Thankful for so many blessings!

 What a wonderful week, so far! We got Nam Sunday afternoon, and he spent two nights with us. It had been a couple of months since we’d seen each other, so all three of us were really excited! (I think Sheila and Matt were happy to have some couple time, too!) Nam doesn’t always like to give hugs and such, but when he got to the house, he kept running over to hug me every few minutes. Of course, I just ate that up! We really loved our couple of days with him.

I’ve actually heard from all of my kiddos over the past few days…including the ones by marriage. That fills this momma’s heart! I got a video from Mandy of her playing a song she has been learning on the piano. When we got our “inheritance” from Daddy, I shared it with my kiddos. Stephen and Mandy used their share to purchase a piano, which I thought was great. They hope to have the kids learn to play, as well as Stephen. Mandy is very musically inclined and has been really enjoying having it to play. It makes my heart glad to think that they have such a special reminder of Daddy.

I’ve also heard from a couple of sweet friends that I hadn’t spoken to in several months. I’ve been trying to keep up with different ones since we aren’t able to get around like we’d like, but there are always some that I miss. I’m thankful when others think of me and reach out! What would we do without our dear friends and family?!

We also found out this week that Ricky has landed a good career job. I am SO happy for him and Amber! He has really been working hard to support their little family and trying to find the right position that will continue to support them throughout the years (and kiddos) to come. This looks like it will fill the bill!

All of this joy has been making my eyes leak a LOT!

In other news, I finally had my follow-up with my cardiologist. He said both my stress test and carotid scans came back good, so I don’t have to see him again for another year. I took my yearly bloodwork results with me, and he told me to try to work on my cholesterol levels. They are borderline high, so he doesn’t want to put me on medication…just lifestyle modifications. We have already been working on that, but there’s always a little room for improvement.

Dennis got all of the new interior doors painted, got the mantel built and hung, and has been doing some repairs and maintenance at the church house. I’ve had my CASA work, as well as my regular stuff around the house. I’m doing much better with my stationary bike. I’ve been getting in 4-6 days/week for the past couple of months. I used to find excuses to not do it. I finally decided to just do it and not worry about getting my 7 miles in on days that I’m busy or don’t feel like it…just do what I can. Once I get going, I usually go ahead and get in at least 6 miles…sometimes as much as 8. I really need to keep moving! If I don’t, I freeze up and hurt when I do move! I’m not really losing much weight, but I’m keeping my blood pumping and (very gradually) shedding a few pounds. I have to admit to envying Dennis and his 30 pounds that he’s lost. I’m struggling to get to my first 10! (I'll lose a couple, gain a pound, lose a pound, gain 2, etc... I've lost about 7-8 pounds, depending on the day.)

We only have 3 weeks and 3 days until time to leave for cold country! We are super excited! We loved our last trip to Yellowstone and have wanted to return ever since we left. We’ve never been to Glacier, so we are really looking forward to going there, too. Just getting away for awhile sounds so good! Travelling was one of the things that we looked forward to when Dennis retired. Life kind of got in the way over the past three years, and we’ve missed it. So thankful that we have this opportunity to go again!

Well, that’s what’s going on here. I hope all of you are having good things come your way, too! Stay safe and reach out to someone!

Home improvement update

I think the most dominant characteristic of retirement over the past couple of weeks is "exhausting".  We have one week until we leave on vacation, then 4 days after we return, to get our den and guest room ready for company.  We have been working feverishly to try to make that happen!  We actually have company coming this weekend, but it is family.  Things don't have to be "perfect" for family!  But we are trying to get the den done enough that we can set it up as a temporary guest room for Stephen and Mandy.  Then we'll try to get the flooring in next week before we leave, so we can start moving furniture.  Then I should be able to get the old office fixed up for our October meeting company.  It won't be completed, but it should be "acceptable". 

So...here is what we've done, so far.  We put up (most of) the trim on the outside of the shop and got it (mostly) painted...enough to protect it from the weather.  Dennis finished putting up all of the outside lights on the shop and den, as well as all of the ceiling lights in the den.  We got the built in bookshelves (in the living room) boxed in and painted...just haven't made the shelves, yet.  We paneled the den and are now working on the coffered ceiling.  We hope to have it completed tomorrow.  (Trim will have to wait until a more opportune time!)  Friday, we are supposed to go pick up a bed for the guest room (and the new headboard for it is being delivered). 

We are LOVING the new shop!  It makes things so much easier.  It isn't finished out inside yet, but it is very operational.  We have worn a path between it and the den, hauling lumber and paneling back and forth between the two.  Dennis really did a good job designing it!

Before, when I heard people talk about being busier after they retired than before, I was very skeptical.  These past couple of weeks have made me a believer!  Dennis and I are both about worn to a frazzle.  We are certainly looking forward to our vacation!

I am not including pictures this time, because I want to wait and show the finished project.  I remember, back when I was still doing cakes, Dennis would sometimes come look at a cake I was working on.  He would be skeptical about what it was going to look like.  After applying the finishing touches, however, he would be happy with the results.  An unfinished project can look pretty rough...up until the final touches are applied.  So...I'll wait until things look a little more polished!

Other than remodeling, we also spent Labor Day weekend at our usual gathering.  We always enjoy our visits with everyone...as well as all of the wonderful food!  And, as I mentioned, our kiddos and grandson are supposed to be here this weekend.  It has been a couple of months since we last saw them.  I can tell from the pictures I see that Jesse has been growing and changing like crazy!  I can't wait to see him!

Well, I guess I'd better get some rest, so we can get back to work in the morning.  I'll try to do regular updates on our trip.  We are hoping to have some gorgeous pictures to share! 

Short Day Trip

A couple of weeks ago, while driving up to a visit, I passed a field of wild sunflowers...MANY, MANY acres of sunflowers.  It was gorgeous!  Since we had a free day today, I told Dennis I wanted to go back and get some pictures.  This doesn't capture the full effect, but it gives you an idea of what it looked like:

 

 

Afterwards, we decided to drive over to Jacksboro.  The concrete pumper guy had told Dennis about their city park, which includes twin lakes (formed from limestone quarries) that has free (limited) camping and a lot of other amenities.  It is beautiful out there!  The water is so clear.  We drove all around the lakes and looked at what was available.  We definitely plan to make a trip back up there when the weather is a bit cooler. 

 

After lunch, we drove out to the Fort Richardson State Park.  We have talked about doing some camping there sometime and wanted to check it out a little more.  While driving through the park, in the heat of the day, we saw three deer:  a fawn, a doe and a young buck.  We were only able to get pictures of the buck.



 

We hope to return sometime, when cooler, to camp and check out their hiking trails.

 

A good day!

Weather, Travel Plans, and a Time to Build

Well, we are almost 2 months into this retirement living and are still loving it!  Some weeks have been pretty busy with CASA stuff, but that is settling down now.  I just had another case end in adoption this week.  It really surprised (and pleased) me at how quickly it went.  The case opened in Feb. of 2014; the parents relinquished their rights in Jan. of this year; and the adoption was finalized on Monday.  That is the fastest, by far, I've seen one go through the system.  I am going to miss my sweet little girl, but I'm so very happy that she and her new mom can move on with their lives!

Because of all of the rain we've been having, Dennis and I have only been able to walk at the state park once a week...and had to skip one week altogether.  We are greatly enjoying our hikes!  It is interesting to watch the changing plant life and be able to see all of the critters that live along the trail.  It has also been wonderful watching the lake fill up and overflow the spillway!  God has blessed this area with an end to our YEARS long drought!

Speaking of weather, we were heading home Tuesday night from a day-long "date".  Ricky called to see where we were (he was working in Paris) and cautioned against going home, because a tornado and large hail had been spotted in MW.  I called Sheila (who had already made it home) to see what conditions were like at her house.  She reported storms and light hail but nothing more...although the tornado sirens were blaring.  We decided to go ahead and try to make it to the house, so we could get our car in the garage.  We ran into the storm as we were entering town.  It started out with just very light hail, but we were starting to get a few marble sized before we made it into the garage.  (No damage, though.)  When things settled down, we started hearing reports from around town on damage.  The tornado hit right downtown.  Most of the damage was to commercial buildings along North Oak.  The First Baptist Church, which was in the same area, took a pretty good hit, too.  Because of the area hit, and the time of day, there were no reported injuries.  People from the community converged on the area to help secure the damaged structures for the night.  Crews were at work early the next morning, cleaning up debris.  So very thankful that it wasn't worse!

Last Saturday, Dennis and I spent the whole day planning our vacation.  Dennis had ordered a large laminated map to plan our route.  We drew the route on the map, determining where we would try to stop for the nights along the way.  Then we started searching for lodging and making reservations.  It was fun and exciting to "see" all of the places we plan to visit and reserve our rooms...in such places as NIAGARA FALLS (can you tell I'm excited?), a B&B on a farm in Vermont, and Presque Isle, Maine (a point about as far northeast as you can get without entering Canada).  We plan to leave on Sept. 24 and spend 18 nights on the road.  About the first 1100 miles (after we leave Jackson, MS) will be on scenic trailways...which are basically national parks.  We'll head up the Natchez Trace to Tennessee, and then swing over to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will take us up into Virginia.  We'll pass through Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.  I think, in all, we'll be passing through about 14 states (maybe more...it is hard to wrap my head around it all!).  We plan to explore the Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mtns, the Green Mtns. of Vermont and the White Mtns. of New Hampshire.  We hope to enjoy Lake Placid and the rugged Maine coastline.  We are going to try to avoid cities as much as possible!  This trip is all about enjoying the beauty of the fall in the northeast and sampling the culture and food of the people along the way.  (Very much looking forward to savoring some Maine lobster!)

In the meantime, we hope to get our first building projects completed.  The city council approved our petition this morning and Dennis got the necessary permits to begin work on our shop and room that we are adding on to the back of the house.  We have contracted this work out, so we can get it done as quickly as possible, before Dennis starts on the renovations inside the house.  He will need his shop set up to do the work that he plans.  Things will get rather busy and messy around here for awhile...at least it will when the ground dries up enough to begin! 

Well, that is a few of the things going on around here.  For all of those who were afraid Dennis would get bored when he retired, set your mind at ease.  I believe he will have no trouble staying busy!

Retirement update

We are now 3 1/2 weeks into retirement, and we are starting to get the hang of it!  We've been going out to hike the trails at Lake Mineral Wells State Park once or twice a week.  We would like to make it out there 2-3 times a week, but we have a hard time fitting it in due to other obligations or rain.  We have had so much wonderful rain!  Last week, we got 2" on Thursday, 2.75" on Friday, and 2" on Saturday.  It is pouring outside right now.  The Lord is blessing us with the much needed relief from this long-standing drought!

Dennis has done a few more small projects around the house.  He has asked a couple of contractors to come out and make bids on building his shop and adding on the room to the back of the house.  We also had to turn in a request to the city to get approved for those projects.  We decided to hire those done, since it would take Dennis a LONG time to do them on his own, and we need the shop completed before he starts in on the kitchen.  We've been shopping for wood sources for some smaller projects that he has planned.  At one place, we stumbled upon a super deal on a jigsaw that he was needing, so he bought it with some money that he received as a retirement gift.  It is funny when people ask him "what he plans to do now", thinking he'll get bored being retired.  He has too much to do to even think about getting bored!

The kids threw Dennis a retirement party last Saturday at the old, historic post office (which is now the women's club).  It was wonderful to celebrate with dear friends and family!  Warren and Belinda had "conspired" on their gifts because of a post that I had made on facebook about Dennis already having learned the joy of lounging around in his pajamas.  He received two very interesting pairs!  One was decorated with minions from "Despicable Me".  Dennis' response?  "Who is that guy on these pants?"  (He definitely doesn't keep up with popular animated movies!)

We enjoyed getting to play with Jesse over the weekend.  Then we made a quick trip to Paris this week to take care of rolling over Dennis' thrift savings plan.  This was the first time that we managed to see Jesse close together, so he definitely remembered us!  It melted my heart when I walked into their living room and Jesse got excited and started reaching for me!

So, all in all, this whole retirement thing is working out quite well for us! 

More winter weather, health updates, and retirement draws nearer

Well...I hope that all of this bad weather is having the desired effect of breaking our extreme drought!  I don't know how much precipitation we've gotten in all (rain, sleet and snow combined), but it has been SEVERAL inches.  It is rough on those who can't get out and work though!  Ricky was able to work yesterday, but they called off any work today due to the rain.  All the ice and snow have finally melted off from last week, but it sounds like we might see more before the day is over.  I really would like to know if our lake level has risen any!  The last report we heard, it was at 8%.

Well, we made it to the podiatrist last Friday morning, in spite of the bad roads.  The office staff and doctor were there, but they were starting to call patients to tell them not to come in when we arrived.  I am SO glad that Dennis was off to drive me!  I'm not very experienced at driving on frozen roads.  The xrays showed that my pain is due to a bone spur on the back of my heel.  The doctor said it will probably have to be "remodeled" eventually, but for now we will treat the inflammation that it has caused.  I'm doing stretching exercises and wearing a heel lift in my shoes, as well as taking an oral anti-inflammatory.  It seems to be helping a great deal.  I hardly ever limp anymore (whereas I was limping all the time before).  I have to avoid walking for exercise until the inflammation has cleared up, which he said would take 4-6 weeks.  I go back next week for him to see how I'm progressing.

I've started a new diet plan this week.  It has a 14-day jump start menu.  It is a high-protein diet that emphasizes all natural foods.  It is too early to see how it is going to do, but it keeps me pretty satisfied, as long as I follow the guidelines.  It requires a lot of cooking though!  Even the snacks are like small regular meals.  I'm hoping I can lose about 10 pounds in the 3 weeks I have before vacation!  (There is NO way that I'm going to worry about dieting while in New Orleans!)

Retirement is just 4 weeks away.  Dennis is definitely feeling like a short-timer.  It is so hard to be motivated to go to work every day...especially in all of this harsh weather.  He perseveres though.  :)  All of his paperwork has been processed, so all we have to do is wait until the big day.

Dennis has started to plan our fall vacation.  We are really looking forward to it!  This year we plan to head northeast to see the changing leaves.  There is SO much that we want to see, I doubt that we'll be able to squeeze it all in.

Frieda is still struggling with her recovery.  She has regained much of her strength, but last week she suffered a setback.  They think she had a TIA, but Anita thinks it is an injury from a fall that is causing her a lot of pain in her shoulder and arm.  She is also going to have to undergo more tests to see about a problem that she's been having for over a month now.  She seems to take a step back every time she takes one forward.

Anita went to her orthopedic surgeon this morning.  Her fracture has healed, so they have scheduled her knee replacement surgery to be in 2 weeks.  She has sure been in a lot of pain.  I'm afraid she still has a rough road ahead of her.  Continued prayers for her and her mom would be greatly appreciated!

Numbers 6:24-26  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Home improvements

Well, I am finally back to feeling normal again!  So nice to have energy again (what little I had to begin with).  I'm beginning to get back into my regular routine.

I went to see one of my CASA kiddos Saturday morning.  While I was in the area, I tried out a new restaurant (Pei Wei - I loved it!) and went to Target.  I FINALLY found some salt and pepper shakers that I can't break!  (I've broken SO many lately.  Bought a new set a couple of weeks ago, broke the salt shaker within a few days!)  I liked them so much, I went back and got another set this week...one for cooking, one for the table.  My family is SO happy.

Sunday was great!  We had two outstanding lessons...one from Ron and one from Layne.  Everyone was in good spirits.  Frank is doing so well!  I asked him to come home for dinner with us, but someone had already beaten me to the punch.  He requested a raincheck, which I gladly gave!

Wednesday was Dennis' day off this week.  We decided to get started on our home improvement.  I had a gift card for Lowe's and decided I wanted to use it on a new (hall) bathroom faucet.  I never have liked the one in there...plus the heavy mineral content in our water really corrodes plumbing fixtures.  We found a really nice faucet that matches the new hardware we installed that was just the amount of my gift card.  (I love "free" stuff!).  Dennis said we might as well replace the sink while we were at it, so we bought a new one.  (Our old one has had chipped enamel that would slice open a finger when cleaning around the edges, if not careful.)  While there, we also looked at fencing and portable buildings...then did the same at Home Depot.  Installing a privacy fence is #1 on our list, and putting up a shop is #2.  It is exciting to start looking and planning for the changes we hope to make!

I started back walking, again, this week.  I had just started back after the cold winter weather, when I came down with the flu.  This week was the first time that I've felt like doing it again.  I had a movie to turn in to redbox today, so I decided to go on foot.  (I re-watched "Belle"...a very good movie, if you are interested in historical films!)  I checked on Google Maps, and it is a 3 mile round trip...which is my goal for walking when I'm "up to speed."  I decided to go for it.  I turned in my movie, dropped by Braums for a couple of things, and headed home.  It was my first time to do a shopping trip on foot.  I may try to make it a regular practice when I just have a few items to get.  (WalMart is just on the other side of Walgreens, where I turned in my redbox movie.)  Dennis has already said that he'll walk with me after he retires, since he won't be getting the exercise that he's used to on the job.  That will make it even better!

Hardly a morning goes by, nowadays, that we don't wake up and say how much we are ready for retirement!  Only 6 1/2 more weeks, Lord willing!  Dennis has all of his paperwork turned in, and it is already processed.  His boss told him yesterday that she received official word from HR...and then she sat down and cried!  She has been a great postmaster.  Dennis has truly appreciated having her these last few years.

We are planning to head to Nacogdoches tomorrow evening after Dennis gets off work.  He has Monday off (last holiday before retiring), so we decided to make a quick trip.  I'm looking forward to visiting with Mike and Fonda's family and Robert and Sharon again.  It has been too long!  I'm also interested in seeing all of the changes in the town.  I haven't been back since Dennis' parents moved away.  We also hope to visit with Larry and Johnnie while in the area.  I love Nacogdoches...I just don't ever want to live there again.  Too wet, too hot, and too many bugs!

I hope all of you have fun weekend plans and good health to enjoy them!

Happy Birthday Dennis!

 

Tuesday, Day 307:  Today is Dennis’ 62^nd birthday.  We have looked forward to this year for a long time...it is the age in which he plans to retire.  He still has another 5 ½ months until that takes place, but the countdown has begun. 

I’m thankful for the 25 years that he has worked at the post office, and that his health (and feet!) have held up to it.  I’m thankful that for the last few years, he has had a good postmaster…one that appreciates him and takes care of him.  And I’m thankful that after working so hard to provide for our family for the past 37 years, his time on the job is drawing to a close.  He has hiked through miles of woods, planted tens of thousands of trees, put out forest fires, and more as a forester.  He put in LONG hard days as a deliveryman for UPS.  He did whatever jobs he could find when times got really rough.  Finally he has walked THOUSANDS of miles delivering the mail. 

We continue to mark off the “lasts” of his career.  As soon as he awakened this morning, he said, “This is the last birthday I’ll have to work.”  And for that, I am very thankful!



Home Sweet Home

Thurs, Day 253:  When we bought this house, we didn’t plan to stay in it permanently.  We liked it, but it wasn’t exactly what we wanted in a few areas and hoped to be able to “upgrade” eventually.  We have been looking for something else over the past few weeks.  (We’ve actually been looking online for over a year.)  I never have liked the thought of taking on a larger mortgage…especially right when we are about to retire.  After looking at a couple of houses in our price range, I began to realize that we aren’t going to find what we are looking for.  So yesterday, I started thinking creatively about how we could turn this house into what we want…and I believe it will work.  I’ve always liked this house…from the first time I looked at it.  I don’t like the kitchen, but I think we can make it much more efficient by tearing everything out and redoing it.  I really want a guest room AND an office, and I’ve figured out a way to do that…by building on a sunroom where our patio is.  (All that house shopping has paid off there…some of the houses I liked the best had done that very thing!)  Our bedroom lacks adequate closet space, so Dennis figured out a way to build a second closet…so we’ll have one for each of us.  We are looking at some major remodeling, but I believe it will be cheaper than buying something else.  We live in a good neighborhood and a good location for our needs.  Our house will be paid off in about 12 years.  Dennis has rewired most of the house.  (It had aluminum wiring when we bought it, so he’s been replacing it with copper…and adding extra plugs and such.)  We’ve already replaced the a/c.  Once Dennis retires, he will have plenty of time to do the necessary work.  (Everyone keeps asking me what he plans to do when he retires!)  AND we won’t have to move!  (I HATE moving!!!)

So today, I am thankful for my house.  It is about 50 years old, but it is solid.  It needs some major work done, but it will be fun to finally fix up a house the way we want it.  Plus, after living here for the past 8 years, it is HOME.