At home for a few days..

Sunday morning we took our time getting up and ready.  Ready for what..well not much as we stayed home all day which was nice.  We knew the Night in the Country crowd was leaving so there was no way we were heading anywhere!  

I decided to do some cooking in the morning, as with as hot as it's been there's no way i'm turning on the stove in the afternoon.  A couple of months ago something came through on Facebook that was a good way to make your own vegetable broth from the throwaways of veggies that you don't use.  You put them in a sealable gallon size bag, keep the bag in the freezer and everytime you cut up veggies whatever is left that you normally discard put into the bag.  When the bag is full, empty it into a big pot, add water to cover, bring it to a boil then let it simmer for 30 min.  Pour through a colander and voila you have your own homemade, salt free veggie broth.  Then you can pour it into a container or another baggie and freeze..you've got broth to use whenever you need it.  I've done it a few times now and it's good stuff.  Nothing goes to waste anymore either.  That's part of my cooking yesterday.  

I decided to make chicken enchiladas, coleslaw and homemade guacamole.   I made two good size pans just in case Russell and family were to show up.  (the kids did so well in basketball they made it to the championship so they didn't leave for home until today). One tray of enchiladas to the freezer either for company or a night we don't know what to have.  

I had plenty of bananas that were ready for banana bread, so I made two loaves and froze some for later on down the road.  The kitchen smelled so good from all the cooking. We had wraps for lunch and then just a quiet afternoon.  

Joe, Stacey and Rylee came over for a quick visit in the early evening which was nice.  Stacey had a wonderful time at Night in the Country, thinking she'll be going back next year.  Joe picked up his new to him 97 Ford F250, just like ours only a pretty green color. Hope it all works well for him. 

We had our enchiladas and coleslaw for dinner and it was very tasty.  Haven't had them in quite a while.  

We were on pins and needles wondering how the kids were doing in the championship game.  54-47 and they lost.  Needless to say the boys were disappointed but they did awesome as far as we and everyone is concerned.  Took a lot to get there and these were kids from all over the country.  Russell said they played teams from Colorado, Texas, Ohio and New England.  2nd place in a National Tournament is something to be proud of I would say!  

Aaron on the right next to the coach!  Way to go boys!

Russell texted this am (Monday) to say they had to go straight home as they have to work tomorrow.  We had already figured that one but appreciated hearing from him to confirm what we thought.  Good 10 hour drive home or so.  

Ken's brother, Don sent a couple of pictures of an event they went to over the weekend.  He and Dana took their two grandsons, Devin who's 6 and Tyson who's 3 to an event at Rock Creek Park in Lewisburg, TN.  It was a "Welcome Home" ceremony for Vietnam Veterans.  The TN Commissioner of Veteran Affairs was there and spoke. She  has quite an impressive military resume including deployment under OEF, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit Award. 

Don taught the boys about hats off and hands on heart at certain times.   Great teaching while they're young. Both their mom and dad are in the Army so Don and Dana have been enjoying the boys staying  with them for a bit.  

Devin 6 on the left and Tyson 3 on the right..

Devin and Tyson..so cute! 

Each Veteran received two proclamations and were called to the stage to accept them. I've no doubt a very moving ceremony.  Long overdue for these heroes.  

You can see quite a few Veterans in line to receive their proclamations..

Today I made some of the apple oatmeal muffins and then got the bathroom ready to paint, hopefully tomorrow. Hula Hoed some weeds out back this am early, but it was still hot and sweaty work.  Looks better though, gotta say. 

Joe came over and put our old rims and tires (which look really nice) on his 97 Ford.  His tires were not good and the ones we used to have on the Ford have just been sitting here for a couple of years now..so hope he gets some good use out of them. 

Ken's hernia seems to be healing, he's up and around and doing little things here and there.  Gotta watch him though..as I know my husband and he'll do too much too soon. 

Patsy, this one's for you.  After you posted about your wine and painting session my friend Michelle posted her masterpiece.  She went to cocktails and painting in Redding CA.  Very impressive just like yours! 

Hope everyone had a great day!  It's hot here and getting hotter this week..near 105! AHHHH...I really wish I could send you the heat Patsy!! :)

Ken's on the mend...Adam came to visit and today more visitors!

Thursday morning got a call from our Grandson, Adam wanting to know if it was ok to drive over and spend the night...of course it is!  He was worried about Papa and didn't want to disturb him.  I told him it was fine because Ken was mostly in the back room resting.  

He got here around 1400 and was starving.  I made him a sandwich that he loved.  (that's what grandma's do right?!) 

We talked a while and just kind of hung out.  He's glad to be back at the pizza parlor working, but glad for the day off too.  Made a chicken sandwich and corn on the cob for dinner.  Papa got up for 15 minutes or so to have dinner and then went back to bed.  

A little while later our neighbor Joe and daughter Rylee came over for some ice cream which I'm thinking they enjoyed.  We talked a bit and they went home as Joe was headed Friday morning to San Jose, CA to pick up a truck he's buying.  

Bedtime, then in the morning Adam a breakfast of pancakes and got ready to head home.  I ran to Walmart in Gardnerville to pick up some things in case Russell and family stop by on their way home to Antelope after basketball is done.  If they don't, we'll eat the goodies..hahah..

Mason Valley on the way home..

Yerington is inundated by (so called) country music fans this weekend. One weekend every July "Night in the Country" is held at the fair grounds near town.  It's unbelieveable how this little town grows.  Last year was close to 15,000 fans.  This year they had Justin Moore headlining.  Gotta admit i'm not a new country music fan, but I do like Justin Moore.  Probably the fact he's raising his family in Arkansas doesn't hurt either and he's an Arkansas boy.   Tonight is Thomas Rhett.  They get some big headliners here, which is surprising to me.  Proceeds benefit the boys and girls club of Nevada.  

Anyway, driving by the fair grounds that are quiet the rest of the year is really something to see!  Trailers, tents, pools (yes pools)..most are young people and  ALOT of alcohol is consumed this weekend. 

Going by Night In the Country campers...

Took these pics while driving..

Last night we had this incredible dust storm that lasted about 10 minutes or so.  Can't imagine all the awnings that were out at the fair grounds and probably got ripped apart as i'm thinking a lot of people were at the early concert venue.  

All that out there is dusty blowing..

The winds moved Ken's cart all around the yard..

Talked to my brother in law Shawn last night.  He and Wendy are headed to Fernley and Fallon to take a look at towns for when they retire..so they're stopping by today!  Yay! They got a motel in Fernley, because when they planned this trip no one knew how Ken would be feeling.  So the next time they'll stay with us.  

This is what we found this am..the winds picked up the post out
of the pier..wicked!

That's what it is supposed to look like!

In process of fixing it..had to jack it up to move it back..

Wendy and Shawn came by for a short visit but better than no visit!  They visited Fallon, NV, they liked the town so I guess we'll see if it's for them or not. 

Shawn and my sister, Wendy..:)

Aaron's team is winning, winning, winning in Vegas!  Glad to know he's having fun and then last night who's there but King James..Lebron..I know Aaron along with many of the other boys was excited!  

Aaron #35 looking at Lebron James..

Winner winners!

A few pics from Night in the Country taken from Facebook! 

Justin Moore

Our neighbor Stacey (front left) enjoying with her friends

Earlier today..Staey in the middle..

Ken's doing better today.  He actually ditched the sweats for a real pair of pants (his fat pants so they're loose) and he's been up since this morning.  No pain pills either.  Hoping this will be a quick mend for him.

Surgery done and we're back home!

WE headed out early yesterday as we wanted to make sure we were plenty early in case of a flat tire or something else.  We got to Gardnerville at about 1100 and headed to the gas station so I didn't have to get gas after the surgery.  WE made a quick stop at Walmart for a few groceries and then headed to Carson Valley Medical Center which is just across the street from Walmart.  

The Preacher Fire on the way to Gardnerville

Monday afternoon they thought it was contained, but with
thunderstorms and wind it jumped the lines..

Add caption

Helicopter with water basket..there were at least 3 we could
see..THis morning the fire 20% contained..

WE got there right at 1215 and they took us right in to get the paperwork started.  Ken's surgery was scheduled for 1345.  As it turned out the gentleman that was scheduled for surgery right before Ken had improved so much he didn't need to have his surgery, (how nice is that) so that pushed Ken up! Yay! 

They took him back for pre op and then they came and got me to sit back there also.  The nurses were wonderful, very friendly, informative and not in a big hurry.  They made Ken and me very comfortable, so comfortable that Ken's blood pressure was 115/77..he's never had it that low!  

Dr. Mason the anathesiologist came in, very funny man and very competent. Explained everything and then they got it all going.  A kiss goodbye and I ran to Raleys to get the pain med prescription put in.  Back to wait.  Eventually Dr. Denar came out, showed me a few pictures and said Ken was fine and everything was successful.  He was able to do the laproscopic surgery so less incision.  

Few minutes later, a nurse called me back and explained after care to me, as Ken was still a little out of it.  Again, this set of nurses were wonderful. About 1/2 later, I pulled the car around and off we went.  He was starving and they had given us some crackers to tide him over on the way home.  Picked up meds and home we headed.  

Got home, got him settled.  Made a snack of celery and peanut butter and then about 1830 I started dinner.  chicken sandwiches and corn on the cob.  He got up to eat at the table and then back to bed for some tv and pain meds. 

We had some good rain and pour downs again and then it's over.  

Our sunset last night again

Someone was getting good rain

I opened the door and took video of the rain hitting the metal roof of the porch..too windy to go outside..

Ken had a good night, I think he only got up once for a pain pill. we slept in the guest room again for the a/c.  I can't wait until fall!  Sick of this hot weather and even hotter this weekend!

Mason at the beach

Last night's dinner at the beach for
Christina and Seth..no one else liked them

Mason, Eric and Seth..

Low tide at Dillons Beach

Eric with a treasure

That's a lot of crabs!

Russell and family headed out today for Las Vegas, NV and some championship basketball for their boys.  HOT HOT HOT there...but sure they must have a/c and a pool I hope wherever they're staying..sure they'll be some breweries visited.

Monday at home..thunderstorms in the afternoon

Our beautiful sunrise Monday morning...:)

Home all day yesterday..nice.  It was just a quiet Monday.  Our usual morning catching up on all our blogging friends and coffee.  Some exercise and breakfast.  Ken had his poached eggs and toast and I had some yogurt and fruit.  After breakfast, before it got too hot I made a loaf of banana nut bread, which turned out excellent.  Figured out what to have for dinner, because if anything needs cooking I try to do it early!  

Made salad stuff for lunch and at 1300 Ken came in for our lunch.  After that was pretty much a done deal for the day as far as work goes.  I got online and spent a little money on a couple of new quilts and a comforter.  One site I like Zulilly had really good deals on a lot of stuff and free shipping.  I've ordered a couple of things from them before and haven't been disappointed.  I like to change out bedspreads for a new look as most of our rooms the beds need to stay where they are.  According to them I saved HUNDREDS of dollars..oh yeah..like I believe that.  hahah..but am looking forward to getting them. 

We ordered another industrial fan about a week ago and it came in the afternoon.  Very quiet but moves a lot of air!  

Ken went out to the bunkhouse around 1500 and tried out the new air conditioner and the bed.  Watched a little tv out there.  About 1600 I headed out, but he was just coming in. With as hot as it's been lately the a/c was having a big job getting it cool.  

Storms a comin!

The wind makes our flag fly high and proud!

The skies were clouding up and the temperature was dropping..yay..We heard thunder rumbling.  We decided to sit on the front porch and watch the show!  After about 20 minutes or so the winds picked up and it started to rain.  Well, it blew so hard we had to move inside cause we were getting soaked!  Of course being Nevada it only lasted a little bit and then it warmed right up again.  They're calling for more of the same Tuesday afternoon.  

Rain coming down over there

Looks like storm is clearing...

That is smoke from the Preacher fire..over 50 miles away..
near Gardnerville, NV

I cooked up a few small chicken breasts, which cooked quickly..some anaheim chili peppers and made Ken two sandwiches with that and melted cheese.  He had the left over oven fries from the night before.  I had a cob of corn and chicken breast.  Yummy!  

WE called it a night and off to bed.  

Today, Tuesday we'll head for Gardnerville and Carson Valley Medical Center for Ken's hernia surgery scheduled for 13:45.  Making sure to leave here early, it's a little over an hour there, but don't want a flat tire or something to make us late.  It's an outpatient surgery and sure hope it makes him feel much better than he's been feeling lately.  Once he's on the mend from that one, they'll schedule the next one.  

Eric, Christina, Seth and Mason are at Dillon's Beach camping for a few days.  They were hoping for cooler temps, which later in the afternoon they got as the fog rolled in..but these are before that..

Camp all set up!

Seth digging in the sand..hahah

Mason contemplating what?

Their first crab caught!  Our kids used to love doing that at Dillons
many years ago..


Russell took the boys night fishing after work yesterday..

Jacob

Aaron

Jacob

Aaron...