BEEN BUSY AS WE HAVE MOVED BACK TO DALLAS

Moved Mid November!

Putting up Christmas Decor!

WOW! I am sure most of you who have known us for some time know that this was expected. When Lynn retired in 2002 we moved to Mineola, Tx. We had a little weekend house out there and decided to make it home. It was a very hard move for me to leave Dallas with Jen and family here and all our friends but we did it. After six years and two houses out there, we made a decision to come back "home" so we purchased a little house in Richardson, Tx. This is where Lynn retired from and is still working part time for the Police Department as a Bailiff.

We added Shutters just like we did in Mineola but they are painted.

We have been looking for several months and found just the right place at the right time. It is only 1800 sq. ft. but plenty of room for us---and Buddy! We have been working on it since the 24th of August. (Camping our here after moving from the apartment) New paint, new carpet, new counters and back splash, new laundry room, new water heater and mini heater under the kitchen sink, new kitchen sink, new glass top drop in range, crown molding in my studio and our master bedroom. Had a great guy here for a week from Mineola do all the good stuff. We had a bay window in the kitchen so I pulled out an idea I had saved in the "idea" file and wallah!! Dennis built it----a Buddy Bench so he has a place of his own to watch outside.

Buddy Bench, not finished but built. Lots more to do. Bye, Bye ugly paper!!!!

The yard is a blank canvas in the back and is fenced with 8' white vinyl fence on two sides and poured 8' concrete wall on the other two sides. Not one tree, shrub or good grass in the whole back yard but that is for next spring!

We have a wonderful live oak tree in the front and ground cover of Ivy and shrubs so our work will be in the back. Lynn was DONEwith YARD and this will keep him happy as he wants NO grass in the back. Now I think Buddy might want a little grass so we will see. The big John Deere went to a good home a few weeks ago and Lynn kissed it good bye!!!!

We even had Christmas here at the house. 10 for dinner and it was great! Almost done, just a few things to finish in the kitchen and some crown in the livingroom, both bath's need paper or paint and then Spring will be here and the yard will take most of our time.

Check back soon as I am going to publish before and after pictures here of the improvements we have made on the home. Hope to have our Sale in February in Mineola and then we will put that home on the market.

As I say to Lynn everyday---"Back to the Real World"

Happy New Year to all our friends and family!!!!

WELL, WE ARE ON THE MOVE AGAIN!

Before the Shutters!
Lynn and I have been looking for a place in the Dallas area for months and we found one we thought we wanted in an area in Richardson, Tx. Well, they took it off the market and we thought we were out of luck. Surprise! I came back on and we bought it in 10 days!!! What a whirlwind but we are thrilled now. We are working on it to get ready to move ???? when we don't know. I think it is going to be great!





Two bedrooms, split and two baths! Two atrium's, one living area (center of the house) a dining room, large kitchen with eating area and nice laundry room., Double garage!!! Small yard. That is what we were looking for---Lynn is DONE with yard work. This yard is a blank canvas and we will work on it as we see fit. We have 8' vinyl fence on two sides and poured concrete fence on other side. Buddy will have his own yard!





We have put in new granite tile counter top( Lynn is the master now of tile) and stove top and vent fan. New single sink with wonderful faucet and stainless steel fridge. We have had Dennis here all week working for us doing lots of wonderful thing, one is building our "Buddy Bench". There was a bay window in the kitchen so Buddy needed a place of his own sooooooo Dennis built it! Gives us an extra place to sit with some storage under it. Lynn is in process of painting the inside of the house. We have the two bedrooms done and ceiling fans installed. One wall in the dining room was wallpaper so I stripped it off and thought I could paint it----well, the paper was put on to the wall right on the drywall!!!! You got to be kidding!!!!! Soooo new plan, we will skimcote the wall with a plaster type compound and make it like trouled walls. There is paper in the kitchen, and both baths, front hall and back hall so we will do the same there, then paint.





Lynn laid the new floor in the laundry and we bought black washer and dryer (yes, I know that those of you who know me well will not believe that one) and we put on a Formica six foot countertop over the unstacked-stack unit! Painted it camel and will use all our Uncle Sam stuff in there. We had slate tile put in the large atrium and one wall in there is all old pavement brick and we love that look.





The plan is-----finish this house----move from Mineola just what we want and need----have a huge estate sale---then put the house up for sale. Oh, the house is for sale now, don't get me wrong but it is not listed and we are going to try to sell it ourselves for a few weeks. Yes, wouldn't you know the market went to hell about the time we did this deal It's all in timing and usually ours is not too good.

Back Home for a Few Days!

Buddy Watching for Lynn!

We are just back from Dallas today! It feels good to be home. Went to Clay Day on Tuesday and Lynn worked Wed. and Thursday. Boy, did we get rain on Wednesday---cool weather and rainy day---loved it. Saw the grandkids on Wednesday and worked on my FaceBook with Jennifer. I have much to learn but little by little, right. Probably a little old to have a FaceBook but have to keep up with the grandkids, right!

Trying to update my websites---use it or loose it and I have lost it. Took some good lessons from a very good friend of mine last week but didn't go right home and work on it and when I started to do it-----well, brain freeze. Will try to do more soon. Then I have promised myself to keep up with it.

Lynn bought me a new high back--very soft Broyhill leather office chair! It is wonderful---my old one was not as comfortable lately and didn't have padded arms so not sure but might have been the cause of my back problems. WE WILL SEE. So far so good---really great.

Yard work tomorrow! UG! The rain here while we were gone really make everything green and GROW. Guess that is good as August in Texas can be BROWN!

When we got home today our new Bose Radio/CD radio was here. I have always wanted one since I was at a home of a friend years ago and heard hers. WOW!!!! The sound is amazing. I can also attach my Ipod or Iphone to it so that will be a GOOD thing. It has two remotes and a clock/alarm in it, too. We are going to love it, I know.

Found this picture again tonight. Just love it. Jennifer when she was about 1 year old. Always a smile and she is that way today! We want to scan some of the pictures and sort them for the kids. Passing on the boxes of pictures so they can do with they want with them. Sure brings back memories---and some of them bring a tear to my eyes as our time with them seemed to go so fast. My Dad always said, "the older one gets, the faster time passes" and was he right!

Live each day to the fullest!!!

Been Sorting Pictures! Will Post When I Find Them!

Here is a picture I took out our VW car window as we crossed a dam. It was fall and as I looked out the window, there we were, a shadow on the area below the dam. Interesting!

Middle of the Month Already!!!

Just about that time again!!!!

August is half over here in Texas and I think I heard that we have had 30 days of over 100 so far this year. Now that sounds bad but the humidity has not been high only a few days of the 30 so really has not been as terrible as it sounds. I do look forward to fall cause after my scooter ride last night in the cool late afternoon, it's going to be fun. I am studying for my test for the Motorcycle license---it's been 46 years since I took a written or driving test so I do need to study up for sure. Hope you can take it several times The worst will be having the Highway Patrol officer following me in our car---riding with Lynn. Oh, he has to do the same as me---wonder who will have to go first?????? Put the Zuma up for sale tonight on Craig's List

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/798691638.html (motorcycles/scooters) both in East Texas and Dallas. Hope it sells--------keep your fingers crossed.

Know anyone who needs a great little scooter????

Buddy fighting with the Sherpa (lamb skin) seat cover we have for him. We have to drug him in the car and guess he wasn't quite ready to leave Dallas!!!!! That bite was caught on his tooth!!!

We have been in Dallas for several days so far this month and still will go in this week and next. They thought they had a new guy starting at the court last week but he decided to take a full time job soooooo we are still in the "work more than 6 days a month mode" for sure. Lynn doesn't seem to mind and with the apartment there, it is nice to just kick back, use the pool and enjoy some of the Big D!!!

Sydney Barnaby in High School Musical Production!

Sydney as Kelsi in Wednesday's Production

Sydney and Gramps after the Show

Sydney and Jennifer after the show.

Lynn and I sure did enjoy it. We couldn't take flash shots and I didn't have my tripod and Nikon with me so didn't get such great shots in the theater. She was good in it and I know she really seems to love the productions. This is her second one this summer, the last one was the Wizard of Oz. The Plano theater groups sure do a great job with the kids. School is about to start and we look forward to more musical and plays this coming year.

Well, need to go and watch the Olympics again tonight. Nastia (gymnast) lives down the street from Jennifer about 7 houses. We are thrilled for her and it great fun knowing Plano and West Des Moines did so well!!!!

Looking forward to a great weekend and hope you have one too!!!!!!

TOO HOT TO RIDE

Well, a woman has the right to change her mind---that is what I say and I did!!!
The scooter (Yamaha Zuma) I bought two weeks ago didn't work for me. I tried with all my might but could NOT put it up on the stand in the back sooooooo Lynn bought me one with a kick stand and now I can go by myself!!!!! Pictures above of my new Copper Vintage 150cc Lance scooter!!!!! I am thrilled. Sits great, quiet and lots of storage space for my runs to Wally World. We were out there last night a drew a crowd like we did the last time we went out there. Folks just want to know more about them. Also, it's a look---white haired 62 year old on a scooter with her hair flapping in the wind!!! Lynn is thinking about selling his and of course the Zuma (any one want a deal?)and getting one like this. It is a NICE bike!

Well, had two acupuncture treatments one onThurs and one on Friday and after Thurs. NO PAIN!!!! I was to the end of my rope. The pain was so bad that I could not walk--- it is amazing. I will go for another treatment on Monday afternoon and maybe Wed. But I am fine now. What a strange thing. You don't feel anything! Really---I hate needles but I guess they are so small (thin) you just don't feel them. I am Really amazed!!! Life might get better for me now. I was in such pain, I didn't want to do anything, go anywhere, see anyone and that is NOT me. WOW---if you have pain, you might want to try it. Sure does beat that "Back Dr." routine that they can put one thru---fusion etc. Life is good again!!!!!

It is really hot here in Texas this week!!!! 104 today here in Mineola. We are heading back in to the apartment for the week. Lynn works and I have a clay day and a couple of acupuncture treatments!

More soon, as I want to take a pic of the Buddy on the cycle!!!

Buddy Joe Ready To Ride

Scooter Sam

Playing with a New Little Fun Program and Site

How about this, Sydney on a Cover of a Teen Magazine (well, it would be great but Gram did it with this new little program) Fun Playing Around with it.

44 Years and Counting!!

Anniversary Picture 2008 Still having a great time after 44 years!

Well, the 44th Anniversary has passed and we are headed to 45! Time sure does pass faster as one get's older. My Dad always said that and he lived to be 95 so I am sure at the last his time seemed to move very fast.

We had a fun Anniversary. WE were going to Shreveport to Gamble and spend a couple of nights and then as we thought about it, we decided to stay here and buy a scooter for me. Lynn was enjoying his so much and he wanted me to have one, too. Well, after searching all over north Texas, we found the only one left around in Longview!

We have been having a great time. I already have 70 miles on mine!! Now, that is just in Mineola. Mine is only a 50cc and top speed is 45 but at 45 you feel as if you are going 100!

Jennifer, Mark, Sydney and Sam came out on Saturday and the kids enjoyed my large scooter (electric) cause they can't ride the Yamaha! Jen and Mark took a spin on the scooters and they like them. Mark has a Harley so pretty tame for him, I am sure.

Sam, lovin my little scooter!

Pose by Sydney

Sydney, the Poser!

Sam after a week at Sky Ranch Camp!!!

Off to Dallas for a few days in the Big City! I think Jennifer and I will do Ikea on Friday and swim in their pool.

Check back soon. More to come.

HAPPY 4TH 2008

This is one of Lynn's Mom's Hostas in Bloom in Texas. We have worked hard to save this and it is in full boom this week. They are beautiful!!

Happy 4th Belated!

Let Freedom Ring 2008
Thetford Farm Bell

Pine Mills, Texas

We were at the Thetford Farm for a 4th party and this is a bell on the farm.

Buddy looking for fireworks, not one of his favorite things!

We have a good 4th this year. (Celebrated on the 5th) Out to the Thetford Farm for a wonderful lunch and sitting on the porch. Anne Thetford is such a wonderful hostess and the food is always exceptional. Lynn and I cherish the time we spend there as it is so quite and the views are wonderful from the porch. Here are a couple below.

Our New Uncle Sam 2008

Home Projects Again!

We are almost done here at 702 Sycamore

House looking South towards kitchen.

Well, we are back at "home projects" for a few days. We had decided to have a new railing take the place of the original 1949 Iron scroll rail but were not sure how to do it. As luck had it, we found a guy who is a master at cabinets that is retired and he agreed to do it for us, all we had to do it come up with the design. We were so excited that our plan was going to happen so we got real busy fast and gave him a drawing of what we wanted and he said "not a problem"!!!!!! Also, we had decided to take down the old downspouts and gutters and install Rainhandlers http://www.rainhandler.com/ so after we had that done, we wanted shutters! We hit Dennis up with the idea, he agreed and wala---he built us 9 sets before he had to leave town. Lynn and I will finish them as Dennis gave us great instuctions on using our router and how to cut the stars. If we do the rest of the house, we only have 11 sets to go---------Yes, 19 windows in this one story house but that is part of the reason we loved it so. Lots of light!!!!! I guess you can see we have a star theme going on here.



Work in Progress

Railings stained by Lynn. We put steel caps on the posts.


Our new front doors! We have two, one to the kitchen and one to the livingroom off the front porch. We are going to paint them a dark teal soon. House trim will remail white unless we can get someone to change it up. Lynn said he liked white so it will make it much easier to repaint some of the place where it needs repair.

Lynn's new brick floor in screened porch



Buddy Helping Lynn Lay Bricks! He is such a big help.

New Addition to Lynn's Motor Pool

Lynn has been wanting a motorcycle and I am totally against it but he always goes with what I want so when he found this scooter I didn't fight it. It is pretty cute and not tooooo big. I can even ride it but haven't as yet. Need a motorcycle license for it as it is a 150 cc. Goes pretty good intown but only about 55 on highway. I think he is happy with it. Our neighbor, Ray found it for him and did some great work on it so now it is just like new---600 miles on it and ready to ride anywhere here in Mineola. It will make some great Icee runs, I am sure.

Here are Ray and Lynn ready to ride!!!! Boys and their Toys!

Cute?

I need to make some some shirts that say "Harley Starter Kit"