2 strikes

The realtor showed our place again today - no comments from the realtor, so figure it was another no.  It's okay, though, because we won't even list it until about next Tuesday.  We're waiting for the tub resurfacer to do his thing.

Today was another cold, rainy day.  I'm getting a little sick of it.  Dave made the comment tonight that next year we may stay until the middle of May!  That'll be nice.

We got the hummingbird feeders up today.  Hope the hummers haven't been here and gone.  I need to get back out to the bird blind, but who wants to take pix in the rain.  Not me!  I'll wait for a nicer day.

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Whirlwind Week!

We have had a whirlwind week and this is only Tuesday!  Found out yesterday that we actually had tornadoes in O-town on Sunday.  Two people nearby were killed - a lady from the Hedrick area and a man from Kinross.  I didn't even think it was bad here, except for the strong winds.  But there are trees down all around town, roofs off of houses, etc.  Craig & Sue's place is where the tornadoes started according to the National Weather Service.  They lost a pole with a transformer (which all landed on Craig's truck) plus a hog shed and some other small things.  They felt fortunate.  Bob & Ann were coming back from Washington and had to pull off the road to wait out the storm.  Today it didn't get above 51 and it's only 46 now with rain and drizzle all day.

I went to Des Moines last night with Juliene and Bev for a SU event - the 2015 catalog premiere.  It was a fun evening - 2.5 hours of information, followed by a late dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  We didn't get home until midnight.  I checked my email and found out that a realtor wanted to show our house today at 5:00 and knowing that we still had hours of prep I stressed and couldn't sleep!  When Dave got up this morning, I got up too and we went to work.  By 3:00 the house looked great!  The showing went well, but they probably weren't interested.  So, we have another showing tomorrow at 5:00.  At least we're ready.  Dave and I worked all day, plus Dave's handyman friend worked with us!  He's coming back Friday to paint some doors for us.  My piriformus syndrome is acting up and at times I have trouble walking.  It requires rest - hmmmm...when do I get that?

More things happened today.  We sold our mobile home in Florida and bought a bigger one all in one day.  The double wide 2 bedroom, 2 bath next to Bob & Ann came up for sale this week and Bob had first right of refusal on the property.  So we heard from friends of Sue & Penny that they wanted our place and we bought that other one.  The price was right for now.  We'll get our place on the water when we're ready to go to Florida full time!  "The best laid plans of mice and men...."

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Soggy Sunday

We had a beautiful morning and day, up until about 3:00 or so.  At that time, a tornado went through Monroe County and we felt some of the effects.  We had very strong winds - uprooted a bunch of trees, picked up patio furniture, trampolines, etc.  Didn't have a lot of rain though.  I thought our flagpole was going to snap in two, but it didn't.

We got lots done again today.  Dave didn't go to church. He stayed home and worked.  I came home after church and got my craft room done - yay!  Plus I had a lady come today to take a bunch of batting and muslin for quilt guild.  I'm going to take the roll of batting down to the Amish to see if they'll take it for their projects.  We're getting there!

We had a couple call today about our place in Florida.  We should know from them by Tuesday.  What a whirlwind!

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Long day today

We left here at 6:30 this morning, heading to Waverly for a baby shower for Kyle and Cassie's baby.  He's not due until June 3rd, but he's already 5 lbs 3 oz - yikes.  He could be a big boy!  The shower took place at The Wild Carrot, a sort of tea house in downtown Waverly.  Kaylee has worked there for several years now.  While I was at the shower, Dave was able to spend time with Bryan and Erin.  We took some Frushour furniture up to him...things that were handed down from the Frushour side of the family.  I also took quilts that were made by my grandma up for Linda and Vicki.  I had them numbered and then the girls drew  numbers out of a hat.  I thought that was the fairest way for Rhonda, since she couldn't be here.  Now I've got to figure out a way to get hers to Texas.

We left Waverly about 1:30 and got home about 4:45.  It's been a long day, driving 3 hours each way and leaving that early.  Dave's asleep in his chair and I'm about ready for bed.  I told Allison that I wouldn't be at her ballgames tomorrow.  I've just got to get back to sorting in my studio.  I think I told you we're showing the house Wednesday at 5:00 and that's not very far away.  Tomorrow's supposed to be a dreary day, so I won't mind being inside working.

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I'm tired!

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, so I ended up taking a pill about midnight.  I finally went to sleep around 1:30 or so.  I am really tired today, though.  I had to be in Iowa City at 11:00.  I got in to see the doc on time and even got out of the parking lot without having to pay because the first hour is free!  Then I went to Oskaloosa on my way home.  I wanted to get Baby Benning a Cyclone outfit, so I went to the Mahaska Drug where they have a big selection of Cyclone stuff.  I got him this cute little outfit, some socks, a stocking cap, and a burp cloth - all with the current Cyclone logo.  Can't wait to see BB in them!  You think they'll know who got these clothes for him?

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Whew!

It was a rainy, gloomy day here.  I sure wish I was in Florida.  Our friends down there are showing pictures of being on the beach, but not here.  Here we're wearing flannel shirts over other shirts and the furnace is running to take away the damp chill.  Oh well.  At least it was a good day to work inside!  Dave and I worked on each room, one at a time, getting each presentable because the realtor came at 2:15.  I worked in my craft studio for much of the day and got it cleaned up at least.  Tomorrow I'll work on putting my fabric in totes and storing it just so any interested buyers can see that there's a closet!  I'll also try to get some of my retiring SU stuff ready to sell.  That will help clear out that room immensely.  Plus I've got lots of room under my design table to store a bunch of stuff.  I'm also hoping that a friend will come take some of my batting away.

We didn't even eat lunch until about 3:15.  We were just too busy to eat.  So no supper for us...we had ice cream just a little bit ago.

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Wednesday

I'm so confused...I have no idea what day of the week it is.  I had to ask Dave!

We worked really hard today and got lots more accomplished.  Dave made more trips to the book sale, to church with extra office supplies, to Salvation Army with donations, and to the recycling center with paper!  If we get this house sold, we won't have tons of stuff to move!  Now that I'm in the purging mode, I'm really purging.  I even cleaned out my desk drawers!  I threw away stuff that I never dreamed I throw away.  Tomorrow, however, comes the hardest of all...I start on my craft studio.  Oh dear.  I'm a little concerned.  I'm NOT giving away my fabric or the stamp stuff I haven't used recently...I'm just NOT!

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Work day

Poor Dave.  He can't sleep when there's a project he wants done, whether it's for work or at home.  He got up about 4:00 and started a clean sweep of the office.  By the time I got down there, it was a total mess.  Tonight, however, it looks pretty good.  I shut the door while he took a nap this afternoon and I was able to go through things without his interference.  We also went through our clothes closets and took 5 huge bags to Salvation Army.  He also made 3 trips to the recycle center with magazines and we have 2-3 boxes of books for the book sale at Bridgeview in May!  Lots accomplished today!

He went to bed about 9:00 and I'm just getting ready to go up.  Tomorrow will be another busy day.  It sounds like we're in for some cold, wet weather too - yuck!

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Rainy Day

We had quite a bit of rain today.  Our lawn looks so green!  Dave got the bird bath out yesterday, but he didn't fill it, so God did!  This evening the birds were pretty active - tomorrow they'll need baths!  haha

I went to BRT this morning.  We got through the first 20 verses of Revelation.  It's such an interesting read.  We were told not to try to decode it...just read it and digest it.  It's hard though, because I want to know why Jesus would appear to John and have a double edged sword coming out of his mouth.  Inquiring minds want to know.  I guess I'll try to find a study guide online.

I got all of our investment paperwork filed today, as well as getting several of them delivered paperless.  I also got the shelves all dusted in the office.  Unfortunately that means the desks are piled high!  We'll have to make decisions on what we're selling and what we're going to "hide".  I am not enjoying this project!

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Easter Sunday

We had a beautiful day today...a perfect Easter Sunday!  We went to Son-rise service at 7:00 where we were readers.  It was a moving service based on the story of the resurrection in John.  After the readings, there was a time of reflection and then some singing, followed by silence for more reflection.  Cool service!  Then we went downstairs for the Easter breakfast.  This year the casseroles were different.  Usually the cooks use the same recipe, but not this year.  We had egg casseroles, sweet breads, fruit cocktail and applesauce.  By the time that was over it was time for the regular church service.  The weather today was gorgeous - in the 70's so kids could go outside for their Easter Egg hunts.

Noon found us at Steve and Barb's for Easter dinner.   We ate out in the garage - great food, family, and friends.  Dave's been working on the yard.  He's put down 100 bags of mulch so the yard is looking pretty!  I've got to get busy in here.  I filed the winter's paper work today...or most of it anyway.  I've still got shredding to do, which will take quite a while!

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Saturday

I left for Kalona bright and early this morning - Allison's first ballgame was at 8:00 AM there.  I left about 7:00, which wasn't quite early enough.  Of course, I didn't know that there was a bridge out on Dahlonega Road and I'd have to detour.  I still got there in time for all but the first inning.  We were ahead 9-3 and ended up tied in regulation.  Then we got beat in International Overtime - 11-10.  The second game wasn't until 3 hours and 15 minutes later, so we went to breakfast at the Kalona Family Restaurant.  In the second game of the day, we got clobbered by N Scott.  They are so much better than us!  The littlest girl on their team jacked one clear to the fence for a triple and of course, we're horrible at fielding.  Our first baseman couldn't catch a ball if her life depended on it.  She also can't hit the ball either.

I came home after the second game because they had to wait until 5:00 to play again.  I'd been there since 8:00 and had frozen thru the first game, cooked in the 2nd game.  I brought Ann home with me.  She was in a car wreck on Thursday so isn't feeling very well yet.  She's badly bruised and has a cracked rib but she sat thru the second game anyway.  They didn't even come until before that game.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and it's a busy one.

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Fun day

This morning was my first PEO meeting since  I've been back.  It was good seeing everyone again.  We had a good meeting - only 17 in attendance, though.

About 5:00 I left to meet up with the guys from Ottumwa who take bird photos.  We went to Pioneer Ridge to the bird blind.  There were 4 of us - I loved it.  It is a wonderful spot to get bird pictures.  The guys' pix were better than mine I think.  I was a little nervous, but after while I relaxed and took some pretty good pictures.  I saw a bird that I've never seen before - an Eastern Towhee!

I'm not having any luck uploading pix, so maybe tomorrow!

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Issues

I'm having issues with my internet and I'm not a happy camper!  Everytime I try to refresh a screen, I get a message that there's no internet connection.  Don't know what's happening, but I don't like it!

I went to Maundy Thursday services tonight.  It was a beautiful service - the choir did a cantata that was gorgeous.  Pastor David and Pastor Jane did readings that were very poignant and meaningful.

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Windy Wednesday

We had a nice day today, but it was sure windy!  My car door blew shut on me - it's a good thing I was expecting it, or I might have a broken finger tonight!

I had a great day...I was pampered!  I had a massage and then went to the chiropractor.  I'll feel really good tomorrow!

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Tuesday

I worked on putting away pictures of the family today.  Dave's been reading about how to stage a home to sell it and putting away pictures and knick-knacks is one of them.  Cleaning out closets and storing things outside the home is another.  I've got a busy month ahead of me.  I found out that Bridge View is having a book sale in May so I'm taking all my quilting and craft magazines/books to them.  I'm getting them sorted into piles by years so they can sell a bundle of magazines instead of each one separately.  First, however, you have to take the labels off of them - that's another fun job!

This afternoon I gave blood for the first time for 6 months!  When he stuck me, it hurt so I know I'm going to have a bruise tomorrow.

Tonight Dave is at a church meeting.  He should be home soon.

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Ickier Day

Wow!  I just finished watching Dancing with the Stars.  This has got to be the best collection of stars and dancers ever.  I was really surprised to see Cody go home, but I didn't like him much.

Today was sure an icky day.  It rained this morning and was only about 37 when I went to Bible Reading Time.  I had to wear long pants even!  Then it started snowing!  The snow was coming down parallel to the ground with a strong north wind.  Very cold.  Tonight it's supposed to drop to 25 - not a fun time to be in Iowa!!

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No so pretty!

Today is Dave's birthday and I made sure the church congregation sang to him.

It's kind of an icky day today...it's only 61 degrees and rainy.  It's rained most of the day.  The grass is sure getting greener, though.  I'm glad because it was just beginning to get green when we arrived.  Since it's raining and it's Palm Sunday, my mom always said it would rain for 4 Sundays in a row.  I hope that isn't true, but the moisture is great.  I just don't like the cold temperatures!

Loved church today.  It was so good to be back at 1st!  Love the people and the sermon was fantastic.

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84!!!!

I can't believe that this was a "Florida type of day" here in Iowa.  It topped out at 84 degrees - the same as it was in Clearwater!  That's pretty amazing.  Unfortunately it's about to change.  It's only supposed to be in the low 60's tomorrow and I heard the 4-letter word is possible on Monday.  Grrrrr!  I won't be a happy camper if it snows!

Today I went to Fairfield for a 9:00 AM ball game.  Allison's team played 3 games today - they won 2 and lost the last one.  Allison pitched the first game and 1 inning in the last game.  It was so wonderful sitting outside on this beautiful day.  I got plenty of sun and wind, so I'm feeling a little burned tonight.

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We're home

We left Paducah about 8:00 this morning and got home at 3:00.  We had two beautiful days to travel and arrived to 75 degrees and sunshine.  In fact, we had the sunroof open much of the day it was so beautiful.  We thank God for an uneventful trip and that all was well here.

After unpacking and getting groceries, Dave went to the Recovery Room and got us tenderloins for supper.  Great welcome home!

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Paducah

We got to Paducah at 6:30 tonight...had our free supper and now we're getting ready to go to sleep!  We left Largo at 4:15 so we're pooped.  The grass is green, trees are blooming, and it was 81 degrees when we arrived!  Unfortunately it's not supposed to be that warm on Sunday.  Tomorrow possible rain and Saturday at home possible thunderstorms, but 72 for a high.

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It's here

It's time for us to head north in the morning...at 4:00 AM, so I'd better hit the bed!  I'll keep you posted on our progress.  Prayers for safe travel are appreciated.

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T-2 days & counting

We've got everything packed except for the refrigerator stuff.  Unfortunately it all has to go to the car now.  Dave said he'd pack it tomorrow and then we'd go see the big water for the last time this season...:(   Then we'll come back, cover things with sheets, and then we'll take off first thing Thursday morning.  Can't believe it's time to go back  to Iowa already.

Had a nice lunch with Sudi, Howard, Bob & Ann today - went to Pete & Shorty's for sandwiches.  Bingo was typical tonight!

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Packing

We are packing and getting ready to go back home.  I got all of my stuff ready today while Dave worked on the flowers outside.  He cut them all back and fertilized them.  Too bad we're going home right now because the hibiscus were absolutely beautiful!  Last year we had two reddish-orange plants and this year, one of them is a beautiful pink!

I also have an amaryllis that is blooming...but only one of them.  Hope the fertilizer helps the rest of the plants.

Tonight at cards, twelve ladies played.  My partner and I won by only 1200 points.  At one point we were ahead by only 15 points.  It was a fun game!

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Sunday

Church was good today.  The songs were wonderful!  We sang "I was there to hear your borning cry", "I'll fly away", and "Just a closer walk with thee".  All very good old-time songs!  It's so fun to sing when you know the tune and most of the words!!  Hope Church accepted 3 new members today also!

We were coming home to eat lunch when Bob & Ann called us asking us to go to the Legion with them.  Boy, was it crowded!  We had to beg for a table!!  It was worth it, though.  It was a beautiful day to sit outside!

This evening our Home Owners Association had a farewell party for us snowbirds - there were about 82 of us there!  Great party!

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Busy Day

We decided to go to Pass-a-Grille today - that was a mistake!  There was a craft show in St Pete on Corey Ave and there is a big to-do at PAG this evening.  Parking was at a premium and the traffic was horrendous.  Good thing we weren't in a hurry!  I got lots of bird pix today...I'll try to get them loaded tomorrow.

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Friday

It was a beautiful day today and a great day to spend at the Legion with friends and family!  The Ranch had 3 tables of people, plus ours.  We had 6 of us - Dave & I, plus his cousins Nancy & Mark and their spouses.  It was their first time being there and it was a great first impression.  There were some dolphins, but they weren't up close.  We were too busy gabbing to watch the dolphins anyway!

Tonight cards were good!  Ann, Penny & I won by 3,000 plus!

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Another Beautiful Day!

We took advantage of another beautiful day by going to St Pete.  We took in the beautiful Sunken Gardens where we saw many flowers, plants, and even flamingos!  It's quite a bargain - only $6 for seniors and you can spend hours in there.

Beautiful plants!

When we finished the gardens, we went to The Pier area to see if we could see a dolphin...no such luck.  In fact there weren't many birds there either.  On the way back home we stopped at Bill Jackson's to see what it was all about.  If you're in the market for a kayak, a surfboard, a gun, or anything for backpacking, that's the place to go.  You can take scuba lessons, kayak lessons, shook in a range, etc.  It's a big place!

Lunch at Cheddars and then a quick nap plus two bike rides rounded out our day.  Tomorrow's another opportunity to enjoy the weather.  Our time is getting short - just 6 more days until we leave!

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Failure

I guess I'm a failure at posting my blogs.  I had one started on Monday but I forgot to finish it and post it.  Sorry.  I was so tired Monday that I couldn't think straight.  I had iced tea for lunch on Sunday and then I just couldn't sleep...plus I was tired from all the family gatherings!  I played cards Monday night (and lost).  It was fun getting back to my normal routine.

Yesterday was our last bowling of the season and I saved my best for last!  I had a 118 my first game, a 181 my second game, and a 146 my 3rd game!  I had the high game for women!!  My games should have been even higher, but I left the 10th frame open in each game.   Grrrr.  I might have had a 200 even...coulda, woulda, shoulda!

Bingo wasn't as good as bowling.  I didn't win again.

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