Sunday - Saturday - October 18-24, 2020 - Last Day in Wichita, Back to Oswego, Soccer and Seeing Brett's Family

 Sunday - Saturday - October 18-24, 2020 - Last Day in Wichita, Back to Oswego

Sunday, October 18 - Heath has mentioned to Dean several times about visiting The Cowtown Museum, one of Wichita's parks.  Today we are making it happen.  After several beautiful warm days, today was cold and windy.  I wasn't quite prepared for it.  I did not have my winter coat with us.  I bundled up as best I could with a sweatshirt, sweater, raincoat (which really helped stop the wind) and the heaviest jacket I had (which was not very heavy).  Of course, Dean had his nice heavy coat, but actually I manged pretty well.  I keep my ear muffs and gloves in the truck.  Since I had those, all in all it wasn't too bad, except in the really open areas - then I just stayed close to Dean and let him block the wind.  Because it was so cold I didn't take many pictures.  I had to take my gloves off and it was just too cold to do that often.

We met each other at the park.  We didn't realize it was a free day so that was good news.  Who doesn't like free??

Gideon, Roman & Abram

Gideon and Mom Casey

I found this interesting! 

Beautiful windmill 

We got to see the printing press work.  

Afterwards, we headed back to Bentley where we stayed until later in the afternoon.  I had some laundry to do.  Later we stopped by Andrea's parents house where Andrea and the girls were.  We had a nice visit with them and enjoyed seeing Emerson and Hayden one more time before we leave tomorrow.

Full blown cuteness!  Ms. Hayden

Dean and I were talking the other day about how few pictures I am in after looking at some of our snapshots of the kids.  That's because I take almost all of the pictures.  So he's trying to do a better job of taking some of me with the kids and grandkids.  Not the most flattering, but at least I'm in it.  LOL!!!!

Tomorrow we will head back to Oswego.

Monday, October 19  We left Wichita shortly after 10:30.  It was an easy drive and we arrived in Oswego at 12:52pm.  I think that is a record.  We usually stop more than we did today.  We were soon set up at Hillside RV.  Afterwards I fixed us a quick bite to eat.  Dean finished hooking everything up, then we drove to the garage so I could get my car.  He stayed to "piddle" and I returned to the RV.  I had several things that needed to be taken care of.  Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and I'm not sure how well I'll be moving, so thought I better get a few things done and out of the way today.

Tuesday, October 20  Dean and I left Oswego a little after 7:15 to drive to Vinita, OK.  I have an appointment with a podiatrist at the Indian Clinic.  Both the toenails on the toe next to my big toe look horrible with some type of fungus.  I almost pulled one off about 5 years ago when I stepped out of the RV shower, and caught my nail on it.  Since it was barely on, they removed it.  The doctor thought it might come back okay, but it hasn't, so my appointment today is to have him remove both of these toenails for good.  They tell me they will eventually become a smooth callus that can be painted with nail polish so they will not be so noticeable.  The nails have been pushing against the toe of my shoe for some time and have created discomfort, especially when I'm on my feet for a long while. 

Wow, I knew I'd need a shot in each toe - I didn't know it would be three shots in each toe.  That was the worse part of the entire ordeal.  Wow, did they hurt, especially on my right toe.  

The morning after and how my toes were bruised from the shots.

It didn't hurt when they removed the nails though and I was thankful for that.  It was pretty cold today and I was afraid I would not be able to wear my shoes when I left, so I brought some thick socks and my crocs.  The doctor and his nurse were impressed I thought to do that.  The nurse commented she wished all their patients would do that.  Maybe they'll suggest that to others from now on.  It wasn't easy to walk with the padding around my two toes, but I was able to walk out to the front of the building, where Dean picked me up.  

I've been trying to get a decent picture of this setting each time we drive through Chetopa, and finally today I got a good picture.  How about those pumpkins?  Someone was creative!  I love these old trucks next to the exposed building too.  

After we returned home I rested with my feet up in my chair most of the day/evening, per doctors orders.

Wednesday, October 21  Surprisingly, I slept really well last night.  I was afraid my toes might hurt but I had very little pain.  I have to change the dressings twice a day after soaking them in warm water and epsom salt until I return to the doctor.  It stings a little, but it's tolerable.  It felt good to get the dressing he had wrapped around each toe off as they were thick and felt funny walking.  Of course, they were tender but unless I bumped them they really didn't hurt.

I was up and around as much as I needed to be, for today and tomorrow they wanted me to keep my feel elevated as much as possible.  

Thursday, October 22 - Both toes were feeling better today, even though soaking them still caused a little discomfort.  

Tonight is Tucker's last soccer game, and it is also Senior night.  Brett surprised Tucker by flying in from Nevada this afternoon, making it to the soccer field shortly before the game started.  It was good to see Brett and family this evening.  

Jameson has grown so much, he has several teeth now.  He is such a good natured guy, content to watch what is going on around him.

Soon, the game started, and it was a L O N G game!

Tucker after the ball in the middle (red/gold) #25. 

Tucker is to the right, just before the fence pole.

The game went into two overtimes and the sun was sitting fast by the time they called the game.  It was over much later than we anticipated.  I know it was a long day for Brett since he traveled from Reno early this morning, arriving in Kansas City mid afternoon, then making the drive to Columbus.  Following the game they recognized the three Seniors.  

Dad Brett, Tucker, and Mom Renae 

Afterwards, we visited with Tucker and Dacy for awhile, before heading to Las Lunas in downtown Columbus for dinner.  Tucker joined us a short time later, where we enjoyed a great meal and lots of conversation.  After we left, Brett called to tell Dean that Tucker hurt his toe during the game (he never said a word while we were there). They are taking him to urgent care tomorrow to have it checked out.

This little boy came up to Tucker after the game to give Tucker a note.  He was so sweet, so I had to take a picture of them together.

Today would have been my Mama's 82nd birthday.  For the first time in a few years I recently got a little teary eyed, wishing she could be here.  Sometimes I really miss her and wish I could just talk to her one more time.  I will someday!  It will be 28 years in February that she left us, but I know she's in Heaven and I'm very thankful for that.

Friday, October 23 - I can't believe another birthday has rolled around - my last year before I can apply for Medicare.  Hmmm, did I give my age away?

Dean and I drove to Joplin for the day.  We had errands to run.  We had a gift card we used for a birthday lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse.  The meal was very good.  Afterwards we stopped to see my stepdad Larry and his wife Verna.  We had a really nice visit with them.  When we left, we made one final stop at Sam's for a couple of things before we returned to Oswego.  

It was a nice slow paced day.  I heard from several family members and friends via phone, text messaging, Facebook, emails, etc. wishing me a happy birthday.  They were all very much appreciated.  I feel blessed to have so many friends and family who took time to remember my special day.

Brett called Dean to let him know they took Tucker to urgent care to have his toe checked out.  He broke it, so they gave him a boot to wear and he has an appointment with a podiatrist sometime in November, the earliest appointment he could get.

This evening we went to Cindy and Elmer's to play Wahoo and pitch.  As always it was a fun evening.  Laughter is the very best medicine and there is always plenty of it when the four of us are together. 

Saturday, October 24

I only left the house today to go to the grocery store.  Most of the day was preparing for our trip next week.  I spent a good part of the day doing laundry and cleaning.  It's always a good feeling when everything is washed and put away and knowing everything is clean.

Misti and Haleigh stopped by this morning to wish me a Happy Birthday, and visit for awhile.

Dean spent most of the day at the garage, cutting more brush on the lot.  When he came home he told me it was wearing him out.  I've been wanting him to have someone come in and clear out the underbrush and I think he's about ready to say yes.  It's about time.  Once he gets started he has a hard time stopping.  He forgets he's not 30 years old anymore!

Monday we are heading to Arrowhead Point Campground at Osceola, MO for a campout with friends.  The weather is not looking too good for the week ahead, so we are happy the owners are going to let us use their meeting room.  I hope it doesn't decide to freeze or rain on Monday, our travel day.  Dean and I are fixing a meal for everyone on Wednesday evening, so that required making a trip to the grocery store in order to have all of the ingredients I would need before we leave.