Couldn't get out, now we can

Cullman,  AL


Some of the things we really liked when we bought this house 3 years ago was that it had 2 full bathrooms with showers.    In addition the master bath had a Jacuzzi tub.   Oh what luxury.

But as the years have passed and our bodies gotten old and less flexible we used it less and less.   It came a time that Leonard could not use it at all.    Aside from weakness due to his chronic heart/lung condition, both shoulders need surgery with the left shoulder and arm about useless.  He could not lift himself from the tub.

As for me, I would now  seldom use the Jacuzzi.   I would have to almost drop myself into it and getting out was always an effort.   Not a pretty sight.

What to do???    We decided a walk-up tub was the solution as there are times when we really would enjoy a good soak.

We did some research.  The top three brands are Safe-Step, American Standard and Kohler.
We talked to American Standard first.  However we did not like that to get the quoted price we had to sign on the dotted line RIGHT THEN.  Once the salesman left the price increased.   No pressure there!

The Safe-Step was ok but it is made with fiberglass and not acrylic.   Also it did not have a purge system that blows out all water from the lines as the other two had.

So we decided on the Kohler.   Safe-Step was cheaper.    American Standard and Kohler same.  However we negotiated with Kohler and saved a bit.

The install was scheduled for several weeks ago.   Then COVID-19 hit.   Everything was put on hold.  After talking to the installer several times over the last few weeks we decided to go ahead with the install yesterday.   They wore masks.   We stayed in the other side of the house using the guest room, office and bathroom.

They had finished an installation down in Foley, AL 315 miles away in the morning arriving at our house around 1:30 and got to work.

I wish I knew someone who would want the Jacuzzi.  Both the tub and motor are in perfect shape.  But not being sure I would find someone to take it, I let the installers dispose of it.  Or whatever.

Finally at around 9:30 the job was complete.   They cleaned the area, vacuumed the floor, wiped everything down.   The tub has to sit for 24 hours due to the caulking around it.     It's HUGE.

Tonight we will see who wins the battle of being first the try it out.

Until next time   (having more work done)

Alabama Pests

Cullman,  AL

It is Spring in Alabama.  Time for the pests to pester.

Pest One:       Fire Ants.   

Where found:    Everywhere 

Watch where you step.  Should you step on a mound they will let you know.   Be prepared to hoot and holler and swat. 

Solution:           Keep a bag on this with you when mowing.  Sprinkle as needed.  Often.

Pest Two:     Carpenter Bees

Where Found:     Whatever there is wood.  Decks,  porches,  outbuildings.

This is our lawn mower shed.

This is back porch where they are attacking.

Solution:     Useful Tools.      Plus calking.

Pest Three:      Pond Algae

Where found:    Along shore lines of the pond.

Solution:     Internet search says one way is to rake it off.    Yea, right.

Sure, that will take care of it.      If patient enough to keep cleaning the rake and want to spend days and days raking.



Pest Four:      Recliner Sitter

Where found:      In front of Television.

Solution:      Look at a different Television.


Until next time.

Getting through it.

Cullman,  AL


Today marks our 23rd day of minimum contact with other people.     We had NOMADS visitors on March 13.   March 14 we started our self isolation.   This is especially important as we are both well into the age that is regarded as susceptible to this virus.  In addition. Leonard has both heart and lung disease making him doubly susceptible.

No church,  no visiting, no real shopping.   Hand washing, TV watching, reading, yard work.

When we need groceries we rely on our Son and Daughter-in-law who live about 20 miles from us.  They get what is on my list, deliver it and leave it on the porch.   We can't thank them enough.  For the most part we are well stocked.  I mostly order our meats through Omaha Steaks.   Not only steak but seafood, prepared vegetable dishes, chicken, pork, etc.  Because I use them frequently I never pay for shipping.   I get points with which I get free products.  Plus they send me coupons of $15 or $20.   We have plenty already in the chest freezer and expect another order on Tuesday.

 I had bought a 12 pack of toilet paper right before this situation arose.   That and the TP we still had from a previous purchase will hold us for a while.   UNLESS..... on occasion the meds that Leonard take can alternate between constipation and diarrhea.   Enough said!!

Starting last Thursday I limit my Facebook time.   Even at this time there is still so much hatred between political views.  It upsets me so why torture myself.   I really don't miss it.

I talk to my daughters and miss them and Lens kids too.   My one daughter Terri worries about us.  Terri..... we are fine!   She sent us two bottles of hand wash the type used by doctors prior to surgery.   Thanks Terri.

We have been away from the house a total of two times.   Last week I ordered a meal from Cracker Barrel from their catering menu.  I ordered online, was informed what time it would be ready, pulled up in front of the door, called them to tell them we are there and in less than  2 minutes the meal was brought out and put into the car.   It was supposed to feed 3 to 5 people.  Fried chicken, hash brown casserole and green beans with biscuits.    There was so much food.   We had it that day for lunch, that night for dinner.  Skipped a day then another dinner.   Biscuit got the rest.

Yesterday I ordered online from Tractor Supply.   Ant mound killer  (this is Alabama..... LOTS of fire ants), Round Up, Duck feed and Bird seed.      It was so easy.   Order online.  They email when it's ready, drive up, call them, they bring it out and load it into the car.    One problem.   They were out of Duck Feed.   So it's ordered and it gets delivered.   Cost of feed is $16.99.   Cost of delivery $16.49.  The little buggers better really like it.   Speaking of the ducks, one duck is nesting.   She comes out every few days to eat.  I read it takes 35 days for ducklings to hatch.   I really, really need more ducks coming up on the porch.

I've kept the lawn mowed and  weeds down around the pond.   One time Len asked about mowing.  He did some of the lawn then the next day got out his tractor and bush hogged the back of the property.  All looks good right now.  Until it rains.

We have several trees we want taken down.   We had some removed two years ago.  I don't recall the name of the person who did it.   So I checked out the Home Advisor site online.   I gave them our information.    This morning I got a call from one of the recommended persons.   He came to the house (keeping a safe distance) and gave us a quote.   We have 12 trees to be taken down and hauled away.  We also have 8 stumps to be ground.   He gave us a very fair price.     Hopefully he can get to us in two weeks.    Len kept saying he could do it.   I told him NO HE CAN'T.   Problem solved.

We've had tragedies on Len's side of the family.   Unexpected passings.    Two of them young children. During these times we could not possibly go to Louisiana.     They all understand.   Our hearts are with them all.

I watch as our investments fluctuate each day.   I can't let it scare me.   I know once things settle it will rebound.    And we plan to live long enough  to see it.   Even if it doesn't we have enough.

Our wish is that all of our family and friends manage and take good care of themselves and each other.  We love and miss each of you.   Better times ahead.

Until next time.

These trying times

Cullman, AL

Talk about trying.... I just spent at least 45 minutes on this blog.  I was getting ready to post when my left pinky finger hit a key and wiped out all that I wrote.   Well, here I go again with what I can remember.  No, first I have to go sit down and collect my thoughts.

Okay after an hour or so I'm back.   As I was saying....


Last month Len told me he was having trouble reading.  We were in the car (him driving) and he said he could not read some road signs nor license numbers that were right in front of him.   Needless to say I took over all driving until he got new glasses.

We went to the eye clinic he uses.   I have to say, I was impressed with the doctor.  He said Len had cataracts on both eyes and not to buy glasses now.  Wait until after surgery and then determine what he needs.  Might only be cheap readers for reading.

On March 2 he had the left eye done.  On March 16 the right eye.   Simple procedures.  We returned to the eye doctor after each surgery and was told all looked good.   We are glad it was done at this time as the day after this last surgery all elective surgery has been stopped.   He had a follow up appointment scheduled for two weeks out.   They called and moved to it back another two weeks. 

Two NOMADS couples who we have volunteered with in the past are working at nearby Camp Sumatanga.   We invited them for lunch on March 13.   Here are Kathy and Bill Waters and Billie and Lon LaBumbard.

Kathy and Bill live in North Carolina, Billie and Lon are from Wisconsin. 

Due to the age of most NOMADS volunteers, projects starting March 30 and for the next 6 weeks have been cancelled.    I thought this would be occurring.  Not only are they in that age group but many also have underlying health issues.   


At least 45 years ago when I attended a small church in NJ there was a young couple living next to, and attending, the church     They moved the New York state some years later.   Then retired to Florida.   We always kept in touch.   These were very special people.  Their abiding love for each other, their families and friends and their Lord were an inspiration to all who knew them.

This is Ginny and Chris Crowfoot.  The picture was taken in July 2015 when we visited them in Florida.

In September Chris suffered a major stroke.  From that time he was back and forth between hospitalization to rehabs.   There would be improvement, then a set back.   It would look like he would be released to return home and another set back.   Ginny was his greatest cheerleader.    Ginny and I texted back and forth on March 16 and from her text I knew.    On March 17, Chris' heart gave out.   As Ginny said, He is happy again.

He is being buried at the small church in NJ.   Because of the current virus situation they plan just a simple grave side service.    It was to be held this weekend.   I got a message from Ginny yesterday.  Florida will not release him at this time.   In her usual humor she told me this is just like Chris.... to be late for his own funeral.   I laughed out loud.    God Bless Ginny and their remarkable children and grandchildren.   God has blessed me too.  Just knowing this couple has brought joy to my life.

Today is the first day since Tuesday that Leonard has not worn his PJs all day.  He went to town this morning and got gas for the mower and diesel for the tractor.   I have weed whacked around the pond.  Also pulled brush from our side of the creek that runs along the property.   We have had a lot of rain.  When (if) it finally dries a bit I will get on the mower again.   Len plans of getting on the tractor so I can load brush for the burn pile.   He is able to take his Inogen One with him on the tractor.   He is anxious to do something more than sit in his recliner watching westerns and napping.  Even then, activity has to be a little at a time.

We are sticking close to home.  Daughter-in-law Lois texted a few days ago asking if we needed anything.   Since she and son Lennie were going to the market I asked her to pick up 2 prescriptions and a few groceries.    We have a chest  freezer full of meats.   Plenty of soups, beans etc by the case on racks in the basement.   We purchase canned goods by the case whenever we are in Hanover, PA.   And no, we don't need toilet paper at this time.  Thankfully.

I wish each of you good health, patience and faith..  We will get though this.

Until next time.

Signs of Spring

Cullman,  AL


It's finally arriving.  Spring to North Alabama.   

Today was a mild day so time to get outside and get to work.    We have a small creek that is the property line of one side of our property.    I am slowly removing some the brush that has grown there over the years.   My goal is to clear out a lot of the brush so some of the creek can be seen.

Yes there is a lot.   But I have pulled a lot and there are now areas where the creek is visible and part of the yard.

The best time to work this project is in the early Spring after a rain.  Ground is softer making it easier to put those roots from the ground

It will get done eventually.     When I got tired and the old back was starting to ache, I sat on my bench near the pond and watched my ducks enjoying the day.

It was at this quiet moment that I looked around and saw the signs of new life.

Our pear tree in bloom.    We watch the pears get ready for us to eat.   And every year the deer manage to have a feast one night.

Grape Hyacinth

Tulip Magnolia getting ready for full bloom

Various perennials in my gardens coming through the earth

The greening of our Weeping Willow

Daffodils and forsythia in their bright yellow show

And the forest on two sides of us coming alive with green growth.

Ah, Gods yearly gift to us ..... Spring!

Until next time.

And there went January and answers

Cullman,  AL


The cold month of January is about over.  Tomorrow starts another month and hopefully warmer weather.   Outside I can see a difference.   Our daffodils are up about 7 inches and loaded with tight buds.   I brought two into the house yesterday.   Waiting to see yellow heads appear.   And of course and grass is starting to grow.   I don't mind.   I love mowing.  As we have about 3 acres in lawn, it does take a bit of time.  Again, I don't mind.   I was the chief mower back in NJ.  However there we had horses that took care of a great deal of it.  And fertilized it too.

Speaking of horses, our intent when we moved here was to fence in some of our property and again have horses.    We have come to the realization that is not going to happen.   Nor are we going to have a large garden again.   I will plant some tomatoes and peppers in containers.   Because of these changes we are in the process of selling various items.

A few weeks ago we sold our rototiller.   We still have the large tiller that hooks behind the tractor, Leonard is not ready to let that go.   But neither of us plan to ever push a rototiller again.  (not that I ever did).

We are also selling our saddles and tack.   I posted on the local FB yard sale site two pairs of spurs and a leather saddle bag.

 I've had 3 inquiries about the spurs.  One for the saddle bags.  I will post the rest of the stuff but everything is in the shed and the saddles are too heavy for me the get down.  Len is unable at this time.  Tonight or tomorrow one of the people that inquired about the spurs is coming here to get them. He will take pics of all other items and see if he can help me sell them.  He does bull riding etc and has friends he rides and performs with   Let's see.

And we had visitors this month.   My sister Debbie (from NJ)  and her daughter-in-law Kelly (from VA) were here for 5 days.   Yeah we did do a few things but can't tell from the pictures.  Excuse the very fuzzy one of Kelly.    Even Biscuit was relaxing.  Always a treat when they visit.

We also hosted NOMADS friends Billie and Lon one night   They left cold, snowy Wisconsin to travel on to Georgia and then back to Alabama to work two 3-week projects.   They will return here for a few days before they head back north.   Love it when they visit.

And now what you've been waiting for.  The answers to last posts quiz.  I know you must have been losing sleep wondering.

The header is Dauphin Island in Alabama

Terri correctly guessed picture one as Alaska.  Being a smart lady she looked in the license plates.  This was taken in Skagway.

Picture two.   No one guessed Petrified Forest in Arizona.

Picture three.   I thought this would be the easiest.   No one ventured a guess.   Disneyland!

Picture four.   One of the bridges of Madison County, Iowa.  Lauren had that one right.    As did Chuck and Anneke who did some pretty close other guesses too.

Picture five.   Macknac Bridge connecting lower and upper Michigan

Picture Six.    Needles highway in Custer State Park, South Dakota.   Again good guess Lauren.

Picture Seven.  No one guessed this and some were really close.  The George H W Bush Library in College Station TX

Picute  Eight.  Some good guesses but this was taken at the Lyndon Johnson homestead in Johnson City, TX

Picture Nine.  Several recognized this as the Oklahoma City Memorial

Picture Ten.    Several knew this too.   Or maybe it was my clue.  Birthplace of Elvis Presley.  Tupelo, MS

Now you can sleep.   You know the answers.

Until next time

Places...... What's your guess?

Cullman,  AL

Way back when we were full time RVing and traveling the country, I posted a couple of blogs where I displayed some pictures and asked who knew where they were.     We no longer full time or even RV but I have lots of pictures and lots of memories.

So, it that spirit.......   How many can you guess...

This might be a toughie....

Ancient stuff

Easy one.....

Eastwood fans

Crossing over

Threading

Leonard looking Presidential

The opposite side as above

Solemn

Fit for a King

Did you recognize any?


Until next time.