Much was accomplished today- The drains are all in place - The stool is installed and the shower fixtures and drain is all connected. The washer plumbing bits are all done. Tomorrow we put water to it all and see if everything stays together without leaks. If all goes as planned the bathroom will be 90% complete needing only a vanity installed, some door trim and a few other odds and ends. We are getting more and more excited!
Friday, April 26
The Brothers Three of Four
Leo, Butch and Bill Brooker at Wet Goods where we enjoyed supper after a long hard day of work.
Bill in the crawl space putting pipe together and below is a work site shot
Much was accomplished today- The drains are all in place - The stool is installed and the shower fixtures and drain is all connected. The washer plumbing bits are all done. Tomorrow we put water to it all and see if everything stays together without leaks. If all goes as planned the bathroom will be 90% complete needing only a vanity installed, some door trim and a few other odds and ends. We are getting more and more excited!
Much was accomplished today- The drains are all in place - The stool is installed and the shower fixtures and drain is all connected. The washer plumbing bits are all done. Tomorrow we put water to it all and see if everything stays together without leaks. If all goes as planned the bathroom will be 90% complete needing only a vanity installed, some door trim and a few other odds and ends. We are getting more and more excited!
Brother Bill from Arkansas is here
Bill traveled up from Arkansas to help us get our plumbing in order. We are so happy to have him help us. I am doing my best to keep him well fed. These days if you do not like veggies you may go hungry at my house. Fortunately Bill not only likes them but loves them.
Last night Butch and I did our 2 miles, out to the mile marker on the bike trail and back. Butch said, " I do not remember it being that far out." ...That memory will fool you sometimes.
We may have a working stool in the bathroom by days end....here is hoping!!
Last night Butch and I did our 2 miles, out to the mile marker on the bike trail and back. Butch said, " I do not remember it being that far out." ...That memory will fool you sometimes.
We may have a working stool in the bathroom by days end....here is hoping!!
Thursday, April 25
A walk and a talk
WhooHoo!! I finally got my 2 miles in yesterday afternoon. The breeze was a bit nippy and my wintercoat and head gear were a necessity but by golly I did it! It is supposed to be nice now for at least a few days.
Our doctor appointments were done and okay. Blood work was good on both of us. Weight loss was fantastic and contributed greatly to all the good news. My weight has remained stationary since leaving the RGV but that is good considering we have been housebound pretty much for the past two weeks. I have a couple of "skin things" to get taken care of next week but other than that I am good to go. And now about Butch's neck/shoulder. His shoulder shows nothing on xray but his neck is all arthritised up causing numbness in his hands. A few preliminary actions will be tried first but looks like an MRI and surgeon are in the future. We hope to get the house together before it is critical.
Stuff ordered for the house is arriving daily but not the cupboards just yet. Should be a week or so. We are getting excited about it now.
Today is our youngest son,Jason's birthday. He has planned a trip for himself to northern Iowa flyfishing. It was a beautiful spring day in 1963 when he was born. Mom's always travel back in time on their kid's brithdays remembering. Happy Birthday Jason...even though I know he will not see it.
Our doctor appointments were done and okay. Blood work was good on both of us. Weight loss was fantastic and contributed greatly to all the good news. My weight has remained stationary since leaving the RGV but that is good considering we have been housebound pretty much for the past two weeks. I have a couple of "skin things" to get taken care of next week but other than that I am good to go. And now about Butch's neck/shoulder. His shoulder shows nothing on xray but his neck is all arthritised up causing numbness in his hands. A few preliminary actions will be tried first but looks like an MRI and surgeon are in the future. We hope to get the house together before it is critical.
Stuff ordered for the house is arriving daily but not the cupboards just yet. Should be a week or so. We are getting excited about it now.
Today is our youngest son,Jason's birthday. He has planned a trip for himself to northern Iowa flyfishing. It was a beautiful spring day in 1963 when he was born. Mom's always travel back in time on their kid's brithdays remembering. Happy Birthday Jason...even though I know he will not see it.
Wednesday, April 24
Progress
The vinyl molding in the bathroom is installed and Butch has worked on the washer and dryer apparatus needed before the installing can take place. So things are progressing.
Today we have doctor appointments. While still in Texas I was actually looking forward to going but not being able to get any miles in since getting to Iowa I am now not so sure. I know the bloodwork is good because I can go online and get those results. But I hoped to show a bigger weight loss than there is. I have only gained a couple since getting here but a couple is two too many. They say it is supposed to warm up this weekend so I hope to get back on track. Exercise makes all the difference in the world.
New rule: Never go farther north than comfortable walking temperatures.
Today we have doctor appointments. While still in Texas I was actually looking forward to going but not being able to get any miles in since getting to Iowa I am now not so sure. I know the bloodwork is good because I can go online and get those results. But I hoped to show a bigger weight loss than there is. I have only gained a couple since getting here but a couple is two too many. They say it is supposed to warm up this weekend so I hope to get back on track. Exercise makes all the difference in the world.
New rule: Never go farther north than comfortable walking temperatures.
Finally!! Some Teeter kid video
Finally found time to upload some video. Enjoy.
Elise Breakfast
http://youtu.be/_QOEy6v_7u4 |
Sunday, April 21
A rare Spring Day
We were blessed with one...one very nice Spring day. And now it is to turn cold once again for a couple of days anyway. They keep holding out these nice temperatures in the future like a carrot on a stick. We all live on hope!
What we are up to.
Butch and I have been taking care of odds and ends in anticipation of the arrival of all the things to put it all together. Hmmm...like a big puzzle.
Yesterday I attended a wedding shower for Emily Brooker, Leo and Keri's youngest daughter. It seems like only yesterday she said to save June 1st, 2013 for a wedding and here it is sneaking up on us already. The shower was held at the Tea Garden in Jefferson. The food was scrumptious and the company very pleasant. Emily was blessed with many good things to start her and Joe's life together.
Here are a couple of candid shots from Emily's shower. Keri is centered in this picture. On the left is Julie Karber and on the right with her face hidden by a child is Norma Milligan.
And here we have a waitress,then Erin, Emily's sister and her aunts who I will refrain from naming in case I am wrong.
When I returned home I painted a few boards and oh yes, ordered a new mattress. My criteria was NOT a memory foam and one that is reversible. I ended up getting it from Overstock.com. Free shipping. The rest of the directions or perhaps suggestions were to open the mattress in the room you intend to use it in. It comes compacted and will expand to its ultimate size in 24 hours. I now have people wanting to come watch this action. It will not take place right away as I plan to wait till most things are together and in place before unleashing the beast.
Butch has been working on door trim, electric connection for the stove and water pipe prep so it will be ready when it is time to put it all together. Oh and we did get the washer and dryer delivered yesterday from Lowes. They cannot be put in place just yet until a few other events take place. See it is most definitely like a big puzzle with some pieces being done before others to make it all come together. Sure glad we can live in the motorhome even though it is like a cold tin can.
And then last night Laura and Jason came by for awhile. A few hands of cribbage were played and we started looking at old pictures. A fun evening and a full day for sure.
Yesterday I attended a wedding shower for Emily Brooker, Leo and Keri's youngest daughter. It seems like only yesterday she said to save June 1st, 2013 for a wedding and here it is sneaking up on us already. The shower was held at the Tea Garden in Jefferson. The food was scrumptious and the company very pleasant. Emily was blessed with many good things to start her and Joe's life together.
Here are a couple of candid shots from Emily's shower. Keri is centered in this picture. On the left is Julie Karber and on the right with her face hidden by a child is Norma Milligan.
And here we have a waitress,then Erin, Emily's sister and her aunts who I will refrain from naming in case I am wrong.
When I returned home I painted a few boards and oh yes, ordered a new mattress. My criteria was NOT a memory foam and one that is reversible. I ended up getting it from Overstock.com. Free shipping. The rest of the directions or perhaps suggestions were to open the mattress in the room you intend to use it in. It comes compacted and will expand to its ultimate size in 24 hours. I now have people wanting to come watch this action. It will not take place right away as I plan to wait till most things are together and in place before unleashing the beast.
Butch has been working on door trim, electric connection for the stove and water pipe prep so it will be ready when it is time to put it all together. Oh and we did get the washer and dryer delivered yesterday from Lowes. They cannot be put in place just yet until a few other events take place. See it is most definitely like a big puzzle with some pieces being done before others to make it all come together. Sure glad we can live in the motorhome even though it is like a cold tin can.
And then last night Laura and Jason came by for awhile. A few hands of cribbage were played and we started looking at old pictures. A fun evening and a full day for sure.
Thursday, April 18
Enough already!
Today was colder than the coldest day we had all winter in South Texas. It did not get out of the 30's today and there was snow coming down now and then. We had Chili for supper and it was the proper meal for the day. Really hit the spot.
We are doing odds and ends on the house but we are really stymied until the trim work and plumbing are done. And the plumbing should wait for the trim. You know how it goes...it is a priority thing...always.
And on a lighter side here is Baby Leo and his sister Elise. Baby Leo is 5 days old in this picture but he looks so alert and has from the day he was born. It looks like the siblings are high fiving each other. It starts early!
We are doing odds and ends on the house but we are really stymied until the trim work and plumbing are done. And the plumbing should wait for the trim. You know how it goes...it is a priority thing...always.
And on a lighter side here is Baby Leo and his sister Elise. Baby Leo is 5 days old in this picture but he looks so alert and has from the day he was born. It looks like the siblings are high fiving each other. It starts early!
Wednesday, April 17
What a day it has been...
Or maybe two days. I was looking over our several thousand dollar order at Menard's when I noticed the refrigerator had not been paid for. Hmmm I found that perplexing so I called them and found out another trip up to Fort Dodge would be necessary to get some loose ends tied up. It will not delay delivery but we needed to get the ball rolling a bit better. It was a worthwhile trip getting some questions answered etc.
Now with our Discover card we get a 5% discount from home improvement stores up to $1500 for the months of April, May and June and we far exceeded that with the Menards order. We still needed to buy laundry appliances so I went online to look and after much research and reading many reviews decided on a LG washer and dryer. We have a Lowes card so we get 5% discount with it AND they had a lower price on the washer than Menards did so after getting things wrapped up at Menards we drove to Ames and the Lowes store. Last day for the sale!! We did not know that but we seem to be very lucky that way...and we are grateful!
We stopped in Boone and the new Wal Mart store and visited with Jason and later Laura for a bit before coming home.
With all this buying and getting ready for things to get done our mental wheels have been very active. I woke up about 4:00 AM and started thinking. Not very conducive to sleep. And then I noticed Butch was awake too. I said, "You know what we could do?" Butch said,"What?" I said, "Get up and get a walk in before the rain starts." He said, " Do you think I would have time to clean the gutters out before it starts raining?" I said, "I'll check the radar." And yes the rain was a ways off so at 5:30 AM we are out cleaning gutters and then we were able to get a walk done too. It wasn't long after getting home that the rain did start and is now raining with some intensity.
So at this hour I am in the motorhome and Butch is in the house and we are both busy. Most likely we will nap later
Now with our Discover card we get a 5% discount from home improvement stores up to $1500 for the months of April, May and June and we far exceeded that with the Menards order. We still needed to buy laundry appliances so I went online to look and after much research and reading many reviews decided on a LG washer and dryer. We have a Lowes card so we get 5% discount with it AND they had a lower price on the washer than Menards did so after getting things wrapped up at Menards we drove to Ames and the Lowes store. Last day for the sale!! We did not know that but we seem to be very lucky that way...and we are grateful!
We stopped in Boone and the new Wal Mart store and visited with Jason and later Laura for a bit before coming home.
With all this buying and getting ready for things to get done our mental wheels have been very active. I woke up about 4:00 AM and started thinking. Not very conducive to sleep. And then I noticed Butch was awake too. I said, "You know what we could do?" Butch said,"What?" I said, "Get up and get a walk in before the rain starts." He said, " Do you think I would have time to clean the gutters out before it starts raining?" I said, "I'll check the radar." And yes the rain was a ways off so at 5:30 AM we are out cleaning gutters and then we were able to get a walk done too. It wasn't long after getting home that the rain did start and is now raining with some intensity.
So at this hour I am in the motorhome and Butch is in the house and we are both busy. Most likely we will nap later
Sunday, April 14
Picture catch up...
When we went to Menard's and I posted what we purchased I forgot to include the bathroom vanity. I even took a picture of it while we were in the store.
Some of the pieces behind Theresa are hers and some are the work of her students at Lenox Iowa where she teaches.
Yesterday, one of the Deja Vu group, Judy Peacock Wills went with me to Corning Iowa to the Arts center for my sister Theresa's art show. It was great seeing her new work and visiting with her for a few hours. We do not get together as often as we would like.
A bit of an oops!
Meant to post on Our blog and hit the Magnolia one instead...sorry about that.
Snipped from Face book
Snipped from Face book
Friday, April 12
Menard's and Us
Butch and I spent most of the day or at least it seemed that way in the Menard's store. Those of you in the northern US are familiar with Menard's. Menard's come out on top in choosing between them and Lowes or Home Depot. We spent a bunch of time with Rhonda and then we spent a bunch of money with Menard's! We came away happy. We purchased their top of the line cabinets, a stove, a refrigerator, countertop, sink, faucet, cabinet hardware and trim for around doors and windows. This will take care of the bulk of getting our house back together. All this will be shipped to our address and we should have it by May 1st.
Deja Vu
Deja Vu is a name I have tacked onto a group of Jeffersonions who grew up in the area and our now back in Jefferson and calling it home. Last night a portion of us (7) went to The Port in Panora to try it out. The Port has suffered many set backs over the years, having many different owners, some successful but many not. Being on Lake Panorama they try to keep the ambiance upscale. Part of that would come naturally of course being on the lake but the rest of it is by design.
We were there on a Thursday evening and there were very few people in the restaurant.
I do have to give the place several thumbs up however.
1. We were greeted warmly when we arrived.
2. We were barely outside of early bird/happy hour times but they gave us all the benefits as though we were inside the time.
3. The waiter was attentive but not overly so.
4. If you are a bit creative it is not any more expensive than any other restaurant. I enjoyed chicken quesadillas off the appetizer menu and they were half price because we were within the time limit so my meal was $4.50. Butch had cheeseburger and fries...of course he did!
5. The food was very tasty. Everyone ordered something different and everyone was pleased with their food. No miss co bobbles on that score.
So adding all that up, gives them 5 stars.
http://www.experiencetheport.com/dining.html
We all felt sorry for them because when we left at 8:00PM there were no other customers.
We were there on a Thursday evening and there were very few people in the restaurant.
I do have to give the place several thumbs up however.
1. We were greeted warmly when we arrived.
2. We were barely outside of early bird/happy hour times but they gave us all the benefits as though we were inside the time.
3. The waiter was attentive but not overly so.
4. If you are a bit creative it is not any more expensive than any other restaurant. I enjoyed chicken quesadillas off the appetizer menu and they were half price because we were within the time limit so my meal was $4.50. Butch had cheeseburger and fries...of course he did!
5. The food was very tasty. Everyone ordered something different and everyone was pleased with their food. No miss co bobbles on that score.
So adding all that up, gives them 5 stars.
http://www.experiencetheport.com/dining.html
We all felt sorry for them because when we left at 8:00PM there were no other customers.
Baby Steps
Baby Steps has double meaning for yesterday with the birth of a new great grandson and taking a critical look at what needs done in the house. We started off the day with a blood draw at the hospital in preparation for a doctors appointment next Tuesday. It took 13 minutes from the time we walked in the door till we walked out the door. The benefit of small town living. And then we indulged in breakfast at the Uptown Cafe. I had my usual scrambled eggs and bacon. Not being able to exercise is making me feel I am not making any progress. Wanting and needing to get back to my walking routine. May dress for the arctic north and do it anyway today.
Then we went in the house to measure for trim, anticipating a trip to Menards today to order cabinets and other stuff with hopes we can resume work on the house. Yeah!!
Off on a baby step...
later
Then we went in the house to measure for trim, anticipating a trip to Menards today to order cabinets and other stuff with hopes we can resume work on the house. Yeah!!
Off on a baby step...
later
Thursday, April 11
Tuesday, April 9
Not acclimated!!
We are ever so grateful for the beautiful travel weather we had and the great weather we had getting our motorhome into its spot. The alley was dry...until last night when the thunder rolled and the rain started. The high's today have been in the 40's and the forecast is even worse for the next 3 days. I can deal with cold weather I told myself but this along with the wet penetrates to the bone and once I am chilled it seems to take a whole lot of warm to get me warm. The only place I have been completely warm has been in bed...with the electric blanket on.
We have chores to do, like go sign our taxes, a trip to the courthouse to renew our vehicle licenses,and city hall to pay the water bill. But go outside and get even colder??? Not I. Not today, maybe tomorrow.
We have chores to do, like go sign our taxes, a trip to the courthouse to renew our vehicle licenses,and city hall to pay the water bill. But go outside and get even colder??? Not I. Not today, maybe tomorrow.
Monday, April 8
Mid-afternoon arrival in Jefferson Iowa
We had a pleasant drive from Peculiar to Jefferson. We are listening to an audio book and that always makes the miles go quickly. Two pleasant surprises upon our arrival.
Last winter we discovered our TV antenna on the mortorhome was not working so we purchased a new one and were pleased with our reception in the Rio Grande Valley but did not know how well it would work in Jefferson. It works very well, meaning if we wanted to we could get along without DirecTV. I do not see that happening however. One of us has a TV addiction.
The second nice surprise is that with the new booster antenna that I sold many of in the park this year I have an adequate Internet connection without Verizon. So Goodbye Verizon!! Our internet Verizon contract will expire next month I believe. That is a savings of $60 a month!
The mailman was walking by just as we were getting settled in so he knows we are back. We went to the post office and picked up the mail that we had held since we left the RGV. There wasn't much. I used to look forward to the mail. Not so much anymore.
The weather is perfect today but I understand we have some cold and wet stuff coming our way soon. It was great to have nice weather for getting parked in our spot and settled in. I am very grateful for that and the safe and easy trip home. I would love to put my rain barrel out but I took a peek at the temps for Thursday and the bad news for that one day at least is 33 degrees for a high and 25 degrees for a low. That is way too low and I like my rain barrel way too much to have it freeze and crack.
Last winter we discovered our TV antenna on the mortorhome was not working so we purchased a new one and were pleased with our reception in the Rio Grande Valley but did not know how well it would work in Jefferson. It works very well, meaning if we wanted to we could get along without DirecTV. I do not see that happening however. One of us has a TV addiction.
The second nice surprise is that with the new booster antenna that I sold many of in the park this year I have an adequate Internet connection without Verizon. So Goodbye Verizon!! Our internet Verizon contract will expire next month I believe. That is a savings of $60 a month!
The mailman was walking by just as we were getting settled in so he knows we are back. We went to the post office and picked up the mail that we had held since we left the RGV. There wasn't much. I used to look forward to the mail. Not so much anymore.
The weather is perfect today but I understand we have some cold and wet stuff coming our way soon. It was great to have nice weather for getting parked in our spot and settled in. I am very grateful for that and the safe and easy trip home. I would love to put my rain barrel out but I took a peek at the temps for Thursday and the bad news for that one day at least is 33 degrees for a high and 25 degrees for a low. That is way too low and I like my rain barrel way too much to have it freeze and crack.
Sunday, April 7
And we continue...
We came back to the motorhome about 6:30 after supper with Gary and Susan. Of course we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Leo. His room is ready with the theme of The Lion King.
I think his mama is being optimistic on the Lion sleeping. Cute however.
People look at Amanda and their eyes get as big as her belly. And below Papa Butch can feel Leo's hiccups.
She was due today-April 7th but it looks like Leo has other ideas.


His sister Elise is ready for him to get here too.
I think his mama is being optimistic on the Lion sleeping. Cute however.
She was due today-April 7th but it looks like Leo has other ideas.
His sister Elise is ready for him to get here too.
Tomorrow we are heading even further north. We will not leave early letting the morning traffic slow a bit before heading out. We should be getting to Jefferson in mid afternoon.
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