Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - Thursday, December 20, 2018

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - No Plans for Today, Can you Believe It?

I stopped in at City Hall this morning to visit with my former co-worker for a few minutes.  We are going to get together Thursday for lunch.  We haven't had the opportunity since May.  I'm glad we found a time to do it before we left or it would be spring before we would have another chance.

After returning home, I busied myself with cleaning and laundry - does it ever end?  Lol.

This afternoon around 2 our RV dealer, Deryl came back to work on programming the board to our remote control.   After at least three phone calls to Lippert they were still unable to get the transmitter to sync to the board.  He may have to order another board.  If he does it will be Thursday before he'll be back.

Deryl and his brother Jim attended Chetopa schools when I lived there.  Jim and I were in the same class and Deryl was a year ahead of me so I've known them for a long time.  We did some reminiscing in between times waiting and hoping the board would sync.  It's always fun to catch up with former schoolmates.



Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - Heard from Logan; Jaxson spends the afternoon with Nana & Papa

I had a text from Logan this morning.  It was great to hear from him but he made no comment on whether he would be able to meet up with us when we pass through San Antonio the end of next week on our way to Texas.

I attended a Bible Study with some friends and had a great time visiting and enjoying a review of the Christmas story.  I am picking grandson Jaxson (Marc & Jennifer's son) up at school after lunch.  They are out for the Christmas holiday until after the first of the year.  Kamron is going to Miami with her Mimi (Jennifer's mom) to get her glasses.  She recently had her eyes tested and it was determined she needed them.  Mom and Dad are both working so Mimi is filling in to take care of Kamron today and Jaxson will be here with us.

We had a great time with him - we watched what seemed like hundreds of videos about hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, the solar system, sharks and whales, etc. and we played cards - which he loved.  He also showed us exercises they do at school and then insisted that I do some as well and told me how many I needed to do.  Jumping jacks, crack-it's (you sit back on your hands, rear end off the floor, then kick one foot up in the air and then the other) and others I can't remember.  All I know is I was REALLY tired when he finished drilling me!

It was a great time with him and he'll be back to spend the day with us on Friday.  We look forward to it.

Jaxson's Mimi stopped to get him sometime after 9:00.  Kamron came in to show me her new glasses before they left.

I did't get the best picture since I caught her with her eyes closed!

Thursday, December 20, 2018 - Errands; HUGE SURPRISE; Lunch with Carol; Dr. Appointment at Vinita; Visting Someone Special

We had a few errands we wanted to do this morning - we needed to pay our car insurance and it also gave me an opportunity to visit with my sister Jody, since she's our insurance agent.  We got an update on Wade and he is doing good.  He had a few follow up doctor visits this week.  

As we drove down main street we noticed this guy on top of Labette Hardware!

I also needed to stop at the bank to take care of some business there, then Dean dropped me off at City Hall, so I could go to lunch with Carol.  We went to the local Mexican Restaurant, Mi Pueblo.  We had a nice lunch but an even better catching up from the past several months.  Time flew by as usual.  She dropped me off at Bentley with a couple of presents - a bag of her homemade Christmas candy (which is delicious) and the nicest little book called, "Friends are the Heart of Christmas".  I was so touched.  I appreciate her so much.  She was my Deputy Clerk for 29 years and I worked with her for a couple of years prior to that.  What a wonderful friend she is!

About 1:45 this afternoon I received a text message from my daughter Misti:

Grandson Logan surprised his mom by flying home for several days leave over Christmas.  She had no idea he was coming!  I'm sure there were some tears shed when she saw him!

I would have loved to made a quick run to her house - but I had a doctor appointment in Vinita and I needed to leave within minutes.  Cindy is driving.  Just a short time later she picked me up and we headed south.  She dropped me at the clinic while she made a run to Walmart, just down the road.  I can't believe that on the Friday before Christmas I actually got called back to my appointment a few minutes before my scheduled appointment time.  I was done in no time.   I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up my prescription.  As I left there I saw Cindy pull in to the parking lot and I walked out to meet her at the curb.  Perfect timing and the trip worked out perfect for both of us to take care of our errands.

When I got back Deryl was back at Bentley to work on the new panel Lippert sent and trying to get our transmitter to connect.  After a couple of hours still no luck.  I know it is getting frustrating.  

Misti called to invite us down, and we headed that way.   Couldn't wait to get a big hug from Logan!

Beautiful moon tonight as we arrived at Misti's.

It was so good to see Logan.  We were thrilled to see him and stayed for a couple of hours hearing about how things have been going for him.

It was truly a great day!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 to Monday, December 17, 2018 - I'm Ready to get Back to Daily Posts!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

I haven't been setting my alarm since we were in Chicago - and after forgetting to reset it when we got back I've enjoyed it not going off, but I still wake up about the same time and I'm ready to get up and start the day.  

I felt great this morning - no pain in my neck whatsoever!  I'm so thankful!  

For most of today it was pretty routine - laundry, dishes, made a grocery list, you know - stuff; and I finally finished preparing Christmas presents by adding paper tissue to the bags I had already filled with presents.  I also worked on the blog to make sure all of the pictures were included.  

Later in the day, Dean and I drove to Pittsburg to pick up our mail.  While there we mailed  Christmas packages to Matt and Heath's family and returned some shoes I ordered from Amazon that did not fit me.  (My least favorite thing to buy is shoes!)

Afterwards, we stopped at Walmart to pick up several things we needed, before heading back home, where we enjoyed watching Country Music's Christmas Special.

Tomorrow we need to be up early to pack everything up in Bentley so we can move it to Chetopa RV to have some work done.  

It's hard to believe that in two weeks we will be on our way to south Texas - as long as the weather cooperates!

Thanks so much to all of you that follow our blog.  I've tried to read most of the blog posts I receive but haven't had time to respond to many - in fact very few with all that's been going on this week.  I hope to get caught up soon, although things are going to get busy again between now and the time we are scheduled to leave.  We still have some routine doctor appointments on the calendar, our "Blackledge" Christmas this Sunday, and spending a day with Jaxson next week.

May God bless each one of you!


Wednesday, December 12, 2018 

As I mentioned yesterday we need to have Bentley to Chetopa by 10am this morning.  The bad thing about being in one place for weeks or even a month or more at a time, you tend to leave more "stuff" out and of course I had to pick all of that up this morning and get it secured.  Since Christmas is right around the corner, I also have several Christmas presents taking up half of the couch plus there are several on the floor.  I had to find a place to store them for the move too.  It took a little thought, but we got it done and pulled out of the RV Park about 9:40.  It only takes about 10 minutes to get to Chetopa.  Dean backed the RV into a bay shortly after we arrived.  We spent a little time trying to determine where the board that operates the level up system and other operations (slides, outside light, front landing gear, awning, etc.) was.  We stayed in case we needed to move something out of the bay(s) or somewhere within the unit.  They found it fairly quick in the back of the cabinet where I store my coffee "stuff" above the coffee maker.  I had never noticed the back panel was secured with screws!

Once that was found, Dean and I headed to Joplin.  We are going to pick up Verna, my step-dad's wife, and take her to lunch at Golden Corral.  We chose it because it's near their house and it's easy to get to.  We had a wonderful visit with her.  After lunch, we dropped Verna at home.  We needed to stop at Lowe's so Dean could get some angle iron to make a stand for the new satellite dish.  The one he made for our Tailgator is too small.  He wants to get a new one built before we leave for Texas.  Fortunately we found exactly what he needed at Lowe's, and were soon our way.  Our next stop was at Mercy Hospital to see my nephew Wade.  Other than looking tired, he looked really good compared to the last time we saw him, while he was still in a coma.  He was sitting on the couch and it was just wonderful to see that.  We visited for about 10-15 minutes before someone from the lab came in to start poking on him.  We decided that was a sign to head out, so we said our goodbyes.  Fortunately he may get to come home on Friday, so we are praying that will happen.  I'm sure he'll get more rest at home.

Our next stop was to see my step-dad Larry.  He is at a rehab center right now to help improve his walking and steadiness after being down for several days.    He looked really good and we had a great visit with him and Verna for an hour or more.

We stopped in Chetopa to pick up Bentley.  Unfortunately, they sent the wrong board so they had to order a new one.  There were two parts.  One worked fine and it is done - which is the actual panel Dean uses to lower the front landing gear and then level the RV, but the panel/board that goes inside in my "coffee cabinet" is the one that had to be reordered.  Fortunately our dealer lives here in Oswego and will stop by on his way home to install it rather than have us move again.   I am extremely thankful for that.  Moving isn't that bad - but to pack up for a 10 minute drive, for maybe a 30 minute fix and then back home - ugh!!!  Especially since we have been so busy.



Thursday, December 13, 2018
 Today was a fun day for me, and Dean has a dentist appointment to get a filling.

I went on an outing today with two very dear friends, Peggy & Linda.  We try to get together two or three times a year for a day of lunch, catching up and sometimes a little shopping.  We had talked about going to Grove, but we decided that would be a long day and with the holidays something closer by might work better.  We drove to Parsons (25 miles) and had lunch at the Remnant Cafe.  It's been quite awhile since I've stopped in there.  Their special for the day was Tomato Bisque Basil Soup - my favorite!  We each had a sandwich and a small bowl of soup - perfect for a rainy day.  Yes, it decided to rain on our parade a bit today but it didn't stop us from having a great day catching up with each other.

We enjoyed visiting during and after lunch well over an hour.  George's Hallmark is across the street and I wanted to pop in there to see about a "First Christmas Ornament" for our newest grandson Sam.  Even though I am not putting a tree up this year, I will want an ornament for him and any other grandchildren we might have, so all grandkids will be accounted for when I do have a tree again someday.

When we stopped at Linda's to let her out, she asked Peggy to wait a minute while she went in to get us each a tin of chocolate bonbons she made for us.  Oh my goodness!  They were delicious!  I am going to try and stretch them out but they are so tempting, I'm not sure how long I can hold out.

When I returned home, I immediately noticed Dean put this together for me.  My sister-in-law RuthAnn told me about this stool.  I can't quite reach the floor with my feet when sitting in my chair.  While I use the reclining part quite a bit sometimes I enjoy just sitting.  With this stool it is so much more comfortable and I love it!  

It has several angles.

Today was my daughter's last final for her fall semester classes.  She has enrolled in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program through Labette Community College in Parsons.  I texted her to see if she had found out how her finals went.  We were not surprised that she passed them all.  It's a huge decision to give up a job you've had for many years in order to go to school full-time.   I am extremely proud of her for making the decision to do this.  It's not been easy but she's worked really hard and it paid off.  Now, just one semester to go!  

This evening we traveled to Columbus, Kansas (15 miles east of Oswego) to enjoy the Christmas Program at Columbus High School.  Our grandchildren Dacy (JR) and Tucker (SO) are both in the CHS Band.  Columbus has an amazing band and we always enjoy attending their concerts and tonight was no different.  Dacy plays the clarinet and Tucker plays the tuba, and baritone too, I think.  He's played the drums as well.  It was a great way to top off a wonderful day!

Columbus High School Band

Tucker, Papa, Nana and Dacy

Tucker, Brett (Dad) and Dacy

Tucker, Renae (Mom) and Dacy

Friday, December 14, 2018

I had an appointment to get my hair cut this morning.  One more thing off the list of things to do before we leave in twelve days.  

My nephew Wade was released from the hospital today.  We are so thankful that he is doing so well.  At this point we are not sure how long before he'll be able to return to work.  I'm sure being at home with his family will be good medicine for him though!  Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.

Our "Blackledge Family Christmas" is Sunday, which includes my three sisters and their families.  We also invite our Aunt Betty and her daughter Barbara, as well as our stepdad Larry and his wife to attend.  Unfortunately Larry & Verna, and Wade, Devon & Peyton won't be able to attend this year.  I had gone to the store to get a few things I needed for my contribution to Sunday's dinner but realized I forgot to get a loaf of french bread to make bread pudding.  While talking to my sister Cindy, she told me they plan to go to Parsons later.  She said she'd pick a loaf up for me.  Yea! for sisters!!

I realized this afternoon that I was in charge of bringing the rolls so I had to make a grocery run for those - and once we returned home it hit me - what I am going to do with them?  I don't have the room in my freezer.  Fortunately, my daughter Misti had room in hers!!  Thank you Misti!!

Our dealer stopped by about 5:00.  The panel was installed in no time but it needed to be programmed.  The instructions were not very clear.  Dean looked on YouTube and was able to find information on part of it, but not all.  He'll get back with us next week - which is fine.  We aren't going anywhere for over a week yet.  With all we've had going on this is a minor thing for the moment.



Saturday, December 16, 2018

It was a busy day getting ready for tomorrow.  I had laundry to do, and it is finally staying warm enough we can leave the water hose out overnight.  The weather from now until we leave looks great and we shouldn't have to worry about leaving it out all night until we pick it up as we leave Oswego.  This is the December weather I prefer.  50+ weather is forecast during the day for the remainder of our time here.  If the wind is not blowing it is perfect sweatshirt weather.  Dean is looking forward to getting some golfing in since he is now finished with doctor appointments.  Wish I could say the same - I still have two more to go!

I made pecan pie bread pudding (thanks to Pam's sister for the recipe) and oatmeal cake (a long time favorite of mine and my sisters).  My mom used to make it all the time.  I mentioned making it recently to my Aunt Lil and she said her mom, my Grandma Stapleton used to make it - so it's now in at least it's fourth generation of making our family happy---maybe more!

As I started cutting up the bread for the bread pudding this is what I found about 1/4 of the way into the loaf.  I'm sure glad Cindy picked up a good sized loaf.  I had just enough bread!

I let it cook, while I made the oatmeal cake.  Last time I made an oatmeal cake, it fell on one end, so today I took a few extra measures.  I made sure I tapped the entire pan on the counter several times to get the air bubbles out, then I turned it half way through the baking process.  There was not one indention in that cake at all - perfect!  Then the brown sugar icing with nuts and coconut went on top and back in the over for 5 more minutes!  I can't wait to have a piece tomorrow!

I realized late in the afternoon I had not purchased gifts for our exchange at the dinner tomorrow, so off to Dollar General to get those and a couple of gift bags to put them in.

Between the cooking, the laundry, the kitchen clean-up, going to the store and just general everyday house duties the day flew by!

It felt good to set down and rest.



Sunday, December 17, 2018

After getting ready this morning, I still needed to make macaroni and cheese.  I prefer making it the day of.  I needed to have everything ready to take to the Oswego Community Center by 9:30 this morning as we need to drive to Parsons and pick up grandkids, Kamron and Jaxson.  Marc is rushing to get Christmas gifts completed for customers who have ordered gifts from him.  We took time to visit with Marc for a few minutes before heading back home.  

Back at Bentley we loaded up the food, presents and a few utensils.  Crystal was already there and had the door open for us.  Dean helped carry everything in and then he went back home.  He will bring the rolls back at 12.  Crystal, Jody, Kamron and I set up the tables and chairs.  Jody's husband Mark came out and he helped us finish up, including putting table paper on each of the tables.   There was tea and lemonade to make for drinks, and in no time it was 12:30 and everyone else started showing up.  We had a feast fit for Kings and Queens - well, almost!  So much food!  It was all delicious though!

Before everyone could get away we took pictures:

Lonie, Dempsey, Rye and Crystal Addis

Tim, Kennedy, Melissa and Hannah Lewis (Cindy's youngest daughter, Melissa)

Kass, Dani, Nikki and Ty Lewis (Cindy's oldest daughter, Nikki)

My mom's oldest sister, Aunt Betty and her daughter Barbara Ann Hampton

My gorgeous daughter, Misti Dawn

Me, Kamron, Jaxson and Dean (Papa)

Mark & Jody Nading

Cindy and Elmer Sparlin

Cindy and Crystal put together gift bags for the little boys - my grandson Jaxson (6), and Crystal's grandson Dempsey (4).  

Aunt Crystal/Nana with Jaxson (red shirt) and Dempsey.

Cheesing it up!

Having fun checking out the loot in their bags they received for Christmas.

The bags included several things to play with and some snacks to keep them busy while the rest of us participated in a gift exchange game that Cindy's granddaughter Kennedy put together for us.  She made this sign showing us what we should do with our presents after each person rolled the dice.  It was fun and we had a good time.

After the presents were opened.

After opening our gifts ($3-5) so everyone could see, Cindy announced she had two group games for us.  The first one was the boys against the girls.  She purchased pink and blue balloons.  The 12-14 year old kids blew up the balloons for us to use.  We had to put the balloon between our legs and walk/run/jump to the other end, and then back.  Which ever team finished first was the winner.  This was a great time and the room was filled with laughter and encouragement from team members!  

If you can jump like Kennedy - it works well!

So much fun!!

Crystal looks a little like Frankenstein going after someone except she's much better looking!

Daughter Misti and Kass racing toward the turnaround point!

The next game she had for us was equally fun!  She gave 21 red solo cups to two players.  They had to race each other to see who won by stacking them up in a triangle without toppling them.  The winner got to pick a prize.  My granddaughter Kamron beat her cousin (Cindy's grandson) Kass (they are a month apart in age) in the first round.  Kamron then went on to beat two or three others before finally losing.  It was alot of fun and we enjoyed our time together.

Jaxson played his own game!

Ty vs. Kamron

Aunt Cindy vs. Kamron

Aunt Misti vs. Kamron

Misti vs Dani

Misti vs Kass

Of course the next part was the cleanup - which goes fast with many hands to help.  The guys are always good to put up the tables and chairs and sweep the floors for us.

Jaxson wanted to go home with his Aunt Misti.  We dropped both of them and Kamron off at Misti's before heading home to unload the leftovers (way too many).  I changed clothes and then realized I did not get the pans I borrowed from Misti that I used for the rolls.  I called Crystal.  She had the keys to the community center, so she picked me up and took me to get them.  I had her drop me off at Misti's.  When I walked in Misti was playing a version of Jinga with Kamron and Jaxson.  There was quite a bit of laughing and squealing going on each time they managed to pull one more block out without it tumbling down.  I washed the pans and then joined them.  

Afterwards, Jaxson gave Misti a lesson on tsunamis, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, hurricanes, lunar eclipses, trajectories and every planet (including listing them in order with facts about each.)  He is like an encyclopedia.  If he hears it he retains it.  What a gift! Unfortunately I had to break up their fun so we could take them home.  We were just leaving Oswego, when their dad sent me a text, "Are you bringing the kids home?"  I guess he thought we might just keep them!  

It was a great day and I enjoyed having the time to spend with each of my sisters, their spouses, our kids, our nieces and nephews, and my aunt and cousin.

While I thought the evening would pretty much end there once we returned home I realized I did not have my jacket.  I checked with Crystal to see if I left it in her car, checked with Misti to see if I left it there, and then I realized I might have worn it when we picked up Kamron and Jaxson, so I asked Kamron if she could find it - no luck at all.  I knew it had to be somewhere - but where?  Maybe tomorrow when I have some rest I'll remember what I did with it.

I have to go to Joplin tomorrow and since Misti's free for the next several weeks until school starts again, I asked her if she'd like to ride along with me.  She will let me know in the morning.



Monday, December 17, 2018

I have an eye appointment with my ophthalmologist at 10:30 this morning in Joplin.  Misti sent me a text early this morning that she would go with me.  I told her I'd pick her up a little before 9:30.  I wanted to visit with my friend Carol (who was my "right hand" when I was working, and now does my former job) this morning before I left.  I told Crystal I would take the Community Center keys back to the City Office this morning so I could visit with Carol.  Unfortunately, she wasn't there today, so I'll catch up with her later.

This left me with some time to kill.  I drove by my Aunt Lil's thinking I might visit with her for 20 or so minutes before I picked up Misti, but she wasn't home.  In order to kill a little more time, I drove through the park.  Our park is so beautiful.  I never get tired of driving or walking through it.  I still had almost 25 minutes before I was to pick Misti up but I stopped at her house anyway.  I could use her facilities before we left and I didn't mind waiting.  She was ready not long after I arrived so we headed to Joplin 15 minutes early.  I'm sure glad we did.  I had to fill out all new paperwork today which took me most of my waiting time to complete.

When I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis about 18 months ago, my doctor told me I needed to see an ophthalmologist (Dr. Jordan) as granulomas can present themselves in the eyes.  Fortunately, that has not occurred with me.   Dr. Jordan will continue to check them while I am being treated for the sarcoidosis.  He did tell me I now have the start of cataracts in both eyes, however, they are not bad enough to do anything with them right now and it will probably be a few years before I will need to.

By now it was 11:30, so Misti and I had lunch at El Vallarta.  I ordered a cheese enchilada dinner, and Misti had the Emely Special - which looked delicious.  It was rice, chicken and sauted vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, yellow squash, carrots and zuchinni) covered with cheese sauce.  A new place for Dean and I to try out as I think we would both love it and it is plenty big enough to share!

I had several stops to make before we headed back to Oswego.  We made several stops before we headed home.  I dropped Misti off then headed home for a short while. Dean and I visited for a bit about the day, then we left to pick Misti and Haleigh up.  We are headed to Parsons to watch Kamron's basketball game which starts at 5.  On the way there I was going to look something up on my phone and I could not find it.  I decided I must have left it at home.  I was irritated with myself as I was unable to take any pictures at the game.  Kamron played another good game tonight, and we really enjoyed watching her again!  This is the last game we'll see of this season as Christmas break starts Wednesday afternoon. 

Afterwards we went to dinner at Chinese Chef where we visited over our meal.  Misti and I both needed a couple of things from the store so we made a quick stop at Walmart's.  Shortly after we got back in the truck someone's phone started dinging like crazy.  Everyone said what's that?  I said it sounds like my phone!  I have it set to provide updates from various apps every 10-15 minutes.  Sure enough it was my phone - it had dropped down between my seat and the console!  Frustrating - because I didn't get any pictures of Kamron tonight!

We made it home with no other issues.  I have to say I was glad to finally just sit in my chair and relax while we watched the end of a Christmas movie.  Dean turned on something else after that.  The next thing I know he's asking me if I'm ready to go to bed.  I'm not sure how long I was asleep in my chair.  
















  

Sunday, December 2, 2018 through Monday, December 10, 2018 - Family Health Trials; Grandson's Graduation from Navy Basic Training; Catching Up

Sunday, December 2, 2018 - Family Health Trials; Grandson's Graduation from Navy Basic Training; Catching Up

Today is my Sunday to host our weekly Sisterfest.  The RV is full of Christmas presents and after being gone all day yesterday, plus all of the running we've done this past week I haven't had a chance to clean much.  The original plan was to go to Joplin to visit our step-dad Larry, and his wife Verna. We were going to leave Oswego at noon, right after church.  I decided I would go to church with Cindy this morning since I wasn't sure I'd make it back from my church by noon. 

It's the weekly Sisterfest host's job to provide a dessert so this morning I made a lemon cake.  Not everyone likes lemon as much as I do, so I checked with Verna yesterday and fortunately they both like it too.  

About 9:00 Verna sent a text message that she had called the ambulance and they were taking Larry to Freeman Hospital ER in Joplin.  After church I called Verna and learned Larry was being admitted to the hospital but they weren't sure what was wrong yet or how soon he would be moved to a room.  She will keep us updated and we will reschedule our visit with them at a later date.

After church we found out from our sister Crystal that they had to take our youngest sister Jody's son, Wade, to Urgent Care this morning.  From there they sent him to the Emergency Room as he was not feeling well, but they sent him home.  What a morning!

Since we cancelled our visit to Larry and Verna, Cindy offered her house for getting together this afternoon.  Text messages went back and forth with Verna throughout the day.  They determined Larry had a very bad Urinary Tract Infection and some medication he was taking needed to be adjusted and he was feeling a little better by late afternoon.

With all of that going on plus other things we've been doing I haven't had much time to work on the blog so this will be an abbreviated update of the past several days, noting highlights - at least, of what I remember.  Lol!


Monday, December 3, 2018

I took my granddaughter Haleigh to Parsons this morning - we were at the Driver's License Office at 8:00 when they opened.  

When Misti was preparing for their trip to see Logan at Thanksgiving she was checking to make sure all of their paperwork was in order so they would have no problem getting on base.  They discovered Haleigh's driver license was expired - by 19 days.  I took her to Parsons a few weeks ago to get it renewed.  Unfortunately, we discovered that since it's expired more than 10 days past her birthday, and because her license was originally a restricted license until she turned 16 - she now has to retake not only the test but must drive again in order to get her new license.   They could not do it that day since we arrived after 4pm.  However, they did issue her a new ID while we were there.

Unfortunately, she had not received the new ID when we arrived today, so they would not let her take the test or drive because there cannot be two requests for the same person in the system at the same time.  We were both so disappointed.  To make it worse, when Misti checked the mail after she got out of school, guess what arrived in today's mail - yes, her new ID.  Misti decided she would just wait until Christmas break and she will take her.  

A while after I returned from Parsons I received a text message from my sister that Wade my nephew was sick all night.  It wasn't too long after that I received a text, they had called the ambulance and were taking him to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.   They did a spinal tap and determined he had bacterial meningitis and he was moved to ICU.   They put him in an induced coma to allow his body to rest.  Word from Verna on Larry - he is feeling much better today. 

Between phone calls/text messages with my sister about Wade; and with Verna about Larry I spent the rest of the day bringing our November budget up to date, sorting mail, filing medical papers (from all the doctor appointments we've had lately - ugh!) and doing a little cleaning around Bentley.  The one thing about being in our hometown during the fall and spring is:  we are able to get all of our doctor's appointments done at once but it sure takes up a lot of our time here.


 
Tuesday, December 4, 2018

We still had a few things to do around Bentley this morning and we kept busy with that.  After lunch my sisters Cindy and Crystal and my niece Amy (Wade's sister) and I went to Joplin.  We dropped Amy off at Mercy so she could have time with Wade - she hasn't had a chance to see him at all since he was admitted to the hospital, and my sisters and I went to Freeman to see Larry and Verna.  Larry looked good, though he is still recovering.  They indicated he may be there another 4 days or so to get his medication regulated and for physical therapy.  We only stayed about 30-40 minutes so we could also visit Wade when we pick Amy up.  It was hard to see him just laying there in the induced state, and not see him smile at us.  Devon, his wife, has been there since Saturday.  She's a trooper; as well as my sister Jody, who has also been there throughout each day.   Jody's had to do this a few times with Wade - he was in a car accident several years ago and was seriously injured; he fell from his deer stand last year when the strap on it broke and now this.  She's such a strong person and a prayer warrior!

We had to have Amy back in Oswego by 5:00 so she could pick up Wade and Devon's little girl, Peyton, from daycare.  I'm sure she is confused about what is going on but fortunately she loves her Aunt Amy; as well as her Nana Jody and Papa Mark, who will pick her up when they get back to Oswego, where she will spend the night; so she is with people she loves and they certainly love her.

A little after 6, Dean and I headed to Parsons for our granddaughter, Kamron's Christmas program at the Municipal Building Auditorium.  We enjoyed the entire program!!  We got to visit with Marc before and during, and we got to talk to Kamron for a few minutes before the program, and afterwards.  

Kindergarten and First Graders - they are all so cute!

My cousins' grandson in the light purple shirt & vest, with glasses on front row - Chandler!  He has such a beautiful smile and sung his heart out!  

Kamron - to the left of center.

Kamron and her best friend.

When we returned to Oswego we made another drive through Riverside Park since all of the individual decorations are up in the park now.

New pictures

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Good news on Wade today - he woke up and pulled his breathing tube out.  Devon called the nurse in, and she asked him who Devon was - he said his wife; who the current President is - he said Trump; who the previous President's were and he named the four previous to Trump.  He still needs to rest for full recovery but we are thankful for every bit of improvement - and this one today was huge!  He is unable to open his left eye or hear out of his left ear, move his neck to look down or lift his left arm, however, the doctors believe all of those will likely return as he heals and the swelling goes down.  Later this evening a report from his wife said he asked for his phone so he could look at his Fantasy Football team - a good sign!  

Larry is continuing to improve and is doing very well.  We are so thankful for what God has done and we know he will bring them both through these trials just fine.   

Dean and I spent the day preparing Bentley and ourselves for a trip we are taking tomorrow with my daughter Misti and granddaughter Haleigh.  With the cold weather we had to make sure Bentley had enough propane to keep everything warm while we are gone.  Dean picked the water hoses up and stored them after filling our tank with enough water we would be able to shower in the morning.  I packed everything I thought we might need while we are gone for the next three days.  


Thursday, December 6, 2018

I was up at 3:45 this morning to be sure we had everything ready before Misti picks us up at 5:00.  Amazing how time can fly when you are trying to make sure everything is completed before you walk out the door.  Dean and I both had lists to be sure we didn't overlook anything.

Misti arrived at 5:02 and it took just a few minutes to load the car with our suitcase and a couple of bags.  Within minutes we were off on our journey to Waukegan, IL, home of the Great Lakes Navy Station near North Chicago for our grandson's graduation from Navy Basic Training which will take place tomorrow.  We are so excited to see him!

Our trip went well, even though we were surprised when we ran into a snowstorm about an hour and a half south of Bloomington, IL.  The snow stopped about the time we reached Bloomington.  Fortunately, the roads were warm enough they were not slick, even though approximately 2-3 inches fell during the drive.  The trees were very pretty - especially the large pine trees.

We stopped just a short time afterwards to grab something to eat and use their facilities.  The front of Misti's car was covered in ice.  

The rest of our drive was uneventful and we were blessed that even upon arriving in Chicago we were not caught up in heavy traffic.  It did slow a bit but it was not bad in comparison to Misti's trip two weeks ago to see Logan at Thanksgiving where it was backed up and barely moving.

Our first stop was at the Navy Exchange (NEX) to pick up tickets for Logan's graduation tomorrow.  Each family receives four tickets to attend the graduation.  Besides Misti and Haleigh, Logan's dad Madio and his Grandma Rose will be attending.  We will be able to watch it via livestreaming at the hotel where we are staying.  

After getting the tickets we looked through all of the shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothing items available in the NEX.  I was hoping to buy a shirt, but could not find anything I really liked, so I will look online.  I was looking for a Navy t-shirt in gray or navy with Grandma on it but all I found were sweatshirts.  I think I will get more use out of a t-shirt, as our goal in this full-time RV life is to stay where warmer weather is; and I already have plenty of sweatshirts.

Once we made it to the hotel we were all thankful to be out of the car and have a chance to relax.  A short time later we left long enough to eat dinner at a Panda Express nearby.

Continued good news on Wade - his white blood count continues to drop and reached 20 today.  They also got him up, had him sitting in a chair and walking down the hall.  

My stepdad Larry is doing much better and the doctor thinks he is ready to be released if his heart doctor agrees.  They will be sending him to a rehab center where he will have physical therapy a few times a day before he returns home.



Friday, December 7, 2018

Misti and Haleigh were up around 3:30 this morning in order to leave by 5:00.  With several hundred soldiers graduating today she wants to get in the gate early.  At Thanksgiving she waited in line at the front gate for a very long time.  She was afraid she wasn't going to get there in time to pick Logan up, but it all worked out.  Arriving early will also provide a better chance of locating a good seat, which they did, but unfortunately they could not pick him out when his group marched in. They were unable to find him until after the ceremony was over.  He was in the back of his unit (41) so not easily seen from their seats.  

Prior to Graduation Ceremony

Logan's Unit 041

Logan was able to leave after the graduation ceremony and rode with his Dad and Grandma Ybarra to pick up his Grandpa at their hotel.  Misti stopped at our hotel to change clothes and pick us up.  The light indicating she had a low tire came on.  We searched for a gas station with an air hose, but were unable to find one that was working.  We are meeting for lunch at Giordona's, a short distance away so we went ahead and drove there.  Logan, his dad and grandparents arrived a short time later.  We had to wait 45 minutes for a table, however they took our pizza orders while waiting.  We enjoyed our lunch with Logan and hearing about his 8 weeks of basic training.  He had a cold when he went in and today he barely had any voice.  I'm sure the "shouting" they do during basic training added to the voice loss as much as the cold did, but he persevered through it all and I'm very proud of him.  He looked so sharp in his dress blues and coat!  

One of my favorite pictures taken of Logan today  - at lunch

Logan and one of the young men in his group

After lunch we drove to the nearby mall to spend some time.  Even though we stopped in a few stores, for the most part we just walked and visited.  We finally decided to drive back to our hotel (Courtyard by Marriott - just a short distance away).  They have some nice seating areas in the hotel and we grabbed one that provided enough room for us all and spent the rest of the evening visiting with our new soldier!  The hotel had a perfect location to take pictures and I have included a few below.  I just can't express how very proud I am of him - we all are!  It was wonderful to see all eight of us just enjoying the precious time we had with him tonight.  Tomorrow morning he flies to San Antonio for A-school at Fort Sam Houston, where as a corpsman, where he will attend medical training.  All too soon it was time for him to leave and head back to base for the evening.  After hugs and goodbyes, Madio and his grandparents drove him back. We'll see him again tomorrow morning when we meet him at the airport where we will be able to spend time with him before his flight to Texas.

Dress Coat at the Mall

My daughter Misti, and her two loves - grandson Logan and granddaughter Haleigh

Nana Peine (me), Misti, Logan, Haleigh, and Papa Peine (Dean)

My favorite picture of Logan and Misti - I tear up everytime I see it.  Misti is so extremely proud of him!

Another favorite - Logan's Dad Madio, Logan and Misti.   It just makes me happy to see their smiles and the love they have for this young man!

Grandma Rose Ybarra, Logan and Grandpa Oscar Ybarra

Grandpa and Grandma Ybarra, Logan, and his Dad Madio Ybarra

I wanted a picture of the three of us!

I loved the background for this picture and wanted one of all of us with our Nations' Flag behind us!

After Logan left Dean and I went in search of a place to find some air for Misti's tire(s).  Fortunately there was still someone in the service area at Wal-mart, almost next door to our hotel, and they were kind enough to check all of the tires and air them up.  What a blessing that was and there was no charge for it!  We truly appreciated their kindness!




Saturday, December 8, 2018

We were "thrilled" (NOT) to find out Logan is leaving for the airport at 4:00 AM!!!!  So at 2:45 we were up to finish packing, getting dressed; then heading to Chicago O'Hare Airport.  
We were blessed that we fell right in behind the buses carrying our soldier right to the point of the terminal location.  Haleigh and I went in to wait for Logan while Misti and Dean parked the car.  It wasn't long before we saw Logan walk in.  

Pulling glove off

Center - sitting on his duffel bag

All family members were able to obtain a pass to join Logan at the gate his flight will leave from.  We stayed until a little after 8 and then we left to begin our journey back to Oswego.  Logan's plane did not leave until 1:00 (his dad and grandparents flights did not leave until after his, so they kept him company).  He landed in San Antonio an hour or two before we made it back to Oswego, which was around 5:30.  It was good to know he made it safely and we were all glad to be out of the car.  We were blessed with a safe trip and that the snowstorm they were expecting in southeast Kansas and northeast Missouri did not occur as they predicted, adding to our safe journey home.  

Eating breakfast at the airport - Wolfgang Puck (it was very good)

Waiting at the gate

We were worn out from the drive.  I put a few things away, but most of it waited until morning.

I was anxious to hear about Wade and after talking to my sister Crystal it was good to hear he continues to improve.  His white count is now down to 17.  His left arm is painful to lift as the muscles are really tight, but they started physical therapy today and that will soon improve.  My sister Jody and husband Mark also took Wade and Devon's daughter, Peyton, to see them today, since he was moved to a regular room from ICU.  I know they were both anxious to see her!

I sent a text to let Verna know we were home and learned Larry had been moved to a rehab facility in Joplin and he is doing well.  I'm so thankful for all the prayers that were said for Wade and Larry and how God has moved in their lives this week to bring healing.

We received a call earlier today from our RV dealer.  They have received the parts to repair our level up system and wanted to know if they could work on it Tuesday or Wednesday.  We chose Wednesday and will drop it off at 10:00, which works out well for us to visit Larry and Wade in Joplin while we are waiting for the repairs to be done.

My cousin Todd brought a package from Amazon that was left for us yesterday at the RV park and I invited him in.  We enjoyed visiting with him for awhile before we ordered a pizza for dinner from the local Pizza Hut.  It wasn't long after that we crashed.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

We went to bed at 9 last night and I slept until shortly before 7 this morning.  Dean was up not too long afterwards.  We were both exhausted from the last three days, but it was worth it for the opportunity to see and spend time with Logan!

Oh my, Bentley looked like a cyclone hit it - with suitcases, bags, Christmas stuff, the package we got from Amazon while we were gone strewn throughout the living room and bedroom.  While I didn't have time to do everything, I at least got most of the stuff put away so I could stand it.

After breakfast, we both had our showers and got ready for church.  We haven't been able to make it to Sherman Country Church for weeks as we've been gone for one reason or another.  It was great to be there and Roger had a great message today.  We made it home about 12:45, long enough to eat; then I headed to my sister Cindy's for our weekly Sisterfest.  Her daughter Nikki joined us a little later and we all had a great visit.

I stopped at the grocery store on the way back to get bread and lunch meat for the week.  The Chiefs game was just ending as I walked in Bentley.  Fortunately, they managed to pull off another win!  Dean was happy about that!

Dean put the water hose out so I could do some laundry.  He had to take it up again later, since temperatures are dropping below freezing again tonight.  I'll do more tomorrow since I plan to be here most of the day!  I've got a whole list of things to get done.  We have a very busy week - what's new, right?  Weather permitting, we will be leaving for Mission, TX, December 26.  We still have many things we want and need to do before then.  

We made a quick trip to the storage shed tonight to get a roll of brown paper so I could wrap presents that need to be mailed tomorrow.  We enjoyed this beautiful sunset on the way!

It's now 8:45 Monday morning and I am caught up!  It feels good.  Today we are so thankful that our family members are healing well and for the special time we got to spend with Logan, as well as that with my daughter and granddaughter on the trip there and back.  We are blessed!



Monday, December 10, 2018

My neck has been bothering me for the past few days and today it decided to rear its really ugly head and I was miserable.  I did manage to do a little but even after taking tylenol and using biofreeze (which usually really helps) it was not letting up, so I gave in and made an appointment with the chiropractor.  

One of the things I wanted to do today was get the blog caught up.  I needed to download the pictures from my camera to Google Photos.  I managed to get both done, but by the time the pictures finished downloading, my neck was hurting too bad to add them.

So, as for all I hoped to accomplish today; not nearly enough was done.  Besides catching the blog up, I manged to get presents that need to go in the mail wrapped today.  However, our plans to take them to Pittsburg to ship them, when we pick up our mail, will have to wait until tomorrow.  

I went to the chiropractor at 2:30.  When I returned home, I laid down with an ice pack and by 4:00 I was feeling much better.  Granddaughter Kamron has a basketball game tonight at 5:00.  I seriously considered not going but she only has two games left that we can attend so I decided I didn't want to miss them.  I am so glad we went.  She played the best game I've ever seen her play.  Her confidence level is much improved.  She scored the first two points of the game, and she played extremely well the entire game.  I was so proud of her.  

Kamron is #11, with the long pony tail.

The Parsons Catholic "Saints" played Chetopa "Hornets" tonight.  I lived in Chetopa until my parents divorced in 1970.  Much of my family still lives there.  Kamron played against my cousin Ricky Nash's granddaughter, Isabella.  I noticed as the boys started preparing for their game that my cousin Steve Blackledge's grandson Kaden was going to be playing later.  We did not stay to watch the boys, as we took Kamron home after the girls games.  It was good to visit with Marc and Jennifer too before we headed home.

Back home I warmed up the taco soup I set out before we left.  I froze it before we left last week, so it was an easy fix for tonight.

We called it an early night again - still trying to catch up on those early mornings in Chicago.  Lol!