September 7, 2015

The Best Labor Day I Can Remember!

September 7, 2015

White Bougainvillea at Jeff's house 

 

What a great day, Monday, Labor Day was for us.  Ron and David left early in the morning for an outing.  I got up about the time they left at 6:30.  I got my shower and dressed.  Then it was time to fill ponds, birdbaths, and bird feeders; the sparrows have been emptying them rapidly. 

 Bath time at two of the birdbaths.  It was a hot day.

No one else was stirring, so I spent time on the computer catching up on my blog. I spent time bird watching and they kept me entertained.  Next I started sewing on my current quilt project.  I was able to get about 6 squares made before anyone else was up.

As I have said before, the birds are always watching me.

 

Cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins were the breakfast choices when the others got up about 10:00.  We had a leisurely breakfast and about the time I cleaned things up, the guys got back from their outing.  They showered and David got his car loaded with the luggage for his family.  It was about noon when we left to head to Jeff's house for lunch and a visit.

 Pizza!!!

When we got to Jeff's house, David's family got a tour since they had not yet seen the house.  The kids all found things to do and cousins to play with as the adults visited and pizzas were put in the oven for lunch.  Lunch was a relaxing time of visiting and laughing and catching up on one each others lives.

 The youngest three

 

Everyone spent the afternoon sharing news, ideas, hopes, plans, and opinions.  It was just a good time of visiting with folks who don't see each other often enough.  Late afternoon, Dave's family headed home and the only downer to the day was that they got caught in a 2 hour traffic jam caused by a major accident on their route home.

 Ron and me with two of our sons

 

We stayed for a couple more hours and talked about decorating ideas for the house, the kids activities, and the pressures of busy schedules.  Ron and I headed home about sunset time and arrived home happy but exhausted.  It was not long before I curled up with my pillows and quilt and I slept well through the night.  That is why I am writing this Monday morning!

 The youngest of the cousins

 

Hearing issues were the same as usual - it is hard to hear in Jeff's dining area between the kitchen and family room.  Jeff is working on ideas to help since it bothers him as well.  The youngest children ate in the formal dining room at a little table in the bay window area, so their noise was not a factor at our tables.  I sat at a table in the family room and did OK with those at my table.

 The cousins

What more could one want for a holiday than a house filled with family?  

September 6, 2015

Birthday Luncheon for Grandson

September 6, 2015

This grandson turns 16 years old tomorrow

 

We were up a little early this morning to get ready for church.  It is always good to go to the worship services at the church, but having our son, Dave, and his family from San Antonio here for the weekend was an added treat.  Also with us at the service was our son, Jeff, and his family from McAllen.

Our son Dave from San Antonio

Jeff's second son has a birthday tomorrow.  One thing he wanted for his birthday was to be able for the family to come to Brownsville for church so he could see all of his friends.  Then his parents arranged a birthday luncheon at his other grandmother's house.  She owns a Mexican restaurant and she had them prepare the food for the party, so that made it a little easier for her to host the event.  There were about 30 people there - lots of adults. 

Parents of the birthday boy

Before, I  have mentioned that a man from our church would pick up the two older boys on Friday afternoons and work with them on electronics, wiring, computer systems, and basic construction.  This man has also been the main worker for several years on the construction of Vacation Bible School decor for the auditorium and the birthday boy has worked closely with him on the projects for the last 3 years.  They have become good friends and he included the man's family in the luncheon.

The guests at lunch

We had Mexican food that was very good and birthday cake.  It was a nice gathering and we all had a good time visiting with friends and family.  It was a very relaxed time.

The birthday cake

I spent time in the yard in a swing and later, playing tether ball with one grandson.  I took photos of flowers and just had a good time.  All the children are now old enough that they do not take constant watching. 

Tether Ball with a grandson

 

From there, we came home and some took naps while Ron and Dave went to see Ron's mom for a couple of hours.  I was one of those napping.

Our daughter-in-law's niece and nephew 

 

For supper I had planned a spiral cut ham, sweet potatoes, etc.  I baked some cookies and while they were baking I got the ham ready to put in the oven.  When I unwrapped it, I got the feeling it was not fresh and looked at the tag (that I should have checked at the store), and it was to be used by Aug. 31, 2015.  That was last week. 

Dave and his wife along with Ron at supper

 

Ron and David returned the ham to the store and with the returned money, Dave and his wife went to Kentucky Fried Chicken and picked up supper.  We had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw.  When I told the kids each separately, about the change in plans, both of them cheered.  The older, Diana's nephew is rather quiet, but that is the best reaction I think I have ever had from him.  So sometimes a change in plans can be a blessing.

Night-blooming Cereus in Barb's mom's yard

 

We all enjoyed the supper; I commented it was rather quiet.  I think it was because everyone had their mouths full.  After supper there was some TV watching, some reading, some computer work, and again, relaxing time.

Crown of Thorns cactus in same yard

 

Most everyone ended up going to bed early and that was good for all of us.  It was a very nice day and tomorrow will be another busy day.

September 4 & 5, 2015

Didn't Make it Through My To Do List

September 4 & 5, 2015

The morning rain shower did not stop this White-winged Dove

 from getting his breakfast at the Johnston Bird Cafe

These last two days have been busy with a wide variety of activities.  On Friday I took the last allergy shot in the current series and should see the allergist soon for the next set of vials of serum.  I had sent a couple of emails to the allergist and did not hear back quickly as I usually do.  On Saturday I had Ron call the doctor's office and see if she is on vacation.  They simply said she was no longer with them and that someone else would call me with an appointment.

White-winged Dove

 

It was allergy shot day and after I did that, I spent some time photographing the birds in the yard.  While doing the photos, we had the second of three showers for the day.  The birds have been very active the last few days. 

 Doves in the flat feeder in the rain

It was almost 11:00 when I got to the office Friday.  There was a funeral Mom wanted to attend and Ron said he was planning to go so I had him pick up Mom and I stayed to run the office.  I just knew I would not be able to hear at the service.

Sparrows are very common, but are interesting birds to watch.

 

A little after the funeral a couple from our Sunday School class stopped by and we spent time visiting with them.  After they left, Ron headed to Rio Hondo for a job.  Since I knew he would not be coming back, I swept and mopped as much of the showroom as I could in the time I had to do it.  I was not able to finish, but was pleased with what I did get done.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker at the hummingbird feeder

 

Once I had locked up at the office, I went to pick Mom up for supper.  Ron met us at the restaurant. We had a great supper at Jason's Deli.  Mom has mentioned that although I say I am missing and eagerly waiting for Blue Bell Ice Cream to return, that I do eat the ice cream at Jason's.

From there, Mom and I went to look at some bedding plants and I bought some, but that is one of the things on my list that I did not get done this weekend.  Maybe tomorrow.

Sunset Friday night

Saturday morning I was up early and did some cleaning and yard work before going to get Carmen to do some of my house keeping.  She worked hard all morning while I worked in the yard and other areas of the house, trying to stay out of her way.  I worked on weeding an area where Ron had transplanted shrimp plants a few weeks ago.  They are all well rooted now and so I pulled the grass and weeds in the area, starting a flower bed there.  The ground had been well soaked with multiple rains this week and was just right for weed pulling.  I need to make the bed deeper, but this was a start.

 Saturday bath time in the birdbath.

When I started to take Carmen back to Mom's house, she called a friend and the friend was close by and came to pick her up and saved me a trip.  I returned to the weeding with sweat dripping off my face as I worked.  It was back to organizing in the sewing room and storing an assortment of things.

It was mid-afternoon before I fixed us grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.  Ron spent much of the day working on the birdbath pumps and the pumps in the ponds.  He has all of them working and the birds are delighted.

This was just a stick floating in the resaca but I loved

 the way the evening colors were reflecting in the water.

It was 7:00 before I went to the grocery store and close to 8:30 by the time I got home and unloaded the purchases.  Our son Dave and his family were on their way for a visit, but had been late getting off, so it was 10:00 before they arrived and we sat up talking until well after midnight.  It is good to have them here for a visit.  I had hoped to have fresh cookies baked when they arrived, but they were about an hour ahead of the time they had given us earlier.  So much for my "to do list".

September 3, 2015

Long Day, Nice Day

September 3, 2015

The yard has stayed green with Ron's effort to keep it watered this summer,

 but there is nothing like a good rain to perk everything up.

Before my alarm went off, I was up and working.  I had several things I wanted to get done before I left for the office.  I baked some muffins for breakfast and had Ron's coffee made for him before he was awake.  I cleaned the kitchen and fixed part of my lunch (which I left at home). 

It was about 9:30 when I got to the office - a lot earlier than most days.  I needed to run some errands;  when Ron finished some things he was working on, I went to the mall to pay the Discover bill.  Discover will no longer be letting people pay their Discover bills at Sears after the first of the year.  I like doing it at Sears and am sorry that they are making that change.

Then I went to Staples and bought a few office supplies and with a variety of Rewards coupons and gift cards, I was able to buy several storage containers that I use to keep my quilting fabrics and projects clean and organized.  This evening I spent a couple of hours rearranging and fixing things in the sewing room to keep projects together.  It is a never ending challenge to do that.  While I was out, I also stopped at the drug store to pick up a prescription. 

Years ago we started a patch of ivy in the back yard; the rains this year 

have really helped the growth of the ivy.  Look at the size of those leaves.

When I returned to the office, I had my lunch - the leftovers from my lunch yesterday.  Then I spent time  paying bills and doing a little filing.  I helped with a few customers.  It seemed that most of the customers came early in the morning before I got to the office and Ron was swamped then, while the rest of the day they were pretty well scattered out so that he took care of most of them.

We met our friends for supper and had a good time catching up.  We discussed the flooding from earlier in the week.  Just about everyone has a story connected to that flooding.  When there has been time this week, I have asked my customers how they did with Monday's flooding rains.  One said she may have to replace her car.

The food at the restaurant was good, but the service was terrible!  There was only one waitress and she spent her time on her cell phone and watching the television.  We really wish restaurants would not have televisions!  It was frustrating.  I am more picky than Ron about the service normally, but tonight Ron said he did not think he ever had service that bad.  Strange.  She was new and none of the other staff members were there, except in the kitchen.

Oh, this afternoon, late in the work day, I worked some more on my book about "the little stress doll".  I think I just have about 6 more pages to do - I got about that many done today.  Can't decide how to end the little book.

Sometimes after I write a blog, I think, "Well, that was boring."  It dawned on me a couple of days ago that the reason for that is that several of the hearing issues are not really issues in my daily life anymore.  I just go through my days like everyone else; some days are fun and exciting and some are just routine.  That is good.  I am not constantly thinking about my Cochlear Implant.

Red-Lored Parrot pair

One thing that brought that hearing situation to my mind was when Ron asked for my camera to go take photos of the parrots in the tree tops.  I can hear the birds.  I can hear the loud noisy parrots.  As I was driving to supper, with the windows up in the car and the air conditioning on high, I heard the sound of a flock of Green Parakeets before I saw them swoop down and fly across right in front of my car.  About a mile later a flock of about thirty of them flew over the car and again, I heard them before I saw them.  I thank God that I can hear them. 

The hearing is not perfect.  I have to ask for a lot of things to be repeated; and I still play "fill in the blank" as I try to figure out what was said when I didn't hear all of a sentence or conversation.  The alternative would have been to live in a world of total silence, but thankfully, I don't have to do that.  I tried to listen to a song on my computer yesterday that is one I have heard many times before I went deaf; it did not sound like a song.  It sounded like someone almost speaking the lines in a dull monotone voice.  That was a reminder of what I can't hear normally; but the music I hear in my head all day is great.

September 2, 2015

Short Day at the Office

September 2, 2015

Hooded Oriole

 

This morning we were later getting up than we like to be on the days that I give myself the allergy shots.  I was running about an hour later than usual.  When it was about time for me to head to the office, I started feeling bad with an upset stomach which can be from the allergy shots - or a dozen other things.  So I sent Ron a text telling him I would be later than planned.  I had been doing some cleaning and some bird photography. 

 Sparrow

Before I started feeling bad, I spent time working in the yard a little bit.  I washed and refilled 3 hummingbird feeders and the woodpeckers were quickly working on this feeder.  The others are hard for them to manage.

Young female Golden-fronted Woodpecker

 

It was 12:30 before I got to the office and Ron spent much of the rest of the day working in the warehouse filling our dumpster with wet, yucky, boxes as he had done the previous day.  The flood waters in the warehouse left a mess.  One side of the warehouse had water about 2 inches deep and part of the other side it was as much as 8 inches deep.  We try to keep things of any value on pallets to be above water level and as far as we know, we did not lose anything of value.

The Buff-bellied Hummingbird finally got a turn at the feeder

 

I had picked up some lunch for us on my way to the office and we ate together and chatted.  After lunch, I started working on an assortment of items.  I had a fun project I had been working on and was finally able to spend some time with it. 

 The stress reliever doll standing on top of 

another "freebie" we got from our supplier

 

We have a little squeeze "doll" that is a "stress reliever" and I took it on our trip with us to Quiet Hill and one of my granddaughters and I took photos of it in different places and I am writing a little book about his adventures to send to the company that sent it to us.  It is one of our suppliers.  I have it almost finished.  It is just silly and fun.  I will send them a copy and give one to our granddaughter who helped me with the photos and keep one for myself.  I am just printing it out on my computer.

Male Golden-fronted Woodpecker checking out an old vacant home

After work I went to the drug store to get a prescription that was ready but the lines were so long I decided it could wait.  I did get a couple of items before coming home.  Once at home I had planned to work in the yard but the rains that we had today left everything too wet.  I would have been pulling weeds with big mud blobs on the roots.  Maybe tomorrow I can do it if it doesn't rain any more. 

Male Golden-fronted Woodpecker

 

Ron had gone to his mother's for supper since he didn't go on his usual Tuesday night.  I made a light supper for me and spent the rest of the evening on the computer.  Ron had gone to pick up some hoses in the yard before the yard man comes and mows over them.  He spotted a pair of parrots at the top of the eucalyptus trees.  He took some photos of them. 

I hope they will move into the neighborhood!

 

You may recall that one day I posted photos of one of these Red-Lored Parrots in the backyard.  These are further out from the house, but still in our yard.  This tree is VERY tall and they are at the top.

 

Red-Lored Parrots

September 1, 2015

Evening With the Grandchildren

 (and their parents)

September 1, 2015

The clouds were lovely in the evening as we drove to McAllen

 

*This blog entry is being written on the 2nd to cover the 1st of September.  It has been a busy couple of days.

Tuesday started early for me so that I could be at the dentist's office for an 8:00 appointment.  This is the appointment I mentioned earlier that they set for September 14.  They called last week and offered this appointment for the 1st.  As I have mentioned this is a father and son team and I started out with the father.  He went over the information.  Then he did some x-rays and we talked about the options.  They were not great and they were all going to be expensive.  Then his son joined us and did not agree with the direction the dad was going and suggested another even more costly route, but probably the best choice for a bad situation. 

The morning sky was so pretty after the heavy rains the previous day

After deciding the course of action for the tooth problem, he said that it would be best for it to continue to heal and that since what is left of that tooth does not touch the others it is low risk for damage.  In the end we decided to do the work in early November. 

Measuring with a tape measure, the water had been 12 inches deep in this spot

From there, I went to the office and spent most of the day on "first of the month" chores.  Before doing those, I spent time checking out the mess from the previous day's flooding.  I checked high water marks and the remaining water in the warehouse.  Then I did a deposit, postings, billing, and reports.  I actually got the reports ready for the accountant by the end of the day.  I need the bank statement to be able to send everything to him, but it was a good feeling to have it all done on the first!  I even left early and went to the bank, the drug store, Mom's house, the post office, and then to our house. 

You can see the high water mark at about 2 inches deep 

in the warehouse, right outside the door to my office.  

Mom had paid a young man from our church to take her to run a long list of errands.  She had gotten a lot done.  I am glad that worked out for her.  She needs to be able to go wander through the stores and both do her shopping and get in some exercise. 


Our oldest granddaughter had broken her bed frame shortly after they moved.  There was a defect in the wood and she had fallen against it and it broke.  Ron had brought it home and had been working on the repairs.  It was finally ready and we needed to get it to her.  Also I still had those cardboard play houses that I used for the children, at the rehearsal dinner for Stephen's wedding last fall. 

Here you see the castle and below is the spaceship

We took those to the kids and suggested their parents let them play with them on their nice big covered patio and when they get wet or torn up, just throw them away.  We have definitely gotten our money's worth out of them.  One has been in the play room for months but I needed it out before the weekend since we have guests coming.

The air was so clean and clear after all the rain.

When I got to our house after my errands, Ron was already here and we loaded the items in my suburban and headed for McAllen.  The clouds were beautiful on the way up there.  It was a nice drive up there (since Ron was driving).  He and I feel the same about the upper valley traffic - it is terrible!

We arrived at Jeff and Barb's just as supper was ready and sat down to eat with them before the car was unloaded.  I know they don't need more things to find a home for, but I know the kids will enjoy the castle and the spaceship either on the patio or in the carport.  I suspect the kittens will move into the castle. 

A blonde lab dog has decided she wants to live at their house.  She has a collar with tags and they have called and left messages, but have had no response.  Most of the kids like the dog.  She and the youngest of the boys don't get along and the cats have moved to the the tree instead of the patio.  They have now fixed the gate where the dog can't get in the backyard, but she is staying in the front and really wants to live there with these children who play outside a lot.

The bed got reassembled and our granddaughter made her bed and fixed the room up so we could come see how nice it now looks.  The three girls share the room and it looks lovely.  There are still things that don't have a home, but in time they will get it all fixed up.  So much has been going on for them.  They did sell their house in Brownsville and that is nice. 

We had a great visit and barely touched on all that is going on with them.  All three girls have already started ballet classes. The family joined a home school group which has a lot of activities the children can join.  The two older girls are going to be taking a 4-H photography class.  The boys had selected activities.  It is going to be a busy year for them.

We left about 10:15 or so.  I had been trying to get Ron on the road for a while but there had been delays.  As we were about to leave, they remembered they had some of Ron's equipment for moving items so they loaded them.  It was after 11:30 when we got home.  Tired.  But happy to have had time with the family for the evening.  Mostly the children scattered and let the adults talk.


As we were going to McAllen,  little over half way there, we were routed off of the expressway due to a 5-car accident.  They had totally shut down one section in the Mercedes area.  Coming home we were taken off our planned course in McAllen due to a 5-car accident.  The accident on the expressway they say was due to cars hitting a patch of water on the expressway and that there were no injuries.  The other accident left 2 people dead.  I have never seen so many emergency vehicles at an accident scene.  Today Ron and I discussed that we had been delayed on starting both the trip up and the trip back and that maybe those delays were for our protection.  We will never know here on earth, how many times God has protected us from situations we did not know about. 

We do thank God for our safe trips to and from McAllen yesterday and we thank Him that we were able to go.  We do miss the family, but know that they are where they need to be.  So many things are working out so that they will have the needs of their family met in new ways.  We believe they made the right decision to move, but that doesn't mean we don't miss them.