June 28, 2014 Saturday, Hurray, we are off to parts unknown in the mountains. Cooler weather!
For those that don’t know, Fred has had colon cancer with liver complications. 12 chemo treatments taking 6 months. He lost 50 lbs. During the last few months he lost his voice and after treatments he had an implant in his larynx so he could speak again.
Next he started blacking out.
Then we found he has osteoporosis.
He blacked out again and when the fireman picked him up he broke four ribs.
Then we found out his blacking out was heart blocks, so he now has a pacemaker.
Now the doctors all say, Go! And we have Went!
Our first few nights we spent at Winstar Casino in Oklahoma. This was a double purpose stop. To check on our mineral rights location and first well and for Fred to play poker.
Sunday, June 29 we attended First United Methodist Church in Ardmore.
Olivia had heard this pastor during a Bible Study in Waxahachie and wanted to hear her in person.
In Winstar, we watched the world cup game with the US vs Germany. It was a no score game, then in overtime we lost.
Wednesday, July 2 we drove to Plainview and their nice city hookups. We were the only ones there.
Thursday, July 3 we planned to stop about half way to Taos, but one thing after another found us driving all the way. After finding our campground & touching base with Kathy (Olivia’s growing up friend) & Pat we found our favorite restaurant Orlando’s.
Friday, July 4 we vegged out, then Kathy had asked her friend if we could be included in her 4th of July party in her new home. Olivia whipped up a couple of dips and away we went. Our new friend was very gracious and we enjoyed supper. Back at the Pruitt’s we enjoyed the fireworks from their patio.
Saturday, July 5 after visiting the Taos market, which was really neat but didn’t have tomatoes or peaches, and the flea market. Pat and Fred drove to Red River to check on his rent property job. Kathy and Olivia headed to Santa Fe shopping. They visited two resale shops, Trader Joes and headed back, stopping at Gabriel’s to enjoy their guacamole made at the table, margaritas and crab enchiladas. Delish!
Sunday, July 6
We attended the
Puebilto United Methodist Church with Kathy and Pat, and after church were surprised to see Gale & Barbara Douglas from Cedar Hill, now Red River. They are also active members of this church. We had lunch with them along with the Pruitt’s. Then we wandered the “Freedom from Violence” Arts & Craft Fair in Taos plaza. All together a very nice Sunday.
Monday, July 7
found us bright and early at the Chevrolet house to get the car in line to find out what’s causing it to slooow down going up hill. We were scheduled to come back at 2:00 pm for diagnosis. While waiting we
went back to the church to help out for their “Sharing table”. We bagged up “toilet paper, tea bags, canned fruit, soup, vegetables, beans, pasta, cereal, fruit bars, crackers, and flour. At times we would run out of some of the previous mentioned items and would have to
sack up 4 c flour, cereal, open packages of other items to add to the catagory bins. All of this filled a good size plastic bag. There were at least
30 large bins full of bags when we finished.
We had about 2 hours to shop the downtown, where Olivia found Minnetonka sandals. Three pair that fit! Yeah! These shoes are hard to find and to discover more than one style. What a find!
Then to the car shop where we set up shop with the computer, Ipad and books. Pat checked on us several times to see if we needed to use his car. Thanks for the offer Pat.
The diagnosis was the catalytic converter package with a huge price tag if we went with Chevrolet parts, but they recommended a man down the street to just replace the converter. Next stop was the independent to order the part, but it was after 5 so we had to return the next morning to place the order from Denver.
church pantry.
Tuesday, July 8 found us headed back into town to see “the man.” He ordered the part and we went shopping. A small cross matching one Olivia had to make earrings, and another shop where Olivia found another bright, Indian cardigan sweatshirt. A quik trip to the grocery then back to the trailer for a rainy afternoon.
Olivia promised to fix one of Kathy’s necklaces so we shopped for the missing piece. We will meet Kathy there the next day to make final selections.
Wednesday July 9 we headed back to the church where they
were setting up to distribute the bags we had packed on Monday and the perishables the members had picked up from grocery stores and other donations. After picking up their prepared sacks the patrons picked up yogurt or other dairy products. Lots of items had been stored in the
church pantry.
Outside the tables were being stocked for distribution. Four potatoes and two onions were placed in bags.
Other tables held bananas,
baked goods and tortillas.
Fred took on the kitchen detail with
an Indian lady helping. Most of the helpers were also recipients of the bounty. Not only did they help with the lifting, sorting, pick up, but assisted the ones that came to receive by carrying their items.
After we completed the cleanup we headed to the downtown plaza where we saw a
donkey cart parked near one of the stores. Olivia made another round of the stores surrounding the plaza, just to make sure she hadn’t missed anything.
Thursday July 10th was housecleaning day, then a trip to town to visit the resale stores. No real treasures but some items for Teenya’s crafts.
About 5 pm we met Kathy & Pat for supper next to the Plaza, then watched the
dancing. The music was very loud so we moved around trying to get a better seat.
Before long the Pruitt’s were out among
this night we were invited to the Pruitt's for dinner. We have really enjoyed their extra hospitality.
Sunday July 13 again we attended the El Pueblito UMC, but this time there was a whole new congregation. We did recognize a few from last week. This week even the pastor was not in attendance as he was on his way to extended education.
After church we drove out to the homes that use natural energy.
the dancers. (in center)
A friend of Kathy’s came along and took
our pictures. Imagine we have been friends since we were 3 years old.
Friday, July 11 We did our laundry and Olivia did some resale shopping.
Saturday, July 12 we visited the
farmer's market buying arugula, tiny potatoes, tomatoes, and an apricot tart. Then we headed to the Indian Pow Wow, where we shopped tourquoise and other booths. Olivia found an unusual pair of earrings before we bought two Indian fry breads.
Olivia had found a road out and around Questa that looked interesting so we went exploring. Sure enough we had visited this area years ago when we were in Angel Fire with the Garrets and Howard's. The view from the end of the road showed the Red River on left and the Rio Grande on the right. It was over 800 feet to the rivers.
Sunday July 13 again we attended the El Pueblito UMC, but this time there was a whole new congregation. We did recognize a few from last week. This week even the pastor was not in attendance as he was on his way to extended education.
After church we drove out to the homes that use natural energy.
Back in town we prepared to move the next day. We bought groceries, gas and hit the ATM.
As we came through town we stopped for Olivia to price some beautiful, large, metal flowers. They weren’t so beautiful when she found out how much they were.
We move tomorrow, hopefully Aspen Glade Campground out of Antonito, Co. If they are full we will find something else. Don’t worry, we have lots of camping apps on the phone, and there are lots of campgrounds in this country.
Happy Trails.
Fred & Olivia
We welcome comments and ideas for our future travels.
Email us at olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
