I was out of bed shortly after 5am. I have several things to do before Cindy picks me up at 8:30 for our trip to Joplin. First thing first - make the coffee! I laid a load of blue jeans downstairs by the washer/dryer last night before we went to bed, so I would remember to wash them as soon as I got up. After starting the washer, I did a few exercises. By the time I had finished those it was time to pour the first cup.
Cindy is picking me up at 8:30. We are visiting our step-dad Larry and his wife Verna. It was early to mid-January the last time I saw them, before we left for Texas.
After my coffee, I changed the sheets on the bed, did the dishes and put them away, dried the jeans, then hung them up to finish drying during the day, got dressed, fixed my hair, and put on makeup (one of the few times I have since this virus thing started).
I made sure I had everything I needed before Cindy arrived to pick me up. My phone, my raincoat since we are expecting some storms in the 4 state area today, my insulated freezer bag for a few cold things I am getting and made sure I had everything I needed in my purse. I even kissed Dean goodbye, so I could head out the door when she arrived. When she pulled up I grabbed my items and headed to the car.
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| As we passed through Galena, KS on our way to Joplin. I love this sign they put up at their 4 way stop. Route 66 goes through the very southeast corner of Kansas, and is the home of Tow Mater from the Pixar Movie: Cars. |
As we drove toward Joplin the clouds to the southwest of us were getting much closer and darker. We were in Joplin, on 20th Street near the turnoff to Larry & Verna's when we started getting huge raindrops. It wasn't a heavy rain yet, just those big drops. We made it to their house, when it started raining a little harder. Verna had the garage door open and directed Cindy closer so we could get under the overhang of the garage when we came in.
Verna had coffee made, so we enjoyed another cup while we caught up with them and they heard our stories - about a variety of things regarding the kids and grandkids, and our own lives.
The hour we planned to spend there flew by. It was hard not to hug them, but we self distanced ourselves and did virtual hugs instead. From there we headed to Sam's. I only needed 3-4 things, but Cindy wanted to look so we went up and down most of the aisles. Fortunately, the number of people inside was small. Maybe 50 or so. It was not crowded. We soon had our items purchased, then we headed to Walmart for our pick-up order. I ordered a few things for Cindy, but most of it was mine.
We stopped at Sonic on our way from Sam's to Walmart. We ordered double cheeseburgers and a drink. The burger was a bit on the cold side and the cheese was not melted at all. It was not what I would expect from Sonic. That's 2 strikes against them. The last time (a different Sonic) when I opened my burger mustard and ketchup were all over the paper they wrapped it in..it was a mess; however the burger was hot and the cheese was melted, so I will give them that!
The only rain we encountered in the time we traveled were the raindrops getting to Larry & Verna's and then it passed.
Back home, Cindy and Dean helped me get the groceries in. I was tired and felt like laying down. After I put things away I set down in my chair and promptly fell asleep. I think I remember Dean telling me he was going to the garage. The next thing I knew at least an hour or more had passed, but I felt better when I woke up.
Haleigh and Misti are coming for dinner tonight at 6. At a little after 5, I started prepping for our meal of chicken fettuccine and garlic rolls. Afterwards we had a piece of cheesecake I bought at the store. We sure enjoyed their company. I need to do this more often!!
I worked on this blog post until 8:30 or so, but I kept nodding off. I went to bed shortly after 9 but of course once I got there I didn't fall asleep until Dean came to bed at 9:30. It was still warm enough we left our side windows in the bedroom open with our little wine corks.
I'm thankful for my step-dad Larry. He's been a part of our lives since I was 13 and he is the only parent we have left. We are thankful he cares about us the way he does, and that Verna also welcomes us to their home and loves us too. We are grateful!
I'm glad you got an opportunity to visit Larry and Verna, sometimes Facetime visits just aren't enough.
ReplyDeleteWe've started venturing out and for certain people, we are even accepting hugs if they are willing.
Take care and stay well.
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