WASHINGTON STATE?!? REALLY?

 Heidy-Ho, my Blogging Buddies!!!

My, oh my.  Things in this country were crazy in 2020... and it seems to be continuing in 2021!  Hang in there, my friends!!

So... won't tell the whole (long) story of why Washington State was where we went.  My TX Bestie, JMA, and I typically do our semi-annual Fredericksburg, TX winery run...and have for years.  After the inability to travel in 2020 and the long story, we ended up making a trip to Sea-Tac airport then a 2.5 hour drive through the Cascades to Leavenworth, WA.  JMA has a co-worker in the Sea-Tac area who advised her we would probably enjoy it there... so we went.  This may take two posts to cover... but for starters...

Airports.  Nightmare.  We stood in line for nearly an hour (on a Monday) to make it through the TSA in Austin, TX.  And we were plum early as our flight departed at 8:00 a.m. and we were there by 6:00 a.m.!!  Insane.  We just laughed our way through it as there was nothing else to do.  Sigh.  For good measure, will mention our return from Sea-Tac where we arrived plenty early for a 12:30 p.m. flight out (on Friday).  It was actually a much easier run to get through... and they are trying out a new method for folks to work through the TSA by scheduling a time & TSA line location.  But... the airport was still rampantly full and it was still a bit challenging.  Enough.  Not flying commercially again for quite some time!

So... the three days in between travel days were just great!  I had booked us at a B&B in Leavenworth.  The owner, who was very kind, had suggested we drive a route from Sea-Tac to there that was much more beautiful than the standard highway route.  It was!  We drove through mountains and small towns all along the way.  Really incredible.

Our B&B: Fox Den B&B.  Too much to tell you but some pics below.  Oh... and breakfast was stellar all three days!  Thank you, Lori and Dan!!!

This is the side of the B&B that faces the view.  Note the lower left corner beneath the lower deck.  That's where guests have a patio to enjoy coffee, wine, snacks, views... whatever.

This is from the side of the B&B where the decks/patio are set.  This is the view.

From the yard area just below the house/decks, one can see the driveway leading up the hillside to the property.

Passing this on the driveway heading to the B&B lets you know how lovely it will be!!

Here is the lower back patio where we spent some quality time with coffee, wine, snacks... and peace.

Looking from the lower patio, you can see the level of slope the property has!!  Lovely (and glad I don't have to mow it!)

Another view from the back patio looking to the other side.

We noticed a few Staghorn Ferns hanging on the posts of the patio.  Had not seen any for many years.  Enjoyed seeing them again!

First morning walk got us down to the main road.  This was the view.  Beautiful!

Finally (this trip may take 3 posts!), one of the things we enjoyed was sitting on the back patio watching nature.  We "met" a Robin that appeared to have claimed the barrel fountain for its bath!!  We saw it using it for that more than once!  So cute.  Had to video it as it was quite a busy bath!  (There are sprinklers going off in the background behind the Robin... not rain.)

So... this was Round One of the trip.  More to come about the downtown Leavenworth area as well as some funny things.

Until next post...

TESTING 1, 2, 3....

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well now... this is technically a test to make certain you all receive the email with the link to this post!  I know I sent out a notice about two weeks ago letting you know you won't get the actual post in the email anymore.  Sorry 'bout that.  That's on "Blogger" where I have my blog account.  (Shame on them!)

I know it has been a while since my last post.  Most of the times that happens, I just haven't had anything to post about!  😀😀😀  This time, however, I am going to fill you in on a few things that have kept me away from my computer for a bit!

So... let's look back.

April 28th.  This was supposed to be a standard day.  A quick run to Sam's Club for some goods.  Normal stuff the rest of the day.  While out moving my heirloom tomato plants on their little dollies, I somehow (have NO clue what actually occurred!) found myself seeing the concrete of the patio coming at my face awfully fast!  WHAT?!?  Uh... now I am lying on the patio concrete wondering what the H*** just happened?  Hmmmm.  Body part check.  Nothing seems broken or fractured.  There is some pain in the right (ahem) "cheek" which is apparently where I landed... but am totally surprised to discover I was able to get myself up, walk slowly back into the house, and decide that movement was the best thing to do.  So... off to Sam's Club.  Took about 4 days for the mega-bruise of the "cheek" to appear... and it was sore for quite a bit... but that appeared to be the only actual "damage" done!  So... while I was not happy to take my first "old broad" fall, I was definitely blessed by the result!!  Watching where my feet are going much more closely these days!  (In considering, I think I may have caught my right heel on the leg of the bench while moving one of the plants.)  DOH!

May.  Finally closed on one of my listings that had been pushed back due to the inability to obtain an appraisal in a timely manner.  Sigh.  The listing hit our MLS on April 1st.  By the end of the day, there had been 17 showings and 7 offers were in my email (4 above list price)!!  WHAT?!?  Welcome to the insane world of real estate these days.  But it did close and my (now ex) neighbors have relocated to Pflugerville, TX (connects to Austin) and the buyers have moved in.

June.  Was able to meet up with a childhood pal during this month, which was wonderful!  Always so good to be able to do something like that!  Spent lots of time mowing the yard (which I LOVE to do!) and putzing around outside.  Wetter than usual June here in Central Texas.  Great for the plants and grass as they try to recover from "Snowmageddon" in February!  I did lose a few plants which have been replaced.  The only sad thing right now is our Red Oak in the back yard which has no leaves on any of the branches!!  There are only clumps of leaves around the trunk.  Hopefully, it will recover and leaf out next year.  It is still alive... and there are lots just like it all around the neighborhood.  Fingers crossed!

July.  Had another meet up with another childhood pal this month already!!  WOW!!  Has felt really good being able to get caught up and finding out about the world of others with whom I spent many hours as a young'un!  Have a trip planned with my friend in Austin.  Spending a week out-of-state somewhere we have never been.  Looking forward to it!!  Hope I get some good pics to share upon my return.  Oh... and did I mention The Man and I are hitting the 30-year mark?  Who would have ever thought anyone would put up with me for that long!!!  LOL!!  Bless his heart.  He has been incredibly fabulous.

Alrighty!  There you have it.  I truly hope things are going well for each and every one of you!!  Have a great rest-of-your-summer!!

Until next post...

HELLO, SPRINGTIME!!!

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well, let's see.  The day after my last post was another fun-filled surgical day.  YUCK!!  But... all done.  All good.  Back to "old broad" normal!  LOL!!

Then, "Snowmageddon" hit all of us in Texas and Louisiana (and I'm sure even worse in states further north!).  What a nightmare that was in our worlds!!  That should NOT happen again!

Let's just say that February and March are off my list of months to remember.  In fact, I am completely removing the first quarter of 2021 as there was absolutely nothing I can think of that was worth any level of excitement.

So... Quarter Two!!!  April started with great fun.  Yep... another Fredericksburg semi-annual winery run!!  And even with slightly cool and damp weather, it was more than fun!  We stayed at a new Airbnb (really a Bed and Snacks) that I will tell you about later.

Night #1:  On the way, we stopped at our standing restaurant (Bryan's on 290 in Johnson City, TX).  In fact, we plan the trips so we can stop there for dinner on our way in to Fredericksburg.  The chef is amazing and the dining options are terrific.  Always something new and wonderful.  New starter:

The next morning, we made our walk up to Main Street and wandered about.  We popped into a Coffee place with bakery/breakfast items.  Two lattes and a wonderful avocado toast to share on the outdoor patio!!  Delish!

A childhood friend and I reconnected recently.  She had made a couple of recommendations of places to visit where we had not been before.  She is having a house built in Fredericksburg and is currently living there.  We were able to catch up while I was there which was really wonderful.  At any rate... one of the places she had suggested was our "lunch stop" for a charcuterie plate and a bottle of wine!  Beautiful back patio area with service from inside!

The next morning was a walk to our fave bakery (Twisted Sisters) for lattes and a bakery item to share.  So yummy.  We stopped at a new winery that had great reviews... but weren't terribly impressed.  Different strokes for different folks.  After that, we headed to "my" winery where I wanted to do a tasting as well as pick up my quarterly allotment (yes... I am a member there).  They are in the process of building a new tasting room on the property... but the current back area is absolutely lovely.

The young lady who "runs" the place is absolutely adorable and wonderful.  She had a baby in March (?) of 2020.  He was there with her and we got to see him.  Cutie!

That night, we decided to dine out... but didn't really know where.  Did a little Googling and had passed a place that looked interesting.  We went early to avoid a crowd... unsuccessfully!  LOL!  Had a 45 minute wait.  However... after a day of wine, we decided to go with cocktails at dinner.  VERY good!  And... dinner consisted of appetizer plates which were excellent.  We will go back there.

Then there are the random pics I take while on our walks.

Now then... we stayed at "La Paloma" in F'Burg.  We had not been there before but have been searching for a good spot ever since our previous B&B owners sold their place.  This was a "take a chance" place... and it did well.  We will be returning to it in the future.  The owners live next door, never bother you at all, provide great snacks (OJ, yogurt, bananas, coffees with a Keurig, granola bars, etc.), and while it really only houses two, it is large enough if you wanted to have a couple of guests over for food & wine!  Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.  In a nice, quiet neighborhood where our "old" B&B was so great walks.

After returning, it was time to get out for morning walks again.  This particular morning, I found it rather amazing what I saw... especially since a couple of things were so small and on the pavement, the likelihood of spotting just one was pretty low.  I saw both.  (You may have to go online on your computer to view the videos.)

This was NOT one of the "small" things!  In fact... the shoe alongside it is a Women's Size 11!!!

And yes... it was alive and moving... so I picked it up and put it into a yard where it would not be on the pavement.  Have never seen one this big before!!

Finally, this little guy was so cute!  Just moving on along without a care in the world!

Well... that's pretty much it for this round.  Hopefully there will be some things of interest to post about in the near future!!

Until next post...

NOT MUCH TO SEE HERE...

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well... you would think, with the lack of things to do in one's normal world, I would be posting far more frequently.  Uh... nope.  Finding other things that need to be done... and keeping me away from the time it takes to get one of these out there!  LOL!  So be it!

Now then... a few things I think you might like that are hanging out in my "From My Phone" folder on my desktop... waiting for an appropriate time to be posted here.  So... not much to see here... but random "stuff!"

I was referred to a stylist at Oz Hair Studio here when we moved.  I had to purchase the T-shirt with the back shown below this year!!  LOVE IT!!  LOL!

Now then... this poor little fella' had been run over.  Found him on a morning walk.  That's the front of my shoe to give you scale.  He did not look "crushed" so not positive about what really occurred.  Sad to me.  He is not a poisonous variety.

So... while walking out the door one morning, I saw low movement in the front yard.  I followed it across the street and caught a few shots in the neighbor's front yard!  It was time for it to get back for the day... but it was hilarious watching it wander around.  

Now then... on another morning, I was walking along.  Just happened to glance down and saw slight movement on the road.  It took a moment to focus since it was VERY much the same color as the road!!  When I finally figured it out, I tracked it along then squatted down quickly to get a shot or two when it stopped for a moment.  It was really quite interesting!  Have not seen one like this before.  Not huge.  Not a tarantula (obviously!).  Not sure what it is.  But interesting markings.

And... as the holidays approached, I began feeling my usual "holiday" self!!  LOL!  So... the spousal-unit felt it was quite appropriate to provide me with...

(He was right!)

So... the morning of January 10th, things were a little weird!!  Upon awakening and the light coming up, here is what was seen!!  (You may need to see this on your computer if your email or phone do not accept the video.)

Five and a half hours later, here is where things stood!!

The funny part was driving around the next day.  Obviously, kids had convinced parents it was a PERFECT day to be outside!!  (Uh... nope!)  But there were tons of this type of thing all over!  Clearly the little ones had a good time!

So... there you have it.  Things have been interesting this Fall and Winter!  While there are still come cold days coming, I am already looking forward to Spring!!!

Remain safe!  Be careful.  Things will eventually get back to our "normal"... whatever that may be!!

Until next post...

YES!! I AM STILL ALIVE!!

 Greeting, my dear Blogging Buddies!!!

I am SO very sorry it has been incredibly long since my last post.  I have no excuse... no real reason... it just seems that time and space got wonkier and wonkier... and I just lost track of both!!

So... we finally arrived at 2021.  I would say I have no love for 2020... but I actually do (more to follow).  I am in great hopes that 2021 will be a healthier, more prosperous year.  Keeping my fingers crossed pretty darned hard!

Now then... a little catch-up.

The reason I have love for 2020 is because, after 30+ years of lower left back pain and a gazillion visits to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, neurosurgeons, etc., etc., etc., ... I was ready to give up on this planet.  It would strike randomly.  Sometimes severe enough to throw me down.  Other times just annoying enough to not allow me to do the things I love.  It absolutely ruined a cruise when I was unable to do anything but hang out in the suite.  Anger.  Frustration.  Sadness.  After a Hip Arthroscopy in June 2019, my orthopedist did an SI Joint injection to determine if that was the root cause.  It did resolve the pain for about 2.5 weeks.  Then it returned.  His suggestion was an SI Joint Fusion.  Uh... not yet!!!  So... I became the Google addict.  I researched everything I could about the SI Joint and why pain was caused.  I even joined a FB Group that was for SI Joint pain sufferers!  (I do NOT like FB nor do I do much there... but had to get a page for business in 2018.)  During an extensive time in that group, I kept running across information on a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Colorado.  Many of the group members had had great success with him.  Not everyone, of course.  No one can fix everyone.  But he had apparently "fixed" many who had FAR worse pain issues than I did!  So... in January 2020, I completed the paperwork online and booked appointments (3 days in a row) for April.  DOH!!!  Welcome Covid-19!!  Had to cancel.  Sigh.  Really?!?  LOL!  Anyway, bottom line: I rebooked for June of 2020.  We (spousal-unit and I) flew up as cautiously and protected as possible.  On Day One, we sat and discussed my history of back pain.  After a full round of hands-on checking from head to toe, Doc said I had a Right Pelvic Side Glide Restriction/Fixation.  Huh?  Dunno' what that really means... but he had me do a specific slow stretch, then checked it again.  Well, it's working now.  Come back tomorrow!  Day Two... rechecked.  Slightly restricted again.  Same stretch.  Day Three... rechecked.  It's fine.  I should not ever need to come back.  A list of easy-to-do movements were sent home with me.  Since then, I have been able to do everything I ever could!  I have been amazed and thrilled.  Back to being unafraid of doing things!  YAY!!  The guy was incredible.  Knows what he is doing.  Oh... and it seems he believes my softball injury back in the very late 1970s is probably what caused the problem.  Would not have guessed that.  This guy resolved an issue no "medical professional" even thought about... in little time... and for little money.  I thank God for running across him.  If any of you want information about him, feel free to email me!

Now then... five FABULOUS months went by!!  I played in the yard like crazy.  Mowed.  Raked leaves.  Worked in the beds.  It was SO wonderful!!  Went to Fredericksburg in July and again in October!!  No worries.  No fears!!  Just absolutely heavenly!!

But... LOL... old age is a Bee-Atch!!!  In early December, my right shoulder blade/arm went wonky!!  Screaming pain along with chronic pain.  WTH?!?  Didn't do anything I know of to cause this!  Have NEVER had a neck/shoulder pain before?  So... ortho visit, MRI, ortho surgeon visit... tried meds (only slight relief)... tried cervical epidural (a little more relief but may take another 10 days to really help)... and a future conversation with the Doc to discuss his "final" option of surgery.  Sigh.  Really?  Anyway... I am back to the Google addict world.  Seems my cervical spine has been quietly, sneakily creating substantial issues that have now shown themselves.  DOH!!  Anyway... at least I know it shouldn't be a 30+ year saga before finding some relief... not that I would be here then anyway!!  LOL!

Okay.  Enough.  I generally try to avoid personal discussions... but just felt like it might be time to catch you all up on the "old broad" that some of you knew in high school!!

Now then... a few pics from the October Fredericksburg run to make the end better than the beginning of this post!

While in Johnson City, where we do dinner on our way into Fredericksburg, we noticed there were lights on the trees surrounding the Pedernales Electric Co-op buildings.  We knew they were getting ready for the holiday season.  On our way into the restaurant and on our way out:

On our morning walk, came across this wonderful Datura (also interestingly known as devil's trumpet, devil's weed, or hell's bells!):

So... thank you for reading.  Sorry it was a goofy post.

I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!!  May 2021 be wonderful for you!!

Until next post...

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET SGT MAJ LARRY STRICKLAND - 9/11/2020

 Greetings to my Blogging Pals.

Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. It has been 19 years today.  There are many who don't remember this at all. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.

*** This was posted in 2009 as my tribute to Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. I repeat it here as I will continue doing so on each anniversary of 9/11 as long as I am able. There are a couple of notes and updates from 2010 in italics.

Please meet Sgt. Maj. Larry Strickland. He was 52 years old, born in Washington State, and had a Bachelor of Science degree. He had served our country in a lot of places including Germany, Washington State, Washington DC, Texas, and Virginia. He had many awards and decorations. Most devastating for me to learn was his plan to retire upon completion of 30 years of service... at the end of September 2001. After all of his service, he was close to spending more time on his hobbies (fishing, hiking, gourmet cooking, and needlepoint) and especially looking forward to spending more time with his family. SGM Strickland left behind a wife, Debra, who was the Garrison Command Sergeant Major of Fort Belvoir, VA. at the time, three adult children, and one grandson. His parents also were left to deal with the untimely loss of their child.

NOTE: I posted a note to the family at Legacy.com and received two emails.

One was from SGM Strickland's son-in-law and read, in part:

"I came across your blog today while searching for SM Larry Strickland. I am lucky enough to be married to his daughter Julia and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for caring enough to research this remarkable man. Everything you read about him and his character is true. He left behind an amazingly strong wife, a beautiful daughter, his two sons, and his grandson. His grandson was 4, not 1 as many newspaper articles claim, so he does remember his grandfather, and fondly."(I was SO happy to read that his grandson did remember his grandfather and wanted to share that with you all! MNC)

The other email was from SGM Strickland's daughter and read, in part:

"Mary, thank you very much for your kind words. I am Larry's daughter, and it is wonderful to know that though it's been 8 years, remembering him and this tragic event is still as important now as it was the day it happened. He was truly a wonderful man, and the best father anyone could ask for."

SGM Strickland headed out to work that day at the Pentagon as there were some meetings he deemed important enough to attend even though he could have skipped them. He had annual leave built up that needed to be used or lost. He chose to go to work. If you knew nothing more about him than that, you would know the character of the man. It was that character that had him in his office on the second floor when the wing he was in was struck by American Airlines Flight 77.

But this is a tribute to SGM Strickland's life. And I've got to tell you the things said about him and written about him are absolutely glowing!! What a wonderful thing... to have those left behind remember you so well and so lovingly. It's not just family. These were friends, co-workers, people who knew him on a "business" level where, many times, the feelings are not so great. I would suggest you take a few moments today to review three different web sites where there are tributes (and from where I gathered much of the information I am sharing with you). It really won't take that long and, thankfully, most of us did not actually know anyone who was lost that day. Perhaps it would be good to learn about at least one of them. I know it gave me a very new perspective.

Pentagon Memorial Fund - Names of the souls lost at the Pentagon are alphabetical by last name. Scroll down and click on SGM Strickland's name to read about his service career.

Columns - The University of Washington Alumni Magazine- Read a really great article here about SGM Strickland's personal life. Sounds like someone we would all like to have known.

Legacy.com - This is where folks can leave notes for the family. Many folks were positively impacted by SGM Strickland. Some commented here about their appreciation of the man. I invite you to take just a moment to leave a note here to let the family know the loss of their loved one is something we all remember.

Thank you, SGM Strickland, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET MAJOR RONALD D. MILAM - 9/11/2020

 Greetings to my Blogging Pals.

Those who have been with me a while know about my participation in Project 2996. I began my participation in 2009 and plan to continue this as long as I am able to do so. I ask each of you to take a moment to remember what happened on 9/11/2001. Even if you read my tributes previously, please read them again. It's important that we see this as an individual, personal event... not just something that happened in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania over a decade ago. It affects us all and will continue to do so. I do not see the 12th Anniversary as any different from the 2nd, the 19th, or the 100th. The pain for the families is the same. But this is a tribute to their loved one!! Please read about this wonderful gentleman.

Major Ronald Dutrell Milam was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and had a Bachelors degree from Eastern New Mexico University earned in 1991. He served his country in Germany, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. He had recently received his assignment as Military Assistant for the Secretary of the Army. He had also recently married Jacqueline on January 15, 2000. Things were definitely going well for Major Milam and his new family. His future was clearly a bright one and who knows what wonderful things he would have accomplished!

On 9/11/2001, Major Milam, who had just turned 33 the month before, was at work at the Pentagon. His wife, Jacqueline, five months pregnant with their second child and an Air Force officer, was also at her job at the Pentagon. Neither had an office in the area where Flight 77 struck that morning. Jacqueline was not terribly concerned immediately after the attack assuming they would connect in the parking lot. Major Milam had been attending a staff meeting that morning... right where the aircraft crashed into the Pentagon.

But this post is a tribute to a man who lived well, with honor and with dedication to his country. His college basketball coach had no doubt Major Milam was a leader and a role model during his years working with him. When Major Milam told his coach he had chosen the military as his career, the coach, who thought Milam should pursue a career in law, told the young man he supported him 100%. Major Milam clearly touched many lives during his own. What a great legacy to leave!! We should all be proud of this young man.

Take a few moments today to visit the sites below. If you can, leave a note for his family at either Legacy.com or at 9-11 Heroes. All of the sites below are links to get you there quickly.

Arlington Cemetery Site - If you read nothing else, read this tribute. Major Milam's wife recounts the events of that day and what has kept her going.

Pentagon Memorial Site - This site has a full obituary providing information on Major Milam's life.

Legacy.Com - Take a moment and leave a note for the family here, if you wish.

Thank you, Major Milam, for your service, for your honor, and for your character. I'm glad I got to know you.

We should never forget.