Monday, June 29, 2020 - On the Go Go Go!

Monday, June 29, 2020 - On the Go Go Go!

I didn't wake up until almost 5:30 this morning.  It was a very good night sleep.  Dean got up just a short time after I did.  We had our coffee together, although I was working on the blog and he was watching TV.  At 7:00 we headed to the park for our 2 mile walk.  We've only managed to walk one day in the past two weeks but with all that was going on, it's fine.  We'll soon get in the swing of things again.  

It was already fairly warm when we headed to the city park.  Fortunately for us, the wind was blowing, providing a nice breeze.  It was nice to see others out walking this morning.

I wanted to share some of the flowers with you, since the plants are starting to fill the beds now.  Everything looks so nice.  Kudos to the city employees for the great work they do in our parks!

As we returned to the RV Park, I asked Dean to pull over near Todd's shop so we could walk over and see if there were any more blackberries.  I was able to get a nice amount that almost filled a ceral bowl.  I'll try again tomorrow morning or Thursday before we leave.   I'm hoping to get enough to make a small cobbler.  

I fixed our shakes, then I took a shower.  While I dried my hair, Dean took his turn in the shower.  Today is our friend Donnie's, mom's graveside service.  We left the house about 9:40am.  Shirley was a fun lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her.  As often happens we see friends at services that we haven't seen in awhile.  It was nice to see and visit with so many people from the community, including one of my High School classmates I had not seen for awhile.  It was nice to catch up with her and her husband, and their families.  

I had started laundry this morning before we left and I picked up where I left off upon returning home.  We had a quick lunch, then decided to drive to Joplin.  Dean had several things he wanted to get for the shop - small items, but ones he needed.  I wanted to pick up a couple of things at Sam's since we would be there.  They have a wonderful pimento cheese that we are hooked on, and we are almost out.  

It's got just a touch of heat - we love it on celery and crackers!

We made stops at Lowe's, Sam's, Harbor Freight and Bed, Bath & Beyond, before heading home.  Dean really needed to replace his shaving razor.  He's looked in several places for them, but most had lots of extras he would not use, thus they were also more than he wanted to pay.  While Cindy and I were in Joplin Thursday I noticed BB&B had several.  I relayed the information to Dean and after taking a look today, he chose a new one.  

I bought some grapes (unplanned) at Sam's, but they looked so good.  At home I picked the grapes off the vines and put them in a bowl that went in the refrigerator.  I had bought some romaine lettuce a couple of days ago.  Tonight we are having taco salads, so I cut it up.  There will be enough for at least 2 or 3 more salads.  I laid out hamburger before we left.  After frying it, I added taco seasoning.  I forgot to take a picture of our salads!  They were sure good.  I only had one small individual bag of fritoes to share between the two of our salads.  I prefer using Nacho Doritoes, and more than a small individual sized bag, but otherwise it was delicious!

After washing the dinner dishes, we drove to the lot.  On the way to Joplin today I mentioned to Dean that maybe we should not set the house facing directly east and west, but at an angle with the front facing southwest, and the back to the northeast.  We wanted to see how that location might work out.  We really liked the idea, as it appears it will allow us more room to locate a pad for the RV.

After returning to Bentley I put the last load of clothes in the washer - I think I'll have it all done before we go to bed tonight.  I hope!

A busy, but productive day!

Saturday-Sunday, June 27 & 28, 2020 - Busy Weekend, But Lots of Good Times

Saturday-Sunday, June 27 & 28, 2020 - Busy Weekend, But Lots of Good Times

Saturday, June 27 - Rain Stopped Our Walk; Surprise Visitors; Downtown Fun; Working on a House Plan; Family Call

We haven't walked for nearly two weeks because we've had so much going on, so we wanted to get back to daily walks.  We changed into our "walking" clothes, then headed to the city park.  The skies were gray but The Weather Channel radar showed no rain here for almost an hour - so we decided to at least give it a try.  As we turned on to the highway headed east - it was pretty dark and looked like it might even be raining east of us.  We still drove to the park, but we could see the rain was coming from the west, so we headed back to Bentley.

As we left the park

Taken near the overlook in the park.

It started to sprinkle as we pulled up to Bentley.  At least we tried!  I barely walked inside when my cell phone rang.  It was our friend Pam Horstman.  She and Dennis were on their way to Oklahoma and wanted to know if they could stop by for a quick hello.  Well, of course they could.  About an hour or so later they pulled in.  Fortunately, the heavy rain had stopped by the time they arrived, but with even a light rain, we headed inside Bentley.  It was so good to see them and we felt so blessed they took the time to stop.  They were making their way back home after a short visit to the area.  It was fun catching up with them.  Dennis and Pam are both woodcarvers.  He recently made a beautiful urn for two of our RV friends.  Phil subcommed to Covid in March, and while Janelle also had it she pulled through.  Before they left Dennis showed us the beautiful urn he had handcarved for them.  It was all one piece.  Dean and I both assumed the beautifully carved legs at each corner were made and added, but that was not the case.  He carved them.  It was amazing!  Phil enjoyed quilting and made some of the most beautiful quilts.  In honor of that, Pam lined the inside with a small quilted pattern.  On the outside Dennis carved a picture of their dog, Lilypup, and on the front he carved a picture of Phil and Janelle.  It was absolutely beautiful!  I am always amazed at the carvings these two have done when we visit their home.  This was an extra special carving that will be a long lasting work of love to Janelle and their children and grandchildren!

One of our newer downtown businesses (Black Crow Trading Co.) had an outdoor event at their store.  My son Marc set up a booth with a number of wood products he makes.  He set up a booth across the street from the store, where a half dozen or so other vendors were set up.  He sold more than half of what he brought.  It was a good day for him.  Dean stayed close, visiting with the vendor next to him, one of our former neighbors.    I was able to peek at their baby girl.  Dean splurged and bought some kettle corn which didn't last too long once we returned home.  Marc recently set up a webpage with pictures of many projects he has completed.  If you are interested in taking a look, check it out here 

The family all showed up - Daughter Misti on the left, next Haleigh, Dean, Kamron and Marc.  Jen and Jaxson were checking out things in the Trading Co.  Jaxson came home with a big plastic Texaco boat.  He was so proud, as he loves big boats, think the Titanic!

Serving trays, catch all trays, charcuterie boards

An hour later.  He was very pleased with the effort of having a booth. 

We headed home at 2:30.  We've been talking for months about drawing out some house plans.  I suggested this afternoon we should work on it, and Dean agreed.  We set down at the desk and spent the rest of the afternoon drawing plans.  We borrowed my sister's house plans as we wanted something similar to their layout but with a few changes.  We've decided what we came up with is just too big, so we will be cutting it back some.  We rarely have everyone here at the same time - at the most once; maybe, twice a year.  There isn't any reason to have a big house when it's just the two of us.

Dinner was another spinach, chicken and fruit salad.  Years ago I never would have thought about serving this to Dean, but over the years, he's branched out and has "agreed" to try more things.  When we finished eating, Dean was outside looking at the refrigerator, when my phone started ringing.  It was Dean's brother calling in for their weekly family chat on Facebook Messenger.  I was trying to answer it and talk to Dean at the same time.  Larry, his brother and Joyce, his sister were the only two on the line besides us.  We've been doing this every Friday evening, but they decided to change it to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of the month, in hopes it might work better for their two sisters and sister-in-law to join in as well.  
For some reason my neck was really bothering me this evening and I ended up going to bed around 9.  I'm sure it will feel better tomorrow.  A good night rest will most likely make the difference!. 

Fortunately, Dean is doing very well with his shingles. They are disappearing, except for a patch on his stomach, that sometimes is uncomfortable but not unbearable.  He said they do not bother him much, so we are thankful for that.

Sunday, June 28, 2020 - Kamron's 8th Grade Promotion; Sisterfest; Spending Time with Dear Friends

Marc told me yesterday that Kamron's 8th Grade Promotion would be during Mass this morning at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons.  Dean and I arrived about 20 minutes early.  Of course I headed to the restroom immediately.  We then set outside waiting for Marc, Jen and family to show up so we could sit with them.  Unfortunately, we missed each other.  We finally went in and set on the back row.  It was awhile before we finally spotted Marc and family, clear at the very front row.  They had marked off a row for each graduates family.  Afterwards they took several pictures inside, then we took a few more outside.  Here they are:

Nana & Kamron

Mimi (Jen's mom) & Kamron

Papa, Kamron & Nana

Dad, Kamron, Mom & Jaxson

Kamron - top center & Her Classmates (minus one, who was unable to attend).

After all of the picture taking, we returned home, where I made us a simple lunch of sandwiches.  Ham/cheese for Dean and pnut butter/jelly for me.  I also cut up a small cucumber that we split between us with some ranch dressing on the side.  Yumm!  Of course we had to have our apple afterwards.

At 1, I left for my sister Jody's house for our (not so) weekly sisterfest.  We missed not having Crystal today.  She had her grandson Dempsey for the weekend.  Jody provided a wonderful dessert of peach soapapilla cake.  Delicious!  We have not been together for a few weeks, so it was a nice catchup.

I left at 3,  to pick Dean up at Bently.  Our good friends Donnie & Janie Allison were in town.  Donnie's mother, Shirley Allison, passed away last week.  This afternoon is the viewing at the funeral home, where we made our first stop to pay our respects.  While there we visited with several family and friends, my cousin Lorene & husband Chester; Debbie; Sandy and her mom Charlene; Patty & husband Butch.  It was great as I had not seen most of them in some time.  

From there we headed to "The Harvest House", a beautiful older home that has been restored and used as an AirBNB for weekends.  It is also open to the public for events through the week.  Donnie, Janie and their son Jeff are staying here, and invited friends to stop by.  Donnie's mom and dad were both originally from Oswego and of course, Donnie was too.  Janie moved here at a young age so it's "home" to both of them. However, a few years ago, after Janie retired they moved to the KC area where their son, his wife and their three children live.  They were our run around together friends for many, many years as Jeff and Dean's son, Jarred played many sports together from the time they were small, through High School.  We've enjoyed so many wonderful times together.  It only takes seconds, to fall back to all the fun times, full of laughter, and of course that happened again today.  We were blessed to meet their friends from KC while we were there, a lovely couple - Doug and Roseanne.  

Sun working it's way down this evening, as we left for our Subway sandwiches.

I told Dean on the way back, I was not in the mood to cook dinner tonight.  We finally decided to drive to Subway in Columbus, 15 minutes away.  Okay, I have to admit what we finally ended up getting was pretty good, but between us we had to ask for 5 or 6 different sandwiches before they had the ingredients to make the two we finally chose.  I've never seen that happen at a Subway before.  Hopefully, it was due to a busy weekend!  We decided to take it home and eat it in the comfort of our home.    

My turkey & ham sandwich with all the fixings!

I wanted to at least get these two posts written up before I went to bed, so I could proofread it this morning.  It was too late to do that last night.  It was a busy, but very good weekend with family and friends.

Friday, June 26, 2020 - It's A Good Day!

Friday, June 26, 2020 - It's A Good Day!

It was almost 5:30 when I woke this morning and went downstairs, with a cool 70F outside.  I did a few exercises, and soon afterwards was enjoying my first cup of coffee.  I worked on the blog until almost 8.  Time passes quickly when your mind is busy with a project.  It was a good time to stop and make our morning shakes.

Dean left for the garage around 8:30.  I told him I would be down soon.  The front of my car is covered with "bugs" and I want to get it cleaned up today.  Fortunately he had some type of bug remover.  We let it set a minute or so, then I took a wet rag to it.  I was surprised it took such little effort to remove them.  Dean cleaned the tires and before long our little white care was truly white, not white with lots of black splotchs!  

I headed home to take care of things there - normal morning routine of picking things up, making the bed, etc.  Then I went back to work on the blog.  I did not have anything on the agenda until this evening and I want to get it finished.  

Todd (my cousin and owner of the RV Park we are at) loves flowers, trees and fruit.  He has planted rasberry and blackberry bushes.  Yesterday he told me the blackberries would be ready to pick this morning, but by the time I had finished washing the car it was too hot to do that, so I am going to go out early tomorrow about 7-7:30 and pick them.  I love blackberries, so I am anxious for the opportunity to get some - and free to boot.

Dean called to let me know he wouldn't be back until closer to 12:30 for lunch.  So I decided to take my shower during that time.  When he returned we had our lunch;  for him a ham and cheese sandwich, while I had my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I cut up a cucumber that we split between us with a little ranch dressing.  It sure tasted good!  Of course, we each had an apple, along with our dab of peanut butter for our snack. Yum Yum!

Dean headed back to the garage after watching whatever Western was on - I can't remember if it was Gunsmoke or Bonanza.  This morning after helping me wash the car, he was burning brush and weeds under the last tree he cleaned up several weeks ago.  He wanted to get back and finish that up.  When he returned around 4, he told me he was going to begin on the brush along the south side of the property next.  It will take some time, but fortunately it is pretty shaded there.  Working in the morning won't be too bad.  He can always finds something to do in the shop - even if it's watching a western on his TV!  LOL!!

After he left, I continued to work on the blog, and I made a quick trip to the grocery store for another cantaloupe (we have almost finished the one I cut up a couple of days ago), and some strawberries.  The strawberries taste so good, nice and sweet.  For dinner I placed a bed of baby spinach in a pasta bowl, added rotissere chicken pieces, then fruit - cantaloupe, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, and avocado, topped with balsamic vinegrette for me and ranch dressing for Dean.  It was soooo good!  

Dean took a quick shower after dinner, and shortly before 6 we headed to Cindy & Elmer's to play Wahoo and pitch.  

The sun slipped behind the clouds seconds before I took this picture, as we left the park.

Girls were winners of both games tonight.  Wahoo!!!!   Elmer puts out quite a garden.  He always puts out a "scarecrow", but this year he changed it.  Cindy was telling us how she had looked out the bathroom window and saw it - thinking it was a real person.  Too funny!  I had to get up and go look at it.  It does look very real and I could see how it might startle you.

It was a nice, relaxing day.  It felt good!  I hope yours was too!

June 10 to June 25, 2020 - Sometimes It's Just Hard to Keep Up

June 10 to June 25, 2020 - Sometimes It's Just Hard to Keep Up!
There is no doubt about it, we stay busy.  I have only mentioned highlights of our days as I work to get the blog caught up.  My blog is also a diary to myself (of sorts).  Feel free to read or pass it by.  I've added several pictures that I remembered to take along the way over the past couple of weeks.



Wed, June 10 I entertained my friends Peggy and Linda for an afternoon visit at the lot.  We walked to the back of the property and talked about the various trees we have, where we were thinking of putting a house, where to plant new trees, etc.  Mostly we set in the garage with the door open.  Fortunately, there was a nice cool breeze making for a comfortable time outside.  I made white chocolate/macadamia nut cookies, and had cold bottles of water for our snack.  It was a great visit and we hope to get together again in two weeks.

Dean was busy this morning as he had an appointment with his cardiologist in Joplin.  As we expected, everything was great!  


Thurs, June 11 I headed to Parsons to meet Marc and pick Kamron up from her dentist appointment.  Jaxson came out to set with me while she finished up inside.  He's a talker and I love listening to him.  When she was finished, Jaxson went home with Dad.  After a quick stop at McDonald's to use their facilities, we both ordered frappes to enjoy on our ride to Joplin, MO.

We visited a few stores - for the most part we were just looking, and keeping our distance from others.  At the mall we did make a couple of purchases.  We visited and enjoyed our day together. 

On our way back, I was reminded (too late) that Dean told me they were working on the road between 69 Highway and Columbus, KS.  We were held up for over 30 minutes as they were overlaying the road with new asphalt.  

I was the first car to stop.  We had been sitting here awhile, when this car came hurrying up to the stop sign where he half way pulled in front of me.  He sure seemed to enjoy his conversation with the guy holding the stop sign.  (Sorry for my dirty windows, our car gets very dusty at the campground)

We picked Papa up so he could ride along to take Kamron home and pick Jaxson up.  He's spending the night with us.  I bought KFC chicken for both of them before leaving Joplin, and they were two happy guys - they like their chicken!


Friday, June 12  Jaxson and I spent the morning together while Papa golfed.  I had to take him home at 11, as I had an appointment to see my Primary Care Physician (PCP) at the Vinita Cherokee Health Center at 1 this afternoon.  My overall report was good except for my potassium being lower than normal.  I spent some time later today researching things to eat that provide higher doses of potassium to try and get it back up.  I know it is important to keep it at a decent level, so I will be working on it diligently.  (They did increase my medication so that too will help).

While I was at the clinic on Monday (June 8) for my lab work, I left an order from my pulmonologist with a lady from medical records.  The order was to schedule a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).  I asked her to please ask my PCP to schedule it at Tahlequah and if it could be scheduled for June 22 or 23, so I would have the report to give my Pulmonologist at my appointment on June 25.  She said she would take care of it.  Great!

So today, when I saw my doctor I asked about my PFT.  She told me it was scheduled for Monday, June 22 at Claremore.  What?  Hmmmm....she didn't get the message that I wanted it in Tahlequah.  That's where all of my tests have been and I think it's good to be consistent, especially when I found out they do not have access to any of my records at Claremore.   My doctor gave me the phone number to the radiologist in Tahlequah to see if I could get it scheduled there instead.  If they can get me in, they can contact her and she will change the order.  

I made a quick stop at Walmart where I picked up a couple of cantaloupes.  I carried them to the door, set them on the step, while I unlocked the RV door, when I picked the sack up, I felt something roll against my leg.  The bag had split almost in half.  I couldn't believe I had carried them both to the RV from the car without one of them dropping out!  I guess they were nestled in each side of the bag.  Lol!

Dean cooking our dinner at Hillside RV Park.

Saturday, June 13  We have enjoyed cooler weather the past few days and again today, although the temperatures are slowly working their way up.  

Dean's son Matt and his family plan to visit us and his brothers here in Kansas in about a month.  We were on the phone with them off and on talking about things we might do and gathering information.  When we weren't doing that, I was busy cleaning Bentley.

Late afternoon we headed to Bailey's, a restaurant in Carl Junction, MO with Cindy & Elmer for dinner.  Afterwards, we'll return to their house to play Wahoo and Pitch.  I chose pork chops, baked potato and broccoli.  The rest of them had fried shrimp and tator tots, okra and onion rings. We all picked out a dessert to take back to have mid-way through our game night.  

The girls skunked the guys in Wahoo and the guys skunked the girls in Pitch!  As always it was lots of fun, with much laughter taking place.  The desserts were wonderful!


Sunday, June 14  I had an agenda today - to get Bentley ready to move tomorrow - storing as much as I could today to make our move easier.  I had laundry to do, and after spending quite awhile yesterday trying unsuccessfuly reach someone at Silver Dollar City (Branson theme park), I was determined to reach someone this morning.  I started calling shortly after 8am and 30-45 minutes later I finally heard a "person" answer the phone!  I just needed information to relay to the kids.  After gathering it all, I sent Matt/Megan a text.

Dean planted the trees that Peggy gave me a couple of weeks ago along the south side of our property where they are shaded all day.  We gave them a good watering and were quite thankful for the cooler temperatures.  Hopefully they will do well while we are gone.

Most of his day was also spent in preparation for the move tomorrow, emptying the tanks, and putting things up outside as well.  

Late afternoon we traveled to "Show Me Birds" where our grandson, Tucker was baptized at their small lake.  We are so proud of him for making this decision in his life.  Dean and I enjoyed seeing Brett, Emilee, Logen and Jameson too.  

Farmers were busy in the fields today!

Show Me Birds Hunting Resort

The above location was our first stop, but we soon realized when his Grandma and Grandpa Profitt pulled in and we were the only ones there we must be in the wrong spot.  We were soon rerouted to the right place, just a short distance away.

Tucker, just after he was baptized leaving the water, Tucker & his dad Brett - Dean and Jameson are to Tucker's left.  Bad thing about collages - you don't always get everything you want in the picture.

This was the pond where he was baptized.  Very beautiful area.

Monday, June 15  We were packed and ready to pull out of the RV park a few minutes after 9:00am. 

We passed this water feature just outside of Carthage, MO.

Due to road construction we were rerouted through Mount Vernon, MO.  The barn is amazing and the golf course was quite busy this morning.

With our rest stops along the way, checking in, finding a place to park, etc. it was 3.5 hours later when we were finally parked and set up.  Treasure Lake is a membership park, so we get to pick from the sites available.  Fortunately, for us, our friends Frank and Joyce were in the park.  Frank had scoped out a couple of nice sites and we were thankful to get one that provided great shade for sitting outside.  It was a really nice three days here with the cooler temps this week.

Soon we were having lunch, then I needed to make a few phone calls.  About mid-afternoon Frank and Joyce came over and we visited for a couple of hours before we went in for the evening.  We are in Branson for Dean's follow-up visits with his urologist and vascular surgeons, but we have a day in between the appointments to have some fun.

Bentley on our site, the shade in front of the rig was wonderful.  A nice cool breeze stayed around all evening.

Later we enjoyed watching the golf cart parade through the RV Park.

Before we went to bed, Dean was complaining about his stomach and back hurting, and it kept him up quite a bit in the night.  We assumed it was from all of the greasy food he had the past several days, and assumed he would feel better tomorrow.


Tuesday, June 16  We headed to Springfield this morning.  Dean was feeling better.  He had to have a CT scan first thing.  Afterwards we headed to FD's Grill.  I chose a fish taco with a salad and broccoli.  He chose a hamburger and tator tots - which he was later sorry for.  Yep, tonight was another long night of stomach pain.  After lunch, we headed to his urologist where he has an appointment for lab work before his visit with the doctor.  All looks good and we are to come back in six months.  I have to say they keep you on a good schedule here - not much wasted time.

When we returned to the RV Park, I had phone calls to make.  I've been trying to get my appointment for the Pulmonary Function Test set up.  Since no one from the Tahlequah clinic had returned my call, I decided I would just go to Claremore, OK (where my PCP had scheduled it), that is, until I talked to them.  Before they would see me I had to arrive almost 1.5 hours prior to my test.  Prior to seeing them or entering the facility I would have to drive to a certain point, have a Covid test, then wait about 40-45 minutes for results, as well as filling out a health chart with them.  I was surprised they did not have access to my records from Vinita.  Before confirming the appointment I told the receptionist in radiology I was going to check with Vinita again and would get back with her.

I called Tahlequah and happened to catch the right person.  The receptionist spoke with Richard who is over the department and told me he would contact me.  I had barely hung up the phone when he called with good news.  I can get in at 8:30 Monday, June 22 in Tahlequah.  No test, and no new chart which will save us quite a bit of time.  It's nearly a 2 hour drive to Tahlequah, about 30 minutes further than Claremore, but it will save us quite a bit of time not having to allow an hour and a half before I can even have the PFT I need.  

My next call was to Escapees to check a packet mailed to us on June 12.  Knowing we would be in Branson when it would arrive, because I needed the information, I had it sent to the Branson Post Office, General Deivery.   As of today it has not arrived yet, but we'll check again Wed, and if needed once more on Thurs before we leave.  Hopefully, it will show up in the meantime.

We walked over to Joyce and Frank's to visit for an hour or so before calling it a night.  The weather has been PERFECT while we have been here.  We've enjoyed nice cool breezes.

After we returned from Frank and Joyce's this evening, Dean started feeling bad and had another rough night.  He is supposed to play golf with Frank tomorrow morning and he's not sure if he'll feel like it. 


Wednesday, June 17  This morning when we got up Dean said he felt fine...we don't know what is causing this stomach issue - good one minute and bad the next.  They went ahead and kept their golf date.  Joyce and I did a little shopping (with our masks) - stopping at a health store nearby, visiting Khol's where we left with no purchases and a quick stop at Walmart for a few groceries.  Once we all returned to the Park, we decided to have lunch at a Mexican restaurant.  They did a good job of keeping everyone a good distance apart and we were in contact with only one worker who seated and served us (wearing his mask).  Afterwards we returned to our rigs.  Later Dean and I drove to the post office to check on the mail - again nothing arrived today.  We returned to Bentley and rested.  After dinner the four of us decided to visit Cakes and Creams (my favorite stop in Branson) for cobbler and ice cream.  I passed on the ice cream and just enjoyed my blackberry cobbler.  Dean was later sorry he ate the dessert, because that is when his stomach started bothering him again and he felt horrible all night.

Our original plans were to go home Friday morning, but since Dean's been feeling so bad we decided to head home tomorrow after his doctor visit and one last check to see if our mail has arrived yet. 


Thursday, June 18  Fortunately, Dean's vascular surgeon sees patients in Branson on Thursdays so we were able to go to the hospital - not too far from our park - for this visit.  If I had known I could not go in with him I would have stayed at the park.  This visit required a sonogram of the area where his abdominal aorta aneurysem was two years ago.  The doctor advised him it looks great and he will not need to return for 2 years!  Woo hoo!  When we arrived at the hospital, we both went in with our masks on, but when they found out I was not a patient they directed me to a nice garden area outside the the hospital where I could wait for him.  (It was a pretty place with lots of trees and flowers - and very shaded).  

I take a water pill each morning and of course it never occurred to me I would not be near a restroom.  I finally had to go in and explain I needed to use a restroom.  The (very nice lady) directed me to walk from the back of the hospital around to the front of the hopsital, then to the bottom of the hill where I would find a porta potty.  It was hot, with no shade while walking clear around the building to the bottom of a hill - only there was no porta potty.  I had to walk all the way back up the hill I had come down to the back of the hospital to tell her I could not find it.  The doors were locked at the front.  She walked me to the front of the hospital (inside, even though she probably would have gotten in trouble if someone asked) and pointed to where I needed to go.  I said I went there but there was no porta potty.  That's when she told me I had to go just beyond the road and then around the corner.  Oh!  I wish I would have known that on the first walk.  I walked it again.  I was shocked to find only one of two porta potties unlocked and it was disgusting!  It looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in days.  But you gotta do what you gotta do!  I knew I couldn't make that walk again without embarrassing myself.  It is what it is, and now it's a funny story to tell, but I can tell you it was NOT funny at the time.  

Before heading back to the campground we stopped by the post office once Dean was finished to find out the mail had still not arrived.  They told me to check back later.  I asked if I could call them and Mark (very nice guy) gave me the number and said to call back after lunch as it could still come in yet today.

We returned to Bentley and finished packing things up, so we could leave as soon as possible.  We ate a quick lunch, then I called the PO once more.  It did not come in on the last mail delivery.  They were so nice and said when it shows up they would forward it on to the Oswego PO when it arrives, at no charge.  Bless them!!

Road construction had things backed up on I-44 heading west.

Dean was still not feeling well on the way home but it wasn't as bad as it has been.  We decided if he wasn't feeling any better by morning we would go to see our doctor tomorrow.


Friday, June 19  I called our doctor first thing this morning as Dean had the roughest night so far.  He was up several times in the night and finally stayed up after the last time he got up at 3am.  Unfortunately, they were booked solid; but directed us to Urgent Care in the same building.  We arrived within minutes of 9am or so, and fortunately he was able to get in pretty quick.  Unfortunately, we left in such a rush I didn't realize until I found out I could not go in with him, that I had forgotten my phone.  Wow - I had forgotten how hard it is to sit without a phone to entertain me.  I spent the next 45 minutes cleaning and going through every little compartment in the car.  I found a couple of napkins and a pen.  So I made a list of things to do.  Anything to keep me busy.  HAHA

When he came out he told me it was GERD, and they told him to take omeprezole.  I had that at home from several months ago when I needed it due to a medication I had to take.  Since I wasn't taking it anymore, and I no longer needed it, why buy more?  We headed home.  He was hurting worse tonight than he has so far.  He took some night time tylenol and went to bed.

I caught this pretty sunset a little before 8pm.

Happy birthday to son Marc Blair today!  Where has the time gone?  

Marc - about 7 mos. old - one of my favorite pictures of him.

Saturday, June 20  When we woke up this morning, Dean told me that his back felt like a knife was going through it.  He wanted me to put some BIO Freeze on it.  I lifted his shirt - to find blisters around his torso - immediatley I knew he had Shingles.  It finally broke out in the night, but after doing a little research gastrointestinal pain prior to a breakout can occur.  It was just a relief to find out what was causing the pain he's had.  

Since today was Haleigh's High School graduation, I set up an appointment with urgent care for Dean at 4:15.  Urgent care does not open until 10 on Saturday/Sunday.  With her graduation at noon - it would have cut us really tight on getting there and back on time, as it's a 45 minute drive each way.  Fortunately, it wasn't too busy when we arrived around 3:45.  He was able to go right in and they confirmed it was shingles.  The doctor gave him a couple of prescriptions, one medication for the shingles and another for pain.  We stopped at Walmart to get them filled, before we headed home.  While he still had pain - it was improved and he slept fairly good.

Haleigh's graduation was very nice.  Fortunately, it was overcast most of the day which turned out to be a blessing, as we were sitting in an open area.  It was warm, but without the sun beating down on us it turned out to be perfect for an outdoor event.  Afterwards, I ran home to check on Dean before going to the Golf Course for Haleigh's After Party.  He told me he was feeling much better.  He really hated he had to miss it.  I left for the golf course, and had a nice time visiting with everyone and taking a few pictures.

Do you think Jaxson is bored already?

There's our graduate - Haleigh Kay Bates!

My son Marc, and daughter Misti.  They haven't taken a picture together for many, many years.  The last one they were dancing together - Misti posts it every year for his birthday.  This year she told him I'm going to keep posting it until you take a new one with me - so today he complied!

Aunt Misti & Jaxson

Haleigh & Jaxson

Me and Haleigh

Me, Haleigh & Misti

As we returned to Oswego, I asked Dean to stop at our property.  I wanted to see if our mimosa tree had bloomed yet.  It sure did.  In fact, Dean told me we have another one.  We walked over to it.  It is huge and full of blooms.  Why I didn't take a picture of it, I don't know!

Sunday, June 21  I stayed close to home today.  We visited with Matt on and off during the day about other things to do in Branson when they visit in two weeks.  They purchased tickets for us for Dolly's Stampede and I sent them our payment through his PayPal account.  I didn't even know you could do such a thing.  I also purchased our tickets for White Water.  They rented a cabana that will be great for the kids.  Jarred and Emerson are coming too - so that will be 4 children, 6 and under.  

Later in the evening Matt called so we could visit with him, Megan and the kids.  We are really looking forward to spending time with them.  They are all excited to see everyone here - especially their new niece and nephew.


Monday, June 22  Dean and I were up early for our drive to Tahlequah this morning for my pulmonary function test.  It was a beautiful morning/day for a drive.  We arrived a little before 8:30.  After locating the area I needed to be, paperwork was required.  A minute or two later and someone came out to get me.  Thirty minutes later and I was done.   The test went well!  Yeah!

The sky was beautiful this morning, especially when the sun was coming up.

Indian at Big Cabin, OK

Road construction north of Salina, OK

Spavinaw State Park, Spavinaw, OK

Spavinaw Lake - owned and operated by City of Tulsa, OK as a water supply.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!  Somewhere outside of Vinita, OK

Vinita Indian Health Center

On our way back we stopped in Vinita so I could pick up a prescription at the Indian Clinic there.  We made it back to Oswego shortly after noon.  We ate a quick sandwich when we made it home.  Dean went to the garage for awhile and I had some phone calls to make.  I had several items I needed to print off to take to the doctor appointments later this week.

I called Branson to check on our mail - it still had not come in yet.  I called Escapees Mail Service to see if I could have all of our mail sent with a tracking number in the future.  At least we know where it is (or at least we should).  Things do happen though.

This is what's for supper tonight - chicken salad with fruit.  Yum!

A beautiful evening of clouds!

Tuesday, June 23  My friends and I had planned to get together again this afternoon, but I bailed on them.  There are just too many things going on.  Dean went to bed early last night.  Later when I joined him, I noticed his face felt like it was on fire.  He was running a temperature.  Of course it immediately concerned me since Covid seems to have gathered steam again in our area.  This morning he was fine.  I googled it and it is not unusual to have fever with shingles.  It was a relief to know this.  Granddaughter Haleigh came by this morning asking me if I could look at her throat - sure enough she had white spots both sides of her throat.  She called her doctor in Miami, OK and they scheduled her for a Tele-Doc online visit.  It was later in the day, and they diagnosed her with strep throat.  She is not running a fever and other than her sore throat feels fine.  Tomorrow morning I will drive her to Miami to pick up her medication.

Later today, Dean's son Matt let us know he had tested positive for Covid.  He was sick for about 11 days, but not with typical Covid symptoms.  Fortunately he has passed the 2 week quarantine period, however the rest of the family must remain in quarantine.  Unfortunately, it will carry over into their vacation time here, so they had to cancel their trip.  I know it is very disappointing to them as well as all of us.  Our prayers are no one else in the household gets it.


Wednesday, June 24  Dean had an appointment with our primary care doctor this morning at 10.  Haleigh and I headed to Miami about 9:30.  We picked up her medicine, I made a quick stop at Walmart, then we grabbed sandwiches for lunch at Subway.  Just in case anyone wants to know, the new chicken, bacon, guacamole in a spinach wrap is really good.  

After we returned home, Dean was messing with his current cell phone; which is probably 4-5 years old, the screen is cracked, and the cover is falling off, etc.  It hasn't been working right.  I said - let's just go to Parsons and get you a new phone.  He's not been happy with his phone for quite awhile, so why put up with the headache.  So that is what we did.  While he was getting things set up on his phone, and since there was no one else there except the two of us, I asked several questions about my phone to the co-worker.  Once we returned home, he spent most of the evening getting things set up the way he wanted them.  

He chose an I-Phone this time, so of course everything was a little different but he had most of the major things working before we called it a night.


Thursday, June 25  My sister Cindy rode with me to Joplin this morning for my appointment with my pulmonologist.  We arrived shortly before my 8:15 appointment.  Fortunately, I was taken back pretty quick.  GREAT NEWS - my tests were great, and I will not need to see him again unless I feel like I'm having problems.  It's been 3 years since I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis.  Honestly, I've been very blessed that I only felt bad the first six months or so after the diagnosis.  God has been very good to me.

Afterwards I stopped at a friend's house to pick up a Pampered Chef item I bought through her online party.  It's a personal pizza stonewear pan.  I look forward to making pizzas in the convection oven now if it's too hot to use the oven, or weather keeps us from using the outdoor grill.

We stopped at a commercial kitchen store for a few things.  Cindy and I both love this store.  I bought a cookie scoop which I've been wanting for quite sometime.  She purchased a few items as well.  Next was Bed, Bath & Beyond.  We almost had the store to ourselves.  I ended up with a new 1 cup glass measuring cup.  The markers indicating the measurements on mine have worn off.  

My purchases.  Now I need to make some cookies and a pizza!

Our last stop was at Tropical Smoothie Cafe to get a smoothie before heading home.  While we were standing in line to order, Cindy noticed this guy coming through the door heading toward us, when all of a sudden she felt this slap on her "rear end".  She jerked her head around to see who did that - and our nephew's wife was standing behind her laughing.  I'm laughing just thinking about the look on her face when she thought that guy had done it.  It's a good thing we are all jokesters.  Lol!

After dropping her off I headed to Bentley.  Dean was there, so I made him a sandwich, then we had our apples with peanut butter.  He went to the garage, and I rested here for awhile.  My neck and upper back on my left side have been bothering me the last several days.  I finally broke down and made an appointment with the chiropractor.  I felt much better afterwards. From there I drove to the lot and Dean and I walked the property walking off the area where we would want the house to set to see how much room there is.  While we've talked about it, now we know there is more than sufficient space for where and how we want to set it on the property.

I left and returned home to straighten things since I didn't get my "morning chores" done before I had to leave this morning.   

For dinner we had pork roast hash.  Hash of any kind is one of our very favorites.  Fried potatoes with crisped up roast (pork or beef), with pork and beans on the side for Dean - I like mine right on top of the hash.  I'd say it is at the top of our favorite meals!