Travels with Bentley

Travels with Bentley
Bentley - our Heartland Bighorn

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - Morning Walk; Closing out April; Keeping Busy at Bentley; Checking on the Birds at the Lot; Delivery to Marc & Jen;

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - Morning Walk; Closing out April; Keeping Busy at Bentley; Kamron Comes To Visit; Checking on the Birds at the Lot; Delivery to Marc & Jen.

It was a bit cooler this morning - 55F outside, and only 61F inside.  I had to turn the fireplace on to take the chill off.  I finished up yesterday's post before we walked this morning.  It really wasn't too bad outside, but the wind was sure blowing.


The sky was gorgeous this morning as we drove into the park

It was cool on the bluff this morning with the wind out of the north

We pulled into the park a little after 7 and everyone was already making their first trip around.  I almost didn't bring a jacket, but I was sure glad I did.  I never took it off either, although I did partially unzip it about half way through our second trip around the park.




We immediately noticed the flower beds had been planted.  City crews and volunteers filled the beds with flowers both in the park and in the downtown planters.  I had planned to help plant on Thursday late afternoon/early evening but that is when my hip was really bothering me.  It still is, but it has improved.  I've been doing some exercises and I am trying not to sit in my recliner except for short bouts.  I notice it bothers me more when I sit there than when I'm in a chair at the dining table/desk.


I love the large oak trees scattered throughout our park.  Our Tree Board has done a wonderful job of planting trees on a regular basis to replace ones we've lost.  Many trees have been purchased and donated to the city as a Memorial Tree for the loss of a loved one.  It's a really wonderful program!

Another wonderful site for us this morning in the park was an eagle flying over as we came from the south towards the bluff.  I was watching to see if I could see the white tail and face - and sure enough it turned and I got a full-on look.  Unfortunately, my camera wasn't ready, but here are a few pictures I took.  He was sure enjoying following the wind current.  They are such an awesome sight to see.  


Eagle pictures


We were slow this morning.  Partly because of the eagle and partly just getting back in the groove after 4 days without walking.


Another view of the sky this morning as the sun was coming up in the clouds.

Back at Bentley, we had our shake, then a short time later Dean headed to the golf course.  I have two more loads of laundry to do today, but I plan to be in a good part of the day so I don't mind.  I brought our April budget up to date.  One positive thing about staying in place, we definitely saved money.  We had the best month ever - and that included expenses for repairs to my car and paying state taxes to KS for 2019.   

After lunch (whenever Dean makes it back from the golf course) I'm going to the lot for an hour or so to check out what he's done since I was there last week and to see how the bird feed is holding up.  I'll stay to watch the birds for awhile.  I have more things to do this afternoon so I can't stay too long.  Later this afternoon, I'm going to make a dessert, and a casserole to take to Marc & Jen.  They've had a busy, busy time getting moved.  I just want them to have the evening to spend with each other and a meal they don't have to worry about. 

I haven't figured out what we'll have for dinner yet, maybe a pizza.  It's been a couple of weeks since I've made one and it sounds good, and it's easy!  

Haleigh called me to see if they could borrow Dean's push broom as she and her mom (Misti) are cleaning out their garage and wanted to sweep the floor.  When Dean returned from golfing, just a short time later, we went to the garage to get it.  We took it by their house.  I snapped a picture of this sign in front of their house.  


The OHS graduating class are unsure when or if they will have a formal graduation.  Too many unknowns at this point.  However, the Christian Church is having a special event Sunday, May 8 for the graduates.  They have been holding church in a large Parking Lot where our grocery store and Dollar General is located.  The Seniors are going to ride in the back of trucks and they will announce their names (at least that is what I understand will happen).  Haleigh will ride in our truck.  We have another granddaughter Dacy that is to graduate this year in Columbus, KS.  We are not sure what or when they are doing something.  We are waiting to hear!

About 2 Marc sent me a text and I called him.  He suggested I get Kamron for the afternoon.  I told him I'd be there soon.  I was actually finishing up lunch when he called.  Dean didn't get back from the golf course until after 1:30 so we had a late lunch.  I cleaned things up and headed to Altamont.  I visited with Marc and Jaxson for a bit, Kamron showed me her room and the color she had chosen to paint it.  She had already painted most of the back of her door in a criss-cross pattern.  She left one of the "cross areas" unpainted - it will be the same as her room color.  She is really good at decorating and making things.  

I told her I was making dinner for her family tonight so I would need her help.  Our first stop was at the garage.  We walked the lot almost to the highway and showed her all the work Papa had done since she was last here.  She had not seen the new siding on the garage either and was surprised at the change.  I wanted to check the bird feeders.  The orioles have been busy as every single spot of jelly was gone from the feeder.  I left jelly in the refrigerator at the garage, so I filled it before we left.  We walked upstairs - and she said it's our wagon!  Yes, I could not let that "Fischer-Price" wagon go when we downsized.  There are still a lot of little ones that could enjoy it - and someday maybe we'll even have some great grands that will too - although I hope not for awhile.

When we arrived at Bentley, she wanted to know if she could have some pancakes.  Of course!  She mixed up the batter.  I even had one myself!  After eating, she made brownies that she will take home with her for their dessert.  I didn't want to make the casserole until later, right before I take her home.  We spent the afternoon playing "Go Fish", visiting and making a trip to the Flea Market in town that re-opened today after being closed due to the coronavirus.  Other than the owners, only one other person was in the shop so I felt comfortable with us being there.  At 5:30 I put together the casserole - Mexican Chicken Casserole.  Dean and I love this dish.  I haven't made it for awhile.  I need to half it and make it in an 8x8 pan for us.

When Papa Dean returned we headed to Marc's a little after 6.  I left instructions on cooking the casserole in the oven, and a note "Brownies by Kamron" on the tinfoil I covered them with.  

We visited with Marc and Jaxson for 15-20 minutes or so.  When we walked to the garage there were two people talking to Marc.  I realized it was Randy Blackwell and his wife.  They live across the street and south.  Marc found some more things he wanted to get rid of, so he listed them on Facebook Marketplace.  They came to shop!

Back home I made that pizza I mentioned earlier in my cast iron skillet and Dean cooked it on our Weber grill.  

Another great day spent with grandkids!  We are getting anxious to see all of our grandkids.  We've talked about doing a loop of some areas in Kansas that would include a stop to see our grands in Wichita.  We have planned a trip to Western New York to see the grands there this summer.  We are going to get in touch with Brett's two oldest kids to see if they'd like to come over.  We can order pizza.  I don't know if Dacy's ever seen our property or not.  We do have a nice picnic table that folds up stored in the garage.  We could have a pizza party at the lot as long as the weather is nice!  

It was a wonderful day!










2 comments:

  1. You're doing well with your walks, sore hip and all! Nice to see the flowers planted around the area. It seems like you are in another world with your temperatures compared to ours. 55F is warm for us right now!
    It's good that you are getting some family visits in and what a lovely gesture making dinner for the busy family. :)

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  2. I've been exercising. My hip feels better but I need to find exercises specific to stretching those hip muscles. It's a matter of looking up the ones I have and doing them!!!

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