Florence

Monday

Looks like hurricane Florence will do major damage to the East coast if it continues on its current path and continues to increase in wind speed.  Coverage of Florence is dominating the news and weather.

First thing this morning UPS dropped off our new cordless Dyson V10 vacuum.  I brought it in and unpacked the box, lots of packing.  There are still some attachments in transit, it has lots of attachments.

Then we decided to head over to Isom's Orchard, they have fruit and veggies.  Bonnie got some Peaches, Apples, Tomatoes, and Okra.  They already have the Pumpkins out for Halloween.

Bonnie also picked us up an Apple Cider Slushy, delicious.

Then a quick stop at the Walmart neighborhood market for a few groceries.  Finally back home for the day.  No wait a minute, Bonnie got a text and took off to meet our GS and take him a pair of pants for work.

Hamburger helper, picked beets, and a muffin for supper.  Good day.

Tuesday

I remember this day in 2001 like it was this morning.

The postoffice delivered my new Apple TV today and I hooked it up and downloaded a bunch of apps.  Then UPS and the Big Brown Truck brought some more tools for the new Dyson vacuum.

Bonnie wanted hamburgers again for supper so I fired up the Charbox again and with the help of the Thermo Pen instant read thermometer grilled some near perfect burgers.  Heard a car horn and then two Granddaughters yelling Poppy as they headed home from Soccer practice.

After taking out the trash tote it was time or maximum relaxing and Americas Got Talent.

Wednesday

The heat is back it got up to 90 today.  UPS delivered our order of SnapPower Guide Lights today.  I installed one and had trouble with the GFCI one so will have to investigate that further.
Hot dogs for supper, Nathens, they were tasty and good.  Then I picked up the girls and ran them over to their church for their Wednesday activities.
Then I picked up Bonnie and we headed to our church for our group study of Daniel.  Back home and  I am about ready to head to bed.

Florence is still a major hurricane and should impact the East Coast tomorrow.

Thursday

We decided to smoke a pork butt around 11 today, could be a late supper as it should take around 8 hours.  All prepped with rub and onto the pellet smoker/grill.

The rub makes it "sweat" as it pulls out moisture.  After two hours.

It was nice and sunny when I started this, then it turned overcast.  When it was time to baste it was pouring, once it let up a little I went out and basted it.

Hopefully this will make a nice bark and it is giving it good color.  The internal temperature was at 145 after 5 hours.  So I put it in a pan and covered it with foil, increased the grill to 350 and now to wait until it gets up to 295 internal temp, then it should easily pull apart.

About 2 hours later it was done.

We let it cool for about 40 minutes and then pulled enough off it for supper.

We added some potatoes, carrots and corn relish, it was delicious according to Bonnie.  I enjoyed it also.

We watch the news and the weather about hurricane Florence, it is looking bad for the East Coast.

I shredded the rest of the pork and put some pieces for Bonnie in the refrigerator.Then we cleaned up the kitchen and ran the dish washer.

After the downpours we had today the rain gauge on shows .52 in of rain.  I cleaned up the grill and spread out the cover to dry overnight.  Time to relax now.

Friday

Got up this morning to learn that Florence made landfall near Wilmington.  While the wind died down a little still a lot of trees down.  The predicted rain and flooding is happening and a lot of people are stranded.  We watched some on the weather channel and will continue to check it throughout the day.

I checked the Garmin site for Honda and it looks like the map update is finally available to download.    So I plugged in a USB drive and about 1/2 hour later the map update was downloaded.  After Bonnie got up I went out and ran the update in my Honda Ridgeline and it worked perfectly and only took about twelve minutes.

Then it was time to install some of the guide lights for Bonnie.  I put in 4 more and we have five more and some will go upstairs.  They install quickly as the prongs on the sides make contact with the terminal screws.

They look pretty much like the original.  Thats a combo light sensor and switch that adjusts the bright ness in the lower left.

And they look pretty good at night, here are a couple of them.

Saturday

Looks like a hot one today.  Florence continues to dump rain and some wind on the East coast.

Bonnie went with me to Reagan's soccer game today as she was personally invited last night by Reagan.  They are playing pretty good.  Most of the game was played in the other teams half of the field and we scored several goals.  But the other team has one very good player and she scored all the goals for the other team and more than we scored, all on breakaways.  We had umbrellas to sit under and there was a good breeze so it was not too bad.

I watched some college football this afternoon, mostly SEC teams.  Then I grilled some chicken breast for supper and Bonnie made her delicious coleslaw.  Then we settled in to watch the Alabama-Ole Miss game.  Once again we have scored over 50 points and its just minutes into the 2nd half.

Hopefully we will end up with the win.  Tomorrow is our new members class at church where we have an opportunity to ask questions about the church, looking forward to it.

Well thats a wrap for this week.

Thanks For Checking In!

"Some people try to turn back their odometers, not me, I want people 
to know why I look this way, and some of the roads weren't paved"

Road Trip Part 3

Sunday we attended our former church.  We were "Under the Tent" until thunder storms threatened and then we quickly moved inside.  It was great to say hello to everyone and catch up with what is going on.  They have done a little remodeling in the sanctuary and it looks really good.

Monday

Labor Day is always the Maynard Family reunion.  So we headed down to Hogan's Deli and picked up some Macaroni Salad as our contribution.  The gathering was much smaller than in the old days but still a good showing and a good number of generations.  We did a lot of visiting and exchanged lots of hugs.  The kids still enjoy searching for frogs and salamanders.  Alexus even got to ride the ATV as much as she wanted.  The food as always was good and plentiful.  We had a very brief rain shower, just enough to raise the humidity even more.  Soon it was time to say our goodbyes.

I needed to pull the ATV trailer home to Holland so Dana hooked it up and off we went.  Then we stayed a visited with them and girls.  Kaylee had already left to get back to school as she has an early class in the morning, and lots of medication cards to prepare for her clinicals.

Then as we got to Carol's, Sharon from across the street was bringing out their trash totes and we stopped and chatted with her for quite a while.  Then I got a text from Elizabeth, seems that Dana's phone got left in our truck, so they came up and picked it up.  More goodbyes.  We cleaned up the dishes and ran the dish washer.  Now to get some rest as we set the alarm for 7:00am and will head South shortly there after.

Tuesday

Tuesday we were up at 7 and packed up and headed South.  We were planning to head to Paris, TN to see Bonnie's cousin.  I had sent a couple emails updating our schedule but had not heard back.  I finally tried messenger and got a reply.  Seems that they did not get my emails and Lydia, who recently retired from teaching, was called back to teach for 8 weeks while a teacher is on maturity leave.  So we adjusted and just planned to get home a couple days early.  We spent the night near Cincinnati at a new Hampton Inn.  We had a very nice room and enjoyed dinner at a nearby Olive Garden.  Then it was early to bed.

Wednesday

This morning after breakfast we loaded up and headed South again.  Traffic was moving good but wow so many trucks.  We stopped at a rest stop just before Louisville.  As we pulled out the built in Navigation system flashed a message that I65 was closed and it changed our route.  So we followed it and it added a little time to our trip but no traffic back ups.  About 30 minutes later we were back on I65 and moving along nicely.  Finally Alabama.

No problems at all today and we arrived home shortly after 3.  We had stopped at the Post Office and also picked up some milk etc at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Then after a little rest we headed up to church for our Small Group Study of the book of Daniel.  Then back home and a short visit from our Alabama family.  Now to get some sleep.

Thursday

Well I must have been tired, I slept over 10 hours last night and good to be back in my own bed as I did not have a sore back when I got up.

I did some unpacking and organizing and settling back into the house.  I check my Rxs and called in a couple refills I needed.  I had already done Bonnies the other day.  A couple hours later I got a text that all the Rxs were ready.

Bonnie had started the wash and mentioned that we should get our Flu shots when we pick up the meds from CVS.  So thats what we did.  We got our shots, it only took a few extra minutes.  While we were there we got word that my BIL had cut his thumb.  He and my sister were cutting corn off the cob to make corn relish.  My sister gave me some while we were visiting.  They ended up in the ER to get the cut to quit bleeding and it took some type of foam to finally stop the bleeding.  But he is on the mend now.

And plenty of the finished product.

After CVS we headed to the Post Office to mail out a package.  That accomplished we headed home for the evening.  Eggs and hash for supper.  Then back to catching up on all the shows that are recorded.

Ready for another good nights sleep.

Friday

Another good nights sleep today but I was up before 8 and Bonnie was up not too much later.  After breakfast she headed out to the grocery store.  I did some more catching up on the recorded programs.  The post office delivered my next years supply of low dose aspirin so I went out and got it and the mail from the mail box.  I noticed some of the grass was still wet from last nights watering.

Once Bonnie was home we carried in the groceries and then it was back to the recorded programs.  For supper I fired up the char-box and grilled a couple of burgers.

Bonnie fixed some beans, added some chips and slices of tomatoes and it all was delicious.

Thats about it for today, we are getting back into our routine.

Saturday

It was already hot when I got up this morning.  Had my breakfast and watched a recorded program before Robby called.  He was on the way to pick me up for Reagan's soccer game.  I grabbed my chair and umbrella and he was here to get me.

It was even hotter on the field.  Thankfully it was somewhat overcast and there was a breeze.  The umbrellas sure helped when the sun was out.

Reagan had a good day but the ref even called a time out to have the girls take a water break.  I can already see a big difference in the skills the girls are gaining.

Reagan still had horseback riding to go to today.  Saturdays are very busy.  Back home in time for lunch and the Alabama Game.

Roll Tide! and they did.

Well thats a wrap for this week.

Thanks For Checking In!

"Some people try to turn back their odometers, not me, I want people 
to know why I look this way, and some of the roads weren't paved"

Road Trip Part 2

Monday

Well a few words about Sunday.  GD Kaylee moved back into her college room and Bailey her dog moved upstairs into her parents room and her spot (for now), she seems happy there.

We were talking about old pictures and Joe sent me a picture of the tomatoes the kids and I grew in Chicago.  The kids sold them for 10 cents apiece.

Molly and I had breakfast and then she seemed intent on helping me with my email.  First there were some kisses.

Then while I finished up the mail, Molly was exhausted and she took a nap.

Today Joe had a dentist appointment and then Bonnie, Sharon and I headed back to the Outlet Mall.  I needed to exchange one pair of my new Croc shoes.  We confused the clerk but in the end I got a wider pair of shoes, that I actually wore home, and we did not have to pay any more.  Then to Haines to bet some short socks, Joe calls them girls socks.  Then the girls checked out one or two more stores and got Joe a couple of shirts.

Then late this afternoon we headed out for dinner at The Trappe Tavern.  I was surprised how busy they were for a Monday.  Bonnie and Joe had Prime Rib and Sharon and I had the fresh salmon.  It was all very good and we had to let that settle at home before we had some ice cream.

Tuesday

Today was a rest up day, as we will be traveling North to the Buffalo area tomorrow.  Plus it was hot and very humid outside here.  Heat index was 100+.  We had grilled pork chops for dinner with Mac and cheese.  Plus green beans and fresh apple sauce.

Then after supper we got out the Dominos out.

Time for a few rousing games of Mexican Train.

I even managed to win the final game.  Then we sorted out the dominos as we had noticed a couple of duplicates.  Thats about it for tonight.

Wednesday

So this morning we said our goodbyes to my sister and BIL and of course Molly.

It was a rather sad time for all of us.  My sister sent me a photo later in the day.  Molly was watching for us to come back.  I think we may have spoiled her a little.

Traffic was rather light and there was hardly any construction.  Seems they are doing most of it at night or on the weekends.  We did have one frightful experience.  We were following a motorcycle, I believe it was a Honda Gold Wing.  A lady in a mini van pulled out of a side road and pretty much T-Boned them.  The motorcycle and the the two riders, an older man and woman, went airborne and tumbled end over end landing on the far side of the road.  We stopped and Bonnie went over to help the lady, others also stopped and were attending to the man.  911 was called right away but we were quite a ways out of the nearest town.  I had to move the car out of the way as some PA state workers from a nearby field office made me move.  The ambulances and State troopers started showing up about 15 minutes later and took charge.  A Dr who was a cardiologist also stopped to lend a hand.  The injured were transported and we understand they were med flighted.  Bonnie gave her info one of the troopers and we were released to go.  Quite an experience.

Next stop was Bradford to see our GD at college.  We got a tour of her room and then took her to supper.  Her favorite, a BLT sub at subway.  We went to the one in Walmart and then she and Bonnie shopped for "snacks".  We said our goodbyes until Friday when she is home for the weekend.

Next stop was Tim Hortons for an Iced Capp with Hazelnut, my favorite summertime drink.  Of course its midnight and I seem to be wide awake.

Then a quick stop and visit at our daughters to see our other two GDs, SIL and GS.  Of course we also got lots of kisses from Bailey our Grand Dog.  She seemed happy to see us and then laid down.

Then finally up to Bonnies sisters where we are staying until next Tuesday.

Guess I better go lay down and try to sleep.

Thursday

Well the Tim Horton's coffee I had to have when we got into Arcade yesterday kept me up until 1am. But I was up by 8:30 this morning.  Had my coffee and cereal and then caught up on email.  We are back to using our hot spots on phones and iPad as there is not internet provider out here.  But that is working fine.  Bonnie talked to her other sister and went down to see her around lunch time for a few hours.

Then we went down to Elizabeths for Pizza and Wings.  It was nice to have real pizza and wings again.  Plus we have enough left over to have for lunch tomorrow.  Bailey waiting patiently for the last piece of crust and to lick my fingers.

Dana and I were hoping to put a brake controller in their Kia Sorento but it proved to be a little more complicated and would require more time than we had tonight.

Just before dark we headed back up to Carols and had a nice visit and relaxed a bit.  Only in the 60s here so much cooler than back home in Alabama.

Friday

We hung around the house today until Carol got home.  Then we were headed to the Holland Hotel for a fish fry.  Our GD Alexus is the Hostess on Friday nights.  Well the Fish Fry turned out to be really good and it was topped off with home made pies.  Here in Buffalo the portions are man-sized and you can get gravy on the side for your fries.

I took one look and said there is no way I can finish all that.  But I did!

I did split a piece of pie with Carol.  You have to cut back somewhere.

Back at the house our niece Kate and her husband stopped in and Jeff a neighbor came over and we had a nice visit.

I did remember to get a picture of Carol and Bonnie before we all said good night.

Saturday

We set the alarm for 8 this morning and we were up and out the door pretty quick.  We were headed to breakfast at our daughter and SIL.  They cooked and the whole family ate together.  They had a long planned outing with a friend to ATV in Pennsylvania.  But we spent the day with the kids.  However Bonnie snuck out to spend a little time shopping at the thrift store with her sister Donna.

First up was Alexus, Kaylee and Bailey and I headed to Big Lots to exchange a broken shelf that we were going to put together.  No problem with the exchange and back home we got started.  I read the directions and Alexus did the assembly.

We finished that project and it was time for Kaylee, Bailey and I to head to Amherst to pick up Alyssa.  NY State requires all new drivers to take a 5-hour pre licensing course.

We got there early and had time to get a snack at McDonalds, Kaylee treated.

Then we picked up Alyssa and headed home.  Once we got home I headed up to Alexus's room to help her put her new desk together.  Both the desk and shelves were birthday presents.  We completed that and you can see the desk and the shelf in this picture.

Then the kids all got together and cooked supper.  Hot Dogs and Brats, Beans, summer squash with a few sliced jalapeños (which was really good), and tuna mac salad.  Then after supper they all clean up the kitchen and did the dishes.

Then we played a game with them and had a good time.

We headed home just after 8 as I wanted to watch the Alabama game.  So far so good end of the 3rd quarter and its 44-7 Alabama.

Well thats a wrap for this week.

Thanks For Checking In!

"Some people try to turn back their odometers, not me, I want people 
to know why I look this way, and some of the roads weren't paved"

Road Trip again

Monday

I was up at 6:30 or as I call it zero dark thirty.  Why, to head to Athens for an appointment with the Urologist.  He is a great guy and today he gave me good news.  My PSA and everything else with my plumbing is normal for a man my age.  So see ya in a year, just because.

So with the good news I headed home.  We loaded up the car with our luggage and headed for the Hampton Inn in Chiswell, VA.  We had a perfect day for driving, a bit overcast but no rain.  Traffic got a little crazy in Knoxville but Bonnie did a good job of navigating it.  She had taken over the driving duties after we had an early lunch at Wendy's.

Then a ways up the road we got some fuel and made our pit stops.  I got a cup of coffee and took over the driving.  Clear sailing today with no back ups.  We checked into the Hampton Inn near Max Meadows, VA.  I thought the room smelled musty Bonnie thought it was just stale air.

We headed out for dinner which ended up being Chinese.  Mine was ok and Bonnie really liked hers. Back at the room now after 8 and she headed for bed.  I found the musty smell when I took off my shoes.  The carpet is wet in front of the AC unit.  No changing rooms she is in bed.  So I will let then know in the morning.

Now I am off to bed and hope to make it to my sisters tomorrow.

Tuesday

Up at 7:00 this morning and we had breakfast up in the lobby of the Hampton Inn.  I made a waffle and had some eggs and sausage.  I walked up to the front desk and told the manager about our experience with the room and she refunded the entire cost of the room, great customer service.

We were on the road shortly after 8 and got to my sisters around 3:30 this afternoon.  Molly remembered us and stuck pretty close to us.  She is turning grey just like us.


Sharon made Goulash for supper, fresh bread and brownies.  Then we spent the rest of the evening visiting and catching up.  Lots of rain tonight, this area has had a lot of rain.

Wednesday

I was up by 8 this morning and was in recovery mode from the two days of driving.  Actually I feel pretty good a little stiff but other wise ok.  Joe and Molly went to their gun club for a while and Molly came home pretty tired.  This evening she sacked out on the couch.  She was really zonked out after supper.

Supper was a chicken and rice casserole which was really good and Bonnie got the recipe to take home and try.  Emma the cat is not real friendly and spends a lot of time in her tunnel like cat bed.  I believe she is ready to strike.

After the news, Jeopardy, and the Wheel we moved out to the kitchen for a few games of Mexican Train.

We each won at least one game, it was fun.  Then Joe and Molly headed up to bed.  We visited a while, waited for my GDs nightly call and then headed up to bed.

Thursday

I was up and downstairs before my sister today.  Joe and Molly had already been out for a walk and were back.  After Bonnie got up her and Sharon went out shopping to find some ham for dinner on Sunday.  Of course they made a few other shopping stops.  Emma had a good nap while they were gone.

I caught up on a couple shows on my computer.  Then I checked with IGG Software, they are working on my data file from my financial program as it has gotten corrupted.  No solution yet.

In the afternoon we sat out and played with Molly when she was not resting.

Then later on once in the house Molly decide to sit on the love seat with us while we watched the news.  Yes it is a bit crowded.

Pork tenderloin and corn on the cob for supper.  The corn was even sweeter than ours in Alabama has been.

Then we retired to the living room.  A while later we had fresh Whoopie Pies and then a while after that we had a little ice cream.  Except for Bonnie who had water Mellon.  Quite the night for desserts.

Friday

Late breakfast this morning.  We were going over to see nephew and his wife's new house.  He was at work but we had a nice visit with Andrea and the kids.  They have a beautiful house and family.

Freddie was the first to warm up to me.  He is super talkative and I had a good time with him.  He even gave me a lesson on my cell phone, looking at pictures.

Meanwhile Ellie warmed up to Bonnie.

Then Ellie introduced me to Popple her favorite stuffed toy.

Next was a rousing game of HiHo Cherry-O.  She beat me two out of three games to become the Champion.

Next was a game of SORRY which I barely managed to win.

We headed home after hugs and goodbyes from everyone.  Molly was happy to see us.  My back was bothering me so I took some acetaminophen and relaxed.  Feels better now.  Waiting now on Elizabeth and Dana who are on their way to visit.

Saturday

Today is family day.  Elizabeth and Dana got in late last night and went right to the hotel.  They were here at 8:45 this morning.  We visited for a while and then Bonnie and Elizabeth headed to the outlet mall.  They picked out some nice Under Armour Shirts and shorts for me.  Plus I got a 2 pair of Crocs.  Bonnie also did a little shopping for her.

Then both of Sharon's children and all 5 grandchildren came over for a fantastic dinner of Ham, Mac and cheese, green beans, Cole slaw, scalloped potatoes and all topped off with ice cream cake for dessert.  We have been eating good here.

Its been fun watching the kids play, they are so full of energy, and all of them are amazingly well behaved.

Then it was time for the obligatory family photo.

It was so good to see everyone and I appreciate the taking the time to come see us and for my sister and BIL for hosting everyone.

Thanks For Checking In!

"Some people try to turn back their odometers, not me, I want people 
to know why I look this way, and some of the roads weren't paved"