors in downtown Seattle, dentist, and cardiologist in Kirkland. Al had good check ups every where....however, the cardiologist didn't like his weight (tee hee...it isn't just me nagging him now!) and has scheduled him for a stress test next month. I told Al he was going to have to study for this test..so I will help by stressing him daily (just kidding). Then that night we had dinner with good friends Row and Kathy...we always enjoy being with them and lots of laughs. We went to Goldbergs, a Jewish deli in Factoria and boy is it good.
Thursday saw us at the neurologist and Al has improved some on memory (can't prove it by me!) and the meds are doing a good job. Then to Diabetes doc, a new one since our last one retired. We really like the new doc...she is direct and to the point. Put Al back on his Byetta, which he had been taken off of earlier in the year.
After doctor appointments we went to the Boeing Human Resources Retiree's luncheon that is held annually in Tukwila. We didn't get to go last year and Al had a great time catching up with old work buddies. Also, sad to note, we have lost a few this past year...Russ HOlly who always headed up the reunion died and a Jackie Evans, who was a friends wife and we were with in Saudi died in January. Really begins to tell you how mortal you really are.
Then we scurried to Kirkland so Jo could order new glasses. I broke my glasses 10 days ago and have been "BLIND" since then. I have been wearing 10 year old glasses...which really didn't do much for me.
We had dinner at friends Frank and Lynn Congers tonight. Frank made his famous Taco's and they were excellent as usual.
Friday up and at 'em. Al had an appointment in Issaquah for a hearing test...ha, it wasn't just me, he really has a hearing problem as we knew! Ordered new hearing aids (donations are gladly accepted for the cost!!! YIKES!) and then to pick up Jo's glasses. YEAH...I can see again!
We then scrambled back to Lynnwood to have lunch with Granddaughter Ashley and get caught up with her life. She is working two jobs now and learning living on her own is expensive!
Tonight we had dinner at Jenn's, Ric, Janet and Sherrie joining us for home made barbequed burgers. YUM. And it is still HOT.
Saturday dawned and we just lazed around for a while. Jenn took off for her walk. I might add she, Ric and Sherrie are doing the 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk next month and they are really training hard for it. And thank you to those friends of ours who have donated to them....really a great cause.
Saving Second Base Team Ric, Jenn and Sherrie
Saturday afternoon I had lunch with Granddaughter Cammie and had a great visit with her. She is always so fun to be around and makes me feel good. She is working at Starbucks and will be going to Shoreline Community College this winter.
Sunday started with a brunch at Ivar's Acres of Clams to celebrate Sherrie's 5 YEARS OF CANCER FREE. WHOOPEE!!! We are so glad to able to celebrate this point with her and pray for 50 more years of cancer free. She has struggled so hard with the breast cancer and the side affects of all the treatments. She is such a strong woman and I admire her so much....I am amazed at all she has gone through and came out of so strong. YOU GO GIRL.
Jo, Sherrie and Al
Jenn and Sherrie
Of course I shed a tear for Cindy, our neice who died from cancer a few years ago. I prayed so hard for both of them to survive.
It was still warm in Seattle, but it was time for us leave and head south to Portland. We are in Portland visiting daughter Melanie and her family; husband Ron, grandson Vic and granddaughter Lori.
We arrived in a warm Portland and met them for dinner at our favorite Chinese place. When we left the restaurant it was RAINING! WHAT????
Monday we awoke to a loud boom and two dogs in bed with us. THUNDER! We had a great thunder and lightning storm and a downpour of rain, of course, the dogs had to go out potty just when it rained the hardest...so I got a refreshing au natural shower!
Monday Melanie, Lori and I spent the day playing. We went downtown Portland to Powell's Books to snoop around and to get Al some books and Lori a book she needs to read before school starts in two weeks...(nothing like having all summer to read it..) I love Powell's Books...it is so fun to roam from room to room and see all the different types of books. It is such a unique book store. After that we went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes after picking up Al from the hotel. We barbequed ribs at Melanie's house for dinner...in the rain.
Lori is quite the horse person. She is competeing the the Jr. Rodeo's and also she has lettered at Oregon City Highschool in Rodeo. Vic also competes -- he is a bull rider (not my choice) or as I say he likes falling off the bulls!
Vic ---- Falling off the bull
Lori carrying American Flag at RodeoWe will be leaving here on Thursday heading back to Odessa, where I hear it has been very hot...112 one day -- yup, that's hot! AHHHH...it feels so good!
So, until next time....we are busy and lovin' life..hope you are too!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Odessa has never looked so good!
Odessa
Aug 4, 2008
87 degrees and SUN
HOME! Yeah! We arrived home late yesterday evening after a long couple of days. I will start at the beginning.
Aug 1, Friday
We closed up the trailer on the Kenai and by noon we were heading towards Anchorage with luggage and two boxes of frozen salmon. Now the trick here is to keep those two boxes frozen until sometime late on Sunday. Hmmm
Trip to Anchorage was uneventful..sunny most of the way until we reached Anchorage and it was cloudy, but not cold for once.
Aug. 2, Saturday
First on the agenda today was getting some dry ice for the fish boxes. Relatively easy, one trip to Fred Myer did the trick. I was fighting mosquito's as I packed the ice in the boxes...grrr...won't miss those damn pesky things.
Dinner tonight was at Henry's in Anchorage. EXCELLENT! I had salmon cooked on a cedar plank and I was sure surprised when my dinner arrived and my salmon was still cooking on a cedar plank. I finally smothered the cedar plank to put it out...too smokey for me. But my salmon was so darn good, so now I have to try this at home.
Arrived at the airport and unloaded our 4 suitcases and 2 boxes of fish. Since we had booked out tickets in March we were still allowed 2 suitcases each, and since we carried on one we only had to pay for one extra fish box at $25...not a bad deal. We were in for a great surprise when we checked in however. The ticket person asked us if we would like to be upgraded to first class since there were two seats left and since Al travels in a handicapped capacity the seats were offered to us. WE jumped on them. What a nice flight that was! Wheelchair waiting for us in Seattle as well. We finally arrived at our hotel at 2:30 a.m. and immediately fell into bed. Of course, I was too wound up and couldn't go to sleep right away.
Aug. 3 Sunday
Ric and Cammie picked us up at the hotel this morning around 11:00 a.m. since Cammie had kept my car while we were gone. The hotel actually had a freezer for us to put our fish boxes in...so far, so good. Fish still frozen! We met Janet for lunch and then followed all of them home to pick up some stuff there and we headed for home. We were very anxious to get home to our puppies and kitties. After a quick stop in Ephrata at Safeway we were home. Odessa sure looked good...and it was sunny and warm. YES! We quickly unloaded the car and took off for Jerry and Ardis's to pick up the dogs. But not before both cats gave us a mouth full on how they were upset with us for being gone.
I think our dogs missed us...I have never seen either one of them so excited. They danced and pranced and talked to us for hours after we picked them up! Neither dog will let us out of their sight...and last night all four of the animals were in the bedroom with us. Schuster actually slept with his head on the bed watching us most of the night! Beau moves each time one of us moves and follows us everywhere and Schuster is always right beside me. Both cats aren't done with us yet...they still have a lot to tell us apparently. Our un-vocal cat Jose hasn't shut up! WOW...guess we will have to reconsider what to do next year if we go back to Alaska.
We had a nice surprise when we opened the door to the house yesterday (that is after we found our keys...long story) -- we had new flooring in the kitchen and laundry room! We had ordered it before we left and they told us if they could get access to the house they would install it if it came in before we got home! WOW...does it ever look nice. Now I have to paint the cabinets in the kitchen...arg, it never ends.
Al is in getting his hair cut right now and I am heading that way in a few minutes. I look like a very shaggy dog!
Some things we noticed now that we are home. Food is relatively inexpensive here compared to Alaska. And so is gas. We were paying $4.79 a gallon in Alaska for gas and I got it at Safeway here yesterday for $3.89 a gallon. OF course that was after I got my 30 cents a gallon discount...I told Al that was like hitting the lottery!
Weather is to be in the high 80's to low 90's for the week and that big, yellow, bright thing we can the sun is shining. Sure feels good. Al says I am leaving little puddles of water everywhere I go...me thawing out!
Tonight Jerry and Ardis are coming for dinner...halibut tonight. Can't wait!
We will be here for a few days before we have to head to Seattle for doctor/dentist appointments again. I just hope my Explorer (the exploder) will make the next few trips. I am taking it in to the mechanic on Wednesday for a tune up, and some minor things that need to be done. Still a great car, just very old.
Until next time, we are finally
UNWROAMIN'
Aug 4, 2008
87 degrees and SUN
HOME! Yeah! We arrived home late yesterday evening after a long couple of days. I will start at the beginning.
Aug 1, Friday
We closed up the trailer on the Kenai and by noon we were heading towards Anchorage with luggage and two boxes of frozen salmon. Now the trick here is to keep those two boxes frozen until sometime late on Sunday. Hmmm
Trip to Anchorage was uneventful..sunny most of the way until we reached Anchorage and it was cloudy, but not cold for once.
Aug. 2, Saturday
First on the agenda today was getting some dry ice for the fish boxes. Relatively easy, one trip to Fred Myer did the trick. I was fighting mosquito's as I packed the ice in the boxes...grrr...won't miss those damn pesky things.
Dinner tonight was at Henry's in Anchorage. EXCELLENT! I had salmon cooked on a cedar plank and I was sure surprised when my dinner arrived and my salmon was still cooking on a cedar plank. I finally smothered the cedar plank to put it out...too smokey for me. But my salmon was so darn good, so now I have to try this at home.
Arrived at the airport and unloaded our 4 suitcases and 2 boxes of fish. Since we had booked out tickets in March we were still allowed 2 suitcases each, and since we carried on one we only had to pay for one extra fish box at $25...not a bad deal. We were in for a great surprise when we checked in however. The ticket person asked us if we would like to be upgraded to first class since there were two seats left and since Al travels in a handicapped capacity the seats were offered to us. WE jumped on them. What a nice flight that was! Wheelchair waiting for us in Seattle as well. We finally arrived at our hotel at 2:30 a.m. and immediately fell into bed. Of course, I was too wound up and couldn't go to sleep right away.
Aug. 3 Sunday
Ric and Cammie picked us up at the hotel this morning around 11:00 a.m. since Cammie had kept my car while we were gone. The hotel actually had a freezer for us to put our fish boxes in...so far, so good. Fish still frozen! We met Janet for lunch and then followed all of them home to pick up some stuff there and we headed for home. We were very anxious to get home to our puppies and kitties. After a quick stop in Ephrata at Safeway we were home. Odessa sure looked good...and it was sunny and warm. YES! We quickly unloaded the car and took off for Jerry and Ardis's to pick up the dogs. But not before both cats gave us a mouth full on how they were upset with us for being gone.
I think our dogs missed us...I have never seen either one of them so excited. They danced and pranced and talked to us for hours after we picked them up! Neither dog will let us out of their sight...and last night all four of the animals were in the bedroom with us. Schuster actually slept with his head on the bed watching us most of the night! Beau moves each time one of us moves and follows us everywhere and Schuster is always right beside me. Both cats aren't done with us yet...they still have a lot to tell us apparently. Our un-vocal cat Jose hasn't shut up! WOW...guess we will have to reconsider what to do next year if we go back to Alaska.
We had a nice surprise when we opened the door to the house yesterday (that is after we found our keys...long story) -- we had new flooring in the kitchen and laundry room! We had ordered it before we left and they told us if they could get access to the house they would install it if it came in before we got home! WOW...does it ever look nice. Now I have to paint the cabinets in the kitchen...arg, it never ends.
Al is in getting his hair cut right now and I am heading that way in a few minutes. I look like a very shaggy dog!
Some things we noticed now that we are home. Food is relatively inexpensive here compared to Alaska. And so is gas. We were paying $4.79 a gallon in Alaska for gas and I got it at Safeway here yesterday for $3.89 a gallon. OF course that was after I got my 30 cents a gallon discount...I told Al that was like hitting the lottery!
Weather is to be in the high 80's to low 90's for the week and that big, yellow, bright thing we can the sun is shining. Sure feels good. Al says I am leaving little puddles of water everywhere I go...me thawing out!
Tonight Jerry and Ardis are coming for dinner...halibut tonight. Can't wait!
We will be here for a few days before we have to head to Seattle for doctor/dentist appointments again. I just hope my Explorer (the exploder) will make the next few trips. I am taking it in to the mechanic on Wednesday for a tune up, and some minor things that need to be done. Still a great car, just very old.
Until next time, we are finally
UNWROAMIN'
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