Four long rides, before and after

 Cullman, AL     

The last few weeks have been exhausting.   Daughter Cassie, who lives in SW Louisiana wanted to come for a visit.   Ok with us.   I tried to get her train tickets.  She and her 3 year old would have to get a train in Lake Charles that took them to New Orleans.   Then wait 12 hours for a train to Birmingham.  Altogether the trip would take at least 23 hours.   She was only coming here for 4 days.  So, not feasible.   

I tried to rent her a car so she could drive up. Not possible as she needed a credit card, etc.  They would not accept mine.  It had to be in the name of the person leasing the car.    The cost of airfare would be expensive and knowing grandson Jeremiah a plane ride might be a problem.   So what was left.  We drive down to get her.

Before leaving here we wanted the car looking spiffy.

Carwash it was.  The car looked great.    I should have taken a picture of it.   The beauty didn't last long.

Usually when we go to Louisiana it takes us two days.   We stop halfway, usually in Laurel, MS.  This time we drove straight through.    Almost 600 miles.    On June 13, off we go.   We spent the night at Lens brother and our sister-in-laws Royce and Susie.   We left Biscuit at our vets that kennels dogs.  We both hated doing that.

In the morning we picked up Cassie and Jeremiah who live about an hour from Royce and Susie and headed back to Alabama, stopping to view the sights in Vicksburg, MS.

The next day we went to the local attraction here in Cullman, Sportsmen Lake Park.  Jeremiah had a terrific time at the playground.   Almost wore Cassie out.

Len and I found a bench in the shade and mostly parked ourselves there.

Here are Cassie and Jeremiah.

And grandpop and grandson.

Visit was over on June 19.  Another long drive day.  This time we did stay over an extra day.  Dang it, we went to dinner with two on Len's cousins  (Joe and David) and their wives.  Forgot to take a picture.

Four 600 mile drives in 8 days.   But we took Biscuit with us when taking Cassie and Jeremiah home.  He is so good.  Did not mind riding in the back of the SUV.  As long as we take his bed, he is good.  We are amazed at how he remembers Royce and Susie's house.  Knows how to get out back.  When tired knows where his bed would be.

Once back to Alabama we picked up our usual routine.  On Thursday morning it's the Senior Center and Friday night at 55 East. Meeting up with friends.

On the 25th six friends came here for dinner.  Marion and Glen, Joanne and Dennis and Virginia and Russ.    Len grilled chicken and burgers.   I set out Queso, nachos and salsa and made baked mac and cheese.  Marion brought baked beans, Joanne brought deviled eggs and Virginia a delicious fruit pizza dessert.   We love these couples.    They are both Senior Center and 55 East attendees.

A few weeks back I saw a friend was selling a gooseneck trailer.   I made the mistake of telling Leonard.  He's been wanting one for the longest time.  It needs a lot of work.  New lights, painting, new deck, new tires etc.  Well, it's here.   He spends a few hours each day working on it.  I'm ok with it.  Makes him happy and gets him out of this recliner.

Yesterday a neighbor saw him working on it.   He stopped and asked to buy it.  You know what the answer was.

We dearly love our church.   But it was built long before people with disabilities were considered.  They had added a cement ramp that is completely out of spec.   The restrooms are in the basement.   

Construction of our new building is progressing.   First there was removal of many trees and clearing to be done.   Last Wednesday when we went to Bible study, we found this.

Sunday it looked like this.

Wonder what it will look like tomorrow when we head over that way.

Next week we look forward to our annual visit from Granddaughters Charlotte and Abby who are taking the train down from Baltimore to Birmingham.  Charlotte called me last night.  She now has her drivers permit.   Oh my.

I wish everyone a happy 4th of July.    We need to remember how very fortunate we are.   We won the birth lottery to be born or now live in this country.

Until next time.