Well, our trip took a little detour today!!! Gary and I are still in Austin. We loaded up and headed to Arkansas this morning about 8:00AM. We'd driven about 5 miles when someone honked at us and pointed at the trailer. We pulled over and smoke was coming from behind the rear tire.

Fortunately, we carry emergency roadside assistance through the Good Sam club, which pays for roadside repairs or towing. We have a bearing out on the wheel/axle, which also fried the brake - sooooo, the trailer is at the repair shop and (hopefully) will be fixed by Tuesday-keep your fingers crossed! We plan to leave early Wednesday if the trailer is up and running.

We had quite an adventure with the tow truck, I'll tell you! We were stranded on I35 (a MAJOR interstate highway) for 2 1/2 hours. First there was a wreck and the tow truck couldn't get through. Then, he couldn't tow the trailer due to the wheel problem, so he planned to put it on a dolly - which turned out to not be wide enough - so he took the wheel off (there were 3 more, 2 on one side, and 1 on the other), did something to the axle so it wouldn't be off balance, and he drove VERY slowly the 30 miles to the repair place. It was all very interesting because he didn't speak much English, and we don't speak much Spanish.

Of course, our fridge was loaded up for the trip, so Brooke came over and got all our food and took it to her house - plus she took the boys, who were very worried about what was happening. We also had to get out all of Gary's medicines, c-pap machine, oxygen machine, insulin supplies, and a few clothes we didn't want to live without for 5 days. It was a hassle, but it could have been much worse - it could have happened in the middle of NOWHERE and we would have been stuck in a motel for several days. Fortunately, motel costs are covered with our roadside insurance, but still - who wants to be stuck in nowhere land in a motel!!!

We did have a bit of a problem when we got to the RV repair place - the wheel is covered under warranty - and they are not a dealer for the brand of trailer we have, so they were reluctant to do the work. I know it would have taken them a loooong time to do it, cuz they didn't want to. I got on my phone and found a dealer that sold our brand of trailer just 3 miles down the road, so we went down there and they couldn't have been nicer. They promised that if they have the part to fix the wheel, it will be ready by Tuesday. I really won't be upset if it isn't because i know these things take time and they may not have the right part in stock. I even remembered just a while ago that I left a pound of hamburger in the door of the freezer and because we turned off the fridge, I was instantly panicked at how that was gonna smell after 5 days!!! Diana, I remember your story! LOL! I immediately called them and asked them if they would get the hamburger out of the freezer. Again, they couldn't have been nicer and said they would do it immediately. Guys, this could have been much worse.

So, now I'll have a few quiet days at home before we leave which I am looking forward to! Here's a picture that Brooke took of us on the side of the road. That's the tow truck behind us and we are standing next to our trailer.

Oh yeah, the wind was blowing about 20 mph - that's why our hair looks so goofy! We both have a wind burned face!!!

Oh Gayle..what a PAIN!! And on 35:eek: I'm glad you didn't get squished!! I'd be really aggravated after all of that packing and UNpacking! You and Gary look adorable:D

We just got home this afternoon, too. We were at our friends ranch in the Hill Country, not far from Johnson City. We HAD to put out protein feeders for the stupid deer:rolleyes: The wildflowers were so pretty, and there were butterflies everywhere! We saw 21 deer, 3 jackrabbits, 8 hogs, and we heard a lot of turkey. Mike was in wildlife heaven, lol!

We were very fortunate to be on a stretch of I35 where the shoulder was HUGE. We were at least 10 feet away from the whizzing cars - if you had to be stranded on the busiest highway in central Texas, we were at the ideal spot!!!

Oh Betsi, your getaway sounds heavenly. I just love that the wildflowers are still so beautiful! Gary would have been in wildlife heaven too! LOL! I know you all had a ball!

We are lucky, we have a few days to rest up from our "adventure" :rolleyes:

Gayle, we need to get together sometime when we are there!!

Yes we do! :)

Oh my! Gayle, you have such stamina, and such a great attitude! As long as you didn't get hurt, or stuck out in that Motel Nowhereland!

You and Gary look like you are hiding from that wind! You are a wonderful couple, always working together so well! And, so good looking too!

I want pictures when you all meet, Gayle and Betsi! That will be such fun!

I hope you relax, and then safely get onto your vacation!

Betsi, one of my friends tried to set out deer feeders, but the bears took the whole thing right off the tree! We have way too many bears here! My neighbor put fish out in her garbage and forgot to lock it. Her garbage was all over the lawn the next morning! That bear had a feast!

My SIL got a job! YAHOO! It's for an established contractor right near him, so his work will come to be known. I am so happy for him. There is not a ton of work because money is really tight up here right now, but it is work!

His boss leaves his little boy with Jessie a lot. He has custody of him, and the boy is Kassidy's friend. Jess and Steve have decided to go along with watching him a lot because Steve needs this job. It began to get out of hand - something about another neighbor and his kid, etc., etc. - but Steve straightened it out with the other neighbor. I say what I always say..."That's wonderful, honey."

Jessie called me to go shopping with her on Friday. Now that Steve is not around, she has time. I said no because it was my first day home all week though, and I had cleaning up, laundry, etc.

I had fun last week. I had a brunch with my writing group on Tuesday, a dinner with lots of people at my friend Ev's new apartment on Wednesday, beautification day on Thursday (hair and nails), and I don't remember what on Monday. Last Sunday was the Communion.

I think I'm in with high society here between the writers' group and the womens' network. I am waiting for Ev to invite me to one of her parties with the artist community, and I think that might be the Roxbury A list! I'm a celebrity now! Well, I am still going to wear jeans and flip flops and watch Dr. Phil!

Regardless, all of the people I have come to know here are so nice. As my friend Barbara put it, "There's no meanness between all of us." There is a bit of gossip, and some people don't like others, but it seems to be different in a small town. We all get along and help each other out if needed anyway. The gossip is not mean spirited either. There are just not that many people, so everybody's story is more or less known. I like it so much better than city living. So far...

Steve got a job. YAY! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

That should help out a lot, in more ways that one! ;) I'm so glad to hear this news. I can't imagine being out of work that long. WHEW!

That is so wonderful that Steve finally got a job. I know that has got to be a big relief for them.

Judy I'm so happy that you're so involved and having a great time with friends and clubs.

Judy, I'm so glad to hear that Steve got a job!!! I hope that everything works out well for him!!

Gayle, I'm so glad that you weren't very far from home and that it wasn't any worse than it was!!! Too bad that it took a few days out of your vacation!! At least in the picture you were smiling in spite of your problems!! Have fun!!!

Wellllll...........Graduation is finally over!!! Friday night we had Jaci's grad party. The menu was wonderful.......smoked brisket and chicken.....hashbrown potato casserole.....green bean casserole......homemade rolls.........banana pudding and a chocolate pudding dessert.......and a decorated cake!!! It was ALL so yummy!!! This is about the same menu that Jaci's having for the wedding minus the desserts!! We had quite a few people come....mostly family.

Then yesterday was her graduation!! The gym was packed!!! There was a big squabble over prayer.....two girls went in and requested that they not have it and the principal felt that legally he had to go with their wishes. Our whole community has been in an uproar over it. It ended up that we did have a moment of silence........then the crowd started reciting the Lord's Prayer. When it was over they broke out in applause!! It was an awesome moment!!

I managed to make it through without crying....I think that I'm saving them all for the wedding!!! Just a little less than two weeks!!! Sigh........

Oh Diana! The graduation and the party sound like so much fun! I know you are so happy for Jaci - yet, sad that this is your last graduation. But soon (well, not too soon), you'll be attending grandkids graduations - and that will be just as much fun!

Judy, I forgot to say how happy I am that you are integrating so well into the community. You must feel so good to have friends and be a part of the community life. I know exactly what you mean by small town gossip - I came from a town of 350 - and if you were related to someone, you were related to someone who was married into or related somehow! LOL!!! The gossip was usually very harmless - a bit more than harmless at times, but not often! I'm just so happy for you!!!

Well guys, we are not going to be able to make the trip to Arkansas after all. The RV repair place called and they are going to have to replace the back axle of our trailer (the wheel bearing froze up and got so hot the bearing welded to the axle). The axle has to be shipped from Indiana (Janet, could you run to Elkhart and pick it up please! :)) - so it will be lucky to arrive this week - and then it will take them a day or two to install it - which means it won't be fixed till some time next week.

It's really OK, I realize now that I am slightly relieved that we are not going to Arkansas. It is A LOT of work for me when we take out the trailer and if we had gone on the trip, we'd only been home from Arkansas for 3 days before we have to leave for Alaska. I know I would have been tired and stressed out, so I now realize that I am relieved we are not going to Arkansas.

We'll probably run up to Oklahoma for Memorial weekend or maybe we'll just stay home! I don't know, but I do know that I'm not terribly upset we are not going.

Sorry about your camper problem Gayle. I'm sure it will get fixed soon. Yes it is work getting them ready for a trip but I am happy after it's all done and we are to our destination lol. Then it seems worth the trouble:rolleyes::D
Have fun in Alaska....lucky girl you! I'm so glad you have the opportunity to go and you can take lots of pix and tell us all about it when you get back:)

Judy I'm so happy for Steve. It will make things so much easier on their family.
I'm really glad that you have gotten involved in your writers club and that you are starting to socialize with them. Good for you!!

Diana that graduation menu made me so hungry!! Sounds wonderful! I know you've been really busy with the graduation and the wedding plans but thanks for taking the time to let us know what you've gotten done.:)

Diana, this is some year for you! Babies, weddings, and graduations!!! The graduation and the party sound like they were wonderful! Hurray for doing the prayer anyway! Why are people so crazy? Prayer cannot ever harm you, even if you don't believe.

Gayle's right - before you know it the grandkids will have graduations. It just goes by so fast! We do have to enjoy every minute that we can!

Gayle, I am sorry about your vacation, but Alaska does sound like it is enough for now. It must be difficult to always be on top of Gary's meds, etc. too. Maybe providence stepped in and the trailer broke down!

I went down to NYC yesterday to the dentist. I realized that I do love NYC! It is so alive and vital. But, when I thought about going home to my old apartment in Brooklyn - oh no! So, I love living here, but I love visiting NY. I think I will take a day to just shop around, go to the village, I do miss the museums, etc. I think I would have to break it up into a few day trips. Maybe!

I had more dental surgery. I don't expect it to get infected again. He worked on me for 5 hours or so. He did a double visit to get things done. I really couldn't wait to come home! It is a very easy trip, thank goodness. I was home in 3 hours....not bad! I have my audiobook (a John Grisham), and it is very relaxing. I am still annoyed that the dentist didn't do this work more consistently over the year. I might be finishing up already if he had!!! I also think he is an excellent dentist, and am way less than thrilled about starting with someone new AGAIN!!! I am in the same place as I was 2 years ago! If they hadn't taken so long, my implant would not have broken, and my mouth would be done!:mad::mad::mad:

Judy, I just hate that you're still dealing with your implants. You have got to be so tired of it. The dentist didn't do right by you by putting you off and I'd be pretty upset by that......especially since you're going to have to find someone to pick up where he's left off.

I forgot to say on my last post that I'm so glad that you're getting out and making friends!!! I will warn you about small town gossip.......don't get involved in it because you never know who is related to who!!! That's the way it is here!!! LOL

Gayle, I'm sorry that your trip didn't work out but I can see that it probably was for the best. You'll feel so much more relaxed and ready for your Alaska trip now. You are such a busy woman......I don't know how you do it!!!

The graduation menu was wonderful and we're still eating leftovers from it!! Yummm!!! Two of my friends have created a catering service. Roger found out that he likes to smoke meat and he often prepares meat for church functions and Londa likes to cook so she prepares the other dishes to go with it. It's always really good!! They are preparing Jaci's food for the wedding at their cost as a wedding gift!! I consider that a GREAT gift!!!!

Wow....there is so much going on with everyone. :) Gayle..a trip to Alaska, I would love to go there someday so please take pictures. From other pictures I've seen...it's beautiful there.

Diana...now that the graduation is overwith you all can concentrate on the wedding. Judy's right...this has been a year for you girl!

Not too much going on here really. So far my two brothers have been really helpful with getting Mom to her dialysis and not leaving it all for me. I told them how much I appreciate them helping so much. The hemodialysis makes Mom really tired and she wishes she didn't have to do it. They tell her she'll start feeling better, but that's what they told her when she first started last year.

Friday Lynne and I are headed to Frankfort, Kentucky. It's only a 3.5 hour drive, but we have to go over the Ohio River and I just don't do well going over bridges alone...lol. So we'll stop on this side of the bridge so she can drive and I can close my eyes...lol. I'm going to be trading Fancy for another girl. Fancy has not been what I had hoped so a trade has been worked out and she'll be living in NC. I'm really excited about this and know Fancy will have a great home. Lynne and I will have a great time I'm sure.

Ricky has been working quite a bit and that's a good thing, I just wish he wasn't working every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. He goes in on 4 on Fridays and noon on Saturday and Sunday. He loves the money, but with school and work he doesn't have much free time. They are wanting to hire another part-time person, so hopefully they will soon.

Janet.......Frankfort Ky is only about 3 hours from me too!! I didn't realize that you were that close. My parents only live about an hour from Frankfort. Maybe sometime we can meet around that area. That would be so nice. I would like to meet you and Lynne too!:)

Janet, I'm so glad to hear that your brothers are helping you with your Mom. I know that that helps to take some of the stress off of you. I do hope your Mom starts feeling better soon. I hate the thought that she's not her ornery self!!!

I'm glad that Ricky got a job!! I know that helps with his schooling expenses!! He's a good....hard-working son and I know that you are so proud of him!!

As soon as you can get it arranged.....why don't you head this way? Your brothers can take care of your Mom for a little while. Come for the wedding and plan on staying for a while afterwards. It will be crazy but you'll get to meet my aunts and everyone!!

It is great that Ricky got a job, although it does sound like he needs some free time.

Who are you getting as the trade for Fancy? I can't wait for pictures! You and Lynne will have a wonderful time. Isn't it great having a good friend to help you out? It is wonderful that you have each other!

I think going to Jaci's wedding would be such a good idea for you Janet! Tell your brothers, and take off! It's a once in a lifetime chance!

You know how all things happen for a reason............ well, it's a good thing we didn't make it to Arkansas because one of Gary's uncles died yesterday, so we'd be heading to Oklahoma........

His uncle was elderly and had lots of health problems, so it wasn't unexpected. I am hoping they don't ask Gary to be a pall bearer - since he'll have to wear a suit and tie if they do. I'd rather he wear a nice shirt and slacks, so he won't be so hot at the graveside services. I've dug out his suit and will get it pressed, just in case.

I'll be cooking today! I'm making an Italian cream cake and a cinnamon roll recipe that looks something like my grandma made years and years ago. The distinctive part to her recipe is that you pour heavy cream over the rolls, just before you put them in the oven. It's safe to say that I won't be eating any of them! LOL! Unlike my grandma's recipe though, you use frozen bread dough - so we'll see how they go. I made a peach cobbler last night - with fresh Texas peaches. Gary will be smoking a brisket and ribs tomorrow - so we'll have to go shopping for them today.

We don't leave for OK till Saturday, so we've got plenty of time - it is nice not to have to rush around getting ready to go somewhere!

I am sorry for your loss Gayle. I guess it was preordained that you didn't get to Arkansas.

Have a safe trip to Oklahoma. How much time between that trip and Alaska?

I'm sorry to hear of Gary's uncles passing.
Hopefully Gary won't have to wear a suit. Like you said..a shirt and slacks would be much cooler. Have a safe trip.

Everything you're making sounds so good Gayle. I love italian cream cake but haven't had any for years.

Give Gary my sympathy for the passing of his uncle. It is a good thing that you didn't make it to Arkansas but I'm sorry that you had all bad things keep you home. The food you're taking sounds wonderful!!! The weather will probably be hot so it would be nice if Gary didn't have to wear a suit. Hugs!!

Gayle...I'm so sorry for the loss of the man. Please give Gary my deepest condolences.

I sure wish I lived closer to you all who like to cook such wonderful dishes. I'd be inviting myself over....LOLOL

Wedding plans seem to be coming along pretty good so far.......however we're all starting to feel panicky about things. Jaci's starting to realize that she needs to have all of the little details taken care of as well.

In the pictures I posted of my MIL's yard there was a fountain that hasn't ever worked that I know of. My husband figured out a way to make it hold water and get the fountain running!!! I can't believe the things that he'll do for his kids!!! I was there when he got it running and it is going to be such a wonderful addition to the yard!!!

Just NINE days!!!!!

What an exciting time for you Diana! You'll probably feel like you're a free woman after this wedding, lol!

I am definitely looking forward to the following week!!! The stress is starting to build to make sure all the little details are done. Jaci's been making phone calls, getting her room cleaned out and taking things to their new home, and carrying around lists and lists of things to remember!!! I've never seen this side of her......but she's doing a good job!!!

I have to take care of the punch. We're having the shebert/Sprite punch and I think that I'll add sliced oranges, limes and strawberries to match her colors!!! Plus it's very easy to make!!!

Ok....the stress is building!!! Everyone is getting really grumpy!!! It seems like Jaci is never in the right place when we need her.....she kinda' has her own agenda on things and it's driving me nuts!!! Every idea I have come up with she's vetoed so I've talked to Amy and Amy is going to work with her because she agreed with my suggestions.

Nate's Mom, Jan, came today and was asking questions about seating and other things and I had to tell her that I really didn't know much. Jaci has changed her mind about so many things that we all know something different and none of it matches!!! The good news is that it's going to HAVE to start coming together!!

The weather is a big concern because it's suppose to be almost 100* and the wedding starts at 4:00 (another suggestion I had was to have it later) so it's going to be the hottest part of the day. My MIL isn't going to be happy with people coming in to cool off and having them see her messy house. Oh, well......everything is going to turn out alright.....I just have to keep telling myself that!!!

We checked our list and we've counted 160 are coming and that doesn't include our open invitation to the church. We've had to up our food to 180 now!!! This is all going to be interesting.......wish ya'll were coming!!!

Awww Diana I'm sorry things are so stressful right now, just take deep breaths, it will be over before you know it and it will all come together and be such a beautiful day in the end. I do hope the weather cooperates for you, thats about the only thing you have no control over.

At least with Jaci in control of everything, she can't blame you if something goes wrong:rolleyes: But everything will be fine! Have plenty of bottled water:)

It's so soon! Before you turn around, the wedding will be over and everything will have worked out, one way or the other.

I'm sure it will be just beautiful, and a wonderful day! Jaci and Nate sound like they are very much in love, which is all that really matters. (Well...that, and that your side of the family enjoys themselves!)

Jaci sounds like Jessie., She wants to run her own show. At some point, I just took a back seat. I must say that I like it a lot. I really don't have to be responsible for her life. Of course, she is 37, and Jaci is 18.

Take a deep breath, and take lots of pictures!!!

PS It will serve your mil right if people see her mess. She has not been nice to you and yours.

I'm sure the wedding will be beautiful Diana!! I can only imagine all the stress that you all are under right now. It will turn out lovely. Can't wait to see pix!!:)

I wish I was there to help relieve some of your stress Diana. It's going to be beautiful and I can't wait to see a picture of the working fountain. They are right that with Jaci in charge...if something were to happen, she can't blame anyone else.

I know it will be a beautiful wedding and then you will be able to relax and do your own thing.

Everyone is getting pretty upset with Jaci. She wants things her way but isn't around so we can get any thing done. She zigs when everyone else zags. She's doing inside things when outside things can be done. I just keep telling myself....three more days......three more days!!!!

Good luck Diana - I am sure everyone is stressed out with the wedding including Jaci, she probably just wants everything done her way on her special day, and maybe doesnt realise how much she is upsetting people who are really trying to make thinks easy and being helpful.

As others have said, I would just try to enjoy it, and give her the oportunity to have things her way (even though maybe you know better ways to do things), at least then, she only has herself to blame doesnt she?

It is hard though when it is your child - you dont want people feeling she is not grateful, for the help and suggestions, and it can be embarrasing for you as a parent.

Not long now though - i will be thinking of you all, i hope the weather is good, and that it is a wonderful day for all of you.

You know you should have called that show Bridezilla if there still on. :rolleyes: Tell her this is the easy part the hard part comes right after the ceremony.

I'm sure the wedding will be beautiful, in fact I think you need to grab a chair place it in the middle of the garden and watch everyone work. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the show. Just a thought :rolleyes: but I'm sure your working the hardest.

Wish all of you luck, can't wait to see pics of the wedding :)

I know that I'm complaining a lot about Jaci. I really shouldn't because she IS a really good girl and hasn't ever caused me any trouble. Glen keeps telling me to just hang on for a couple more days and then things will get better. The MOM in me just wants to give her a piece of my mind.....but I'm trying to keep the peace!!! She didn't show up to help work AT ALL today!!! But......I'm not complaining.....I'm not complaining.....I have two more days left.....just two more days.......just two more days.....just two more days........

Oh Gosh, Diana! I remember these last days right before the wedding. Lots of things to do and we didn't have half the things to do that you all have! It will be over soon and the memories will be wonderful. I hope the weather is not too hot! I KNOW everything will be gorgeous! When Jaci is older and looks back on the pictures, she will have a greater appreciation for what you all did for her. Right now, she may be too wrapped up in being the bride and her own stress to fully comprehend all that still needs to be done and the like. I just know it will be a terrific day!


We got home yesterday from Oklahoma City. It is always sad to have to attend a funeral, but it is joyous to see relatives and friends you haven't seen in years. The cemetery was just gorgeous as it was the day after Memorial day. And it was a military burial (although he was 76 years old, he had served 20 years in the military) with a 21 gun salute and the flag folding ceremony by the military personnel. It was very fitting for Memorial day.

We have unpacked from the OKC trip. We pick up the trailer (the axle is fixed) this afternoon and although we have gotten lots of stuff out of it before we left this weekend, we have some more to go - hopefully not too much. We'll do that this afternoon and then get it back to storage. It will be a loooong day!

Then it is pack for ALASKA BABEEEE! We leave next Wednesday. Whooo Hoooo! we are so excited. We were with Gary's sisters and bils this past weekend - they are all going too - so everyone was super excited!

I came home to 13 ripe tomatoes - well, they are in stages of ripeness. I picked them all so that the birds/squirrels wouldn't eat them before me. Now I have to eat tomatoes morning, noon, and night to get all the ripe ones eaten before we leave!!! LOL!

Glad you're back Gayle!! Sounds like you are for sure going to have a busy day! Glad your camper is fixed! I'm sooooo jealous...........you going to Alaska:D I can't wait to hear all about it and see pix!

Our anniversary is the 6th of June. We're going back to Tn for 5 days. Leaving Wednesday and taking the new camper! I am looking forward to our little trip.