Saturday, June 1, 2019 - Getting Ready for Our Family Reunion; Sunday, June 2, 2019 - Spending the day with Family and Grandkids; Monday, June 3, 2019 - Busy Day; Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - Another Busy Day; Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - Wow! I'm Caught Up!

Saturday, June 1, 2019 - Getting Ready for Our Family Reunion

While I had big plans first thing this morning to make a cake and lasagna for tomorrow, I didn't follow through.  I woke up late, then we decided to walk since it was such a beautiful morning.  The only problem we should have arrived a good hour earlier as it was already warm outside. 

Once we returned home, it seemed like I was busy all day long, laundry and cleaning.  I worked on updating our budget for May, making a list of things I needed to get done in the upcoming week and taking care of a few minor things on the list. 

By late afternoon I made "Mexican Fruit cake" and a pan of lasagna for our family reunion tomorrow.  In the morning I'll make macaroni and cheese.  I have to say I was really glad when everything was done, and I could set down for awhile.  I had over 22,000 steps on my exercise bracelet today.  I felt like it too!  But things are in order here and I am ready for tomorrow.


Sunday, June 2, 2019 - Blackledge/Duncan Family Reunion

I was up at 5:30 this morning, took my shower and was soon ready for the day.  I gathered everything I would need to take with me to the Community Center, then I headed to Parsons to pick up Kamron and Jaxson.  When we got back I quickly put together the macaroni and cheese, with Jaxson's help.  His dad always liked to cook too.....like father, like son?

The grandkids and Dean helped me get everything loaded in the car and we headed to the Oswego Community Center.  My sisters started showing up within minutes.  Our first duty was to setup tables and chairs before turning our attention to making tea/lemonade and getting the ovens turned on.  At 11:45 we had the ovens full of different dishes that needed to be cooked or warmed before dinner at 1.  

My sister Jody getting the ovens turned on.

Our cousin, Steve Blackledge showed up, as he does every year, to fry fish.  We sure do appreciate all the work that goes into doing it for us.  (I think the fish is the real reason people come).  Lol!

1. This is last year's picture - but he brings all of this in order to fry catfish for us every year.  We sure do appreciate him!

People started showing up around 11:30 and we had a steady stream up until 1 when Gary (Patty's husband) said the blessing before our meal.  Dean picked Haleigh up so she could eat with us before she had to go to work.  Later he took her to work and also took a plate of food to Misti, since she was working at the golf course.

Our ninjas - Dempsey & Jaxson
Dempsey is my sister Crystal's grandson and Jaxson is mine.

My Great-Aunt Naomi Blackledge Kay, with my grandchildren Jaxson  Kamron. Aunt Naomi celebrated her 96th birthday this past March!  We are so blessed to have her attend.  

Patty Blackledge Clower, Cindy Wade, Wanda Wade, Gary Clower, and my sister Jody.

My nieces Melissa Overman Lewis, and Nikki Overman Lewis.  Nope, their husbands are not related.  Patty Blackledge Clayborn.

Aunt Crystal (my sister) always brings something fun for the kids to play with - the balloons were a hit!

L to R:  My cousin Dave Elmore, his wife Irene, his sister Jane Elmore Becker, and my Great Aunt Naomi Blackledge Kay.
My paternal great grandparents were Elmer Blackledge (Aunt Naomi's and my grandfather Merle Blackledge's dad) and Mary Maude Elmore Blackledge (sister to George Elmore, Dave's dad).

Cousin Steve Blackledge's boys - Keegan in the corner and brother Kaden.

Neices Nikki and Melissa's children:  front:  Nikki's - Kass and Dani; back Melissa's - Kennedy and Hannah.

Jody's middle son - Wade, wife Devon and their cute daughter Peyton.

Jaxson saw us taking pictures, he stepped right up and included himself!

Aunt Naomi's family - granddaughter Kristen, her son Jacob, her daughter Linda, Linda's husband Keith and Aunt Naomi's youngest son Joe Mike.  Standing is my Great Aunt Mildred who was married to my Great Uncle Bill Blackledge.

These two see each other once or twice a year and they have such a good time together.  Crystal's grandson, Dempsey and my Jaxson.

Irene and Aunt Naomi - with Brian (Aunt Naomi's grandson) in the back.

We failed to get family pictures together this year - so here are a few that Kristen took.  She said I could share them:

Jane Becker, my sister Jody Nading, Nikki Lewis, my husband Dean, me holding Jaxson, my cousin Jim Wade with Melissa at the bottom of the picture.

Irene, Aunt Naomi, Reva (leaning in) and Aunt Mildred.  Reva is Aunt Mildred's daughter.

Cousin Linda Wade Moody and her daughter Kristen.

Linda & Keith's son Brian and grandson Hayden?  I hope I have that right.

Sister Cindy on the left, Patty Blackledge Clower, Gary Clower & my husband Dean, in front with backs to us are Janet Blackledge, Nikki & Ty Lewis and I'm just barely in the middle of them all.

Tim and Melissa Overman Lewis

Keith Moody (Linda's husband), Wanda Wade (Jim's wife) and Aunt Mildred Blackledge

After cleanup, Dean and I took Kamron and Jaxson home, where we enjoyed visiting with Jennifer and Marc for awhile before we headed back home.  We spent the rest of the evening in our chairs relaxing.    

I think Cindy said she counted 47, which is a really good sized group for us.  Oh my, the food was great.  Our family has some wonderful cooks - no one should have left hungry, that's for sure.

It was fun to watch the younger kids -  now several generations from our Great Grandparents.  Kamron, my granddaughter enjoyed visiting with my Great Aunt Naomi.  Kamron has what I call an "old soul".  She loves older people and visiting with them, and Aunt Naomi who turned 96 in March, was enjoying it.  As we were getting ready to leave, Kamron said just a minute, and she hurried back in to tell Aunt Naomi goodbye.  It really touched me and I got a little teary eyed that she took the time to do that.

We left around 4.  Dean and I took Jaxson and Kamron back to Parsons.  We visited with Marc and Jennifer for quite awhile before we headed back home.

It was a wonderful and fun day.  I'm tired, but it's the good kind, that made everything we did worthwhile, spending it with family.


Monday, June 3, 2019 - Busy Day

I was up early to make a trip to Parsons this morning.  After taking care of some business there I made a stop at McDonald's for a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit - only to be very disappointed when I got sausage instead.  I'm not a big sausage fan, but rather than wait, I took it.  Back home I got busy tackling the list of things I wanted to get done today.

I had a stack of clothes from my closet.  I told CIndy I'd bring them by for her to go through,  before I take them to storage.  Speaking of storage, while Dean was there the other day he discovered water had entered our storage unit.  We do not believe it came from the front  because everything was dry there.  There was water sitting in the back of the unit.  We found it when Dean noticed some unused packing boxes (not yet folded) had soaked up water.  When he moved a few things around - fortunately most everything is in plastic tubs, he found some wood he had stacked on its side was also damaged.  An old 8' table we bought my mom years ago, was sitting on the floor, and it damaged the end of it as well.  It appears the water may have ran in from the unit on the other side of us, as there was no apparent water damage to anything at the top - like it came from the roof.  For the most part it's not huge, but I really am not fond of having stuff sitting in water - plastic tubs or not.  I hope the roof goes on the garage this weekend so we can move it here and stop these trips back and forth out of town to put things in or take things out of the storage unit.

I found my list from Monday, gathered all of the different things together (papers, for the most part) that I needed to address this week.  We had to straighten out a prescription for Dean (not using your proper name causes lots of issues).  His real name is Carl Dean, and because the insurance and the doctor were using different names, one had Dean and the other had Carl they cancelled his prescription.  However, it's all "fixed" now.  

I am considering a change to my health insurance so I made an appointment for tomorrow to discuss the plan with an agent.  


Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - Another Busy Day

Yesterday evening Misti asked me if I could take Haleigh to Parsons this morning for Trio.  She originally planned to take her but had a conflict with her PTA clinicals.  I didn't mind because I needed a couple of things from Walmart, and I love getting in and out of there early in the morning!  I picked Haleigh up at 6:00 and delivered her to the college where the bus was leaving from.  

From there I headed straight to Walmart - picked up the few items I needed; and I was headed home before 7:30.

After having breakfast and doing a quick cleaning, I set down at my desk and got busy.  One thing I've been wanting to do is get our Health files sorted, in order by date - individual files for both Dean and I and the info we receive from the doctor each time we visit.  I try to do this annually, so we can go back to look something up if needed.  I also sorted all of the information we needed for Retirement/Social Security/Medicare and Medicare Supplemental.  What a bunch of paper!!!  That file was packed, but has a little less "stuff", and there is now a separate file folder for each topic!  

The next item on my list was to gather the remaining information we need to get a letter out to our classmates for our 45th reunion.  Of course, you can't manage to reach everyone on the same day - right?; but I made a big dent in it.

I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with an insurance agent, discussing the health insurance plan I am considering.  Afterwards, Dean and I headed to Pittsburg to pick up our mail.  The title to our car and a prescription is waiting for us.....and once we got it, yep, the rest of it was junk.

On our way home we took a drive through the park to see if the water has dropped anymore.  

The river is still very high but has dropped quite a bit.

A close up of the road that has been underwater for close to two weeks, if not more.  It is in bad shape and will definitely need some work once it dries a bit.

After we returned home Dean grilled pork loin steaks and I saute'd vegetables inside --- what a wonderful dinner.  I went to the golf course afterwards.  Misti is working evenings and weekends while she completes her clinicals during the day.  I visited with her for thirty minutes or so before heading home.  It was time to relax for the rest of the day.


Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - Wow! I'm Caught Up

Dean and I walked this morning.  There was a nice breeze and it felt wonderful this morning.   

Once we returned home, I ate breakfast, showered, and made sure everything was put away, bed made, etc. I couldn't believe it was already 9:15.  I was starting out the door to attend a Bible Study, when my phone rang.  It was Dean's sister Ruth Ann.  She had tried to call Dean a few times with no answer so she was wondering about us.  Not sure what's up with his phone as she was calling his number.  We had a nice visit.  We'll actually get to see her in a couple of weeks when she visits Garnett, as we plan to be there as well.  It will be good to spend time with Dean's siblings.

I left the Bible Study a little early this morning as I had made an 11:00 lunch date with my friend and former co-worker last week.  I picked her up and as always we had a nice visit.  The time just passes so quickly.

Dean was already home from playing golf when I returned.  After eating lunch, he left for the garage.  I followed him out of the park, but made my stop at the courthouse to get tags for the Prius.  Afterwards, I picked Isaiah up at his grandpa's and took him to the swimming pool.  Isaiah is our cousin's (Scott's) grandson.  Haleigh & Misti help out with watching him when he is here.  Since Haleigh's gone (she usually watches him when she's not working) I filled in.  I don't mind because he's a great kid and a lot of fun.

I noticed Cindy had called me earlier (probably while I was at the courthouse).  I was headed back home, when I met her.  We talked a minute, and I ended up following her back to her house where we visited for an hour or so.  As I pulled up to the highway on Main Street, as Dean turned south toward the RV Park, and I followed him in.  

It was time for me to pick up Isaiah at the swimming pool - he was having a lot of fun.  He looked disappointed I was there but he hopped right out to gather his things.  The pool was still full at almost 5.  I was thrilled to see such a wide range of ages enjoying the beautiful day.  

Back home, Dean and I visited for awhile before he grilled hamburgers for dinner.  We followed a bit of the Country Music Awards on TV, or at least Dean did, while I only looked up occasionally, since I was trying to concentrate on completing this blog post that will finally bring me up to date.  

Sometimes I want to do too many things and I overwhelm myself, but today I am feeling pretty good.  I've cleaned almost all of the cabinets, closets, etc.; have all of our paperwork up to date and filed; have done most of the deep cleaning I wanted to do (one more room to focus on) and my desk area has been completely redone.  I finally used the museum putty to attach a couple of items to the table so I don't have to store them every time.  I still want to get my pictures permanently affixed to the wall so I don't have to take them down each time we move.  I only have three so it's not been too bad.  

Wishing you all a happy, healthy day!

Sunday, May 26 - Friday, May 31, 2019 - Closing out May

Sunday, May 26 - Friday, May 31, 2019 - Closing out May


Sunday we gathered at my sister Jody's house for our Sisterfest.  Jody made a peach cobbler and it was delicious!  She's a great cook and comes up with different desserts all the time.  I have a tendency to make the same things over and over.  Cindy's daughter (our niece) Nikki also joined us today and it was fun to catch up with her and her family.  When I returned to Bentley, Dean told me he had gone to the storage unit to get a few things and found water in the southeast corner - fortunately we have plastic tubs so my things were okay.  It did damage a folding table we have but we might still be able to use it.  If so, we'll just use a table cloth to hide any damage.  It started raining later in the evening and did so most of the evening,
Monday we woke to rain and it continued to mid-morning or so.  Unfortunately, the rain cancelled the annual Memorial Service at the Cemetery to honor our Veterans.  Dean and I helped with this last year and I was looking forward to it again this year.  Here are a few pictures I took of the Neosho River east of Oswego where it passes under Highway 160.

The next two pictures are of Horseshoe Lake on the north side of the highway, as we returned to Oswego.

Misti and Haleigh joined us for dinner tonight.  I made a pot of spaghetti and we had a nice visit with them.  I spent most of the day trying to pack up as many things as possible as we are making another move in the morning.

Tuesday arrived bright an early - and we went right to work to make sure everything was ready to go, so Bentley could make the drive to Chetopa for some repairs.  I had to leave at 7:30 for the Cherokee Health Center in Vinita for follow-up bloodwork.  I also needed a prescription filled.  The pharmacy told me it may be 30 min to an hour since it's their first day back after the holiday.  I went to McDonald's and enjoyed sitting inside, taking my time eating my bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit and drinking a small mocha frappe.   When I returned they had my prescription filled and I was soon on my way home.  Dean took the RV to Chetopa where we purchased Bentley to have some work done.  Only a couple of major items, but we had a list of several things that needed minor attention.  The work is going to require Bentley to stay in the shop overnight, so I spent the night with Misti.  I am going with my sister tomorrow to drive our aunt to a her doctor appointment.  Dean spent the night with Brett.  He had a routine appointment in Joplin tomorrow afternoon.  On my way home, the Vinita clinic called to let me know they needed to make a change in my medicine - a reduction in the dosage, which always makes me happy.  Haleigh had to work tonight, so Misti and I went to Pizza Hut where we shared a sandwich and enjoyed the salad bar.  Dean called me later to let me know the title for our car was not in the mail.  He stopped to pick it up as he went through Pittsburg earlier today.  

Wednesday morning I needed coffee.  Misti doesn't drink it, so I called Cindy and asked, "Is the coffee on?"  She said come on out.  We set on her back porch (enclosed) and enjoyed watching the birds as I visited with her and Elmer.  I left a little while later and went back to Misti's, where I called the auto sales company, where we purchased our car a few weeks ago,to ask about the title.  The owner had been out of the office for a week, and advised she would send it by priority mail that day.  I went back to Cindy's later and she was good enough to make me a taco for lunch before we went to pick up our aunt.  Of course, it was a beautiful day until shortly before we left and it started to sprinkle about the time we arrived at her house.  We were soon on our way and had a really nice visit to Joplin and back.  Once home, we dropped our aunt at her house, and I drove back to Misti's.  By then Dean was back in Oswego from his doctor appointment.  He had a chance to visit a few places he likes to "look" - the new Atwood store in Carl Juncation, Home Depot, Lowe's, Harbor Frieght, and ate lunch before his doctor appointment.  We met up at Misti's, where she and Haleigh were waiting so we could pick something up for dinner.  We drove to Chetopa Grocery Store, and bought 8 pcs of chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy and corn, with rolls for just under $15.  The chicken and rolls were good, but I wasn't a fan of the potatoes/gravy or corn.  

Because of the change in medication I had to go back to Vinita Thursday morning to pick up a new dosage, so Dean drove with me.  We arrived at 7:40, but today the pharmacy did not open until 8:00, so we waited at the drive up window.  From there we headed to Clanton's Cafe in Vinita for breakfast.  We were both happy with our regular breakfast meals.  It was a difficult choice for me, as I really wanted to order the cinnamon roll "french toast"!  Aferwards, we went back to Misti's for awhile.  Since we hadn't heard anything by noon, we went to Mi Pueblo for lunch, and of course, while we were there, we got the call that Bentley was ready.  We were pretty happy to get him hitched up and soon we were headed back to Hillside RV Park, our home when we are in Oswego.  It was sure nice to sleep in our own bed tonight, but we appreciated both Misti and Brett taking us in the past two days.  Thanks to you both!

I spent all day Friday doing laundry, and getting some calls made, etc.  Cindy called and wanted to know if we wanted to go eat dinner with her and Elmer, and then play cards at their house later.  We agreed.  I made a cherry cheesecake for dessert later.  Dean went to work at the garage, and I was working on a few things I needed to take care of.  I had the window open, and I noticed something moving.  It was a big snapping turtle.  

See him in front of the tree!  I don't think I would have gotten in his way!  

Later we drove the car to Elmer & Cindy's (so it would be there when we returned from dinner), and they drove to our dinner location.  We chose Dalton's Steak Out in Edna, Kansas for our meal this evening.  Everyone except me ordered the chicken fried steak - it really looked delicious and they all said it was very good.  I ordered chicken salad on a bed of greens (lettuce).  It was good too, but my mouth was watering watching them eat that steak.  We had a great time back at their house playing cards.  We laugh a lot which makes for a great evening.


May has been quite a month with all we've had going on.  I hope June slows down just a bit!  Thanks so much for following along on our adventures and day to day living!  

Sunday, May 5 - Saturday, May 11, 2019; Sunday, May 12 - Saturday, May 18; Sunday, May 19 - Saturday, May 25 - Highlights of previous three weeks.

Sunday, May 5 - Saturday, May 11, 2019
This is the first Sunday I've been able to "host" our sisters weekly Sisterfest this year.  Cindy was good enough to allow me to use her house for our normal 1-3pm get together.  I made a Cherry Crisp and brought vanilla ice cream.  We had a nice visit and discussed our upcoming family reunion, on Sunday, June 2.

Monday we stopped at our tax preparer's to pick up our income tax forms for 2018.
Once we left his office, we headed back to Grove to meet up with some of our good friends we met through our local Escapees group: Dennis and Pam, Phil & Janelle and Bill and Janice. We first met all three couples when Dennis was President of our Escapee RV Club - held in Grove.  We met them at the Cherokee Casino Restaurant in Grove.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal, and continued visiting for quite awhile afterwards.  Always fun to spend time with friends.

Tuesday I was back at my task to finish cleaning all the storage areas in Bentley.  I'm building a pile of things that will need to go to the storage unit soon.  I'm making good progress.  We walked this morning and I snapped this picture of the Neosho River - you cannot see the dam, due to the high water.  

Tonight we headed to Service Valley Charter Academy (part of the Oswego School District), where our grandson Jaxson attends Kindergarten, to watch the school spring program.  I was really looking forward to it.  

Giving mom or dad a thumbs up!

Jaxson is "Dinosaur Awesome"

I was so proud of this young man.  He sang out, did the hand motions and was just beaming from ear to ear with that beautiful smile of his.  He's really done well and looks forward to going to school.  All of the students did a wonderful job.  What a great job by the staff at SVCA!

Wednesday I visited beautician, Marla.  I definitely needed to see her and I think my hair looked much better when I left with a nicely trimmed do!  Back home I finished the last of the cabinets, drawers, etc. to finish up in the bedroom.
This evening I met with former classmate Jamie to discuss our upcoming class reunion in October.  We are gathering information that will be sent out to everyone soon.

Thursday Dean and I both had dentist appointments.  Fortunately the visit went well and no follow-ups are required for either of us.  Look who pulled in next to us this afternoon!!!!

Friday Dean and I went to Parsons to watch Misti graduate from Labette Community College physical therapy assistant program.  I am so proud of her.  She has worked so hard.  While she still has two months of clinicals this summer and her state exam to get through, I know she'll do great.  

Misti Dawn Blair with Mom and Dean

Afterwards we ate dinner at El Pueblito in Parsons.  They were slammed with graduates and their families.  It was well after 10:30pm before we left - they typically close at 10:00pm. 

Saturday we drove to Joplin.  Dean wanted to stop at Harbor Freight and Home Depot.  We were going to have dinner at Texas Roadhouse but once we saw the line of people "outside"  that were waiting we decided we'd go somewhere else.  Since we were close to Steak and Shake we decided to stop there instead.  We both like their burgers and Dean loves their fries.  We noticed the gas gauge was getting pretty low on the car, so we made a quick stop at Sam's before heading back home.  As we drove back by Texas Roadhouse almost an hour later, some of the same people were still waiting outside to be seated.  So glad we passed it up tonight.


Sunday, May 12 - Saturday, May 18, 2019
Mother's Day Sunday.  Misti stopped by at 7:30 this morning to wish me a Happy Mother's Day.  She was working at the golf course today.  It meant a lot that she came by to visit so early before going to work.  
Jody is having dinner at her house, so we didn't have our normal Sisterfest.  However, Cindy, Crystal and I decided to run to Joplin.  We bought a few things at Harbor Freight last night and Dean changed his mind, so I returned those.  We also visited a few other stores.  We had a nice day together, but we missed our baby sister Jody.
Later in the day Marc called and we visited for awhile, and I heard from most of Dean's boys.  Dean grilled Filet Mignon and I prepared a vegetable stir fry.  It was a perfect meal.  
Monday after breakfast, we packed Bentley up to head south to Sequoyah State Park near Wagoner, OK for our monthly Escapee casual campout.  We were looking forward to spending the next four days with our good friends.  We really love this park.  It sets right on Lake Gibson, where a large number of deer frequent the campsites.  It's also a great place to walk.  I called for our reservation early this year so we could get a good spot close to everyone else.  This year it seems a few procrastinated and we were spread out from each other.  Lol!  All in all it worked out great and as usual we managed to have a great time every day.  

These deer aren't too afraid of the campers in this park.  We love watching them.

We made our annual trip to Lopez Grill, a favorite Mexican Restaurant of our hosts Phil & Janelle.  Dean and I really like it and look forward to going every year.  
Tuesday evening we had our pot-luck.  Phil smoked pork butts (as always, they were delicious) besides the many other side dishes and desserts that were provided.  Yum!  We never go hungry at these get togethers.

Enjoying the campfire!

Are you looking at me?

Wednesday we had leftovers from the night before and just enjoyed spending time with each other.  
Thursday Dean and I had to drive to Tahlequah for my 6 month CT-scan and pulmonary function test (PFT).  I have an appointment with my lung doctor on the 20th.  Fortunately, I was able to get all of the test results to take to the appointment with me on Monday.  We ate at a great new restaurant afterwards in Tahlequah called Newk's.  We had never heard of it before, but we will definitely return here when we are back in the area.

Enjoying the evening

Friday morning came all to soon and it was time to pack up and head back to Oswego.  Couldn't resist this picture at Big Cabin when we stopped long enough to use the restroom (in Bentley, of course).  Big Boy in Big Cabin!

Once home, we quickly got Bentley set up, then changed into old clothes and headed to the garage.  We had a 3 cubic yard dumpster delivered to the house this past Wednesday while we were gone.  Dean wanted to get all of the stuff he had gathered up in bags put in the dumpster before it rained.  The rain started yesterday and continued on through the night and into today, so I took advantage of the time to do a little cleaning and laundry.  
On Satruday, Brett called to see if we'd like to come to his house around 2-3 this afternoon.  He was having a cookout for some friends and co-workers.  I made a dessert, we call Angel Food Delight.  Angel Food Cake torn into bite size pieces, with 1 box of strawberry jello mixed with 1 boiling hot water, stir to dissolve, add a 10 oz container of strawberries (partly thaw an hour or so before adding).  Once strawberries have partly or totally thawed, add 1 carton of Cool Whip - mix well and pour over Angel Food Cake.  Refrigerate until ready to eat.  DELICIOUS!
We had a good time and got to meet several of the people that works for him as well as a few other friends.  I snapped this picture on the way home.

Sunday, May 19 - Saturday, May 25, 2019  
Sunday, after church, our sister Crystal picked us up and we headed to Joplin to see our step-dad and Verna.  Crystal made a dessert and Verna made a couple of treats too.  I only had small helpings, but still, I ate too many desserts.  No more sweets for me for a while.  We had a great visit with them before heading back home.
Monday, Dean and I both had appointments with our primary care physician.  She was happy with both of us on our weight loss and with my blood test results.  I asked her about my left ankle that was swollen.  It has been bothering me off and on for a week or two. She thought it was probably some irritated tendons and suggested taking ibuprofen for a week or two and gave me some exercises to do as well.  Other than that all was good.
When we first arrived in Joplin this morning, we ran my test results by Dr. Slocum's office so he would have a chance to review them before my appointment with him right after lunch.  We had a quick lunch at Golden Corral before heading to his office.  What a great day it turned out to be!  When he walked in to the room, we said our hellos and then he informed me that I stop taking my prednisone immediately.  He told me I needed to have one last follow up testing (ct-scan only - no PFT) in one year and if all is well at that time, I will no longer need to see him.  WOW!  I was so happy.  My first appointment with Dr. Slocum was May 31, 2017 and less than 2 years later I am off the medication.  I could not have been happier.
As Dean and I left his office, we made it to the car just in time.  The sky opened and it poured on us as we drove home.  
Tuesday I was up early to take my cousin Barbara to Parsons for a follow-up after her cataract surgery yesterday.  It rained on us on the way up and the way back.  Her visit with the doctor went well.  On the drive to the doctor's office the roads were clear but when we left 30 minutes (or less) later, we went through water twice, that was within a foot or two from the center line on East Main in Parsons.  I'm glad the heavy rain occurred while we were inside (so I didn't have to drive in it.)
Once back at Bentley, I changed clothes as I am having lunch with my friends Peggy & Linda.  We had originally planned to go to Joplin for lunch, followed by visits to some flower shops.  With the change in the weather we decided to just have lunch.  Our first selection was to try out the Erie, KS Golf Course Cafe.  However, once we arrived we found a note on the door saying it was closed, as their employees were flooded in.  So, back to Parsons we went.  We decided on Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant.  I can't remember the last time I was here, and I wondered why.  It was really good.  We enjoyed our visit together and decided we would try to get together again in June.
Wednesday I contacted LouAnn with RV Insurance Benefits to discuss health insurance options.  After our visit I decided Dean and I should talk it over before making a final decision.  With all of the rain and crazy weather we decided to drive over to the storage shed to make sure no water made it into the unit with the wind we've had recently.  We could not find any signs of it.  On the way back Haleigh called and said the wind was blowing like crazy in Oswego and her mom was in Pittsburg.  We were on our way to pick her up when Misti called to tell me she was heading back to Oswego with some friends.  It started hailing, and a piece of ice hit and chipped the corner of one of the back windows, within seconds larger hail knocked the entire window out.  It was raining and hailing so they stopped at the Kansas Crossing Casino to get out of the weather.  There were employees at the door telling them to hurry and get inside.  A tornado hit just across the road and north of the casino and damaged a number of homes.  I'm so thankful for God's hand on Misti and her friends during this time.  
Thursday was Dean's sister Marie's birthday, and my neice Amy's as well.  Happy birthday to two special ladies.  Even though it is warm outside I had some ham left over from the  smoked ham Marc & Jen gave us at Christmas and I've been craving ham and beans.  We had them for dinner and they were delicious!  One of my favorite meals!  
We walked this morning (a break in the rain) and here are a few pictures of the Neosho River.

The river is out of its banks and in the adjoining field.  Compare to the picture on May 7 earlier in this post.

A close up where the river is so high it is flowing across the county road into the adjacent field

This is the "Danny Elliott Memorial Park" - almost entirely under water now.

Fog on the river!

This was taken from the Neosho River Bridge east of Oswego - that is the train crossing bridge you see.  The water has risen even more in the past few days.

Neosho River - Chetopa, KS

Chetopa, KS River Bridge on the Neosho River

Chetopa City Park east of the River - normally not under water.

We drove north to look at the Neosho River that flows under the bridge east of Parsons.  It was out and into some of these buildings east of the bridge.

Managed to get this beautiful sunset.

Friday was our grandson Logan's birthday.  I can't believe he is 20 years old today.  Time goes by so quickly.  I can still clearly remember the day he was born and now he's off serving our country in the Navy!  I'm so proud of him.
About mid-morning Cindy and I headed to Pittsburg.  I needed to pick up our mail and I needed a few things from Walmart.  Most of the stops Cindy suggested, and I had no problem agreeing with her - Penney's, Gordman's and Maurice's (where I bought a pair of jeans) at the Mall, Big Lots and after Walmart we stopped for a burger at Sonic.  Oh, how I miss our Sonic in Oswego!
Cindy and I have been talking about trying out the new to us restaurants in our area, and decided we should try one for dinner tonight, so we'll discuss it with the hubs when we return and see what happens.
After checking with the guys back home, they were both willing to try a new place.  We picked Elmer & Cindy up and where did we go - but back to Pittsburg.  We had heard about Farmhouse Cafe, especially about how good the fried walleye dinners were.  We decided to check it out.  Now first looks of the outside might make you wonder about it, but the food was really good and the walleye was delicious.  Elmer, Cindy & I all had the walleye (fried) and Dean had chicken fried steak.  We were all very happy with our choices and wouldn't hesitate to return.
We've had rain almost every day this week.  It's getting old and the flooding and tornadoes occurring around us is concerning to everyone.
Saturday, May 25 - They were calling for bad storms in our area this evening.  Cindy invited Dean and I out to play cards with her and Elmer.  Misti and I touched base about the storm and what we would do if we needed to go to a shelter, so we would know where each other was.  Fortunately for us we did not experience any significant weather but a number of neighboring communities had heavy rain and some tornadoes occurred near Carl Junction and Oronogo, MO not too far from us, where some family and friends lived.  There was significant damage in a number of towns, besides the two mentioned.  In addition to the storm damage heavy rains only added to already swollen lakes, creeks and rivers. 
Fortunately for folks living in Oswego, we are located on a bluff above the Neosho River (which often goes out of its banks during these heavy rains).  While it's not a threat to the citizens in the city limits, there are a number of friends and family members who can, and have been impacted by rising flood waters so it is a big concern to all of us when these rains continue on for days on end.