Where Have I Been?

My Mother had another bit of a crisis this past week.  No, nothing physical happened to her, her anxiety caused her some issues.  BTW, she would never agree she has any anxiety and I never say it around her, but it's pretty obvious to 'K' and I.  So 'K' once again volunteered with no prompting to go stay with her again.  'K' had no mother or father any more, along with a step-mother they have all passed.  So now she says that my mother is her mother.  They have always had a well above average relationship.  I am blessed more than I deserve with this woman.  

Mom doesn't think she is getting any better, but I see otherwise.  She also thinks it has been much longer than it has.  So she got an appointment to see an orthopedist.  He confirmed everything she had already been told.  That made her feel much better already.  He wrapped it and she said it felt better already.  Same thing I have been saying since it started.  But like I said abut this previously, what do I know?  Hopefully now she will calm down some and not call 'K' or my Brother crying like she did this last time.  There is much more to that than I'll put here, but IMO it is all due to her anxiety. 

We plan to have supper with Son#2 and his family tonight.  His in-laws are in town and we will get a chance to visit with them.  His Father in Law wants to go shoot while he is here.  I took him last time and so we will go again.  That will give me a chance that I haven't had to get familiar with my new M&P.  But I really look forward to shooting my 1911 the most.  I shoot better with it than any of my others.  I need the practice since I don't do it near enough.

Happy Trails

Busy Times-and Merry Christmas

We are having our usual Christmas eve get together with the kids again this year.  We are having a tamale supper.  Tamales are the thing this time of year down here in this part of Texas.  If you have never had a great homemade tamal, you really don't know what your missing.  We have 4 dozen plus all the fixings.  I will make my world famous (my world) chili.  Although it will be the milder version.  The wife won't eat my regular, too hot.  It would also be too hot for the Grandkids maybe their mothers too.  Oldest son has some pretty bad reflux issues so he will probably even avoid the milder version also.  Only I and Son#2 can tolerate the regular version.  My Mother may not come and there is no way she could even eat the mild version.  So I have been trying to figure out the correct measurements of all the spices I need to try and get it right.  When I do that it never really turns out right.  My recipe of for 6 lbs of beef, chili grind chuck.  Cutting it back to 4 lbs plus making it less spicy.  Hopefully it will be somewhat edible. 

We never used to eat tamales with chili on top.  Just a straight tamal with what ever sides but mostly by themselves.  The chili on top is something 'K' introduced me to.  Although it was usually canned chili.  I have to say that it's pretty good too.  Oh in case you were wondering, tamal is the proper word for one.  The tamales is plural.  The 'e' was never there before us non Spanish speakers discovered tamales.  Even some of the local speakers call one a tamale now due to almost everyone else calling them a tamale.  The local dialect is known locally as Texmex (just like the Mexican food is locally) and not a purer Spanish like what is spoken ins Mexico.

At this moment I have the grill going waiting on the wings I will cook for lunch.  I am trying my version of the Mexican BBQ chicken  (pollos asados) that I talked about a while back.  I don't have the recipe I needed so I am just 'winging' it.  See what I did there?

There is more, much more but those are sad things, so I will leave those be.  We have been invited for supper tonite and then we have our thing tomorrow.  I am already tired.

Happy Trails

Oh, and Merry Christmas

Progress

My Mother's ankle is not broken.  She is making slow progress but it is progress.  She still is reluctant to do things to help it out much, like wearing the boot we brought over and especially using ice.  She hates the ice.  That is until yesterday.  'K' got her to use it again and she was amazed her ankle felt better as soon as it was on....again.  LOL.  'K' has been over there since Sunday afternoon and will be back today.  Yea!  She has been making her do things she probably would not have without her insistent prodding.  I went over yesterday and when she had the boot on she was using the walker to get around.  I went and got them some lunch and brought the baby with me.  The baby brings her much joy and that is the point.  However she tires very quickly.  I assume that is due to her being less active and the stress of the pain.  It all adds to her anxiety.  She has also been confused about things.  We won't leave her alone to fend for herself until the confusion clears up.  But that still concerns me.  She will not under any circumstances move in, even temporarily with my Brother or I.  It would have made it easier to care for her and we could sleep in our own bed etc.  But it would be very hard on her, maybe worse considering everything and how she is such a creature of habit.  Not sure if tonight is the night we leave her alone or not.  I will leave that in 'K's' hands since it will fall to her to stay most likely.  Not sure what our family would do without her, 'K' I mean.  I hope the others realize it as much as I do, but I doubt it.

One good thing is we have most of the Christmas shopping done.  Doing it online gives us more time to deal with Mom and her needs.  So there is less rush there.  My oldest Granddaughter had requested I make her a leather book cover for a journal.  After 2 attempts, after two screw ups, I had one mostly finished.  It was a little smaller than I needed it to be to fit easily.  So I have been making adjustments to make it fit better.  I may have messed the entire thing up.  I messed up the finish.  If I can't fix that, I will have to start over TODAY in order to get it done in time.  I can't explain what my problem is with all the errors I have made on this thing.  I assume that leather work has been to far out of my mind for too long and have lost some of my mojo.  Use it or lose it.  Disgusted with myself.

Happy Trails

SMH

My Mother lives alone in the house she shared with my Father that passed away last August.  She has adjusted very well and that has relieved a lot of worry for us.  Until this week.  She has a mild form of insomnia so the doctor gave her some pills to help her sleep.  She takes them occasionally, not a lot but will use them when she has had a rough day which usually leads to a sleepless night.  One of those nights happened early this week.  She usually had taken just one pill of the three she is allowed to take.  One had no effect so she took two.  That certainly had an effect.  It made her dizzy.  I'll skip all the other details but she was dizzy enough she fell.  She didn't break anything but she did sprain both ankles.  She is virtually immobile.  We have been running back and forth over there and 'K' has spent a couple nights and my sister-in-law will spend a couple.  She is supposed to see her doctor Monday.  The ER didn't really do anything for her other than tell her they didn't think anything was broken, but see your doctor Monday and let him deal with it.  Hopefully the swelling will be down enough that x-rays will see if there is anything broken.  Of course she just knows something is broken.  One ankle is worse than the other and looks pretty bad, all swollen and discolored.  It may be broken, I don't know.  

She had been refusing to take the Tramadol she was prescribed for pain and didn't want any supporting wrap to stabilize her ankle since the ER doc didn't want to do it.  I assume due to swelling.  I keep urging the wrap even if lightly to help with the pain by stabilizing it and keep it from moving more than it should.  But what do I know?  She also didn't want to use ice but we prevailed.  I had 'K' take her boot she got for her surgery over to see if that would help, if she would at least agree to try it.  Lo and behold it worked great.  But what do I know?  LOL.

Hopefully she will get a little more mobile after the doctor works his magic and things can get back to normal.  Normal?  Who am I kidding?  

Happy Trails

Aggravation

Took 'K' to her podiatrist for a follow up visit from her surgery mid June.  Nothing to report other than he didn't like how she walked and asked about her shoes.  He had only told her to get 'sturdy' shoes during her recovery.  The Physical Therapist sent her to a specialty store they use to get the shoes.  It is a running shoe store but they said the people there knew their stuff and would get her fixed up.  Yeah, they did, to the tune of 200+$ for the shoes plus inserts they said she had to have.  Over the next few months she did get better but could tell her foot was rolling to one side and hurt often during and after walking.  

The doctor, after seeing her walk and talk about her complaint of her foot rolling, said he could fix that with some tweaks to her shoe.  It didn't work and he then decided she had a 'running shoe' and she needed to have a 'walking shoe.'  Yes, exactly.  He sent her to Academy at least and not some high dollar shoe store like the last one.  49$ for another pair of shoes.  So we have spent right at 300$ on shoes with the expensive probably never to be worn again.  This is not a hit we need at Christmas time.  She was a good sport and said 'merry Christmas to me.'  She meant this would be her Christmas gift.  I admire that, but she will still get some Christmas gifts.  She deserves them.  I just hope these work out and she will be back to normal soon.  No idea how long that will be, the doc reiterated that this was a knarly surgery and requires a long recovery.   He wouldn't put a time frame on it.  So we will be as patient as we can.

We had all 3 Grandkids at the house Friday night.  It was surprisingly easier than I would have thought.  The two older ones kept the Nugget (our 10 month old Granddaughter) busy nearly the entire time.  They had her attention entirely.  It was as if Poppy and Nani were only there just in case.  We were ignored by her almost completely.  She is totally enraptured with the older cousins so it was less work for us keeping her entertained.  It was fun to watch her.

Happy Trails

5 Years

Tomorrow marks 5 years when I had surgery to remove my prostate due to cancer.  I don't really know for sure but I think at 5 years I am considered cancer free.  I will have a follow up check in January and I will certainly ask that question.  My memory tells me that some of the material they gave me to read about the before and after surgery that they would continue to check for cancer (PSA test) for 10 years.  But they have deviated from some of that material so I don't know how hard those numbers are.  It would be good to be able to drop a couple doctor visits and labs per year from my schedule.  Although he does treat me for low T also, so that would most likely continue anyway.

Reflecting back on my decision to proceed with surgery as opposed to radiation (those were my only two options at that time) I have no regrets.  the surgery revealed that my cancer was more aggressive than the biopsy said it was.  The surgeon told me I made the right decision due to the aggressive nature.  I know there are a lot of new approaches to treating or not treating prostate cancer lately and I haven't really kept up with it, but it seems there are opposing views.  It's still something that is being debated and refined.  Consequently I am less inclined to offer advice.  Well I don't think I ever offered advice, just what my experience was.  I don't ever want to tell someone that I think they should do one treatment over another.  Everyone has to make their own choice.  Just get informed as much as you can.  I have offered to talk to friends that I have lost touch with that I became aware of their having this cancer.  I have yet to have anyone follow up with that.  The one in particular that I offered really didn't want anyone to know he had it.  I am not real sure of that mind set, but it's his choice.  I mention this today instead of tomorrow as I may forget by then.  I have had others ask me to relate my experiences and I have done so.  One expected to get prostate cancer since his father had gone through it so he wanted to know as much about it as he could.  It was no holds barred and let him know the bad things especially.

Today starts a slack week as far as any planned activities.  I am not real sure how we will handle that since we have been pretty busy for months now.  I'm sure that 'K' will continue her Christmas decorations.  Also I hope we get to keep the Nugget again as I am spoiled about getting her to ourselves for an overnight stay.   I am going to really try hard to get a good start on a leather project for the oldest Granddaughter.  I have tried a couple times over the last few months and have messed those starts up so today I start it again with a new determination.  I'm hoping I don't screw this one up too LOL, since it is a Christmas gift she requested.  

Happy Trails

Stopping By

That's what this feels like, just stopping by, not staying long or for any substance.  Preps are taking place for the big feast tomorrow.  I have the turkey in the smoker right now.  The others liked my last one so much they want it again instead of a spiral sliced ham.  Thing is, I don't remember year to year how I smoked it the last time.  How long, basting etc.  So I just fake it.  Somehow it turns out OK.

All the kids and Grandkids will be here along with my Mother.  The first thanksgiving without my Dad.  We have been struggling to get her to commit to coming.  There are several things she throws out that make it seem like she won't come for some made up reason.  I think it is because she will feel so different without Dad this time and is afraid of how she will react.  'K' disagrees with me and thinks she is alright about coming.  I know it's a long way for her but we try to make the arrangements so she doesn't have to drive.  Son #2 lives the closest and would pick her up and take her home even if she wanted to leave early (she always does).  She doesn't want him to have to leave early so she wouldn't do that.  Now we have her coming over to his house and following him out.  Since every road and highway is under construction out here she would most likely get lost coming the alternate routes.  She did like the idea of following him better than any other.  She could leave when she wanted and not have him take her home.  She hates to put anyone out.  

Had to take the Explorer in to the shop this week.  One of the dual horns quit working and it can hardly be heard, but now it's fixed.  They had to take the grill off to get to them, not something I wanted to do like I would have years ago.  It's all under warranty anyway.  Then the Sync thing (that's the fancy computer/media screen) acted up one day.  It locked up and when I shut the car off it started flickering and flashing.  It finally started working again but I wanted it checked out just in case.  I couldn't change radio stations or anything else.  It made me realize how much of the car is connected to that thing.  All it needed was an update it seems.  Hopefully that is all.  At least it's documented if it happens again.  Then more drastic measures will be taken.

There are a lot of other things we are dealing with, trying to help some others that is taking up some time.  I won't talk about it here other than that it takes the fun outta posting here sometimes.

Happy Trails

Midway....The Movie

I rarely ever go to a movie, maybe once or twice a year for something I may be interested in.  This one was on my radar despite how hokey the trailers looked.  Son#1 and I go to one together on occasion, usually it is a war movie.  The Midway story has been told on film several times.  I don't remember any names or specifics, but I dare say they are not like this one.  

This one gives more detail on what transpired in regard to the intelligence leading up to it.  The film actually starts 4 years prior to WW2.  It does a good job of setting up the climax and characters.  The Pearl Harbor scenes were very intense and more graphic than others I have seen.  That holds true through all the action shots.  I think the story was told well on the Japanese side also.  When the main battle gets going....wow.  I don't want to give anything away so that's all you get.  

This movie made me reflect more than most any other that I have seen.  Especially during the Midway attacks on the Japanese fleet.  The were so intense.  I had to fist pump when they finally got the Akagi.  It was pretty emotional for me as I reflected on the type of people our country produced in that era.  I couldn't help but think about, what if for today?  I don't hold any illusions that we have enough of the sort that would or could do what it took to do what they did.  I'll stop there as I could go on and on.  

Go. See it.

The next movie in my sights is 1917.  Strangely enough, the wife says she was very interested in that one.  Go figure. 

Happy Trails

Grands and Food

The older Grands spent Friday night with us.  Their Mom and Dad were going out to celebrate Mom's birthday.  We don't see them much anymore.  The older they get the more things they have on their plate.  Plus it's not as cool to hang with the Grandparents, even though they seem to enjoy it while here.  I had bought one of those birch chunk of log I had seen at the grocery store.  Mostly out of curiosity.  This was the perfect time to try it out.  So we did and it was pretty cool and burned easily.  Yes, we made s'mores.  I had never had them before but knew about them.  Very tasty but of course being diabetic I should leave them alone.  I had to try one, wanted more.

And a close up of the log flaming.  For 10$ it was worth it.  Burned a little over an hour.  

Today I am trying something new (to me) on the grill.  Pollos Asados.  The literal translation is roast (grilled) chicken.  But, this is a very Mexican way of cooking it.  This has a seasoning called achiote.  AH-CHEE-O-TAY.  Unless you go to a truly Mexican restaurant that specializes in this, you won't find it anywhere except a very weak version at Pollo Loco.  It really doesn't even come close.  There are about 3-4 of these places in all of San Antonio.  A city that has a Mexican Restaurant on nearly every corner.  This is as close as you can get to real Mexican food without going there.  It has a citrus season that will char up really nice.  These chicken quarters were pre-seasoned at the store.  I found some of the seasoning and I will be trying it myself.  I'm not a huge chicken fan but this....I have fallen in love with this style.  

Happy Trails

Just Life

Nothing to report.  The weather is the big news for this part of the State.  It's mostly the 40 mph winds.  It really isn't all that cold until the wind is added.  I had 29* this morning and it's supposed to be colder tomorrow.  We did get cold enough to freeze and we had some scattered precipitation, rain, sleet, maybe snow.  I don't know I didn't see any here.  We have a coating of ice on the car and anything else that is outside.  Not a lot, just enough to cause damage to the plants.  We covered our plants like we do every year but the wind won and uncovered the biggest part.  So we will likely lose some.  I hear reports of accidents in town on bridges that get a little iced up.  The drivers here aren't too bright when it comes to ice on roads.  Having been in the road business for over 30 years I have seen it all and how the locals deal with ice.  Due to the idiot drivers our agency tended to overreact in protecting them from themselves.  We closed bridges and then roadways.  This caused major traffic issues and tons of criticism.  But the over reaction came from seeing people die on the ice and getting sued because they thought we didn't do enough.  It's impossible to protect idiots from themselves.  I was and still am of the mind the drivers are responsible for their own actions.  Warn them of the danger repeatedly yet let them decide for themselves.  The Darwin effect.  The problem with this approach is they endanger others that are taking precautions.  It's a lose lose situation.  It will never be perfect as long as people are involved.

The wife worked at a friends business last week, like she did last year, making calls to customers to let them know about their annual big sale.  Mind numbing work but it gives us some extra cash for the upcoming gifting season.  Last year we scored a lot of deer meat from the owner.  Not so lucky this year as he sold his ranch.  But since our extra fridge quit earlier this year, we don't have room to store any.  

The Granddaughter (the youngest-I call her Nugget) is here and stayed last night.  We may try to keep her an additional night.  Trying to give Dad a break as he is working hard to get a new comic funded.  The second in his series.  She was a little fussier than usual so we were glad to get her off his hands.  His deadline is coming soon so we will try to keep her at least one more night to give him some extra time.

Happy Trails

Results

The tree guys finished just like he said he would.  I was skeptical since there was so much left to do.  But he and his crew threw it into overdrive and knocked it out.  I am very impressed with what they did.  Even though it was a great expense I believe it was well earned and now all these trees (35-40 of them, all oaks) look better than they ever have.  Here are a few before and after shots.  The pictures don't come near doing it justice.  One issue was that the before pics were done in complete cloud cover, the after pics brilliant sun and it sorta blows out the pics.  But now you can sere sunshine on the grass underneath where you couldn't before.

I know it's really hard to tell but there was a huge lot of limbs and at least 4 trees taken out.  The wife is thrilled and that's really all that matters.  Today I will cut up some of the  wood left for firewood and stack it.  They almost forgot to leave me some.  

Happy Trails

Catching Up

I seem to have lost the need to even turn on my PC this week.  That is very unusual.  Normally I spend a couple hours reading news and reading blogs.  However, it just hasn't happened this week.  I have been doing less and less on the PC over the last few months anyway.  With less time sitting here, I notice my neck and shoulder issues are less prominent.  Hello.  I am not sure why this change in interest has happened lately.  I find myself with more time on my hands now too and it seems like I should be doing something that I have forgotten, sort of unsettled.  Nothing serious, just something I have noticed and muse over a little.  I only mention it as it has obviously caused me to post even less.  

I do find myself using my stupid phone more than I ever have.  Checking emails, the nextdoor neighborhood app to see what is going on with our HOA, and a couple other things.  Mostly instagram to see Australian Shepherds and the great photos they post.  I miss having a dog (Aussie especially) but I can't bring myself to make that commitment for such an active breed.  In fact not having a dog has been liberating to an extent.  However, I came across what would be the perfect Aussie for us on Lone Star Aussie rescue.  A low energy Aussie and she is on the smaller size and is beautiful.  I feel she would be a great addition/fit.  She is fostered in Ft. Worth and I am letting that keep me from going and meeting her since it is a pretty long drive.  I want to but I don't want to.  This is one of the only things I get indecisive about.  They tug at my heart strings and my good sense tends to get scrambled.

The weather is colder and wet and it will get even colder.  Possibly our first freeze of the year.  Another early freeze.  It's wet today and the tree guy says he will finish today.  He has to as he is scheduled far into the future and any delay will throw things off.  I was't sure he would come today with this weather like it is but he is here now and says he HAS to finish today.  He earns his money for sure.  

Happy Trails

Tree Work

I don't remember mentioning this before.  I hired a company to come do some major work on all the many oak trees we have at our place.  There are about 40 with varying sizes.  Some pretty big and others not much of anything.  We have tons of ball moss and a lot of dead limbs and crowded growth.  The wife and I spend several days each year trying to keep up.  But it is getting too much for my old bones for what needs to be done.  Quite a bit of these trees hang over the roof and has caused problems in the past.  I don't want this new roof getting damage like before.  I also have no way now to haul off any limbs like I could with my Ranger, although it took many trips to get it done.  This company will do some major work clearing out the ball moss and dead limbs and raising the canopy and shaping them up.  At least 3 of those smaller trees will get cut down since they are getting crowded and they affect the others by taking sunlight and making them lean funny.  I will also get some firewood out of this.  Won't take all of it since there would be more than I could handle or have a place for it.

They started on Thursday and only worked on one tree, but it is the biggest of all.  They worked all day on mostly that one tree.  It is looking very good now.  It gives me even more confidence I hired the right guy.  It is very pricey but he will be here just over a week to get it all done.  We get a lot of these drive by tree trimmers that don't speak much English and I have used them once before and it was pretty good.   But I felt this job was going to be too big for something like that and I wanted to be sure they were insured, both for protection of any damage from a dropped limb on the house or injury to anyone.  Plus I wanted it to last a few years before I needed more done.  So they are doing quite a lot and I am paying a premium price.  I got three bids, one from a street guy, and I called two others.  The guy I hired wasn't the lowest bid or the highest.  I could tell he knew his stuff and he also cared about his work. Plus he had very high reviews.  He said he won't let any of his help do the cutting as he doesn't trust anyone but himself to do it.  He also wouldn't work on Halloween since his help would probably be hung over.  There was also just me liking the guy.  NO BS but very personable.  

The weather that rolled through last night with 40 mph winds today has not deterred him.  I would have expected him to knock off instead of climbing trees in this wind.  But he explained what he planned to do and I don't want to tell him his business.  He's the pro, not me.  I'm sure he has faced similar before as busy as he is.  Pics of before and after when he is done next week.  

Happy Trails

Crisp

The weather here has been absolutely perfect the last few days.  Crisp, clear mornings in the low 50's with very dry air.  This is what makes me love this time of year.  I call it chamber of commerce weather.  It is exactly what they want visitors here to experience.  I's been working way to well the last few years.  Way too many outlanders moving in.  They have taken over our HOA and have no issue spending someone else's money.  It won't be long it will be just like the place they think they escaped from. 

But I digress.  I want to show you what is going on around here with this shift in the weather.  The boys are feeling it.  

This one I had to wait for him to cross my driveway before I could go on my morning walk.

In fact, I have had to stop a few times with all the bucks that are running around acting crazy.  The does are terrified.

I love this time of year.

Happy Trails

Unsupervised-3rd Try

I keep hitting something on my keyboard that makes my posts disappear.  No idea what I do and I try to replicate it so I can see what I am hitting with my right hand and making it go away.  I'm sure it must be the way I sit as it makes me reach the key board at an angle instead of straight on.  At least that is what I'm telling myself and am trying to get better posture for this 3rd attempt.  This is my last attempt for today, but you won't know that if nothing gets posted.

I am unsupervised again for a few hours.  'K' has headed over to my Mother's without me.  She told me she didn't want me to go.  She detected something in her conversation with her last night that she may be feeling a bit down and just may need to be the shoulder to cry on.  She puts on her game face when I am around so in order to let it out with 'K' I have to not be there.  

I know she is fretting about a call about her health insurance.  Now that Daddy is gone she will be dropped from his coverage unless she opts for COBRA.  I will sit in on a conversation they have scheduled for her on Nov. 7 to go over what she will need to do.  She is terrified she will lose her insurance since she doesn't understand how it works.  I know nothing about COBRA but I hope I can understand enough to help her make a decision.

I messed around with 'K's' car (CR-V) a little to see if I could get it running a little better.  I couldn't find the stupid spark plugs.  They aren't in the usual places.  I hit utube university.  No wonder I couldn't find them.  Sheesh, I am not going to try and get those out with an aluminum head and block.  I am pretty sure I would strip the hole trying to get them back in.  They are way down inside the head/engine in the back.  They have their own 'valve' cover looking thing.  They have another object that fits over them that has to be removed and I don't have a clue what it is.  I did change the air filter and low and behold it runs much better.  Apparently, even though it didn't look all that bad, it must be more sensitive to restricted air flow.  So I will leave the spark plugs for another time and will probably have them done then.  

Hey I made it all the way without losing this post again.  Yay me.

Happy Trails

Ugh

The 'game' certainly didn't turn out like I wanted.  The land thieves were clearly the better team.  No, I don't take any solace that the score was close, they still lost.  The score should have been much higher for the land thieves but their coach had a brain murmur too and went away from what was working well for them for about a half, just like all the UT coaches.  What is it with every UT coach, that causes them to keep running those wide pass/run plays that never work?  Do they think that since it wasn't successful they won't expect us to run it again?  What a lack of imagination.  The land thieves didn't even have to think about what might be coming at them.  It was the same thing every time.  NO second half adjustments.  I was not happy.

We have just been having a lot of errands the last few days.  Monday especially.  Went to 3 different places to get our flu shots.  'K' got hers at the first place but they didn't have the right dosage for me.  I didn't know that once you get 'older' there is a second stronger dosage.  They were out and didn't know when they would get it.  They offered the regular one but I passed.  They sent me to another store (Walgreen's) that they verified had the dosage.  This one was right near the Home Depot we were heading to.  No dice.  The tech couldn't get my insurance to work even though the other store had already updated in their system.  After watching her struggle with it for at least ten minutes and using two computers to try and make it work I just left and went across the street to HEB.  They did it right away with no issues.  No idea what her problem was other than maybe a brain fart.  

The Home Depot trip was to pick up a flapper kit for our toilet.  We have extremely hard water and deposits will build up on the tank drain hole and cause the flapper to leak ever so slowly.  After replacing the flapper once and sanding down the opening to remove the build up (it worked about a week and then started leaking again) I got another flapper that has an 'o' ring that was made to fit the drain hole and it came with some silicone to seal it with.  It has worked so far and I am hoping that is a final solution.  At least until more build up returns.

Apparently we aren't heading out on a road trip this week.  And 'K' hasn't mentioned it again and I won't since it makes her unhappy we aren't on the road already.  No excuses other than it's my fault.  I will use this time to take a look a 'K's' car and see if the spark plugs need changing and a couple other minor things I can do without to much trouble.  It's just not running as smooth as it should when I accelerate hard.  A couple bottles of injector cleaner made no difference.  It runs fine at all other times, it's just stumbles on hard acceleration.  Hopefully I can figure this out, but it isn't a huge issue I will worry about.

Happy Trails

ou Week

It's that time of year for college football, rivalry games.  This week my Longhorns take on the land thieves from North of the Red River.  All week long I post 'memes' on the book of faces about ou, something like this:

    

Don't worry, I'll spare you the rest of the week.  I don't ever try to predict what will happen.  They almost always do something other than what all the prognosticators think will happen.  Some a&m fans get twisted to hear someone say that ou is Texas' biggest rival.  While a&m has always been a rival to Texas, they never were close when it comes to the land thieves.  I think it's pretty funny actually how worked up the aggies get over this.  Even though they don't play anymore they still have this deep seated complex about Texas.  Regardless of who you might want to win, this should be a pretty good game this year.  Oh, I did not attend there, I'm just a fan of the sports teams.  And that evens twists the aggies, they have even bestowed a special name for us.  T-shirt fans lol.  Like they don't have any.  

Reporting in on the 'prime' cut brisket I BBQ'ed Friday.  I think that may be the way to go from now on.  Less fat = less mess in the pit and there didn't seem to be any flavor loss.  There is also less loss from having too much fat on the fat cap.  It still shrinks down to about 2/3 of it's raw size.  It was a little drier since there was less fat but less grease too.  I am guessing it was about a 10 lb brisket.  Even with the shrinkage, it still would have been plenty for our family gatherings.  We still are munching on it today.  We may freeze the rest to have later.  

Hook 'em

Smoke

I have the pit going today.  Have a brisket smoking, something I haven't done in a while.  No special occasion this time.  Just me and 'K.'  I bought a much smaller one this time but spent quite a bit more per pound by buying a 'prime' brisket.  I never buy the expensive cuts of brisket.  I buy the biggest I can find so I can't afford 80-90 bucks for a piece of meat.  I think the way I cook them evens the playing field.  I get a lot of compliments every time.  Always most, always tender and plenty of smoke.  This 'prime' cut was bought on a whim.  Smaller cut but paid as much as I do for the larger cuts.  Since it will be just the wife and I enjoying it the smaller ones were only prime cuts.  So I said 'why not?'  I will cook it my usual method and see if I can see if there is any difference in the taste etc.  I know the few times I have had other types of 'prime' cuts there is a significant difference.  It is not something we do often due to the price.  We are generally happy with the lesser cuts.  I'm out, gotta check on the fire.

Happy Trails

Weather

The weather is all the talk here.  We have been experiencing record heat for this time of year.  They say September will go down as one of if not the hottest on record.  August was brutal also.  All this heat comes after a very mild May, June and July.  It's as if nature is making up for being asleep.  On top of the brutal heat this September it has been very humid also.  We woke up to 88% humidity with a prediction of more record heat today with a heat index of well over 100*.  Right now, as I write this, it is raining.  Much needed but will add more humidity.  If it doesn't clear off the temps will not reach their predicted highs.  It will still be pretty uncomfortable.  And yes, I washed and cleaned up the wife's car Friday after almost a year of neglecting it.  SMH.  

We had wanted to take a road trip soon after the rough few months we have had.  In fact I was just about to mention to 'K' we need to seriously think about when and where as she finishes up physical therapy on her foot in a couple weeks.  Planning ahead would allow us to leave ASAP.  However, I had opened my trap about teaching a class at our congregation.  I have a specific class and course I prefer, middle school age and what I call, 'What Does the Bible' say.  They usually have a curriculum that everyone is to teach from for the ages appropriate.  Since I wanted to teach my own material, they had only told me, maybe in the future, when the current chosen material is finished.  They were having trouble getting enough volunteers and so I was drafted and would be allowed to teach my preferred material.  I was told what I wanted to teach was close enough to the curriculum.  This will tie me up for the next 3 months.  So I guess unless we were to squeeze a road trip between Sundays, it ain't happening.

It would be too cold to go anywhere after that, at least until April/May, depending on the destination.  I still have my eyes set on the Grand Canyon area.  It's far enough north that it could still be pretty cold.  No, we avoid trips in the summer.  The vacation crowds of turistas really turn me off.  I hate to think we have to wait until the following October.

Happy Trails

Yeah, I Know

I am sorry about not posting but I just haven't had it in me.  No, nothing it wrong just bereft of thoughts worthy to bore you with. 

Happy Trails

Honey-Do's

This week I have been doing some Honey Do's that have been waiting for me a while.  #1 on the list was to change the wipers on 'K's car.  Since we weren't using it much at all since the AC had quit I didn't have to worry about it.  Now 'K' has been cleared to drive and the AC is working I went and got her 3 new blades.  Sheesh, 60$ for 3 wipers!  I actually got them installed without cracking the windshield this time or the shedding of any blood.  I also worked on her headlights, the cars, not hers.  You know those silly plastic covers that get cloudy over time?  They were not good.  Watched a few videos on U toob university and decided on one that seemed like it would be best.  Baking Soda and water paste rubbed on and off.  After 3-4 tries it's better but not as good as I want it.  So I found another video from a mechanic and bought the kit her recommended.  I will be here a a couple days and I will hit those headlights again and get them looking like I want them. 

We have extremely hard water.  This requires regular maintenance of faucet aerators, shower head and toilet flaps.  Those were all taken care of, new flaps and sanding the top of the pipe the flaps close on.  Those things caused the toilet leak just enough that it would refill itself when it got low.  It invariably happened while I was in the shower.  It doesn't always work the first time but I think I got it. 

Not much else is happening at the moment and the weather is a bit uncertain.  Rained Thursday evening with more expected through Saturday.  that will delay working on the headlights as they can't be exposed to water for 24 hours.  I will most likely just goof off and watch a little college football and especially tonight when my team plays one of those teams from just over the Red River.  This team has had their number the last few years.  I think pay back will happen tonight.  

Happy Trails

Catching Up

Nothing really anything new to talk about.  My Mother is doing pretty well, she does have some teary moments, but why not.  She has been through a lot over the last several years.  When I call her now she always sounds so much more 'chipper' than she has in a long time.  I managed to get her an 'in person' appointment at the SS office that is just a few blocks from her home.  We got in after a wait of about 5 minutes or less.  The place was packed.  Apparently having an appointment is the only way to go.  We got everything taken care of.  They had enough information they didn't even need the death certificate.  We actually got the call that the certificates were ready to pick up just before we left for the appointment.  Since Daddy died before the end of the month, she has to return his check.  They actually do it electronically so she won't have to do anything other than adjust her check book.  So we are done with that issue.  

She still hasn't heard from Daddy's pension folks.  I called to check and they said they were still in the time frame of contact, 5-7 days.  They told me 1-2.  I will call her today to see it they called her.  She is worried she won't be able to hear them or understand them in order to get things right.  Not much I can do on that front to help out since they can't give a time frame for the call.

I am feeding good friends dog not to far from us for a couple days.  Also we will be getting The Nugget (my newest Granddaughter) all of Friday if not longer along with their dog.  Son#2 has big show downtown that he is committed to and hopes to make a few $$ and generate interest in his first issue of his new comic.

'K' has a few more therapy visits on her foot.  Into early October.  Then we will start seriously talking about a road trip.  But other commitments have popped up within the next month we will have to work around.  Most any place we go will be North.  That means colder weather.  We haven't even been 'North' at that time of year.  'K' doesn't want me to mention a delay to those plans.  Soooo.....

 

I guess that's enough for not really having anything to talk about.

Happy Trails

Great News and Other Things

SS called me a couple days ago.  They had an appointment ready for my Mother and I to speak to them.  Only problem was, it was right then.  We were told they would call to set up a phone interview.  That would allow me to field the call on my phone and I would be at my Mother's house and help her with things she didn't understand or could not hear.  When I explained that to them, they said they had no other appointments available.  This one came open due to a cancellation.  If they could not speak with my Mother at that moment I would have to go through another 1 hour wait phone call to reschedule to get on their schedule.  Sheesh.  We found out there is a satellite office just a few blocks from her home so I made an appointment for next week for us to go in person.  Hopefully the wait won't be too long since my Mother has some issues that make long waits very trying and uncomfortable.  

I have gotten three bids/estimates for the tree work we need to have done.  I actually hired one of them.  They will get started in late October, around Halloween.  It's a really big job.  We have around 35 oak trees that I have done all the work previously.  It has gotten away from me and I can't keep up with it any more, other than just minor touch ups.  It is costing me a boatload.  The other bad thing is, it doesn't last.  I will get a ton of firewood out this and a roof that is clear of limbs.  That has caused serious issues in the past.  Along with general clean up.

We got 'K's' car back yesterday.  All is well and was not charged a single dime.  The mechanic spent a lot of time searching for the reason the check engine light keeps coming on and off.  Never found anything he could pin point.  So we will drive it as it is (no light at the moment).  He said it may come on intermittently and if it stays on for an extended period or has performance issues that I should call him.  He didn't try to sell me parts for him to hit and miss on.  I really like this guy.

Oh, the great news we got this week that I can't believe I almost forgot, we got a clean pathology report for 'K.'  No breast cancer.  Much relief and I just had to hug on her doctor when she told us.  

We have celebrated that good news a couple times this week.  Right after the news I took her to eat at her favorite Mexican place so she could have puffy tacos.  There were a few tears shed in a tender moment we had then during a prayer.  Friday the 13th of all days, was the day we met oh so long ago.  When we met it was a Friday 13th also and I tease her that it was a very unlucky day for me and that bad luck thing is is obviously true.  It was a great meal at a great BBQ joint in a neighboring town and we had a great time and came home and fell asleep in front of the TV.  We are so lame.

Happy Trails

Breathing Room

I have managed to get a little breathing room with my Mother's affairs.  Not without more than a little frustration dealing with at&t.  What horrible customer service.  Four days of repeated and lengthy phone calls with several transfers on each.  They have now been cancelled for her cell service and git her new phone and cell provider.  The new phone was necessary due to at&t incompetence in getting her current phone unlocked so she could keep her current number.  So I just told them finally to just cancel everything due their incompetence.  there will be a bit of a learning curve with the new phone for her.  I did the best I could with the android operating system ( I have apple) but will need other family that have android phones to help out with anything else.  Bottom line is she won't have to deal with them any longer and we cut her bill by 100$/mo.  If you haven't looked into a cheaper carrier and are interested, give consumercellular.com a look.  We are more than happy and wish we had found them sooner.  We have had '0' issues with our reception etc.

I got the ball rolling on the changes to her SS, and also on my Father's pension.  It appears we won't have to head downtown to make the changes to her SS, they will do it by phone.  They will call me to set up a time to call me for the finalization.  Scratching my head on that one.  At least they will have a time so I can be at her house so she can listen in and answer whatever questions.  The other guys will call sometime in the next 2 days and she will have to deal with that since they can give us no time frame.  That causes concern for her.  

We dropped 'Ks' car back with the mechanic and he will have to replace the compressor again.  He still hasn't been able to determine exactly what is going on with the check engine light.  I can tell he is a little frustrated that things are going this way, but it is not fault of his.  We have built a pretty good rapport.

I also will have a couple more companies come out and give me estimates for the major tree work we need to get done.  

Whew, getting long, there is more but I'll stop for now.

Happy Trails

Normal?

Things are trying to get back to normal around here.  Still a lot going to be happening in the short term.  

I will be  helping her with get accounts notified, closed, transferred and consolidated with several entities.  I have already dealt with her DirectTV with AT&T.  They were getting charged well over 200$/mo.  I was pretty angry when I called them.  I felt it was flat out abuse of elderly.  It was the bundle of phone/TV/internet.  TV was the biggest culprit.  They had the top package along with a premium movie channel and a regional sports.  Get it lowered by 50$ but I think it's still more than she should have to pay.  I got their basic package of TV which she still gets 250+ channels.  Cancelled the regional sports.  I doubt she even watches TV that much.  She rarely if ever uses internet.  But I didn't want her to be without.  Others may use it when they come over to help her out.  The phone bill has also been raised without notice.  They are supposed to get an employee discount and pay around 7$/mo.  It's been raised to 44$ without notice.  They will hear more soon.

Next week we will address her cell phone bill.  Again, paying for what the never needed.  We will drop Daddy's line, get her phone unlocked.  Take it to a new provider to get it used with their sim card and get her bill to less than 30$/mo.  A savings of over 100$/mo.  

Then there is SS, Daddy's pension and back accounts.  A lot of that can't be addressed until we get death certificates.  The funeral home said they would notify SS, but with all the missteps with the funeral arrangements I don't believe I can trust them to get that right and will start the process Monday.  

All of this along with 'K's' continuing rehab and doctor appointments.  We see the podiatrist Monday.  We see the doctor that did her most recent surgery and get the pathology report.  With good news a another weight off our shoulders.

I have more but this is getting long, so I'll shut up...for now.  But this has been our normal for a while now.  Looking for a new, better normal soon.

Happy Trails

Hand Salute

Since I'm not a veteran, I cannot 'hand salute.'  So I offer my virtual 'hand salute.'

A few photos from my Father's Home-going yesterday.  Daddy was a Navy Veteran.  He joined in November 1945, his senior year in high school had just begun and was only 17 years old.  They credited his military service to his transcript and received his high school diploma.  The first in his family to graduate high school.  He was always proud of his service and enjoyed it.  But he never ever boasted about it.  Technically, even though, his service was not during WW2, we found out he was considered a WW2 vet.  We never knew this until this week.  I don't know if he knew that or not, but knowing him, he would never claim it since the actual shooting was over a couple months earlier than his enlistment.  He would never claim something that wasn't his.  

He was buried with military honors.  We knew he was getting a flag for the casket.  

I suspected he may have some sailors deliver thee flag during the service.  But that didn't happen.  The flag was there when we got there.  We were a little worried he wouldn't be recognized at all as he deserved as he had no DD214.  We had discharge papers and certificates but no DD214.  A little research revealed he was discharged before the DD214 came about.  When we got to the grave sight, we saw this.

I can hardly describe how this made me feel.  I had done well keeping my emotions in check, but this, I almost lost it.

A few more.  That's me on the far end in the hat.

My Mother and Uncle

We put together a video with over a hundred photos along with background music of he and my mother singing together from many years ago.  This was a surprise for her.  It really touched her and she has watched it several times already since.  The thing that mattered most, my Mother thought everything was perfect.  That's all that mattered in the end.

Happy Trails

At Rest

My Dad passed away Thursday night.  We got the call from Mom just before 4 AM.  We headed over right away.  We met with the funeral director yesterday afternoon and made the arrangements.  We will finalize the funeral arrangements with the participants today.  He will be laid to rest next week.  I won't post the day or time for OPSEC reasons.   A few photos from his life.

Happy Trails

Nothing New to Report

I had an entire post ready to go and, boom, I hit something and it disappeared.  I don't know what I keep hitting on my keyboard, but this has happened multiple times.  Frustrating to say the least.  

Consequently I won't try to re-post what I wrote.  Too frustrated at the moment.

Just know that there is nothing really to report.  Still dealing with all the health issues with 'K' and Dad is still with us and his vital signs are strong.  We actually thought we were going to lose him last Thursday, but then he rallied.  

This is a big week for us as 'K' goes under the knife again Thursday morning.  Hopefully/prayerfully there will be no cancer.  We won't know for sure until the following week.  She is holding up well.

I see no end to sporadic posting in sight, my apologies.

Happy Trails

What Day Is This?

It's the truth these last few weeks.  I can't really remember what actual day it is most days.  I have asked 'K' several times in one day.  I need a calendar that just tells me the the day instead of the date.  Well, I would need to know that too but the day is the key for me.  

Part of the problem is we have so many things coming up this week and next and more are added everyday.  Once we get through next week hopefully things will slow down some and we can get closer to normal, if there is such a thing.

I got the call from the mechanic that the compressor he ordered arrived and I could bring the car anytime.  I took it over yesterday evening.  Wouldn't you know it, as I started the car the check engine light stayed on.  He noticed it right away and will run the codes and see what it was.  He say he should be finished sometime Wednesday.  I guess that depends on whether he sees anything else that needs to be done or whether the codes are significant enough to address.  I think it's that same thing that happened a few months ago.  The Honda folks wanted to replace the catalytic converter for near 2K$.  I just took it home and reset the fuse and it has been fine since.  There is no drop off in performance.  I think the throttle body needs a good cleaning though.  That can cause the trouble light and there had been some slower idle than usual.  Might as well consider getting him to fix it now while he's got it.  

'K' started her PT Monday.  It went really well.  No real pain, but being off her feet for 8 weeks has taken it's toll.  She got very tired and weak before they finished.  It will take a while to get her strength back.  They sent her to a shoe store they use themselves to get the proper shoes to protect that Achilles tendon.  They say it is very susceptible to rupture right now.  So we will do everything they say and be extra careful.  We walked out of the shoe store 200$ poorer.  Yikes!  Well, if they help I guess it's worth it, but insurance ain't covering that.

Thursday is Mom's 87th birthday.  We will join my brother and take her out for lunch.  We will take my Granddaughter along too.  It will be strange leaving Dad at home with someone else.  

I found out an old coworker I have high regard for is retiring the last of this month.  I gave him a call just to chat a little.  I offered apologies that I can't make it due to 'K's' surgery and I can't even meet him for lunch before then.  He agreed to me after he retires and that will be good.  It's the best I can do right now.

Happy Trails

Saturday

K is back home after spending most of Thursday and Friday at my parents.  It seems to have done a world of good for my Mom.  K is such a blessing to her, and my Dad.  She has a very calming effect on them.  Friday when I went to get her, Dad looked better and seemed more lucid.  Thursday wasn't that good.  He is now refusing to get out of bed, taking his meds, or eating and drinking.  Although 'K' got him to swallow a few bites.  The hospice folks won't/can't give a timeline, but they have stopped taking his vitals.  The only thing now is to make him as comfortable as possible.  We will do whatever he requests, if he does.  That will be hard for Mom.  She has a tendency to 'know' what he wants/needs, I can see her frustration when he has a request that makes no sense to her.  I just keep my mouth shut.  

K most likely will be back over there to spend the night next week.  I told her to stay as much as she feels she can and not worry about being home, not to make concessions for me.  She can get me more info than I get from any other source/method.  You may wonder why it is not me staying.  That is a very long story, but in short, K is better at this sort of thing, has much more patience and her relationship with my Mom is incredible.  I have never seen or heard of a Daughter-in-law/Mother-in-law relationship like theirs.  I am blessed more than I deserve.

K has surgery scheduled for the 29th.  Fortunately it is outpatient.  Unfortunately they will have to put her under.   Anesthesia messes with her.  It causes her to lose hair.  Ladies have an issue with losing hair so that is stress added.  She just had the other surgery and now this.  She may not have any if this keeps up.  That is probably the only area I don't tease her.  There will also be several other related appointments that week.  It will be a very busy and trying time on top of everything else.  We may not be able to help at Mom and Dad's at all.  Posting will most likely be even lighter.  But sometimes this is cathartic. 

It's hot here.  Very hot, with no relief in sight.  All in all it has been a very mild summer.  But the past two weeks and next has made up for it.  My lawn is getting very crunchy, that that hasn't turned brown.  I haven't watered a lot but the water bill has tripled.  The rest of this billing cycle will be even worse.  All I can do is try to keep it alive since the bills get into the triple digits.  My garden is gone, much quicker than other years.  Strange year all around.  I know it's early but I pray for a better year next year.  

Happy Trails

Results of Consultation

Our visit to the Doctor for 'K's' upcoming procedure was less than what we expected.  No fault of the doctor, we liked her well enough.  She gave plenty of information.  Some of that information was a big surprise and made the visit less than happy.  'K' had a tearful moment after the doctor left.  Despite the previous information regarding her needle biopsy, (they told us it was benign) there evidently is still a chance this 'spot' may have cancer.  They will be able to determine more after the lumpectomy.  This will give them a more definitive answer.  Another surprise it that there are a couple types cancer of the breast that don't show up on a mammography.  The type her mother had was one of those.  Because of her family history they want her to have genetic testing done to look for genetic markers that can show a proclivity for cancer, not just breast cancer but all.  The doctor told us the numbers regarding these tests and that 88% of those that had certain markers have gone on to have cancer.  That's a pretty huge number.  The genetic testing is performed to help determine further courses of preventive action, i.e. mastectomy, additional colonoscopies etc.  We were told that insurance would pay for the mastectomies and reconstruction since it is cheaper than treating cancer.  That is a mixed bag right there.  As you can imagine our thoughts were all over the place.  However, we started to joke about breasts a little (I'll leave that to your imagination, she is already familiar with my sick humor) on the way home and are in a much better frame of mind than while at the doctor's.

No news on my Dad since we saw him last.  We will see him again Friday, we will be able to see for ourselves if there is more decline or changes.  

We were invited over for supper at some close friends.  There were two other couples there along with us and the hosts.  It was like a walking wounded gathering.  Everyone there is going through some sort of serious health issue.  It was good to get out and visit and get our minds in another place other than health.  We avoided a lot of conversation about our issues.  I don't know if that just happened or everyone just didn't feel the need.  However, the person that has a terminal brain tumor put everyone at ease early on.  He knows he will die soon and he is good with it, and that ended anymore health discussion before it started.  Not much else can match something like that and puts  all our concerns in perspective.  It could always be worse.

Happy Trails