A wonderful conversation with grandson Seth! Painting the house takes up most of the days..Smoke! Weekend plans :)

 Sunday we finally got started on painting the house after breakfast and a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa...why not? More like 1100 rather than breakfast. Seems to be a new tradition, but I had champagne that needed to be drank rather than throwing it out. LOL.

Driving into town the smoke is coming in 😱

Later in the afternoon I got a call from our grandson, Seth. It was so nice catching up on everything that's been going on in his life. He's looking forward to today when his beautiful bride, Holly is supposed to be coming down to spend some time with him. 💖

He has moved into a townhouse on base and she'll be seeing it for the first time in person.  She's been busy herself, fighting fires in the mountains. He said his parents are coming down this weekend to bring some furniture.  Remember the excitement of furnishing your first home?!! I'm excited for them! So glad he called, made this grandma's day! 💙

Monday we worked on painting and then called it quits early.  We took ourselves next door to Karen's pool.  She bought a new pool vacuum and didn't have time to try it out before she left with John so we did! Works better than any one she bought before and last night told me it was only $16.00.  Old style, I think my parents had the same one when we were teens. 😊  We got cooled off in the process!

We're meeting in the middle LOL..

Ken using the grinder on the chipped siding..Today it looks much better...all done!

This side is all done now...didn't look that bad until he used the grinder ..LOL..

Yesterday was another paint day other than a run to Raley's. Now when I say paint day...we usually don't get started until around 1100 and quitting time is 1530. We are retired after all LOL.. It's been hot and smoky here too. We head over every evening and spend Happy Hour with Mugsy and Lila.  Every other night or so we spend the night. John and Karen will be home late Thursday night. 

Today we worked together on our bedroom wall, Ken spent yesterday prepping it by grinding off some of the chipped paint. Today we finished painting that. Just have the front face of the house to do along with 2 garage sides. It's getting there 😃

Last night at 1740..clock is off...

Today at 1609...

We took a drive to town for gas and to see if anyone is staying at the fairgrounds. Not yet, but it is an evacuation center for the Caldor fire. RVs and livestock. Last night it reached 191,607 acres. 

Tomorrow is Total Wine and Walmart day.  We are taking Nellie (MH) and the CanAm out with some friends Saturday. Looking forward to that outing! Hoping it's not too smoky.  

Grandson Jacob (who is stationed in Italy) is heading out this week to meet family in Austria. My mom's side. I'm so excited for him. I've never even met them except my cousin Erika. Her kids will take good care of him I'm sure. Looking forward to  some pictures! 💕

Well, it's Happy Hour time indoors today because of the smoke. WOW...

A Sad day for America..more painting..Happy Anniversary Linda and Bobby!

Thursday, August 26th was a terrible day for America... 10 Marines 2 Army soldiers and 1 Navy Corpsman lives were lost...along with many Afghans...I think our Marine Grandson Seth says it best with the post below...our hearts are broken..many tears have and will be shed..

Being a part of a military family just hits home so hard...God Bless them all..and our grandsons 💙😪

Hard to believe this was 2 years ago, Seth swore into the Marines!
So proud of you!!

Happy 39th wedding anniversary to my sister Linda and Bobby! The little guy is our son Russell..He kept looking up the priests robe..so funny!! 

Here it is Saturday already.  So it'll be a quick catch up since I can't remember what we did except painting LOL. 

I do know one day we had to go to Carson City and Lowe's.  Ken opened the 2nd five gallons of paint that we bought the last time we were there.  Well, instead of being the soft green we're using it was an ugly (and I do mean ugly) dark blue! 

Does this look a soft green!!

We got there and the guy at customer service said they don't exchange or return mixed paint.  Well, they're going to this time. The gentleman that mixed it for us had the swatch in his hand when he mixed it, I had to ask for it back. Long story short the manager of paint mixed a new 5 gallons and showed us the color before leaving. If it's not her next time we'll definitely be paying more attention. 

Even though it's been smoky you can't stay inside forever. We got the front of the garage done, and ready to paint the side of the house. If it weren't for prep work and hand painting of the grooved siding it would go much quicker. Oh well, it's the last time we'll be doing this ourselves. 

I have never liked the garage door color since we painted it 8 years ago..Ken wanted a contrast..but time flies..

This doesn't look much different but it does..need different lighting..this is the same
color as the trim on the house and garage..an off white..Cream In My Coffee...I'll take another!

I was going to work on the front of the house, but there were two lizards sitting on the bricks so.....NOT! I'll wait until Ken can help.  I know, chicken I am.

Yesterday afternoon I was on the side and heard Mugsy barking next door. Now this was his "someone's here" bark.  Ken went over and sure enough he was barking at something! Turns out a huge gopher snake they had trapped in the flower bed.  Ken put Mugsy and Lila inside and relocated him to the very front yard. Hopefully he stays there or goes somewhere else, just not to my house! 

Ken got everything put back..including our sign from my sister Linda..
Memories are made on Ken and Shirley's Porch...Come make memories!!

Found the perfect place for James's gift of the red, white and blue Nevada! 💙💗

Today was an another paint day.  Getting closer to getting it done! 

Remember the Fallen...😪

Ken's appointment :) Painting Sunday mornings..smoke!

 Friday morning we left here bright and early with breakfast burritos once again. We have the little Hot Logic that plugs into the cigarette lighter (even though I'm sure it's not called that anymore).  Keeps food nice and toasty until you want to eat. Best $40.00 we have spent. 

Adam and Erin were at Mt. Rainier last week 💖

We got to Ken's appointment in Reno about 1/2 hour early so he went ahead and went in.  I could go sit in the waiting room with a mask on, but NO thank you. 

Good news!  His eye pressure was 17 in both eyes.  He had been up to 24. Surgery didn't work, but it appears his eye drop is working. They are watching a cataract but not ready for surgery yet. 

Smoke is so bad.. from the Caldor fire..106,000 acres this am..😩

This morning's smoke..no mountains to be seen!

After that we headed to Total Wine for a pick up order, Walmart for groceries and then a linner at Sharkey's in Minden, NV.  I took half of mine home, great food and service! Ken had fish tacos, black beans and rice. They are going to be his new "go to" when we eat there. 

Tried this week..not for us. I'l stick with fresh. 

Definitely good for  you ..but no taste in our opinion...

After getting home we went next door and had "Happy Hour" with the doggies as John and Karen were in Reno for a retirement party.  

Saturday Ken helped John with a new bumper for his truck.  I did some painting outside. Later on we headed over for Happy Hour.  Life just flies I tell ya! 

Sunday John and Karen left early to head for Paso Robles, CA where he is working. They had to unload their fifth wheel at the RV Park in anticipation of getting their new one today. They were going to take the dogs, but we told them we'd be home and don't mind watching them. Glad they took us up on the offer.  They'll be back on the  2nd of September for Labor Day weekend. 

Hubby is a bad influence..Sunday at 1040..he had oyster sandwich and I made
an omelet. YUMMY! 

Almond flour morning glory muffins and low carb muffin tops..(cookies)..

Today ( Monday) once we got going we headed outside for painting. If we wait for the smoke to disappear, we won't ever get anything done!  I worked on the porch and Ken worked on the upper front part of the garage. Looking good. 

We'll spend the night next door with the doggies tonight. Tomorrow we've got a plan on painting. We'll finish the trim on the porch and Ken will finish the trim on the garage. At least, that's the plan! LOL.  

Some pictures Adam sent me from Mt. Rainier, WA.  💙

Have a good night. Ready to head over for Happy Hour with the doggies. 💙😊

Smoky days, Unexpected appointment, life gets in the way of painting

 Tuesday morning we headed for Carson City.  Air quality was bad from the CALDOR fire that started over the weekend in El Dorado County California. 

Grandson Mason started his junior year of high school last week! 

                                             ( I kept forgetting to grab the picture off FB)

We needed to spend some money at Lowe's LOL.  We got another 5 gallons of the green paint for the house and 2 gallons of the white for the trim along with some more roller covers.  

Then we headed for Minden and Raley's for a prescription pick up.  A quick stop at Walmart, (I didn't go in) for just a couple of things then to Sharkey's for linner before heading home. 

Heading down highway 395 the smoke was horrible.  Instead of being 1545 in the afternoon it looked like the sun was going down. We've never seen it this bad.  At our house it was even worse. 

Made some almond flour morning glory muffins for Ken..YUMMY!

Tuesday evening, at our house. .

Ashes were horrible..looked like it was snowing. My porch
was covered with black ash :( 

Yerington... Cool looking cloud, too bad it's smoke!

Gardnerville, NV

The UPS guy said it was eerie and that's exactly how it felt.  Something out of a horror movie LOL.  

We headed over to John and Karen's to stay the night with the puppies. They are always so happy to see us! I had my new SIM card but didn't feel like dealing with it then.  We watched a couple of movies and called it a night. 

Yesterday morning (Wednesday) we got up early and headed home. It was paint day. The temps were cooler so we were actually looking forward to it. 

We got the back wall and part of the front done up to the porch.  It was a good days work.  If all we had to do was roll it, it'd go a lot quicker.  Again with prep work it takes a lot longer. 

Painting the grooves takes longer than the rolling of it! 

So glad we're staying with the same color, but you can sure see how it's 
faded in 8 years..Can't wait to get it all done! 

Once we finished about 1700 i took a shower and then we headed next door for Happy Hour. I actually put on sweats and took a jacket. Of course Ken had to start a fire in the fire pit and send a picture to John. Got a call right away, he was jealous. Ken did it more to get a rise out of him, that's what friends do right?! It did feel good though. 

This morning (Thursday) we awoke to the coldest temperatures we've had in months! The heater we leave programed for 50 degrees actually came on! 

We were planning on painting today but we got a text from the podiatrist Ken's been waiting since June to see.  They had an opening at 0900 this morning. Plans changed and off we went at 0645. I made a couple of egg and cheese burritos to eat on the road as it was a 70+ mile ride to Carson City. 

He went in and came out with 1 1/2 less toenails. Hopefully the pain he's had will be done once it all heals. The doctor took 3 x rays and pushed on the side of his foot and asked if it's tender.  Yes it is.  It's broken. The end of a bone is broken off and being held by a tendon. This has been this way for at least 12 years. When we were working his foot was hurting, he went in to Kaiser. His doctor said it's broken and then called back the next day or so and said it wasn't. Weird huh? Nothing was ever done about it. This Dr said they can do surgery but he'd be on crutches for about 6 weeks. Doesn't bother him enough to go through that. He has an appointment in 2 weeks for a follow up. 

We came home, had lunch and then a little house cleaning since it wasn't going to be a paint day after all. Tomorrow won't be one either as he's got his glaucoma appointment in Reno at 0830. Then we'll do some running around. 

The air is pretty clear here today but the fire is still growing (65,000 acres) with no containment. Too sad. 

Temps will be warming up starting tomorrow. Happy Hour time! Have a great evening!

Best in the Desert 2021 (picture overload) Lunch at R and D's Bar and Grill Gabbs, NV..A FUN time once again!!

 

Johnny bought a piece of property in Silver Springs, NV to use as a base 
camp.  I should have taken pictures of the inside as it's really cute. Bed,
sitting area, kitchen and bathroom. Gets better every time we see it! Notice
the concrete on the right and the flat rocks he found in the desert. Nice
landscaping! Thinking Kelli had a lot to do with decorating!

We got  to Johnny's property about 1030 Wednesday.   We caught Johnny, Kelli, Joel, Randi, Ray and Melissa just heading out on a ride. We pulled in and got set up and then Ken wanted to take the Dodge on a ride. 

The first group heading out on a ride!

Every window rolled down we headed out in the heat.  Had a nice slow drive over to the race track and the spot that the group normally tries to get on race day.  

On our ride along the fence line..hot, hot, hot!

Ray and Melissa's set up.. Nice size toy hauler..

Adam keeps it simple with his bike and the back of his truck..

Albert and Vicki's set up..

After about an hour or so we were back at camp.  Found ourselves some shade and ice cold Corona Light for me. Delicious and well needed after that ride. 

We hung out for a couple of hours when a new couple pulled in. They've got a toy too and a nice older fifth wheel toy hauler.  Albert and Vickie.  

Once they were set up they brought their chairs over and we got to know each other. They live in Colfax, CA the area we used to live before NV. 

Later in the day the gang came back from their ride and we all moved over in front of Johnny's  container.  Laughter and conversation flowed. 

Johnny cooked a couple of tri tips for dinner and we all brought out side dishes. Boy was it a yummy dinner. 

More conversation and laughter until I finally had to call it a night. 

It never cooled down all night, so it really wasn't a good night's sleep but oh well. The gang was up and out on a ride that will take them to Gabb's NV over 100 miles from here.  We met them at a Restaurant / Bar about 1400 for a later lunch.  We rode with Albert and Vicki. Thanks for taking us along! 😊

Randi waiting for Joel to join her

Ready to ride! 

Ted and son Matt's set up and ride

Adam's tough...he's awesome on a dirt bike! 

Keith and Lisa

Johnny's rig 

The service was decent for writing the blog but not loading pictures.  

We left at about 1100 and got to Gabbs just about 1300 to find the riders had just gotten there a few minutes before us.  We ordered beers and a little bit later they were ready for us. I think we overwhelmed the older bartender. 🍺

R and D's  Bar and Grill Gabbs, NV

The old guy in the corner has been there a really long time! LOL

4 of the ladies wanted to try Pickleback..Jameson whiskey

Pickle Juice..not for me

Kelli drinking the juice, Vicki, Melissa and Randi..Adam next to her..

A couple locals came in..and one got a six pack to go..

Really a cute little place in the middle of nowhere! I highly recommend 
stopping in if you're in the area.  Food is awesome too! Cute motel
across the street and gas is available too. 

We all went inside and sat and visited awhile. It sounded like a high school cafeteria in there!  About an hour later all this wonderful food was laid out buffet style. Pork, chicken, potato salad, caesar salad, corn on the cob, mac and cheese (delicious), and so much more! There was fruit and then homemade strawberry shortcake with delicious whipped cream.  We were stuffed! Thank you Johnny! 

Buffet tables..

Delicious mac and cheese all homemade food 😃

3 different types of salads..all were yummy! 

After lunch and some more chit chat we all headed back to camp. No dinner needed tonight! We sat around and enjoyed the company and some more drinks. 🍺🍷🍸🍹

Friday was race day!  Vicki made awesome biscuits and gravy for everyone! I've never seen a pan of gravy like that except in a restaurant! Anyone with an oven cooked a pan of biscuits so it would go quicker. Oh so yummy! Thank you Vickie and Albert! It was decided it's a yearly thing for her to make them! LOL! 

Everyone  loaded up our Dodge and Adam's truck with EZ UPs, ice chests, chairs and everything else that was needed to have a good time at our spot by the race track.  

Got out to the same spot they've had for years and set up.  We were looking at a 100+ day and the misters that Johnny put up were life savers! We all got settled in our chairs waiting for the race to begin.  Johnny brought his hot dog roller so he cooked awesome sausages and several of us brought sides or munchies. No going hungry with this group! 

Albert

This couple came from Montana to enjoy the show!

EZ UPS going up! 

One of the motorcycle racers..there's several different classes. We like the 
trucks best! 

Johnny's hot dog roller...this thing is awesome! 

Other spectators with a side by side made to look like a VW! 😃

Some of the guys and Kelli waiting for more racers! 

Matt and Ted

Mark's brand new RS..went home on a trailer with a busted front end 😞

Spectators across the way...

Really hard to get pictures as these racers are traveling over 100 MPH

Helicopter came over our group and did a really cool move. Quite the show He flies in front of 
a truck and tells him what the road in front looks like. $$$$  

After the race ended we loaded up and headed back to camp.  Again, more conversation and drinks...

Johnny has shirts made for everyone and gives them out. A little different 

every year based on their rides. Notice Vega's not Vegas (his last name) and they ended their ride at Gabb's. Pictures of things along the way. Pretty clever 💙 Such a 

nice guy putting all this together (and Kelli too) 💖💙

Saturday morning all of us who were left finished the biscuits and gravy and then everyone headed out on their own time.  We sat and visited until the sun was coming over Joel's trailer.  Time for us to head out and Johnny, Kelli, Joel and Randi to head out on a ride as they were staying until Sunday. 

Hugs goodbye and they headed out and we did shortly afterwards. What a great time we had meeting new people and spending time with friends! We really look forward to this every year, even though it's cooking heat out there! Special times! 

We got home about 1200, unloaded a few things and called it a day. Too hot, over 100 again. 

Sunday I finished unloading and cleaning the inside of the Mansion.  Ready to go again 😋😊 Started cleaning early, but about 1000 the thermometer under our front porch was reading 110!  

We decided a brunch was in order so...Bloody Mary for Ken along with an oyster sandwich.  Mimosa for me with a ham and cheese on Low Carb bun (those are so yummy). 

Once Ken was finished with what he was doing we watched a couple of movies and headed over about 1800 to have Happy Hour with Mugsy and Lila. It was TOO hot to sit outside so we went inside.  I think the dogs were happy too. 

We came home for dinner and went back and spent the night. We'll do that one more night before John and Karen come home on Thursday. 

Today (Mon) we left there about 0545 to come home for coffee and get ready for the day.  I discovered my phone wasn't working so chatted online with Verizon and it's the SIM card.  They'll overnight one to me.  The smoke is so bad here it's affecting the internet signal.  

We drove out to pick up the Dodge from Johnny's place and on the way back I stopped at Raley's for a few things. Made cabbage lasagna for dinner and that's the gist of it.  We'll go visit the dogs later for Happy Hour. 

Ken has an eye appointment in Reno on Friday so we'll see what the rest of the week brings. 

Have a wonderful evening.