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Showing posts with label Barnes and Nobles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barnes and Nobles. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Spring Branch Texas

We're still here, enjoying this part of Hill Country.  We've only been into San Antonio a few times, but driving the surrounding hills is very enjoyable.

Saturday we went to Wimberly only to discover we missed the date on Market Days...wrong Saturday.  But we continued on to Dripping Springs and right outside of town we stumbled across a brewery!  Jim said he was tired of blocking the traffic so we pulled off and enjoyed a cold brew.  The whole place is set up for indoor or outdoor drinking.  There is a food truck parked outside by the corn hole game and on the veranda/porch there are picnic tables with Jenga games to enjoy

We didn't stay after the one beer, it was time for lunch and we found a place called Epicure in Dripping Springs.  Our lunch was fantastic!  We both ordered the special Lamb burger, Jim opted for a salad side while I had roasted potatoes.  Cooked perfectly!  And our host answered questions about the area and we enjoyed chatting with him.  I was surprised that the menu was so upscale.  But apparently the area likes  varied continental style foods because they're opening a larger venue while keeping this one as a wine and cheese bar.

Back on the road we headed to Blanco where we did find a market set up at the old courthouse.  Typical jewelry and hand crafted items.  It was fun walking around...we needed to work off lunch!

Then it was time to head home.  Driving up and down and all around the hills is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Sunday we stayed home and enjoyed the intermittent rain.  If I recall, it started the night before with a thunderstorm.

Monday we headed out late....to check out a shopping mall south of here....right in the middle of the construction on highway 281.  Some of our friends probably drove right by it on their trek north.  Typical shops and stores.  Some well know eateries and the Alamo Drafthouse, this dinner at the theater.  We've never been to one, have you?  Could be fun

We didn't get out to look around, it's an open mall and it was way to warm to window shop.  So we headed a bit further south into San Antonio and stopped at Barnes and Nobles.  I found some magazines to buy and we both sat in the cafe and had coffee and a decadent treat called an Oreo stack.  It sure was tasty and not necessary...

Boo was happy to see us when we got home (but then, he always is) as it was past his supper time!  

Today I was on my own with the truck!  Jim opted to stay home while I headed out for some groceries.  I brought a pizza home for our lunch and along with a beer it made us both drowsy.  Jim napped while I snoozed in my chair.

I updated my Paper Craft page with some of the cards I've made.  If you're interested pop over there!

All is right in our world

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Back at Work

For the last six days we’ve been off and we’ve tried to stay busy. We’ve both taken the opportunity to read several books.  Our weather keeps us indoors when it’s wet, cold and gloomy.

Jim managed to get the truck cleaned up yesterday. It was filthy!  For once it was sunny and warm. He also dumped the black tank and did some putzing around outside, weather permitting of course.

When the weather is bad we usually head to the mall to walk.  This is good because we don’t spend money.  But when we go to Costco to get in some steps we always manage to find something we can’t live without.  We also take advantage of Barnes and Nobles when it’s nasty outside.  What’s not to like?  We can read magazines and enjoy a cup of coffee.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to play with my paper.  My supplies are all over the place and walking in front of Jim or getting into cabinets over his head is something I don't like to do.  I guess I should go back to working on my cards when he's asleep.  I get up much earlier than he does.

Once again the weather is turning nasty.  A cold front is blustering it's way in.  The progressive dinner is going to be cold and windy.  It's 1400 and the temperature is 50 degrees.  I wonder if it will rain too?  Not my idea of fun traipsing around outside, carrying chairs to eat a four course meal...no matter how much wine they have!  I hope all those attending enjoy or at least drink enough wine to not care about the weather.

That's about it from here.  Just wanted to update you

All is right in our world

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Higher and Higher

When you're hot, you're hot!  As each day passes our temperatures climb.  Lately we've been reaching the upper 90's with the nights in the 70's.  During the day the humidity drops and by afternoon we're enjoying fells like temperatures of 100+.  So we don't go outside unless we have too.

Jim has been getting up at 0700 so he can get his chores done outside before noon.  The pool needs tidying everyday what with debris from the trees (wind blows almost constantly.  And the past few days he's been pressure washing the Club House so it can be painted.

The crew that keeps up the grounds were busy the first week of June cutting and trimming all of the bushes.  Don't worry, they'll be back and looking gorgeous by the time the winter season starts!

Upper left is our rig in the 100's.  


These pictures were taken on the 8th of June.  As you can see it's looking pretty bare.  Already I've seen new growth around the resort

After Jim does his morning work he comes home and showers.  Sometimes he naps as he's lying on the bed cooling off.  Sometimes we have our midday meal together before he naps (not good for the waistline!).

I read, make cards, snooze during this time.  When he's gone in the morning I'm usually busy with housework, meal prep, bathing and trimming Boo.  I even squeeze in craft time.

Netflix is our choice for afternoon viewing.  We like England's BBC TV shows and we're enjoying some dramas, comedies and a show Grand Designs (I think) about building or rebuilding grand houses. Fascinating!

Let's see, In the past couple weeks we've mostly stayed at home.  Venturing out only for groceries.  One day we headed to the mall so I could get a haircut and we both got some steps in.  One grocery run found us at Costco and we walked all over that cool building.  I walked all over Barnes and Nobles while Jim reads magazines and that day I managed to get more steps than him.

Yesterday we went out to lunch.  Decided on Chili's because we had a gift card.  About the only good thing I can say about Chili's is they have good margarita's and cold draft beer.  Why is everything they cook so greasy?






All is right in our world


















Sunday, July 10, 2016

Beauty Is All Around Us

You just need to open your eyes











We've had a dreary, rainy weekend.  Yesterday we drove to Saratoga Springs to spend some time in Barnes and Nobles.  This is our favorite rainy day activity.  It only took about an hour to get there because we had a delay near the outlet center, traffic was bumper to bumper.  But we drove on through and jumped on the interstate.

Soon we arrived at our destination.  But first we needed some food to sustain us!  After lunch at a 99 Restaurant (

We do have sunshine now but there are still some clouds out there.  Of course with the rain we've had cooler temperatures and right now it's 66 degrees at 1800.  Should be great for sleeping!

We just watched Robin Hood: Prince of Peace with Kevin Costner.  I love anything to  do with Robin Hood.  Alan Rickman was perfect for the role of the Sheriff!

Hope y'all had a good weekend
All is right in our world





Saturday, May 21, 2016

Havre De Grace Maryland

Rain!  All day it's been raining...

I've been walking more and more each day and sometimes I just have to take a picture


Wouldn't you like to stroll through here?  Perhaps have a  picnic or just lay down and take a nap?

Yesterday we took Boo to his grooming at 1130, dropped him off and then headed into Havre De Grace to have lunch on the Susquehanna River at Tidewater Grille.  It was a lovely day to be on or near the water.  Full sunshine and a light breeze.  All the outdoor tables were taken and we didn't want to wait for a free table and chose to eat inside but we still had this nice view.



Over to the left was an Amtrak train trestle and we got to see several passenger trains cross the river in both directions.  Jim saw a big bird (bigger than an Osprey) hit the water and come up with a fish and we both saw him land on a rocky spit of land to eat it.  I think it was a juvenile Eagle.   Big lovely, brown bird.


I had crab cakes, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for lunch...ate about half of it and brought the rest home to enjoy 


Jim ordered the mixed seafood grille that included Salmon, scallops, shrimp and small crab cake, steamed veggie and fries.  He also brought home some of his lunch.  Not sure why restaurants serve such large portions but we usually get two meals out of it.

We splurged and had a dessert that was wonderful but I don't remember what it was.  Needless to say we left stuffed

One the back to pick up Boo we stopped at Target for a few groceries.  I'm looking for some coffee creamer and apparently the stores only carry the flavored kinds...I may have to give up coffee



Here's Boo with his new doo!  From PetsMart we drove to get fuel and paid $2.19 for diesel


So it was a busy afternoon and we got home in time for Jim to nap.  For about 15 minutes I rested before I had to feed Boo his dinner.

Not sure when this rain is going to end!  Because it was raining we headed to an inside mall to get some walking in and to get me a haircut.  Mission accomplished!  We also stopped in at Jimmy John's for some lunch.  

After lunch we headed to Barnes and Nobles for reading and coffee.  We like spending rainy afternoons this way.

Tomorrow we're on the road again, but still haven't picked a place to stop...how's that for planning?

All is right in our world

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Rain Filled Weekend

The rain started Thursday in the middle of the night and when I got up we had huge puddles in the center section of the campground.  It's lower over there and one section that has sites has been closed for months because of all the rain and flooding.  It is once again under water.  It's a shame as the park must be losing money not being able to rent out those sites.  The ducks like it!



Friday

I wondered if many campers would show up for this rainy weekend.  I watched some tenters set up in the windy conditions before the next squall came through. Once set up they left....I assume they went out to dinner while it rained.

Next up was two travel trailers who pulled into the two spots next to us.  What fun!  Watching others set up can be quite entertaining.  We're not sure our immediate neighbors have done this much.  They unhitched, hitched, unhitched.....both Jim and I wanted to help!  They weren't level on the door side and had to drive up onto blocks.....then they unhitched without chocking and I thought the trailer was going to go backwards....perhaps into the canal!   Evidently the guy did too as he physically held it in place and got help from his friend while the wife backed up and they hitched up yet again...

At least it wasn't raining during the show...

Jim and managed to get a walk in Friday before the next bands of showers came through.

Saturday's forecast was more rain so after lunch we headed into Jensen Beach to walk the mall.  Funny thing it was dry most of the drive there and it didn't rain while we were out and about.  After the mall we headed to Barnes and Nobles, our go to place when it rains, except it wasn't raining!  No matter, Jim read some magazines and I looked at a couple books while we enjoyed a beverage.

Back home and don't you know...we had rain!  The intermittent showers continued during the evening.  I managed a slow stroll about the campground

Our evening was fairly dry...maybe some spitting rain.

I was awakened  during the night by a shower.  As it turned out it was time for me to get up.  The call of nature was upon me.  I really don't like getting up before the sun but this Sunday I was up before 0600.

So I fixed some coffee and enjoyed the solitude.  But the wind!  Fifteen to twenty mile an hour winds were disturbing my solitude.  Not much I could do about it, I guess I should be grateful it wasn't cold.

When the sun finally made a show it wasn't what I expected.  I wanted no clouds and bright, blue skies.  Alas, it was cloudy and overcast and I thought for sure we'd have more rain.

After breakfast and chores we went into Stuart to walk the river walk and check out the Green Market.  didn't buy anything.  No one had corn!   We passed a produce stand that was selling it six for a dollar.  We may have to go back.

Once our walk was over we headed towards home and stopped at Olive Garden for some lunch.  A gift card supported this choice and as it turned out they were doing a BOGO.  Buy one, take one  home.  We have enough food for the next few days!

One more stop at Publix for some coffee creamer and we were done with our afternoon outing.  Once home Jim napped and I relaxed on the lounger and checked my eyelids for light leaks.

It's still windy and my amaryllis are taking a beating.  According to my phone it's 68 degrees outside but it felt good while we walked Boo.  The poor dog hadn't been outside for two days!  He enjoyed marking and sniffing everything.

All is right in our world



Friday, January 15, 2016

Several inches of Rain

This day is a gift.  And I am grateful.  I'm trying to be more positive about every day happenings.  

When I got up this morning it was gloomy and dark,  the low clouds were full of rain.  Immediately it started to rain.  I had opened the front door and put out the awning.  Then I took my houseplants outside to get some rain water.

We had hot barley cereal for breakfast with an apple tossed in.  The dampness made me chilly so hot food was needed.  About 0830 the rain got heavier and it poured!  Rain in the tropical zones is just something you need to see and become part of.  After living in New Orleans we know about heavy rain.

For our midday meal I fixed some vegetable stew and hot biscuits.  Comfort food for our souls.  We've spent the day just hanging around and watching it rain.  Oh Jim took a nap.  

I took these pictures with my phone through the windows so please excuse the raindrops


It's 1600 and this water has already drained away from the house


This puddle is half it's size now.  That's part of the correctional institution you see in the distance 


This field is supposed to contain excess water and it did a fine job.  As you can see it didn't fill up because you can still see the culvert


When Jim got up it wasn't raining so we took Boo for a walk and checked the mail.  This baseball diamond is a pond....no one will be hitting balls here, no pitchers mound!

We've been in a tornado watch most of the day but it looks like we're north of the system now and the skies are clearing.  Usually when it rains we head to Barnes and Nobles...but neither one of us wanted to walk in the rain to the truck!

This morning we had the furnace on, this afternoon the AC is on.  Ever have days like that?

All is right in our world

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Fun Afternoon

Yesterday started out sunny and bright.  We had a leisurely morning that included chores and breakfast.  Around 1100 we departed for the Honda service department.  Sonsearae needed to drop her car off for some diagnostic and repairs.

Our next stop was lunch at Spoto's Oyster Bar in Stuart.  Do you sign up for loyalty cards at restaurants?  I do, mostly for the freebies!  Since my birthday is just a few days off the offers have been rolling in, most give you an appetizer or dessert.  Spoto's gave me a free lunch or dinner option.  This restaurant overlooks the St Lucie River so it's ideal for lunch.  Sonsearae ordered fish and chips, I had shrimp scampi and Jim ordered a hamburger.  I had a delicious bloody Mary while Jim had a beer and Sonsearae drank water.  My scampi was delicious and I brought home some of the pasta.

Three of the employees brought out my slice of birthday cake and sang for me.  Then the waitress took our picture!  My first thought was they have a board somewhere where they'll post it but before we left they presented me with said picture to remember the moment.

It had been our intention to walk the boardwalk but when we went outside it was spitting rain.  So once again we didn't get to walk and we all could have used the exercise to help work off lunch.  Next we dropped Sonsearae off for her hair appointment.  While she was being dolled up Jim and I went to Barnes and Nobles.  He found some magazines to read and I strolled around trying my best to find something to buy.  Happy to say nothing appealed to me.  While inside it rained.  I was reading my book when Sonsearae let me know she was ready to be picked up.

Our next stop was the Humane Society Thrift Store.  We dropped off a large box of goodies then went inside so our pretty red head could play with the kittens.  Again I strolled around this store but didn't find anything I couldn't live without.

After this we headed to Publix to take advantage of a sale and while driving there we encountered our first rain storm.  It was pretty much over when we got to the store.  Jim dropped us off at the door (I think so he could get more steps than us!).  

Shopping done here and the cooler loaded up with the frozen food we headed over to Target.  We wanted to see if they had the vegan ice cream from Amy's.  They did not.  Sonsearae found a couple items and while she was checking out Jim and I stopped in Starbucks and got some beverages to take on our drive home.

On the drive home more rain!  We had to take our purchases in through some sprinkles but none of us melted so all was OK.

Boo was glad to see us, it was past his dinner time and almost dark.  Only a bit after 1700 but with the cloud cover it seemed later.

I finished off my pasta for dinner and Jim had some apple pie.  Spent the evening watching TV

All is right in our world

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Magazines

Our Sunday started with a layer of clouds but no rain.  The temperature outside was 47, inside 57.  I think this qualifies as Autumn even though it's not officially Autumn.

The sun keeps coming and going and as I write this at 1145 it's only 55 degrees outside.  Boo wants to be in my lap all the time!  Can't figure out why....he has a fur coat!

Do you like magazines?  I do, there's something special about holding a magazine in your hands and reading about everything under the sun.  I love the pictures and it stirs me to take more pictures.  I read about gardens, crafts, places to visit and I want to do all of it!

Of course gardening is impossible but visiting botanical gardens is a wonderful way to spend a day or an afternoon.  I'm always pointing out pretty flowers as we drive and I've posted pictures on this blog.

Stampington & Company has beautiful, creative magazines and I love many of them!  Current issues, back issues; it doesn't matter.  Right now I'm reading Somerset Life from last January and now I want to go back to Oregon in the fall so I can go to a Vintage Fair.  I'm sure other areas of the country have them....I just need to find one and convince Jim we need to go!

I subscribe to a few magazines like Somerset Life, Green Craft and Artful Blogging from Stampington.  These are quarterly magazines and I always look forward to getting my mail to see the photos and read the articles.

Jim and I both like to go to Barnes & Nobles and while away the time looking at magazines.  Of course I tend to buy them while Jim is content to read them in the store.

What magazines do you like to read?  

Friday, May 2, 2014

Dothan

Saturday Jim slept in, didn't get up until 0930!  Once he was up I made the bed and did the dishes after getting dressed.  Once he finished his coffee and morning internet reading he was ready to travel.

We drove into Dothan with no set destination.  As we approached the city I spotted a a sign that was interesting.  Cactus Flower Cafe, serving California Style Mexican Cuisine.  Apparently there are a few here in the Southeast.

We both had a delightful lunch even if it was on the 'mild' side. Jim ordered chips and guacamole and it came with a salsa. I opted for Vegetarian Tacos with no cheese, making them vegan!  They were made with black beans and my sides were pinto beans and cilantro lime rice. Jim ordered Huevos Rancheros as his meal. The food was good and I brought half my meal home. Jim almost finished his but there wasn't enough to save.

After lunch we continued our drive into town and I must say we were not impressed.  I wanted to find some peanuts and really didn't see any until we were leaving


This wooden carving is outside the Library across the street from the Post Office and we would have missed it except we had to go around the block so I could mail a post card.

As we headed back to the main road I found a Peanut!  Just managed to get my camera ready in time to take this shot through the truck window and we turned the corner.


We made another stop before heading back.  Barnes and Nobles was calling our name.  Didn't stay long but I found a magazine new to me, Scottish Life.  How nice to see this lovely country in an American magazine.  I read most of it and I'll search it out again in the future.

Once home we just enjoyed our coffee indoors, fed Boo and relaxed the rest of the day.

Dinner was leftover Clam Chowder for Jim.  Sonsearae bought him some of Tony's Famous Cedar Key Clam Chowder and he loves it!  I had a sushi roll I picked up Friday at the commissary.

I don't remember the specific shows, but our TV viewing was educational or informative.

Boo did not want us to sleep.  We went to bed at our normal time but he kept us awake barking and growling at who knows what.  I got up just before midnight and took him down and shut the bedroom door.  Tried to get comfortable on the lounger and sleep but he wasn't having that either.  An hour and half later we both went back to bed.  

Managed to sleep until 0730 and I let Jim sleep in.  

Sunday was not exactly a day of rest.  But we did watch more educational shows on TV before starting our chores.  Jim headed outside and washed or rinsed most of the rig.  I made croutons out of some stale bread.  We should have enough to last awhile.  I like them in salads and soup.

Had my leftovers for lunch while Jim had a sandwich.  

Have you seen Space Cowboys?  That's what I turned on for my afternoon viewing.  I'd not seen it even though I like all the actors who star in this movie.  

For dinner I fixed jambalaya with shrimp...not from scratch!  Blue Runner did the hard work, I just added the rice and shrimp.  We have always used the red beans and rice so I trusted the brand when I saw this in the store recently.  It could probably feed 6 along with a salad and bread.  We definitely have enough for another meal.  I also had an ear of corn.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Rainy Day Doings

Today started out dreary.  We had some sprinkles and of course it was cool.  I changed the sheets out and prepared a load of laundry....what else do you do on a rainy day?

While Jim was doing the dishes Kathy popped in and asked if we needed anything from the store and within the space of two seconds Jim was asking her about heading to Barnes and Nobles.  Decision made!

When John and Kathy returned we all hopped in our truck and headed out.  First stop was getting fuel then we headed to St Augustine in a fine drizzle of rain. During the drive we decided on Cracker Barrel for lunch and we could use our gift cards!  

Who knew the entire county would be there???  Of course the outlet mall across the street didn't have anything to do with it! We had to wait a bit before we got seated but we all enjoyed our meals.  Then we headed to Camping World for popcorn...not really, but they do have free popcorn and some of us enjoyed a bag.  Jim picked up something and John and Kathy looked at 5th wheel trailers.  I think they like our space and I know John would like to 'size up'.

Couple more stops for us, one for coffee cream at a health store and we needed to stop at a Verizon Store to update our military status to get our discount.  Since it was after 1600 Jim and I decided we needed some coffee so we stopped at The Hyppo Cafe.  Three of us had some mighty fine coffee and we shared two delicious cookies.

Never did make it to Barnes and Nobles, perhaps another day..

The drive home was wet but the rain was just a nuisance all afternoon, nothing heavy.

Once home Jim took our laundry up and got it washed and I divided it up and dried it at home.  A quiet evening and there you have it!  Another day in the life of us...

77 days

  • 6,728,819 seconds
  • 112,146 minutes (rounded down)
  • 1869 hours (rounded down)
  • 77 days (rounded down)
  • 11 weeks

Sunday, November 17, 2013

This week in Welaka

Monday was Veteran's Day and we didn't do much of anything...just stayed home and enjoyed each other's company.  Jim was still battling his mouth infection.  We watched an episode of Inspector Morse on Netflix

Tuesday started started off with fog and at 0630 the temperature was 68.  We had a list of items that we know are cheaper at Walmart so we made a run to pick them up.  We also made a stop at Dollar Tree and Publix.  Wonderful weather day and we sat outside with our afternoon coffee

Wednesday Jim had to work.  During the night a cold front started coming through and our temperature never got above 60....I had the fireplace on all day.  We also had repairmen show up at the same time to fix two different problems!  The wash machine was not agitating properly and about a week prior I discovered oil on the floor.  Apparently it needs a new transmission.  Good news, it's still under warranty and the fix will be free.  The washer still works so I'm continuing to use it.  It will get repaired the day before Thanksgiving

The other repairman was for our electric hot water heater.  It stopped working again.  This repair cost us but at least now we have hot water using the electric heater.  The wires behind the unit was the culprit.  Once he replaced those everything worked just fine!

Thursday Jim had to work and I did laundry.  It was a crisp fall day that started out at 47 degrees.

Friday started out rainy and chilly...around 0930 we made the decision to go out!  Why stay home a grumble about the weather?  We headed to Jacksonville around 1030 in the drizzly rain.  Once we arrived at St John's Town Center it was time for lunch and we stopped in at BJ's Brewhouse.  First time since we left the RGV.

Had a lovely lunch with a couple of brews.  Jim had tacos, either fish or shrimp, can't remember and I had soup and salad.

Our first stop was a mistake!  We both like the REI store and I found a few things that came home with us.  A jacket, finger-less gloves, a hooded sweat shirt and a Fitbit for me.  Jim didn't buy anything!

One of the reasons for this particular shopping center was to take my iPad to the Apple store.  For some time I've not unplugged my iPad for fear I'd never get it recharged again.  The original cord had stopped working and I was using the iPod cord which didn't fit properly. We were even looking into replacing the tablet....no need to!  All it needed was a new cord.  Cheap fix...

We stopped in at Starbucks and took advantage of the BOGO they had going on.  Jim got a peppermint mocha coffee and I tried the caramel creme brule frappachino.  My coffee was a creamy sweet treat that is good maybe once in a lifetime!  

We wandered through Williams Sonoma mostly because I love the store but also because there was a wonderful aroma wafting out of the doors.  They had turkey and stuffing to sample and it was yummy!  We could have had our lunch there.

No rainy day would be complete without stopping in at Barnes and Nobles so we spent an hour or so there before heading home.  Boo was mighty glad to see us!  It was past his dinner time...

Saturday Jim worked outside most of the morning doing various chores he had.  You know, there's always a list of little jobs 'you'll get to'.  This was that day.

After lunch he took a much deserved nap.  Boo is keeping us awake nights with scratching.  I wish we could figure out what it is that causes it.  I'm sure it's allergies but just like humans it costs to test.  During the afternoon a light rain started falling and it continued on through the evening and night.

It's now Sunday morning and it's still overcast but no rain.  And it is a lot warmer.  I think our high today will be in the low 80's.  Jim will be working but should be home in time for the Saint's Football game later this afternoon.

There you have it, the week in review!


118 days

  • 10,235,400 seconds
  • 170,590 minutes
  • 2843 hours (rounded down)
  • 118 days (rounded down)
  • 16 weeks (rounded down)

Friday, September 27, 2013

Paper

The other day I bought a couple of magazines at Barnes and Nobles and did you know they offer a paperless receipt?  They just emailed it to me!  I think that's fabulous....no little piece of paper that ends up in a recycle bin or land fill or ends up floating around as a piece of litter in the parking lot. I hope more stores offer this option!

I also took the opportunity to look at the Nook tablets. So many options for hand held devices out there!  I have the original Nook reader, no bells and whistles.  Do I need another one?   Not really...I have an iPad (original, 1st edition) that I no longer carry everywhere because I'm afraid the battery will run down and I won't be able to recharge it (issues with the plug and cord). I really miss not taking it everywhere because with all the apps I can read, play games and with WiFi can get online. Do I need another one, not really.  But I can dream

Thursday I was up a 0600...for years this has been my normal rising time, but because I haven't been sleeping well getting up later has been the norm lately.  Hopefully this changing seasons will be a new beginning for me. Not that I like getting up when it's dark!  But the longer I stay in bed the more my back hurts.  And it does give me quiet time for reading and hearing the birds as the sun comes up.

Around mid morning the clouds started dissipating and the sun came out!  I wanted to make a run to Lowe's for some plants so we changed into our city clothes and headed out.  

I did managed to find a potted chrysanthemum I liked and chose a couple marigolds to flank it.  Also bought a tomato plant, a pepper plant and a dish of succulents   Our hanging pot of fuchsia looked pitiful so I bought some impatiens to replace it.  Stay tuned for pictures!

We also bought a new bird feeder, squirrel proof according to the label...we shall see.  Along with some bird seed and suet cakes we're all set to watch the birds and squirrels

Next stop was Verizon, we get a 15% discount for Jim's military service and we had to show his ID card and send in paperwork to continue getting this discount.  Not a big deal and after a few minutes we were good to go. I like saving money, how about you?

Next stop was Subway for lunch.  I had a $10 gift card and we took advantage of the $5 foot long and along with a soda and chips we indulged ourselves.  Can't recall the last time I had real soda

Our last stop was Publix for a few groceries.  Back home Jim unloaded the truck, placing bagged plants all over the patio and I took care of the groceries.  Couldn't help but notice it was only 1300....Jim took a nap

Once he was up we both headed outside to take care of the plants and I did some re-potting. I filled the new feeder and hung it out while Jim set out seed in a couple other feeders   Then it was time for cold beer....have you ever tried a fruit flavored beer? I had an Abita Strawator, Strawberry Harvest Lager.  Quite nice on a warm afternoon.

Our Thursday night Pizza/Pot Luck was quite pleasant.  This front that went through left us with a cool breeze and lower temperatures.

It was so nice that when we got back home we opened the windows and turned on the exhaust fans.  We haven't done that in the last few months!  Then we showered and settled in for an evening of TV watching.   Shortly after 2100 we had to close up the house and turn on the AC...it was nice to have the fresh air moving through the house once again

What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind.  ~Cleveland Amory

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Rain

Jim worked Sunday and that evening we has some sprinkles and during the night more gentle rain fell upon us.  Not even loud enough to hear in the bedroom.

Monday I got up to overcast skies and drizzly rain. Jim is working today also.  Meanwhile at home I did laundry and baked blueberry mini loaves.  First time trying my new mini loaf pan.  It make 4 little loaves. They turned out well.  The two center ones browned more than the other ones so my baking time has to be tweaked.

Tuesday I was up around 0600 having slept quite well. I've been having trouble sleeping thee past couple of month's.  My back and hips don't seem to like my mattress.  Could be caused by lack of exercise, age, poor posture, etc.  So I've been working on it.  Started walking every day but that hasn't happened lately.  Last week there were two days when we had to be somewhere early, then last Thursday I got bit, not once, but three times on my left foot and couldn't get a shoe on.  Now it's raining...

We left around 1100 for Jacksonville.  My followup appointment was at 1450. It takes about an hour and a half to get there.  The rain had moved off and we followed it to Jacksonville.  By the time we got to the restaurant it was just a fine mist.

Jim found a Japanese restaurant for us to try, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse in the St John's Town Center. We sat at the hibachi grill and enjoyed a lovely lunch.  We both had green tea and miso soup for starters.  Jim ordered steak and shrimp while I ordered just veggies.  Both meals came with fried rice, vegetables and sweet carrots. Everything was tasty and we'd go again.  We both recalled Hayashi's in Mission, Texas where we've shared many a meal with our friends.

After lunch we had time to kill before my appointment so we headed to Barnes and Nobles just across the street.  This shopping center has a lot of restaurants and stores that we're familiar with.  Even a BJ's Brewhouse!

Jim settled in with magazines while I wandered around looking at the new Nook tablets and cookbooks.  I did find a couple magazines to bring home.

My appointment went well and the Doctor thinks I should have my right eye cleared up before new glasses are bought.  He will send that recommendation to the VA and we'll see what they say.

The drive home during rush hour traffic on I-95 was interesting.  Once we got on Highway 207 the traffic was less but we ran into some heavy rain.   All of this activity and rainy weather made for a long day.

Boo was quite happy to see us when we got home around 1830! I got him fed and then showered just relaxing in the warm water.  Then it was Jim's turn.  We each had a warm beverage and some blueberry bread and settled in for the evening watching both NCIS shows.

By 2200 we both were ready for bed and looked forward to sleeping well.  But Boo had other plans....I think he slept all day and wasn't the least bit sleepy so it took awhile for everyone to settle in.

During the night I heard the gentle rain and this morning when I got up at 0700 it was still rainy and drippy outside.  I guess I won't be walking again...


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Miles and miles on the truck

Monday Jim had doctors appointment at 0930 in St Augustine so we were up a little early, well Jim was, it was my normal rising time.  Quick cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal for me and we were off at 0830 for the drive into town.  Made it with 10 minutes to spare.  You just never know about local traffic and those who are rushing to their jobs.

Good news!  The tests came back negative but he still has some damage to his esophagus and has to remain on Nexium.  Matter of fact, for the next two weeks he's doubling the dosage to see if that helps with the symptoms (coughing, clearing his throat, etc) which seems to have gotten worse since we've been in Florida.  It could be just nasal drip that's causing him to do this.  He's also going to be keeping a food journal to see if foods are causing the symtoms...

After we left the office we headed to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast....Jim had all the items he doesn't get at home very often.....eggs, bacon,ham, sausage, cheesy potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy and apples!  Oh some coffee with half and half....I must say he did enjoy it!   I had some blueberry pancakes and a glass of orange juice.

Then we headed to Gander Mtn to see if Jim could find a brimmed hat.  No luck and when we came out he noticed a side light on the fender of the truck was missing so we stopped at the Ford dealership right next door for the part.

Still on the quest for a hat we hit the outlet mall and hit a couple stores but again no luck, sooooooooo we just headed home.

During the drive to, from and during, we had rain showers.

Yesterday we had our coffee and some breakfast and it kept getting darker and darker and then the rains came...it poured for the longest time!  

When it rains we like to go to Barnes & Nobles to read maybe have a cup of coffee and just wait it out.  So that's why we headed to Jacksonville.  The drive is a lovely one and takes about an hour and a half.  Of course the rain let up and we could see blue skies ahead.

Once we got there we decided on Panera Bread for lunch.  I had half a Mediterranean Veggie sandwich along with a bowl of chicken orzo soup, both were delicious.  Jim had a turkey avocado blt with chips and a strawberry smoothie.  Because it was so nice we sat outside and enjoyed the gardens and listening to the birds.

We then listened to Ethyl (our gps) who said Barnes and Nobles was 250 feet away...She lied it was a Walmart!  Still on the quest for a hat Jim asked Ethyl to find us a Dick's Sporting Goods.  What luck!  Just a few miles away and across the river at the Orange Park Mall was just the very store we wanted.  Alas no luck with a hat, so after a bit of strolling we left.

Since we were on the west side of the ST John's River we decided to go to NAS Jax....This is where we got married and where I also had the surgery on my back.  We looked around the Exchange but no hat....They do carry Tommy Bahama clothing for men that costs 20-40 dollars cheaper than 'the outside world' and no taxes!  It's good to know in case Jim needs something before we leave Florida next March.

Back across the river we headed to Whole Foods Market, which is my favorite grocery store.  Didn't really 'need' anything but like Sonsearae said I did find some things to buy....spent less than 50 bucks!  Jim sat and enjoyed a latte while I browsed the aisles.

Then we headed home, but wait!  One more stop at Ace Hardware to see if they had hats....they do!  And Jim found one to his liking.  This store was huge and we liked every nook and cranny.  Found a couple of air plants and some bird seed.  Oh can't forget the free popcorn!  YUM

Then it was time to head home.  By this time it was pushing 1700 and I'm sure Boo was starving to death!

We did have more rain during the day and the drive home but we never did find the Barnes and Nobles!

And guess what?  It's raining as I type this...Jim was outside washing the rig and step mats trying to get rid of mildew....oh well maybe tomorrow, if it doesn't rain!