Come on Spring

Cullman,  AL

We have lived in Alabama for over five years now.   What a cold winter we have had.  Leonard is ALWAYS cold.   He surely loves both our Walk in Tub and Gas fireplace we had installed.   He makes lots of use of both to warm up. 

We've had the occasional snow.  Doesn't stay long.  Biscuit is not too sure he likes it at all.

He does know he likes our bed.

We are liking the longer days.   This greeted us last week when we left Bible Study at a little after Six in the evening.

We love sitting on the front porch.   My favorite spot in the world.   We have been debating of changing it to a 3-season room.   I was asked why we don't have 4 seasons here in north Alabama.   Well... we have just Three.    1.) Chilly and rainy season.   2) Hot season.  3) Tornado season.

After much debate and consideration we decided to spend more of our children's inheritance and go ahead with enclosing the porch to a "3 season room" .   The contractor said it will take about 5 weeks to order and receive the materials.   Of course it will have a Doggie Door.  Biscuit loves sitting in HIS chair on the porch.   This is how the porch looks now.   That's his red chair.

We hope to use the porch even more once it is done.

It is getting time to think about planting to veggies in our raised bed that Leonard made last year.  Some might remember we had no luck at all with it.  Nothing lived, nothing grew.   We suspect it was the soil we used.  Over the winter we changed out the soil and composted all veggie scraps.  We will mix in the compost this week and let's see how well we do.    The last few months I have been getting an order from Worthy Flavors of veggies.  We have been well pleased.  This is this weeks delivery.

Last Friday I decided I needed to mow the grass.  I drove the mower out of the shed, took it to where we kept two full gas cans and filled the gas tank.  I then drove it about 100 feet and it died.  No starting it again.   So to John Deere we took it.   The gas tank was full of water.  No gas.  It appears when we were away for a long weekend someone noticed the gas cans sitting in our carport and decided they needed gas.   We would have preferred they just took the gas and not feel the need to fill the cans with water.   Got the mower back yesterday.  Wrote a check for $240.00 and came home and mowed.  

We are now hosting our 107th and 108th Boondockers Welcome guests.   Always a treat to meet different folks and see different lifestyles.    Two weeks ago we had three young people in a 28 foot travel trailer.   With them was 6 dogs, 5 rabbits, 4 cats, a tortoise, a ferret and a chicken.  Can you imagine?   One of the cats got out.  They searched for it but could not find it.   We saw it a couple of days ago.   I've been putting out food and it disappears.  That doesn't mean the cat took it.  Beagles have a great nose.   The people are returning next week on the their trip back to Maine to see it they can retrieve it.

Well, that brings us up to date.  Until next time.   Where's SPRING?????

Family in Louisiana

 Cullman,   AL

We took a quick trip to Louisiana over the past weekend.  We left on Thursday and got back this morning.  Daughter Cassie's youngest Jeremiah turned two last week.   Cassie's big sister D'Juana gave him a birthday party.   Cassie talked to her father two weeks ago and was telling him about the party.  She asked if we would be in Louisiana and able to attend.   He told her no, sorry we would not.     She didn't know but we already had planned on going.   We wanted it to be a surprise.

We left Thursday and drove about 250 miles and stayed at a motel in Laurel, MS where we have stayed often in the past while on these trips.   The motel needs to LOT of work done to it.   We decided next trip we go somewhere else. There were few guests, mostly construction workers.  We noticed there were many empty rooms and it looked like they were torn apart.   We were told every room was getting a makeover including carpeting, new fixtures in the bathrooms, etc.   It needs it.

We got on the road Friday for the remaining 340 miles.   What an experience.   First thing was a pickup whipped around us missing a tractor by inches in the other lane.   Had he connected we would have been hit.    A short time later the driver in front of  us slammed on  their brakes, causing Len to almost rear end it.

We have friends that live near Baton Rouge.  Often when passing through the area we will meet up with them at the Waffle House in Walker, LA.    I contacted Judy the day before and arrangements were made.   This is Judy and her husband Leonard.

As we continued on we would cross over the 

basin.   This involves an 18 mile bridge over mostly swamp land.    We were on the south bound bridge.  Near the north bridge end there was an accident causing a stand still the entire 18 mile length of the bridge and about another two miles.

Glad we were heading south.    Continuing on we noticed an RV awning laying on the side to the road near Lake Charles.   Right after crossing the Lake Charles bridge there were two RVs in front of us.  We saw the one in front of us had its awning post has flopping around and there was no tag on the RV.  Then wow..... the side of the RV came off.   Plywood and fiberglass flying everywhere, including over our car.  Luckily we were not hit.  Close call.

Relieved to get to the motel.   And more than relieved that this motel was fairly new, clean and beautiful.  The next issue.  D'Juana, husband Joe and grandson Jared would be meeting us there.  D'Juana had made the reservations.   They were registered, we were not.   The desks clerks had suspicions.   The motel is Cobberstone Inn and Suites.   It is in Vinton, LA.  There is also one in Vinton Iowa.   Sure enough we were registered in Iowa.   They said this is a frequent mix-up.  LA or IA.    They got it straightened out quickly.

I had texted Lens sister Sissy earlier in the day to tell her he would be in the area.  She got busy and notified brothers, etc.    Dinner was at 6:30 over in Orange, TX. just about 15 minutes from the motel.  We got on the road and arrived about 70 minutes later.   Yup, another crash causing a major delay.  We were not the only ones late as two of Leonard's brothers were in the backup.

This whole ordeal exhausted Biscuit.

What a great evening we had.   This is Len, Sissy and three of Lens brothers.

Lots of pictures were taken the included the spouses.   Unfortunately not on my camera.  But here we are with Leonard being a wise azz.

The party was the next day.   D'Juana made all the arrangements.   OK, another story.  She rented the Rec Center near where Cassie lives.   D'Juana and family live in Arlington TX a five hour drive.  When they got there to set up the building was locked.   And it was WINDY.  They called the woman who was to open the building.  She said she was coming right over.   Never happened.   We made do outside. Knowing D'Juana this woman can expect an ear full!

As we planned Cassie was surprised and thrilled to see that we came down.   We are glad we surprised her.

Jeremiah getting into this cake.   (not thrilled with the hair cut)  But he has the brightest, blue eyes ever.

Cassie, Josh and Jeremiah.  

D'Juana,  Cassie's daughter (our granddaughter Clara) and Cassie

That evening Cassie, Jeremiah, D'Juana, Joe, Jared, Len and I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

Even with all the traffic issues and exhausted from such a quick trip and we are so glad to went.

Until next time.

Sisters visit and moving on along with life

 Cullman,  AL

Gosh..... we were quite busy the last two weeks in January and first two weeks in February.   We hosted 8 Boondockers Welcome members often two Rigs at a time for a total of 15 days.   During that time we hosted our 100th rig.   To celebrate we presented them with a gift bag.

The following week we had 3 guests.   The following week we had no RV guests but my sister Debbie from New Jersey gave us a 5 day visit.  Of course it rained most of the week.   

We did manage two small trips.    One day we took her to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame over to Tuscumbia about an hour from us.

This is Debbie and Leonard checking out Webb Pierces mighty fine car.    And beyond that is the group Alabama's bus.

While over that way we took her to a very special cemetery.    Only one of its kind.   Strictly for Coon Dogs.

This cemetery was started in 1937.  They have strict rules about only certified Coon Dogs can be interred here.

It looked like we were going to be a bit less busy with Boondockers in March.   We had 4 reservations.   In the last week 3 have cancelled.    Is it due to the world situation, cost of fuel or gas? We really don't know.

I seldom shop in-store.   For more than two years I have done the Wal-Mart pickup.  More and more things I want are not available.    A couple of weeks ago I decided to pick up a few items inside.   I walked by the pasta.   This was the pasta shelf.  Good thing I wasn't planning on spaghetti that night.

Len loves Tater Tots.   He was out of luck this time.

Biscuit is at the Vets getting a bath and pedicure now.   I'll pick him up in about an hour.  I noticed while in town that gas jumped 15 cents a gallon over night.    I feel strongly that this country needs to get back to being energy independent.    We would not be trusting other countries for our supply.

Speaking of Biscuit, a cousin sent me a child's story book called Biscuit Gives a Gift. Thanks Muriel.

Years ago I was given a picture that belonged to a Great Aunt.   On the back was a note that it was a gift from my mother's sister Alda and her husband to this great aunt.    It is a Japanese scene.

I had it hanging in our guest room.  Every time I looked at it, I felt it needed to be returned to my aunt Aldas family.   I told cousin Muriel about it.    She said her parents were in Japan in 1950 and 1951.  Her Dad was an ammo inspector for the military.  She asked if it was painted on silk.   I looked closely and sure enough it is.  I sent it to her in Florida.     She was so pleased and I leave it up to her which of the 3 siblings it will be passed on to.  

Well about time to go get Biscuit.   He will be smelling sweeter.  

Until next time.

Finally .... A nice day to get a bit accomplished

 Cullman,   AL

On this Groundhogs day, we hoped for a quick Spring.  However, Phil disappoints again.  Six more weeks.   I need not complain as parts of the country are expecting snow and ice storms.  Predications are up to two inches of ice in parts of Texas, Kentucky and other states.    Here we are just having a light rain.

Yesterday was beautiful.   Got into the low 60s.    Len pulled out his favorite toy, his Mahindra.   We have a creek that runs along the east side of our property.   I've been wanting our side of the creek cleared out.  It has been an ongoing project the last 2 years.   The reason is there were so many other projects that got priority.   

The creek.  Its narrow and shallow.  Except after a rain.   

The creek separates our property from the next.   Last year that property was surveyed.  Once we removed trees and brush we found the marker.

I've pulled out a lot of brush.

Most of what Leonard did yesterday was remove some of the larger trees.   Some were more difficult  than others.   

We have quite a pile out there now.   Once we handle the burn pile we have from last fall, these trees will replace that.    

Len is doing well with the shoulder.  Two more weeks of Physical Therapy.   He no longer sleeps in the recliner.   I should say he no longer sleeps in the recliner at night.   It's still a good place for naps.

A few months ago I saw on Facebook something called Cooking Panda.  I though what the heck.  I'll subscribe to it.   I get a box of miscellaneous foods every season.   All brands I've never heard of.  Crackers, cookies, rice mixes, honey, jams, marshmallows, candy, salsa, spices, seasonings, vitamins, etc, etc.     In the most recent box was this:

He loves beef jerky.  And hot foods.  A few days ago he opened it and took a bite.   Immediately he felt the heat.  His face got red.   He coughed.   He did not take a second bite.  The bag went in the trash.  An hour later it started to calm down.    Both our granddaughters, Abby and Charlotte, love jerky too.  I am so glad he tried it first.  We would not have wanted them to go thru what he did.  Then I saw it was made with ghost peppers.  The hottest rated pepper.   

You all keep safe and a possible outlook.  Spring will come.

Until next time.

It's a bit cold for humans

 Cullman,  AL

First... several people have inquired as to Leonard's health.   Overall he is doing much better.   After the left shoulder replacement in October he could only get comfortable sleeping in his recliner.   And he was always COLD.   So cold that he kept the gas fireplace going until I felt I could pass out from the heat.  

Last night makes the 4th night he has slept in the bed.  He is not always cold and says he feels so much better rested in the mornings.

He continues Physical Therapy twice a week.   Not only for the shoulder that was operated on but also the other shoulder.   Now that the left side feels better, the right side is the one that hurts.   He went to UAB this past week and had a cortisone shot.   It has helped.   In addition, a few weeks ago his right knee felt like it was being stabbed.  This continued for 4 days.  He has had 4 surgeries on the knee, including a replacement.    Back to UAB yesterday.   They took X-rays of knee, hip and lower back.   Nothing showed up.   They also did blood work to see if there is an infection.  Waiting to hear.

Since he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension he has been on two very expensive mediations.   One has a cost of over $16,000 a month the other about $4,000.    UAB recommended two foundations that help with the co-pays.  Both accepted him the last two years.   His Prescription D paid all but about $3,000 a month on one and all but $142.50 a month of the other.   Two foundations picked up the difference.

We have received notice that the foundation for the cheaper med no longer has funds.  We are responsible for $142.50 a month.   We tried other foundations that were suggested and none of them have the funding.  We will pay the $142.50 a month    We were told we would be notified around the   21st or 22nd of January about the other foundation.    We have heard nothing.   But I am on a Web-site for people with PAH and almost every person dealing with that Foundation have been denied.   We don't expect to be any different.   

According to statements from Humana, for two months we will have to pay over $2,800. and then it drops to $595. a month.    Once we get the final notice, he will call the Cardiologists of UAB and get direction from them.

These Foundations receive funding from Corporations and private doners.  A sign of the times.

We are getting busy again with RVers.  We had several guests during December, unlike last year.  Lots of people travel with their dogs.   This was such fun.   Biscuit doesn't usually play.  He made exception with this new friend.   We had so much fun watching them.

Then a few days later, 2 Labs arrived.  As soon as they were let loose it was to the pond.   Don't they know it's cold.   Biscuit said no thanks.   

Woke this morning to 16 degrees.   First time since we've lived here we have some ice.

As I said it todays post title, a bit too cold for humans.    But not for Labrador Retrievers or ducks.....

We are expecting our 90th Boondockers Welcome guests in about a half hour.    We have 5 more reservations on our calendar.   

Until next time.

Welcome to 2022

 Cullman, AL

Will 2022 be any different than 2020?   2021?  See shall see.

What's the same.    

1.    Leonard still sleeping in the recliner due to recovering from left shoulder replacement.

2.    It is still a cold winter here in North Alabama.    

3.    Enjoying the various meats we have bought from Savory Butcher.   Still have mostly a full freezer.

4.    Still hosting Boondockers welcome guests.   Expecting number 88 on Monday and 89 on Tuesday.

5.    Still the Covid epidemic surrounds us.   

What's different

1.    Leonard's right shoulder hurts now that the left one is getting better.

2.    Had the most snow we've seen since we've moved here 5 years ago.

    

        Only lasted one day on the ground.

3.    For about 7 or 8 months we had been getting our meats from Savory Butcher out of Idaho. A semi         delivers to this area every other month.   The meat is sold in bulk.   We had bought 97/3 ground beef     twice, chicken tenders, chicken breasts, a selection of steaks, Italian sausage, kielbasa and pork             chops.   When we picked up our last order, we appeared to be the first in line.   The cars line up next     to the truck, tell them your name and they place your order in your vehicle.   We have dealt with the         same man each time.   He told us he had an extra box of steak bites and an extra box of Prime Ribs.       We took the Prime ribs.   I think he said the cost was $215.00.    There were four nice roasts in the         box.

 He said he would charge it to our account.   I've been checking the credit card and nothing has been charged.    Since I placed an order for more steaks and an order for bacon to be picked up in February, I planned on telling him then.

But.... yesterday I received a notice that due to circumstances beyond their control they are out of business effective January 6.  I am so disappointed, but I realize how impossible it would be to set a cost of the meat two months out.   So it appears that I will not be charged for the Prime Ribs.  Shucks, wish I got the box of steak bites too.   Glad the freezer is full.

4.    Boondockers situation changed too.  They are now part of Harvest Hosts and the web site is horrendous.    Way fix a good thing?     Last year we had no guests during the month of December.  This year there were Four.

5.    Covid situation.  Still here.  But the latest variant seems to be much less severe.  My younger daughter was very sick for two weeks with the Delta.  She was fully vaccinated.    In the last couple of weeks my older daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren were all down with the Omnicon variant.  Headaches, running nose, etc.    As well as were several nephews, nieces etc in Virginia.  All vaccinated.

We had a good Christmas.   Here is our "local" family here for dinner.   Son Lennie, DIL Lois, granddaughter Maddie and great-grandson Jordan.

Trust each of you readers had fabulous holidays and much happiness for the New Year.

Until next time....

Eating well and staying warm

 Cullman,  AL

As cold weather has set in we are not doing much.    Our social life revolves around Leonard going to Physical Therapy twice a week.  And church on Sunday and bible study Wednesday night.

We don't expect to have to worry in the future how to stay warm and keep a full freezer full of meat should we lose power.   Two things help.    Our natural gas fireplace and the Generac whole house generator we had installed two weeks ago.

The electric had to be disconnected while the initial set up was done.  We purchased the generator from Lowes.   Below:  Electric truck and delivery.  

The company that did the installation.

The generator set in place.   This capacity of this unit is more than enough to power the whole house.  Every other week it will turn on for a test.   This is done automatically.   Should we lose power, it will power up in about 15 seconds.

Yes we need this as Len is on oxygen.    And we have a full chest freezer in the basement.   Mostly meat.    I found Savory Butcher online.   They are out of Idaho.    They deliver to this area every other month.   All meat is in bulk.  For example, ground beef is 40 pounds.  Their 97/3 beef is all meat.  No fat at all.    I've also gotten chicken strips, chicken breast, Italian sausage, kielbasa and what they call a Chop Box.   The chop box has various cuts of steak, steak bites and tenderloins.   It is the most tender steak we've ever bought.    

As items come in bulk, twice we have split an order of ground beef and chicken with our son and daughter in law.

This month I had ordered pork chops.   They have to be at least an inch thick.

When getting the meats, we drive up to the truck, give our name and the man puts our order in our car.   This week we looked to be one of the first to arrive.  He told us he had an extra box of steak bites and one of Prime Rib.   Couldn't resist the prime rib.    They came in a box 6.   This one will be Christmas dinner.

He said he would charge it to our account.   That was Wednesday.   So far it has not shown up on our credit card.  Gosh, I hope he didn't forget.

I have already placed my order for February.   Thick cut bacon and strip steaks.

Biscuit still wants outside during the day even in the cold.   Except if it is raining hard.  He comes in at dark and goes out when he wakes in the morning.  Usually around 7:30.

He has taken over the house.   

That includes each bed and the futon in the office.

Yes, we are here to serve him.

Four days til Christmas.   As Len is still not able to drive or do much of anything we will remain home this year.   Lennie and Lois and family will come for lunch.   We also have RVers coming Christmas eve and pulling back out Christmas morning.  They will be our 84th Boondockers Welcome guests.

We wish each of our readers, friends and family a wonderful Christmas and the very best in the New Year.

Until next year.....