Visiting Leah in Missouri

It's Sunday and all is well. We have been going through paperwork, organizing, eating ribs, driving around the hillsides, and having a nice visit.

Yesterday we went to Super Walmart and bought some electronics. Got Leah a TV converter and inside antenna. I hooked it all up last night and it works. She can now cancel her Dish TV and never has to pay for TV again. The converter was $48. and the antenna was $38. I rewired everything, hooked it all up, including the VCR/DVD player, downloaded the channels and she's a working. Sometimes I really surprise myself with my electronic/computer abilities. Must come naturally, because I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

After that we moved her living room furniture all around. Looks great!

Yesterday we drove around and looked at some beautiful homes in the hills and there were wild Turkeys roaming around. We ended up at Danna's Ribs and had the best food ever. We had ribs, chicken, beans, coleslaw and a baked potatoe. We brought more than half home to have for lunch today.

Today the plan is to drive up north a bit, probably 90 miles and pick up her trailer that she lent out to a friend. This way I can see more of the countryside, which happens to be beautiful; lots of trees and creeks and rivers everywhere.

It is freezing in this big house, so I take the portable heater with me to each room. Today is a sunny and cool day, yesterday was the big storm, which really wasn't bad at all.

My camera card doesn't work in this computer for some reason and I forgot to bring my USB connection for my camera, so the blogs will be without pictures, unless I use some of Leah's pictures.

She did capture some good shots of me when I jumped out of the car to get a closer look at the wild turkeys. I climbed up a small hill, which happened to be really rocky and when I got to the top, the damned turkeys started gobbling really loud and flew straight up into the air. I thought they were attacking me and I almost fell backwards down the hill. Scared the s--t out of me.

Then trying to climb down that hill wasn't so easy, so I walked across it a bit trying to find a not-so-steep area. Finally I just ran down the hill and ended up in a riverbed of wet red clay. Good thing I had on my waterproof Hush Puppies boots, because they were covered top and bottom with red clay, which happened to look just like dog poop. I used rocks to try to scrape off the clay, but didn't do such a good job.

Luckily Leah had some Pendaflex folders in her car and I put one on the floor and kept my feet still on it. I finally had to wash them in the bathtub later to get the clay off.

So today will be another adventure I am sure, and I'll let you all know about it later. Our plan is to hit the road to California on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on Leah's paperwork and stuff.

Adios, Kathy

Off to Missouri

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, I will be flying to Las Vegas. From there I catch a plane on Allegiant Airlines to Springfield MO. Leah will be picking me up at the airport and we will be hanging at her home for a few days.

Then - we are driving to California, going to see the land. Leah, me, 2 pug dogs and a cat. I feel like Granny Clampett. Leah said that she already attached my rocking chair to the roof of the Explorer.

Dad is sending me his Route 66 maps, so we can pull off of I-40 to check out some remains of the old road.

I drove up to Seattle a few years back, and have driven to Utah and to Phoenix. Other than those places I really haven't spent much time exploring the good ol' USA.

In June, Shannon and I will be heading East to spend a week in NYC, Cape Cod and Boston. Now is the time to see it all. Who knows where we will all be next year!!! Or, if we could afford a trip.
Airfare is really low right now, so if you're thinking about traveling, now is the time. Helping to keep the economy flowing.

No pictures this time, but when I get home, I'll do a blog of the "Great Missouri Adventure".

Kathy

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hi Shannon,
I'm showing you what's happening around the house today.
I picked most of the oranges from the tree and wish you were here to share them with me. Last year we powered down the whole harvest ourselves.

I had to pick most of them because the blossoms are ready to open for the 2009 oranges and I do not like to pic oranges when the bees are attacking me.

Look what we did to the front of the house. We took off that window box that was all rotten and termite infested. I planted flowers and the Azalea's are starting to bloom. So much better. I warn the gardners to stay away from my flower bed.

We hung the drawing of Lili in the hallway. Everyone loves it. I see a niche market for you!

Here is the watercolor you did of Lili when you were in college.

And.... here is the pooch herself! My little furry daughter. She wants you to come home too.

Today is St. Patrick's day and my only plan is to go to computer class during the day, then go to watercolor class in the evening. I will probably wear green, but won't be drinking beer or eating corned beef and cabbage.

Tomorrow night I'm going with Cathy P to the Hip Kitty to hear a friend of hers sing. Should be a fun time.

Well, hello to everyone around the globe who may be reading my blog. California is finally starting to warm up. We're expecting the high 70's, low 80's this week. All the wild flowers are in bloom, the hillsides are covered in a blanket of yellow and purple. The sky is brilliant blue and the air is clean (for now).

PS - does anyone want to buy a fishing boat???

Kathy

Dean and Lili

On Monday, after a crazy day (won't mention) I ended up at Lacey and Brandon's new house. They are in the process of moving in and have done such a fine job on the painting and new floors. It's a wonderful home on a quiet and quaint block in Buena Park. I'm so proud of the two of them. They saved their money and bought a home to raise their son in. I didn't take any pictures of the house, but here is a little video clip of Dean being fed his dinner. He is such a sweet little guy. We ordered pizza and put away a few items in the kitchen. (Let me know if you need help Lacey.)

Also, Shannon sent home a gift to me and Carl, a portrait of Lili. It has been framed and is hanging in the hall with the rest of the family portraits.

Thank you Shannon.

(PS, in case anyone is looking to have a portrait of their dog or child or spouse, etc. Shannon will be home for 3 months, starting May 19th.)

Apple Tree in Watercolor

This is my latest project done in watercolor class on Tuesday night. Ta Da!
Kathy