tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1589043677938503472024-03-18T23:12:07.729-05:00LIFE AND TIMES AFTER RETIREMENTOur lives since Retirement in 2003.....LIFE IS GOOD!JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-29327666390419404262022-07-06T00:45:00.000-05:002022-07-06T00:45:21.196-05:00JULY 2022<p> My long line of Cardiologists have been watching my defective Aortic valve since birth. Time for action. 7/13/2022 they plan to do open heart surgery to install a mechanical valve. They decided a "pop in" TAVR valve would not work and the reason being that replacement would then in 10 or so years I would not likely survive open heart surgery at age 85. So, open heart it will be and a pop in version to replace it. I AM READY!</p>JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-1003680679189471672021-09-10T20:11:00.003-05:002021-09-10T20:11:36.310-05:00<p> Well here we are. A bit older, no motorhome and living the retired life....still. It has been fun reading this blog, I am glad it waited for me to find it again. We are still doing fine, covid has really been difficult to navigate...much like the skit of "Who's on First? What's on Second and I don't know is on Third.</p><p>Anyway...life on the "hill" is good and we still love the beach. We have not fished much but hope to get some done real soon. I had an incident of prostate cancer a couple of years ago and during our drive home from my last radiation treatment we discussed selling the motorhome. We had not used it in a long time and dogs had come into our yard and chased a cat into the engine compartment. They did about $2500 worth of wiring damage, killed the cat and my insurance company could not find anyone to come out and fix it...I was too weak to do anything. Anyway, we got home that day, put on a pot of coffee and there was a knock at the door. A nice young man was at the door and asked if "we wanted to sell that trailer". I explained it was a motorhome and I took him to see it. The battery was toast and he offered to pay for a new one so he could see it "move". He was in a nice new truck with his family inside and they had no place to live. He came back about 45 minutes later with a battery, we put it into the rig and zoom...we went. He asked how much I wanted and I told him. He said that was more than he had and flashed a handful of cash from a bank bag at me and told me how much it was. It was about 40% short of what we wanted but I gave my bride Shari "that look" and she nodded back and I said everything works and I showed him the wiring problem. He said that was easy for him that he was a mechanic. We did the title thing and he asked if I could drive it home for him, near Houston. I had a friend drive as I was not 100% yet. He called two days later and said "you are right...everything works. They put it behind his shop and they are living out of it unil they build their house. We felt very good about the transaction.</p><p>Cancer is gone, we are older and enjoying our routine. All I can say is that Life is Good.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-3201724846334578252021-09-03T20:43:00.001-05:002021-09-03T20:43:11.297-05:00I had forgotten about this blog....sorry. <p> I hate to admit it but I had forgotton about this blog. I shall try to revive it. Stay tuned.</p>JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-815268892812237522016-04-27T13:50:00.000-05:002016-04-27T13:50:06.439-05:00APRIL IS ALMOST GONE......<br />
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I was awakened again this morning with loud claps of thunder and pouring rain outside....jumped out of bed "dis-oriented X 2.5, all I could think about is "one little lightning strike between Winnie and High Island and NO COFFEE! So, I ran downstairs, poured the waiting water into the BUNN and whala!....I always heat up the carafe when weather is outside just in case, so I can pour the coffee there and make a pot right away. It is a little ritual but rarely needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9POaO3a9EF3z7dYceN4SbmEYfUp1wGFJUbr1NDaP6F0laaZrEXU2kMIbcAxvCOJTTFyuTwcTyflz46kDO5gQm_5eTgI8ymgqArdjfblpQLzYh-LVvApN86sg4kLhyphenhyphen0nxVWVKS1VbCs9y/s1600/Lance+and+Mike+March+27+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9POaO3a9EF3z7dYceN4SbmEYfUp1wGFJUbr1NDaP6F0laaZrEXU2kMIbcAxvCOJTTFyuTwcTyflz46kDO5gQm_5eTgI8ymgqArdjfblpQLzYh-LVvApN86sg4kLhyphenhyphen0nxVWVKS1VbCs9y/s320/Lance+and+Mike+March+27+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having said that, all is quiet here. Making some headway finishing the new Buttler's Pantry that our Brother in Law David built for us (Shari's sister's husband...he is a cabinet maker). Other than that I am getting ahead on my rest for the summer. We sure enjoy our grandsons (LEFT) Lance and Michael, who live about 20 minutes from here but with their family's young and busy schedule....have to work them in when THEY are too tired to to anything else. Thanks for mom and dad who do a good job posting photos in between our gatherings. Our two in Houston have been chatty since the flooding and daughter Sara pops in now and then for sleepovers when she needs to get away. Our son Bryan...sigh... is kind of busy at the restaurant and rarely gets time off.<br />
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Lance Michael<br />
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I started to move all of our recipes to this blog (see recipe section) then forgot I was doing it. So there was one posted today and I add a couple of others. I may look for another solution as this is difficult to manage...and I don't do difficult.<br />
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Hope all are well, we are doing fine but do hope for some dry weather and NOT looking forward the influx of mosquitoes that are to follow.<br />
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Enjoy what is left of Springtime, Until Later....<br />
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Us.JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-55316389088700654912016-01-29T15:07:00.001-06:002016-01-29T15:07:31.532-06:00Back from our cruise on the Amazing Carnival MagicSince we have all but stopped using our Newmar Kountry Star Motor Home we have decided to focus on other modes of travel. First a little history. The February before I retired we had the opportunity to cruise on Carnival out of Galveston on the Jubilee. It was not as grand as today's ships but still a great adventure for our first cruise.<div>
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Last February we took another Valentine cruise on the Carnival Magic, Port of Galveston again and it was amazing. People ask us "don't you get bored being on a ship that long?", my answer is NO, it is more like being in Vegas on the strip for a week only for about $60 bucks a day, meals and entertainment included. We do bring a bit of gaming cash as the casino on board has been fair to us so far. We also like to book an excursion or two and have seen some sites that were on our bucket list for a long time. In 2015 we visited Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, and did some shopping. This trip in January 2016 we visited the Mayan Ruins in Belize and a river tour of the River Wallace which was filled with wildlife not common to our area.</div>
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The next trip is on the drawing board will be on a different ship and route for sure since the Magic is moving to Florida and Galveston has 2 different large ships making it 3 Carnival ships from Galveston.</div>
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Note that on the last 2 trips we had the pleasure of being with Shari's sister Elizabeth (Jean), and her husband David both sharing the fun with us and on last weeks trip we also had Robert and Katherine Isaacks, our neighbors with us. </div>
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These are from last weeks cruise, Enjoy</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R David, Jean, Jake, Shari, Katherine, Robert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and Jean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shari's Beverage at Fat Tuesdays, Cozumel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert and Katherine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crock with a Golden Butterfly sitting on his leg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan Ruins at Belize</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iguana on a tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey feeding, there were like 20 of them</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny insect eating bats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "SHIPS COIN" Find it but don't tell where it is....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Block</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7XNdeGoMbUNzkCFsW-5ZwPNFwLCzrJtrRkr6xf0K2XcT0ZFbSBEa9z_DoqlW2YEtKg6h_IixzxnksFry05cmY3vNwk-RCtLewmi4O1Ay_P9xacdDNph4HTs7yH3jK6Q5erqsaXx3Q1Qk/s1600/1+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7XNdeGoMbUNzkCFsW-5ZwPNFwLCzrJtrRkr6xf0K2XcT0ZFbSBEa9z_DoqlW2YEtKg6h_IixzxnksFry05cmY3vNwk-RCtLewmi4O1Ay_P9xacdDNph4HTs7yH3jK6Q5erqsaXx3Q1Qk/s320/1+L.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Head</td></tr>
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JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-44409481802948719042016-01-07T11:07:00.000-06:002016-01-07T11:07:08.134-06:00IT IS A NEW YEARHaving finished Christmas and now the New Year is come HAPPY NEW YEAR to those few I follow who still read blogs.<br />
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We had a great holiday season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve with Family, Family, Family and it was GRAND.<br />
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I am about half done working on the Motor Home...the list is getting shorter anyway. I have had the jacks replaced, Fridge burner unit replaced, Starter and 1 AC Unit rebuilt all under Good Sam Extended Warranty...thank GOD.<br />
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I am in the process of getting new batteries and replacing the carpet in the driver area with a rubber mat which will be trimmed in metal and screwed to the plywood which was under the carpet.<br />
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Keep in mind that our travels are VERY limited as we have all but stopped RV'ing except for local trips and hurricane evacuations or other events. We may make the Alabama-Coushatta Pow Wow this summer in Livingston but that is about the range of our travels by motor home. I am just getting tired.<br />
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Shari is doing fine as am I, her knee replacement is now better than her left one which is still original parts. We are taking our next cruise on Carnival this month and am sure will post pics on Facebook and/or here shortly after our return.<br />
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Glad you are here and I will attempt to update monthly if not more as time passes. I am spending lots of time on the computer so it should be easy.<br />
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Enjoy!JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-29064253688464868352015-12-11T23:44:00.000-06:002015-12-11T23:44:07.239-06:00Christmas is Getting Here Too FastSo is OLD AGE! It seems that time is whizzing past me at an alarming and ever increasing pace. Well, scientist say it is only an illusion. Follow this link and using your mouse scroll wheel look at this excellent presentation of why we "think" time passes so fast after age 50. You will see some text and as you scroll TIME will pas RIGHT TO LEFT depending upon the age in the text boxes. It is kind of amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://maximiliankiener.com/digitalprojects/time/">http://maximiliankiener.com/digitalprojects/time/</a><br />
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On an lighter note, we spent time with Shari, our daughter Lucy, grandsons Lance and Michael decorating their own Gingerbread Houses tonight.(Dad was working). It has been a while since we did this and we normally bake the bread houses but opted for a nice pre-fab jobs from Bed, Bath and Beyond... $10. each.<br />
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The boys were almost as excited as we were.<br />
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<br />JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-81959614759530028412015-12-03T09:59:00.001-06:002015-12-03T10:02:04.333-06:00Let the Holidays Begin!<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a while since we updated the blog so in fear of fading off the face of the earth I offer this update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">MOTORHOME:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The motor home is finally fixed again, jacks working, AC is up and running and my second new fridge is colder than ever...FINALLY. We have sold it 3 times, backed out all three times, it is just too handy for local trips, overnight doctor or hospital stays and hurricane evacuations which are always a threat.It is getting harder and harder to use physically but for now...it stays. We can always let the kids use it as it is still in great shape for it's age and low miles to boot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am replacing the driver flooring for a rubber mat rather than the carped due to wear and the fact that floor mats in this coach get too close to the brake pedal causing some issues when driving. This will be slow but I want to get it done. The exterior is nasty but will have to wait for better weather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HOLIDAYS! Those who know me and Shari will understand that the next few weeks are our favorite times of the year. Thanksgiving, is a time to reflect and to enjoy family and friends. We had our share of that. All of the children and grandchildren were here, lots of smiles, too many calories and loads of fun. Christmas it next. We are planning another Steak, Shrimp and Seafood Gumbo feast this year...one of the perks for living on the Gulf Coast. Personally, I love people watching this time of year, the excitement and joy abound. I am still a kid at heart and carry my joy with me all season long. This time of year in a Christian household brings to life the feelings and emotions from my youth and from the day our family began, we started a new generation of Peace, Joy and Wonder. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a bit difficult writing this as I sit watching the news and events surrounding yesterdays (Dec. 2) shootings. Take time to pray for those who died and those who must go forward without them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HEALTH:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shari is doing well with her new knee, the other one is not so well. She pulled a muscle and may have torn a tendon but with care all will be good soon. She has started on insulin as her oral meds have stopped working and is adjusting her dose little by little as directed. She did a great job holding this off for many years and long history of diabetes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me, all is good on my side. Extensive blood work, cardiac scans, ultrasounds, enough contrast dye to light up a WalMart parking lot all looking at my heart valve which has been discussion since my birth. Seems premature babies have a risk of valve issues. Mine is following this path. There has been no signs of leakage or failure but there are signs that trouble may be in my future. Doctor says we will look at it in a year or two as it is non-symptomatic and has not changed in 10 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do want to take a second to comment on something of a personal nature and that is to say that if you are my friend on Facebook, do not fret if I do not "Like, Share or Comment" on many of your posts....If I do, it is an exception. Know that if you are on my friends list I do see every post you make, and enjoy them a great deal. I am going through a phase that has been on my mind for years and that is a condition I have scalled F.O.G.O. "Fear Of Growing Old". You see, I have always thought I would be 50 when I got old. Now that I am almost 69 and slowing down I am entering the part of my life I find easy to become depressed. Thanks to Shari and my faith in God, I am able to simply shake this off and go forward after a few minutes. It is just not the part of life I was looking forward to the most. I just keep in mind 2 things, #1 is "It's only what you make of it", from Little Big Town's song and #2 is a saying I learned long ago, "Don't worry about the mule going blind". Those two thoughts bring me back to reality and to the safe place I like to be at my age. After all, I am too old to die young any longer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">EVENTS:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shari and I took a "working cruise" on Carnival in 2003, part of a seminar / cruise for me and vacation for Shari. We vowed to do it again and we did, Feb. 14th 2015 and have another in January 2016 with Shari's sister and her husband and two of our good, local friends. We have decided we love cruising and taking part in the sights and sounds, excursions to places we have not seen and loving the "life on a ship" for a few days. We love being pampered and for a few bucks a day (usually about $50-$60 a day each), room, transportation, food, entertainment overload every day is a real bargain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that is about it for now, thanks for following the blog and do know that we still have an RV spot in the driveway, a spare bedroom and a wonderful beach at the end of the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below are a few photos.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDE340ZizPCra6DlBgmIez-Er5UFNS7Im05QeXn6NAMvTFzicosZxYuBn0i36QVpuVhdHZRjJu0QH4JOYB5HMVNzZmqsxeQXYFB_jqK_yuWkj0nBYsXhS6o2HUXJ8cmxU7MZGQij3TyI1/s1600/Table+Flowers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDE340ZizPCra6DlBgmIez-Er5UFNS7Im05QeXn6NAMvTFzicosZxYuBn0i36QVpuVhdHZRjJu0QH4JOYB5HMVNzZmqsxeQXYFB_jqK_yuWkj0nBYsXhS6o2HUXJ8cmxU7MZGQij3TyI1/s320/Table+Flowers1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Ti2U6lPB9G28gcc1_NISdmLmGpJKVIlfiKaREbpUSVY29veYe1KYRpy5GGzfn9rjuDPUmT8DOvF1NH_q5LLXYiPp0Dmf437SEZU6_GGLpGXPrFurJbB9DHioEIRAPbEQ5ugWgxlcYwg/s1600/Thanksgiving+Table1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Ti2U6lPB9G28gcc1_NISdmLmGpJKVIlfiKaREbpUSVY29veYe1KYRpy5GGzfn9rjuDPUmT8DOvF1NH_q5LLXYiPp0Dmf437SEZU6_GGLpGXPrFurJbB9DHioEIRAPbEQ5ugWgxlcYwg/s320/Thanksgiving+Table1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0hCdmOvRWFRkeRINYyAS5z0RF8gVcV0kbHFzA9OsVkp9yMiat-Euagz0TC8WHf73gRODXCHd0nG5V3AvpwvjScmnZEny7aZEyezq6lQa1572jF8YplXQFhTyw1ZbodsmCjLyNtKkYK84/s1600/Manger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0hCdmOvRWFRkeRINYyAS5z0RF8gVcV0kbHFzA9OsVkp9yMiat-Euagz0TC8WHf73gRODXCHd0nG5V3AvpwvjScmnZEny7aZEyezq6lQa1572jF8YplXQFhTyw1ZbodsmCjLyNtKkYK84/s320/Manger1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Manger Scene</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwQICp3NtrqOxjPwB0iqZkUDfszSKDvtAGFibzs09MtuitUwQFKqqnRZXk9eNZ2ZMETAlGx61jPVOeISbBrOaKXtDoaQyyHaI3_c4mbtqsGuTW110zk_lvw-CddaTSWq0j5LAyNz9EcHh/s1600/2015+Tree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwQICp3NtrqOxjPwB0iqZkUDfszSKDvtAGFibzs09MtuitUwQFKqqnRZXk9eNZ2ZMETAlGx61jPVOeISbBrOaKXtDoaQyyHaI3_c4mbtqsGuTW110zk_lvw-CddaTSWq0j5LAyNz9EcHh/s320/2015+Tree1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvgbyYY1JeZiyZWBR7XRmSdPz8dzy-c2dnpbNgGBTWIfu_xQg1srcfAGOCw4iASE05382k8IZJvsa26VXGHnX3_ihqE0fspaj6xIQmLgRokmKwsyVtuO9Uh9hPMKR46riXu7sRfngCllZ/s1600/Poinsettias1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvgbyYY1JeZiyZWBR7XRmSdPz8dzy-c2dnpbNgGBTWIfu_xQg1srcfAGOCw4iASE05382k8IZJvsa26VXGHnX3_ihqE0fspaj6xIQmLgRokmKwsyVtuO9Uh9hPMKR46riXu7sRfngCllZ/s320/Poinsettias1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettia Arrangement</td></tr>
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Enjoy YOUR holidays, we are sure enjoying ours!<br />
Jake and Shari AngeloJA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-20193450081197084262015-04-28T13:48:00.002-05:002015-04-28T13:48:29.458-05:00Almost May 2015I thought I would update our blog since it is too wet, windy and too much lightning around to actually go "outside". Today is the first day we can almost see sun.<div>
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Other than a rash of motor home jack failures having replaced 3/4 of them so far, and a couple of house batteries all is well. This week brings cool mornings which is ok for me. We are catching up on some yard tasks between rain storms (you non-fulltime RV'ers will understand that). We are looking forward to our next Carnival Cruise early in 2016 and have been watching the ships</div>
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come and go on <a href="http://www.galveston.com/webcams/" target="_blank">Galveston.com web cam site</a>: </div>
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even meeting a few of the "Cruise Cam Addicts" there. We took a tour of the Houston Ship Channel courtesy of the Port Of Houston who offers a free tour of operations around the port. Very nice boat tour, 90 minutes and the staff are excellent.</div>
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News is that Grandchild #3 is due in early Winter so we are excited about that. Otherwise things are about normal here, we are still praying much, playing hard and enjoying each day we are given. God Is Good!</div>
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Three pictures from our <a href="http://www.portofhouston.com/community-outreach/sam-houston-boat-tour/" target="_blank">Port of Houston</a> Tour </div>
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Gypsum Dock<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Old bridge South of the Port of Houston<br />
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"Roll On / Roll Off" RoRo Vehicle carrier<br />
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JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-62889833213167842882015-02-23T13:09:00.000-06:002015-02-23T13:11:23.712-06:00BUCKET LIST ITEM "Visit Chichen Itza, Mayan Ruin Site" DONEFinally after 11 years of retirement and numerous health related delays..we made it in grand style. We took our second ever cruise ship journey and both were on Valentine's Day but several years apart. We left Feb. 14 for 6 days to the wonderful Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Traveling with us were Shari's sister Elizabeth (Jean) and her husband David who I have to say are excellent travel partners, loving the ship and all a cruise has to offer. The Carnival Magic is a grand ship with non stop activities day and night. She is 1004 feet long and holds 3690 guests and a crew of 1367 on board. Our stateroom was on a lower deck, aft and had a King bed, shower, toilet and sink in one room and a sink and mini (we are short so it was not so mini) deep tub..what a treat for aching backs and legs. Our intent was to upgrade to a balcony next cruise but taking into account the cost of that vs the time in our rooms not counting sleep, bathing and toilet time....price for minute sucks. Yes, I am sure we would have forced ourselves to sit outside and watch the water...but with a casino, 3 showrooms, 20 places to eat and drink.....um NO....I"ll take a window view thanks. We are moving up to forward and a higher deck just because we can for no more money...but I may never see a balcony room until we can't walk down to the casino or to dinner any longer. We love meeting new people and can't do that on the balcony for 2.<br />
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Our fellow travelers, David and Jean, spent the night Friday with us to make sure we did not go without them which started the fun early. Having to dodge the Mardi Gras parade at mid day Saturday of our cruise was a challenge but worked out well. A new friend I met in a cruise forum sent me a text ahead of our arrival "boarding all passengers..no line". That was all I needed. Dropped off the 3 travelers, parked in the best ever lot across from the terminal in Galveston and walked to the ship. 30 mins later we were on board...having a drink and thinking about lunch. Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet"<br />
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First stop was Cozumel for shopping, tasting local fare and having a welcome drink at "Fat Tuesday's...where we ate on our first cruise. Great spot to relax a bit.<br />
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Second stop was Progreso where we boarded our tour bus to Chichen Itza. Carlos, our very local historian and guide attempted to teach the crowd to speak Spanish and some local history which made the 2 hour ride seem like minutes.<br />
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The tour was long, hot and busy but I must say we have to go back again as the time on the ground is NOT enough to see everything in one trip. What a spot to visit. I am posting a few photos and there are some on my Facebook Page. Enjoy<br />
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Next cruise on Carnival will be booked this week!<br />
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<b>Me and Shari Resting </b></div>
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<b>David and Jean </b></div>
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<b>Shari & Jake</b></div>
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<b>El Castillo "Temple of Kukulcan"</b></div>
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<b>El Castillo / No tourists in the way!</b></div>
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<b>Thanks to PhotoShop </b></div>
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JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-6899467805590939722015-01-10T17:35:00.000-06:002015-01-10T17:35:00.637-06:00January 2015 - MUST GO FARTHER SOUTHWinter started off ok. Low humidity, mild temps in the 50's for lows and nice North breezes. Then came December. Freezing nights, rain, drizzle and strong winds. White stuff NOT included...yet.<br />
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I will try to use this time to add recipes to the new page...be patient.<br />
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Shari is doing well medically..new knee is doing fine and she can tolerate what little pain she has.<br />
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Motorhome is still with us after spending months in the shop....final straw was when someone turned too sharp and took out my driver side mirror. We still are trying to sell it but not very hard as it makes a great evacuation vehicle for hurricane season which I hate as much as winter.<br />
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Have a great New Year and stay tuned. JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-49526541166973093952014-10-01T11:27:00.003-05:002014-10-01T11:30:09.869-05:00Strange Happenings in the Recent PastBefore I begin I must say that the experiences I am about to share are VERY personal and from my heart. I am not a perfect Christian but I do work daily to attempt to listen and live the Word of God.<br />
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The Stories:<br />
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Some time ago, I guess just under 3 years, I began noticing two things. First I found myself asking the question "What If...after I died nothing at all happened?" Now his goes against all I have come to believe in my 67 years and my faith was not failing just asking the question. How sad that would be. The question did not lead me away from my faith it was just a thought which will go unanswered until my death. If anything it made me work harder to make sure my life was in order in preparation for my union with my God in heaven.<br />
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Secondly, at the same time I began noticing that when I walked in a room, started up the car, glanced at a digital clock the time 12:34 was on the display. Coincidence? Daily, sometimes twice a day? For months? At least two years in a row? I think not. So, I began researching "number meanings", Numerology and the like and nothing struck my attention about these numbers...they just kept on showing up day after day after day.<br />
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All my life, as taught by my mother, I prayed daily usually from the "Saint Joseph's Daily Missal" book my parents gave me at my Confirmation ceremony October 17, 1958. One night, in the 3rd year of this number thing, and after exhausting my resources in number meanings, I flipped to the page in the book 1234. SIGH!<br />
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The scripture, 1 Thessalonians 4, 13-18, from page 1234 of this book, tells me "not to worry......two things are going to happen in the end. 1. God will take those who have gone before those who are alive at the end. 2. God will then bring the living who have survived until the end of the world. For me this was very reassuring as it served to put my mind at ease and realize how stupid I was for even having those doubts. I take it is a sign no matter who believes or who does not. It is just what I feel and what I have experienced. <br />
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I also think it was my mother who is turning my head toward the clock still today as a reminder of my faith, a "nudge" in the direction I am to go. Instead of an "Odd" happening it is a "tap on my shoulder" from my sainted mother who guided me both before and after her death. A belief that gives me great pleasure to know I am being held in her loving arms to this day.<br />
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There is one more "layer" to this story if you are still interested. When we were kids our parents had weekly Bingo and Card gatherings with their friends, Bingo on Wednesday and Cards on Thursday nights. We went to our rooms when they started because it was not polite to be a bother when they had company so we snacked, said our good nights and went off to our rooms. The sounds of low voices, with words we could not hear well enough to bother our slumber but there just the same, came from the dining room where they played. Ladies on Wednesday, men on Thursdays for as long as I can remember. Now, at night when the AC unit is not on, TV off and I am falling asleep, I can hear the voices, ladies some nights, men on others sometimes mixes, from my upper right side of the wall by our bed. I tried recording them a few times, got nothing. Shari can't hear them.<br />
Crazy but true. To me again, it is a reminder that my parents are there watching over me each night. <br />
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Well, there it is. Is there "Life After Death"? I believe there is and of that I do not doubt.<br />
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At least, for some it is an interesting story...for some, I am sorry I wasted your time. But for me it is an awakening never to be forgotten.<br />
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May you find peace in your daily life and tune into the signs your departed loved ones are sending you every day.<br />
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Jake<br />
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<br />JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-9752703295166544232014-09-01T10:31:00.003-05:002014-09-01T10:31:39.229-05:00Our Web Site JATEXAS.COM has been put to sleep!After several years of discussion I have finally killed JATEXAS.COM the web site is gone as of today. I will attempt to keep alive this blog and my facebook page which is about all I think we need at this point of our lives.<br />
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RIP Jatexas.comJA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-79824614679628261462014-08-20T11:40:00.000-05:002014-08-20T11:40:10.304-05:00August 23, 2014 Marks our 40th Wedding Anniversary<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Shari and I met on November 3, 1973 in at Rogers Park, Beaumont TX. I was shooting a segment for a TV show to air on KBMT Channel 12 and Shari Richardson (singer), via a mutual friend, agreed to learn and perform a special song for the end of the show. Well, that day we met for the first time however it did not immediately turn out well. As Shari tells it, she had gathered several friends and fellow musicians to view the show and as luck would have it the "switcher" in control of the programming needed to make up a couple of minutes of time due to an overbooking of commercial time that night. The scene before Shari's segment just faded to black and went to commercial never to be seen. I, on the other hand was at Vic and Al's having dinner. When I saw the show...I knew it was not going to go well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I got drunk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">When she found me, she had perfected her comments to include much detail about my ancestry, personal behavior and had a strong opinion of her impression of me personally. I am lucky to be alive at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once I calmed her down (seems like hours or was that days?), she allowed me to live. We went out many times but our first "real" date was Valentines Day when we went to the Houston Rodeo to see Elvis. In June we decided to be married. That was how we met. Here is a still taken from the video clip, note that not many people married 40 years have a picture of their meeting much less a video. Go figure!</span><br />
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She was sitting on a horse and did a great job of the song I had asked her to sing. In later years I found the 2" videotape, sent it to New York to a museum who had an operational machine of that format and made me a copy on Video, and DVD. It is a treasure to be sure.<br />
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Back in 1974 when you got married 10 months after your meeting most thought it was doomed from the start. We showed them. Our wedding was well planned and executed well with lots of family and friends at our side. Shari was Baptist and I Catholic so we had a Baptist Minister and Catholic Priest perform the ceremony which may prove to be the reason why God has smiled on us these 40 years....they have been "BLESSED".<br />
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Next are from our wedding and 25th Anniversary Party </div>
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I must join Shari in sharing the joy we have had since we met. Our lives both changed for the better and we have enjoyed every day together. It has not been easy but when you make a life with your best friend ever and share, talk and decide every little thing together...life can be grand.<br />
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This is a recent group shot of the "FAMILY". </div>
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Jake and Shari (Center), Bryan, Sara and Lance (Left) and Lucy, Miguel and Michael (Right)</div>
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Thank you God our Father, for the love, peace and happiness you are granting us in this life. Thank You for our children Bryan and Sara and for bringing Lucy into our lives just at the right moment and for Miguel, Lance and Michael. We are Loved and Blessed by your grace.JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-48268103744802336732014-08-14T23:23:00.000-05:002014-08-14T23:23:02.228-05:00Summer 2014 Almost History!Well, it looks like someone does not want us to sell the motorhome. We have had all summer and still it is not home with us. We have missed 3 very good opportunities to sell but always things happen. Yesterday, we stopped in to see the finished product of our 4 month repair list and guess what? Someone, turned too sharply into the repair lot and took out our driver side mirror. Another delay. Perhaps God is telling us not to sell just yet.<br />
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Good news is we are all fine and enjoying another summer on the beach. Our Grandson Lance turned 11..can you believe 11? His new brother will be 2 in October. I am posting two recent photos of these guys for an updated view. The first one was sent by their mom, Lucy while having homemade soup Shari "Grammer" made and we delivered. The second was from a bit earlier.<br />
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JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-45496039200426432152014-05-31T08:17:00.001-05:002014-05-31T08:17:20.128-05:00June is Hours Away! Where did May go?Shari continues to progress from her right knee replacement. It has not been easy. The doctors don't tell you the truth! We got "you will be a little sore" that translates to "don't worry, getting run over by a truck normally heals in a few days"...RIGHT!<br />
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Anyway, she has more range of motion that before the surgery and the pain is creeping away a little each day. She is working in the yard a bit with me and has only one more therapy session to go if doc does not prescribe more at her June visit.<br />
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We are happy to announce that our first daughter Sara got married in May to her best friend Abhi. Pics on web site jatexas.com in the family album. They did not want a large wedding since his parents could not be in the USA for the event so decided to do a civil ceremony until all could be in the same room. Weddings over Skype are not as personal. Anyway, after two years she finally said "yes" and they are off to their adventure.<br />
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We are finally in the stages of selling the motor home unless we chicken out again. We shall see.<br />
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Otherwise all is good and we are enjoying ourselves on the Gulf Coast of Texas. JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-2911925920242332792014-01-25T12:39:00.001-06:002014-01-25T12:39:43.564-06:00Update for Jan. 2014Well, in the tradition of our little family we spent New Years Weekend in the hospital again...again. Shari's right knee replacement, postponed from several years ago due to her heart attack, was on Jan 3..Happy New Year!<br />
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All went well until the second night we were home and when changing the bandage we noticed it was a bit pink'ish and warm. Her therapy session was the next morning so while they were working on her recovery, I took a photo of the knee to her doctor down the hall. He had an intern and nurse rush to Physical Therapy to stop them, look at the knee and admit her back into the hospital for antibiotic therapy.....5 days. They pumped about two gallons of meds in her and all is better. She is walking with a walker, bends up to 80%, working with PT 2 days a week and at home. She is able to shower now and has little problem getting upstairs to our bedroom each night. There is a good deal of pain but she is managing to cope with it. I am here to help making her job of resting, doing the therapy routine and driving to the various appointments for therapy, anti-coag nurse and doctor visits.<br />
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We had an issue yesterday with the ice here on the beach. I had to clear the steps from the house to get her down them but little else. All is good and we hope your New Year is a grand one for each of you.JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-23624567668178050242013-03-09T23:03:00.000-06:002013-03-09T23:03:01.583-06:00March is moving along. Tomorrow, Sunday, we will visit with some of our friends who are traveling in the area and have lunch. I will try to post a couple of pics here when we return. Also, I have added a couple of photos to serve as updates...Enjoy!<br />
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Michael spent some time with us this week while Mom, Dad & Big Brother Lance went to the rodeo. We had a blast.<br /><br />JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-46819133899014332352013-01-12T09:13:00.001-06:002013-01-12T09:13:09.764-06:00A New Year!I hope everyone had a great year and am excited about 2013 as I am. Thirteen is my lucky number. We made it past the holidays, shopping, eating, visiting and the like. Most of the kids came home but one had a short schedule between work and off so he will see is in a month or so. Healthwise, I have had a hacking, choking, puking month...taking a small pharmacy but it seems better. They say it that I can't pass it on but how then, did I get it? Hmm..never understood that.<br />
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Shari is finally meeting the doctor next week to RE-Start the discussion about her back pain. Her family has a long history of disk problems and they discovered hers last year. However, they also found the adrenal gland tumor which had to come out first. She is almost over all of that and time to get back to the original problem..her back. She is excited to say the least.<br />
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We decided to shut down http://Jatexas.com at the end of this month for numerous reasons. First of all I am tired of dealing with it. Secondly, my software used for the photos and the web design are outdated and cannot be upgraded from the "educational" version I purchased. Replacement would cost me just under $900 and I have better plans for that money. When I upgrade this PC in a few weeks the software will not make the upgrade. There are options available to "build your own" web site but the vendor software just does not work for me. One has to "work within the box", something I am not good at. I also donate the local Volunteer Fire Department their web site which I can easily move to the web in a box system as they have just a few pages and not many photos.<br />
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Other than that, the rain has been plenty and the Winter temps mild with one or two days below 30 here on the coast. The children are doing well, Bryan is still working in Las Vegas, Sara is working one full time job with the City of Houston and one part time at a local recording studio there and Lucy and her husband purchased a new home in Winnie and had our second grandson, Michael, born in October. <br />
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All is good...we have not traveled far from home due to Shari's back and that may not change any time soon. We are keeping busy and feeling pretty good about life in general. Photo of Lance and Michel.<br />
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Until next time!JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-87172799034971441862012-12-05T08:06:00.002-06:002012-12-05T08:06:07.228-06:00Christmas Season 2012I may ramble a bit but here goes. We are slowly getting things ready for Christmas but are still unsure of who will be "Home for Christmas". We have both been busy with numerous doctor visits...I don't see how two people who basically feel fine for our age have so many doctors concerned about our health.<br />
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When I turned 65 and Medicare became my prime provider....it seems like I fell apart, or at least they think that I did. Yesterday I watched as the doctor passed a TV camera from my mouth to ...well, the other end...all because I failed my "Initial Medicare Check Up". I am just happy he started with the "mouth end". Sorry, but the devil made me say that!<br />
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Our new grandson, Michael is growing every day and his big brother Lance is getting used to having him around. (Photos on our "family album) at jatexas.com<br />
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This past year has been a mix of sadness and joy with so many of our friends passing away this year and having the joy of a new grandson. At this age it is difficult when a close friend passes away so stop it already!<br />
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Weather has been on and off...wet, dry, wind, calm, cool warm...and that was yesterday......<br />
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We are not RV'ing much lately, it is just too easy to valet park at a local hotel, enjoy room service and get along with why we went where we did in the first place. Yea, I know all the reasons we should RV but it is not getting much easier and these DRIVERS.....whew!<br />
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Anyway, we hope you can join us in a Merry Christmas or have a great Holiday Season....be safe, eat well and love lots!<br />
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Our Annual Christmas Card is posted on our web site....we hope you enjoy it.<br />
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Until next time.....JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-13427377266599858372012-10-18T07:08:00.002-05:002012-10-18T07:08:15.059-05:00It is almost November so I had better update our blog. We got our new grandson, Michael on Oct. 5 and what a sweetie he is. Lucy, Miguel and Lance are all doing well as is Michael.<br />
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We took Lance to see "Hotel Transylvania"...and for Ice Cream...what a fun movie. We are now busy working on their new house which took some doing to whip it into shape. The target is to have them moved in by the last week of November. <br />
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Shari is doing fine as am I and we continue to travel a bit, visit and play as often as we can. The last round of hay bailing is starting and that should be done in a couple of weeks...weather permitting.<br />
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Life is good and we hope to get back to a normal routine soon but really must get the house ready ASAP. We will be glad then they can stop paying rent.<br />
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Michael....Day #1</div>
Enjoy what you are doing and be safe.JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-20272520037814548092012-08-18T11:43:00.000-05:002012-08-18T11:43:00.005-05:00Busy SummerThanks for hanging in here with us..it has been a busy Summer. Shari continues to improve after her surgery and I am keeping busy at the ranch. We have had so much rain that the hay Ray has planted changes every day. We cut this week and it is almost ready to cut again the next. The barn is almost full and we have a couple of hundred round bales in the field. We put up the first of the square bales this week and that process will continue until both barns and the lofts are full for winter. We can only remember irrigating the past years and yielding little hay for the work and money.<br />
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Thunder in the distance...we are expecting a rain filled few days with an "August Cool Front" approaching and a Tropical thing from the South along the coast. Glad I have only indoor activities planned.<br />
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Next week will be busy, daughter Lucy's baby shower is Saturday and then we scoot off to the Isle for the Oakridge Boys concert. The shower will be at the new Fire / Ems / Community facility and we will be the first official event in the new center. We are so excited.<br />
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Grandson #2 due in October so we are busy on their new house...which needs lots of work but we will make it in plenty of time for a comfortable move in.<br />
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All in all...life is good and we are just having too much fun. If I might, I would like to recommend the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462769/">"The Odd Life of Timothy Green"</a> (Click for official web site and trailer link).<br />
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Until next time...JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-15467306260691212152012-05-05T17:17:00.001-05:002012-06-03T21:30:37.829-05:00Catching Up!<b>I am updating this May 5 blog to provide more info on Shari's surgery and events surrounding it.</b><br />
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Shari had a CAT scan on her spine to update the doctor on the pain in her lower back. She injured it 16 years ago and the pain was getting worse by the week. Well, the Radiologist, reporting on the images noticed a small tumor on her adrenal gland (left) which has overshadowed the back problem. We were sent to a specialist who ran numerous blood and urine tests to find that the tumor is causing two major glitches in her hormone levels. One is symptomatic and one can kill a person. The latter is the one they are focusing on. So, the surgeon has scheduled her to have the left adrenal gland removed (including the tumor) which normally are not cancerous. The pre-treatment is to have her on a medication for four weeks to normalize the effects of the gland bringing us to May 14 for the surgery. It should be an easy operation but the following 24-72 hours will require ICU to keep control of her blood pressure as it will drop to deadly levels after the removal of the gland/tumor. Within that time the untouched right gland (which has been at rest, basking in the knowledge that the left one has been working overtime making 2 or 3 times the hormones a body requires. Once it "wakes up" things should return to normal...whatever that was.<br />
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Shari has suffered symptoms for months or years, it is hard to say.<br />
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The evening after surgery Shari sat up in bed and said to me, " this is different, my back pain is nearly gone". I contributed it to the anesthesia. It has not returned and is about 80% better two weeks post surgery. But that is only part of the story. Her symptoms have been varied and crossing several lines. The surgeon noted in her followup visit that the back could have worsened due to the tumor (larger than they thought) pressing on a nerve to or from her back causing pain. Also, her skin is changing from rough to smooth again, her anxiety is gone, blood pressure which was almost uncontrollable is below normal now as it was 16 years ago, the medicine for her diabetes, she takes 3, and blood sugar and A1C has been high for years, is well into the normal range with reduction in medication. Even her voice is changing. Those of you who are aware know that she used to sing and her voice is returning to the soft voice she once had. All of this 2 weeks after surgery. Her hormone levels are showing lower on the follow up tests. She is sleeping better, doing more and her vigor is returning also. It is amazing. The surgeon said that the changes could take up to 6 months to get fully back to normal. <br />
<br />Thanks for your prayers and we are happy as we can be with the results already. Odd thing is that they told us that they find "adrenal adenoma" during autopsy or "incidental CT Scans looking for something else. Hers was overlooked for years.<br />
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For more reading about this condition please visit: <br />
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<a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_5541284_signs-symptoms-adrenal-adenoma.html">http://www.ehow.com/about_5541284_signs-symptoms-adrenal-adenoma.html</a><br />
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Before surgery we had decided to sell the motor home but since have postponed that idea since things are really looking better for to want to travel a bit now.<br />
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Otherwise, all is well and we are enjoying life as usual. I will post an image or two of our plants in bloom if I can remember how to do that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRIh2X_mAiUG_bJuxdXqq6fB4QCDq09IrryQFfCw347Wf3qefXQNz6bbFSyLSAld9juUC3x__-p-AbrKTjggI5pZ24Zh7rXMxZm23BtP9eLPsAOZYLmrkTXNcsSmN7vP-g07PdsA-GPij/s1600/FlowersMay3+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRIh2X_mAiUG_bJuxdXqq6fB4QCDq09IrryQFfCw347Wf3qefXQNz6bbFSyLSAld9juUC3x__-p-AbrKTjggI5pZ24Zh7rXMxZm23BtP9eLPsAOZYLmrkTXNcsSmN7vP-g07PdsA-GPij/s320/FlowersMay3+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Hibiscus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Uc1i_5c2451Nr-1C5XZEePLL2irChGBT1pbHzXQOXJGh0NE0SO36bErj6hPYpa_gFhG8Un1A6TIoxPrqxVKyDmwwgZjxgCkuwcwhkCmeZbtK_RUi6-jBfLNUs5g7LsxXuGANF8FrecX/s1600/FlowersMay3+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Uc1i_5c2451Nr-1C5XZEePLL2irChGBT1pbHzXQOXJGh0NE0SO36bErj6hPYpa_gFhG8Un1A6TIoxPrqxVKyDmwwgZjxgCkuwcwhkCmeZbtK_RUi6-jBfLNUs5g7LsxXuGANF8FrecX/s320/FlowersMay3+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender "Rose of Sharon" Hibiscus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-5IPrOqPofD9pik5vVYGkSh6h-V7zP7Six5yc3LhvSMuvrrNCHDeFRdRLrbbCXERt9OWbq6hy5sxkphYlBZ1glwoyl3WG5SP9PkaHNaVpZZiZS9-9zb2UZFqVBhD1QGtDclerCvcPCpN/s1600/FlowersMay3+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-5IPrOqPofD9pik5vVYGkSh6h-V7zP7Six5yc3LhvSMuvrrNCHDeFRdRLrbbCXERt9OWbq6hy5sxkphYlBZ1glwoyl3WG5SP9PkaHNaVpZZiZS9-9zb2UZFqVBhD1QGtDclerCvcPCpN/s320/FlowersMay3+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantana "Butterfly Bush"</td></tr>
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<br />JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-37769217864152249942012-02-11T14:26:00.002-06:002012-02-11T14:29:34.278-06:00I Hate 8 Month Naps!Whew, In my last blog, April/May of last year....I thought time was flying past. Little did I know that when I awoke it would be February 2012. I have a lot of reading to do.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway we are alive and well. Have been staying home a lot. Venturing out to our nearby gaming locations and some sights in the area. I guess Facebook has taken my time and the blog just kind of sat here. I will try to do better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care everyone and be safe.</div>JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158904367793850347.post-34934325307352280332011-05-07T13:22:00.002-05:002011-05-07T13:34:48.800-05:00May..what happened to April?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4aJ3WDnqj2Vj7H6RU4j1H0fXd499CjjBTs2af_ovkZouscjuTjS8k_RQItstvAt4PAaqSxfZkpStYLmbtf50wdYS4loElhOSkQMs5BMON_G2ugmIVVhWQ2DBzh0bqCgPM6vvW6DqLODp/s1600/7-Sisters.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4aJ3WDnqj2Vj7H6RU4j1H0fXd499CjjBTs2af_ovkZouscjuTjS8k_RQItstvAt4PAaqSxfZkpStYLmbtf50wdYS4loElhOSkQMs5BMON_G2ugmIVVhWQ2DBzh0bqCgPM6vvW6DqLODp/s320/7-Sisters.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604044315341424850" /></a><br />I thought I would post an update since it has been a month. No rain to speak of. April netted very little and May has seen about half inch so far. Dry as popcorn around here.<div><br /></div><div>We have not traveled but have had some jaunts to local casinos across the state line. Mostly we spent the month in the yard and visiting friends in the area. We are both getting the itch and will escape soon I am sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care until next time. Photo is me holding a sprig on our <a href="http://www.rose-gardening-made-easy.com/seven-sisters-rose.html">"Seven Sisters"</a> Rose bush.</div>JA-Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951216378995992631noreply@blogger.com0