Journey around the country 2017

Our epic road trip has begun.  We left Portland later than we thought we would (surprise anyone?) and than got caught up in the lane closure on I-84.  I was honestly glad that we weren't able to see all of the destruction from the fire there, however there was enough.  How sad to see the trees that were destroyed! However, there was hope in all of that:  trees with scorched trunks, but with green leaves above, showing that we should never give up hope.

The day was absolutely beautiful, so we were indeed blessed. On we went to Nampa, Idaho, our first stop.  As we went past the windmill farms we were listening to Andrea Bocelli, singing a beautiful aria and I swear the blades of the windmills were keeping time and showing all the joy that the music was bringing.  We sang away to Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and then put on John Phillip Souza to wake me up! Absolutely a beautiful day and I hope to be able to share more and post some pictures, too.

It's getting late, so I'm going to close for now.  Hopefully I will be able to do more tomorrow and be able to figure out how to do some pictures!

Good night my friends!

From Bath to York

We had a wonderful time in Bath!  We saw Jane Austen country, such as the Circle:

Sandi was in heaven when we went to the fashion museum but I liked the architecture.  We had been blessed with good weather for most of our stay - the only rain had fallen at night in London and had very nicely held off during the day, so I was wondering where this horrible weather stuff came from!  We ran into that in Stonehenge when the (it seemed like) there were gale force winds and torrential downpours of rain.  Here is a picture of Sandi when we looked at the incredible stones:

The wind was so strong it broke my!umbrella  They had a very good museum that we highly recommend to anyone visiting Stonehenge; it's well worth your time.

After the inundation, we got back on the tour bus and went through some really charming little English villages.  The last one, Castle Coombs, was really impressive with the old church and buildings.

 We were really fortunate in that our guide, Chris, was actually retired but had been brought back for a short time to train a new driver/guide.  So, we had Chris' undivided attention and the knowledge he has of the area (Kevin was driving).  Since he was born there the knowledge was considerable.  Here's Chris in the back yard of his friend, Pat.  She had very nicely asked us all in and we got to see the memorial she has placed there in honor of those lost in 9/11.

That's the memorial beside Chris.  Sometimes I forget that other countries lost people on that awful day, too.  Pat had a dear friend killed.

After Bath, we got on the train to go to York.  That was an experience.  Of course, we chose to travel on a holiday weekend (bank holiday here in the UK on Monday) so, as one young man put it as we were standing from one town to another, "You'd think we were in India!" A lady responded, "At least we're not hanging off the outside yet!" The British sense of humor reigns supreme! We did eventually get to sit in our reserved seats and enjoyed the rest of the trip immensely.

Last night the true British weather again presented itself.  It had been raining off and on while we were on the train, but the sun came out again when we got to York.  Then back came the clouds.  We were looking for a restaurant that had been recommended when it started to downpour, so we ducked into an East Indian restaurant and decided to eat there.  One of those serendipitous moments.  The food was wonderful! We decided to that again today for lunch and again had a very happy experience.

We went to the Castle Museum today and were treated to a really fine display of life since the 17th century.  When they got up the 20th century it was a little bit daunting to see things behind glass that were a part of my life! Such as:

I have one just like it except in Orange! And then there was this, which is a lot like one I used back in the day:

After we did the walking around and then talked to a young lady who worked at the museum and was from Chicago, we went to the cafe and had a scone and (probably blasphemous) a diet Pepsi.  While there, we were treated to the sight of some goose families:

But, to end today's blog and to put a smile on your face, we were reminded of the simple joys in life...where there is a puddle, there is a child:.

On The Road Again!

Sandi and I are FINALLY off again.  It has been a long road since October 1, 2012 when Ed passed away when I was on my way home from Waxahachie, TX.  I, however, am the most fortunate of people - I have my sister.  Sandi has been the most wonderful person in the world, being my best friend as well as my sister.

I lived with Sandi until October 26, 2013 when I again moved into an apartment of my own.  Thank you David and Russ! You have been the best, moving me more times than you wanted to.  I am within 1 mile of Sandi so we still see each other frequently, usually going to the gym together 2 to 3 times a week.  Don't do much, but at least I do something!

Now, we are in ENGLAND!! This is the trip of a lifetime. We were chauffeured to Portland Airport by the wonderful Russ on May 15 and Sandi and I went inside to check in our luggage.  Well, I had purchased new luggage for this trip and it was a big suitcase...a really big suitcase.  Since we were going to London, then Bath, then York and finally to Scotland, it was difficult to know just what to pack weather-wise.  So, there were some long sleeved items, some short sleeved items and, after all, we're going for 3 whole weeks, so there were (all in all) WAY too many items! My suitcase weighed 59 pounds.  I was told I had to repack or pay a lot of money for over 50 pounds.  Sandi to the rescue.  I had some books in my case which were very heavy so Sandi put those in her really puny (weight-wise) suitcase and I passed.  Whew! That was a difficult moment.  

On we went, with a brief stop and change of planes in Vancouver BC, to Heathrow Airport, London, England.  We got on the tube at Heathrow and I threw myself on the mercy of gentlemen taking pity on a couple of ladies with almost white hair.  Actually, the people on the tube were very willing to give up their seats to us.  In fact, we met SO many nice people who were more than happy to help us with our luggage...such as when there was no lift (elevator) and only 3 floors of steps to go up because the escalator was under repair.  I must have had a pitiful look on my face as I stared from my HUGE suitcase to the stairs and back.  Wonderful people in this world.  When we got to the Kings Cross station we got off (had to yank my suitcase over a 5 inch gap between the train car and the platform) we made our way to the exit by following the "Way Out" signs.  Of course, we should have gone the other way because we ended up a block further from the street we needed...oh well, could have been worse.  Off we went.  Down the wrong road.  We stopped to rest at one point and had some pastry at a lovely little "to go" place, got some water and sat for a few minutes to catch our breath.  After that, Sandi realized that we were on the wrong street.  I hadn't seen anything resembling a street sign, so I was no help; it turns out that the street name is on the building on the corner.  So, I was optimistic and we turned the corner, walked about 3 more blocks and Voila! There was our hotel.  It was a very good thing because I was ready to drop onto the sidewalk and cry.  Again, wonderful, polite and helpful people.  We got into our room and crashed.  JET LAG!!!  

I am amazed at how powerful jet lag can be.  We arrived in London on Friday, May 16 and we just ate a little bit at the hotel and went to bed.  On Saturday, we took the tube to downtown, walked to Buckingham Palace (I said hello to the Queen - only in my mind - from all my friends) then walked to Westminster (it was closed) and went into the Jewel Tower.  Sandi lived in London for a year and didn't know about the Jewel Tower.  It was at one time where all the records were kept.  In fact, the steel door with the date 1621 is still there.  Of course the records are no longer there but it was fun seeing where they used to be.  We wandered around, found an adorable little place named The Albert where we had a diet pop (me) and cider (Sandi).  Then, we WALKED more, got back on the tube, back to Kings Cross, WALKED BACK to the hotel and once again, crashed.

On Sunday the 17th, we wanted to go to a couple of museums and Harrods, the huge department store in London.  Well, we made it to Harrods, got some inexpensive things (hard to find in London) and went back to the hotel.  We were so very, very tired! I told Sandi that it should have been our day of rest too since we didn't accomplish much.  However, I must admit that Harrods is incredible.  Take your favorite New Seasons and your favorite Nordstroms and your favorite whatever, put them together and multiply by 100.  There's Harrods.

On Monday we met a long time friend of Sandi's, Jane, and went to the TOWER OF LONDON!

This is only a small part of it.  It was really impressive and we had a wonderful Beef-eater guide named Kevin who delighted in telling us how many people were beheaded, hanged-drawn and quartered, and how many bodies were found under the chapel! He truly loved his job.  A good time was had by all and the time actually passed very quickly.  The Tower was a lot for my back and my feet to take in and Sandi was starting to fight the same virus I had 3 weeks ago, so we went back to the hotel and once again (you got it!) we crashed.

On Tuesday, we took the train from Paddington Station (yes it really exists!) to Bath and here we are today, Thursday.  We went on a walking tour yesterday all around Bath and saw the costume exhibit at the Assembly Hall.  It is so fun to see the buildings referred to in all those romance novels and Jane Austen books.  It's a really beautiful and very civilized city.  Here's a picture of the Abbey.

 Today has been a more relaxing day, allowing Sandi to fight her virus and get some strength.  Tomorrow, we are going on a trip to Stonehenge.  It will be all day long, leaving here at 8:30am and not returning until 5:30pm.  Should be REALLY good.  I'll let you know tomorrow.

My own Trail of Tears

As I said in my last blog, Ed was having some problems.  He had a non-injury fall, but was not opening his eyes and they had to use the lift to get him out of bed.  That was Saturday; on Sunday, I was told that he was not responsive, wasn't eating or drinking...basically in a coma.  I asked them to run a test for UTI because he acted this way last Spring when he had a urinary tract infection.  Because he was so dehydrated it took forever to get a sample to test.  At 3:00am on Monday morning, I got a call and was told that he didn't have any infection and the Dr. was sure he had suffered a stroke, which may have caused his fall.  At that point, I decided to drive home as quickly as possible.  I had planned to fly if the need arose, but with Sandi still being on medication for the Staph infection, I didn't want to leave her to drive herself.  As soon as Sandi got up, which was early for her, I talked to her and to Randy.  Sandi agreed that we leave A.S.A.P.  Off we went.  We had been on the road for about 1 1/2 hours when we made a stop for gas and bathroom.  When I got back to the car, my cell phone was ringing.  I answered it and got the news that Ed had just passed away.  He had donated his body to OHSU (Oregon Health and Sciences University) and I can only pray that someone will learn from Ed.  I had so wanted to be with him at the end, however God had other plans for him.  It was almost as though Ed knew we were heading home, so it was okay to go.
Our initial travel plans were to go through New Mexico and Arizona, stopping at the Grand Canyon. When my friend Randy searched for the fastest route for us, it turned out that going west and then north wasn't the fastest - going north and then west was.  So, we have been in Kansas (where I developed a horrible sinus and ear infection) and are now in Colorado having our lunch.  Sandi and I have definitely been contributing to the health and welfare of the Pharmaceutical companies!
I'm okay about Ed.  The last year has been a very hard one, physically and emotionally, for him.  He wasn't able to express himself because of the damage caused by the last brain bleed.  He could talk, but the wrong words kept coming out.  Sometimes that frustrated him and sometimes he didn't notice.   So, Sandi and I are headed home so I can take care of anything that needs taken care of.  Ed didn't want a funeral, he just said "Tell them that when they hear 'Take 5' or 'Amazing Grace' to think of me."  Also, donate to Alzheimer's Research in Ed's name if you could.  This blog is rather disjointed, but that fits as that is how I feel.  We'll be in Portland on Friday and I'll take pictures along the way to post.  'Bye until then.

San Antonio, Austin and Waxahachie, TX

What a trip we are having! Totally enjoyed being with Nan in League City, TX. Got another Dr. to look at Sandi's reaction to an insect bite and got a diagnosis of Staph infection, which meant new antibiotics and having to soak her leg in hot water with Epsom salts.  She has had to sit in the back seat because she had to elevate the leg.  Anyway, she was chauffeured from League City to San Antonio where we went to the Alamo.  We got there too late the first day, so we did the River Walk instead and had a marvelous steak dinner.

 Lots of ducks on the River Walk! Also a lot of signs saying "Do Not Feed the Birds" which I think are ignored a lot!  A little too much walking for me, I think; I was hurting a lot when we got back to the motel.  Anyway, the next morning Sandi and I went to the Alamo.  Once again, I felt goose bumps  as I listened to the story about the brave men and women who were at the Alamo.  The men were all killed with their bodies burned at the order of Santa Ana.  How hard they tried to hang on and win.  When I saw the mock up of the fort showing all the troops Santa Ana had and how they got over the wall of the fort, I was totally amazed that the "Texans" were able to hang on as long as they did, having so few people and resources.  There is a lot of raw courage and bravery in our history.

The mission at the Alamo

The heroes of the Alamo

Very, very emotional for me to see where such brave men had fallen.  Fortunately, Santa Ana let the women go.  From San Antonio we drove to Austin and had lunch with our friend Sima.

Lovely Sima, bad picture

Sima's house

The rest of Sima's house

David and Russ, she has a bedroom for you when you visit! A lovely home that she has worked hard to fix up.  As she said, it is a work in process.  From Austin, we went to Waxahachie to meet with my dear friend Randy and his wife, Helen.  We have been here since Friday afternoon and have seen so much of their music! Last night we all went to Austin (back we go!) where Randy and Helen had a "gig" at a restaurant.  Beautiful music!!!

Randy and Helen

The owner of the restaurant, Dave, also joined with them, playing a washtub bass!

Dave on washtub bass, Helen Kennedy, Randy Tredway, Kathy and Tommy

Ed is not doing well right now.  They think he may have had a stroke, but I am questioning if it is another urinary tract infection.  The way he is acting right now is a lot like he did last spring when he had one.  I'm waiting to hear and may need to cut my trip short.  Don't know yet if we will drive straight home or if I will fly home.  Pray for Ed, please/  I'll let you know how everything is going as soon as I hear.

Another day in paradise!

We are loving our time here in League City, TX.  The weather has been beautiful and the days filled with meeting new people and eating wonderful food! Sandi has continued to have a rough time with her reaction to insect bites.  We saw a Dr. in New Orleans and he put her on an antibiotic but she wasn't really getting better.  Yesterday we took her to Urgent Care and actually had a Dr. who did a blood test...first one.  Found out that she once again has Cellulitis and also has a staph infection.  So, she is on stronger antibiotics and has to soak her leg plus use hot compresses twice a day.  Poor Baby! However, we are now very optimistic and feel that she is on the road to recovery.  Because of the difficulty she has had, we are going to stay in League City until tomorrow and then head to San Antonio and points north.  Here, however, is a taste of what we have been enjoying:

Bishops Palace on Galveston Island

Me on the beach at Galveston

My beautiful friend, Nan

 Life can be tough.  Tonight we'll get to go to a high school football game and see Nan's granddaughter cheer the team on.  I can hardly wait; it's been a long time since I saw a high school game! I'll let you know how it comes out.  Meanwhile, I must leave and get some breakfast.  Talk to you later!