So Now That We Need A Restful Vacation . . . What Should We Do?

After following our preparations, our long days of driving (for us seniors) and all the activities, surely you have seen that we did not have a rest or a holiday when we went to Toronto.

So, now that we are home, I have quite a cough and both Hubby and I are pretty tired. There was unpacking, and plenty of laundry and an attempt to get back into our routine at home.

When we married, we knew we would have a lot of driving up and down to visit friends and relatives. That was over twelve years ago and well, now, we find that pretty tiring!

Some ask why we don't fly more than we do and the answer is simple: aggravation. We do fly when we visit Nova Scotia now and that is still pretty rigorous.

So, how do seniors get a break from routine and come home feeling relaxed?

Well, for us, the perfect place is Shreveport/Bossier City in Louisiana. It is about a two hour drive and when we stay at the casino/hotel, it is like a resort. Within the complex, there are several places to eat and we can come and go as we please just about 24 hours a day. There are often shows as well.

The rooms are 'way beyond the hotel rooms we saw on our trip to Canada. As mentioned before, the one hotel that was outstanding was the new Holiday Inn Express in Markham, Ontario (just north of Toronto). The rooms are opulent and not costly in Shreveport/Bossier City.

Our favorite complexl is Sam's Town. So, we have cards that hang from a cord 'round our necks. That gets us points on the machines - well, not enough to get anything - but it does get us buffet meals for 50% off because we are also seniors. (Recently, they have been sending opportunities for free buffets and $29 rooms during the week.)

Sam's Town is a member of the Boyd's Gaming Corporation and they have a pretty good idea how to run a casino/hotel/restaurant complex.

We can go over there for say three nights and four days and come back totally relaxed and pampered. (And, of course, we always remember to bring some of their banana bread back to freeze for when company comes!)

Now, you are saying to yourself, mmm . . . what about the gambling money? Well, we stick to the machines and there are ones from one penny, nickel, 25 cents and up. We don't stay at the machines for very long. Also, now, there are non-smoking areas, so that is a nice plus for us.

So, just in case you were worried that we don't know how to have a vacation, now you know we sure do!

What Happens At Cropping . . .

We sometimes joke a la Las Vegas, that what happens at scrapbooking stays at scrapbooking, but it really does not.

Yesterday, I stopped in - to see what new papers were in this week, and say, "Hello" to Sue, who is at the helm of the store.

My visit started off with a colossal bang when black cat, "Vader", skipped out the door and Sue was running down the sidewalk to re-capture him. She has two crop cats (surely that would be what they are called) who she calls "Vader" and "Cry Baby". Sue loves all animals but the cats are only there during the week and are not allowed at crops.

The problem, of course, is that "Vader" especially enjoys cropping. He does have his own style, but I worry a lot- not so much that he will mess up my page, but more that he will get hurt on some of the tools I use. He does like my stuff and me and it is a bit distracting . . .

Having a scrapbooking store was a dream that almost was lost when Sue went through a bout with breast cancer. Of course, you don't have a bout with it, you live with breast cancer. The magic is that Sue did create her own scrapbooking store and had lots of support from her hubby, Doug and daughter, Becci.

The "girls" who crop in Sue's enormous Crop Room are a caring group of people who worry how everyone else is doing and are genuinely interested in your projects at scrapbooking and also your daily life.

It is really good to roll in (literally as most of us have a rolling tote to haul our supplies and tools) and be greeted by so many gentle people.

The thing that is a major bonus for me personally is that I find "cropping" really relaxing and calming.

Everyone's technique is different and I am at a stage where I am more interested in creativity than producing a lot of pages. I used to do as many as 14 pages in an evening but now, it is more like 2 to 4. Since I came back with 98 really nice photos from our Toronto trip, I will be at my table for quite some time!

Some of the "girls" (we're all "girls" until we're about 106 years old) will have something to eat and so one or two will go out and bring something back. I try really hard to have had my dinner and just take some energy bars and some green tea - berry flavor.

Of course, when we have special crops, we have a potluck which is just as evil there as it is at church! In other words, it takes more willpower!

Last week I began cropping the photos from my St.Clement's School 50th Reunion. Those would be most important as that was the main reason for our trip.

Since there is no special paper for my school and most reunion paper is for family reunions, I am having to improvise. Our colors are black, red and yellow, so when I go with that, the pages are not going to be "soft" and "relaxing".

Scrapbooking is extremely personal and so it is really interesting to roam the Crop Room to see what others are doing.

I like to pick up a color from the photo and so, since I was wearing a pretty floral blouse under my navy blazer, I'll be able to use some light, airy blues. The majority of the photos do not have me in them but rather are several of the various "girls" who were my classmates. So, in addition to the school colors, there will be lots others to pick up.

I have been seriously cropping for almost two years now and my favorite topics are family, especially our grandchildren, Buddy the Lhasa and our friends we visit on trips.

Last year I did a graduation book as a gift and it turned out well. Of course, I go through old photos and have cropped my parents and I have done lots of pages of church and Hubby and me. I have also tackled sad topics and found that to be very therapeutic.

Tonight, I can do whatever I want with the Reunion photos - it's my story and just me to please.

I hope you have a hobby as special as this. Life is hectic and rigorous and it is so good to have some special time just to ourselves.

Luckiest Man Alive!

We saved Sunday afternoon to visit our friend, Mel Kline who had an aneurysm many years ago. He lives in an accessible apartment and has several men who come to assist him during the day. The first time he summoned me to visit him was in the late 1990s and he was adjusting - if you ever can - to this new life. Because Mel had survived, and was still able to think, talk, visit, serve you lunch - he told me he felt he was in fact, "The luckiest man alive"!

I've known Mel for about 35 years. He was a real estate developer and had a Viceroy franchise in Toronto with his friend, Bob Whiddop. I sold them land in Marmora Township where they built up a subdivision. (I was a Real Estate Agent in Barrie and Toronto back then.) For those of you who don't know it, Viceroy is a prefab frame home which is set up on your lot. Viceroy has long been considered one of the finest manufacturers of this type of housing.

Back in those days, Mel drove a fancy green Buick with his initials on the door, ate in the best restaurants and enjoyed the fine life. He married the daughter of a competing developer and they had three children. As he settled down, he created a business of meat pies, something we hardly ever eat in East Texas.

Mel's family still runs the business and his freezer is always stocked with several varieties of these delectable meat pies. He used to always serve us a lunch of these pies and we would bring some salads to go with.

In the past few years, Mel's health has gotten worse but his mind is still extremely sharp. We have fine discussions on world events, his children and we listen carefully to how he feels about the deterioration of his body.

We generally give him a little pep talk and we pray for him. It's a visit we always make. During the year, Mel calls us and asks when we will be up this year. He tells us about how his children are doing. They are all grown now and he even has two Labradoodles that son Jason brings 'round. Since he had Poodles over the years, he really enjoys this.

I have some doubts about how well Buddy the Lhasa would do, but I can tell you, my Shih Tzu were excellent with people in wheelchairs. But perhaps Mel would have thought they were a bit sissy for him and I can picture his laughter when the Labradoodle is jumping up to kiss his cheek. After all these years of being so very handicapped, Mel still loves to laugh, loves to talk and enjoys welcoming his old friends!

How blessed we are to know the Luckiest Man Alive!

Did We Eat?

Well, so far, there have not been too many photos of us eating on our marathon trip to Toronto and Port Hope. There might be a reason for that since I am down some in weight and was trying to keep it off.

In a note from Richard Simmons in response to his viewing some of my photos, two comments stood out. I, of course, liked the one where Richard said, "You looked so pretty in the photos." Richard is good at saying nice things like that. And he always sends best wishes to Hubby, probably because he knows husbands giving support are fundamental to us keeping our weight off.

I told him I had gained three pounds (now down to two) and his response was:

"I hope there will be a day where you can vacation and not put on weight." Hmm . . . does Richard mean that I will have more willpower or does he mean that no one will serve anything tempting?

Above, you may recognize the seat in the Pickle Barrel Restaurant where Elaine and I had a lot of laughs. I had corned beef on rye and scarely could finish the meat, setting most of the bread aside and polishing off most of the cole slaw.

Boys will be boys and I wanted you to see D'arcy & Hubby with some of Canada's finest: Keith's Ale.

Now, Shahab and Cathie are slim as slim so of course, their dining table was the one that was really groaning! (There was lots of food on top of those special placemats!)

I did well with a plain burger and some salad. There were four desserts, including homemade chocolate chip cookies which Cathie put into a Ziploc bag and handed to Hubby to take to the hotel . . . How do I know they were so good?

Of course, there was cake in the evening at Val's house for our SCS 50th and, yes, I did have a little piece of that. As you already heard, salad and pizza were also served here. Uh . . . Oh.

We did eat twice at Swiss Chalet - once with Judy and family and once with Sheri, both in Port Hope. Yes, we did eat at Tim Hortons but there are no photos there.

In Berea, Ohio (near Cleveland), we ate Chinese and then went back to Keith's sister, Louise's for a little birthday cake. Louise, ever mindful to detail, used her special glass plates on a pretty bridge cloth and she had purchased a RSS* cake which was delicious.

You know, I got off pretty light (fully intended pun there) with only three pounds, now down to two!

There was another dinner you saw in the photos with our cousins.

On the road, I ate healthy at hotel breakfast bars with Hubby sometimes having something that would be okay for slim him.

I did find one thing and that is that almost every restaurant including Appleby's, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, etc. does have a salad that if you are careful about the dressing, you can eat quite healthy and still be part of the group!

*Richard Simmons Size, which would be actually much smaller than this cake . . . heck, it would only be a taste!

If you need a cheerleader and lots of help with losing weight, go to

richardsimmons.com

Our Port Hope Family . . .

Christine & Les, who have grown into their role as great parents. (Too bad my friend Sharon wasn't riding in the Explorer with her camera!)

Girly Stuff with Charlotte, Hubby and me in Port Hope.

In the top photo, we have Charlotte who is clearly just bursting with glee and her brother, William who takes things more in stride. In the lower picture, they are more content to pose and show off their Texas shirts from Baskin's Department Store.

As some of you know, William was born with tumors on his left eye and will still need some work as his face grows. (Many of you have kept Wil in your prayers and we appreciate that!) He is six now and Charlotte is three. They made us feel really welcome as they entertained us at home before Grandma Judy, Grandpa Don, Uncle Mike and their parents, Christine & Les took us off to Swiss Chalet.

(Actually, William went to a Bowling Banquet and rejoined us after dinner. He had two patches for his bowling shirt and a trophy to show off! He sure is growing up!)

Charlotte likes "girly" things and William is an excellent reader. I didn't hear too much about Wil's aspirations to be a weatherman, and expect that will change over the years. He sat with me and read at a level that seemed beyond his age. He is a thinker and of course, he and I are best buds!

Charlotte brought some "nail polish" to me to see if I could also do girly stuff and I "painted" her finger and toenails for her.

Grandpa Don and Uncle Mike were content to stay in the background and Grandma Judy, a wonderful influence in all of our lives was hovering over us, taking pictures and providing beverages. When Judy invites you to her home, you are King & Queen!

Presented with some major obstacles, Christine and Les have become super parents! They have guidance and help from their own parents but we could really see how much they love their children and think through their decisions for them. They are special to us and it is wonderful to see them looking well and happy.

We Are One With This Loss

When a fallen Canadian soldier comes home (from Afghanistan), his coffin comes in to the base at Trenton, Ontario. This picture is one of the decorated bridges where citizens gather to honor their fallen hero, as his coffin is driven along 401 Highway to Toronto, if that is his hometown. Canadians see themselves as part of this war and so it should be. (North America = Canada + United States of America.)

"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me." ~Lee Greenwood

No matter how you display the flag - be it Canadian or American - display it proudly for all to see. As Billy Ray Cyrus put it, "All Gave Some; Some Gave All".

Freedom isn't Free!

Stop for a few minutes today to pray, to write a note or card, to visit, to honor
those who have kept America (Canada and United States) free.
God Bless America!

What Scrapbookers Do On Vacation

On Tuesday, Judy drove Hubby and me up to Peterborough (about a 45 minute run) to check out the scrapbook store in the mall for Canadian-themed papers and embellishments and to visit our friend. Shirley.

A chap (American: man) named Ted runs the store and showed us everything I might be interested in. I picked some papers and embellishments and then we - of course - started talking about our trip up for my 50th Reunion in Toronto.

I have him one of my cards so he could look up this blog and then, Ted said, "Would this be your friend you were meeting here? We turned around and there was Shirley - about half an hour early which worked out just fine!

We took some photos - as you can see - and then we hopped into Shirley's new red Jeep and went over to a restaurant where I had shrimp soup and a salad.

After lunch, Shirley took us on the grand tour of Peterborough, which although I have been there and through there, really did not know well. Peterborough is in the Kawartha Lake district and is where her daughter, my friend, Vicky (who lives near me in East Texas) had grown up. I got to see Vicky's school, the house where she lived as a child and a general feel for the city. It is much larger than Port Hope, and has a community college and a university.

I hope Ted is still reading this blog and will make a comment as he did another day. I have to tell you, Ted, My friend Sue from our Scrapbooks & Memories wanted to see each and every item I brought back! Hmm . . . As you might know, I have only cropped four pages so far and those are of the reunion, using the school colors and simple Bazzell papers and strips.

I'll be scrapbooking this trip for quite a while!

Just A Bunch Of School Girls!

On the Toronto Reunion Weekend, Saturday evening, we had a more casual gathering at Val's house. It was very relaxed. The doll represents the strictness of our uniform and required behavior at St.Clement's School (Toronto). There were quite a few rules and one, of course, was no smoking in uniform. If you look carefully, you'll see that friend Nancy, who created this "student", has stuck a cigarette in the doll's mouth. Tsk! Tsk!

Our tunics (uniforms) were to be 4 - 6" above the knee when kneeling and when I asked a current student greeting us at the Donalda Club luncheon, she told me that was no longer in effect.

Most of us talked about the "old days" which were pretty strict by today's standards.

The "girls" are pretty much the same as I remembered them and most of us have had pretty interesting lives.

There were only two of us in from the United States and some from Western Canada but for the most part, the "girls" live in the Toronto area with one spending part of the year in England.

One girl came over and sat beside me to tell me that her husband had been killed by a train two weeks before. She was still planning to attend a wedding in New Orleans and we talked about how good it is to have things to talk about. As you get older, you are able to reach out to listen and perhaps help. I told her how I had gone to Las Vegas after my late husband, John's death and how it gave me something else to talk about. (The fact is that people only listen for about three weeks and expect you to "get on" with life.) Of course, I told her how I met Hubby Keith and how we enjoy our life. I hope that happens for her.

Life and years have a way of leveling the playing field and some of the girls who were rather shy and unsure of themselves were now more outgoing. One thing that surprised me was that no one whipped out any photos of grandchildren! (Mind you, I did not have any with me either.)

I think I mentioned another time that the evening meal was salad, pizza and cake, which is, of course, what school girls still eat!

It was a time to share old experiences and find out how everyone was doing. I am so glad Hubby encouraged me to go even if it is going to take us a long time to regroup!

Ready To Scrapbook A Landmark Event - My St.Clement's School 50th Reunion In Toronto

On the first Saturday of our Toronto visit, we drove down to the Donalda Club, which is a golf club right in the city. The St. Clement's Alumnae Luncheon was there and my class, as you know, was celebrating 50 years.

My cousin, Alf's picture is still on the wall of the second floor indicating he was a President several years ago. The restroom (Canadian: washroom) is two storeys upstairs which any Texan would find odd but my Physical (Canadian: Physio) Therapist, Leo had taught me his Heaven and Hell method of stairs. Unsure of what I might encounter, I did have my cane with me. I did go up (to Heaven) with my good leg, and down (to Hell) with my bad leg. I made it quite well!

I did attend our 40th Reunion, and so I recognized most of the "girls" quite easily. At this, our 50th Reunion, the difference for them is that I was a little different - about 55 lbs. lighter!

The School gave us our lunch and at each of our place settings was a yellow rose (ah ha!) and we were each presented with a silver school pin. In addition to my coming from Texas, one gal came from San Francisco, one from the Vancouver Island area and at least one from "out west" (Edmonton, I think.)

Hubby had very much encouraged me to go to this reunion, even though I have been struggling with my back. I held up very well with heat and exercises and you just cannot duplicate such a momentous event!

I did leave after our class was featured to go back to the hotel to rest for the evening's festivities which were a little less serious.

Tonight, I will begin "cropping" these pictures to have a permanent memory of this landmark occasion!

Not For Me?

This is a Hudson's Bay Company scarf. These stripes also appear on Hudson's Bay Company Blankets and were the stripes worn by the original Hudson's Bay fur-traders to distinguish them.

Hudson's Bay Company is the oldest company in North America and in Canada, it is generally simply referred to as "The Bay". I'm sure they do have fur coats for sale at the downtown Bloor Street Store inToronto, but The Bay is a department store now.

This trip I found small Teddy Bears wearing little replicas of this scarf. So I brought a couple back as souvenirs, especially for Buddy's friend, Kathleen who collects Teddy Bears.

Now, I have never attempted to pass Buddy the Lhasa off as an angelic, perfectly behaved dog. However, he is very, very smart and he really loves his toys including stuffed animals and little squeaky toys.

Long story short, Buddy sniffed out the Hudson Bay bear and simply assumed it was for him. Hmm . . . I am sure it will be dry by the time I hand it to Kathleen!

A Story About Placemats Sewn And Given With Love . . .

If you follow this blog, you will know that this was my first time visiting Toronto that my old friend, Belinda, would not be there. When Belinda was so very sick, of course she was on our church prayer list. Everyone "knew" Belinda and how much she meant to me over the years - 48 years to be exact.

One of my church friends, Sandy, remembered and when I asked if I might buy a set of her quilted placemats, she said she did not have any but she would be happy to make them for Belinda's daughter, Cathie. Cathie had invited us to her home for dinner with Shahab, (the IT wiz), and her father, D'Arcy.

(I've been a writer since I was about seven years old and I always have a story to tell. When we arrived at Cathie's, I told her this story before giving her the mats.)

Once Sandy knew who the mats were for, she decided to do a set of eight and the only material I supplied was a bit of cowboy hats for Texas flavor.

So, I made an 8-1/2 x 11 scrapbook for Sandy's quilt pictures. These pictures will go into that album, just below the last picture of Belinda and me at the Pickle Barrel in Toronto.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shahab and Cathie exchange the mats they had out and place these new ones lovingly on the table which was set.

As you can see, these mats are reversible with shades of brown that tone in beautifully with Shahab & Cathie's townhouse decor. All fit together well.

We had a beautiful evening and you know we blogged (I had the keyboard) from their coffee table up to the 42" monitor on the wall. We had fun. Yes - fun!

I think there is always something we take away from an event like that - no matter how old we are. What I took away from that Friday night was that I have a new friend - actually two new friends, a very kind friend back home (Sandy) and an angel watching over us all.

Oh, yes, the mats were in a large Ziploc bag with some special detergent to keep the colors looking great and a sweet little card to explain the design of the quilt. That bag was never opened until Cathie opened it.

Thank you, Belinda, for your friendship all those years. Thank you Cathie for being my friend. Thank you, Sandy for making these one-of-a-kind mats. And of course, thank you Shahab, for letting me play with your toys!

East, West, Home's Best!

We are back home, and we are very grateful for that! Today's drive was not too bad and we had our lunch at Bryce's Cafeteria in Texarkana.

Of course, the problem with being back home is the car had to be unpacked and there is a mountain of clothes to be washed, and mail - including lots of junk mail - must be sorted and tossed.

Of course, we had to go first to our friend, Lela's to get the two boxes of mail she had collected. I had a Christian shirt for her in red but the big hit was the Barack Obama hat I found for her! She loved it and said she would be wearing it tomorrow to her grandson's baseball game in Baton Rouge.

I know I bought a lot of souvenirs, but I cannot find all of them right now.

Yes, there are pictures and they will have to wait,

Buddy, the Lhasa will be ready to be picked up at two o'clock and that will be after Erica does my hair. She will be glad to know that basically my hair held up quite well.

Everything is just fine at the house but of course, Lela watches it for us!

No hotel room we stayed in matched the convenience of our home and so we shall very much enjoy being in our own bed tonight.

Winding Down Our Texas - Toronto - Texas Trip

We have arrived in Bryant, Arkansas (just south of Little Rock, home of The Bill Clinton Museum & Library) nice and early. So, we have a little time to relax and we will have our dinner at Cracker Barrel.

If you have not eaten at Cracker Barrel, it is a marketing marvel with a huge gift shop on one side, restaurant on the other and wonderfully clean and tidy restrooms in the middle at the back. There are checkers to play, rocking chairs to sit in and puzzles on each table to strain your brain a little while waiting for your food. They have maps to pick up so you can find them as you travel.

They even sponsor some country music and if you read this blog all the time, you know we once met Aaron Tippin and his crew who had their bus parked out back. Cracker Barrel handles Aaron Tippin CDs as well.

The food is simply delicious no matter what you order and if you want it, you can order breakfast all day long.

We are so tired, and so happy to be - hopefully - just one day from home!

Here is a summary of what I still want to tell you. Also, if you have any queries, just ask. You can use the "comment" form below, as detailed on the sidebar.

I will definitely be telling you about our experience with our packing; our Ford Explorer which has been excellent, both to drive and to pack; and my eating. Yes, Monique and Richard, I have really done quite well but will know better when I check the scales at home! Yes, we did bring a little too much . . . mostly because we were expecting more cold weather and also because we might have needed some more formal clothes for some events. My back has done quite well but as we wind down these last few days, my right foot is not so good and I am using the cane more and more. I will be glad to be back and doing even more exercise.

Thank you to Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller for her suggestion that I blog as I travelled and more, thank you for reading. Thank you to all the friends and relatives who treated us like royalty. Special thanks to my St.Clement's friends for the wonderful 50th Reunion!

Know Your States!

As you gathered yesterday, we are getting very, very tired and we are more than ready to be home. We have only our age, long days, and heavy traffic to blame. The weather has been better than one should expect "up north" for this time of year. It has rained very seldom. We did have some major wind and I apologize for the copy of the Globe and Mail newspaper that flew away and out over a highway in Erie, PA! Our SUV - a 2005 Ford Explorer - has been excellent and with the back seats folded down has worked well for us.

Hubby was chatting to a man the other day who works at the Hampton Inn in Olmstead, Ohio - he's 78, works three days a week and gets all his Hilton brand rooms for employee rate. He told Hubby that he and his wife do about 250 miles maximum per day when he and his wife are driving. So, we need to listen to that advice!

Some of the days seemed really long and some of the days the traffic was really heavy. The Toronto, Cinncinati and Columbus areas were all very busy and there were several times Hubby was not enjoying driving and I was not enjoying the ride. People who know me well know I avoid driving everywhere but leisurely "Sunday" and Shopping type driving.

The hotel rooms - which are not bargain rooms - have not all come up with AAA ratings. Some layouts are cramped, some are not clean, and sometimes we have had to ask for light bulbs and one time some heat. (A very nice man came up and - as engineers say, "jury-rigged" the unit so it would put out some heat.

The finest hotel stay was absolutely the Holiday Inn Express in Markham, Ontario, Canada!

So, the whole thing is - we love our own home!

Of course, we miss "Buddy" the Lhasa and today I found some new toys at a Wal-Mart. Buddy associates Wal-Mart bags with new toys so he will enjoy seeing that when he comes home!

There is an otter or beaver who is living his second life in Kentucky tonight. We just managed to miss him and I definitely saw him walk to the shoulder of the road in my sideview mirror. There and also in Michigan we saw a lot of roadkill including household pets right up to deer and bucks.

The restrooms are pretty much as bad as ever but worse are the service stations who have little signs on their doors indicating they have no facilities. (It is of utmost importance on a driving trip to have plenty of tissue and little packages of wipes in your purse.)

We have bananas and energy bars in the car along with lots of water.

This trip, the coffee has been extraordinary every stop. That will be good news for friend Denise who loves her caffeine!

When we were coming down today and the day seemed to be lagging although the driving was easy, the weather pleasant and the wildflowers beautiful (in Kentucky), I thought I'd see what my readers could tell me that I probably do not know about the states we have been through. If you play a game on Facebook, surely, you'll go along with my state game!

Now, remember, being a naturalized American of about five years, gives me an advantage because I have studied more recently than some of you. And, don't forget, Canadians know a lot about United States.

Here are the states we have been through and what popped up in our minds to associate with them. If you have some others you want us to know, just make a comment!

Texas - Lonestar State; cowboys

Arkansas - Bill Clinton; Clinton Library/Museum

Missouri - Harry Truman; Home of the Throwed Roll; Show Me State

Illinois - Hubby's Birthplace; Land of Lincoln (he was born in Kentucky)

Indiana - David Letterman's birthplace; Indiannapolis Speedway (Car Racing);
where Hubby went to school (Rose-Hulman)

Michigan - Water - lots of it! Michigan borders on four of the five Great Lakes and Lake St.Clair.

New York - I love New York!

Pennsylvannia - First U.S. Capital (Philadelphia)

Ohio - John Glenn

Kentucky - Horses; Kentucky Derby

Tennessee - Al Gore, Music and Elvis. (Graceland is in Memphis - Yes, Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi)

Tonight we are in Tennessee and tomorrow we will be in Arkansas again. Hopefully, the next night, we will be home!

Ah, yes, as a trivia buff, I should tell you that in Ontario, at Cathie's house we were just about in Aurora Ontario and today we drove through Aurora, Kentucky!

Last Leg of the Trip

On The Road Again

Show Me The Way To Go Home . . .

East West, Home's Best

The thrill (of driving) is gone.

Be back as soon as we are at our next computer . . .

Tired At The End Of A Perfect Day

It's evening and we are getting ready to get back into the SUV tomorrow and head toward home with tomorrow's stop being in Carrollton, Kentucky, still a few stops from home.

We spent today with Hubby's sister, Louise, doing what sisters and brothers do. We talked and did ordinary things. Louise looks well and is always wearing perfectly matched outfits. Of course, I was wearing my birthday pin on my navy jacket and looked fine, if tired.

First stop was Burger King, then we went over to a great gift shop in Berea, Ohio where I found two beautiful gifts.

Back at The Renaissance, I visited their gift shop and found a handmade doll for precious Kyla Jayne. (Already found a cup with precious Alexis' name on it at Zellers in Toronto.) So, I have a little something for each of my precious girls!

The Renaissance is a retirement community in Olmstead Twp., near Cleveland. Louise has a self-contained apartment with her kitty, "Missy". She's coming up to three years there and knows lots of people and enjoys not having to do all the things we homeowners are responsible. (No Gutter Guys for her!)

We chatted with several people including Mrs. Geye whose husband just happens to be a distant cousin of our Pastor Paul Geye. She remembered us but we did not see Mr. Geye as he is not doing so well. Our niece, Marty, stopped in and we had a visit with her as well.

After our meal in the immense dining room, we went up to the apartment and organized some more photos for Louise's scrapbooks. I have cropped her move from her home of 44 years, her 65th Reunion, the old days with family and lots of great grandson, Josh!

We left and did not turn back as we walked slowly to the elevators and down to our vehicle. It was a special day and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. And yes, there will be photos to crop!

We are just so tired! It is time to get organized for tomorrow and the drive home.

How People See Texans

My Cape Breton, Nova Scotia brother-in-law, Sen, likes to tell this joke and it says a lot about how others think of Texans:

"So, Texan . . . how big is your spread?"

"Well, I can start driving from my garage and still not reach the back gate of my ranch by sundown."

"Yeah, I know what you mean . . . I had a car like that one time!"

Well, that is sort of funny and I guess a lot of people see Texans as boastful. But all in all, Texans are perceived as friendly and when they see the license, they like to stop you to talk. And Texas is pretty sprawly, especially compared to the City of Toronto.

I think because there are so many songs about Texas, that helps people to know a little bit at least about Texas.

Certainly, I have felt for a long time that the people from Ontario know a lot more about Texas than Texans know about them. I have written before that there are precious few songs about Ontario. And for the most part, Ontario people are fairly conservative and don't talk a lot about all the good things their province has to offer.

One thing that Americans know about Ontario is the great natural resources, the fishing and hunting. Many take special trips and have guides to make it easy for them to have a fine time.

We have encountered a lot of friendly people just because we are from Texas. They like to chat and most of them would like to visit Texas. That speaks well for he Lonestar State! It also makes us proud to be from Texas!

Ordinary Stuff

Still celebrating my birthday tonight! We are near Cleveland, Ohio and we went with Hubby's sister, Louise, to a Chinese restaurant. We went back to her apartment for cake and a beautiful present!

We talked and talked and then made plans for tomorrow for doing ordinary stuff but doing it together. It is always good to be with family and chat about current times . . . and yes, old times! I think a lot of us don't spend enough time doing "ordinary stuff"!

Did I mention how good Louise looks? Well, you'll see when I post a few pictures of this trip.

Ah yes, I brought some finished pages for her scrapbook and she had a couple of photos for me to take back. Of course, I stopped in at the shop at the mall and got a little more paper to crop my reunion!

You better believe we have taken lots of photos!

So tomorrow is another day off the highway . . . and then, it's down to Kentucky from here.

FACEBOOK - Not A Confidential Whisper To Your Minister!

Seems to me that I have written about social networking before, but I feel like making a couple of comments today.

I like Facebook! It is simple to use and helps me to network as well as keep in touch.

It is very handy to go to just one spot and be able to tell everyone that you went to the Tea Room for lunch with the girls, or that you are taking off on a vacation. It's simple to sign in once and touch base with lots of friends and relatives.

Yesterday, it was nifty that so many people wished me "Happy Birthday"!

I have enjoyed following my niece and sister-in-law journey to Singapore and surrounding; a friend go to Mr. Obama's inauguration, a niece travel to California, etc. Now, I am on the road and able to keep up with everyone.

If there is something private or confidential to say to someone, I do that with a private e-mail.

I am surprised . . . no, embarrassed . . . when I see someone make a nasty remark or use foul language on Facebook. They need to remember that everyone who is connected with the person your message is directed to can also read that message. In other words . . . it networks or goes to lots of people!

Unless you don't mind everyone connected as friends to all of your friends reading personal, private messages, don't put them on Facebook! Even if it doesn't bother you, consider your friend or relative and how it might embarrass them.

Facebook is definitely not a confidential talk with your clergyman!

Off to Rock and Roll . . . Cleveland Rocks, Of Course!

Looks like a dubious weather day but we are about to take off down to the road to Cleveland, Ohio to visit Hubby's sister, Louise.

Had a comment about how many salads I have been eating and feel so guilty to tell you that I went astray last night. I made a bad choice which was a chicken pot pie. We were at Bob Evans which was very close to the hotel. I must tell you that now Bob Evans does have some very healthy choices and I have had some super salads there this trip. After all this time of eating healthy, it did not really taste good and was a disappointment! Good go know that I truly enjoy healthy foods now.

So, we are off to where it rocks! (The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, home of Drew Carey.) Thanks for following our trip!

Rolls Around Once A Year . . .

Today is my birthday and we just arrived in Erie, Pennsylvania. Checked in at the Hampton Inn who just happen to have a nice reception going. So, we have snacks with blog tonight. Plan to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner. That will be chicken salad plate for me and chicken dumplings for Hubby!

We really indulged at lunch . . . again. We went off the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Highway) and drove to 13 Mountain Street in Grimsby, Ontario. All you gals back home who are tea room fans would love this place! The service was quick (as we said we were on the road) and food was presented just like my friend Bonnie likes to see it presented.

Hubby had a salad and I had asparagus with almonds and light dressing. There was bread and various dipping for it on the side. Everything was delicious! So, a May 13th birthday at 13 Mountain Street!

Hope you are following along as we head tomorrow for sister, Louise's and some Chinese food tomorrow night. We will be in the Cleveland (Ohio) area for two nights and then back on the road again to home.

To say we are pretty tired would be a major understatement.

Thanks for the texts, e-mails and Facebook messages for my birthday!

www.crackerbarrel.com
www.13mountainst.com

Busy, Busy Day In Port Hope And Peterborough

Wow! What a day we've had! First, Judy came by the hotel in Port Hope and drove Hubby and me up to Peterborough where everything is in bloom! Got some glorious Canadian scrapbooking papers, and some embellishments at the scrapbook store in the Mall.

Ted, the owner, spoke up and asked us "Is that the lady who was meeting you here?"

Well, yes, indeed, Shirley had already come to the store and there were hugs all around!

The four of us had a sumptuous lunch in town, then Shirley gave us the grand tour of Peterborough.

Back at the Mall found a few more things including a couple of cute things for precious Ava.

We came back down by the lake and everything was very pristine: such a beautiful drive.

Back at the hotel, the message light was flashing and arrangements were made to meet "old" friend, Sheri. Can you believe it was back to Swiss Chalet? Of course you can! Had a fine visit with Sheri who is looking pretty good for having just celebrated her 50th - birthday, that is!

Since the Blue Jays were playing, we hopped over to Bruce's in my old subdivision to watch the rest of the game! Old house looks good as ever - maybe better - with a pool and a higher fence. What a great place that was to live!

Back at the hotel, we know we have to do a little re-arranging to get everything into the car tomorrow morning.

We have a couple more things to check out and we will be on the road again - headed for Erie, Pennsylvania. Hope they have a finest fast food restaurant there because tomorrow just happens to be my birthday!

From Erie, it's down to the Cleveland, Ohio area to see sister Louise at the Renaissance!

William in Port Hope!

We had a fine time last evening with our young friends, William (age 6-1/2) and his sister, Charlotte (age 3-1/2).

Both children have grown tall and each has a personality totally different from the other. Charlotte is the "tap dancer" with lots of questions, mischief in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

Her brother is much more serious and likes to learn. He sat with me and read through scrapbooks, sounding out polysyllabic words with relative ease. (Yes, I am still "Martha from Texas".) He reads lots of books but last night he had a bowling banquet to attend while we dined at Swiss Chalet.

Will came back with two badges (to have sewn on his jacket) and a trophy! (For you in Lufkin: We have a Joe Flood protege here!)

We had a wonderful evening with our friends: Will & Charlotte's parents - Christine & Les and grandparents, Judy & Don and of course, their retriever, Caleb.

Today, we are off to Peterborough to see friend Shirley for lunch and check out the scrapbook store at their mall. (Peterborough is Kawartha Country - resort area) and Hubby has not really seen that yet. Judy is drivng us up so Hubby has a day off the driving.

Dinner with "old friend" Sheri is in the works and I imagine Hubby will be watching Don Cherry - Canada's flashiest dresser - doing some commentary between hockey periods. (Yes, Don was the Boston Manager many years ago. Now he is a Canadian icon and has a string of sports bar restaurants as well as his TV duties.)

Tomorrow we head for Erie, Pennsylvania and on down to sister Louise's home at the Renaissance (New Birth) in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Arrived in Port Hope!

Well, here we are in Port Hope and our room is just perfect, like it always is. Have stayed at this hotel for about 12 years and it is like a second home!

At the travel stop, we encountered two friendly Maritimers. One asked me if I belonged to the "Texas Truck" out there?

The other pointed out to us that we were at the full service pump. (You may have heard about full service gas pumps . . . where someone else pumps your gas! Old fashioned or what?)

We bought my birthday gift which is a digital camera - Yeah! Can you believe it? Now, I just have to learn how to use it!

Had the rest of our food that we bought from the deli and tonight . . . Yes tonight! - it will be Swiss Chalet . . . Okay?

Two or three more things I have not mentioned because we are used to it, but perhaps my Texan friends are not!

Canada is a metric country - for the miles, the food, for weights and measures, period!

Canada is bilingual and many signs are in both French and English.

Metropolitan Toronto Area (or GTA - Greater Toronto Area) is not only multicultural, and very diverse, it is jam-packed, even up to the north where we were staying. In case you forgot, the figure was 5.5 million population.

Ah, yes, you knew the gal would sell me the camera . . . she said I did not seem old enough to have been at my 50th High School Reunion!

Jam-packed with really nice people and fast driving! You gotta love it!

Leaving Toronto - Off To Port Hope

We've just finished our last breakfast at Holiday Inn Express - a 10-storey new hotel in Markham, just north of Toronto. Time to load the SUV again and head east to Port Hope, on the north side of Lake Ontario, about two hours drive if we take it easy. We have more time than sense today, so we'll stop a couple of places on the way. 

When we have computer availability, we will continue to post as many days as possible and hope we are giving you a little taste of it all.

I have lots of thoughts about my hometown - Hog Town, Muddy York, Meeting Place, City of Churches, as it used to be known. All that is long ago and not even known by the immigrants who have flocked here from truly all around the world!

Toronto is HUGE! People of every nationality live here and it is truly a non-stop city. Can't say I would want to live here now without a driver and a staff and well, a really big house on a really big lot with lots of cash to maintain it!

No disputing that Toronto is busy and expensive! Here in Markham - actually a little north of the GTA boundary, people have been more friendly than I expected and the hotel is so new with every amenity, fresh lines and a very friendly staff. 

Well, here we go . . . off to where life is a little slower and the driving a little less reckless. We still have friends in Port Hope who helped me so much when I really needed a helping hand. These are wonderful people with special values and kind ways.

The majority of the gals at my 50th Reunion still live in this area. A couple of them live out in Western Canada and one other came up from United States - San Francisco, actually. 

From Port Hope, we will backtrack a little to enter United States in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area and start driving toward Hubby's sister's in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Before that, we will celebrate my birthday in Erie, PA. (We have often been on the road on my birthday!) 

We'll send two days visiting Louise at The Renaissance and then head back - more slowly than we came up - back to Texas and home.

Down Time On Sunday - Happy Mother's Day!

Today in Toronto was a day to pull it all together before we head over to Port Hope and up to Peterborough.

We tidied the car, switching contents of suitcases and gathering our things for Port Hope. Tomorrow night, we will have dinner with Judy and family at Swiss Chalet and NO! we have not yet eaten Swiss Chalet!

We bought our dinner from a Kosher Deli to eat at the hotel and it was terrific: chopped liver, potato salad and cole slaw!

Went to Zellers (div. of Hudson's Bay - like K-Mart) to try to find some souvenirs and granddaughter goodies. You have to put a loonie (one dollar coin) in to get a cart and you will get it back when you return the cart. It is a system like you find at an airport.

When Canada introduced the dollar coin and it had a picture of a loon (bird) on one side, Canadians took to calling it a "Loonie". When the two dollar coin was introduced, it was called a "Toonie". No paper one or two dollar bills are in circulation in Canada and the paper money is very colorful - each denomination (five and up) is a different color!

Visited our old friend, Mel and will do another blog of Mel when we have pictures.

So tomorrow, we will knock on the door and when it is opened, young William will say:

"Oh, look: It's Martha from Texas!

Good To Get A Story Straight!

Just back in from the evening dinner party our 50th Reunion Class had at Val's house in North Toronto tonight.

I went in and sat down beside "old" friend, Andrea when Nancy . . . yes, Nancy . . . came over to tell us and some others a story about taking a check from me this afternoon.

"I just have to tell you, girls, it was so crazy . . . Martha handed me a check and she said I could just fill in it. So I said to her . . . 'how much shall I make it for?' "

The others laughed and Nancy said something about everyone assuming Texans are wealthy and would just give you a "blank" check.

Then she looked toward me.

"Nancy! That is so F-U-N-N-Y! I had to listen to your whole story and make sure you really did see the humor in it. You see, I already blogged that story this afternoon!"

There will be some pictures and all of us had a wonderful time. We ate what schoolgirls eat: Pizza, salad and cake! Delicious! It was great to see everyone and I got to speak to just about everyone and really enjoyed myself.

If you are still wondering . . . yes . . . it was a girls' school and hubby did not get to attend, just to chauffeur. He has been such a good sport and wanted to make sure I attended everything!

Tomorrow, we will have a more relaxed schedule and visit our old friend, Mel.

Forgot to mention Toronto traffic which Hubby is handling every well and, yes, we now have a magnetic Canadian emblem on the back of the SUV. Hope you are enjoying the trip!

Image Of A Texan?

I'm just back in from the St. Clement's Reunion - Class of '59 - 50th Reunion Luncheon at the Donalda Club in Toronto. Some of us are also getting together for dinner, so I'm going to have a little nap first!

I had two checks (Canadian: cheques) made out - one for dinner and one for a donation. I had left the donation one blank so the payee could be filled in. As I handed the one check to our rep - a gal who always had a great sense of humor, I said,

"Nancy, I left this one open, so you can fill it in."

"Oh, how much shall I make it for?"

"No, no, the amount is filled in, just add the payee . . . " and we both laughed. (One assumes all Texans are rich, right?)

We had a wonderful time with a super turnout, a pleasant lunch, a rose and a pin . . . and lots of photos to scrapbook.

All in all, I am very glad Hubby pushed for us to come 1600 miles to celebrate my 50th. All the "girls" look well and they still have those same mischievous smiles I fondly recall!

First Ever Blogging Party in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada!

Well, you know we are in Toronto . . . well, a little north of . . . well, here we are in Cathie & Shahab's living room and low tech me. . . well, I am blogging this evening's message to you.

So, what is so special? Well, Shahab just happens to be an "IT person" and he just happens to have made the mistake of showing me this set-up! (I am trying to negotiate a little system for our living room at home . . . )

As everyone is sitting round in the living area, I am sitting on a sofa, typing (as we used to say) and the print is coming up on Shahab's 42" big screen TV on the wall!

Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller wanted me to bring you all on the road with us, so you are in the living room with us. We just finished dinner - bbq and salads and about four desserts.

Cathie used her new quilted placemats that Sandy made for her. Yes, we took pictures . . . and D'Arcy is just laughing away watching all this . . . and of course, Hubby is spellchecking. So, we are having the first blogging party ever held in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

On a more serious note, you know I said this was my first trip back to a Toronto without my precious friend, Belinda. Well, we are doing just fine because "B" left a daughter every bit as witty and hospitable as herself and we are feeling so very at home. The placemats were made by Sandy because she knew how tough it was going to be coming back up.

So, let's see, we got an upgrade at the hotel, met cousins for dinner last night, had lunch with Elaine and now we have created the concept of a blogging party right here and now!

A Place To Stand, A Place To Grow . . . Ontario . . . ario. . . . ario

Now, to tell you about the sights and sounds, and of course, the people of Toronto!

We have eaten at least twice at Tim Horton's where the restrooms are clean, the food delicious and the patrons friendly!

Coming in off 401 Highway - where Toronto's true madness dwells, we cut down Weston Avenue and actually our first stop was St.Phillips Cemetery where my parents and grandparents, and my daughter, Carrie Jane, are buried. (Robbie was younger and unfortunately was buried in a different place.) (For you who have not yet read my book and do not know me personally, my natural children died in infancy - one at 3 weeks and one at 6 months.)

The grave site is a few short steps from the sidewalk and the cemetery is part of a church site. There was one little place for us to park. The smile for me about this sad topic is that my Dad - a very outgoing and funny guy - said he wanted to be buried where people go by every day! Well, 47 years later, he must be looking down at that site and smiling wider than usual. The family name is very visible and surrounded by houses, high rise, a golf course and busy traffic!

Next - just around the corner - was a stop at Tim Horton's and then we were on our way - through the city to our hotel.

In Ontario, where we have been has looked pretty prosperous with housing and factory building and lots of activity.

Last night, cousin Don picked us up and drove us to a seafood restaurant. Yes, we did take pictures and yes, it was lots of chatting and glorious eating. We celebrated Rachel's birthday and her mother, Joanne & I chatted as usual. (Yes, I know - gotta explain that in Toronto, families generally arrive in two cars . . .

Don came up to the room after and we talked a lot about his Mother, Ruth, who died last year, and various old times.

Today, we are off to the Pickle Barrel for corned beef with cousin Elaine and this evening we will be Belinda's family barbecuing. Cannot tell you about the special gift for Cathie till after.

Tomorrow will be my 50th High School Reunion Luncheon and tomorrow evening we will meet at one of the gal's homes in North Toronto for dinner. (Yes . . . you got it . . . a girls school and Keith will be watching sports and reading books . . . )

Hope those from East Texas are getting a taste of Toronto and hope all my Canadian family and friends are being reminded of all the great things about the province where I was born and grew up.

"A Place To Stand, A Place To Grow . . . Ontario . . . ario . . . . ario!"

(I think this was the Centennial song Bobby Gimby wrote for Ontario in 1967.)

Talking About Toronto - Yup, My Hometown!

Toronto is a city without any songs! I presume it is because the word "Toronto" is hard to rhyme, but it is a place that lends itself to lots of interesting themes. As soon as you arrive, you are reminded that truly all entertainment, all commerce and every type of person is right here!

We are in Toronto, having arrived yesterday and the first thing two things we commented on were the population diversity - every nationality is here - and the "green" attitude I mentioned last blog. I like East Texas and its laid back lifestyle, but I do miss the multicultural mix of T.O.

Our hotel - very uptown, rather than downtown is convenient to the people and places we are visiting. It is a Holiday Inn Express but not like you remember. It is about one year old and is as modern as you cannot even imagine! It is ten storeys.

The staff are extremely obliging - we were given an upgrade to a luxurious suite - and there is every amenity and pleasant touch to make our stay pleasant. (We will not mention how ornery the computers are, but I suspect it is because I am not used to the Vista system.)

The traffic is more hustle than I like but the locals have their own style - rather aggressive - of getting to where they want to go!

So, it boils down to - if you had a considerable sum of money and a luxurious car and driver, you might want to live here. The number one reason people do live in Toronto is that their job is here. Yes, this is where the jobs are!

Wishing Barack Had Been Along For the Ride!

Back at a computer and will try to catch you up on our trip.



On rest of the drive into Canada, we experienced excellent weather but saw many indications of the poor economy, particularly in Missouri and Michigan.



The highways in Michigan, particularly south of Flint, need crews (perhaps with some stimulus money?) to clear the roadways and shoulders of roadkill, debris, and garbage. Would like to have had Mr. Obama in the car for about 10 miles so he could have seen for himself.



All the way up, traffic was lighter than we have been used to over the past few years.



The rest areas - with a few exceptions - were the reason you need to have lots of wipes and perhaps a bottle of germ kill in your purse or pocket.



Some hotels were scrimping - less towels, not all toiletries, broken fridges. In other words, they are making do with less staff and less amenities.



A London, Ontario hotel "won" worst hotel with a crammed layout, minimum towels, and the worst - a toilet that was leaking and totally wet . . . Oh, wow! But not to worry, our total for that one was just over the $100 mark!



(Yes, yes, I am making light of it, but we are only using three chains and anyone needing to know that particular location, just let me know! The selected chains are Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn-Hilton and Comfort Inn.)



People always spend money when they are travelling and so perhaps Tourism is an area that needs a little encouragement right now!

Back Home Again . . . In Indiana!

What a fine start to the day for me . . . I slept for about 2 hours so today's drive seemed a little shorter to me! How many hubbies can say their wives will sleep and let them drive?

Lunch was at Steak & Shake where everything is delicious and really only about three items used to be "Richard approved".

Things have changed slightly and I had a salad that fit within Foodmover requirements. Keith did not pig out too badly! We have beautiful weather - sunny, breezy and about 70 degrees F.

One highlight was at a rest stop with a man backing out of a parking space, "fixin to" hit us. I screamed as I have not since the Midway rides at the CNE in Toronto. Hubby hit the brake and the Explorer stalled out. The man had his window down, did hear me and stopped. So, now, you hubbies all know where your back-up horn is!

If you have ever travelled 1600 miles by car, you know that a trip is defined by gas, restroom and meal breaks!

Tomorrow, it will be up early again and we will likely enter Canada at Port Huron (Michigan) to Sarnia, Ontario.

Swiss Chalet and Tim Horton: here we come!

Sikeston, Missouri - Home of the Throwed Roll

Today we had straight road and clear weather, but a lot of miles to cover.

Is it my imagination, or are drivers of Chrysler products attempting to be be in involved in accidents . . . ?

There is not enough time to explain a restaurant called Home of The Throwed Roll, but I will some time and may have before.

Since we are in nice and early, we will spend some time at the outlet mall here.

I Still Believe In A Place Called Hope - Arkansas! On The Road To Toronto!

"The best laid plans of men and man . . . "

Our SUV really did look like yesterday's picture. Last night . . . we were pretty much packed and had loaded suitcases, etc. into it. That sure was lucky!

We were awakened this morning to severe weather . . . probably a twister. Our power was off for about three hours, so our day that was busy to begin with, became a little more difficult!

When we left the house to go to Angelina College, so Keith could warm up with the Band, we saw limbs and entire trees down.

Instead of coming back to the house, I went to Target and picked up a few goodies before heading back for the actual Lufkin Community Band Concert.

This concert was dedicated to the late Dr. Jack Hudgins, the founding President of the College. I was priviledged to sit with the wife of the band leader, Meredith Smith, Mrs. Dolly Hudgins and her son.

Sonya Morgan took Keith's music to put in order to turn in. Band Leader, David Smith stopped to ask me to thank Keith for staying for the concert. That was a real nice touch! Next, we drove across to Angel of Joy to place Hubby's 75-year-old clarinet in the Pastor's office before taking off.

We picked up Burger King fish sandwiches and we were off, singing with Alan Jackson's Precious Moments CD, deciding if we could do just one more as a duet. We decided we probably could do I Love To Tell The Story!

We arrived in Hope, Arkansas at about 9:00 p.m. and we are just settling in to have sandwiches we bought along the way.

(Hope is the birthplace of President Bill Clinton. His Library is up the road in Little Rock.)

All we are missing is the sign on the back that says: Toronto Or Bust!

Packed and Ready!

Lufkin, Texas Graduate Will Be Toronto's Starting Pitcher In Today's Game vs Baltimore in Toronto

This afternoon, a 2002 Lufkin High School graduate who also pitched for the Texas A & M Aggies, will be the starting pitcher as the Toronto Blue Jays play Baltimore Orioles in Rogers Stadium (Skydome) in Toronto! His name is Robert Ray.

Lufkin has a history of producing fine athletes and I'm glad this one will be playing for Toronto! I have been hoping that our friend's son might one time also play for the Jays. He is currently finishing college and we have high hopes for his success also!

Trust all the Toronto fans will be watching!

My "Graduation" From Physical Therapy

Yesterday morning, I “graduated” from my Physical Therapy (Canadians: Physio Therapy) and I wanted to tell you a little about my experience at Wilson McKeown Rehab Center which is part of Memorial Hospital of East Texas.

This is not intended to be technical in any way, so do not comment, correcting me on terms. This is a story about people helping people to be able to do more things unassisted and with less pain.

Before talking about my experience, I want to let you know that centers like this one - all over the country - help people of all ages, including children, to improve their mobility. Some are born with problems, some have strokes or injuries. Many military veterans must undergo really long stretches of rehabilitation to regain their mobility and re-enter civilian life.

I began my “workouts” back in January. I had had severe back/spinal cord problems and a lot of pain since Hurricane Ike in October. (A lot of events in Texas are attached to hurricanes.) It was originally thought that the change in atmospheric pressure had caused my terrific back pain. Intense investigation and an MRI proved that it was more serious. Surgery was not really an option, or at least no one wanted to try it. That was fine with me, because neurosurgery is very serious stuff!

At first my therapist was a gal named Perlito and she was really kind and helpful. Then, she was working at the hospital so Leo stepped in.

I don’t like to admit that I am unhealthy, so for my purposes these wonderful people are personal trainers, not just Physical Therapists. Actually, they came to be my friends!

My legs are stronger now and I am not quite so nervous to walk without a cane or other assistance.

In addition to machines and stepping (up, down and sideways; on flat ground and on a trampoline), I have done exercises at home, stepping at home. Leo has worked me outdoors on grass, concrete, ramps, curbs, and asphalt. Yesterday, he showed me how I should get in and out of the SUV, using the running board. Leo made a point of learning about me and what my personal needs are. Then, he taught me ways to do things with the least amount of pain.

All of the Therapists were very friendly, smiling and calling me by name. One day, one came over to me and asked if it was okay to be my friend on Facebook! Wow!

So, at first three days a week and latterly two days a week, Hubby and I got up earlier than we do on church days, had part of our breakfast and drove over to Wilson McKeown for 9:00 a.m. Hubby would read his business magazines and for one hour I would push my body as best I could.

Well, yesterday – my last day – was a hugging and tearful event as the Therapists saw me off for our 1600 mile drive to Toronto.

Leo has given me all sorts of tips and an important thing is for me to get out of the car about every hour and walk around for a while.

My friend, Daisy has lent me a special seat that plugs into the car lighter. It has heat and vibrates. Every day, I will be doing my back exercises on the floor as Hubby supervises. I also have a DVD player to do my Richard Simmons exercises. I will have my step with me and my stretch cords – both from Richard and from the center.

I hope whenever you have a health problem, you are able to find as much support and help as I have. My back is not ever going to be “better”, but now I have less pain and am able to do more things than I would have otherwise.

I am down about 16 pounds which is close to the 20 my General Practitioner (who just happens to be Canadian) wanted me to lose.

And, I made some more friends. We all need lots of friends in this world and I am blessed for that!