London day 2

More cold wind and rain today. We took the red bus tour to see all the major tourist sites. It's a nice way to get an overview of the city. We stopped and toured the tower of London where good ole Henry viii had all his wives and other enemies beheaded. We discovered that the Martin family has a tower named for us! Took lots of pictures: Westminster abbey where Diana was married, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye ferris wheel etc. Trying lots of different restaurants. Had our fish and chips in an English pub. Very good fish. Wayne wasn't interested in trying the mushy peas that were included. Dinner was chinese, nothing to write home about. Wore Betty out, but couldn't lose Brenda (her husband is paying Wayne to lose her over here in Europe somewhere:) Tomorrow is another day. Cheerio Sue

London day one

One tiring day, but all went well! Plane rides were on time and went smoothly, although it was not fun trying to sleep sitting up! In my next life I should become a contortionist. We figured out how to get tickets and ride the tube. Easy-peasey. Unfortunately, it was a typical Rainey day in London and we had to walk about 10 minutes in the rain. Betty had a hard time keeping up cause she was hauling way too much stuff! The next 2 days should be easier as we'll be riding the hop on hop off bus to all the tourist spots. But Paris will be a challenge cause it is all walking. I think we're going to wear Betty out after two weeks. Went to a Portuguese restaurant for dinner. Spicy and expensive. Then we walked to Buckingham Palace which was still blocked off because of all the jubilee cleanup. Good news for those of you with inquiring minds! We got upgraded to a suite with sitting room, kitchen, and SEPARATE bedrooms. I'm thinking London will be easy-as will be Wayne:) that is if I can keep him awake long enough. Oh, and I have a picture for Laura! Let's see if I can figure out how to upload a picture from this I-pad...

On the Road Again

Ahhhhh Summer!!  


As you already know Wayne and I, along with Brenda and her mother Betty, are traveling to Europe next week.  So I've been busy researching the countries we are visiting--trying to figure out how to get around and what to see.


My brain is on overload!  Funny money, tubes, trams, metros, taxis and foreign languages all add to the melee.  Running around getting supplies, figuring out what to pack, what not to pack---did I say my brain was on overload?  


OK, so I hear you all thinking, "Oh, poor Sue, we feel so sorry for you........"  I feel the sarcasm as you think those thoughts!!


In order to maintain a healthy balance, I decided to download a few books onto my Kindle so I would have something to read on the long plane trip to Europe.  As I was perusing available books  on the MidContinent Library site, I noted a title that looked like a great "beach read", something light, funny and fluffy.  Something just right for my overloaded brain.  So I started reading, Apocalipstick.


Think Bridget Jones Diary.  Very British, laugh out loud funny in parts, lots of sex (or thinking about sex) etc.  You get the drift......  Anyway, it got me to thinking that I need to set some goals while seeing and experiencing Europe.


Yes, I already have a sight-seeing itinerary pretty much set, but after reading Apocalipstick, I've added a new goal............of making sure that I have sex in every country that I visit on this European adventure!  Now, before you all get titillated---that sex will be had with my HUSBAND only!!  The true adventure will be how to consummate that goal while sharing a room with Brenda and her mother, Betty!!!  Now you see the challenge---and the fun of it all :)


For those of you who know Brenda---just remember that what is said on "Sisters of the Road" stays on "Sisters of the Road"!!!  Besides it's too late for Brenda and Betty to back out of the European trip.  The money has already been paid, and there are no refunds!!


So right now I'm thinking Chevy Chases European Vacation won't hold a candle to mine :)


Any time that any of you want to book a vacation with me, just let me know---I'll make sure it is memorable!


Now, I need a way to let you all know when each of my country goals is met.......  I'll have to think on that one :)


Au Revoir
Cheerio
Auf Wiedersehen
Szia
Nashledanou

Say a Prayer

Home sick today--meaning it was quiet and I had time to think.  Just reflecting on some hard realities.  Life is never a smooth road.

Within the last 6 months three families have had to make hard decisions regarding loved ones with dementia.
My Dad finally hit bottom and realized this past week that he can no longer be the sole caregiver for Mom.  It's the going without a full night's sleep and Mom's agitation and anxiety that are wearing.

Thank you to my sister, Paula, and my brother, John, for stepping in and handling the crisis.  Mom will be moved, within the same assisted living care facility, to the side for those needing more care.  Dad will be staying in his apartment.  He will spend time with Mom during the day, but he can retreat to his own place at night and whenever he needs a rest.  Mom will get the care she needs, from people she already knows.

Please keep them both in your prayers as they enter this new phase of life.

My brother-in-law, Gene, was also recently placed in a facility for people afflicted by dementia.  I don't think he's even 60 years old yet.  Doesn't seem fair  - to be so young and dealing with this disease.  Double whammy--Lynn, his wife, is dealing with MS.   Say a prayer for the Corrie family when you have a moment!

Lastly, a friend and former neighbor, Amir was diagnosed with a brain tumor that has over the past few years brought on dementia.  His wife, Kim, is now looking at placing this 52 year old man in an assisted care facility for dementia patients.

All of these families need support from family and friends.  God has placed people in their lives to help bridge the gap, but ongoing prayer for continued challenges will be appreciated.

Life is hard.  I am thankful for my family and friends.  And I am reminded through them that God is faithful!  Amen.

Am I a Terrible Mother?

Paula inspired me with her Shampoo experiment. Last night an opportunity for another great experiment presented itself, and now I'm wondering if I will be judged a terrible mother.


In the end, it doesn't matter, because I am not going to waste this opportunity!! In fact, I have future ideas spinning in my head!


But before I get ahead of myself, let me set the stage.


Thursday was my son, David's, 21st birthday. In honor of the special day, we took the family out to David's favorite restaurant for dinner. His girlfriend, Britany, joined us. For some reason, when all the family gathers, it is "let's make fun of Mom" time. It never fails, and that night was no different. The subject of ridicule that night involved my childhood life-size doll. (Those of you on Facebook may recall the pictures I uploaded of the doll, dressed in Hayley's clothing. I took a cute picture of both my "girls".)


Well, my children - and husband - proceeded to tell me how creepy the doll was. Apparently my children have been scarred for life by this doll. They proceeded to tell me that they had friends who wouldn't come over to our house because of that doll! And David informed me that when his friends would spend the night, he would set the doll up, with a plastic gun in her hands, so that upon awakening they would open their eyes to a doll standing in front of their face with a gun trained upon them! (Who knows what other mis-treatment my poor doll endured!! And they blame ME for their friends not coming back????)


Last night, while laying in bed with my husband, an idea so wondrous entered my head! I shared it with Wayne and we both about split a gut laughing. I love ideas that make me burst out laughing hours later as I ponder them.


Now let me show you a picture of my son's room. I warn you, he is what I call - a pile person. You've been warned!

Yes, that is the permanent state of his bed. And he sleeps among clean clothes, boxes, bags, whatever he has piled upon that bed.
















Now, take a look at his bed again!

David slept in that bed last night! (My shoulders are shaking with inner laughter as I write this.) The experiment that rivals Paula's shampoo bottle is: How long before David realizes that he is sleeping with my doll?????????? Waha Ha ha ha ha ha ha..............)


So am I a terrible mother?

Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a unique National Park - but my heart belongs in the Tetons!!

Old Faithful Boardwalk

So much cooler to see but the clouds spoiled the picture

Saw this male challenge the line of cars--he pawed the ground and then ran toward the cars, stood in front of one, and then returned to the herd.

This glacial field just popped up out of nowhere and then it was back to the regular terrain- near Mammoth Springs

Mammoth Springs-- mostly dormant now -- just a few areas still spewing hot water.

Do you see "the Silent Scream"?  Look closely.  Very cool!

Town of  Mammoth Springs from the top

Teton Pictures

This is why I want to spend the summer in the Tetons.  Average temperature 75 - 85 degrees.  Cool mornings and evenings.  Great sleeping weather at night and low humidity during the day made for perfect days!

From the Top of Signal Mountain - Tetons

Hidden Falls - Near Jenny Lake - Tetons

Breakfast on Elk Island - Lake Jackson

Ain't the "wildlife" cute?