Warming

When I first got back to Texas we hit a warmish period with unseasonably warmer weather. The last 10 days or so it has been regular temps - in the 50s. It had put a chill on me that I had a hard time warming up to. Temp today was close to 70 and tomorrow is supposed to be 70. Sunny blue skies. I like the other weather also, but really enjoy the warm sunshine.

Scott and I leave on Tuesday. It's been nice to have him here, and he was able to spend time with Chris and help with the remodel of their house.

Doggit

Find Zoya.

Fun with boys

I made gyozas last night and Chris came over to help us eat them since Alyona left yesterday for 2 days in Dallas. It was quite fun; we ate the gyozas and then a little of the Pizza King pizza. Rick looked over all the coins he had brought back from his dad and was telling us about them, their value and where Fred got them. It must have been a thing with that generation to collect coins, my mom collected also. We played Farkle (actually quite fun), then Yahtzee.

Got up this morning and cleaned the kitchen from last night, fed Zoya rotisserie chicken then took her on a long walk. She still had lots of energy so when we got home we went into the back yard and I threw balls for her. She did hot laps, then went to the pool for a refreshing drink. Good thing we aren't putting a lot of chemicals in it for the winter.

Yum, that was refreshing

Rick home on Sunday

Rick came home on Sunday from being in Indiana and attending his Dad's death. He was a big help to Barbara and it was a good experience for Rick, being able to say goodbye. He and Barbara were such a support for each other.

I was quite happy to get him back home. I think he and I grow to love each other more year by year. We've certainly had our trials and problems, but I'm so happy we worked thro everything and are still together 38 years later.

Raining cats and dogs

Last week I was going to start the sprinklers back up on Sat, but it started raining over the weekend, continues today and hasn't stopped. We have gotten about 3 1/2 inches, yay. Until I start flooding I will be grateful for the moisture.

The freeze we had after we returned from Utah has killed a several of my outside plants that survived last winter. I'll just replant.

Fred passed

Barbara called me at 7:30am on Wed Jan 11. I had a feeling it was bad news and it was. Fred had tried to get up to go to dialysis and couldn't get up. He was tired of it all. His kidney doc actually made a house call later that evening, super unusual. Fred wanted to be examined and talk to the doc about the future. The office said call an ambulance and bring him in; Barbara talked to the doc and he said don't do that, I'm going to be that way and I'll come by your house later in the afternoon, which he did. And told Fred he would never get better, just continue to go down. Fred decided no more dialysis.

I called Rick, he talked to Barbara and found out all this. Rick was supposed to be in Chicago for business next week (this week, beginning on Tues), and decided to fly out on Thurs to Indy. On Thurs morning around the same time, Barbara called. We knew what it would be. On Wed night they had set up Hospice and gotten in a hospital bed.

At 11pm Barbara was super tired and told Fred she needed to go upstairs and lie down for a while. She got up at 1am to check on him and he had already passed, so they are having his pass date be Jan 12. Rick was sad that he hadn't gotten out in time to see his dad. Jason had been in Danville for x-rays and stopped by the house so he got to see and talk with Fred, but it was so short, just Fred basically saying hi before falling asleep again.

On Thurs I took Rick to the airport at 10am to catch his noon flight.

Rick has been so helpful to Barbara. He gets sad and weepy, as does Barbara, but are doing fine. They made arrangements for a Memorial service to be held on his birthday, March 4. All our kids, along with Rick and me, will be there.

Hard to believe. Rick and I were just there the first of Dec. So happy we went, so happy that I went also. And we did spend a lot of time with Fred, Pat, and Aunt Phyllis.

Snow

The West is getting pummeled by snow. California has gotten so much, their years long drought is over for 1/2 the state. Scott's friends send him pics of all the snow in Utah. Below is on the roof of Montage. Being a farmer's daughter I don't really like to complain about moisture. Plus, all the snow is just fun. The West has gotten a bunch.

Back in Austin

Scott and I flew back to Austin last Tues. We did get delayed out of Salt Lake City, then delayed out of Phoenix. Scott wasn't surprised - he is convinced Phoenix is a cursed city for him and flying. Seems to be true.

It has been quite cold here, temp in the 20s. That's cold. Today it is supposed to warm up to 80. That's warm for January, even for Austin. I walked outside for the first time today. It felt good to be walking.

Sunday Jan 1 Paige had Macy's family birthday party. So happy I could be there for it. Really, really enjoy the Upstills. Such good people. Kincade comes from a great family and I feel blessed to be connected to them in the way we are.

Chris came over on Sun and Mon to watch football. These menfolk of mine do love their football.

New Year's Day

I decided to walk this morning because I hadn't walked yet since I have been here and in Austin I walk 2-3 miles a day, or around 45-60 min. Snippy and brisk, I walked to the pond then decided I needed the wind break of houses. I do love this state and area. I love the weather in Austin. Mostly, I just like where I am.

The frost was once again so beautiful I need to snap some pics.