Part Two of the New Englanders' Visit August 2015

On Friday, Sydney and Chris ventured out on their own, visiting museums in downtown Dallas.  Sydney was kind enough to send me photos and they are below.

Sydney and Chris in front of The Perot Museum.

Chris at DMA

Food truck festivities.

Pecan Lodge Dinner.

Large piece of gold at The Perot

The Arboretum

 They went to The Perot Museum and the Dallas Museum and ate brisket at a food truck.  Then met up with Steve and had dinner at the wonderful Pecan Lodge and then did other things. ;0)

On Saturday, I fetched Steve, Chris and Sydney and we headed to Fort Worth, where the West Begins!!  We had a wonderful lunch at The Original and then, due to the heat, did a lot of drive-by touring.  I'd not been up to the Stockyards in 25 or 30 years and oh my, has it ever changed.  It's SO touristy and crowded.  Not a stopping place, but we did drive through and they saw some longhorns and some horses.

Then, because we'd not had enough to eat at The Original [HA], we went to Angelo's, THE place for barbecue.  Sydney got a little startled as we entered . . .

There used to be a much larger bear here "back in the day" but it's been moved to a back dining room.  There are hunting trophies all over the walls here, but I neglected to photograph them.

Then, back to Dallas.  Sydney and Chris visited the House of Blues that night and saw Emery and another band.  They [he] loved it.

On Sunday, they toured The Arboretum and then had lunch at Good Friends for, what else, burgers.

Chris SUBTLELY mentioned a Peach Cream Pie so I made one:

Before being baked!

All baked up and ready to eat!

I threw some steaks on the grill and we had dinner - then quickly had dessert!  Chris was FORCED to eat two pieces of pie since he'd requested it.

We chatted, sipped wine or port and just had a good time.

Here's a group shot that Sydney set up:

Then on Monday, it was time to gather up The New Englanders.  We met Steve for lunch in Deep Ellum at Luscher's Red Hots [really good] - no burgers this time - hot dogs and corny dogs.

Then, I dropped Steve back at work and delivered Chris and Sydney to Love Field. [picture a sad look on my face]

What a wonderful couple they are!!!  And what fun it was to spend time with them.  I think Steve enjoyed showing them His City.

So until next time, I'll sign off!

New Englanders Visit Dallas - July 29 - August 3, 2015

Great News!  Nephew Chris and his beautiful wife of 2 years, Sydney,  are coming to Dallas for a visit!!!

Friend and BushMan, Mark, brought some gorgeous flowers to welcome Sydney and Chris.  Aren't they beautiful - and the fragrance is just amazing!  They're Sorbonne Lilies and just wonderful.

There's even another vase near the living room and by now, they've all opened beautifully!

Sydney and Chris arrived at Love Field on Wednesday, July 29th at around 1:20 p.m.  While driving down the North Dallas Tollway, I noticed the thermometer in my car registered 101 degrees!  We'll see how they like this heat after having been raised in Vermont and now living in New Hampshire!  Since they are smart young folks, they packed light and there was no need to dawdle around baggage claim, so off we went - into the HEAT!!  And to make matters worse: the parking garage was VERY full and I had to park on the top floor IN THE SUN!!

We headed up to the homestead to see Jay and we passed an In 'N Out Burger, so after visiting with Jay for a little while, we made a quick stop and they shared a burger and fries so as not to fill up before dinner.

They were staying at Steve's and he wasn't going to be home from work until around 6 o'clock, so we walked NorthPark Mall to get out of the heat.  Chris had a Starbucks and we just talked and enjoyed each other.

Once Steve got home, he texted me and we headed to his house which is nearby NorthPark.  Sydney freshened up and we headed over to Trinity Groves and had dinner at Chino Chinatown.  We drove across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge which you can see in the background of one of these shots.

After filling ourselves with fabulous food, we went to Bishop Arts District and picked up four slices of pie at Emporium Pies!

Steve and Chris entering Emporium Pies

We decided to take them back to Steve's but by the time I dropped them off, it was WAY past my bedtime and I took mine and headed home.

On Thursday, I gathered up the Youngsters and we headed to Whataburger for lunch.  It's a Texas Only burger chain and is awfully good for fast food.

I played Tour Guide but since it was so hot - 104 - it was all drive-by.  We did stop at Stonebrier Mall where it's nice and air conditioned and did a little walking indoors.  But since it was SO hot, it was pretty crowded, so we didn't stay long.

I then dropped them back at Steve's as he does Geeks Who Drink on Thursday nights and the Youngsters were going to join him.

On Friday, the Youngsters are left to their own devices to tour downtown Dallas and some museums. They'll have to tell you about that, but I know they've gone to The Perot Museum for sure as they posted on Instagram.  So, I did my usual walk around 7:30 am, and after one lap, my neighbor Ann joined me.  Thankfully she was able to pull me away or I might have stepped on this:

It was about 2 feet long and probably a Rat Snake, whatever that is.  In any case, it slithered off and wasn't there on my other laps.

I'm going to go ahead and publish this but our plan is to head to Fort Worth on Saturday.  So come back and see our adventures.

Spring 2015 - Vicki's Visit

The first part of this post isn't going to have many photographs as there was rain, rain and more rain - or overcast, cloudy, dreary.  You all know what that looks like.

So, Vicki arrived on Wednesday, March 18 at around 4 p.m.  We went directly home, had dinner, watched a little TV and went to bed.

On Thursday, we went to Willow Bend Shopping Mall and did some shopping, grabbed a dog at Sonic and went home. Had dinner, watched some TV and went to bed.

On Friday, we went to NorthPark Mall and saw The 2nd Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which was great, and grabbed a quick bite at Corner Bakery.  Did a little shopping and went home. Had dinner, watched some TV and went to bed.

On Saturday, it was Stonebriar Mall's turn.  After a salad at California Pizza Kitchen, we saw Still Alice at the AMC Stonebriar and while the film was very good, the sound from Cinderella playing in the adjacent theatre was very annoying.  We should have complained but were in a hurry to get home to have dinner, watch some TV and go to bed.

On Sunday, we did a lot of gardening - we planted ourselves in our chairs and watched a movie or two and did little else. ;0)  Had dinner and went to bed.

We are Two Wild and Crazy Old Broads!

Monday, the 23rd, we went to Collin Creek Mall which was a new experience.  It's pretty obvious not too many people go there - a herd of Buffalo could roam there undetected.  We just ran to Land's End in Sears and headed out.  While there, I called Play It Again Sports, where I'd taken my LeMond Recumbent Stationary Bike for consignment, to see how it was going.  IT SOLD - in about an hour.  So, we went there to pick up my check.  WOO HOO.  Thank you CINDI EADES for telling me about this place.  I got more than what I'd priced it at the Strasburger Bulletin Board, and more than on Craig's List.  So if anyone needs new or used exercise or sports equipment go there!

Then we stopped at Sam's and filled up the back of my car with water, strawberries and a few other items.  Then home for dinner, a little TV and bed.  Gosh we're exciting.

On Tuesday morning, we headed west to Fort Worth to get together with The Gallos.  One little glitch along the way:  as soon as we got on the PGBT, my car started making a very loud noise.  I thought I'd run over something and Vicki thought the car was being pelted by very large acorns.  After pulling off the PGBT into a church parking lot, we checked under the car and then on top.  It was determined that the weather stripping at the stop of the windshield had come loose in the middle.  WOW!!  What a noise for such a small and fixable problem.  But very scary.  I should be noted that two men were nearby and neither of them offered any assistance at all.

So, back on the highway to Fort Worth.  Our cousin, Stephen Gallo and his wife, Gretchen, moved to Burleson, south of Fort Worth, in October.  He retired from the Lutheran ministry recently posted in Moline, Illinois.  He and I have spoken a few times in the last few months but due to a trip to Iowa for Jay's dad's funeral, Christmas, Jay's hospitalization and recovery, we've not been able to get together until now.  And since Vicki was here now, it works out really well.  After all, I've not seen him since 1955 but Vicki connected with him when he was assigned to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Garfield, NJ where she lived in the early 80's.

In any case, we met at The Original and had a terrific time catching up after all these years.

Here we are, left to right:  Vicki, Gretchen, Stephen and Moi.

After a yummy lunch, we walked around the corner to the Bluebonnet Bakery, which has been a Fort Worth staple for over 80 years.  However, it used to be in a storefront on Camp Bowie until a few years ago.  It seems "they" [developers] were going to tear down this beautiful church and BB decided they'd move their facility to the church and keep it pretty much in tact.  They've kept the stained glass windows and re-purposed the pews into booths for the luncheon area.  I LOVE Fort Worth for doing things like this.

 The "pull apart" has been part of our lives for a VERY long time, so I bought one to bring back to Dallas and one to give to Gretchen and Stephen.  If you're ever in the Arlington Heights Area of Fort Worth check out this place.  It's great.

We hated to leave but Vicki and I wanted to get back to Dallas ahead of the rush hour traffic.  So, after promises to get together again before another 60 years, we hugged and set off on our travels back to Dallas.

Since I've been on a NO COOKING binge, we ran around the corner to Liberty Burger - good burgers.  I had a Napa with arugula, gorgonzola, olives and it was great!  Vicki and Jay each had the Liberty Burger to their liking.  Then home, a little TV and bed.

On Wednesday, we went to South Lake.  I'd never been and we decided to check out the much-touted South Lake Center.  Well, it's terrific!!!  And it's GIGANTIC!!!  Anything and everything you think you might want or never thought you'd want is there.  We saw about 20% of the area and plan to go back again, either next week or next year.  GREAT area.  We had a terrific lunch at Brio - steak salad for me and grilled salmon salad for Vicki.  Put a lot of steps on my FitBit.

Then we drove over to Grapevine Mills Mall and hit the Chico outlet where we dropped a little cash but got a lot of stuff.

Then back to Dallas.  Vicki took Jay and me to Royal China for dinner - one of our favorite places, and touted as Best Asian in Dallas for several years.  We had a nice meal and then headed home before the alleged storms roll in.  A little TV, maybe strawberries and waffles, and bed.  ;0)

Thursday, we set out to do some shopping. I know - quite a shock!! While we were having a bite to eat at The Galleria, JO [Jay's cousin in Iowa] called and said he wanted to close on Jay's dad's house in Bettendorf and needed some things printed and signed and sent back to him or Martha ASAP.  Since I'm Jay's Official Secretary/Tech Professional/All Around HelpMate, we came home to an empty house.  However, I printed what needed to be printed and while doing so, Jay returned, signed and I scanned and sent back to Iowa.  House closed!!!

So back to shopping.  We were to meet Steve at Chino Chinatown at 6 but we got there early [of course].  Took a shot of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge over which Steve walked from his office downtown.

And what a wonderful meal we had!!!  Roasted corn with good stuff on it; edamame egg rolls; duck fried yucca - all of which were great "starters."  Entrees we shared were drunken noodles, duck fried rice with duck breast and short ribs.  For dessert, we shared pina colada cake - YUMMO!! Sure will go back there.  Absolutely wonderful.

On Friday, we got up not so bright an early so as to avoid the Dallas rush-hour traffic, and headed
south to New Braunfels.  We stopped at our favorite breakfast place in West.  No, not the Czech  House, but the cafe in The Auction Barn on the west side of I35.  Since it was Friday and there's always a cattle auction on Thursday evening, the aromas in the parking lot were quite pungent!  Here are a few leftovers from Thursday night:

Despite the warnings about the closed road on I35 due to a bridge which was hit by a semi, we had no issues at all.  The new 'loop' around Austin was boring but sure did eliminate the usual Austin/I35 traffic snarl.

We checked into our hotel, rested a bit and then headed west to White Water Amphitheater where were had tickets to see Willie and Merle.  What a nice venue!  Vicki bought the tickets months ago and this was her 5th time to see Willie - my first.  While standing in line, we met two women, one of whom grew up across the street from our cousin Gloria and her husband, Ted, in Seal Beach, California.  She called her dad, who roared with laughter.  I tried to call Gloria but just got her answering device.  SMALL WORLD!!!!

Once inside the gates, we grabbed some BBQ and then headed to a spot.  Only VIPs had seats but we lucked out as we were right behind some folks at the fence right next to the VIP area.  During the performance, a lady at the fence was about to pass out and her husband took her out of there, so we got the fence!!  We met some more really nice folks near the fence and they protected us and thought we were "the cutest things" - two old ladies rocking to Willie and Merle!!!

Two of Willie's daughters sang a few songs, then a kid about 12 or 13 sang a couple of songs.  Then, Merle came out and performed for a while at the end of which Willie joined him and they sang together [wonderfully] until intermission.  Then Willie did the rest of the show.  It was absolutely wonderful and an evening I'll not soon forget.  Here are a few shots:

Sorry the photos are so dark - I did the best I could under the circumstances.

On Saturday, after a quick breakfast at the hotel, we headed out.  We stopped at Bucee's which is an absolutely amazing place.  There must have been no less than 100 gasoline tanks, and the "store" was HUGE.  We spent a little time there just looking at "stuff" that travelers NEED.  After that, we headed to San Marcos and hit the outlet malls.  Each of us bought a few things and then headed to the northside of Austin to check into our hotel.  Nephew Dan works for Marriott and got us a "deal" at the Fairfield.  Quick dinner at Chili's and early to bed.  I might add that taking I35 through Austin is still the pain in the tail that it has always been, but we'd thought about going into downtown.  That thought was abandoned as SXSW had been there the week before and exit ramps were still closed.  There was also some sort of rodeo or fair going on there which, in normal circumstances, could explain the horrible traffic.  But not in Austin - it's always miserable.

On Sunday after a quick breakfast, we headed north.  We stopped to take photos of the gorgeous blue bonnets all in bloom.

They were all over the place but as we drove north, they'd not bloomed yet.

We took the Georgetown exit and ventured into town.  Unfortunately, nothing was open - Palm Sunday, I guess - so I snapped a few shots of buildings and we headed back to I35.

We'd not told Jay when we'd be home so we took our jolly good time.  However, it was absolutely mandatory that we stop in West at the Czech House and get a kolache or three!  I got TWO cream cheese apricot and while I shouldn't have had ANY, I could have eaten two more - SO GOOD.  Headed north again and before going home, we stopped at Central Market for a few things before heading home to dinner, a little TV and bed.

On Monday, the 30th, Vicki and I did a few things around town and then that evening, Jay took us to Table 13 in Addison.  We'd been there for my birthday in February and liked it a lot, so decided to take Vicki there when she visited.  Jay's and my cocktails were perfection: his a Gimlet and mine a Manhattan, for which the bartender had won a prize - understandably.  Jay had a wedge salad and Vicki and I split a grilled romaine salad - a definite do again!  Jay and I each had filets and Vicki had the shrimp scampi - mac and cheese and grilled asparagus to share.  All got good ratings.

Tummies full, we headed home where Vicki and I played Heads Up.  I wish I could post the video of Vicki that I posted on Facebook - it was a riot.  We laughed until we cried!! We're sure Ellen DeGeneres [who 'invented' the game] saw it and is going to invite us on the show.  So much fun.  Here's a quick shot of us laughing together after a game:

On Tuesday, we met Mary Yates at Seasons 52 at NorthPark.  We had a lovely lunch and enjoyed each other's company.  Mary's expecting her second grandchild - Lyla - any day and couldn't be happier or more excited.  One photo below:

On the way to our car, Vicki decided she needed this little number which was on display at NorthPark.  Anyone who knows her, knows she loves colorful things.

Right after that, we ran into a few members of the Soccer Team from Argentina.  They were here for an international tournament.  Cute laddies!  They kept telling me to hurry as their coach was coming around the corner.

HUGE kuddos to Vicki for letting me take random photos of her.  She's THE BEST!!!

On Wednesday, we went to McKinney still on the search for "just one more mirror" for over the bathtub.  And I found an adorable one off the square at a little shop.

It now has a little ceramic frog resting on the ledge.  I'll post a photo of that after Jay and I hang another mirror on the other side.

We picked up the NECESSARY slices of pie [mine was an amazing blueberry and Vicki's was Lord of the Pies which is apple] from Emporium Pies to take home for dessert, then had lunch at Spoon.  Grilled Four Cheese for me and BLTA for Vicki.  We each shared half with the other's so we could enjoy both.  Both were very good.  Of course, no trip to McKinney would be complete without a stop at the quilting shop.  Then, we headed home, picking up BBQ for dinner.

On Thursday, I dragged Vicki out again to hunt for rugs for the bathroom.  She's such a trooper!  I didn't find exactly what I was looking for but I did find two little rugs that were inexpensive and will suffice for now.  Lunch at Chuy's was a huge success and Vicki bought us cute t-shirts to memorialize the day.  Dinner at home, a little TV and bed.

By Friday, we were both pretty tired - my back was screaming and Vicki was suffering the effects of the enormous amounts of pollen in the air.  I doctored us both and we didn't do much.  Dinner, TV and early to bed - but we still played Heads Up!

Now, Saturday was here and it was time to end this wonderful adventure with my wonderful sister!  I dropped her off at DFW and longed for the days before September 11th when I could have sat with her at the gate until her plane took off.

We're already making plans for her visit next year.

So that's it for Spring 2015!  Ciao!

December 7 to December 15, 2014

Sunday, the 7th:  I got up around 5:30 and was showered, dressed and ready to leave by 6:00 a.m.  Jay, of course, was NOT up at that time even though he wanted to leave EARLY!!!  I had a cup of coffee and let him sleep until about 7 o'clock.  While he showered, I loaded the car with all MY stuff, which included my suitcase, the Keurig coffee maker, a small stained glass Christmas tree, a Christmas night light, my yarn for crocheting, HIS Gatorade, etc.  We FINALLY left the driveway at 8:02 a.m.  And they say you have to wait for women!!!  BOSH on that!

After a little over two hours, we stopped at a Burger King so Jay could have his new discovery:  bacon, egg and cheese croissant that isn't soaked in dripping grease!  Two hours after that, he had to have a DQ cone.  There are mandatory stops along I35 that MUST be made.

Thankfully, the trip was uneventful though the fog in Oklahoma and Kansas was very thick in spots.  Thank goodness for WAZE, a wonderful app that I've used for a couple of years.

We got to Liberty, Missouri at around 4:15 and checked into the Hampton Inn.  Since I'd neglected to pack PJs or a nightgown [due to my stress over making sure Jay packed what he needed], our first stop after checking in was the TJ Maxx near the hotel, where a nifty pair of PJs was purchased.  Then, off to dinner at Longhorn Steak House.  Jay enjoyed his scotch

and I enjoyed my KJ chardonnay. Food was eaten but secondarily.  Just relaxing was in order.

Right now, we're back at the hotel.  I've washed the catsup stains out of Jay's jeans down by the river on the rocks, and we're now settled in for the night.  Another five or six hours to Bettendorf tomorrow and then we'll settle into Jay's dad's house for a week.  There's a lot to do this week and, thankfully, the temps are supposed to be above freezing and maybe even into the mid-40s!

Monday, the 8th: After a VERY quick [and not terrific] bite at the hotel, we headed out.  We stopped only one time for gasoline and made it to the house much earlier than we anticipated.  However, even though we had the keys, we couldn't get in the door, so a call to cousin J.O. was made.  He arrived and discovered the door was, indeed, unlocked but we hadn't used enough "shoulder" to open it.  Oh, well!

While Jay and J.O. talked about things, I made up the beds and started emptying drawers.  So much of Ada's things were still in closets, drawers and cabinets even though she passed nearly 25 years ago.  Much to do - much to do.

After a few hours of going through things, we headed across the Mississippi to Miss Mamie's for dinner.  I love this place - really good, unpretentious food and GENEROUS adult beverages.  I had a really nice horseradish encrusted salmon!  And their Garlic Salad is WONDERFUL!!! I really could eat two and forego the main meal.

Then, back across the Mississippi to the house and an early bedtime as we were both pretty whipped.

Tuesday, the 9th:  We started getting rid of things in earnest!  On one of my trips outside to the trash bins, I spotted a black [or nearly black] squirrel.  I'd never seen one before.  Grey, yes; and brown, yes - but never a black one.  I've got my Nikon charged and if given the opportunity again, I will try to get a photo.

We loaded up the car [and I DO mean LOADED] and made a trip to the local Good Will.  Then, a grocery run and home again to do more work on the house.  J.O. stopped by to see our progress and then the neighbor, Steve, came over.  He and his wife had been in Austin when Jay's dad passed and thought they'd missed the service.  He GRACIOUSLY shared their WiFi with me and I'm quite the Happy Camper - well, Happier Camper.  I do NOT plan on abusing their generosity.

Ada was happy doing needlepoint and did a number of wonderful pieces.  I'm taking one back to Dallas and it will have a place of honor next to my Mother's pieces.

Headboard in Master Bedroom - Not going to Dallas

Moving to Dallas

What an amazing lady Ada was!  The articles and tributes following her death in 1990 were amazing.  Here is the Amazing Lady in a portrait she really didn't like and neither does Jay [it doesn't do her justice], so we're not taking it to Dallas.  Ada was a fashion icon in the Midwest.  She modeled, then owned her own modeling school, agency, wrote several fashion columns, and had her own cosmetics line.  A true Lady of Grace.

Diane, who passed suddenly in June, was artistic as well and this home is filled with pieces that she did.  We're taking a few back to Dallas and here are two of them:

A pen and ink Diane did of this home.  

Finally, we decided to quit and grab dinner at Biaggi which really wasn't as good as either one of us remembered, and then home again.  Another early bedtime.

Wednesday, the 10th:  More sorting, tossing, and donating going on at the house.  Then we met with Amy Karnavas of Mel Foster Realtors to get an idea what the house could bring on the market.  Of course, since it's in dire need of a new roof, new carpeting, wiring, paint, etc, Jay's going to sell AS IS.  Amy knows a few investors who are interested.  So, hopefully, we can get that task started before we head back home.  We then went to Clinton to have lunch with cousin John and wife Evelyn.  They own a farm that's been in the family for a very long time.  We had a lovely lunch/visit at The Candlelight Inn which is right on the Mississippi River.  The River has begun to freeze in parts which just amazes me that a river with such a current could actually freeze.  Folks say that people have actually walked across the frozen river!  After lunch, John drove us around the farm, quarry [which used to be owned by the Shaff family], the family's former dairy, and former family homes.  What a history John has compiled for the family.  Yes, it's cold but the worst part is - the sun is hiding which makes it feel even colder.  We then headed back to the house for more work.

If you look hard, you can see the ice forming.

Evelyn, John and Jay

Barn at the old family dairy.

Evelyn's beautiful handmade quilt.

Since I've been awakening between 2 am and 3 am every day [due to a neighbor warming up his truck for 30 minutes each day at an unGodly hour], bedtime was extended to nearly 11:00 p.m. in the hopes I'd fall asleep and STAY asleep.  Fingers crossed and earplugs inserted!

Thursday, the 11th:  Wonder of wonders, I actually slept for 6-1/2 hours!!!  I feel so much better today than I have the past few days.

Jay took another carload over to Good Will while I started to search through file cabinets for pertinent paperwork.  Thankfully, I found the Abstract of Title right away, for which Jay is very thankful.  The trash bin and recycle bin are full and about 1/4 of the garage has stacks of garbage bags full of papers, magazines and other trash they accumulated since 1955!

In the hopes of luring the black squirrel, I threw out some popcorn into the backyard.  After a bit, not one but TWO black squirrels arrived and I was lucky enough to snap a shot!

They didn't go for the popcorn but several Cardinals, male and female, came by but I wasn't able to get a shot.

After several more hours of working on the house, we readied ourselves and rode off to fetch J.O. for dinner.  We stopped in to see his Mom, Lissi, who's been fighting the good fight and is a wonderful Lady.  Off to Bass Street Chop House and after an adult beverage [or two] a wonderful meal was had by all.  Our waitress was a TAD over the top on the Perk Factor which did NOT add to our [my] overall enjoyment.  And I know the new thing is to have eyebrows but NOT done like Groucho Marx as hers were.  We could hardly avert our eyes and Jay said he was waiting for the duck to drop.  But the steaks were good; adult beverages were good; fellowship was great!

Cousin Jay O. Shaff

Moi and My Jay

Jay, Me, Jay - tuneful?

Now, back at the house - one of us is watching TV and the other is in bed with her laptop. ;0) Hoping for another good night's sleep.

Friday, the 12th: Still trying to de-clutter the house but are running out of time.  Met with Martha Shaff, the family attorney, and Jay signed some documents in the event the estate goes into probate.  We got some good information and advice from her.  Afterward, we crossed the Mississippi and grabbed a quick lunch at Lagomarsino's, picked up a few things from Sam's and then to HyVee's, the local grocery chain.  Jay's back at work on the house for a while.  J.O. stopped by and the two men put their heads together to figure out what to do with all the things still in the house.  J.O. is going to try to sell a few things and the rest will go to Salvation Army or the like.  More chatting was done before Jay and I headed down the hill to The Village Inn for a not so rich dinner.

Back to the house with just a little more work.  I opted for the bed at an early hour!

Saturday, the 13th:  My Paleo lifestyle has pretty much gone out the window as Jay has gone, nearly every day, to the Burger King for his bacon, egg and cheese croissant - I get the BEC biscuit.  BAD!!!  but tasty - sort of.  The graveside service is at two and I've gotten everything packed that we're NOT going to use today and in the morning.  We could probably fill a U-Haul with all the things Jay would like to take home but he's being realistic.  His dad's English saddle will definitely get into the car as well as a few other items.

The service at the family cemetery was short and very sweet.  Right off, laughter ignited as Ariel, J.O.'s beautiful big old Lab pee'd on Jay's dad's grave.  The Dad really liked the dog so it wasn't done with a mean spirit but how else can dogs mark their territory?

The cemetery is in the middle of the Shaff Family Farm and only relatives have been buried there since 1837 or earlier.  Just Google "Shaff Cemetery" and it pops right up.  There were four deaths this year - not a good year for the Shaff Family.  Diane, Jay's sister, passed unexpectedly in June, two aunts passed and now The Dad.  But what a long life he had!  101 years!

There were about 30 folks at the cemetery and nearly all of them came back to the house for light refreshments and good fellowship.  We told the family that no one could leave the house empty handed and that turned out to be a good thing.  Even Jay's Uncle Jim took a needlepoint pillow that said "I'd rather be golfing."  There's still a lot in the house but the gracious J.O. is going to see if some of the things can be sold on EBay.  Today I found a bible from 1887 which might interest someone.

Jay's got a terrific family some of whom I'd met for the first time today:  Grace, a lovely attorney from Chicago; and Karen and her husband Steve, from Des Moines - she's also an attorney.  I'd met Martha, the family attorney, and her husband Tom and kiddos, Maddie and Chase, at Jay's dad's 100th birthday party, and think most highly of them.  And of course, J.O. who has been My Jay's savior over the last six months.  And, John and Evelyn who I met the other day and think they're terrific.  John is basically the family historian and has done an amazing job.  Last but certainly not least is Lissi, the widow of The Dad's younger brother, David.  She's one elegant lady and I hope she beats this insidious disease!

After everyone left, Jay and I went over to Moline to have dinner at Miss Mamie's again as we really enjoy it.

I'm not positive, but I think you might be able to tell we're pretty tired.

We're pretty much all packed and I'm setting my iPhone for 4:00 a.m.  We're planning on driving straight through - 14 hours - as we need to get back to our home and get totally into the Christmas Spirit.  It's been a rough week but it had highlights and, as I said, the family is really terrific.

We're planning on retiring early - due to early reveille - but I'm not going to publish this post until we get back to Dallas.

Sunday, the 14th:  Up at 4:00 a.m. but due to the male member of this duo, we didn't leave the house until 5:20 a.m.  It was a riot loading the car!  Men!!!  Give it up!  Women know how to pack!!!  So, off we went with Jay behind the wheel.  After a couple of hours and Jay's eyes closing while driving, I put my foot down and drove for a tankful.  Of course, he had to have his breakfast sandwich but couldn't find a Burger King so he settled for a McDonald's breakfast sandwich.  MEH!!!  It was a good thing that it was cloudy and overcast the entire way - with rain even.  After going through Oklahoma City, we heard on the radio that they were experiencing a huge hail and wind storm.  Thankfully, we missed it.

Due to Jay's "unsettledness", I drove most of the way home and AM TIRED right now.  Once we got home, I ordered a pizza, we unloaded half of the car and are now settled into our beloved environs.

Oh, on a gasoline / pee stop south of Oklahoma City, I was sitting in the car and waiting for Jay when I happened to pick up my iPhone, and tried to check in on Facebook when what to my wondering eyes should appear but Birdsong Wedding Chapel so I checked in.  By the time we got home I had four comments on Facebook.  RIOT.  No, we're not married - WHY???  If it's beneficial we will so be on the lookout.

So, now I'm going to finish my glass of wine and hit the sack.  It's been a rough week to say the least. Not only to deal with J.M.'s death but to deal with Jay dealing with his dad's death.  I should have taken photos of the family at the cemetery and at the house afterward, but I FAILED.

Second glass of wine poured and about half finished.  I think it's time to head to bed and to publish this post.

On another note, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

xo