We Are Now In Cincinnati

Tuesday morning Brian took Steven, Samantha and Brandon to the Tampa airport.  Brandon flow to Norfolk, VA.  Steven and Samantha both flew back to Cincinnati.  Samantha had to go to school on Tuesday afternoon.  Steven is staying in Cincinnati until the tenth of August.

Tuesday morning we were up bright and early.  Kevin, Renea, Jana and I headed for Alabama.  We arrived home about three o’clock in the afternoon.  It was a busy afternoon/evening getting things ready for our trip to Ohio.  Wednesday morning Jana and I picked up Penny and Mattie from the kennel.  We were glad to see them.  I did several loads and laundry and we both finished packing. 

Thursday morning Kevin, Jana and I left for Ohio.  We came up in Kevin’s truck.  He pulled his boat since he was going fishing over the weekend with Brian and his family. Penny and I are staying with Jana and Mattie for an extended visit.  Brian took his camper to Ceasar Creek.  Kevin took his boat.  Tracy, Steven and Samantha also were there.  They said it was either extremely hot or pouring rain.  But, they had a good weekend.  They caught all of two fish.

Friday Jana and I went to breakfast at Frisch’s, MainSource Bank, 5^th 3^rd Bank, Walmart and Kroger.  I also made a few phone calls.  Saturday Jana and I went to Mass.  Rose and George were there so we went to supper with them at the Imperial House on Glenmore Avenue.  It is under new ownership, but the food was just as good as before.  Sunday we spent at Jana’s watching NASCAR.  It was nice to have a day of rest.

Monday I had an appointment at 5^th 3^rd Bank.  Later that afternoon we drove to Brian’s.  He took all of us including Kevin to dinner at Max and Erma’s.  It was really good.  It gave us a chance to visit since we didn’t have much time in Florida.  Bradley and Brianna were home from Florida, and the dinner was actually in their honor.  Afterwards we went back to Brian’s.  He went to bed because he had to go to work at ten o’clock.  We visited for a while and then Jana and I headed for home.

Kevin left for home on Tuesday morning.  (He arrived safely.)  Jana and I went to Barnes and Nobles.  We both bought several books and ordered a few more.  We stopped at Walmart.  I bought a few things I forgot.  We then went to JoAnne’s Fabrics and I bought some fabric (what else right?).  I also made a few more phone calls.

Wednesday we met Ted and Donna at Ron’s Roost for lunch.  We had a really good time.  Turned out to be a two hour lunch.  Hadn’t seen them for such a long time.  We had a lot of catching up to do.  We do keep in touch thru Facebook, email and a phone call now and then.  But it is much better in person. 

On the way out of the restaurant Donna mentioned that her and Ted had been discussing when the last time we had been together.  Other than that we really didn’t discuss anything about that.  So, I put on my thinking cap when I got back to Jana’s.  What I came up with was while Jim and I were volunteering at Eisenhower State Park in Texas (which is on the border of Oklahoma) Ted and Donna came to visit us there.  They stayed a few days.  Don’t really remember how many. 

Thursday was a busy day.  Early this morning Kevin the Cable Guy came and changed Jana’s two cable boxes.  The main one will now record shows and the second one has all the channels her main on has.  So, she has been experimenting with them to be sure she knows how to use the remote.  This afternoon I hooked up to Jana’s MiFi and paid some bills.  I also uploaded a blog about Bradley and Brianna’s wedding.  The biggest problem I had was finding pictures I could save to my computer.  There were a few that I could add to the blog.

Bradley and Brianna's Wedding

Saturday, 7/15, Kevin, Renea, Jana and I left Alabama and headed for Siesta Key, Florida.  Kevin did the driving, and we went in his truck.  We arrived about three o’clock in the afternoon.  Had an interesting time finding the motel.  Our directions and the GPS told us to turn left.  This took us into a shopping center.  I called the motel and after an interesting discussion as to where we were, it was decided we should have turned right.  Upon finding the motel the next thing we did was check in.  Of course, that was not without incident.  They informed us that our reservations had been cancelled.  I had made reservations for two rooms, called and added Saturday, and someone messed up.  After a little drama it was taken care of and we had our rooms. 

Next on the agenda, Kevin and Renea took Jana and me to Mass at St. Martha’s Church.  It was a beautiful church and a beautiful Mass.  Here again, it was not without incident.  Before Mass the congregation was told that the week before one of the ladies leaving Mass was mugged in front of church.  What can I say?  Kevin picked us up after Mass and took us back to the motel.

 

While we were at Mass Kevin and Renea took our luggage to our room.  When Kevin and Renea went to their room there was another “incident.”  The smoke alarm was beeping.  They called the front desk and the electrician was sent to their room.  He couldn’t figure out how to fix it.  Renea suggested that the battery needed to be changed, but he didn’t agree with her.  After all, according to him, he was the head electrician at the hospital before working at the motel and he knew what to do 😊.  So they were given a different room.  Later that evening, when they were at the motel pool this same head electrician came to do some work there.  When he saw Kevin and Renea he informed them that all that needed to be done to the smoke alarm was changing the battery.  Renea just smiled.

Brian and his family met us for supper.  After several mis-starts and several discussions we ended up eating at Harry’s Bar and Grill which was in front of the motel.  We had a very good meal.  Everyone was tired so we headed to our rooms to get a good night’s sleep.  Brian and his family had rented a house with friends of theirs, so they headed to their house.

Sunday, after breakfast, which was great by the way, we drove to Brian’s rented house.  I would like to mention that this motel had one of the best free hot breakfasts ever!  Back to the house.  There was a reception for Bradley and Brianna from noon to four.  Brianna’s family furnished part of the food and Brian and family furnished the rest.  A lot of pictures were taken.  Brianna’s family brought champagne and both her family and Bradley’s family made a lot of toasts.  I would also like to mention that Steven was able to attend.  He was Bradley’s best man.  He arrived from Hawaii on Friday.  Samantha also came down with Brian, etc. She had to miss two days of school.  Brandon flew to Cincinnati from Norfolk, VA, and rode down with Samantha, etc. for the wedding. Sunday evening Rita and Bob, Jana and I, and Kevin and Renea went to supper at Harry’s again.  After that we all went to the motel pool and had a few drinks before going to bed.

 

Monday was the day of the wedding.  Since the wedding was a sunset wedding on the beach, Rita and Bob, Jana and I, and Kevin sat around the pool for a while then checked out a few shops.  We didn’t buy anything.  We then went to lunch at the Boatyard Marina.  It was wonderful!  Everything had caught up with Renea and she wasn’t feeling good so she rested so she could be ready for the evening.

Then it was time for the wedding.  After going back to our rooms to get ready, we met in the parking lot and headed for the beach.  I will say this was one of the prettiest beach weddings I have seen or heard about.  It was very casual for the attendees, of course.  The bride looked beautiful.  There were a lot of tears.  There was even a first dance, mother son dance and father daughter dance.  They had a wedding cake (which was delicious).  They didn’t have regular champagne.  It was Moscato which I like better.  Again, there were toasts by the maid of honor and best man.

I don’t have a lot of pictures, but a few people sent some to me.  Following are a few.

Leaving For Florida

It’s been a busy week with Jana here.  We didn’t do any running on Monday.  Just visited.  You would think we hadn’t talked to one another in a long time.  Anyway, Jana got her “stuff” organized.  I had bought chicken at Kroger before she arrived and that is what we had for supper.  Watched some television in the evening and got a good night’s sleep.

Tuesday we were up bright and early.  I had a doctor appointment with my primary care doctor and everything is fine.  No new problems, just the same old ones.  Next we went to Barnes and Nobel.  Jana bought four books and I bought six.  Both of us were only going to buy one that was on our list.  However, we found several new series by authors we like so, of course, we had to buy them.  Now we both have to order the first book of each series because they did not have those.  Next we had lunch at Friday’s (one of our favorite places).  After lunch we came back to Phenix City (we were in Columbus, GA) and went to Walmart.  Bought quite a few items there.  Stopped at the bank.  And then headed home.  By the time we put everything away, it was time for a break.  Had leftovers for suppers.  In the evening we sat outside on the deck.  By that time the shade was there.  Temperatures have been in the upper nineties this week.  Probably hit three digits in our area.

Wednesday we went back to Walmart.   We found some Pioneer Woman dishes that we liked.  We also bought some items that we “forgot” on Tuesday.  Both of us bought a purse that we can make a hands free purse for the wedding and when we take our trips.  They are much smaller than we usually carry.  We had a light lunch and I fixed spaghetti for supper.  Tasted good since neither of us had had spaghetti for a while.  Sat out on the deck again until the bugs started biting.  They were really bad last night.

Bright and early Saturday morning we left for Siesta Key, FL, for Bradley and Brianna’s wedding.  Next blog will be about our trip, visit and the wedding.  Til then…….

Jana and Mattie Have Arrived

I am ready for Jana and Mattie’s visit.  They will arrive today.  Kevin and Renea are bringing her here from Cincinnati.  Their visit with Rick and Beth ended on Friday, and they spent the weekend with Mark and Sandy.  They all left for Alabama this morning about 8:15. I am looking forward to seeing all of them.  I know the dogs are ready.  They have really missed them.

This week I have one doctor appointment. Other than that Jana and I will be going to Barnes and Nobel, Walmart, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Joanne’s and any other place we can think of.  Probably to the candy store, Kilwin’s.  Of course, we will probably eat out once or twice. We also have a lot of paperwork to go through to organize our trips for this summer, fall and winter.  I am looking forward to taking these trips.  Jana and I haven’t done anything like that for years.  We know where we are going.  We just have to work out details.  Berlin, Ohio this summer.  Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN this fall.  Savannah this winter. 

This weekend we will be going to Siesta Keys, FL, for Bradley and Brianna’s wedding.  I have never been to that part of Florida.  I am sure we will have a nice time.  They are having a sunset wedding.  Will post pictures when we get home. 

Bruce, Jennifer, Nick and Bethany came over to Kevin’s this morning.  Nick cut the front grass of both mine and Kevin’s front yards.  Bruce cut the back yard around the shed and part of the back of my house.  It was so hot, they then called it day.  Jennifer and Bethany cleaned Renea’s house.  Then they all went swimming.  I spent the afternoon visiting with them.

Bruce talked to Kevin to find out what time they would arrive home because he planned to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for supper.  Jennifer made slaw, brownies and fluff.  Jana, Mattie, Kevin and Renea arrived home about six o’clock.  Supper was ready shortly after and it sure tasted good.  It was so good to see Jana and Mattie.  Of course, it was good to see Kevin and Renea also.  Dillard and Janet also joined us for supper.  Jana and I were the first to leave.  Jana was tired, and she wanted to put her clothes away and go to bed early.

Mattie just made herself at home like she had never left.  Penny and her are getting along just as before.  Not sure who is in charge.

Accomplished Quite A Bit These Last Few Days

Today starts a very busy week.  I will be getting ready for Jana’s visit, our trip to Florida for Bradley and Brianna’s wedding, and my trip to Ohio after the wedding.  Wow!  I’m tired already just thinking about it, but excited too.

 

Bruce and Nick are back again this morning.  Bruce is doing more weedeating over at Kevin’s and Nick is cutting the front grass for both me and Kevin.  Yea!!!!

I just finished moving furniture and cleaning the living room.  I am in the process of getting my house ready for Jana and Mattie.  I had to rearrange the furniture so I could open the couch.  This is where they sleep.  I also paid a bill and started getting those organized for while I am gone.  Renea will be taking care of my mail for me.  Most everything I pay is on the computer except for two bills.  Phenix City needs to get on the internet. 

This afternoon I finally finished my apron.  WOOHOO!  I plan on keeping it for me since I am the only person I know who wears an apron except for Jana’s friend Sharon.  I think it turned out rather pretty.  Now to start on my Christmas presents and a few other things.

Top of the Apron

Bottom Border (just a small portion)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

It’s going to be another hot one today.  Sunny humid and upper nineties.  The air conditioners are getting a workout.  Sure glad I got the window a/c in my living room.  It has really made a difference.  The front yard is looking good again.  Of course, I need to get outside and do some weeding, but that will have to wait for a cooler day.  Plan to do some inside work today.

I was very surprised that I didn’t hear more fireworks last night.  Just a few.  Today is also very quiet.  I guess no one around here is have any kind of party.  I hope this evening is quiet also, especially for the animals sake.  They get so nervous.

The dining room is finished and the kitchen almost finished.  I will complete housecleaning the kitchen tomorrow.  I’m tired!

Ryan called me this evening and asked me to go check on Lola. He said if there was a problem he would come right over.  She gets very upset over the fireworks.  It was almost 10:00 and they had started.  I went over and stayed with Lola and Copper for about 45 minutes.  She was doing fine.  It was starting to quiet down.  I hope she made it through the night okay.  I didn’t hear much of anything after I came home.

Good Morning! The kitchen is finished and it is now break time.  I did a few morning chores also.  Making all kinds of progress this morning.  I even cleaned out two drawers for Jana to put clothes in when she arrives.  I just finished the bathroom.  Accomplished a lot more today than I thought I would!

Summer Has Definitely Arrived

Monday evening (see I told you I would continue) Kevin and Renea took me and her mom and dad over to see Ryan’s new house.  I really like it.  It is a three bedroom/two bath.  He will be renting the other two bedrooms to two of his friends.  The place has a large fenced back yard which his dog (Ashes) will love.  She was already running around and checking it out.  She is also making friends with the two dogs next door. 

After visiting Ryan’s house we went to supper at Bob’s Burgers on Hwy 80.  They have very good burgers and they make “fresh” French fries.  You can get the frozen kind if you want, but I prefer the fresh ones.  They have a large variety of food.  After eating we came home.  I watched a little television then went to bed.

Tuesday I went to Barnes and Nobles and picked up a couple of books I had been waiting for.  I also stopped at Joanne’s Fabrics and picked up a few items.  Then it was home for lunch.  During the afternoon I worked on the front grass again.  It is really looking good.  By this time I was tired, so I took a shower and called it a day.

Wednesday I finished the front yard.  I didn’t do much else except for a few odds and ends in the house.  I am still working on the apron.  I am almost finished.  It looks really great.  I will take a picture when I am finished.  I should have started my Christmas presents last January.  If I didn’t need sleep I would be okay 😊

Thursday was a bad day.  My vertigo and VOR hit with a vengeance.  I didn’t do very much.  I did the exercise that the therapist told me to do and spent the rest of the day resting. In between resting I did laundry.  Besides it rained most of the day so I couldn’t get outside anyway.  I received a couple of packages delivered by UPS.  They contained a couple of Christmas presents – more work!

Feeling much better today.  However, it was just a routine kind of day.  Kevin and Renea left for Arkansas to visit with Rick and Beth.  Of course, their house is as busy as if they were home.  Renea’s mom and dad are taking care of the dogs.  I started watching the Xfinity NASCAR race, but it got rained out so I went to bed.

Saturday was a sunny hot and humid day.  Typical Alabama in the summer.  Again, I just did some indoor stuff, including working on the embroidery.  Went to Mass and picked us Zaxby’s for supper on the way home.  In the afternoon I watched the Xfinity race.  Saw all but the last couple of laps because I had to leave for church.  After supper I watched the NASCAR Monster Energy race.  I did stay up and watched the complete race.  I don’t think there was a car left that didn’t have some kind of damage.  Sure was a lot of booming, banging and a lot of wrecks.  Wasn’t dull, that’s for sure.  We had some storms roll through in the evening.  A lot of lightning and thunder. 

Sunday is again sunny hot and humid.  Will probably storm again tonight.  Today I am doing a couple loads of laundry and will try and finish my embroidery project.  Bruce, Jennifer and their family are coming over.  They are going to work in the garden.  Kevin told them to pick whatever vegetables they want so they don’t go bad before they get back.  They are also going to swim. 

Actually, Jennifer and Bethany worked in the garden.  They picked a LOT of green beans, tomatoes, and several types of peppers.  I think they also picked an onion.  Bruce used the weedeater all around my place.  Nick mowed the grass inside the fenced in area.  They called it quits after that and went swimming.  Bruce also put away the “big” hose that was laying on the concrete pad where I park my car, and used the blower to get rid of the grass clippings.  At this point I went over and visited with them for a while.  Had a very nice time.  I even came home with some tomatoes. 

That was it for the day.  I had a glass of wine, ate supper, watched some television and went to bed.