Busy Week

Whew!! It has been a busy week. On Thursday, Gary and I had to take two residents to Houston, which is about an hour and a half south of us. We had to take one lady to MD Anderson Hospital. I thought Methodist and St. Vincents were big back home. I have never been in a hospital that had escalators in the lobby!!! After we dropped her off, we had to take a man to an orthopedic hospital to pick up his wife, who had just had shoulder surgery. Then it was back to Anderson to retrieve the other lady after her appointment. Easy enough. But alas, when we arrived, she hadn't gotten into see the doc yet. So we sat in the car in the parking garage and waited and waited and waited. After 3 hours, she had finally finished up with the doc and we finally got to head home. So we were gone from 11-7. I felt so sorry for the lady who had the surgery, but she was so good natured about it. And the conversation was sooo good. I don't think that there was a quiet 5 minutes all day. I love listening to the elderly talk about their lives. We are enjoying the traveling, but I think I enjoy meeting the people even more.
Yesterday I was conversing with another woman who was born in New York. She had spent some time in a children's home. According to her, they only were fed 2 meals a day and both of them were cream of rice. They had 2 gowns that they always wore. They were deliced frequently. And they were never adopted out. When I asked her why, she said the home would loose money!
There was a young boy who worked in the laundry there whom never spoke. But at night they would hear him screaming. He had been in a concentration camp and was one who placed the dead bodies in a wheelbarrow and took them to the furnaces. It was told that he had to take his own parents to be burned. What a horrendous burden to bear.
She shared that her grandma took her to live with her. The grandma lived in a three story apt. She said she remembers how they were going up the stairs one day and there was a man laying at the bottom of the steps. He was there every day for about 3 days. She remembers wondering why he just kept being there. Well, the morgue came and finally took him away. She stated he had been dead, just laying there. Nobody did anything because that's how it was in that neighborhood.
I keep encouraging these people they should write a book. I sure hope they consider it.
This is our last week here in Texas. We are enjoying it but we are tired. It has been a privilege to serve these elderly fellow RV'es. If you are a praying person, please remember these in your prayers.
Till next time-------

DSC_0057.jpg (image)

DSC_0057.jpg (image) This picture goes with the post below. It is of our beloved Lizzie.

A blog about our granddaughter, Lizzie

A Mother's Life: Feminine Graces:

This blog was posted by our daughter about one of our granddaughters. It gave us such a laugh that we wanted to share it with you all!!!!

Recently, a little boy at church asked my five-year old, Lizzie, to 'be his girlfriend.' She asked me and I told her that he had to ask her father (knowing quite well what his answer would be). He took her hand and walked her over to Shane and asked permission to 'go out with her.' Shane, of course, lovingly told this young 5 year old boy that she was too young, but he had permission to be her friend.

A few weeks later, word was 'out on the street' that this little boy was terrified of my husband and would never ask Lizie out again.

So, Lizzie and I were talking the other day about it. She asked if she could be his girlfriend when they were older. I told her we would just have to wait and see what kind of a Godly man he became. My older daughter, encourager that she is :), said that he said he would NEVER ask her out again, EVER! I asked Lizzie if that hurt her feelings, and she said, 'No, if he doesn't, I'll just beat him up!'

Maybe it's time to read 'Beautiful Girlhood?' :)

Where have we been?

Well, my computer wouldn't connect for the last 3 days. So on Sunday I called my service and guess who I got? Someone from India!!!!! They couldn't find any record of me and said to call such-n-such a number. So I did and they didn't have anything on file . So I called the first number and they sent me to the same number I called before. Well, anyway, after several tries I got to the right place and got someone who speaks english. And he was really helpful. But after I did the download, it didn't work still. So I called back on Monday and we tried again. Still no connection. So today I spent 2 hours on the phone with a nice guy and we got 'er going! By the way, the other people who helped me were great also. The guy today thought the download was going to take an hour and took my number and was going to call back in 2 hours to see if things worked-however, it downloaded in 5 or so minutes and every thing worked. It is awful to be computerless for 3 days!!
Forgot to tell that last week we had to have the hot water heater replaced. It had been leaking and even though Gary is great at fixing things, this was one thing he couldn't fix. It started out that we thought it would cost around $675, than we found out because we have a Newmar, there are more bells and whistles and so it ended up costing a little over $1200, with tax and installation! Oh boy.
I have been trying to spend time talking to some of the residents here. There is so much interesting history that will be gone someday when this generation passes away. I've thought about writing a book as we travel and meet elderly people, but I'm will have to ponder it. Anyway, one lady had a dirt poor childhood during the depression. She started out as an office clerk , had various jobs, became a 6th/7th grade teacher, a college professor of Sociology and Anthropology and a Federal government sociologist. She has hiked, camped, traveled and has taught Elderhostels. She has also written some books and has 3 that are being edited now.
One gentleman I talked with today rode the rails from age 19-21. He related how important it was to find the right kind of terrain to land on when jumping from the train, but that it wasn't always possible to find the best spot and sometimes was a bit rough landing. He said he had a trade he learned in highschool, but would often go to work, look at the timeclock and say "The h---with this" and walk out and pursue his wanderlust. He had been to the pyramids, the great wall in China, Africa. He said there weren't too many places he hasn't been. I had to inquire of him if he was wealthy to have been able to travel so much. His reply-"Nope, just charged it!" So now I know the rest of the story.
Tonight when we were at the laundry mat, a lady came in to use WiFi. It wouldn't work, but we began to engage her in conversation and am I glad we did. She had so much to tell us about some of the places they had visited since embarking on their travels in September. I really enjoy how so many will share with you if you just draw them out. I don't think we will ever run out of things to see because so many are so willing to share their journey.
Tomorrow is our day off. I have to get my first bloodwork since being in remission. I must say that I didn't expect to have some anxiety about it, but I do. I suppose this is common to those who are in remission. Plus the fact that I learned of someone this week whose cancer has returned and so that probably fuels my fears. I don't want to always be wondering if it will return. Enough of that.
It was a beautiful day weather wise. We may just go out for breakfast tomorrow before the blood work and then go sit on the water at Lake Livingston. Be blessed today!!

Family time

Nacogdoches

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Well, here it is Wednesday and once again I'm behind in my blogging. So here goes.
Sunday was a day off, so we finally headed up to Nacogdoches. Here's some background on the town. It's called the "Oldest Town In Texas." It's named after the Caddo family of Indians who once resided there. Numerous landmarks and museums explain the town's historic past. Stephen F. Austin State University also makes its' home in Nacogdoches.
We first stopped at the visitor center. There are display cases with artifacts and in on room is a beautiful, stately sideboard. The center itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth touring. The two ladies who worked there were enjoyable to talk to and full of information. You can get a map that shows you where the highlights of the walking tour will lead to.
The first place we headed to was Millard's Crossing Historic Village, about 4 miles north. Now, one thing Gary and I aren't real fond of are crowds. Well, let me tell you, we couldn't have picked a better day or place to avoid the masses. There was only one other couple present and they left early. Our tour guide, Roz, was an animated, informative, and I must say, the best guide we've ever encountered. When I asked her how she got the job, she said through a friend who stated he didn't know anyone who can talk as much as she does!!!And she does!! But it is good because she has a wealth of information about the history behind the village, having lived in the area for many years. Just 3 facts-I don't want to tell all about it so you can see it for yourself. In one home we went upstairs to a childs room. Roz pointed out a portrait of a darling little girl with a lace collar and beautiful curled tresses. To our surprise, it wasn't a girl but a boy. Apparently, during that era, little boys and girls were dressed alike and it kept the little boys from playing with the older boys. In another home, we entered a room that had different kinds of wicker furniture. I love wicker, so this was a real treat for me. There was a platform rocker to die for. The next favorite was a beautifully scrolled childs bed. But our favorite was the fainting couch-or so we thought that was what it was. Roz set us straight on that. It was a laying out couch. The morturaries used it for displaying the dead. A fainting couch has a higher back for reposing comfortably. What a beautiful way to be displayed upon dying. And one last item that was really unique. Downstairs in one homes parlor was a fantastic dark brown wicker floor lamp that stood about 6 feet tall and was from around the early 1900's. Now here is the cool part. It was made to look like a lighthouse and when lit up, the light revolved inside and illuminated different colored glass panels, making it appear to work just like a real lighthouse. For more information on the Village go to http://www.millardscrossing.com/.
Next on our tour was the Stephen F. Austin State University. On the north end of the campus is an Arboretum. It boasts of such areas as a children's garden, an 8 acre azalea garden, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Demo garden and a 39 acre Pineywoods Native Plant Center. The peak bloom seasons for Azaleas are March to May, Hydrangeas May to August and Camelias October to February. Since it wasn't blooming time, we just drove past and observed it from a distance.
The one thing we were interested in seeing on the campus was the Old Stone Fort museum. During it's history, the original house served as a public building, grocery,candy store and saloon, and as a temporary fortification during the Magee-Gutierrez, Dr. James Long and Fredonia Rebellion filibusters. The Stone Fort Museum interprets the history of East Texas and Nacogdoches prior to 1900.
Next we drove around the historic area looking at Victorian houses and historical churches. We enjoy looking at headstones in old cemeteries and we happened upon the Oak Grove Cemetery by chance. Buried there are four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Several other persons of historical importance are buried there. We were enthralled by some above ground burial vaults dating back to the mid 1800's. We had never seen such vaults before. Gary found one stone that had Woodmen of the World Memorial carved on it along with some woodworking tools. And most all the headstones were in family plots set apart by concrete or brick low barriers. What a peaceful place to visit.
Lastly, we drove back to the center of town to admire the early architecture of the city. To end the day, we stopped at Red Lobster and treated ourselves to an early Valentines Day dinner.
Looking forward to tomorrow and to what God has planned for us. God bless!!

Tender Caring

Today was one of our days off. Yesterday, we took a resident to Houston's Hobby Airport to pick up his daughter. His wife had passed away earlier this week and she was coming for the memorial service today. It was an interesting drive. Bob shared many of his RV experiences with us and we learned how he and his wife had met. These elderly people have so many rich experiences to share with us if we will just take the time to listen. When they are gone, something will be lost forever from their generation. They went from horse and buggys, no electricity, phones, tv's, pizza, women wearing skirts only, and many changes in history. Anyway, today at the memorial service, I cried. I didn't know the woman who passed. She was in her last stages when we arrived here and wasn't able to get out and about. Her husband read a letter he wrote to her about his thoughts towards her and about her life. And it was very tender. But what made me cry was another couple that was attending the memorial service. They are probably in their sixties. Been married around 40 years. 24 years or so ago she had a stroke. She can play cards, talk, walk and feed herself, but she is very childlike. He has remained faithful and caring for her all these years. And as we sat in the back of the room today, a movement caught our eyes. There they sat, and he was lovingly stroking her cheek. He became my second hero. When I was going through chemo, I heard stories of women who were going through cancer and their spouse left them. I don't understand. I can't imagine. I had the love of my best friend, my husband, my hero, help me everyday. Staying with me through each fusion treatment, which usually took 6-7 hours each time: putting up with my antsyness because of the steroids they put me on, seeing me have no energy for almost 5 months. Kissing my bald head and telling me I was beautiful. Treating me like a queen. I'm so grateful for my honey that God has blessed me with. And I'm so glad for Ellie who has her honey to take care of her all these years. These are the guys who should be getting Grammys and Emmys!! Here's to all you spouses who stick with it for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health. May God bless you richly!!!

Learning The Ropes

It has been a busy week! We are learning our volunteer duties and sometimes it changes day to day. The evening cook quit this week, and so the volunteers have to cook the evening meals. For 60 people!! Most of us have never cooked for that many and it has been a challenge. Tonight was my(Sally)night to cook the main soup. Another gal did an excellent job on the dessert. We did some deviled eggs and there is always salad to throw in. It all came together. Gary and I were also scheduled to be on call tonight. That job starts at 5:20. Only one problem. We aren't done in the kitchen until around 7:30. Thank goodness for such wonderful volunteers who filled in the gap for us until we finished up. I think my blood pressure went up tonight several notches!! Tomorrow we will be back in the kitchen, and at 1pm, Gary will drive a resident to Houston to an airport to pick up his daughter. His wife passed this week and Sat. there will be a memorial service for her.
Tuesday we had a day off. We didn't go to Nacogdoches because it was suppose to rain all day. But around 1pm we decided to take off and go for a drive since the rain didn't show up. We headed to Moss Hill and on the way, we saw a sign for a plantation, so we detoured. We drove several miles and came upon the sign in the first pic. It is Plantation Farm. Owned by Governor Daniels. We thought maybe it was a place to tour but it is a private residence. There were, to our guestimate, a couple thousand acres. And cattle were roaming everywhere. It was a wonderful sight.
We backtracked and continued our drive.On the road we saw the big gun in front of a bar-b-que place. Couldn't resist the picture! We ended up in Sam Houston National Forest in Coldspring, Texas. We drove to the campgrounds to check it out. There was only the camp host in the regular camping and a host and a couple of RV's in the other part. The sites were really nice and some were on the water. After we left the park, we drove down 2025 a ways further and came to the Big Creek Scenic Drive. It is a forest service road . That's the fourth pic above. It was a scenic drive through undisturbed areas. Be prepared to get a dirty car because it is a dirt road, but the peacefulness is worth it.
On the way home, we drove over the Livingston Lake causeway and were treated to a beautiful water scene and fluffy clouds. We had been told about a local Livingston restaurant that had great food. Apparently, it was started several years ago in a small building, and has grown over the years. It is named Florida's. Well after several tries and asking directions twice from strangers, we finally found it. There wasn't a car in the lot. We pulled up front and I got out to see if it was open. Nope!! and no times were posted. However, there was a sign that stated they needed cooks, servers and dishwashers!! Maybe everyone quit and they had to close til later notice---so no Florida's that night. We stopped at the City Grille. It was good, but nothing outstanding. We related our findings to others when we got home about Floridas, and they said they had eaten there just days ago. So, we will try it again sometime.
Time for bed, as we have to report to work at 7am tomorrow to open up the Care Center. God bless all, and can't wait to see what He has in store for us tomorrow!!!

Grumpy Day

I(Sally) do most of the posting. I have been kinda grumpy today. Haven't slept well for the past couple of nights. So Gary and I were kinda at each other but we are doing good tonight! We did our laundry around 10:30 and didn't get done in time to have lunch at the Care Center. I fixed some roll ups and cottage cheese and peach tea for our lunch.
We thought we were suppose to be on call tonight. Our schedule said so anyway. So we walked down to the Center and when we arrived found out that we weren't on call after all. They had changed the schedule and we hadn't seen it. We were informed that the schedule often changes and we have to check it daily. So we ate dinner and did our after dinner cleaning of chairs, tables, and vacuuming along with two other couples.
We came home and played some Rummy. I was winning most of the game but in the end Gary won. Tomorrow we have the day off and had planned to go to Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. But the chance of rain is 50% and some of the things we wanted to see are outside so we will wait till a nicer weather day.
Oh, did I mention that it was close to 80 degrees here today? It was a bit humid, but there was a nice breeze all day. I don't miss the snow back home. Tonight it will only get down to 70 and we are sleeping with our windows open!!!!
Well, it's 11:14 and I am going to TRY to get a good nights sleep. God Bless and if He is willing we will arise tomorrow and see what the day brings our way.

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

First Day Of Volunteering At Care

It is now 7:40 and we just got in from volunteering. Care is a place in the Escapees network where people who are fulltimers but are recouperating or can't stay on the road because of health problems come and stay. There are people on staff, but a lot of the work is done by volunteers. Tonight we worked with a great lady by the name of Ellie. She too is a volunteer and was very thorough in training us. We helped prepare food, did dishes, cleaned up and such. My feet are killing me(Sally) but it was fun. Tomorrow we work from about 9-1 and again at 2-4.

Today was a beautiful day weather wise. It was in the 70's and sunshine and a cool wind blowing! We had a leisure morning(I didn't get up until around 9:30) and we sat outside for awhile before going to work.

Yesterday was a do nothing day. We didn't even get dressed til around 11. Gary commented how he felt guilty for that because for years he got up at 5am. I just told him this is a different life and enjoy it!

I talked to my good friend Kathy back home in Indy this am. It was sooo good to hear her. She has been a dear friend for about 4 years. Her sister passed from cancer about 3 years ago and so when I went through cancer and chemo she was such a help and support for me. Some of the feelings or questions I had, her sister had also had and Kathy was able to encourage me by the things her sister had said or experienced.

Again, because I didn't start this blog sooner, I want to throw in some pics along the way of some places we were. There is a campground in Carrabelle, Fla by the name of HO-HUM . It is right on thegulf. There isn't anything there but a beautiful view. We parked on the water and the sunset was awesome. And the price was only $29 a night on the water. So the pics at the top of the page are of that site.

Well, we are going to watch some t.v. and retire. Can't wait to see what God has in store for tomorrow. Be blessed!