Seasoned Traveler - Not so Seasoned After All

It became obvious yesterday that I hadn't flown for several years.  I had emailed the airlines to ask if I was required to bring my meds in their original bottles.  They replied in the form of a boiler-plate template with a link to their website.  I never found a clear answer to my question but I think you don't need original bottles for meds.

I studied the site overall but it quickly became obvious that I overlooked a few things. 

As I started into the security check area at our local Shenandoah Valley airport, they asked me if I had liquids in my carry-on.  I remembered a little bottle of liquid medicine and pulled it out.  

After my things went through the line, there was a table with a glass partition between me and the table.  I happened to notice that the the security (lady) officer had my carry-on open and was taking everything out.  That's when things started going downhill.  

She deemed that my little travel bottles of cosmetics were over 2 ounces.  She had a zip-loc bag in her hand and said I'd have to decide what I really needed and she'd have to throw the rest away.  I was horrified.......not my perfect- sized bottles that I'd traveled with for years!!!  They were like my old friends!

Thankfully, I turned around and saw Ed was there waiting to be sure the plane took off successfully, so I was able to give him the things that wouldn't fit into the zip-loc.  She did let my contact solution and sunscreen through because they could count as medicinal items.  A couple of times I started to reach across the glass partition and she'd sharply say,  "Don't touch that!"  Well, excuse me, Mam!!!

After dissecting and separating my cosmetics and CPAP machine, things were sent through the scanner again - separately.  By that time, most of the other passengers had gotten onto the plane.  I had to quickly stuff everything back.  (There was ample room because so many things got left behind).

As luck would have it, it was raining so I got damp in my dash to the plane.  Then, they wouldn't let me take my "carry-on on" (Hummm, words are funny aren't they?)  They gave me a claim ticket and when we got to D.C. they had everyone's carry-ons on a cart standing in the rain ready for us.  Oh, well, it was only water, right?

The best news was that I didn't have to go through security again because I was staying on the same airline for the leg to Dallas/Fort Worth.  Whew!

My brother, Phil, and nephew, Levi, were there to meet me at the United terminal.  The D/FW airport is one of the largest in the country!  It seemed like miles of traffic circles and loops with overpasses over us and underpasses under us but Phil easily found American Airlines, where we met Anita's plane. This is her first time in Texas so she enjoyed looking around on our 45 minute drive to Phil and Maribeth's house in Waxahachie.

It was frustrating to have so many of my "magic potions" (they "magically" turn me into a lovely, fair maiden) taken out of my "magic box";  however, I did end up with shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and perfume.   Next time, the "magic potions" will go mostly into my checked luggage and I'll have my bare necessities in the trusty little zip-loc.

I thought I was being such a savvy traveler because I followed Maribeth's advice and wore backless sandals so as to avoid the aggravation of putting tie shoes on after the scan gate........however, I wasn't so smart or seasoned with other aspects of traveling!  

p.s. RV life was so much simpler.....sigh.....

Traveling to Texas

I'm excited!!!  Mother's 85th birthday is July 15th and my sister, Anita, (lives in Ohio) and I are going to celebrate the week with Mother in Waxahachie, Texas.  This is the idea of Maribeth, my dear sister-in-law.  We'll be staying with my brother, Phil, Maribeth, and my nephew, Levi. 

I leave in about 20 minutes so had better go zip up my suitcase.  More later.....

Cowboy Ed

Cowboy Ed 

by Mary May (Barrows) Angelil   2002 

(When we moved to VA, we lived with Mother while building our house)

Just after supper as Mother, Ed and I were all peacefully reading, there came a sharp, frantic rap, rap, rapping on our door.  A motorist stopped to tell us that 6 of Linden's cows were out in the road.  (Linden rents Mother's farm).  She tried to call him but he was gone.  Uncle Bob didn't have Linden's cell phone number nor is he able to chase cows.  So she called Glen Koogler, our farmer neighbor down the hill.

Ed came in and timidly asked Mother,  "Are the cows going to hurt me or charge me if I try to herd them?"

Thankfully, Glen came right up on his tractor and Ed helped him herd the cows back into the safe pasture.  They fixed the closing on the gate so the cows couldn't lick it loose.

When Ed came in after all that, Mother called Uncle Bob back to let him know things were under control.  She said,  "I think Ed was a little afraid. . ."

Ed interrupted and bellowed,  "A little afraid?  I was a LOT afraid!!!!"

. . . . .  Stay tuned for the next episode of "Ed, the City Dude, Moves to the Country".        

Country Music

Since weeding doesn't make for interesting blog posts (unless you'd like for me to keep a running count of weeds pulled), I think I'll share some thoughts from the past.

Country Music

by Mary May (Barrows) Angelil    April 2002

The unexpected warm weather motivates us to open all the windows in the house and a whole new world of “country music” begins.  It has been over thirty years since I have experienced Spring with all its wondrous sights and sounds so I am acutely aware of things I probably took for granted in the past.  Having Ed, the city dude, here makes us notice things we’ve never noticed before.  There is quadraphonic sound featuring birds, farm machinery and the mooing of many cows.

The morning concert begins precisely at 6:45 a.m. when the banty rooster gives his first LOUD crow  - -  right under our open window.  How does he KNOW it’s 6:45???  He is like a snooze alarm and continues with this cacophony throughout the morning.   My mornings of sleeping in until 7:30 or 8:00 are over for now! 

The mockingbird is the most entertaining bird as he loudly and cheerfully imitates every bird’s song imaginable.  The crows grating “ca-ca” is quite distinctive and the turtle doves with their soft cooing are soothing to the ears and nerves.  The noisy blue jays seem to always be arguing about something!  The nuthatches, snow birds, sparrows and bluebirds chirp cheerfully.   It is a never ending concert throughout the day with birds from all sides of the house. 

Every so often we hear the unmistakable sounds of farm machinery rumbling by.  I can often identify which are tractors or four wheelers.  The man who rents Mother’s farm, Linden Rhodes, has been busy moving cows around into the various pastures.  First, he brings them from his farm, takes them into the barnyard and vaccinates them - that causes one type of mooing.  Then he puts the new mothers with their calves (Ed calls them “little cows”) out in the pasture.  Instead of having a sheep dog to herd the cows or using the old fashioned method of running after them, Linden uses his four- wheeler to guide the cows and calves into the place he wants them.  It is frightful to hear (and see) him back up full speed and zip around to achieve his goal.

There are now about 25 sets of cows and calves in the field right behind Mother’s house.  Linden has 25 more cows, which he calls “springers”, ready to give birth at another farm.  After he gets the cows into the desired pasture, much mooing begins. Sometimes, it seems to be the mother calling her calf to “get its little self across the field” for lunch.  Other times it seems to be conversation among several cows.  At times, it seems they are mooing to cows in another field.  Then there are those who just moo and moo and moo for no apparent reason.   

The toughest time is later in the summer when he separates the cows and calves  -  that always causes several nights and days of desperate bawling from many distressed mothers - all at the same time.  That’s enough to make you feel so sorry for them in spite of being annoyed at all the noise when you’re trying to sleep!

Experiencing this forgotten country music is proving to be a great joy for me.  I awoke at 3 a.m. and experienced another sound sensation of the country  - absolute quiet - no cows, cars or birds.  We seldom experience silence in this day and age and I revel in it.   

Just think . . .  all these years I thought I didn’t care for “country music”!!

"Whether?" Depends on Weather

During the years I was not living in Virginia (7 years in Puerto Rico, 1 year in Australia, 24 years in Florida) it always struck me that every phone conversation with someone from home always included the person asking me about the weather.  (Oops, I didn't talk on the phone from Australia). 

 

I always wondered about that because where I was living it was always hot and sunny or hot and rainy.  Now that I'm back in Virginia, I am starting to understand why the weather is such a topic of conversation.  I now check the weather forecast often. 

 

The weather determines whether you close your windows before you leave the house, whether the farmer should cut his hay, whether he can bale the hay, whether you garden that day, whether you water your garden, whether you garden wearing knee boots (after it rains), whether you can sleep with the windows open, whether you wear shorts or long pants with a jacket, whether you have a picnic outside or inside.........and the list goes on and on. 

 

During the winter, the weather causes even more "whethers", especially when you add snow, ice, and drifting winds into the formula! 

 

Now I get it.......the weather determines whether or not you.......whatever.

Fine Dining with the Hollars

We had a surprise invitation to share a gift card given to my cousin, Hunter Hollar.   The restaurant was the Local Chop and Grill House.  (Construction on the building began in 1911. The four-story brick building originally contained well over an acre of floor space.  Click here to read more:  Wetsel Seed Company)   

Even though the menu was upscale and fancy, we all managed to find something that we liked, including delicious desserts.

Hunter and I grew up together and our families shared many activities, especially with the Youth Fellowship at church.  Then, when Hunter was at U.Va. and I was at J.M.U. which was then mostly a girls college, he really liked me because I fixed him up with girls!  We've kept in touch through the years and I never cease to enjoy his company. He married Mary Margaret, whom I just love, and they raised two lovely redheaded girls.  Hunter became president of a bank in Maryland and recently retired here in Singers Glen.

We always have a barrel of laughs when we go out with Hunter and Mary Margaret!!!

p.s.  Hunter, take note -- you've really made it in the world -- you're on our blog!

Yard Swap Party

I saw this on Carolyn Arnette's Facebook status in early May, 2010:

Our "Ultimate Girfriend Yard Swap" will be Sunday, June 8th, at 1:00 p.m.   Remember, beyond being economical, eco-friendly, and an excuse to clean out your home, this Swap with your Girlfriends is far more fun than a yard sale with strangers!  And best of all - NO MONEY NEEDED! " Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and a Reason to socialize too.

Bring 3-10 items.  We will also accept  "extra" items, just to make it interesting.  You may have an extra kitchen item, piece of jewelry, a book or two, CD's, DVD's, etc. that we cam make them into a set.  

You may drop off  your items any day between May 30th and June 5th. Snacks and beverages will be served.  

Beyond being economical, eco-friendly, and an excuse to clean out your home, this Swap with your Girlfriends is far more fun than a yard sale with strangers! 

That sounded like such a neat idea so I asked if I could come, too -- just brazenly invited myself!  I especially wanted to go because I wanted to see how Carolyn organized the event.  

During the week before the party, each person is asked to bring at least 10 items that are good but they don't use.  Carolyn organized everything for display in a room.  When people arrived, they first had a potluck meal.  Then they ran it sort of like a Chinese gift exchange.  People drew a number, went into the room, and chose an item.  The next person could take that item or go choose another one.

Since I had a funeral to attend, Carolyn graciously had me come by and make a list of things I'd like.  My high school friend, Phyllis Flick, was there and kept my list.   That evening I went in and Phyllis had kept about 5 of the things from the list.  The left-over items are donated to a charity so I got to choose 5 more items.

Watch out, I just may get energetic and try one of these Yard Swap Parties!

p.s.  Carolyn is the first cousin and best friend of Leslee from Alaska. 

Another p.s.  2018  I got a sturdy oak office straight chair.  It has been a delight to use in the garage for putting my boots on.

Sleepless in Singers Glen

Today was one of those strange days of retirement -- where you make it up as you go.  I woke up about 7 a.m. and could tell Ed was sleeping soundly so I quietly read in bed for over an hour.  

Finally got up and made it to one of our sweetest computer clients, Frances Campbell, at 10:00 a.m.  She wanted to have me check her security programs and a few other small things.  It seemed that no matter what I did, the computer froze and crashed.  After rebooting several times, I called my guru, Ed.  He had me reboot in Safe Mode.  After several calls, I convinced him to come over.  Well, the same things happened to him and we ended up working there several more hours.  FINALLY, we got things working smoothly.

By that time it was going on 3:00 p.m. and we hadn't had lunch -- we're still on our Cure for the Middle-aged Middle diet.  We left one of our cars on the west side of town and went to Ham's restaurant, where we had their baby back ribs and salad.  As of today we've both lost 7 pounds......man, I haven't had a piece of bread for 4 weeks!  

During lunch, it absolutely poured.  We stopped at the bank, did a few other errands, and got our other car.  We went to Finders Keepers, this great local discount store.  One thing I bought was some hard candy for the church to throw out from its float to advertise Vacation Bible School on Saturday.  The Singers Glen Parade is THE big social event of the year - the parade is only about 15 minutes long but we do enjoy it!  The Singers Glen lawn party starts Thursday night and will finish Saturday night.

Ed went on home and I stopped at the drug store for a minute.  I started home and realized he was probably already there so called to tell him I would just go on and run the candy down to the church.  I arrived at church and saw the very people I needed to give it to, thinking I wouldn't even have to get out of the car.  Wouldn't you know....the candy was in Ed's car!

I stopped at Thelma Hollar's, as she had told me to come get a start of a purple flower she has.  She ended up giving me several flowers I don't have and I had a nice visit with her.  She lost Leonard, her husband of 63 years, recently.  I've always loved her so and it's a pleasure to spend time with her, even during this difficult period of adjustment.

As soon as I got home, Faith and Jonathan, our new neighbors, called and said they'd be down shortly.  We'd asked them if we could hire them to trim our 3 forsythia bushes by the shop, which had gotten about 10 feet tall.  I thought they'd be here most any time so went out to dig some flower starts for Faith.  Naturally, the wet ground made the weeds just slide right out of the dirt so I'd just pull a weed here and a weed there......ended up staying out till almost dark, when Ed insisted I should come in.  Faith and Jonathan did a wonderful job - my, what young people working in a team can accomplish.

After a little time on the computer, I got in bed to read for just a bit.......Ed came into his recliner in the bedroom and we just kept reading and reading.  I finished my book (just started it last night --  "Big Girl" by Danielle Steele) and Ed only had 6 pages to finish his.  We didn't go to bed till 12:30 a.m.  

I'm itching to get back out to those weeds but here it is about 2:30 and I can't turn my mind off!  Bet I'll sleep tomorrow night........I'll be counting weeds instead of sheep!

Tomato Clause

I enjoyed growing some tomatoes in the past few years.  Our friend, Gayle Davis, had shared some Cherokee Purple tomatoes with us a few years ago that were simply delicious.   I've watched since then and had never been able to find the plants.  While I was still in Florida, Gayle emailed that she'd found some at the local farmers' market so I asked her to get me a couple.  She was only able to get one for me but I was happy.

Meanwhile, I'd decided to take a break from tomato growing this summer.  Faith and Jonathan have rented Mother's house at the top of the hill (a few hundred yards away from us).   They've plowed up part of the area where Grandmother May used to have her huge garden and are growing all sorts of veggies.  So, I gave the Cherokee Purple to Faith.

Faith was here yesterday and Ed asked her if she'd checked her lease because my brother was supposed to put a Tomato Clause in there.  Puzzled, she inquired,  "A what?"  and was met with,  "A tomato clause that says you have to give us every 5th tomato that you grow!"

The light dawned in her eyes and she laughed as she reassured Ed that she'd give us some tomatoes.

Shame on Ed.....he'd already cornered Gayle at church and somehow twisted her arm gotten her to promise him some tomatoes when hers come in. 

Catching Up in VA

The days seem to fly by here.  I feel like I'm making some progress on catching up with my weeds.   I finished spraying the thistles and poke weeds today -- although that's a never-ending process.

A few people asked about my birthday celebration on June 5th.  Since Ed and I are still on our "Cure for the Middle-aged Middle" diet, we decided to postpone the birthday meal.  I spent the day doing something that gave me great pleasure.  My cousin, Leonard Hollar (84) died on Thursday.  I called his son, Hunter, and offered anything at all to help.  We were pleased and honored that he felt close enough to request a casserole for Saturday, since family was coming in. 

We actually got up at 8:00 a.m. (early for us!) and went to Costco, Wal-Mart, and Redfront Supermarket.  We got lasagna, beans, rolls, Jamaican meat pies, fruit, cookies, tabbouleh, and breakfast burritos.   We delivered everything except the lasagna and beans to Hunter and Mary Margaret's house.  When they were cooked, we took them down.

Saturday evening we went to the visitation at the funeral home, Sunday morning to church, then to town for a bit (more on the Yard Sale Party later), to the funeral, the graveside service, and we were invited to the family dinner given at church afterward.  The funeral was very simple and touching.  Leonard's sons, Hunter and Barry, gave the best eulogies I've ever heard -- filled with humor, touching memories, and making important points about their dad's life.

Lunch with Leslee from Alaska

Leslee Orbaugh and I accidentally met through a mistaken email in November, 2007.  We first met in person in May of 2008.  This year I enjoyed two lunches with her!  We ate at Red Lobster one day and had a chance to talk one-on-one.  

On May 25th, we dined with Lois Horne (my dear friend since 1st grade who was a college roommate and went twice to the Iditarod dog sled races in Alaska.  She got to visit Leslee at her home in Anchorage this year!) and Phyllis Flick (my high school friend who happens to be Leslee's cousin).

 Leslee is just one of those special people.  We have a lot in common and she's very outgoing and wise -- one of those people with whom you can discuss life and its meaning.  It was great to see her, though our time together was too short.

Cure for Middle-Aged Middle

Ed ordered the book,  “The 6-Week Cure for the Middle-Aged Middle: The Simple Plan to Flatten Your Belly Fast!”      http://www.eatprotein.com/books.htm

We've almost finished Week 1 and much to my surprise, we've both lost 5 pounds.  This diet took a lot of reading and shopping to get started -- it includes some unusual products.  The protein shakes are good and the one daily meal for Weeks 1 and 2 are very tasty.  

Tonight we had fish fillets baked in individually in foil with olive oil, diced zucchini, yellow squash, and green peppers sprinkled with cumin, chopped cilantro and basil.  Our side dish was fresh mushrooms sauteed in olive oil with garlic and thyme, followed by a half cup of melon.

If you're wondering why we haven't been calling you to get together, it's because this plan doesn't lend itself at this point to going out.

Oh, how I hope it works!!

Ed's Scan - May 2010

Ed had a scan last Friday and got the results on Saturday morning.  Compared to his scan in November, the tumors in his lungs have not changed.  Results were sent to his doctor in Florida and we are happy to report that nothing needs to be done.  Ed said it looks like I'm going to have to put up him for at least another 6 months -- I say,  "Gladly!"

Magic Jack = A-OK

I had written on February 15 about an almost-free phone called magicJack, which is a gismo Ed bought in Wal-mart. 

 
The magicJack is plugged into the computer and the wire from that goes into a regular phone.  We learned that wireless phones sometimes gave static so we now use a phone with a direct wire and it's working fine -- even in these hills in the country!   http://www.magicjack.com/5/index.asp 

The gismo and first year is about $40 and after that it's about $20 for a whole year -- including free long distance.  

Mary is now convinced that it works well.  It's such a deal and much easier to talk on than a cell phone.  So, it's an A+ for magicJack.

A Post about Posting

I am quickly discovering that weeding and spring cleaning are activities that do not lend themselves to blog posts.  I don't think you want to see a photo of all the weeds yet to yield to my hand of wrath nor do you want see all the various items I'm trying to purge, put away and gather to take to our Florida abode.

I suggest that you check back weekly or even less.   In the meantime, I really look forward to your emails, calls or visits so PLEASE keep in touch!

Home is Where the Heart Is

Yes, my heart is at home here in the magnificently beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  The views from our house are more gorgeous than I remembered.  Ed doesn't understand about "roots".  

He grew up in Montreal, where he went to boarding school.  (He spoke only French until he was 8 years, when he started boarding school).  His family went to Miami for the winters and he ended up going to the University of Miami.  He moved to California in his early 20's and has lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida.  Also, men don't usually keep in contact with friends and family like women do.

Several people in Florida last year commented that if something happened to Ed that I would be coming back to Florida, right?  Noooooo!  I already have my deposit paid and am on the waiting list for VMRC, a lovely retirement village nearby.  Even if the weather's bad, all the buildings are connected so I can go to the bank, the hairdresser, the pool, the gym, the library, the grille, or to visit someone without going outside.

Ed points out that my family isn't here (Anita's in Ohio, Phil's in Texas and Mother's in a nursing home near him).  He says I only see my local cousins once or twice a year and the same goes for my school friends. It's hard to put into words......you can leave the Valley, but the Valley never leaves you.

The view from our deck is ever-changing.

p.s.  I was adamant about this until we got our house in Florida.  Maybe I'll continue my winter pilgrimage after all.....I never get tired of the cranes, storks, ducks, egrets, alligators and turtles in the lake in our backyard.   It appears that I now have the best of both worlds!

Blanche was to Blame -- After All

Poor Pepper.... we thought she was the one to blame for the "calling card" on our bedspread.  This evening, we were in the bedroom and Blanche was on our bed.  Ed asked why she was scratching the blanket.  I said it looked like it felt good on her feet.  About that time, he yelled.....she was wetting the blanket.  I quickly picked her up to hold her over the bathroom sink but she had stopped.

We're pretty sure she doesn't yet understand that she needs to go out the pet door into the garage for the litter box.  She is only about 2 pounds so maybe pushing the little pet door seems difficult for her? 

Anyway, we apologized to Pepper and are still trying to give her extra attention.  Blanche will be out of the laundry room (cats' room) only when we're right with her.  Plus, we added another litter box inside the room.

Just when she was finding her way around our house in Florida, we took her in the car for 2 days, a motel for a night, then to yet another house.

Blanche will be 3 years old on July 4th but seems like a kitten.  She's lived her whole life in a cattery, which was a double garage that was tiled with cages on the sides and lots of climbing cat trees and many cats.  Besides that, she's been to cat shows -- won several ribbons, too.

She's never lived in a house, so everything is new and exciting to her. 


Poor Blanche....she's used to lots of kitties to play with all the time.  Now she only has one playmate who isn't quite friendly yet....

We're getting there little by little.

Pepper is Peeved

Pepper has been the one and only queen bee Cornish Rex kitty with us for several years.  She did well traveling and living in the RV with us.  But, it did seem at times like she was depressed -- sleeping away the days.

That's when we researched, found, and bought Blanche Devereau, a small female to play with Pepper.  After almost a week in Florida, they both stayed in Pepper's room (the laundry room) overnight without killing each other or bothering us.  We thought that was a step in the right direction.

The trip from Florida to Virginia was a long one.  The cats were in separate containers and meowed by the hour -- especially Pepper.  We don't know how she didn't end up with laryngitis.  They were fine in the motel sleeping with us, although they did wake Ed several times.

Here in Virginia, we set up several beds and sleeping cubicles in the laundry room.  The nights seemed to go OK.  We began to notice that we were seeing less and less of Pepper.  Well, this afternoon she made her statement -- yep, you guessed it -- a "calling card" right in the middle of our light colored summer bedspread.

That's our warning that we've got to make sure Pepper gets more attention.  To be continued......

Heading Home

Today we finish details....it's amazing how much time the refrigerator takes -- what to leave here, what to give to George, what to throw away and what to take.  Then George and Kay are taking us out to dinner.  

Tomorrow we are heading home.  I'm really looking forward to going to my home-home.  Even though Florida is now our legal residence, Virginia will always be my REAL home.  The Shenandoah Valley is just part of my being!

The cats seem to be at an impasse - kind of a mix of watching and ignoring each other.  So, Pepper will ride in the cage and Blanche in the carrier.

We have to return the Comcast box so will be off the internet in an hour or so.  See ya in VA!

Babysitting Blanche

As of yesterday it appeared that Pepper was going to tolerate Blanche.  When we let them into the house from the Florida room, Blanche explored like crazy.  Pepper followed her around -- babysitting her.  A few times Pepper approached Blanche in an aggressive manner, but the smart little thing flattened herself down into a humble position. 

This morning began with hilarious chases and hide-and-go-seek games.  We laughed and enjoyed the interaction.  Blanche initiated some of the chases.

We tried to practice periods of putting them in the travel cage together. At first, it looked hopeful....until Pepper started swatting Blanche.  So, we will be using both the carrier and the cage in order to provide separate quarters during travel time.

Ed's already been on the web and found motels that are pet friendly.  We plan to leave Saturday morning and we have a reservation for somewhere in South Carolina for Saturday night.

Now Pepper is sleeping on Ed's lap after a big, busy day of babysitting Blanche.