Volunteers in service
I was mentioned in this article when the Volunteers came to our house and washed our mobile home. They were so sweet. It looks so much better and it enabled me to see what kind of work needs done before we paint it.
Laurie and I are working hard to improve everything around here with what we know about repairs and such.
Hope your home is in repair and that you are cozy and happy where you dwell.......Namaste'
We are both Artists, Writers, and Photographers enjoying the life of the road in our motorhome and dog Pickles. Come join our adventures and fun.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Moving forward in time
Last night I had a gig in town as a Face-Painter and Balloon Artist. The two hours went fast, and it all went well. They had a wonderful large band there playing Hispanic music. I loved it. The food smelled wonderful and they had it catered. The time went fast and the little girl turned 1 really had a festival. Of course, she'll never remember, but they have plenty of video's.
I was hesitant to do the gig, because I wasn't sure I wanted to continue clowning. This is the first time in my life I've actually thought about not doing anymore gigs. But yesterday was nice and I will wait to make that kind of decision. I guess I'm a little burned out. I'm not in good physical health right now, and they kids have changed so much since the beginning of my career. Electronics have taken the place of interaction, and kids now haven't grown up with any kind of clown characters. Bozo is no more, Ronald Mc Donald is a bad guy because he pushes fatty food, and so on. It's discouraging. But I do manage to at least make a connection with one kid if nothing else. I was usually that one kid, and that is what keeps me doing what I do. Plus, I know kids now days don't get the attention they did when I was small. Life now is full of hurry, fast, electronics, noise, confusion, pollutions, and they are bombarded with ads that aren't healthy......just sometimes wish everyone could turn off and tune out. I think they had it right in the 60's.
The money of course is well received when I do a gig. Now that I have SS this helps. If I had to live just on the money I get I would live a very frugal life. Not that we both don't live that way now. But this helps us be able to go places when we want.
I'm hoping to get the oil changed on the RV and some other work done this week perhaps. Got to get it ready for the big camp out in June. This will be Laurie's first one with the Camping Women. I can't wait to show her off. She I know will have a great time. I bought some steps for Pickles to use in the RV. From the couch to the loft Pickles pretends she can't jump up there, when in fact, she can easily. But she prefers to pretend she can't and wine a little to get your attention to help boost her up. Now, I have her game changer...ha ha.
In Lake Havasu, I had the green paint I painted the bathroom in the RV. Now, I can give it another coat. I also found the white roof paint that keeps it from leeking. So many things we can use. When you haven't seen things for approx. a year and you get them back, it's like all new stuff. Kinda fun.
We watched Laurie's home movies to see if they had been effected by the heat. Laurie lost all her records. I felt so bad for her. They were all the records from her childhood, but the heat had warped them. I told her I could make jewelry out of them. I learned how about 20 years ago when people didn't know what to do with all the records they weren't going to listen too anymore. So, we'll see what we can do.
Our garden is doing pretty good. Pictures coming soon. In California you can have a garden year around. I love California! I've lived all over the United States, but there isn't anything like Ca. Now that we have Arnold out as Governor, maybe we can recover all the damage he did. What an idiot!
I do have to say that The Great Northwest is fabulous too. I'm just a little too old for the cold and snow now. And Laurie can't take the cold at all, so we want to keep her healthy and away from humidity of any kind.
I was reading books that DJ a friend from Lake Havasu who lent me books on Fibromyalga. I've haven't researched it, and thought if I read up on the subject maybe I can help alleviate the pain and find a better diet that would work toward healing.
I'm also going to read more about MS. Just when I think I know something about it, I learn something different. I need to understand what Laurie goes through because she never complains and I know when she's having a bad day just by the look on her face. It happens when you are in tune with someone else.
I've always been fascinated about being in tune with someone. I had a client that couldn't speak, write, or communicate, but yet after caring for her a short time, I could feel when she needed to go to the restroom, or was hungry or thirsty. After 9 months with her, I was so in tune with her, just a movement would tell me volumes. I loved it. We were very close and I miss her very much and pray for her daily. She to this day is an inspiration to me to do my best with all the gifts I have. Some people have limited gifts and ability to express themselves. We are so blessed.
With that I'll end this piece. I need to get going and try to find places for all the new stuff we brought home. Fun.
I wish for you, a lovely day, unhurried, and full of miracles!
Namaste'
I was hesitant to do the gig, because I wasn't sure I wanted to continue clowning. This is the first time in my life I've actually thought about not doing anymore gigs. But yesterday was nice and I will wait to make that kind of decision. I guess I'm a little burned out. I'm not in good physical health right now, and they kids have changed so much since the beginning of my career. Electronics have taken the place of interaction, and kids now haven't grown up with any kind of clown characters. Bozo is no more, Ronald Mc Donald is a bad guy because he pushes fatty food, and so on. It's discouraging. But I do manage to at least make a connection with one kid if nothing else. I was usually that one kid, and that is what keeps me doing what I do. Plus, I know kids now days don't get the attention they did when I was small. Life now is full of hurry, fast, electronics, noise, confusion, pollutions, and they are bombarded with ads that aren't healthy......just sometimes wish everyone could turn off and tune out. I think they had it right in the 60's.
The money of course is well received when I do a gig. Now that I have SS this helps. If I had to live just on the money I get I would live a very frugal life. Not that we both don't live that way now. But this helps us be able to go places when we want.
I'm hoping to get the oil changed on the RV and some other work done this week perhaps. Got to get it ready for the big camp out in June. This will be Laurie's first one with the Camping Women. I can't wait to show her off. She I know will have a great time. I bought some steps for Pickles to use in the RV. From the couch to the loft Pickles pretends she can't jump up there, when in fact, she can easily. But she prefers to pretend she can't and wine a little to get your attention to help boost her up. Now, I have her game changer...ha ha.
In Lake Havasu, I had the green paint I painted the bathroom in the RV. Now, I can give it another coat. I also found the white roof paint that keeps it from leeking. So many things we can use. When you haven't seen things for approx. a year and you get them back, it's like all new stuff. Kinda fun.
Our garden is doing pretty good. Pictures coming soon. In California you can have a garden year around. I love California! I've lived all over the United States, but there isn't anything like Ca. Now that we have Arnold out as Governor, maybe we can recover all the damage he did. What an idiot!
I do have to say that The Great Northwest is fabulous too. I'm just a little too old for the cold and snow now. And Laurie can't take the cold at all, so we want to keep her healthy and away from humidity of any kind.
I'm also going to read more about MS. Just when I think I know something about it, I learn something different. I need to understand what Laurie goes through because she never complains and I know when she's having a bad day just by the look on her face. It happens when you are in tune with someone else.
I've always been fascinated about being in tune with someone. I had a client that couldn't speak, write, or communicate, but yet after caring for her a short time, I could feel when she needed to go to the restroom, or was hungry or thirsty. After 9 months with her, I was so in tune with her, just a movement would tell me volumes. I loved it. We were very close and I miss her very much and pray for her daily. She to this day is an inspiration to me to do my best with all the gifts I have. Some people have limited gifts and ability to express themselves. We are so blessed.
I wish for you, a lovely day, unhurried, and full of miracles!
Namaste'
Sunday, April 14, 2013
We are now homeowners!
Yesterday we became homeowners! Laurie went and gave Jim and wife the final payment on the trailer, and now it belongs to us. We celebrated by having a BBQ with our neighbor Leon. We had a blast!
There was a church group that came by and did some work for the people of the trailer park. How fitting it was to have our trailer washed and windows clean and bright on the day we own it. What a blessed day yesterday was I must say.
We put the radio outside, bbq in our patio, and enjoyed the garden we planted, and life is really good.
The weather has been beautiful lately as well.
WE went to Lemoore the other day and went to the Tachi Palace. But we weren't lucky in the fact we didn't win anything, but we sure had a blast. We rented a car and it was so fun to drive. We are checking around to see what kind of car we are thinking of buying. So we are trying different ones when we rent a car. Nice. We had such a good time trying to find our way around. I have a Tom Tom but misplaced it so we are winging it.
Back to the trailer. We are wanting to paint now. We have about 5 buckets of 5 gallon paints someone gave us but we don't know what color they are, or even if they are any good. I talked to a man in Hayward Hardware and he said he'd shake them for me for free and we will see what we have then. But the trailer park gives you $200 to paint your place. Nice! So, if this paint doesn't work out, we have another option. I love this trailer park. They have left us alone to express our art outside and we are younger than many in here, everyone is very friendly so it's all good.
When we went and got our things out of storage, we also got our juicer, and I've been going nuts juicing. I have juiced an entire 25 bag of carrots! It's been fun though. Leon helped peel apples and I mixed in some apples as I bought a bushel. The juice is delicious and I'm trying to detox my body from all the toxins we accumulate in our daily life. Plus, it's good for you. I'm trying to get healthier in order to be able to do more things in life. I've found myself on the sideline too many times due to lack of energy. I'm hoping this will help not only me but keep Laurie healthy and out of a wheelchair. She is doing great so far and I want to keep it that way. I'm so proud of her for taking such good care of herself. I don't have to push her, nor nag in anyway. she knows what to do and what to eat and does it. I'm not used to that kind of behavior, it is beyond nice.
I'm so grateful to have someone like Laurie is my life and she feels the same way about me even after two years....I'm blessed.
Have you ever had the feeling that everything is finally RIGHT in your life? I have that feeling, and it's wonderful. The things that bothered me when I was younger, no longer do. The regrets are a wasted emotion, so I've pretty much let everything go with that. You need to forgive yourself, of which I now have, and move forward.
Unfortunately some people have left my life that I will miss in many ways, but you can't allow people to treat you badly just because you've known them a long time. When looking back, there were flags I choose to ignore. But life goes on, lessons learned, and you do the best you can.
I have a gig today of which I'm been preparing. Face painting and balloons for a child's party.
Blessing to you and yours, my wish for you is that you will forgive yourself for any failings.
You are loved and cared for, so never give up hope.
There was a church group that came by and did some work for the people of the trailer park. How fitting it was to have our trailer washed and windows clean and bright on the day we own it. What a blessed day yesterday was I must say.
We put the radio outside, bbq in our patio, and enjoyed the garden we planted, and life is really good.
The weather has been beautiful lately as well.
WE went to Lemoore the other day and went to the Tachi Palace. But we weren't lucky in the fact we didn't win anything, but we sure had a blast. We rented a car and it was so fun to drive. We are checking around to see what kind of car we are thinking of buying. So we are trying different ones when we rent a car. Nice. We had such a good time trying to find our way around. I have a Tom Tom but misplaced it so we are winging it.
Back to the trailer. We are wanting to paint now. We have about 5 buckets of 5 gallon paints someone gave us but we don't know what color they are, or even if they are any good. I talked to a man in Hayward Hardware and he said he'd shake them for me for free and we will see what we have then. But the trailer park gives you $200 to paint your place. Nice! So, if this paint doesn't work out, we have another option. I love this trailer park. They have left us alone to express our art outside and we are younger than many in here, everyone is very friendly so it's all good.
When we went and got our things out of storage, we also got our juicer, and I've been going nuts juicing. I have juiced an entire 25 bag of carrots! It's been fun though. Leon helped peel apples and I mixed in some apples as I bought a bushel. The juice is delicious and I'm trying to detox my body from all the toxins we accumulate in our daily life. Plus, it's good for you. I'm trying to get healthier in order to be able to do more things in life. I've found myself on the sideline too many times due to lack of energy. I'm hoping this will help not only me but keep Laurie healthy and out of a wheelchair. She is doing great so far and I want to keep it that way. I'm so proud of her for taking such good care of herself. I don't have to push her, nor nag in anyway. she knows what to do and what to eat and does it. I'm not used to that kind of behavior, it is beyond nice.
I'm so grateful to have someone like Laurie is my life and she feels the same way about me even after two years....I'm blessed.
Have you ever had the feeling that everything is finally RIGHT in your life? I have that feeling, and it's wonderful. The things that bothered me when I was younger, no longer do. The regrets are a wasted emotion, so I've pretty much let everything go with that. You need to forgive yourself, of which I now have, and move forward.
Unfortunately some people have left my life that I will miss in many ways, but you can't allow people to treat you badly just because you've known them a long time. When looking back, there were flags I choose to ignore. But life goes on, lessons learned, and you do the best you can.
I have a gig today of which I'm been preparing. Face painting and balloons for a child's party.
Blessing to you and yours, my wish for you is that you will forgive yourself for any failings.
You are loved and cared for, so never give up hope.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Our Trip to Lake Havasu
We got to the storage and assessed the situation and figured our quickly we were not going to be able to take everything with us in the vehicle we rented. So we went through everything box by box and got rid of so much we could do without. Still we didn't have enough room, so we decided to rent a smaller unit to hold what we couldn't get into the Nisson. That at least cut our storage fee's in half. We are happy with how it went.
The weather was getting pretty hot in the 90's, so we weren't able to go fast and tried to get there as early as we could. But by the time we got up, dressed, have breakfast, it started to get warm. But we got it done and I'm so proud of ourselves.
I was delighted on how smooth the Nisson drove. This is the newest car I've driven in a very long time. It would be great to be able to buy something newer like that to drive daily. It got good gas mileage as well.
Laurie and I hooked up with a friend DJ and family at The Bear Cafe'. Good food and good people. I didn't get picture like I thought of them, but it was nice to see them and get caught up with how they are doing. They also struggle with many of the same things Laurie and I struggle with. Low income, disability, and so many other issues that come with getting older.
It's nice to talk to someone else having the same issues you are and see how they cope, and what they are doing. We did find out that Laurie could have her Labadoodle when it's time due to the disability act. As they don't allow dogs over 25 pounds here at the Mobile home park. But because Laurie may need a service dog someday soon, it will be possible. Neat!
We also got to hook up with our friends Judy and Bruce. They were staying at the River Lodge on the River. So we stayed one night with them before we drove home. It was so nice being back there again. We did some rock hounding and walked around a little. We got to see the donkeys and enjoy their freedom. I love it out there. Even tho' it's the desert and I'm not a huge fan, I'm learning to enjoy it as an adult.
I grew up in the desert and it was so hot and dry. I love green and lush, but Laurie isn't able to thrive under most conditions that lush involves. We are still looking for that special place. It's fun exploring different area's. I'm hoping that we can visit Judy and Bruce in Oregon this summer. They are getting ready to go back at the end of the month to The Dallas. I've always loved Oregon since the first time I layed eyed on it.
We are thinking of having a summer home and a winter home, or just getting a really nice motorhome and travel to each place as the weather changes. What a dream come true we are living. Laurie and I have been through some rough times in our two years together, so this is nice to have some good things happen.
We are going to unload the van today and get it ready to give back tomorrow. I really don't want to give it back, but it's a must. Just lets us know what's out there when we start planning our next car. We are starting to really think seriously about getting another car now that the Toyota is starting to show it's age.
The wind has died down thank goodness. This morning it was whipping so hard I was afraid every ones wind chimes where going to go flying down the road.
Ody Very happy to see us!
It was really nice to sleep in my own bed last night. I was really tired after driving 9 ours. We stopped an ate of course. But we were so packed all we could do is drive and hope we got home safe. We just sang along to the radio and Pickles slept on Laurie's lap and life is good.
Laurie is getting much needed sleep. I know it's been hard on her having to get up early. I have to admit it has been nice to get up and have coffee and breakfast like we did when we stayed with Bruce and Judy. I miss someone to get up with and have breakfast. I try to wait on breakfast until Laurie gets up but it's just not always possible, so I'm learning to get up and have coffee and breakfast alone, and then begin my day and when Laurie gets up just include her at that time.
We have so much to do today. Get the van unloaded, and loaded in the shed. Figure out what is in everything and what we want to bring into the mobile home. One thing we are thrilled to have is our juicer! We have been waiting to get that out of storage all this time. We have a lot of apples that we need to get in the juicer as well as some oranges that are getting older. That is the best thing about have a juicer. You can drink what you wouldn't perhaps eat. Nice. I know we both felt better when we were juicing.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
On our way to Lake Havasu
This is a day we've waited a year to come. We are finally going to get our stuff in our storage in Lake Havasu, AZ. We only have a small one, but we do hope it will all fit into the mini van we rented. If not, well, looks like somethings will have to go.
I really enjoy taking road trips. This will be nice too because we are renting a car and don't have to worry about repairs. Those are my favorite kind of road trips, when I don't have to worry about anything but drive.
I'll be glad when we can afford a newer car and not have to worry about repairs in it. But so far so good. It's good for around town but don't think I'd take it on a long run.
All day yesterday I was getting rid of papers and things not needed to make room for all the stuff we are bringing back. For two people that don't have much it seems we've accumulated a lot of stuff. I do plan on selling much of it when I get back. I'm really going to get things in order when we return. It will be the first time we have everything all together to see what we have.
Hopefully we will be able to get this done and start to concentrate on our writing, photography, and art. Laurie is able to paint regardless, but I have to be in the mood to let the creative juice flow. But I do have many projects in mind when we return to get started on.
I will finally have the time and the money to pursue some of my artistic dreams. I want to get back into photography like I used too, and do a bit more bead work now that I have new glasses.
Gonna take a moment to have a fresh cup of coffee and a piece of my 30 day cake. Yum!
Now that I'm better with coffee and cake, I can finish packing for our week of travel. It's still all quiet and the sun is just coming up and the night is fading once again. I love this time in the morning. People going to work, kids getting ready for school and it's my own time to read, get caught up on the news, and just take a moment before the day takes me away.
Now that I'm 56 it seems like life went so quickly. I don't want to waste anymore time being negative, or being around anyone that is. I want to make a bucket list and do everything on it. So much to do and so little time.
I've come to really appreciate the little things in life that give us pleasure. I notice flowers and birds singing. The world is full of life and excitement. The ticket is to enjoy as much of it as you can possible fit into a day.
I'll update when possible but I expect a busy day today and until tonight when we get a hotel.
Praying for a safe trip.
Namaste'
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Getting ready for the Lake Havasu trip
Beautiful day today here in Santa Maria. I'm up baking my 30 day cakes because I won't be here to stir them. They were ready to go anyway. I learned to make these cakes in the 70's when I first moved to Pismo Beach, when it was more of a community rather than a city. The women made these 'Friendship' cakes with fruit that you stir in a glass jar for thirty days before it's ready to bake. It's baked in a bundt cake pan, and an icing is poured over it till it drips. YUMMY! I'll see about getting a picture of the one in the oven before anyone gets a slice.
I made one last night. It was Laurie's first taste of a fruit cake. She didn't think she'd like it but turns out she loves it! So did Leon. To tell you the truth, I've not met anyone that didn't like my 30 day cake. It's expensive to make with all the ingredients. But well worth it. In the 70's they were sold for $25.00. That was quite a lot of money for a cake in those days.
Once I have the cakes done, (I have one more to bake) a total of three, then I will concentrate on what to get rid of in the fridge that would spoil while we are gone.
Need to pack for Pickles as well. I know it's going to be hot so I'll pack accordingly.
Yesterday I went to the thrift shop locally and found some overall shorts for me and Laurie. She loves hers. I'm glad because they are so comfortable to take a drive in. Nothing binding. That is important to me.
I used to wear my jeans so tight I'd get ingrown hair in my legs. Not anymore. Comfort is my first thought when buying clothes. Fashion second.
I'm so excited about our trip. We are going to pick up the van at the airport in Santa Maria, then load up, and off we go. I love adventures. Especially when we have a couple of days to play.
It will be exciting to see what we left behind. Of course I remember much of it, but when your things have been in a boxes for over a year and you've not seen it, sometimes you forget. Especially me with my bad memory. So this is fun. And of course, we are going rock hounding.
Hopefully next time we will take the RV and be able to take our time. But we have unlimited miles on the van so we are gonna have a blast.
We are going today to Wal-mart to get the food that feeds your fish while you are away. We only have three at this time, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I checked the RV last night while it was raining to see if it still leaked in the closet area, and thank the dancing pigs it was dry! So my friend Ron fixed a problem I've been tackling for about three years now. No more having to cover the roof with tarps! Yipee! That is such a load off my mind. One less thing to have to worry about.
After this road trip, I'll be getting ready for the Camping Women camp out. That will be so much fun. It will also be the first time I've taken out the RV since getting a new floor and carpet. Nice! Laurie is gonna come alone as well. She'll have a blast. These are some good women that have been there seen that.
We both finally have all we need concerning, money, food, medical and everything else for that matter. We are so blessed. We love our mobile home, our life, friends, and family, and we are at peace. This is a good time to be alive.
Leon our neighbor has said he will water our vegetable garden. I think he's just as excited about our garden as we are. This will be Laurie's first garden ever. Hard to believe she has never planted anything or watch it grown. I get most of my peace from gardening and pleasure of watching my food grow.
When we return I'll concentrate more on our home. There is a group of people that are coming to wash our mobile homes, and do repairs, and they've picked Laurie and I to help as well. Love it. So after they wash it good, perhaps we will have a paint party and paint the trailer. The park where we live will give us $200 toward paint. They like everything to look spiffy. I've already bought the $25 in flowers and planted them. They look so sweet.
When everything around you is beautiful and you've worked hard to make it that way there is a certain satisfaction that can't be beat. That's the kind of tired at the end of the day that feels the best. A restful sleep follows.
Gonna go get things ready for tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great Easter.
All my Relations!
I made one last night. It was Laurie's first taste of a fruit cake. She didn't think she'd like it but turns out she loves it! So did Leon. To tell you the truth, I've not met anyone that didn't like my 30 day cake. It's expensive to make with all the ingredients. But well worth it. In the 70's they were sold for $25.00. That was quite a lot of money for a cake in those days.
Once I have the cakes done, (I have one more to bake) a total of three, then I will concentrate on what to get rid of in the fridge that would spoil while we are gone.
Need to pack for Pickles as well. I know it's going to be hot so I'll pack accordingly.
Yesterday I went to the thrift shop locally and found some overall shorts for me and Laurie. She loves hers. I'm glad because they are so comfortable to take a drive in. Nothing binding. That is important to me.
I used to wear my jeans so tight I'd get ingrown hair in my legs. Not anymore. Comfort is my first thought when buying clothes. Fashion second.
I'm so excited about our trip. We are going to pick up the van at the airport in Santa Maria, then load up, and off we go. I love adventures. Especially when we have a couple of days to play.
It will be exciting to see what we left behind. Of course I remember much of it, but when your things have been in a boxes for over a year and you've not seen it, sometimes you forget. Especially me with my bad memory. So this is fun. And of course, we are going rock hounding.
Hopefully next time we will take the RV and be able to take our time. But we have unlimited miles on the van so we are gonna have a blast.
We are going today to Wal-mart to get the food that feeds your fish while you are away. We only have three at this time, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I checked the RV last night while it was raining to see if it still leaked in the closet area, and thank the dancing pigs it was dry! So my friend Ron fixed a problem I've been tackling for about three years now. No more having to cover the roof with tarps! Yipee! That is such a load off my mind. One less thing to have to worry about.
After this road trip, I'll be getting ready for the Camping Women camp out. That will be so much fun. It will also be the first time I've taken out the RV since getting a new floor and carpet. Nice! Laurie is gonna come alone as well. She'll have a blast. These are some good women that have been there seen that.
We both finally have all we need concerning, money, food, medical and everything else for that matter. We are so blessed. We love our mobile home, our life, friends, and family, and we are at peace. This is a good time to be alive.
Leon our neighbor has said he will water our vegetable garden. I think he's just as excited about our garden as we are. This will be Laurie's first garden ever. Hard to believe she has never planted anything or watch it grown. I get most of my peace from gardening and pleasure of watching my food grow.
When we return I'll concentrate more on our home. There is a group of people that are coming to wash our mobile homes, and do repairs, and they've picked Laurie and I to help as well. Love it. So after they wash it good, perhaps we will have a paint party and paint the trailer. The park where we live will give us $200 toward paint. They like everything to look spiffy. I've already bought the $25 in flowers and planted them. They look so sweet.
When everything around you is beautiful and you've worked hard to make it that way there is a certain satisfaction that can't be beat. That's the kind of tired at the end of the day that feels the best. A restful sleep follows.
Gonna go get things ready for tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great Easter.
All my Relations!
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