Arrived in St. Augustine, FL 8/27-29

We had a smooth drive coming into Florida. I think we've gotten acclimated to the time change now. It's three hours later here.

Here we have been visiting with my cousin's Wayne and Faye. I have a lot more family here, but I'm not going to be able to visit them all on this trip.

Again, we've been hanging out and visiting. It's VERY HOT here too. We've been watching, tropical storm Ernesto. It's supposed to hit here on Thursday. We leave in the morning and will be heading up to Maryland. From the looks of it, we will be dragging it into Maryland with us. I'll let you know.

The first night, Wayne fixed us a scrumptious dinner!! Pork roast, on the grill with yams, cooked cabbage and corn bread......OH, was that a nice treat!

I got a chance to locate and visit a stamp store, here in St. Augustine. The name of it is Claire's Collectibles. WOW....what a great place to get lost in. My cousin sat at the front counter and chatted with the owner, Claire, while I looked and looked and looked some more. I made sure to pick up a few things, since she had some different stuff at her store. She's been there for fourteen years. It was a pleasure to shop in her store.

John and Wayne took the car in for a oil change and wash.

We went to dinner at a new place, just down the street from my cousin's. It was called Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q.....YUM, YUM, YUM!!!! John ate too much this time. If you're ever in the area, make sure that you get by to eat there. They have a couple of place in Jacksonville, Florida too. From there we actually too the plunge and went to Dairy Queen. Now we're ALL stuffed...LOL!!!

Tomorrow we will stop in Jacksonville, Florida, just about an hour away from here, and pick up John's nephew. He's on vacation and decided to hop a plane and join us for the trip up to Maryland. He lives in Washington, D.C. We invited him to join us and get in some visiting time with him, on the road.

I'll try to hook up and update more when I get to my next stop.

THANK YOU WAYNE, FAYE and FLORIDA!!!!

Left Hattiesburg 8/26

I wasn't able to access the internet while in Hattiesburg, after we left the hotel. Very frustrating trying to get hooked up, so I just gave up. I can't seem to work the pictures on here well enough either, so I will work on pictures when I get home.

We had a wonderful visit with my friends in Mississippi. First of all, I need to mention that these friends are more like family than friends. Mardell and Virgle are like a second set of parents for me. They played a big role in my rearing. Their daughter, Barbara is like a sister to me. We grew up together and I've always missed hanging out with them. They lived in Escondido until 1974 before moving to Mississippi.

On this trip we've been visiting more than anything. We got to go out for catfish and hush puppies, the first night that we were there. I can't remember the name of it, but it was sure good!!

We also got to go back to a place that I remembered from my visit of four years ago......O'Charley's. Their yeast rolls are to die for! I ate a basket full of them!!

THANK YOU MARDELL, VIRGLE, BARBARA, DARRELL and MISSISSIPPI for a wonderful time!!

Arrived in Hattiesburg, MS 8/23

We got here at about 11:30pm. We're still on California time and able to stay awake a bit longer to get here.

It was a good trip. We breezed through Louisianna and I forgot to get postcards to send out!! I sent some from Texas so the next batch will have to go from Mississippi.

We are going to be seeing some of my long time friends.....I was here almost 4 years ago and I'm excited to be back and visit them again.

Goodbye Texas

I would have to say that our visit to Tyler Texas was, interesting.....LOL!!!

We got up this morning and called my friend, Cathy, to meet us for breakfast at Denny's, located just in front of the motel we were staying in.

I had noticed, while taking my shower that the water was "slow" to get warm if you had it on cold and visa versa.....just something that I noted.

While waiting to be seated, I overheard a customer, talking on the phone at the cash register, say, "so, are they going to sentence you today or tomorrow?" Hmmmmm.......we were escorted to our table.

When we were waiting for our server to wait on us, I looked up just in time to see a man walk up on the seat of the booth in back of him, to set himself back down next to a man in the booth, just in front of us.....ROFLOL!! My eyes just about popped out! I guess that he didn't want to disturb the person by having him get out and let him back in his seat.

We just about had to twist our server's arm to get anything out of her. I asked her if she would bring us more coffee........she showed up with the coffee pot and stood there waiting for us to hold up our cups....LOL! She was in no hurry to get things done. That's when I told Cathy that even my shower water was slow to change temperatures.....I told her that it must be something about Tyler.....LOL!

She and I left and escorted John to the local Mall. We didn't want to bore him with our trip to the scrapbook store. ( I will post a link to it tomorrow...I forgot the business card in the car) They had some fun and different things there that I hadn't seen in other stores that I've been to.

We went back to the mall, picked up John and we were on our way again. I got to see a armadillo.....dead, on the side of the road, but I saw one......another thing, not moving a bit.

We didn't stay there long, but we did have a good time!! THANK YOU LORRI, TODD, CATHY and TEXAS!!!

Arrived in Tyler, Texas 8/22-8/23

Late this afternoon, John and I left from Todd and Lorri's house and headed towards Tyler to visit a friend of mine, Cathy. She had just been to California for a three week visit and now I'm getting to see all of her grandkids for the first time. She has a brand new little one named Jaiden. Here she is holding her. We were trying to get her pretty smile, but she knew better when I held up the camera....LOL....she put on that serious face!

Tonight we had dinner at a nearby Asian Buffet. The food was very good. All of the kids and grandkids were there.....thirteen of us in all! The little ones were really good.

Arrived in Arlington, Texas 8/20-8/22

Due to a few technical difficulties and a touch of laziness, it's been three days since I was here. I finally got connected tonight though, so here we go.

We arrived at my nieces and nephews (Lorri and Todd) house on Sunday afternoon. They fixed us a yummy BBQ'd dinner and we went for a dip in the pool afterwards. It was HOT!! The pool was so refreshing that we couldn't resist. AH....no pictures of us in the pool....LOL! You'd be scared to death if you saw us in bathing suits! Here's a picture of her luscious pool though.
We got up Monday morning and spent the whole day just visiting and drinking coffee. Todd had to work on Monday. His birthday was on Saturday and since we missed it by one day, we took him out for dinner to a local Mexican restaurant. Lorri invited her friend, Kim, that I have heard so much about. What a sweet lady she is! I just wished that I had MORE time to stay and visit. Todd's eyes are closed in this picture, but here he is with his BIRTHDAY FLAN!

Arrived in Midland, Texas

We have arrived in Midland, Texas! After driving the most part of yesterday, I was too bushed to log in and do an update.

We stayed in Yuma, AZ. Friday night and headed out early Saturday morning to met my brother in Tucson. We ran into a butterfly swarm just past Yuma. Here are a few that got caught in the grill! Everything thing went smooth on the meet up.....we were on our way to Texas by about 11am.

The drive was good and nothing BIG to report. We plan to be at my nieces house around noon.

DEPARTURE DAY

Well, it's here. John and I both went to work. I got off earlier than he did, so I will finish up what I can to pack the car. We will be leaving tonight and go just a short distance. We will take off and stay in Yuma tonight. Since we usually wake at wacky times, we will probably be up rather early and head out for Tucson. We will meet my brother, Hogan, near the airport. He is going with us to Texas. His daughter, Lorri, lives in Arlington.......our first stop! Hopefully, I will be able to post regularly, since I'm taking along the laptop!

Day before we leave

Today, was busy at work but it went by fast. I only worked the morning and then my boss took over for the rest of the day. I got a few things done. I got the car cleaned up and polished. John and I want to see if it will help with getting some of the bugs off as we travel. The weather is going to be hot and cook them on....LOL! I got to hang out with April as she ran me around doing lots of this and that. I even fit in a pedicure!

Ding, Ding, Ding...

...went the Trolley!!

Wednesday was our outing day with our residents. We drove them down to Old Town, in San Diego and then hopped the trolley to Santee. We didn't do anything spectacular to speak of, but we had a lot of fun. I think it was the company of people that we took. We ate lunch and then headed over to a nearby Target to look around. As you can see, we even "goofed around" a little bit....LOL! Here we were trying on hats. It was a long day but the residents seemed to enjoy themselves. They slept good that night.

SUNDAY / MONDAY

Sunday was a rather blah day. Nothing much to report. John did have a doctors appointment that he had to go to, down at the VA. He went on Wednesday, but the machines were down so he had to go back on Sunday. He has a rather large growth on his neck. The doctors have been poking around at this for a little while now. They don't feel that it's anything serious, but they are going to have to do surgery in the near future.

I spent a good part of the day being lazy.....watching the Lifetime Channel and dozing!

Monday, it was back to work! It was fast and furious...LOL! Shopping for the residents is serious business. Sometimes it the only time that some of them get out. Tonight, April and I got together. We hung out at Barnes and Noble with a cup of Starbucks coffee. It was nice and relaxing.

Only FOUR more days before we head out!!

Catching-up from Wednesday

It's been a busy week at work and at home. Wednesday's are scheduled Outing Day for our facility. We went out for a picnic at Felicita Park. I hadn't been there in years, but remembered how cool the swings were. I was going to go swinging!! When we got there, progress had taken over and removed the cool swings that I remembered. They were replaced with the modern playground equipment......not to mention they're in the sun now and before they were under the HUGE oak trees, keeping you from getting sunburned.

Anyway.....my boss, Debbie brought all of the goodies for a yummy lunch. I wasn't too impressed with the carrot raisin salad. The two just don't go well for me. After getting started with lunch Debbie decided to take a few snapshots.....gotta show the big boss that we did what we said we did....LOL! Argghhhh! The batteries were dead in the camera. I picked up a cool looking feather and decided to scan it.....you know....for proof!! Thursday and Friday were busy, but busy is good. I sleep better at night.

I got in to see my Dad and in a haircut for him. He still wanted to go to his barber, so as long as he's able to ask me to take him, I will. He seems to be worsening each day. I was in the room, talking with the caregiver and he never responded to my voice. I did try talking to him but he wasn't interested in being bothered, so I left him to rest.

Friday evening, myself, John, Jonathan, April and her boyfriend, Eric all went to dinner at the San Marcos Brewery. That was a rare treat. We don't always have the same hours to go anywhere together. The kids all went on to another pub nearby. They don't get much time together so they take full advantage of it when they get the chance. John and I retreated to home and TV

Today, Saturday, I got my hair cut......John took me to breakfast and then off to the casino for a few hours. It was packed! I only stayed a short while and came back home. Nothing to report, or I would...lol

We're busy getting things here and there put together for our trip. We leave on Friday, next week, after work. I've been getting my computer ready for travel. Lots of little gadgets to pick up in order to make it work while on the road. Getting excited is an understatement at this point. We can't wait!!

I'll be back!!

A GOOD DAY!

It was GREAT to hear from so many of you! I'm not the best with getting in touch so I think my blog is going to be the way to go. I enjoyed blogging last year. It kinda grew on me.

Today I went to see my Oncologist. GREAT NEWS....my lab work turned out good again. I'm good for another four months before I have to see him again.

You know....speaking of lab work. I don't think that I mentioned the results of my DNA cancer test. I had to be checked to see if I carried the cancer gene, since there were so many family members that had cancer. The results came back negative.

Okay......so, then I went to work. It was a long day. I took our assisted living residents shopping. Then took our Alzheimer's residents on a scenic bus ride. To top off the afternoon and evening we took the assisted living residents out for dinner to Home Town Buffet. I think that my boss counted sixteen of us. Four of us were staff, but I think that's a record for going out to eat. We have so much fun with them. And just think.....I'm getting paid to have FUN!!!

That's all for now.

HAVE A TERRIFIC TUESDAY!!

Getting Caught up with my BLOG!

I'm not sure that there's enough space and time to catch up on things since I was here last......LOL! Lots and lots of stuff has happened.

Myself and my family are doing well AND we are healthy. Thank God.

Work has been good. I still love my little job! I'm working more hours than originally planned. There are more residents now so it calls for more doctor appointment runs and more running around in general.

Recently I took them to a Padre Game. I didn't have to stay since I don't care for sports. I also took them to see the USS Midway. I didn't stay with them for that one either. Sometimes finding a place to park the bus can be a challenge......add that to downtown San Diego... If there isn't any parking, then I go farther away and find a spot to park. I stay close by and then wait for them to call when they're ready. I parked at Seaport Village and browsed the shops. ROUGH JOB....LOL!!! I did, however get to stay with them at Harrah's Casino. Plenty of parking there!! My friend Cathy is here from Texas. She came along with us. We didn't win anything but we stayed busy with the penny machines.

Speaking of Cathy being here. We have been able to spend a few days together in the last three weeks. We took a stamp class together at Cat's Craft Cupboard! We had a really good time. I'll post a picture of the chipboard book that we made with Debbie....another wonderful teacher. We managed time to swim, shop and visit. I'll be seeing her soon as John and I are getting ready to take a three week vacation ourselves.....stopping in Texas.

John had a little Toyota truck that he parked in front of our house. It got ran over one night. He had just bought a brand new truck so all was well except for the insurance run around. April and I took his truck out shopping one evening and I hit a brick wall with it.....ARGGHHH!!! I felt so bad. Just barely caught the left front quarter panel. Got the truck fixed back to brand new! I hadn't had a fender bender since I was sixteen. He got laid off from his job last month, but they called him Friday and want him back already. He starts back with them in the morning.

Jonathan now works for Julian Fire department. It's only part-time so he'll also be keeping his full-time EMT job. He works mostly seven days a week with a day off here and there. He doesn't have much of a social life right now, but he knows that it will all pay off later. We're so proud of him.

April just made it to five years, working for Michael's Craft store. She is the bookkeeper there. She was also working a second job for almost 4 years, but just recently quit. She's got a test and an interview with the City of Oceanside this coming Thursday. She wants to work a full-time job during the day and take classes at night. She wants to become an accountant.

My Dad is getting worse, but along with that, I have to say that he's doing well too. He's happy and doesn't know that he's going through what he's going through. Some days are harder for him than other's but the nice part is that he forgets. I have had to limit his stimulation. It causes him stress and a lot of confusion when he goes places outside of his current environment. For instance....when I take the Alzheimer residents on a bus ride, they are constantly looking out the window. Their eyes are "seeing" everything, but their brain isn't processing it at the same time they are seeing it. When they get back and everything is in stop mode, their brain is still going. It's sends my Dad into a downhill spiral and causes mass confusion for him.

A dear friend of mine, Martha, passed away last month from cancer. She gave so much encouragement (not only on my old blog, but when I saw her) for me while I was going through my treatments. She was born on the Fourth of July.....that explains the firecracker in her......she was also a big Padre fan. Her services were one of the most "fun" and "uplifting" that I have ever attended. The chapel was decorated in patriotic decor. People wore patriotic colors, shorts, jeans....whatever! Everyone knew that Martha would have been just fine with this. The pianist played "Take me out to the Ball Game" at the beginning and end of her service. I could go on and on. I feel blessed to have known her!

I'm going to stop here, but will add more as I think of it. Tomorrow, I go to my oncologist to find out my results from last weeks lab work.

Final Class with Johanna

What a HOOT this one was. Johanna is a very busy lady. She started her own line of justjohanna rubber stamps and quite frankly she's just too busy to teach any longer. She holds down a full time, plus job, is married AND has a two year old. THAT'S BUSY....LOL!!! I'm honored to have been able to take the classes that I've taken with her. She is a wonderful teacher!!! We made these great Poppets tm. This is a picture of my niece and myself. I need to finish it up with a caption. I'm open to suggestions.

Getting back to blogging....seriously!

I've been gone for a little bit, well, actually a long bit. I have much to catch up on and I will make an effort to get that done this weekend. John and I have a big vactaion coming up and I will be blogging all the way through. Here's something that I most recently accomplished. A Commercial Drivers License "B"!! I learned that most people must get these when they are younger and keep them up....LOL! It wasn't easy. Two tries later and I got it!!......AND I taught myself! Here I am with my flowers and a BIG SMILE!! WHEW!!