What have I been doing?

Its another Sunday morning in Iowa and on this Sunday morning we're again prepping for a family reunion. Mom & Dad volunteered to host two reunions this year and since we're here, we're helping. At this moment I'm sitting in front of my computer in my jammies and I'm pretty sure Mom is next door spinning like a top. She and Dad have prepared a meal for a passle of people and we're taking it to the South side of Heery Woods State Park in Clarksville.

I imagine sitting at a table in the clubhouse and being asked, at least once, what I've been doing these past few months in Iowa. I've been pondering that this morning trying to figure out what I have been doing ......... feeling so busy.

I've been crocheting quite a bit. After finishing my first thread doily I've been driven to make baby things; dresses, sweaters, capes and such. Seems a good way to use up small batches of yarn and still stay within my criteria of nearly immediate gratification.

I've been making and keeping appointments ....... fixing vehicles, getting new glasses, annual doctor appointments at the VA, etc ...

I made a trip to Georgia with my sister and brother in law and we're planning a trip to Vegas next month to Bubba's brother's. Really looking forward to that one.

We've been thinking about our trip around the country, deciding which places are high on the priority list and which we may pass on to conserve cash.

We've accomplished becoming debt free and have invested our nest egg which will open the doors to our dream home project in the future. And we've been constantly scanning the internet for interesting properties we want to visit and think about making home.

Each Wednesday and Sunday, when there isn't a family reunion or get together, we're at church. Once a month on Saturday we're up at 4:30 and helping with Angel Food Ministries distribution. The church continues to be an amazing source of love and sharing for the two of us.

I've ranted long enough. Its time for me to run through the shower and get ready for this gorgeous day. It may rain but we're gonna enjoy our time with the Smith clan none the less.

Thanks to all who meander through my rantings every now and then, especially you Sheila girl, and may God continue to bless us all.

More later ...........

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

Something new again

This is my first experience accessing the internet on a mobile device. I'm sitting on the apron at RV Revive while they install a new electrical connection to our air conditioning unit.

Last week we signed up for Verizon mobile internet. I had attempted to access it at home but the service in the trailer and in that spot wasn't good. I tried it at Beed's Lake State Park while we were camping but the coverage wasn't good there in the woods either. Right here we're about 3/4 a mile West of the Waterloo airport and the service is grand. Woo Hoo!

Yesterday we went to Clarksville for the annual Hunter family reunion. Hunter is my maternal grandmother's family. Grandma was there too and very proud that she was able to drive to the reunion at age 92. Of course, this was with special permission from Mom because they have an agreement limiting Grandma's driving. ;-) Grandma Kingery is the matriarch of the family and the only living member of her generation on that side of my family. She is a force to reckon with and always has been. (grinning)

Next weekend is the Smith family reunion, also in Clarksville, and I'm pretty excited about that one too. It is a recently established reunion; only the families of my paternal grandparents. I have a feeling, as long as they keep these to reunions this close together, we will be spending a couple weeks each summer in Iowa. We will likely be spending at week or more for Christmas too, depending on the weather.

Well, I better sign off for now. They're finishing up on the 5th wheel and its back to the folks to set up and get back to other projects. On the 28th we're headed to the Amana Colonies for 5 days. Bubba has an appointment at the Iowa City VA on the 29th and it will be quick and easy to run over from the Amana's rather than from home. On August 8th we're helping Mom babysit my niece's three kids and likely going to city wide garage sales on the 9th.

We still have a few things on our 'to do list' to accomplish before we get ready to roll again. Planning on hitting the road just after Labor Day.

More later ............

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

For the love of Mijo

This morning, when I got up, I became Mommy again. Mijo didn't follow me down the little steps and off the bed. He laid there and stared at me. I scratched his ears and encouraged him and he made it to the top step. He attempted the second step but couldn't do it. I could hear the labored sigh that tells me he hurts and he started to shake. I lifted him to the floor where he sat down, continued to quiver and stare at me. I ran my hands over his body searching for evidence of what was bothering him. His back felt fine and he didn't wince as I massaged him. He didn't have any new bumps or marks but his abdomen was hard as a rock. When I pushed on it the loud sigh told me it hurt. I carried him down to my chair and sat him next to Bubba while I ran to get dressed. Bubba got the phone number for our vet and I called them as we loaded Mijo in the truck.

Thank God the vet was right there and could bring us in immediately. He checked him over thoroughly and asked us lots of questions. He told us that, just as we know, animals are like people. Sometimes they strain themselves and it doesn't become evident till the next day. Sometimes they just experience pain for no reason and need a little help to feel better. He expressed his glands and confirmed that his bowels were very full. He confirmed that his abdomen was rigid, especially the muscles. Because his vital signs and other physical signs were good he gave us a pain med for 5 days and asked us to keep a close eye on him. If his symptoms change or return we should call and bring him right back in. He didn't feel we needed to continue on with costly tests unless this didn't work and I appreciate that.

We've deduced that Mijo & Corky's game of 'I'm gonna empty your dish' got a little out of hand last night. Mom put a double helping of cereal in Corky's dish last night because we were over watching a movie and we assumed they would share it. Mijo took it upon himself to single handedly empty the dish. We thought nothing of it till we were on our way to the vet this morning. I guess we need to keep a closer eye on his chow.

It may seem a bit overboard to run to the vet for a bad tummy ache, but you don't always know for sure and its better to be safe than sorry. Our little man means the world to us and will always be treated with the love of a child.

More later ...

An Angel Says:
... the best form of spiritual exercise is to touch the floor regularly with your knees.