We are in Chili today, where we have been for three days.  Today we get on the bikes for the first time and ride to 14,000 ft. to start to get aclimated to the height.  We spend the past two days in Santiago where we toured the area as a tourist.  Just got the notice I need to run.

Lots done today

Today DH and I spent the day in the Cleveland area.  It is an hour from our house by car, so we made a day of it.  I had an appointment from 10-11am, we then had lunch with our son after touring his work place.  Then we stopped to see a coworker of DH from where he last worked.  He is supportive of DH because he knows the workplace environment there.  Following that we shopped for protective clothing for our upcoming motorcycle ride in Peru.  After spending hours in two different stores, I found an armored  jacket and pants and DH got a new helmet and jacket.  Following the drive home , I read two applications for scholarships that a club we belong to awards.

Tomorrow, following our exercise class,  we are taking the bike to Columbus to return a helmet that I previously bought but do not find the fit comfortable enough.  I will take pictures of me wearing the new clothing.

Grandchildren activities

Over the weekend the grandchildren visited.  K rode the little four wheeler, while her brother who is 4 rode the big four wheeler.  He said, "Dad will ride with me, but I will take over" and that is what he did.  He actually was in charge of the accelerator and steering.  You can see his Dad hanging on for his life.

Today was Grandparents Day at grandson's preschool.  DH had driven to Detroit, MI with the Toyota. I was going to take the Audi, but the starter is not working, so I drove this car.  Isn't  it a perfect "Grandma car"?  I actually was able to go 65 mph with it.  The biggest adjustment is that it does not have power steering or power brakes.  Grandson was quite taken by how you have to roll the windows down by hand.

It made it 100 miles in all.  My other choice would have been to take a motorcycle, but at 40 degrees and raining, I passed on that.

Life goes on

The last couple weeks have been emotional, an adjustment and even at times good.  A week or two ago DH was told his job was being eliminated.  So we have been spending our time doing a lot of research and paperwork to deal with that.  Working out what do do about Medicare, health insurance and taking care of loose ends with work issues.

We have been able so spend more time with our family because he does not have to get home early so he can leave at 6 am in the morning.  RM visited from Miami and DH had time to spend with her and her brother and family when they visited.

When RM was here we went to garage sales and had a bonfire two nights (good thing because it has been cold and raining since).  Grandchildren were able to ride the four-wheelers and even help mow the lawn.

A "me" day

Today I had three things scheduled:  exercise class, Book Club, and dinner with our Motorcycle group.  I have decided to skip all three.  Instead I am tilling and preparing flower beds and my garden.  That seems to be my first love.  I would post pictures, but so far it is just tilled dirt!!  I planted onions, peas, spinach, and lettuce.  They will all do fine if we don't get frost.  Actually saw a picture of spinach growing up through snow.  Don't know if they actually survive that or not.  But I will keep you posted.

Grandson is four

He actually had two celebrations - the first on his actual birthday when he received the bike.

The second was on Easter Sunday when his other Papa could be there.  

He is ready to take trips with his own suitcase.  

 His sister received her gift early.  Guess she will have to grow into the pjs. 

                                               

This cake was decorated by his dad.  Grandson is into dinosaurs.

Weekend post

It was a full weekend at our house.  On Friday, we hosted our FFF (Fabulous Friday Feast) which is a group of 4 couples who get together once a month for dinner.  We started with hors d'oeuvres of vegetables and dip, followed with a green salad, then lasagna and steamed asparagus with a citrus sauce.  Dessert is a Lava Cake with ice cream. Actually we had only five as three called off the day of due to illness.  It is a cool way to get to know these friends better.

On Saturday, G had breakfast with his usual with a group of biker friends.  The breakfast morphed into lunch at another location.  I don't know what time he actually came home as I had left for a photography class.  The class was on taking pictures at gatherings (reunions, or just groups) when you are asked just because you have your camera with you and they know you are into taking pictures.  It was a beginner course so I would not be considered a professional by any stretch of the imagination.  On Sunday the photo club met and there was an hour long tutorial on how to take Macro pictures.  For those of you not into photography, that is taking really close up pictures like of small flowers.  Since Spring wild flowers time is upon us it was perfect timing.

I was all fired up to get out in our woods, but alas, this morning when we woke up there is several inches of snow on the ground.