Author: rvingwithapurpose

Friday, December 8, 2017

So we usually start with something about the weather but today that’s about all there is. It started snowing before 3:00am because when we looked out we had about ½ inch of snow. Hmm. That’s about what was predicted so we went back to sleep. It was still snowing at 5:00 and 7:00 and continued to snow until around 3:00pm. We had 5 inches here on Pine Mountain. Much more than was predicted but other places got upwards of 10 inches. Totally not what was predicted and way more snow than we usually see this far south. It was the first time in over 23 years that we both could stay home and enjoy the snow. Max just smiled because he didn’t have to worry about the safety of all the Blount County citizens. It was so pretty and 31-32 degrees with very little wind, so not too cold to be out taking pictures.

Our work plan for today was to empty Juno’s storage building. NOT! What’s that about God laughing when we make plans. I know all our northern friends laugh but we couldn’t get out our driveway – well we could if we had to get out. The pine trees and privet hedge were so weighted down with snow they blocked the drive. Barry and Donna walked over and we all walked out the drive together. It was nice to have some unexpected time with them. The drive was very pretty but glad we didn’t need to go anywhere. We just relaxed and enjoyed our quiet day. It was an unexpected blessing. Another huge blessing is our uninterrupted power. There have been many outages throughout the state but so far we are fine. Of course we can always go to FRED and turn up the furnaces and stay toasty warm. Another blessing. The storm is continuing north east so hope our family and friends in Georgia, South Carolina and on up the east coast are all warm and safe. Everybody be careful out there.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

We are still stuck in gray, cloudy days. It was another cool, damp feeling day but we did get to see four deer crossing our dam this morning a another three in the field when we were coming in this evening.

But we are headed much colder. The low tonight is forecast to be 32, with high tomorrow of 36 and ½ inch of snow. But we aren’t expecting any problems because the ground temperature is too high. Then we will be in the twenties for a few nights. That is below average for our area. We will have to bring out the heavy coats. YUK!

Today we both had dental appointments for cleanings so we went into Trussville this morning. When we finished at the dentist we did some shopping and went out for an early birthday lunch and then on to more shopping. We didn’t get home until after 4:00. We checked the weather forecast again and decided we had to give in and winterize FRED. We really didn’t want to do it but today was the warmest day we will have for the next week or so. The 23 degree forecast for tomorrow night is a little below our comfort level. Of course, since this is our first winter in FRED 2, the process was a little more challenging than the last few years. But we remember the first time we winterized FRED 1 and this was easier than that. It’s all done so now it probably won’t get very cold. Hopefully we didn’t forget anything and now we won’t be checking the forecast every five minutes and will hopefully sleep better tomorrow night.

Tonight we watched a History Channel special on Pearl Harbor an it reminded us of our visit there in 2012. A very sobering experience. Thank you to all our service men and women!

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Another gray day. We left home at 6:30, headed to Tuscaloosa. The the traffic was heavier than expected that early in the morning, but fortunately no wrecks so we made it to Tuscaloosa in time to get Mama Ruby to her 9:00 appointment. We have scheduled her venous ablation treatment on the right leg for next week. The cardiologist feels she needs the procedure now, before she develops another ulcer on her leg, which he is sure she will have if left untreated. We went by her house house for a few minutes to pick up some items. While we were at the doctor’s office Max got her big puzzle clock working again so Mama Ruby was a happy women. Max is her favorite (only) son-in-law. We all went to lunch then returned to the assisted living and did some online shopping, and reviewed her procedure instructions. The home health nurse came to change the dressing on her leg. It’s improving but still has a way to go. While that was going on, Max toured the halls looking for the winners of the door decorating contest. There were some nicely decorated doors. Mamma Ruby has her Christmas puzzle she and Ralph made on her door. It looks really good but she didn’t place. Oh well, maybe we will do something more elaborate next year. It was then time to head back to the mountain. We had a couple of stops to make and stopped to check on the LOLs before returning home. That’s it for today.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Forecast for today was correct. Rain. Heavy rain at times. And now the temperatures are dropping. Down into the 30’s tonight but not below freezing. Yet. Stay tuned about that.

This was the day Philip and Lauren and the girls had to return to South Carolina. Something about having a job and going back to work. We had a nice, somewhat leisurely breakfast together, but then it was time for them to begin the monumental task of packing up and loading the van. It is quite a task for them to pack everything. It takes a lot of stuff for the girls. And then the actual work is hard to do since at least one of them has to be watching the girls all the time. Don’t know how they get anything done sometimes. Anyway, they left about 10:30, just ahead of some heavy rain. We have received an email and they have arrived home safely. It was wonderful to have them and very thankful that they had a safe trip home. They may be glad that they will no longer be the topic of the blog for a while. We appreciate them being a good sport about providing us material for the blog. Hope they will still return again soon.

Otter and duck update – still haven’t seen either. And in case there is any doubt, we had nothing to do with the disappearance of either. Really hope the ducks return.

After company left, we did some work around the house, froze some left overs for the next project and did some laundry. This afternoon we went to Aunt Jean’s assisted living for her family Christmas party. We had dinner with her tonight with all the other residents and their families. There was good food and entertainment. Jean seemed to enjoy herself and was very appreciative of us attending. It was nice to meet some of Jean’s friends and the newer residents, and have a chat with Santa. One lady even came up to us as said “you must be Newdul’s family”. Yep. We are the turtle’s family. Four LOLs and a turtle. Pretty funny.  Newdul is quite popular with other resident’s grandchildren as well.

Feeling blessed that Mama Ruby’s biopsy was benign. We will be making an early trip to Tuscaloosa tomorrow for another doctor’s appointment with her. Praying for safe travel in the crazy Christmas shopping traffic. That’s it for today.