Sunday Praise

“Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created” (Revelation 4:11).⁴⁸

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

We did it!

I know it's not a great photo and I should have taken it before we started eating, but this is my proof that you can pull off a Thanksgiving dinner for 3 ( yes Iz got turkey too) in a motor coach. I have to confess the turkey breast was precooked from AJ's( a most wonderful place of prepared food we discovered, I will take some photo's there someday, it is unbelievable, cheese, meats, breads, goodies) but the rest was me and it was delish! To top it off I got to see my sisters on skype ( if only you a short time). I miss them so much. And one sweet adorable nephew called me to tell me he liked the gift I left for him( we had family Christmas before I left, but his family didn't come till yesterday). It tickled me to death cause when I saw it I knew it was meant for him.  I have cleaned the whole coach today and this afternoon we are going for a drive in the jeep out on the trails, far, far away from any stores.


Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Izzie's favorite spots in the coach...

this is where she goes when it's time for an afternoon nap

and this is where she goes when it's time for a cookie!

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

I am Thankful

 I am thankful that God loves me so much, he sent his Son to die for me and because he lives in my heart I will have life everlasting.  I am thankful for my husband of 40+ years , that he loves me, watches out for me and provides for me. I am thankful for my sisters and brothers, I love them more than I will ever be able to show them.  I am thankful they share their children and grandchildren with us, they make our lives so rich.  I am thankful for my best friend and her husband, it is so wonderful to have someone who is always in your corner, wanting the best for you and it is even better to have someone to laugh with.  I am thankful for my health, sometimes it is difficult but I know it could be oh so much worse.  I am thankful God gave the Dr.'s a way to help me stay active and enjoy life.  I am thankful I am an American and that there are young men and women who are willing to stand in harm's way so I can enjoy the freedom of an American. I am thankful for this wonderful life I live, traveling whenever and where ever our hearts desire. I know that we are truly blessed.  Even though we won't be with are family in person tomorrow, we will be there in spirit and I will be thanking God again for the life he has given us.
God is so Good. Happy Thanksgiving




Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Getting settled in

Didn't get a whole lot done today. We unpacked almost everything that needed unpacking and started finding a home for everything. When you are on the move almost every little cubby hold is full. But then when you set up you have to find a proper place for everything. While I think we have a very spacious set up it is still quite different than a three bedroom home with all the extras. You can't have a lot of stuff sitting out on the counter in the kitchen area, you need every bit of space to use for cooking.

Our neighborhood for the next 6 months

Our house, is very,very nice house..

Beauty everywhere

Iz and I took several long walks today, she is getting to know all the other pets in the park.  We have to go shopping today for our Thanksgiving meal, can you imagine the stores,yikes!



Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

We are here!!!

No pictures or text tonight, too tired. We are here and it was the easiest trip ever. Jay did a great job scheduling it so it wasn't to tiring for me and I love him for it. More tomorrow.




Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

What a lovely evening

We went to dinner at theDouble Eagle tonight and what a wonderful meal, I can't even bring myself to think of WW points, I have probably used them all up for the rest of the year. 

After dinner when we where leaving we saw a young couple approaching the Plaza, 

The young man was leading the girl, who had a blindfold on up the Plaza steps. When they got up the steps he set up some small speakers and music started playing, then he took off her blindfold and got on one knee and proposed. She must have said yes because then they started dancing. It was so sweet and so beautiful, even Jay got a little misty eyed.  We are so blessed to have the life we live.  I have always felt we were denied  by not having children and dealing with the post polio so early, but we are certainly living a blessed life now. What a wonderful weekend we have had and tomorrow we will be in our southwestern home.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday Praise

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

A weekend of rest

We are going to spend the weekend here because J doesn't want to travel tomorrow when the last NASCAR race of the season will be happening and I am tired and because we can! It is great not to have to stick to any kind of schedule. This is a nice resort, with lots of nice features. The sites are large and level, they have privacy plantings between each one. And they have a really nice lobby, reading area, meeting area and an outside lounge area with a hot tub. (J's favorite feature) There is a bit of road noise because you are so close to the highway, but I don't think it's that bad. It is a great place for rallys.We went to dinner last night at La Posta  really good southwestern Mexican food and an all around neat place. It us usually a wait to get a table but you don't mind because they have several shops (J bought me a new pair of earrings, they are coral, he is too good to me, not)and lots of things to see, I took a few pictures to give you an idea. 

see the fish in the building

they have started their Christmas decorations

more fishes

this is the actual roof

they have so many birds

the birds love to interact with everyone

some of them talk

I was going to take a picture of the food, I forgot!

Their margaritas are very tart(J is trying to pretend he has already had a few(he hadn't)

 The building was constructed in the 1840's, it has an amazing history as does the town of Old Messilla, if you go to La Posta's link you can read about it. We were eating in a place where Billy the Kid ate, I think that's kinda cool. We are going to chill the rest of the day. Tomorrow we are going to hit the farmer's market and then the race.  We are blessed. 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
Joyce

Iz and Jay

We need a little break from all these travel posts, so I am going to show you Iz and J's favorite game.

They both love Footie Fights

Iz is very good at Footie Fights

Footie Fights!!!


The only problem with this game is I do not buy my socks at Target, a dozen pair for $6, and Iz has a problem understanding Footie FIghts is a game for her and Jay only.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Day 5

If you have happened on this blog and you are from Texas please except my apologies, I DO NOT LIKE TEXAS. It takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get across this state and this last leg has been so boring, J asked me if Rosie Radio was on so we at least had something to listen to. You can only take NPR so long! We spent the night in Van Horn, which is in the middle of no where.

the chickens free range in front on the KOA

what can I say, this is Texas, brown on brown

this is a picture of a 97 lb. snake found on the property

J gets such a chuckle out of this sign

this is what it looked like last year, two weeks makes a big difference

 We have a half day drive to NM then a weekend stop, yeah!! I need to do laundry and give Iz a bath. Little fluffy dogs do not do well in Texas, she picks up everything in her fur and her little feet are black. ( truck stops don't help either). I got on the scale today and almost cried, I gained a pound. I am not surprised, I did not give enough thought to healthy snacks for the coach. We have been munching on some of the Christmas goodies we got, bad, bad, bad. But no crying over spilt milk. When we get to AJ I will go shopping first thing and get myself on the right track. And of course Iz and I will walk every day.
Love to every one.


Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
Joyce

Day Four

Today we are on our way to Van Horn, Texas. It's a pretty day, lots of sunshine, a little cool. This is our longest day of the week, we will be on the road around 8 hours. We went to bed really early last night so we could get an early start this morning. CowTown is pretty big for this area. I think there a lot of people working in the Dallas/Fort Worth area staying here, The people that run it are really nice, there are lots of lovely trees, several dog park areas and a nice rec room.



Tonight we will be staying at the Van Horn KOA this is one of Jay's favorite KOA's because they have a little cafe and serve breakfast. The man loves him some eggs and sausage, cause he never gets it at home. We always have just cereal and coffee at home so if he gets a chance to eat breakfast out he will take it. This is the only place I have ever been where they deep fry the bacon! He thinks it's great, it gives the shivers just to think about it. This is where it snowed so bad when we were here last year they had to close the road, thank goodness we left earlier this year.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Somewhere between Tulsa and the Texas border....

So  much for blogging on the road, The last two nights by the time we stop get set  up take a breath and do supper we are ready for bed. I don't know why it is tiring for me, I am not the one manhandling this 42 foot monster pulling a motorcycle and jeep, I think it is because I am a dedicated right seat driver and chief navigator. Last night we stopped in Will Rogers Down Casino/Racetrack. They have a KOA right next to the race track. It isn't exactly an RV resort, but it was fine for an overnight. We didn't even peek in the casino. We did get to see some of the horses working out this morning, Iz didn't know what to think of them. The standing water is because it rained really hard on Monday. Tonight we will be staying in Cowtown in Aledo, Texas, I hope they have their Christmas lights up, they really do them big.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Sunday Praise

One more day..

"I will praise the LORD God with a song and a thankful heart."
Psalm 69:30 (CEV)

Two days and counting

Wednesday Izzy and I had our last play date at my sister Louise's house with her, her dog Heidi and her granddaughter Grace. We have been trying to go over once a week all summer. Izzy looks forward to it as much as I do. We were supposed to work on my Ugly Christmas Party sweaters, but dummy me I brought all the cheesy decorations but forgot the sweaters! But it was okay, because I helped my sister clean out her closets and Grace and I played with buttons. My sister is a wonderful Grandmother( her grandkids all call her Nonnie) she thinks of such fun things for the little ones to do. We had a tray and pored all of Nonnie's buttons out on it and then we had a muffin tin that we used to sort the colors into. Grace loves this game. Then Nonnie put shaving cream on the front door glass and gave her a paint brush and let her go. That is Heidi at the door watching her. I am surely going to miss these play dates. 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Veteran's Day

In honor of Veteran's Day please visit Semper Fi Fund


J served in the USMC in Vietnam. I still remember the day he left and the day he returned and every day in between. Please remember the men and women who have stood in harm's way for us and our way of life, And those who stand today, around the world.  The Semper Fi Wounded Warrior fund is our main charity. I think every day of those who come home wounded, changed forevermore and their families. Please pay a visit to the Semper Fi Fund this Veteran's Day.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day

Please take a minute to view the video at this site.


Do you have just a few minutes to repay the men and women who are standing for us around the world this very minute?

One week left..

\

Time is ticking away and I am starting to feel the stirrings of panic. I try so hard to be organized, to plan ahead, but somehow, someway, time always gets away from me. I organized my clothes yesterday. The only down side to losing weight is your clothes don't fit. I have gone down two sizes since last winter, so I need to replace some things for the trip, which adds to my to do list. I have the freezer almost empty and I took the the plant I just can't lose to my sisters yesterday, she is going to baby sit it for me. My nephew who takes care of the house will care for the rest of them. I have a Dr.'s appointment today and some errands to run, starting tomorrow I will be organizing the coach. 

We had a wonderful weekend. Saturday night we went to my sister Connie's house for dinner and she treated us to a mini Thanksgiving feast. She made Mama's dressing and it was soooo gooood!  Isn't she sweet and thoughtful! Sunday I went by her house to drop off some things from the freezer and the kids were there and we sat around and had a good long talk. I have spent so much good quality time with my sisters this summer, I am so thankful for the memories I am taking with me. I am going to miss them terribly. 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
Joyce

Sunday Praise

Psalm 47:1 "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy."

This is not a Foodie Blog

I promise this is not a blog about food, it is a blog about travel. Except we are not traveling until next week and I am tired of doing posts about getting ready, I am ready to go!  So I want to show you another Pioneer Woman recipe that we love and the cutest wine that is not to bad.

Chicken Scaloppini

It is also a very easy recipe and the neat thing is you can improvise if you don't have exactly what she calls for. ( again excuse the plate, I choose my battles carefully). I didn't have cream, someone who is trying to lose weight doesn't usually have that around, but I used no fat sour cream instead and it was fine. 

This is the second time I have bought this wine. I have to admit the first time it was the label that got me, because I am indeed the middle sister, but I don't think I am a drama queen. The label and the fact that it was not expensive.  I know when you are cooking you should not use a wine you would not drink , but come on. I like to drink expensive wine( relatively expensive ) but I don't drink it very often and never more than a glass so I am not going to spend $17 for my favorite Pinot Grigio ( Santa Margarita, I call it my birthday wine, because I only get it once a year on my birthday) to use in a recipe for chicken,not going to happen. 

I got all my files ready to go today. Izzy's note book, with all her health issues this summer I have copies of everything for the Vet in AZ. We made all our reservations last night for the trip out, we are very meticulous about this, we have directions and an arial map for each location. That also goes in a book that I keep up front with me. You don't want to arrive in the dark in a 42 Ft  motor coach pulling a motorcycle and jeep and not know where you are going. ( the stories I could tell you). And I set up our general file that we take with us. We always file for an extension on our taxes so I need all that stuff, there is always the possibility we will find a house so I need every thing for that, you never know if we are going to trade any vehicle at any time, so we need all that.   Jay's birthday is Dec. 5 so I have all his gifts bought and wrapped to take.  It really takes a lot of thought to get ready to go and I always forget something important . One year I forgot our passports, no Mexico for us, although I don't think that will happen this year.  Oh I am tired just writing this. Next week I start with lists for food and clothes and then we are off. 

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

Count Down, 10 days.

Well, last night J booked our sites for the trip to AZ. In response to my request we will be taking a week for the trip. We will travel about 5 hours each day, except for one which will be close to 7. We will do a two day stop over in Las Cruces New Mexico, because it is such a neat place to stop. We will be arriving Friday night and will stay an extra day. There are lots of neat restaurants and shops, that will have us arriving in Apache Junction on Sunday. It takes us three days to cross Texas, did I mention I hate Texas. I know it is not right to hate, but I can't help it, I hate Texas. I am getting very excited, I need the sun, I long for the sun. My joints ache from the cold already and I want nothing more than to sit in my lounge chair with my Kindle, sitting and reading in the sun. I can feel the warm rays on my joints as I sit here on the couch. I am a little anxious about the fact that I can't just open the back door at 6 am and let Izzy out, but we will work it out.  The Sun is all I care about right now.


Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
Joyce

Yum, Yum

mushrooms with brie

This is what we had for supper night before last ( please, please excuse the ugly plate, it's J's favorite, he gets grumpy if we use the fiesta ware).  I love, love, love The Pioneer Woman, her recipes are so easy and so yummy. Because of trying to continue the weight loss I only do one of her meals a week. I am sorry the picture does not show their wonderful  goodness. Tonight we are having her brisket, I will post picture tomorrow. I know I should not be having beef twice in one week, but I am emptying the freezer in preparation for leaving.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce

A Family is Hurting, please pray for them

Baby Alex
If you need to be reminded of the fragile nature of our existence please click above and read the story of a very loving, brave family facing a terrible storm in their lives. I am reminded, as we all need to be from time to time, that nothing is promised, not even the next moment. Let your loved ones know just how much they mean to you.  The only constant I know in this life is God loves me.

Elton John / Leon Russell - The Union (samples)

If you are a music lover, you owe it to yourself to give this new album a listen. The songs, the blending of their voices, a wonderful experience.


Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
Joyce

Making Memories

Izzy and Grace share a secret(Grace's Dad doesn't want his baby's face on internet )

Wow, what a fun packed weekend. With my time at home growing to an end I am spending as much time with my family as I can and we crammed a lot in this weekend. Started the end of the week at my sister Louise's house, she helped me fix my "homemade " Christmas gifts and I got the bonus of playing "buttons" with Grace.

I should have taken a picture before I cleaned up the flour I had spilled everywhere

Then went to lunch with my sisters and brother and my niece on Saturday. Last time we will get to do that till I get home in the spring.

I know what you are thinking..

 actually everyone was looking at their phones to see which would be easier for my older sister and I too  text on


And then yesterday I went to my sister Connie's house to hand out candy to the trick or treaters. It was so much fun. We don't have very many at our house, she had about 250! And they were so cute, we really had a good time. And her kids were there, which was great 'cause I don't get to see them very often.

Thanks J, I really wanted to show off those too short bangs that I did myself! Izzy helped us hand out candy

Then we had pizza and a great salad and an apple pie that I was very proud of, I don't get to cook as much now that I am doing  WW, at least not such fun stuff.

such a pretty pie, even though the crust split down the middle

We have a lot more planned for the next two weeks. It will be six long months before I see any of them again. Not that I am not looking forward to AZ, I am. It is already too cold here and it makes my poor bones hurt so bad. And I love how close J and I get when it's just the two of us (and of course Iz). We are lucky that we enjoy so many of the same things.  Fourteen days and counting.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

Joyce