Friday

Dave and I went for a walk this morning before it got too hot.  Then he went out to run some errands.  This afternoon we went to Iowa City to watch Allison play ball.  Let's just say that it wasn't a good day for Fairfield HS in softball!  First time I've been to a game where she didn't pitch well at all!  Next time will be better!

Just got home and I'm ready to go to bed. 

More later...

Thursday

One whole day without rain!!  Yippee!!  (I think tomorrow is supposed to be another day without rain!!)  That's all we get because then it's back to more rain.  Everything here in the Heartland is saturated!  Both the Missouri and the Mississippi are flooding, as well as all the smaller rivers and creeks.  It's pretty bad here.

I had a committee meeting for the condo association this afternoon, followed by a PEO interview with a candidate for a PCE grant.  The interview was easy...now I've got to write the Chapter Recommendation and I am completely unequipped for that!  I'm hoping someone in our chapter has done this before and can help me!

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Wednesday

I finally got to take a nice long walk today.  It wasn't ideal weather, it was very humid making it hard to breathe.  But I got it done.  I was quite hot when I got back to the condo, but I opened the patio door and cooled down.  It only got up to 69 today, so it wasn't too warm.  Oh, it was gray again! 

There is so much flooding around us...plus storms out there tonight.  I'm hoping they go around us!  The rivers are all out of their banks in SE Iowa.  Eldon did sandbagging today.  What crops are in are all waterlogged.  Can't even imagine how the farmers feel.

Dave worked on cleaning out his storage shed in the basement today.  Hope he gives some of his tools away - he's got way too many tools.  I know he has multiples of screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, etc.  I don't understand that.  I'd have one and replace it if something happened to it.  Must be men vs women. 

Keep Oaklyn's mommy and daddy in your prayers.  Their daycare is closing so they're looking for new daycare for Blaise and Rowyn.  Today, then, Oaklyn's home nurse (8 hrs a day) gave her two weeks notice for family reasons.  This lady has taught O so much...she'll be hard to replace. 

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Tuesday

Another rainy, cool day.  I don't think it got above 60 and it's rained most of the day.  Yes, I'm getting tired of the gray!! 

I didn't sleep well last night, so I slept in this morning.  After I got up and watched "The View" I went to get a pedicure.  My toes are all springy!!  Maybe that will bring on the spring weather. 

Dave went to Bryan's and moved wood around.  He found one mushroom so this evening he put mushroom season to bed by eating the ceremonial last 'room!  Poor guy!  He's had a bunch this year so he's going to miss them.

As for me, I vacuumed and now I'm listening to the Cubs game from WLS radio in Chicago - couldn't find the game on tv.

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Monday

Today we remember those who fought for our country and didn't make it home.  In our family, we also remember loved ones who are no longer with us by decorating their graves.  The Allison area  always looks so nice - lots of flowers! 

It rained here and we're now in a flood warning until June 2nd!  We personally don't have to worry as we're a long way from the river.  But I worry about Kyle & Cassie and Oaklyn.  Where they live floods quite easily and then they can't get out.  What if O needs to go to the hospital?  Yes, I'm worried!

Went for a short but quick walk today in between rain events.  We walked up to the main road and back plus down to the "pretty" house and back.  The wind was blowing quite hard so it was a workout.  When we walk up to 4th street, it's uphill so it's a good workout, too!

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Sunday

After church this morning, we went to Morg's and got right in!  We had to sit at the counter, but that's amazing not to have to stand in line.  We got there just in time, though, because the line started after us.  Even though you get seated in a timely manner, you must still be patient as you're going to wait for your food!  It's worth it...trust me!  We both ordered full breakfasts - Dave had 2 eggs, a pancake, and bacon.  I had 2 eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and toast.  We brought home two large boxes of leftovers!  Half of the pancake, half of the hashbrowns, 3/4 of the toast, and 2/3 of the bacon are here for another meal...or two! 

We ran errands after breakfast and then came home.  Dave went to Bryan's and I sat down to watch the Cubs game.  I didn't watch a long time, as the game got out of control about the 4th inning or so.  I guess we're already in our "June Swoon"!

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Maybe Best Day EVER!!

What a fantastic day we had today!  This was the birthday party for Blaise (5) and the girls (16 mo).  We got there a few minutes before 11, so I got to hold O right away.  I was in heaven!!  She is just adorable.  She is so sweet!  She's been on oxygen at home and last night she pulled her cannula off all by herself and her oxygen levels stayed up.  Both girls and Blaise had a ball opening gifts and playing with toys!  All of them will sleep well tonight!

One of the biggest events was seeing Kaylee & Clay and their little guy (they got home from the Netherlands just yesterday!)  He (the baby) was a bit overwhelmed by so many people.  He is 4 months, weighs 20 pounds, and is so strong.  He's going to be tall!!

What a wonderful day!  Thank you, God, for making it possible!!  Keep praying for baby O.  She still needs to get closer to 3 to have her next surgery!

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Friday

Don's funeral was this morning.  It was a wonderful service with military rites.  I jumped when the first guns went off.  It was good being back in Faith United Methodist Church in Libertyville.  I saw bunches of people I knew including people I hadn't seen for 30+ years!  Too bad it had to be at a funeral.

After lunch, around 2:30 we started back to O-town to pick up the camper and head north.  Took a bit of a detour to take Rhonda back to the airport.  Her flight was supposed to leave at 7:30.  The plane didn't get into DSM until about 9:00.  Consequently she will miss her flight from Dallas to San Antonio.  She will be put up in a hotel in Dallas and will fly out in the morning.  She has a big horse show tomorrow in Waco - 4 hours from San Antonio.  Her horse will be there - hope she makes it on time.

Meanwhile, back in Iowa, Kaylee, Clayton & baby McCoy got in from the Netherlands and will be at Blaise's birthday party!  Can't wait to see them and to meet baby McCoy!  He's 5 months old.  Should be fun with all the babies around!

It's sure good to be home!!

More later..

Thursday

Busy day #1!!  We left 10 minutes late this morning and got to the Des Moines airport a few minutes late because Rhonda's plane came in 15 minutes early.  But we got there anyway.  We got her home before noon.  Visited with her and Marilyn then went to the cemetery to decorate graves.  We got that done, drove back to O-town, took a short nap.  Then back to Fairfield for visitation for Don.  Left there and went to Allison's ballgame.  Unfortunately they lost, but she pitched a great game for 8 innings - no hits against her pitching.  In the 9th, she walked two and they were able to score.  Fairfield couldn't score so they got beat in extra innings. 

We came home before the second game but they were ahead when we talked to Bob.  Tomorrow is busy day #2.  Stay tuned!

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Wednesday

We made it to Ottumwa!  It was challenging because of the high winds,  We did pretty well going south, but when we went west, we blew all over the road.  Therefore, it took us forever to get here...that, plus the 4 areas of construction where we had to wait for lead cars to go.  We got our camping spot, pulled in and leveled up, then we unloaded and took off for the Canteen. 

We met with our financial adviser and then went to Bob's where we visited for a while.  Then Bob suggested we go to the 19th hole for dinner.  Yum!  I had a wonderful tenderloin while Dave had the special - a half rack of ribs with 2 sides for $10!  The ribs were delicious, too! 

Now we're at the camper where most everything is put away.  I think the only thing we're missing is my mouse and with these shakes, I have a hard time using the finger touch pad!

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Tuesday

Today was WW day.  I went to the 9:00 meeting because at 10:00 we were having a coffee downstairs in the lobby.  Then we started packing for our first camping trip.  We're going to O-town for the rest of the week.  We'll get to see Allison play softball and, unfortunately, we have a funeral to attend.  My ex-sister-in-law's husband died and his funeral is Friday morning.  So we head out tomorrow, then Thursday we come to DSM to the airport to pick up my niece.  Friday is the funeral.  Then we'll pack up the camp site or not.  Rhonda flies back out Friday evening so we may take her to the airport and then return to O-town for the night and leave Sat AM.  Dave doesn't want me driving to DSM then to Waterloo by myself.  If someone else decides to take her to the airport, we'll head home Friday afternoon.  We'll play it by ear.  Either way, she'll get to be there for her mom.

By the way, I was sure it was going to snow today - it was COLD and windy and this evening, it was pouring.  Didn't get above 50 with a chill factor!!

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Monday

Still cold here today, but at least the sun was shining!  I went out to run some errands.  I almost wrecked our new car twice!  The first time, I was trying to find a street sign and almost ran a red light - I would have t-boned a car going thru the light on yellow.  Whew!  Thank you, God!  The second time, a gal in the middle lane tried to come over into me (in the right lane) - I hit my brakes and she went back into her lane.  Whew again!

This evening we went to Shell Rock to watch Blaise "play" t-ball.  What a hoot!!  It was just a free-for-all! 

On the way out of town, we stopped at HyVee for one item.  A young lady came out of the store, unloaded her groceries and parked her car near the front of our car.  This was my third close call of the day...the cart started moving and was headed right for the front of our car.  Good thing she was young and long-legged.  She ran and caught the cart within about a half inch of our car!  Whew again!

Dave and I took a walk around the 'hood this afternoon.  It was a great day for a walk - cool, but not bad.  The iris across the street are blooming and they are beautiful!

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Baby, It's Cold!!

I about froze going to church this morning.  I wore jeans and a jacket - it was only in the low 50's today...plus some drizzle.  After church we went to the Mall to walk.  I'm liking that!  Dave walks with me when we go to the Mall. 

This evening we went to Bryan's for dinner.  Aidan was a hoot tonight.  He was like the Energizer Bunny! 

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Saturday

Veridian Credit Union held a "shred day" today.  Pretty cool - you just drive through with your stuff to shred.  They take it from you and shred it!  No standing around!  We did get in the slow line, though.  The other line of cars were done and home before we got to the shred truck! 

Our license plate came into the dealership, so we went over to get it put on.  The guy who did it  played football at Iowa State under Coach Walden.  It was after I left but it was still fun to talk with him.

We had BLTs for lunch - out on the balcony.  It was warm for most of today.  This evening it's been pouring down rain!  Talked to Bob and he said it was raining hard down there, too.  We've got flash flood watches and warnings around us! 

Dave went out to help Bryan and to look for more mushrooms.  Bryan found 3-4, but Dave didn't find any.  He was sad!

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Friday

Yesterday it was 89 - today a high of 62!  Rained most all of the day!  We're in our  spring pattern - hot one day, cold the next.  Rain every day or two. 

We had doctor appointments this morning.  I had an xray of my foot - no break, just arthritis.  I'm going to start taking Tylenol before bed to see if that will  work.  If it doesn't they'll try an injection.  I'm sure hoping it works!

This afternoon, Dave went mushroom hunting and had really, really good luck!!

Aidan thought they were neat!!

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Thursday

Today it was 89 degrees here - humid, too!  There are now severe thunderstorms popping up around us.  I can see lightning off in the Southeast.

I woke up at 3:15 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep.  I took an hour nap around 10:30, but I'm still really tired.  I went out and walked at 7:30 this morning...walked for 30 minutes.  I read just yesterday if you walked  for 30 minutes you'd get 10,000 steps...WRONG!  I got 3,300 in my half hour.  Fortunately, we went to both Sam's and to Walmart so I've now got 7,800 steps!!  I think it must be impossible for me to get 10,000 steps. 

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Wednesday

Dave and I went for a walk this morning...out on the street in front of our condos.  I wanted him to go with me the first time, just mainly to plot my course.  Oh, by the way, it was 75 today!!  I finally got to wear shorts and a sleeveless top.  Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 80's!  Finally some warm weather for Iowa!!  Mushrooms should have popped today!

I sat out on the balcony for at least an hour today.  I took my Kindle out and read.  While I was out there, I got visited  by a little male hummingbird, a male cardinal, several robins and the cutest little wren I've ever seen!  That was fun!

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Tuesday

Another gray, drizzly day!  At least it was a bit warmer - I even dug the shorts out.  I still, however, wore a long-sleeved shirt.  Tomorrow it's supposed to be near 75 - woohoo!!  We may even get to eat out on our balcony!

Dave and I went to Crossroads Mall today, just to walk.  We were able to get in close to 2 miles between the Mall and Walmart.  It helps that "At Home" is part of the Mall.  There's a lot to see there!  I'm hoping to walk outside tomorrow.

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Monday

PEO was the main thing I had going on today.  We are in the middle of merging another chapter with ours, so we had 31 people at our meeting today.  We're by far the bigger chapter, but today they had 19 and we had 12!  They usually meet in the daytime and we're a night chapter so there will be half of our meetings at 1:00 and half at 7:00.  Next year will be interesting. 

Meanwhile, Dave worked on the camper.  He got some of the things loaded that we always take with us and he got the two spare tires attached to the back of the camper.  We both got home about the same time.  He wanted to take a nap, so I read while he napped. 

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Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who is a mother or who had a mother!!  I guess that pretty much covers everyone!

We had a good day.  Went to church, then ran errands and got my walk in!  We went for a late lunch/brunch at Figaro Figaro with Bryan, Erin, the two kids, and Erin's parents.  Fun time!  Our reservation was at 1:00 but we didn't get in until 1:30 or so.  Aidan was starting to get a little anxious.  I got to hold Katelyn today for quite a long time!  So did Dave!

After we came home, I put on Dave's sweat pants, a long sleeved shirt, socks, and covered up with a blanket.  Now I'm also sitting in front of the heater (an Eden Pure)!  It's cold today.  Starting Tuesday, it's supposed to get warmer.  Right now they're saying 80's part of the week.  I sure hope so.

Around us the trees are beautiful!  I've never seen the flowering crabs so pretty!!

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Saturday

We went out to get the camper this morning.  It was another drizzly, cold, gray day, unfortunately.  But the camper is now washed and ready for when we go camping.  It has to get a little warmer,  though, for  us to want to go! 

I also baked cookies today while Dave worked at Bryan's.  Plus, I watched the Cubs game - all 15 innings of it!

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Friday

We had a laid-back day today.  We went to Walmart so that I could get in a walk.  At least the sun was shining and it even got up into the 60s.  By Tuesday we're supposed to be in the 70s!!  I can handle that!!

This afternoon Dave went to Bryan's but he didn't stay long! 

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Thursday

I could have sworn that it was going to snow today.  It didn't, but I'm really surprised!  It was cold, damp, and windy!  I told Dave if it started snowing, I was going back to Florida!!

We went to Iowa City today because I had an appointment with my neurologist to see if I had Parkinson's.  I don't - yay!!  I don't mind going to him as long as he keeps saying that!!  While we were in the area, we went to the Tanger Mall in Williamsburg.  I wanted to go to the VF Factory Outlet to get some undies.  The VF Outlet no longer exists...it is now the Lee/Wrangler Clearance Center...no undies!  They have remodeled the mall and several stores are no longer there or have changed their location.  Several stores are empty, like this was something new. 

After that brief interlude (get it?!!), we went to Amana to the Ox Yoke Inn for lunch.  Yum!  Then since we'd eaten so much, we did a quick walk to the end of the street and back to the General Store for some decaf coffee!  The samples today were Peanut Brittle coffee and Blueberry something.  They were both good, but we bought Snickerdoodle (our favorite) instead! 

Back home, I finished a book called "At Risk" by Kit Ehrman...good book, but I wanted to finish it in the daylight.  It made me a little spooked!

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Wednesday

Boy, was this an icky day!  At one point it was raining sideways!  We had about 2" of rain today and it didn't get above 58.  Plus the wind was blowing, making it absolutely icky!  Too bad we had to run some errands so we had to be out in it.  My new car is gross - rain and dust make mud!!  I hope the sun shines tomorrow!

We finished cleaning the house today before we ran errands.  We also got the laundry done and I got all the paperwork filed.  So it turned out to be a pretty productive day.

I have to say that I'm enjoying watching the Cubs play baseball.  We were able to get some relatively cheap cable so the last few nights have found me in front of the TV watching the boys of summer.

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Tuesday

My computer is down...the battery isn't charging.  I have a new cord that was supposed to be here today.  Afraid it's not going to happen since it's not here yet. 

Nothing much new here.  We went to the chiropractor today and I dusted and vacuumed 3rooms.  More to do tomorrow.

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Monday

We went to the car dealership to pick up our car this morning, after we secured insurance for it.  When you pick up a new car, they have a whole series of things they have to show you, so that took a bit of time.  We finally got going and were just a hair late getting to Olive Garden for lunch with Bob & Ann.  They had a couple of totes that they'd brought home with them so they brought them to us.  I was able to get one of the two bags unloaded.  Tomorrow I'll get the other one unpacked and hopefully get everything put away.

This afternoon Dave went to Bryan's to look for mushrooms.  He found 3, but lost one out of a hole in the bag.  Not enough yet to dirty the frying pan!  Tomorrow it's supposed to be cold and rainy, so not a good mushroom day!

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Sunday

Church this morning was very good..  We had a replacement preacher today as our preacher just had a baby..  He preached about Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.  He did a great job of challenging us, too. 

After church we ran to Walmart for a few things and then Dave thought we needed gas in the truck.  Pretty funny - the gas gauge in the truck is backwards from the way it is in the SUV.  We had 3/4 of a tank instead of a 1/4!!  The E is on the left and the F is on the right - funny!  Oh well, we filled up for $2.57/gal.

This evening we went to Bryan's for the first cookout of the season.  Unfortunately it was raining, but the burgers turned out really good!  Kaitlyn didn't want to have anything to do with either Dave or me.  By the end of the evening, she held my finger and wouldn't let it go.  Next time I may get to hold her!!

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Saturday

Fun Day today!  First of  all, Oaklyn finally got home!!!  God bless her!  Dave and I went out car-shopping.  We will pick up our Nissan Rogue on Monday around noon after we contact our insurance company for coverage.  It's a cute little thing!!  Red, of course!

Then we tried a new restaurant - Starbeck's Smokehouse...really good brisket!  After lunch, Dave went out to Bryan's and I stayed home.  I alternated between watching the Cubs game and the Derby coverage.  I was really happy with the Cubs game, but have very mixed feelings about the Derby.  I agree that Maximum Security should be disqualified.  He definitely went out of his lane and almost caused two horses to stumble.  But I don't like that the  2nd place horse won...I felt the horse that got cut off had a very good chance to beat Maximum Security prior to the lane violation.  Too bad they can't run it over!

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Thursday & Friday

I didn't have internet until late this afternoon, so no post yesterday!  We flew back to Iowa.  Left Clearwater at 1:54 and got into Cedar Rapids at 3:20.  Good flight - just a bit of turbulence as we crossed over the line of storms going thru.  It was so nice getting back here in 2 hours or so. The absolutely best part was that Bryan brought Aidan with him and he was so excited to see us!  He ran over to me, jumping up and down!!  Then all the way to Waterloo, he talked non-stop.  He was so much fun!  We were hoping he'd get to come to the airport with his daddy!!

Today we ran errands and then waited for the Mediacom person to come hook up our tvs and the internet.  It's nice being here, but I'm cold!  I''m sitting here with jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt, socks, and a heater right in front of me!  It's only to be 36 in the morning.  We're going out looking for a car tomorrow.  Hope the sun is shining!

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Wednesday

Coffee this morning was sparsely attended.  There were only maybe 15 of us.  It was good, though, because we got to visit!  It was definitely quieter!! 

We're pretty much ready to go tomorrow morning.  Still have to clean up our bathrooms and put the dryer sheets around.  Dave's got to put the pink stuff in, but the house is clean so that's a big thing done!  Just odds and ends left.

More later...