Remember that Challenge?

 Jim and I have started walking again.  Our old bodies don’t move enough!  I started a week or so ago because my back was troubling me and sleeping was hit or miss.  I must say those experts are right, you need to use it or lose it.  Anyway, I’m getting a mile or so in the mornings four days out of seven.  Jim just started and he’s popping out the door every hour and getting 250 - 300 steps.  He managed over 7000 steps on Monday .  Sometimes we actually walk together!

I like to walk early, around seven in the morning.  Jim gets up at seven...

Tuesday we headed to the mall after a visit to the library.  Lot cooler there to walk.  It's about 20 miles from here so we haven't gone often.  Stopped at Panera Bread for lunch.  Instead of my usual Greek Salad I opted for the ten veg soup.  Pretty tasty though the base reminded me of Campbell's vegetable soup.  Jim had half a sandwich and French onion soup.

This morning I got in a walk of just over a mile, it was humid out and just didn't want to do a third lap.  Jim's been popping in and out about every hour.  

Do you remember Hamburger Helper?  Well that's what Jim had for lunch today.  I fixed myself a bowl of noodles with carrots, edamame and spinach.  We watched Foyle's War.

In my last post I mentioned a Facebook Challenge.  Here are the rest of the cards.

Handmade cards because:

No one displays an email on the mantle

or shows off a tweet on the fridge

or saves a Facebook post in a box of treasures

For the year of 2019 I've challenged myself to 500 cards think I can do it?

7 August 2019 182 cards

I've read that some gals make and send 100 cards a month.  Not sure I could do that, but I'll think on it!

All Stampin' Up! supplies.  The challenge part is pick your paper and cut it according to the template we're given.  I really had a hard time using this DSP, Designer Series Paper.  I chose it because I like it.  But coming up with the stamps to use and how to coordinate the design was the problem.  But I got er done.  Oh, I also decided to do two sets!

It's hot out there folks!  Almost four pm and it's 104 degrees and 43% humidity.  Days like this makes me wish I had a pool, in the shade.

All is right in our world

As Promised and I've Found the Solution to Sleeping Later!

I finally remembered to take pictures of how our rig is leveled.  We're parked almost in the same area as the last time we were here.  We're in front of the Quonset Hut that Anne and Scotty have built here.  Since they're not living in it we're not blocking their view.  Once they get the doors installed on this side they'll have the view we have.

Front stabilizer

It's all downhill from the door side.  I think the Scott's will eventually have a porch where we're parked.  I heard so many details of their plans it's hard to recall them all.  Notice the steps.

I think if you click on the pictures you can make them larger.

I'm glad I didn't see the procedure to get the tires on this stack!  Again you can see the downhill slope

Front jacks

Home Sweet Home, see the pallets at the bottom of the steps?  How's that for a red neck patio?  As long as we don't have an earthquake we'll do just fine.  Maybe we should invest in some hurricane straps!

Anne has said we can move to any site once they get some fill put in on the south side of the building.  But I like our site.  We have beautiful sunrises and the view!  There's going to be several more rigs here Later this summer.  Big birthday bash for Scotty in August

Feeding station all set up, we have American gold finches, purple finches, Rose Breasted Grosbeak and Ruby-throated hummingbirds.  We haven't seen the Indigo Bunting the past couple of days....he may have moved on.  Sure is a pretty bird.  We also have some chipmunks that are adorable to watch.  They just stuff their cheeks with sunflower seeds.  Anne even feeds one from her hand

Jim has been helping Scotty with some chores.  Found he has some unused muscles that are protesting!  He also declared he was going to walk every day....after the first long walk he ended up with shin splints so he's laying low for a few days.  We both want to walk every day but sometimes life gets in the way and we don't.  Of course traversing this property is good exercise because it's far from level.

Anne and I went shopping yesterday.  We stopped at the dry cleaners, Dunkin' Donuts, Walmart, Sally's, Aldi's, Hobby Lobby, Panera for lunch, then on to JoAnns and Hannafords for groceries.  Whew!  Got home in time to fix dinner and then we sat around outside just chatting and enjoying the weather.  

Back home I had dishes to do and the bed to make....Jim helped by making the bed. It was about 2000 when I slipped into the shower and got cleaned up...felt so good 

Since we both had busy days we were tired when we went to bed.  I slept until almost 0730!  Missed the sunrise altogether!  Not sure I can afford to go shopping and schlepping everyday in order to sleep late.  Jim woke when his alarm went off at 0730

I love that tiny face!

All is right in our world

Queen for the day is over

I lounged around yesterday morning until it was time to get dressed for our outing.  While Jim did the dishes I got dressed.  Sonsearae popped over with her coffee and presents!  She and Chris gave me a coffee mug from Starbucks in shiny Christmas green and a beautiful Owl pendant necklace whose belly is turquoise (my birthstone).

Jim went up to shave and dress and started a load of laundry.  He did not make the bed saying since we wouldn't be home we wouldn't see it.

We left around 1100 heading to Hokkaido Hibachi and Sushi restaurant for a lovely meal at the Hibachi table.  Jim had shrimp and scallops, I had shrimp and Sonsearae had the veggie.  Jim and I had Japanese beer while Sonsearae enjoyed hot green tea.  There was some sharing and we also brought some fried rice home.

Taking some back roads we drove to Ft Pierce and the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, 'home of the largest public tropical Bonsai collection in the US'

I must say there were a lot of them!  Quite a few of the same species.  I did not take pictures of all of them and I only include this one of a flowering Bougainvillea

My companions for the afternoon

Flower bed!  I'm sure I'd have sweet dreams if I took a nap here

A frilly Hibiscus

A bromeliad tree!  Must have been 6-7 feet tall.  Quite lovely and I'd have one in my yard, how about you?

We were most fortunate and grateful that it didn't rain while we strolled this small garden.  We also had the place to ourselves. Well worth the time to explore all of the rooms and quite lush with tropical growth.  Since we are all former military it was also free!

We hopped in the truck and headed south on Highway 707 which hugs the west side of the Indian River.  We saw some beautiful homes, some smaller not so beautiful homes and everything in between.  We were headed to Chico's so Sonsearae could return some items.  And so we ladies could shop.  We not been in this shopping area so we spent some time strolling and looking.  Alas we didn't find anything to buy.

During this drive south we drove in and out of rain showers.  This continued on for the rest of our drive.  Our next stop was Panera Bread where I picked up my free pastry (birthday treat) and a couple for my companions.  Since we don't care for their coffee we headed to Starbucks for my free birthday coffee and coffee for Jim and Sonsearae.  We took all of this home to enjoy.

Arriving home around 1700 Boo was glad to see us.  I'm sure he was hungry!

It was a fun afternoon with two of my loved ones...what more could I ask for on my 68th birthday?  I was treated like a queen.

Our evening was a relaxed one as we sat around like stuffed pigs.  Castle reruns and a show about mega builds.  

All is right in our world

Fun Day

Did you happen to see the moon the last couple of nights?  We had some clear skies and it was a beauty!

Today Miss Anne and I went to Rutland for some shopping.  We stopped at TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree and then Walmart.  From there we hit Panera Bread for some lunch then on to Hobby Lobby and a stop for groceries at Hannafords

Made one more stop at Green Mountain College to see Charlotte and pick up some goodies for Scotty.  We made it home in time to have some coffee with the guys and decide to skip dinner!

Took this picture at the Rutland Farmers Market a couple weeks ago

The Rutland State Fair was last week and I just loved this flower's name...Sneezeweed and it's called Mardi Gras!

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!

Sunday at Home

Jim is working today so I'm holding down the fort.  We had a thunderstorm roll though last night, just after we went to bed...needless to say Boo didn't like the thunder and lightning and we had a wee bit of trouble sleeping.  But, I do like the sound of rain on the roof.

This morning we have sunshine and the grass glistens with last nights rainfall.  Very pretty!

Yesterday we decided to head out to buy some potting soil and bread.  Jim had dusted off the truck and did some chores outside after breakfast and when he came in he said "I'm Ready!" "lets go"  So we both changed clothes and since it was almost lunchtime decided to stop in Hastings for lunch at a new place for us.  Unfortunately, the restaurant we wanted to check out wasn't open!  So, Jim just kept driving east towards St. Augustine.....you should see the corn fields!  I'd say about three feet high and I'm sure last nights rain helped.

Though it wasn't a new stop for us we decided to have lunch at Panera Bread.  Then we popped into Bed, Bath and Beyond for a soda canister.  And then..........

We hit the St. Augustine Outlet Malls!  First time since we've been in this area. I'm  afraid we went a little bit crazy and spent to much money, but it sure was fun.  I've been looking for a pair of sandals and after several stores I found a pair at Easy Spirit.  Discovered the Corningware Corelle store and picked up some matching microwave bowls and serving, storage bowls that match my new Bamboo http://www.corelle.com/patterns/bamboo-leaf  dishes.  And don't you know, they gave me a coupon for future purchases!  LOL

Jim popped into Crocs and picked up two pair. He just loves these shoes and says they're comfortable....to each his own.

For reasons I can't explain this Outlet Mall is on two sides of I-95 and across the highway Jim spotted the Gander Mountain store.  It's not part of the Outlet Mall but he needed some gun cleaning items and while he was looking in that department I checked out the clothes and managed to find two purses, a pair of shorts and a Hat That Fits!

After all that buying we decided to save shopping at other stores for another time....After all, we'll be here for awhile....we need to pay off the bills!

Apparently we need to stay out of big cities for awhile....living here in Welaka, which is remote, made us go crazy!!!

Last week Jim had a bout of vertigo which is pretty much gone now but it sure makes for interesting days.  When he wasn't working he was sleeping.  Not very exciting for either one of us.

Boo is still battling....I don't know what......but if we keep him dosed up he scratches and licks less.  I've found some scabs but no more fleas.  I'm sure he gets tired of me looking all over his body for new hot spots and fleas.  He avoids me when I come near him :-(

WOW I've been lazy!

Since last I posted we have moved to Ft Knox Kentucky.  The Army has a campground here, Camp Carlson.  They didn't have a full hook up site so we ended up with this spot on the back row with no sewer and no way to get our satellite dish to find a signal. Next morning they called and said we could have a full hook up, we declined because as you can see it's a lovely site.  And we don't have any neighbors.

Ft Knox as we were driving by

Let's see, what have we done....well we've read books, sat outside when the weather permitted, walked Boo, checked out the Post Exchange and wandered around on base looking for a restaurant that was no longer there.

Today we drove into Louisville to a PetSmart to get Boo some dry food.  Ethyl got us there with no problems.  Then we asked her to find a Panera Bread and we enjoyed our lunch.  Jim had a roasted turkey avocado blt and a peach shake while I enjoyed a Greek salad and water.

When we got home Boo was glad to see us, Jim took a nap and now we're having our afternoon coffee

Life is Good


Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book