Post about Peru trip

Someone left a comment on a previous post about the lack of pictures or posts about our trip in
South America.  This trip was more stressful for me that I realized. My emotional state was a bit of a mess for about a week.  I think I am better now, but not completely.  Nothing I need to see a therapist about, but it is just taking time.  I will not go into details about what contributed to the stress at this time.

Then there was a lot of catch up to do around home:  A huge stack of mail, weeds taller than the plants in the garden, work to do for the two organizations where I have the position of treasurer.

Next let me tell you about the pictures that were taken on the 14 day trip.  There were 11 people on the tour, all taking pictures.  I was concerned that some of my pictures may not have been the best, so asked for copies of the pictures of the others.  One man in the group had his laptop along and everyone downloaded their pictures to it.  He brought them over a couple days ago and put them on my external hard drive where I have my pictures.  There were over 9,000.  He figured if I looked at each one for 3 seconds, used one second to click to the next, it would take me over 9 hours (without bathroom breaks)!!   So I have my work cut out for me.  We are leaving on another motorcycle trip on Wednesday, for 10 days, so this will be put on hold.  I really do have hopes of putting something together later.

Visit from Son-in-law

Our Son-in law has been visiting us for the last week.  During the day he does his work (which is looking at the computer monitor for eight hours at a time).  Other times he follows us around attending dinners with our various friends and groups (G's motorcycle buddies) and assists G with projects.  Two biggies this week were 1) the Audi was loaded on a trailer and taken to the scrap yard where, we received $350 for it and 2) getting G's favorite motorcycle running again.  He had a little mishap several months ago where it started on fire and he could never get it running again.  S-i-L made a suggestion that it be taken off the center stand when trying to start it, as there is some kind of switch there.  It worked.  They spent several hours getting all the parts back on and last night it passed the test drive.

Today the two of them are attending a motorcycle swap meet, and tomorrow will go to an antique car show.

Since he and RM live within driving distance (6-7 hrs) we will see them more often.  I am happy about that.

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.