Don't know yet about the offer on the house. We made our counter offer, but the buyers are still undecided....waffling....maybe buyer's remorse. Purchasing a home is a big step, so it's understandable that they would need some time. I can't help but think all that decision making should have been done before they got to the offer stage in the process.
Home Depot took back the rug without a hassle even though they have a 'no returns on special orders' policy, but they did charge a 15% restocking charge. I'm not sure how I feel about paying a restocking charge...We bought the rug in good faith, but it was wrong for us for many reasons. If we had been able to bring home a sample, then I wouldn't have a problem with a restocking charge. We did ask about samples and were told they weren't available, and yet the store "policy" is no returns on special orders. How is one supposed to know the item will work if samples aren't available and the store says it can't be returned if it's wrong. Rugs are pricey items so it makes me want to shop somewhere that doesn't have such a policy...although, Home Depot has this policy, they did take the rug back. I'm appreciative but confused.
It's a windy day today and Jim has a golf game scheduled...ooooh. The neighbor next door, and Jim's golf buddy, bought a golf cart. Now Jim wants one too. It makes a lot of sense because a lot of the activities we go to are here in the complex - and a golf cart is perfect transportation and good for the environment.
We stopped off yesterday on te way home from the mainland and picked up some catfish, which Jim made for dinner. Yum....I don't generally like fried food, but he does such a good job on catfish.
Tonight we're going to Karoake night here at the complex with a couple of the neighbors. I don't sing, nor should I be allowed to if I attempted it...animals run and hide. It could be an enjoyable night if some of the participants have talent - or punishing if they don't. Either way, it will be a night out with friends and that's fun no matter the activity.
Am not sure what I will do today - I need to get ready for the kids on Monday, do some laundry, and give the house a quick clean. The stores are all having 4th of July sales, so that sounds exciting as well.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Good News on Several Fronts
The best news of all is that we got an offer on the Modesto house - not a sale, mind you, but a viable offer. We're still working out the details, but it's a beginning. Everyone hold a good thought that this deal holds together. The potential buyers are from San Jose and are accustomed to a higher noise level than the locals, so the street noise behind the house isn't that big an issue for them.
We went to Modesto on Tuesday and the house looks good. The bougainvilla are blooming nicely and the entry plants are growing and flowering. Our case of Barefoot zinfandel that we had ordered was in so the timing was perfect. Barefoot makes the best zinfandel in a moderately priced wine.
We started our exercise class on Tuesday evening and were plesantly surprised at the quality of the workout. It's not high impact (neither of us can handle that), but we used some weights and bands and got enough resistance to do some good. We learned some exercises that we can do at home between classes, assuming we can be disciplined enough to do them :>). Some can actually be done watching TV!
We sat in on a "Train the Brain" class on how the brain ages and what to do to keep mentally alert and hold on to brain plasticity. There's lots that can be done - exercise for one, learning a new skill, learning a new language, puzzles, games, diet - lots of areas to improve and maintain mental alertness. We're thinking of learning Spanish. Since we share California with so many Spanish speaking people, it should be easier to learn - we won't be at a loss for practice subjects.And, when we make our next trip to Puerta Vallarta, we could speak the language.
The puzzle that was begun at the Father's Day party on June 10 is finished. It was quite a job, but fun. I think I'll buy another. The 500 pieces size seems to be just the right level of challenge. I really enjoyed taking a break from other things and working on the puzzle. Here's the completed work. All the detail and similar colors took careful attention to detail to figure out where the pieces would fit. . . good for brain plasticity!
Today we take on Home Depot. We're returning one of the rugs we purchased - at least we're going to attempt to return the rug. It was a special order and "not returnable" but the rug is awful. It sheds so much that the Kirby vacuum cleaner won't clean it. The little fibers become air borne and both Jim and I start coughing and sneezing. I suppose over time the rug would stop shedding, but right now, for us the rug's a health hazard. The rug is loaded in the car - we figure if we show up there with it, we have a better chance of getting them to take it back rather than insist they pick it up. We're going to play the "poor old couple that may be killed by their rug" card and see how that flies.
July is a busy month for us. We have Marc's 4 kids coming for July 4th, then Terry and Maryann on the 8th, and hopefully, Kathy will be able to come after that for a few days. We're looking forward to all these visits. What with the visits, classes, golf, gardening, and maintaining the house, we'll be quite busy.
We went to Modesto on Tuesday and the house looks good. The bougainvilla are blooming nicely and the entry plants are growing and flowering. Our case of Barefoot zinfandel that we had ordered was in so the timing was perfect. Barefoot makes the best zinfandel in a moderately priced wine.
We started our exercise class on Tuesday evening and were plesantly surprised at the quality of the workout. It's not high impact (neither of us can handle that), but we used some weights and bands and got enough resistance to do some good. We learned some exercises that we can do at home between classes, assuming we can be disciplined enough to do them :>). Some can actually be done watching TV!
We sat in on a "Train the Brain" class on how the brain ages and what to do to keep mentally alert and hold on to brain plasticity. There's lots that can be done - exercise for one, learning a new skill, learning a new language, puzzles, games, diet - lots of areas to improve and maintain mental alertness. We're thinking of learning Spanish. Since we share California with so many Spanish speaking people, it should be easier to learn - we won't be at a loss for practice subjects.And, when we make our next trip to Puerta Vallarta, we could speak the language.
The puzzle that was begun at the Father's Day party on June 10 is finished. It was quite a job, but fun. I think I'll buy another. The 500 pieces size seems to be just the right level of challenge. I really enjoyed taking a break from other things and working on the puzzle. Here's the completed work. All the detail and similar colors took careful attention to detail to figure out where the pieces would fit. . . good for brain plasticity!
Today we take on Home Depot. We're returning one of the rugs we purchased - at least we're going to attempt to return the rug. It was a special order and "not returnable" but the rug is awful. It sheds so much that the Kirby vacuum cleaner won't clean it. The little fibers become air borne and both Jim and I start coughing and sneezing. I suppose over time the rug would stop shedding, but right now, for us the rug's a health hazard. The rug is loaded in the car - we figure if we show up there with it, we have a better chance of getting them to take it back rather than insist they pick it up. We're going to play the "poor old couple that may be killed by their rug" card and see how that flies.
July is a busy month for us. We have Marc's 4 kids coming for July 4th, then Terry and Maryann on the 8th, and hopefully, Kathy will be able to come after that for a few days. We're looking forward to all these visits. What with the visits, classes, golf, gardening, and maintaining the house, we'll be quite busy.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
Saturday, June 24, 2006
One Adventure After Another
Bloodtests and mammogram accomplished, we are now able to get on to other things. The doctor's office for the blood tests is here in town, but the hospital where the mammogram is done is in Fairfield, and thankfully, easy enough to find - it's right next door to the Anheiser-Busch Plant and just past the Jelly Belly Factory.... what a great location :>)
We made two important discoveries while we were out - a wonderful place for breakfast and a Thai restaurant. Since we had been fasting for the blood work, we had a late breakfast and didn't try the Thai restaurant, but it's close enough to home that we can get a Thai fix when we feel we need it. For breakfast we went to the Black Bear Diner. The decor is quaint - and as you might expect, lots of black bear stuff - even the menu is called the Black Bear Gazette and is printed on newsprint. Two lifesize stuffed bears are seated at a table just inside the entry. Like I said, lots of black bear stuff, but best of all, the food was delicious. It's located in Suisun City on Highway 12 and Sunset Avenue if anybody's out that way and wants a good meal.
After breakfast we had lots of time before the mammogram, so we went looking for a place to get an oil change for the Honda. Interestingly enough, we found a place, but they couldn't do the oil change - said their computer equipment wasn't set up for foreign cars. How much computer programming is needed to remove the plug from a little car, drain the oil, replace an oil filter, and add fresh oil? Weird. Computers should not be involved in life's simple little processes.
With that plan aborted, we decided to drive into downtown Vacaville. Some years ago when I sold ads for This Week publication and had the Fairfield/Vacaville territory, I got to know downtown Vacaville fairly well, but about the time I left the publication, the downtown area was in redevelopment. I wanted to see how that turned out. It was ok - not as cute and quaint as they could have made it, but nice enough. They didn't quite pull off having a firm identity like some of the towns in this area. They lost the quaintness when they allowed a WinCo supermarket to build right at the entrance to the downtown area. In other words, they didn't really preserve the "old California look." They have a nice plaza, a very modern looking senior center, and what appears to be a town hall building for concerts and other functions - but all had modern architecture. Some of the older buildings were preserved, but the old and new tended to neutralize the impact of each other.
Even after visiting Vacaville, we still were early for the mammogram and got lucky. They actually took me early. Can you imagine going to a medical facility and being taken early!!! That done, we headed back to Rio Vista and bought goodies to make hamburgers for dinner tonight. Although we've lived here nearly 3 months, we still haven't fired up the gas barbecue - tonight's the night. Hamburgers on the grill and Bush baked beans. Yum. We have several jalapenos and a fair amount of cilantro ready to harvest so we bought tomatoes and onions. Today we'll make pico de gallo mostly with home grown stuff. Our home grown tomatoes aren't ready yet, but they're coming along. One plant has several tomatoes and the other two plants are loaded with flowers.
Today's focus is to stay cool, call a washer repair person (the washer quit spinning) and make hamburgers. We need to make a trip to the clubhouse, but past that, it will be a leisurely day.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We made two important discoveries while we were out - a wonderful place for breakfast and a Thai restaurant. Since we had been fasting for the blood work, we had a late breakfast and didn't try the Thai restaurant, but it's close enough to home that we can get a Thai fix when we feel we need it. For breakfast we went to the Black Bear Diner. The decor is quaint - and as you might expect, lots of black bear stuff - even the menu is called the Black Bear Gazette and is printed on newsprint. Two lifesize stuffed bears are seated at a table just inside the entry. Like I said, lots of black bear stuff, but best of all, the food was delicious. It's located in Suisun City on Highway 12 and Sunset Avenue if anybody's out that way and wants a good meal.
After breakfast we had lots of time before the mammogram, so we went looking for a place to get an oil change for the Honda. Interestingly enough, we found a place, but they couldn't do the oil change - said their computer equipment wasn't set up for foreign cars. How much computer programming is needed to remove the plug from a little car, drain the oil, replace an oil filter, and add fresh oil? Weird. Computers should not be involved in life's simple little processes.
With that plan aborted, we decided to drive into downtown Vacaville. Some years ago when I sold ads for This Week publication and had the Fairfield/Vacaville territory, I got to know downtown Vacaville fairly well, but about the time I left the publication, the downtown area was in redevelopment. I wanted to see how that turned out. It was ok - not as cute and quaint as they could have made it, but nice enough. They didn't quite pull off having a firm identity like some of the towns in this area. They lost the quaintness when they allowed a WinCo supermarket to build right at the entrance to the downtown area. In other words, they didn't really preserve the "old California look." They have a nice plaza, a very modern looking senior center, and what appears to be a town hall building for concerts and other functions - but all had modern architecture. Some of the older buildings were preserved, but the old and new tended to neutralize the impact of each other.
Even after visiting Vacaville, we still were early for the mammogram and got lucky. They actually took me early. Can you imagine going to a medical facility and being taken early!!! That done, we headed back to Rio Vista and bought goodies to make hamburgers for dinner tonight. Although we've lived here nearly 3 months, we still haven't fired up the gas barbecue - tonight's the night. Hamburgers on the grill and Bush baked beans. Yum. We have several jalapenos and a fair amount of cilantro ready to harvest so we bought tomatoes and onions. Today we'll make pico de gallo mostly with home grown stuff. Our home grown tomatoes aren't ready yet, but they're coming along. One plant has several tomatoes and the other two plants are loaded with flowers.
Today's focus is to stay cool, call a washer repair person (the washer quit spinning) and make hamburgers. We need to make a trip to the clubhouse, but past that, it will be a leisurely day.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Catching Up
Wow, it's been several days since we last posted. We've been busy doing stuff so I'll try to get caught up here. Jim's played golf a couple of times even thought it's been very warm. We really welcome the delta breezes with the heat wave we're having, although the breezes haven't been all that cooling.
Monday we went to Modesto and pruned the bougainvilla and cleaned up the yard. The cabbages we planted are developing heads and next time we go down, we should be able to bring back a couple of nice cabbages and a ton of swiss chard. The hedges needed a good pruning so we got that done. Even though there is no one living in the house, the toilets still needed cleaning - gross - how can this happen. After we finished at the house we went to Save-Mart and bought some wine. They carry my favorite zinfandel - Barefoot, but only had 4 bottles. Jim ordered a case for us which we will pick up on our next trip south. If you haven't tried Barefoot wines, they're a very good, reasonably priced brand. Jim also bought some of his favorite - Foxbrook - good and cheap.
We bought a fuschia plant for the front porch, but discovered the weather is too warm for it to be outside right now. When I got home yesterday, it was kinda frizzled looking, so I watered it well and brought it inside - it's going to loose some branches, but I think it will live. I won't put it outside again until early fall.
Tuesday was a lay around day, doing a little catch up at home. We did find time to go to an exercise class at the clubhouse and signed up for a six week class. Jim's been going to the gym Monday, Wednesday, Friday, so this will supplement his workout and mine.
Wednesday I took on the DMV. I had registered my car on line when we moved, but had not received the tags. The registration was in my old name and they won't change title without the pink slip and a marriage certificate, but they did charge my credit card :>) - imagine that! Anyway, I now have current tags, current registration, and all that good stuff. Since I was on the main land I got the car detailed out and even found some gas for $2.99. While I was doing that, Jim hired a gardener. Way to go Jim.
Wednesday was Elizabeth's 3rd birthday. Happy birthday Elizabeth! Yesterday was also Bustopher's birthday - he's also 3 - I don't know what that is in cat years.
Tomorrow is a dreaded day for me - mammogram time - all you ladies cross your arms for me. Before the mammogram, we're both going for annual blood tests....all this preventive health care is necessary, but not fun. As I write this, we're both fasting for tomorrows blood work. Jim's going with to the mammogram and has promised to buy me lunch after the blood tests and before the mammogram. Such a nice husband.
We're looking forward to July 4. Marc's kids will come for the night on the 3rd and stay around for the golf cart parade, hot dog lunch and ice cream social. It should be fun for them and us. Terry and Maryann will be here on the 8th....martini time! We're looking forward to both visits.
We hope more family members will come visit - we love having time to really get caught up.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Monday we went to Modesto and pruned the bougainvilla and cleaned up the yard. The cabbages we planted are developing heads and next time we go down, we should be able to bring back a couple of nice cabbages and a ton of swiss chard. The hedges needed a good pruning so we got that done. Even though there is no one living in the house, the toilets still needed cleaning - gross - how can this happen. After we finished at the house we went to Save-Mart and bought some wine. They carry my favorite zinfandel - Barefoot, but only had 4 bottles. Jim ordered a case for us which we will pick up on our next trip south. If you haven't tried Barefoot wines, they're a very good, reasonably priced brand. Jim also bought some of his favorite - Foxbrook - good and cheap.
We bought a fuschia plant for the front porch, but discovered the weather is too warm for it to be outside right now. When I got home yesterday, it was kinda frizzled looking, so I watered it well and brought it inside - it's going to loose some branches, but I think it will live. I won't put it outside again until early fall.
Tuesday was a lay around day, doing a little catch up at home. We did find time to go to an exercise class at the clubhouse and signed up for a six week class. Jim's been going to the gym Monday, Wednesday, Friday, so this will supplement his workout and mine.
Wednesday I took on the DMV. I had registered my car on line when we moved, but had not received the tags. The registration was in my old name and they won't change title without the pink slip and a marriage certificate, but they did charge my credit card :>) - imagine that! Anyway, I now have current tags, current registration, and all that good stuff. Since I was on the main land I got the car detailed out and even found some gas for $2.99. While I was doing that, Jim hired a gardener. Way to go Jim.
Wednesday was Elizabeth's 3rd birthday. Happy birthday Elizabeth! Yesterday was also Bustopher's birthday - he's also 3 - I don't know what that is in cat years.
Tomorrow is a dreaded day for me - mammogram time - all you ladies cross your arms for me. Before the mammogram, we're both going for annual blood tests....all this preventive health care is necessary, but not fun. As I write this, we're both fasting for tomorrows blood work. Jim's going with to the mammogram and has promised to buy me lunch after the blood tests and before the mammogram. Such a nice husband.
We're looking forward to July 4. Marc's kids will come for the night on the 3rd and stay around for the golf cart parade, hot dog lunch and ice cream social. It should be fun for them and us. Terry and Maryann will be here on the 8th....martini time! We're looking forward to both visits.
We hope more family members will come visit - we love having time to really get caught up.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Crawdad Festival and Other Amazements
The Crawdad Festival made the evening news. This Festival has certainly put Isleton on the map and is probably the single most important source of revenue the town has (except for speeding tickets). Isleton is a tiny little town on the Delta - about one street wide by about a quarter mile long. Population roughly 2500 residents, including cows and large dogs. This weekend the town expects to entertain 100,000 people. (Not caring much for crowds, Jim and I will not be in that statistic). I would love to go, except for the crowds - I love Cajun food and Zydeco music, both of which will be abundant, but the thought of attempting to maneuver through a crowd that dense is a definite no.
Nice surprise for Jim yesterday. He received a lovely dish garden from Mandy for Father's Day. It was wonderful to see the sweet expression that came over his face as he looked at the plant and read the card. I believe he was really touched and pleased.
See how happy he looks ------------------>
The garden is currently sitting on top of his computer, but we will move it soon. The heat from the computer will be too much for it.
The folks to the right of us are getting a patio enclosure or in their case, a"god-forbid-you-should-see-what-we're-doing" screen. Since we're not allowed privacy fences here, they're doing the next best thing. Homeland Security could take a lesson here.
The jigsaw puzzle begun last Saturday is slightly over half done. Every day, when I need a break, I add a few more pieces. I like having a puzzle going all the time and will probably buy another when this one is done. Bustopher has been wanting to help, but has resisted so far. I won't know for sure if he's had surrepticious involvement until I get to the end and find out he's taken some pieces. He doesn't seem to understand the concept of stealing, so if he likes it, it's his for the taking. Jim can tell a story about that :>).
The tomato plants are finally starting to form fruit - Yeah!!! The plants have cute little green tomatoes about the size of large marbles.... Now I have to watch for the tomato worms. They're ugly creatures - fat green worms the size of a little finger with a hinged jaw and a horn on their tail - no kidding - creepy. I was going to post a picture of one, but decided not to.
Sometime today I want to go to the clubhouse and get signed up for some of the many activities that go on around here. There's a mystery dinner coming up and Jim mentioned seeing a flyer about a fitness class that features various forms of exercise, including yoga. We need to check it out.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Nice surprise for Jim yesterday. He received a lovely dish garden from Mandy for Father's Day. It was wonderful to see the sweet expression that came over his face as he looked at the plant and read the card. I believe he was really touched and pleased.
See how happy he looks ------------------>
The garden is currently sitting on top of his computer, but we will move it soon. The heat from the computer will be too much for it.
The folks to the right of us are getting a patio enclosure or in their case, a"god-forbid-you-should-see-what-we're-doing" screen. Since we're not allowed privacy fences here, they're doing the next best thing. Homeland Security could take a lesson here.
The jigsaw puzzle begun last Saturday is slightly over half done. Every day, when I need a break, I add a few more pieces. I like having a puzzle going all the time and will probably buy another when this one is done. Bustopher has been wanting to help, but has resisted so far. I won't know for sure if he's had surrepticious involvement until I get to the end and find out he's taken some pieces. He doesn't seem to understand the concept of stealing, so if he likes it, it's his for the taking. Jim can tell a story about that :>).
The tomato plants are finally starting to form fruit - Yeah!!! The plants have cute little green tomatoes about the size of large marbles.... Now I have to watch for the tomato worms. They're ugly creatures - fat green worms the size of a little finger with a hinged jaw and a horn on their tail - no kidding - creepy. I was going to post a picture of one, but decided not to.
Sometime today I want to go to the clubhouse and get signed up for some of the many activities that go on around here. There's a mystery dinner coming up and Jim mentioned seeing a flyer about a fitness class that features various forms of exercise, including yoga. We need to check it out.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Not So Windy Wednesday
The past two days it's seemed like we were living in hurricane alley, but today it's just a pleasant Delta breeze. I understand it was windy everywhere in the Bay Area, so it wasn't just the infamous Rio Vista breezes. We've had a few very windy days, but for the most part, the wind hasn't been a problem - actually, it's been a boon as far as keeping the temperature comfortable without air conditioning.
Jim gutsied up and put on the T-Shirt Becky gave him for Father's Day. Here's a picture. We won't be letting him watch Fox News while he wears this. He tried it yesterday and started to twitch something awful. . . just kidding. He loves the shirt.
We got the Meyer Lemon Tree that Terry and Maryann gave Jim planted into a half barrel, put in the vermiculite and gave it a healthy dose of B-1 and water. In about a week we'll give it more B-1 and in another week, some citrus fertilizer. We figured that would be a good container since it's the right size and the orange tree we have in one is doing so well. So far, the little tree looks happy. I want to get a dwarf nectarine tree for another barrel.
Last night Jim made his delicious pasta Toscana and actually used the fresh herbs from our garden. It was delicious and we have at least a couple of dinners stashed in the freezer for those nights neither of us want to cook. It's such a treat to pick herbs that are to be used right away - no waste and we know they haven't been sprayed with anything horrid.
Our jalapeno plant has peppers about 2 inches long now. We'll need to start harvesting them so the plant will keep producing. We still have a supply in the freezer from our crop a couple of years ago and they're still good.
Jim's off at the gym doing his Monday-Wednesday-Friday work out routine. I need to leave the computer and do the same.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Jim gutsied up and put on the T-Shirt Becky gave him for Father's Day. Here's a picture. We won't be letting him watch Fox News while he wears this. He tried it yesterday and started to twitch something awful. . . just kidding. He loves the shirt.
We got the Meyer Lemon Tree that Terry and Maryann gave Jim planted into a half barrel, put in the vermiculite and gave it a healthy dose of B-1 and water. In about a week we'll give it more B-1 and in another week, some citrus fertilizer. We figured that would be a good container since it's the right size and the orange tree we have in one is doing so well. So far, the little tree looks happy. I want to get a dwarf nectarine tree for another barrel.
Last night Jim made his delicious pasta Toscana and actually used the fresh herbs from our garden. It was delicious and we have at least a couple of dinners stashed in the freezer for those nights neither of us want to cook. It's such a treat to pick herbs that are to be used right away - no waste and we know they haven't been sprayed with anything horrid.
Our jalapeno plant has peppers about 2 inches long now. We'll need to start harvesting them so the plant will keep producing. We still have a supply in the freezer from our crop a couple of years ago and they're still good.
Jim's off at the gym doing his Monday-Wednesday-Friday work out routine. I need to leave the computer and do the same.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Happy Day to All
What a special treat to have your home filled with people you love. That's what family parties are about and so it was for us. Jim and I had a great day. We loved it that most of the family could make it, and look forward to visits from those who could not. The food turned out surprisingly good since we used the local market and didn't really know what to expect. Everything was fresh and tasty and reasonably priced. As usual, we bought twice as much food as we needed.
Besides opportunity to touch bases with each family member on some level, we started a neat (albeit difficult) jigsaw puzzle. It will be a work in progress for some time to come. Looking back on the day, our new house helped us accomplish exactly what we both hoped for when we made the decision to buy this place - the great open space allowed everyone to feel included in whatever was going on, but still permitting conversation on a one-to-one level.
A few of the pictures turned out well - here's one of Terry taking pictures (what's a party without Terry or Marc with their cameras).
And another of Kathy, Debbi, Maryann and Mike.
I wish I had taken a picture of that yummy dessert that Bev made! Wow! there was one little piece left which I ate after everyone had gone home. Thanks, Bev!
I hope Kathy is feeling better - that bronchial cough sounded really bad.
Yesterday we went to the 'mainland' and bought a half barrel and potting soil for Jim's dwarf meyer lemon (which he loves!). We'll probably plant it today. Last night it got too cold and windy so we went inside and registered Jim's Starbucks card (doncha just love special days where you get presents :>)! He is going to love having a special treat (new favorite - banana creme frappacino- delicious).
Marc and gang are off to Disneyland. They left early Sunday - a long drive with four excited kids. This is their kids first visit to Disneyland so there was a lot of excitement in their house.
Jen had her first week on her new job and is excited to be working at her avocation. How neat is it when your hobby earns your living!
Today our last ceiling fan is to be installed. While it's chilly today, we'll appreciate it during the roasting days of July and August.
Lots to do today . . . time to get started.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Besides opportunity to touch bases with each family member on some level, we started a neat (albeit difficult) jigsaw puzzle. It will be a work in progress for some time to come. Looking back on the day, our new house helped us accomplish exactly what we both hoped for when we made the decision to buy this place - the great open space allowed everyone to feel included in whatever was going on, but still permitting conversation on a one-to-one level.
A few of the pictures turned out well - here's one of Terry taking pictures (what's a party without Terry or Marc with their cameras).
And another of Kathy, Debbi, Maryann and Mike.
I wish I had taken a picture of that yummy dessert that Bev made! Wow! there was one little piece left which I ate after everyone had gone home. Thanks, Bev!
I hope Kathy is feeling better - that bronchial cough sounded really bad.
Yesterday we went to the 'mainland' and bought a half barrel and potting soil for Jim's dwarf meyer lemon (which he loves!). We'll probably plant it today. Last night it got too cold and windy so we went inside and registered Jim's Starbucks card (doncha just love special days where you get presents :>)! He is going to love having a special treat (new favorite - banana creme frappacino- delicious).
Marc and gang are off to Disneyland. They left early Sunday - a long drive with four excited kids. This is their kids first visit to Disneyland so there was a lot of excitement in their house.
Jen had her first week on her new job and is excited to be working at her avocation. How neat is it when your hobby earns your living!
Today our last ceiling fan is to be installed. While it's chilly today, we'll appreciate it during the roasting days of July and August.
Lots to do today . . . time to get started.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Clear Skys, Warm and Breezy
Well. . . the ceiling fan installation went well yesterday until the electrician discovered that one of the light globes was missing and the remote control for one fan didn't work. Bummer. We do have two fans installed and working - bedroom and living room area,. It was nice sleeping with the cooling breeze. We made good choices as far as style and overall functionality of the fans, so after we get the defective one exchanged, we'll have exactly what we want.
Jim played golf Monday and plans to play again on Thursday. This is a good thing. He's met a couple of nice guys that play at about his level, so they all have a good time. Rio Vista course is a challenging one - I know from my attempts a couple of weeks ago. With all this challenge, he's bound to get good!
We've both met the local doctor - me on Monday, Jim yesterday. He seems to be ok, somewhat conservative, and seems to know his stuff. We're both healthy enough -we were just getting acquainted in the event we have a crisis and need a doctor.
Got the entry dealt with yesterday - planted some ferns and bellflower. The ferns look nice around the fountain, but he weather here may be too warm for them. They're in the shade, so I'm hopeful. I'd like to get a fragrant vine to grow along the wall, like maybe a Carolina jasmine. Our entry is about 20 feet , but somewhat narrow, so we're limited with what what we can do.
In reading about houseplants I learned that they are excellent indoor air cleaners, and they will remove pollutants such as formaldahyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. The ficus is actually earning its keep!
Today we're going to use that floor scrubber we bought last week. Since most of the floors are tile, we decided we needed a floor cleaner that would vacuum, scrub, and dry, and we found one. I hope it works because this house has one heck of a lot of floor to have to mop!
The outdoor plants are doing well. The tomatoes are flowering and the peppers have little baby peppers on them. The herbs are doing well - last night we had baked chicken with fresh rosemary and sage. Yum. We made some dipping oils using olive oil, rosemary and basil. I'm sure the rosemary infused oil will be delicious. I'm eager to see how the basil oil does. We also want to make some oils infused with garlic and sage, and oregano.
It looks like it's going to be a busy day for us - scrub this huge tile floor, return the defective fan, gin and tonics on the patio...life is good.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Jim played golf Monday and plans to play again on Thursday. This is a good thing. He's met a couple of nice guys that play at about his level, so they all have a good time. Rio Vista course is a challenging one - I know from my attempts a couple of weeks ago. With all this challenge, he's bound to get good!
We've both met the local doctor - me on Monday, Jim yesterday. He seems to be ok, somewhat conservative, and seems to know his stuff. We're both healthy enough -we were just getting acquainted in the event we have a crisis and need a doctor.
Got the entry dealt with yesterday - planted some ferns and bellflower. The ferns look nice around the fountain, but he weather here may be too warm for them. They're in the shade, so I'm hopeful. I'd like to get a fragrant vine to grow along the wall, like maybe a Carolina jasmine. Our entry is about 20 feet , but somewhat narrow, so we're limited with what what we can do.
In reading about houseplants I learned that they are excellent indoor air cleaners, and they will remove pollutants such as formaldahyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. The ficus is actually earning its keep!
Today we're going to use that floor scrubber we bought last week. Since most of the floors are tile, we decided we needed a floor cleaner that would vacuum, scrub, and dry, and we found one. I hope it works because this house has one heck of a lot of floor to have to mop!
The outdoor plants are doing well. The tomatoes are flowering and the peppers have little baby peppers on them. The herbs are doing well - last night we had baked chicken with fresh rosemary and sage. Yum. We made some dipping oils using olive oil, rosemary and basil. I'm sure the rosemary infused oil will be delicious. I'm eager to see how the basil oil does. We also want to make some oils infused with garlic and sage, and oregano.
It looks like it's going to be a busy day for us - scrub this huge tile floor, return the defective fan, gin and tonics on the patio...life is good.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Continuing our Excellent Adventure
Today is Tuesday, June 6 and Jason's Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! Haven't posted for several days - Just felt like I needed to give it a rest for a few days.
Friday night we got together with new friends - Faye and Stan and Rose and Leroy. Jim made steaks and he and I made the salad, potatoes, etc. The dinner turned out well. The most fun was having a leisurely evening getting to know these neighbors. They're much like us - retired, but still enjoying life.
Stan and Faye got their patio cover built Thursday and Friday, so Sunday we had to join them for drinks under the cover. Can't wait for the Modesto house to sell so we can build ours.
Our day was filled with preparation for having guests, meaning we were motivated to catch up on house work, and unpacking that we had been neglecting. Jim worked really hard running errands and helping with the cleaning. We make a good team. Earlier in the day I had made some hummus, which turned out yummy. Sadly, we didn't get to eat it - just before serving I opened the refrigerator and the bowl came tumbling out onto the tile floor. Glass and tile are not friends. Fortunately, hummus is gooey so the glass didn't shatter all over the whole kitchen. We had bought a case of garbanzas at our last trip to Costco, so we can make another batch.
Saturday we lazed about and watched a movie - after we finished cleaning up from the night before. Sunday we went shopping in Oakley and bought a bunch more plants, mostly indoor, although I did get an Asian cucumber which I will grow on a trellis. House plants seem to thrive in this house, and since we have so much space, it seems a shame not to have a lot of them.
Monday I had a doctors apt. Just to get acquainted. He seems like a knowlegeable fellow, and since he's the only doctor in Rio Vista, I guess he's ok as a primary care physician. I could go into Oakley or Antioch, or even Walnut Creek, but since this fellow seems ok, I might as well stay here. Jim goes in to meet him today.
Today we're getting our ceiling fans installed. The house stays fairly cool until the warmest part of the day, so the fans will help a lot, and hopefully, we won't need to use the air conditioner. Rio Vista runs from 6 to 10 degrees cooler than Modesto.
The electrician will be here shortly, so I need to get going...
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Friday night we got together with new friends - Faye and Stan and Rose and Leroy. Jim made steaks and he and I made the salad, potatoes, etc. The dinner turned out well. The most fun was having a leisurely evening getting to know these neighbors. They're much like us - retired, but still enjoying life.
Stan and Faye got their patio cover built Thursday and Friday, so Sunday we had to join them for drinks under the cover. Can't wait for the Modesto house to sell so we can build ours.
Our day was filled with preparation for having guests, meaning we were motivated to catch up on house work, and unpacking that we had been neglecting. Jim worked really hard running errands and helping with the cleaning. We make a good team. Earlier in the day I had made some hummus, which turned out yummy. Sadly, we didn't get to eat it - just before serving I opened the refrigerator and the bowl came tumbling out onto the tile floor. Glass and tile are not friends. Fortunately, hummus is gooey so the glass didn't shatter all over the whole kitchen. We had bought a case of garbanzas at our last trip to Costco, so we can make another batch.
Saturday we lazed about and watched a movie - after we finished cleaning up from the night before. Sunday we went shopping in Oakley and bought a bunch more plants, mostly indoor, although I did get an Asian cucumber which I will grow on a trellis. House plants seem to thrive in this house, and since we have so much space, it seems a shame not to have a lot of them.
Monday I had a doctors apt. Just to get acquainted. He seems like a knowlegeable fellow, and since he's the only doctor in Rio Vista, I guess he's ok as a primary care physician. I could go into Oakley or Antioch, or even Walnut Creek, but since this fellow seems ok, I might as well stay here. Jim goes in to meet him today.
Today we're getting our ceiling fans installed. The house stays fairly cool until the warmest part of the day, so the fans will help a lot, and hopefully, we won't need to use the air conditioner. Rio Vista runs from 6 to 10 degrees cooler than Modesto.
The electrician will be here shortly, so I need to get going...
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Jim and Corrie's Excellent Adventure
Thursday was our first wedding anniversary, a milestone in life's adventure. Looking back on the year, it's been busy, busy. First the wedding, then redecorating the Modesto house, sale of the two Oakley houses, my retirement, move to Modesto, a wedding reception in our home, a serious bout with asthma (made us quit smoking!), work at the Haven Woman's Center, a trip to New Hampshire, South and North Carolinas, Jen and Jason's wedding, getting the garden in shape, Christmas Eve party with both families (loved it), Mexico cruise (loved it!) - and that was just the first ten months!!! Two months ago we moved to Rio Vista and put the Modesto house for sale. And then we got REALLY busy.
We have been in Rio Vista two months now, but with unpacking, getting settled, and such, we haven't had time to look around at this wonderful place we moved to. We decided to celebrate our anniversary by exploring some of the Delta. We took off down Highway 160 towards Sacramento, First stop Isleton, home of the crawdad festival (the reason we're having Father's Day celebration on June 10 instead of June 18). From there on to Walnut Grove, and from there on to our destination, Locke. All of these little towns date back to the late 1800s/early 1900s so there's a lot of California history to be had just for the looking.
Locke is an interesting early California town, founded in 1915. After a fire broke out in the Chinese section of nearby Walnut Grove, the Chinese decided that it was time to establish a town of their own. A committee of Chinese merchants approached George Locke, a landowner, and an agreement was established and the town of Locke became a reality. The town buildings remain essentially the same today. The picture on the left shows the main street of the town. The one the right is of an old building that looks like it's ready to collapse. We were told it's been that way for years.
Martha, a local artist and gallery owner, was outside painting a picture of Al the Wop's restaurant Al the Wop's restaurant is another Locke landmark. Al founded his Italian restaurant in 1934 (the only white guy in an all Chinese community), and despite the fact that Al passed in 1961, the restaurant thrives today. Since we were in a Chinese community, we decided a Chinese lunch was in order and went to the Locke Garden Chinese Restaurant. We had a delicious meal. For some interesting facts and pictues of the little town of Locke (population 200 apx) go to www.locketown.com. The town is definitely worth a visit.
After lunch we decided we would like to explore Ryer Island, so we came back to Rio Vista, traveled down River Road and took the ferry across the Sacramento River to the Island. We drove around the Island, which took about an hour and a half. Mostly the island is covered with vegetation - either crops or natural. It was a peaceful drive, reminescent of driving through the bayous of the south, or what Mark Twain might have had in mind when he wrote about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin on the river. One could almost see the barges that must have made their way in the 1800s through the sloughs bringing products to this very rural area.
We have been in Rio Vista two months now, but with unpacking, getting settled, and such, we haven't had time to look around at this wonderful place we moved to. We decided to celebrate our anniversary by exploring some of the Delta. We took off down Highway 160 towards Sacramento, First stop Isleton, home of the crawdad festival (the reason we're having Father's Day celebration on June 10 instead of June 18). From there on to Walnut Grove, and from there on to our destination, Locke. All of these little towns date back to the late 1800s/early 1900s so there's a lot of California history to be had just for the looking.
Locke is an interesting early California town, founded in 1915. After a fire broke out in the Chinese section of nearby Walnut Grove, the Chinese decided that it was time to establish a town of their own. A committee of Chinese merchants approached George Locke, a landowner, and an agreement was established and the town of Locke became a reality. The town buildings remain essentially the same today. The picture on the left shows the main street of the town. The one the right is of an old building that looks like it's ready to collapse. We were told it's been that way for years.
Martha, a local artist and gallery owner, was outside painting a picture of Al the Wop's restaurant Al the Wop's restaurant is another Locke landmark. Al founded his Italian restaurant in 1934 (the only white guy in an all Chinese community), and despite the fact that Al passed in 1961, the restaurant thrives today. Since we were in a Chinese community, we decided a Chinese lunch was in order and went to the Locke Garden Chinese Restaurant. We had a delicious meal. For some interesting facts and pictues of the little town of Locke (population 200 apx) go to www.locketown.com. The town is definitely worth a visit.
After lunch we decided we would like to explore Ryer Island, so we came back to Rio Vista, traveled down River Road and took the ferry across the Sacramento River to the Island. We drove around the Island, which took about an hour and a half. Mostly the island is covered with vegetation - either crops or natural. It was a peaceful drive, reminescent of driving through the bayous of the south, or what Mark Twain might have had in mind when he wrote about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin on the river. One could almost see the barges that must have made their way in the 1800s through the sloughs bringing products to this very rural area.
We completed our anniversary adventure with a dinner at The Point Restaurant. The food was exceptional and we enjoyed looking out at the river. If you'd like to check out The Point, go to this web site http://www.pointrestaurant.com/. It's a jewel on the river. We had a very special day and a very special year....an excellent adventure
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
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