Friday March 11, 2016

This has been a week full of birthdays.  Ben was 16 on Monday, Dan was 68 on Tuesday, and Drew was 21 on Wednesday.  We are supposed to celebrate with Ben on Saturday, but everyone is sick.  I have had a head cold with the running nose and cough for the past couple days.  Paul Jr.'s family have all been sick and Christy was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday.  Lela is starting with a cough today.  Several at church have also been sick with the same symptoms.

We had our regular bible study last week, but had to cancel yesterday because of my cold.

We went to an Airstream luncheon in Mesa, AZ last week.  It is always enjoyable to meet new folks.  They were all from Region 8 which is our Midwest region.  Many were from Iowa with a few Nebraskans mixed in.  We were the only ones from Missouri.

Friday I tackled the front stairs and railing.  It took most of the day even though I had learned valuable lessons on the back stairs and railing.  It turned out well.  I think most of our outdoor projects have been accomplished.

Front door (north side)

Saturday we took Christy's card and went to Costco, as they had our sun shades for the south side of the ranch on sale.  We needed one for each section on the south (4). I haven't decided yet how to anchor the bottom in the wind but I'm thinkin' on it. I installed them on Monday with Paul Jr.'s help.

One of the four shades (south side)

Of course, you can't leave Costco with only what you went there to buy.  We also came away with the Meyer Lemon tree that Lela wanted.  It is planted and ready to serve lemons when we get back next year.

Meyer Lemon tree

Some friends, two doors down, from Idaho had to leave Sunday so we had a going away party for them on Saturday evening.  They will return next year.

North side entertainment area

Sunday we went to church and afterwards a pot luck lunch at one of the members home, which turned out to be near our neighborhood.  We had a great time and great fellowship.

 Wednesday was my regular golf day and I played even though I had been under the weather on Tuesday.  I had my best round of the year at 42/37 for 79.  If you notice (Curt) the back side is par 37 as was my back nine score.

  I was a happy boy and was recognized in the clubhouse.  We have one more week of the league.  I think I should skip it and leave with that par score, but I'll play and hope to follow up with another good score.  I now have "street cred" to protect.

Yesterday I spent the day on the couch with my Kleenex and Robitussin.  Today I feel better but still need the Kleenex.  Lela has started with the cough as I did.  I hope she doesn't end up as I did.

South Wall showing the rodeo used lariat we bought in Wickenburg.

Back door

 

Front garden