Easter Sunday - Our Lord has Risen!

It's Easter Sunday!  It's all rainy and cold here in the Great Northwest but that didn't stop us from donning our raincoats and heading out to Church to celebrate this wonderful day.  We took our little guy and visited the church up here on the corner - someday I will get motivated enough to investigate a little more and see if we can find a church to attend on a more regular basis.  We (at least I) have gotten totally out of the habit - and I miss it.

I was really truly blessed when I found that S'te had taken photos!  So here is the 2011 Album of the Elmore's at home.  The only one missing is Ty - he is still in SD and doing wonderfully - at least from what I hear - he is!  He has grown into an awesome young man - Rod and S'te can be very proud of the part they played in shaping this man's life.  With thier influence he has learned much that he may not have ever been exposed to if he hadn't traveled the road that he did.  My hat is off to you Ty (and to you Mom and Dad)

Mom and Dad - LOL - aka Rod and S'te

The kids that are still at home!

Ladaria (19)

Brayana (14)

Destini (13)

Jaleel (13)

Makkiah (10)

Taniyah (6)

and last but not least
Cavelle (3)

 And here is our baby with the bunny dog cookie that his Aunt Sallie gave him to celebrate with - and with him is his 'Sallie bear" that he plays with and guards constantly.  NO one is allowed to play with Sallie Bear except for Chato.

And here is what the Easter Bunny brought for our little guy.  He is napping so I didn't get him in this - but want to make sure he is included!

And here is the King of this Castle - ready to go celebrate the King of Kings.

And not to be left out - April and her family were able to go over to Kentucky to spend Easter with Grandma Beatty and Aunts, and cousins.  From the sounds of things, they had a fantastic time too!  Family is everything!



Brennan, Great Grandma, and Elizabeth



Bethany, Elizabeth, Aunt Dolores, Brennan, and Ariel



April and Aunt D



Elizabeth, Aunt Joy, and Bethany



The twins, Bethany and Tim



Happy Easter to All!

New Project - Week 2

We had some good weather for a few days - and then it decided that it was payback time!  

 We laughed and teased about our new swimming pool - fortunately the skies stayed in good shape for most of the ditch digging.  There was a LOT of dirt moved.  Chris and Greg did an awesome job.  I truly enjoyed sitting in the window and watching Chris manuver that huge piece of machinery like he was driving a volkswagon around! 

 There were a few times that everyone headed into the garage except for him - he could just shut the door and stay rather dry.  In one single day they could choose any kind of weather - we had sun, rain, sun, hail, sun, more rain, more sun, and then towards the end of the day - it just turned blue skies - like that was what it wanted to do all day to start with!

 This is the pile of dirt that we wound up with (and a whole dumptruck load went out to Robert's on top of what you see here!) ~ my new and improved and expanded garden spot!  Thankfully, Chris and Greg took turns flattening it out and making it all pretty before they called it a good job and loaded the equipment.  There is STILL lots of work to do on it.  Lime,  and rototill, and some more lime, and some good mulch, and maybe some stuff oout of our compost pile, and then some more lime to be tilled in - and maybe we will have a garden in a few years.... LOL!!

 And this is what we ended up with as a footprint.  Chris even walked that big trackhoe across the front sidewalk without so much as putting a chip in it.  I do love to watch men work! :-)

 And I got to see a lot of it for the rest of the week.  I couldn't guess how many forests had to be chopped to get enough wood for the massive forms for the foundation pour!  I watched it take shape - so much more quickly that I could even imagine!  And being right here - I can ask questions and get answers as things go along instead of trying to play catch up like I did with our last project.  And by the way - I finally had to get the Contractors Board involved with that - as we just kept finding more and more issues! But that is a totally different story.

 By the end of Week 2 - we had a great start going.  Rain, hail, and sun - these guys just kept right on showing up and working - just so wonderful!

So this is how it looked when Monday Morning rolled around.  Mighty fine progress.

And in the midst of all of this - we got a little guy to visit for a bit - so we are having fun now! 

Another project - Week 1

Here is the yard between the house and the studo without the Magnolia Tree or the old-growth Rhody that had to be removed.



Rutledge Construction's "job dog", Kit, and Chato play tug of war in the back yard, believe it or not - they did not even tear old "Raffy"!



Keith is busy in his 'temporary work quaters".  It will be a bit crowded for the next couple of months= but still more room than we have in the Bounder or the Catalina... LOL

Chato is teasing Kit - they love to play!!



The beginnings of the excavation that will put lots of really black dirt into my garden.  I may even try for some green beans again this year!!

When we get all done - we should have a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home complete with a large family room to relax in!

I love the plans!



From Arizona to Oregon

 Dad had an appointment on the 7th - so we waited until he was back from it to complete our 'load-up' and leave sequences.  It was quite the trip!  We traveled thru several different 'weather zones' in just our 1st night of travel!  Our first stop was in Barstow - where Keith purchased a much needed windshild wiper (I turned them on and the driver wiper just shredded to bits!) and while trying to install that ~ It HAILED~~ on us...  In the desert - in April!!  So we got the wiper on - rested a bit - stoked up on a huge cappachino and headed back out.  I turned on the vcr for Dad and Keith to watch since it had gotten dark and there really wasn't much scenery to watch...

Our next weather system was the blizzard that we drove thru on the Tehatchapie Pass.  I was amazed at the huge, giant snowflakes that absolutely coated our windshield - and was doubly glad that Keith got the new wiper installed for us!  Dad dozed and Keith laid on the couch  - and by the sounds that reached me - I think he dozed also!  Of course, Chato was in his element for the whole trip!

Along about Modesto or so there was an accident that took us completely off of I5.  I followed a semi to a dead end - took a long, long time getting turned around again - and then followed another down a bunch of country roads - and wa-la!!  came out back on I5 - north of the accident (at least I'm assuming so since we didn't see it again) LOL

Along about 5 I pulled into a Flying J - got my face washed and laid down for a bit.  Dad tried to crash on the couch - boy - that had to have been really uncomfortable - I wish I'd been awake enough to pull out the bed for him - I honestly didn't even think of it!!

About 8 am or so - we were back on I5 - apple fritters and coffee for us - a snackie for doggie... all happy if not sore and tired campers ;-)  Dad took care of walking the dog at each stop - it gave him a chance to stretch his legs and have a cigarette or two.  He didn't even bring up the subject of having one in the Bounder - we brought one of his smokeless ashtrays just in case - but it wasn't necessary! 

 Keith had work that he needed to get done - so he spent several hours on his computer back at the table while we put away the miles! 

 Dad and Chato just kept each other some great company!

 I'm not absolutely sure - but I think they may ha been growing rocks here in this field up in the Siskiyous..

 There was evidence of snow - there had been snow warnings - but we were terribly blessed in that it was on the all clear for us!

This is the slide that closed Hwy 42 between Camas Valley and Myrtle Point for several days.  You can't see the boulders that are still waiting to be blown up - but there are some there bigger than the Bounder!!

And we dropped Dad off at the scales in MP at about 6 pm - just a scant 26 hours and 1200 miles after we left Bullhead.  We got the car off of the dolly and he was gone before I could give him his things that we'd stored in the sink (a favorite storage place of mine, at least while traveling!)

We went on for home - makeing Coos Bay at about 7 or so - unloaded just enough to make it thru the night and just cozied up in the nice warm house that Clint and Sallie had opened for us.  Good friends are such a blessing!  Fridge on, door unlocked, hot water all ready to have a nice shower with... mmmmmm.... wonderful after a long hard journey!  Got the knots out of my shoulders and slept like a baby!!

So glad to be done traveling!

Until July anyhow!

At home in Arizona - The Catalina!

Our new living room

The Kitchen!

The Bedroom

Here is our new home - quite the change from the home in Vero - just about 1/4 the size - Dad and Keith have worked hard on putting up the shade cloth and making gates to keep little doggy in.  It's almost done - one gate still needs to be finished - great progress has been made!

Dad and I went to breakfast and 'shoplifting' yesterday while Keith worked - It was ~ of course ~ a great breakfast. ;-)

Dad has an appointment in Prescott on the 7th - so I know we will be here until then before we load up the Bounder - attach Dad's car to be back end - and head North.  Mom says the passes are still snow covered - so the appointment is as good as any other excuse to stay for a bit longer!  March's winds are blowing steadily (which helps to keep the heat down) - the sun is shining -  and all is good!

Westward Ho!

We saw Vero Beach in our rear view mirror about 2 pm on Friday the 18^th.  The airbags in the Bounder still don’t work properly – they lose their pressure on a daily basis – but Bobby’s would have to order replacements (again) and that would be until Monday – then the install – so – off we went.  Keith made sure to bring the little compressor so he will make sure they are maintained on our trip across.

We spent our 1^st night at the Flying J just outside of Tallahassee so we made pretty good time.  Of course, when we don’t pull in to a park – we don’t have the setup or the power or the tv to spend our time on – so might as well keep going.  This isn’t a sightseeing trip anyhow.  We are loaded to heavy and are not set up to be comfortable on this hopefully one-of-our-quicker-trips...

Just outside of New Orleans (but still in Louisiana)  we stopped for a dog-walk and to stretch our legs - and - low and behold - the Bounder didn't want to go again - we got clear out on one of the several mile long causeways before the old girl decided to vapor lock on us. Whew!  After totally annoying the folks behind us - (on the narrow 2 lane bridge) - she coasted to a stop - I put her into park - and wah-la she started right up and did fine!  She caught up with the spirit of the run and we joined in the normal flow of traffic. The trip across Lake Pontchartrain was a beautiful as it was the 1^st time we went across it a little over 7 years ago.  The new bridge for I10 is in use – and it looks like the one damaged by Katrina is in the process of being dismantled. 

On Sunday we pull in to Austin – a whole day earlier than we’d planned but oh- so ready for a long hot shower and some chill – axation in front of the tv.  Contacting the Bettin family in Austin was taken care of and it was set up to spend Monday together.  Brett, Maya, and Cetta arrived, took us for one of Keith's favorite breakfast's (Mexican of course) at a dog-friendly place - Chato loved being able to come alone with us! - and I got to play with Cetta for a long while!  We were there so long that they came and cleared our table for us (I think it was a hint as it was getting toward lunchtime and they were really, really busy!).  They took us to the Riverwalk (I think that was it) where there is a dog park - Chato ran and visited with other dogs and I got to hold Cetta some more!! ;-) We dropped Brett off for a meeting and retired to their apartment for Cetta to nap and to get to relax some more - it was a wonderful chat and visit!  Brett got back, Cetta woke, we got some photos, and all to soon it was time for Maya to go to work and Brett to take us back to the Bounder.  We put Cetta on the floor (on a blanket of course! - and Chato brought his ball - She loved watching him chase that little yellow ball up and down that small space!  I have a long video that I love just listening to!  And of course, I can't seem to get it loaded.... She has such a charming little giggle!

 After leaving Austin we had a bit of Bounder trouble - it all started when I hit a pothole the size of Texas - right where I couldn't miss it - I did get slowed down - but, it seams, not nearly enough as the next time we stopped for gas - the old girl wouldn't start.  We were again at a Flying J, the wonderful girls there gave us the number for a mobile mechanic - who came and looked but couldn't do anything until morning, and also allowed us to SHOWER!!  A shower never, ever, never felt so good!  We spent the night in the parking lot there and the next Wednesday morning - Keith tried to start her - and she started right up!  No tellin'!  So we got clear to Lake Havasu where I, stupidly, shut it down to gas us and - you guessed it! - right in the bay - no startie!  again with the mobile mechanic - this time it was James of Desert Jet Mobile Mechanic who came to our rescue.  After several diagnostic tests it was determined that we needed a fuel pump... but then... after thought ... one more test showed that it was the fuel sensor.. probably damaged during the bounce thru the pothole... at least that's what I'm a thinking...

Once the part was found, it was quickly installed - while getting dark- a pocketful of money exchanged hands, and we were on our way... Spending a day at Lake Havasu would be great (we will definitely come back another time)- if you have transportation and can get around.  Spending the day in the parking lot of a gas station isn't optimal.. LOL

So we are now here - and spending our night in the Catalina across the street from Dad.  Our welcome to Arizona wasn't quite as uneventful as we would have liked - but we are here!

Whirlwin!

We are back in Vero ~ and all ready to go again - so I thought I'd catch up to date with a real quick summery of the last 2 1/2 months.

Keith decided on the way to San Diego that it was time to just sell out here in Vero and head back towards the west.  We know we'll take a hit but hopefully (I'm thinking) it won't be as bad as Keith is forecasting.  So right after the 1st of the year we connected with the Realtor that Kenny (Keith's brother in law) recommended, she (Lesa) came out and signed us all up on a Friday.  She made arrangements to come back to take photos for the MLS listings and we parted ways.  I was very stubborn about my price - her comps showed that we needed to list way below what I thought we could get.  I figured that we'd put the sing out and then in a couple of years - it would sell.  Rumors about selling were that bad! She caved and we agreed on a higher price - then promptly caught the crud that was making it's way around town - so didn't get back to take photos when planned - Actually, her son came by and put the sign out - she was that sick.  So - around mid-month - I went to Lowes to get my annual 'bunch' of yard stuff and when I got back - Keith had sold the house!  The buyers came back a little later that day to give us earnest money, I called Lesa, she came out, and we had papers signed that night - with an allowance for us to take until the end of March to vacate!  We did take a loss - with the economy and real estate prices going down like they did - we didn't make anything - BUT - it wasn't nearly as bad as Keith's prediction (as I pat myself on the back for being so stubborn!)!! LOL

So.... we attended the Valentines Spaghetti Feed - it was a blast for the hour we were there.  The spaghetti was great but didn't sit really well for me (it seems most things don't anymore) - so we danced a couple of times and then headed for home and the recliners!!!

There was a lovely rose for each lady and little flowers made from hershey's kisses at each place.  We have some really crafty ladies here at the Village!

 Our table companions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a dance rounded out our evening!

Barb's Valentine Roses! ~ she still receives them - I'm jealous! :-)

 The Ladies Tea was a really fun event.  We all had fun gathering our hats and gloves to match our outfits.  The hostesses for each table went all out with linen tablecloths, napkins, real china, teapots, crust-less sandwiches, desserts, and all the rest of the trimmings needed for a regular Tea!  I'd not been to one before and it was quite fun!

 Barb - the Hostess at the table I was at.

 Peggy

 Vincie

 Rita took time out from her Biloxi trips to come see us too ;-)

 And our own grand-dame ~ Eleanor.  She was one of the forces behind Lakewood becoming an RO, served on the BOD for several different terms, and is still a nice friendly lady!  She was the belle of our table!

And - this is the hat I wore - it got the most votes for the tea.

Keith and I went to the aqua-cises led by Peggy several times once the weather got a little warmer.  We also attended the usual coffee hours and took our turns around the Village to keep up with what is going on around us.

Then it came time to pack.  As I seem to always do- I am not feeling my best - finally, finally went to the Dr. and he announced he thinks it is diverticul one-or-the-other... put me on antibiotics . . . and hopefully I will feel better soon.  I am now on Day 9 of 10 and not seeing a big change - I am hoping to make it out to the west coast before the meltdown ;-(


The Bounder ended up in the shop 3 different times and as I type - I am waiting for word that it will be ready to pick up today.  I am ready to finish up this chaos and get moving.  Dragging this out is really getting on my nerves! LOL

I've had several visits from people that I've met and enjoyed throughout the 11 years (4 just coming out for vacations) and 7 since we moved from San Diego.  I will miss those that have been so nice, sweet, helpful, such a joy to be around.

I am so ready to get this wagon train loaded and headed out!