Busy Home Time~

 

8-31-2026 Butch is Home!

Butch stopped at Nationwide for Maverick's oil change & tune-up before continuing home.  The cloud cover made it look cooler than it was.  It's been so hot & humid it's like being in a sauna full time.  Maverick made the trailer look small!  We went to dinner & discussed what our plans were for trailer interior.

9-1 First slide~

9 -1 Both far slides out~

Butch was busy doing a thorough inspection of the rig.  He was over it, under & all through it.  By afternoon, we drove back to Council Bluffs to visit the Camping World Service Department.  Butch had quite a discussion with the Service Manager about inspecting the trailers before they're delivered.

9-3-2026 A busy place~

By 9 a.m. on the third, Technician's from Camping World & the driver who'd made the delivery were here.  The brakes on the rear axle hadn't been connected.  The new F-250 the delivery driver used to tow, should have shown an error message regarding the brakes.

9-6 Looking up from the trail~

We had all the faux leather furniture, seating area table, chairs & bedroom mattress taken out at the dealer.  I ordered a good love seat & will be using mom's antique table & chairs.  Many thanks to Mike & Dwaine for their help moving super awkward, heavy items into the trailer!

My favorite wall tapestry found a spot over our bed.  Family heirlooms & our art will be shipped out & go into storage in WA for now.  I've been looking at all the things we've collected over almost 44 years of marriage.  Then, there's all the items I'd saved from dad's estate in 2012 & moms in 2016.  It's somewhat overwhelming. 

We'll be traveling lighter & I'll have a lot less work to do!  We're purchasing a membership at Port Susan.  Jentry has done all of the leg work for us, driving around to find a spot we liked.  I'm so looking forward to having my husband home again!  I won't miss the constant worry when he's on the road.  We've put in so much time here - both inside & out.  We're ready to be done with it all.  My injury was the catalyst, that started the ball rolling.  Now, we're waiting for the sale to be complete.

Movin' On~

Change is one constant of life.  When we moved to Iowa from WA almost ten-years ago now, our plan was to stay.  It was a tough move, leaving the kids & grandkids was the hardest part.  We made it work; they came to visit & we made a few trips up there.  As time went on, we missed them more & more.

Our new Home~

Butch started driving OTR five years ago.  He's only been home half of the time we've lived here.  We made a plan - Butch would again drive a school bus.  Unexpectedly though, that plan fell through & he's back OTR.

Then, there was my accident the first of May.  The injury has resulted in a much longer recovery than I'd anticipated, making it impossible for me to continue to take the kind of care of our home I demand of myself.  Trying to hire the landscaping out, I've been unable to find anyone, who takes pride in the job they're paid to do. 

8-26 Evening~

We were sitting in the office one night, almost ten-years to the day from when we decided to sell the Homestead.  We looked at each other & said; "Lets sell out!"  Our priorities have changed yet again & age is finally catching up to us both.  We're ready to kick back, slow down & move back to WA. We spoke to the girls & had to laugh as they both said; "Well if you downsize now, we won't have it to do!"  They both pitched in with suggestions as to how we should proceed.

Butch started sending me floor plans for travel trailers!  It wasn't something I'd thought of, but after some on-line shopping & visit to Camping World in Council Bluffs, I could certainly see the benefit!  Courtney & her husband purchased a very nice one a year or so ago & we stayed in Jentry's last time we were in WA.  

Jentry mentioned a retirement community up north.  It's near our old stomping grounds, we can buy a membership that includes a wooded lot, full hookups, private beach & resort type amenities.  The best part - it's far enough from Seattle, close to Jentry's home on Camano Island & not far from daughter Courtney. 

The Home Place~

Finally, one of the sentinel trees we'd brought with us from WA, died.  I called an arborist who managed to find the cause, spray all the others & save the one that's left.  We listed the house - and are in no hurry.  The consensus among our friends has been unanimous - it was meant to be.  Living in IA again has given me the opportunity to re-connect with so many wonderful people from my early years in Greenfield. The friends we've both made here are priceless to us~

After our last trip to Washington though, we both were very sad to leave.  It's time to return & enjoy seeing the grandchildren becoming young adults.  There's something too - about the mountains, ocean & fresh breezes we've both missed so much.  

Walking - Sort of~

 I won't lie, July was another tough month.  After my first attempt to walk the woods, it was clear I had a long way to go.  I had to sit & watch as the weeds took over all my flower beds.  It was horrid how fast they grew. 

7-10 Sharkey's Revenge & Mighty Chestnut Daylily's~ 

The bright spot was when our Granddaughter Skyla, flew in on the eight!  She came with her brand-new drivers permit; she did the driving & we managed to have a good time in spite of my gimping around.

7-11 Skyla rides my eBike~

She was excited at the opportunity to ride my eBike.  She has an eScooter, but the bike is much faster & a lot of fun.  Away she went!  I knew she was heading for the square & the shop that sells fancy drinks.  I didn't expect her back for a while, but when she was out for over an hour, I started worrying.  I went out on the porch & soon saw her coming up the street pushing the bike & covered in sweat.  I should have known better than to have let her go without more lessons in shifting.  The chain was broken & gear cable out of sync.  Lucky for me, we have a new business in town, The Bike Garage.  I made a call, Matt came out within 15-min.  He picked up the bike & had it back to me repaired, the following day!

7-14 Grama Doris & Finn~

We visited Grama Doris a couple times during Skyla's visit, of course Finnigan went along.  Doris managed to take a fall the weekend we left for ND.  She broke her Tibia, so she was in misery along with me & Finn.  We agreed that Finn was handling his injury better than either of us!

7-15 Skyla at mat making~

We attended mat making & Skyla picked up crocheting like a pro!  She enjoyed the morning & said she was impressed with how stylish my friends were!  I know everyone enjoyed her visit.

7-16 Skyla, Butch & Maverick~

The 16th, Butch managed to make another long drive - arriving to see Skyla & spend a night at home!  We met in Council Bluffs for dinner, then Skyla rode in the semi & I drove the Bronco for the first time in ten weeks.  I found out quickly the muscle I need to keep my foot on the accelerator is the one that doesn't work.  Lots more PT, where I've been introduced to myostimulation.

7-21, Finn & me~

Friends took Skyla to Eppley on the 20th.  It was so hard to see her go...  Both for me & for Finn.  He'd enjoyed playing with her so much.  The house seemed so quiet...  We fell back into our recovery routine.  

I took my first steps without the walker on the 29th & my final follow-up with Dr. Seibler at UNMC was the same day.  I am ever so thankful for Kathy driving me to my appointments, both PT & Doctor visits!  Sue picked up groceries for me several times!  I think often of how lucky I am, to have so many giving, wonderful people as friends.  I'm still using the walker for stability & learning to use a cane for shorter distances. With both legs now full of implants, balance is an issue.

The 30th, I sprayed down with bug spray & hobbled down to the far side of the south fence to cut down two huge thistles going to seed.  I could see them from the deck & they were driving me nuts!  Making it back up the hill was not a pretty sight. That night, we received a badly needed 1.03 inches of rain.   

Butch will be home this coming week to attend class for his new gig driving the big yellow school bus!  He'll go back out with Maverick OTR one more time until mid-month when he'll return the semi to Nationwide.  I will have my husband home again after almost five years! 

First Woods Walk - this time Around~

 It was a hot & humid July morning.  It started out with cloud cover, but the sun kept burning through.  I decided I wanted to try to get the July flags hanging from the Cabin & lower corner.  I wasn't quite sure how I was going to accomplish it, but the try was there.

Start of the trail~

I'd been so exasperated, knowing the flowers were blooming & waiting to see if everything I'd transplanted last fall & earlier this spring had survived.  Butch had said that the mulch layer he & Madden had put down was thick.

Hosta's blooming~

I decided I'd take a few steps with the walker & see how I did.  I'd had Butch move the little bench we'd had at the far end of the Lowlands & put it along the trail where the hill flattens out.  Roughly half-way to the swing.

Looking north the way I'd come down ~

I was very thankful the bench was there & more than ready to sit down.  I had to be careful with the placement of the walker & be sure it was stable before I moved forward.  It was worth it!

South toward the swing & the bottom of the backyard~

I sat for several minutes, just enjoying the peace & quiet of being in the woods again.  

Tree down on the far side of the creek~

I hadn't been down here for two months!  In that time, we'd had a couple hard wind & rainstorms.  As usually happens, I find trash that's washed down the creek.  This time it's a full-size trash container!  I'm hoping Granddaughter Skyla can get it out for me when she comes to visit!  

East on Tinkle Branch trail~

I pulled out all the branches that had blown down I could reach & tossed them out on the trail.  I even waded in with my walker & pulled weeds getting 3' tall coming up through some of my favorite Hosta's.  Nothing along the trail & most of the woods hasn't been mowed.  I'd hoped the young man Butch had hired would be up to it, but he managed to break my mower the other day.  The backyard alone was enough for him on hot days.  

Thankfully Doris's neighbor across the street repairs mowers.  Bob picked it up yesterday morning & had it back to me running again & tuned up before noon!  I'm anxious to be able to mow again.  It'll take me the fall season to try to get things back to anywhere near where they were.  Until Butch retires & maybe for a while after, Troy will be doing it all.  He said he would rotate between the Marsh & Woods.  Each is time consuming even with his zero turn.  I much prefer the old-fashioned way of mowing & I think the grass looks much better.

"Mighty Chestnut daylily~

Once I was at the bottom of the hill & by the swing, I started up the east edge of the woods, where I've planted daylilies, flowers, shrubs etc.  I've been dividing the one above for several seasons now & it's a favorite.

Sharky's Revenge~

Half-way back up the hill, I was greeted with the above blooms!  Sharkey is going to be spectacular again this year.  There are enough buds there should still be blooms when Skyla arrives!  It's going to be hot & humid while she's here, but I hope she'll help me with the worst of the ever-growing weeds! 

From the front porch~

I was exhausted by the time I reached the front porch.  I didn't want to risk traversing the steep hill in the backyard yet.  Once I cooled off, I looked back at November of 2020 & realized I'd been eight weeks into healing when I'd walked the woods then!  That's the mark I reached today!  I still have a long way to go to walk unassisted, but I appreciate the small improvements as they come.

Aneta's 65th Turkey Barbeque!

 We'd made plans to make the trip to Aneta, ND for over a year.  Aneta hosts an annual barbeque & this year was the 65th!  Butch's Uncle Sanford & Aunt Yvonne were founders of the event.  Butch's father grew up on a farm just outside of Aneta & his cousins Ward & Russell still farm there.  We'd been invited often over the years, but the timing never worked out.  It was a long drive from WA.  Moving to IA, put us closer to ND!  Uncle Sanford was one of Butch's father's brothers.  Butch hadn't visited or seen his cousins since he was about ten years old.

283 Turkey's roasting!

When I had my accident, the first thing I thought of - was missing the trip.  I decided I'd do everything I could to recover enough to go & if I couldn't, Butch would go without me.  It was close timing - I was still hurting a lot & not very mobile.  If I could stand the ride, I could always rest once we got there.  My x-rays on the 17th; looked good - everything was in place & healing.  

We left for Aneta on the 19th. Finn & I insisted on stopping at the rest areas & Butch agreed!  He still made amazing time, we passed by Aneta on the way to our motel in McVille & arrived at 7 p.m. We had dinner at a little bar, the only place in town to have a meal.

A. Yvonne's backyard~

Saturday morning, we drove the sixteen miles back to Aneta.  We were met by Butch's Aunt & Cousin Ward!  We were just in time for the community breakfast held in the original Auditorium Building.  There was a small open top elevator right inside the street entrance - very handy for me with my walker.  We were introduced to many of the local residents.  I was happy to meet a lady who had attended high school with Butch's Dad.  

A. Yvonne & Connie touring town~

Aunt Yvonne's new golf cart was wonderful!  I could tour the town & not have to walk!  Russell took a break from his duties at the barbeque (where he's training the next generation of cooks).  He & Butch had left earlier on the old golf cart & took their own tour of the local attractions.  In the museum Butch found many photos of his dad on the high school basketball team that took second place at State. Butch called to tell me I had to go visit the Community & Botanical Gardens!

Aneta Community & Botanical Gardens~

We picked Butch up on our way & I was so amazed at the variety of trees, shrubs etc. thriving here.  The entire area was surrounded by a high fence, keeping deer & other critters out.  One of the local residents had the idea for the gardens.  Obviously, it was very successful.  Extra produce was placed in baskets at the entrance of the garden for everyone to share.

I took a break while the parade was going on.  Butch attended & took pictures for me.  Finn & I took a nap.  Butch & Aunt Yvonne came to get me in time to go to the park for dinner.

Crockpots & Casserole dishes ready for supper~

At the park, things were perfectly organized.  The turkeys were beautifully browned & being carved to serve the ever-growing lines!  There were homemade baked beans, potato salads & rolls.  1,736 people came to enjoy the barbeque! 

The welcoming turkey at the entrance to the City Park~

I wish we'd thought to get a picture of all the people at the park with their plates full, but we were too busy enjoying our own!  Watermelon for dessert, along with Ice cream bars!  Aunt Yvonne had brought homemade Rhubarb pies for our family!

One of the many decorated "floats" in the parade!

I was sorry to have missed the parade, but the rest gave me time to recover for the evening's entertainment.

Replica of a Civil War Cannon

The above Cannon was fired at the start of parade!  The loudest cannon I've ever heard!  Again, Aunt Yvonne's golf cart was our mode of transportation to go see the contest below!  It was perfect, since it also provided comfortable seats to watch the show!

The local volunteer Fire Departments stole the show though with their contest between stations.  The winner was the team who could push the empty beer keg to the opposing team's side first!  Needless to say - there was hardly anyone who didn't go away soaked!  The kids loved it!

The Smaaladen Farm ~

Sunday morning Butch drove to Aneta to attend the church service in the park with his aunt.  Afterward he came back to pick me up & we enjoyed brunch - again in the Auditorium building.  (This is the same building where Butch's dad had played basketball in high school.)  

Ward took us on a tour of the different parcels of land owned & farmed by the family.  I was especially looking forward to seeing the farm where Butch's dad had grown up.  The house was still standing, but just...  It's now too dangerous to go inside & I was in no shape to hike around anyway.  From there, Ward took us to the property where Aunt Yvonne had grown up.  The house & barn are gone now, but the property was beautiful.  The trees planted by her mother were still thriving. 

Butch's Cousin Russell, Aunt Yvonne & Butch ~ 

Sunday evening, we were invited to Russell & Marilyn's farm just outside of town for barbeque ribs!  Ward met us there.  The meal was outstanding & seeing Butch's family all together was a joy for me.  It had been many years since they'd visited WA & Butch had taken me to meet them for the first time.  All of Butch's father's brothers & sisters have passed on now, but Aunt Yvonne still keeps the family memories close.  It was a busy & wonderful weekend!  I've never seen my husband laugh so much!  

Good News Week!

 Finn & I are very happy!  We both received Good News in the last two days!  Yesterday, marked two weeks since Finnigan had his TPLO surgery.  Siris requested a short video of Finn walking, taken from behind. He had been required to wear a lick sleeve over the left hind leg & a collar of shame to keep him from taking the lick sleeve off.  Well, Mr. Smarty figured out a way to get it off even with his collar on!  I worried constantly he would get to the incision.  (Contrary to popular belief, a dog licking at a wound can cause infection.)  We moved one of his beds right by ours so I could hear if he started making unusual noises.

Finn is only at the two-week mark & it's amazing how well he's doing.  Much better than me!  He won't be allowed any freedom for six-more weeks.  Butch takes him on walks several times a day.  He's made a cable system where I can attach another cable to his harness.  That gives him room to go down the hill & access a large area of the yard where he'll be able to do his duty.  Butch has been working on all the things necessary to leave the two of us on our own when he pulls out again.

Then - there's me...

Hardware~

Today marks six- weeks since my second surgery to repair the Tibial/Fibula fracture of my right leg.  Butch took us to my appointment with the surgeon & intern at UNMC yesterday.  Dr. Thomas came in & we both smiled!  She was so instrumental in overseeing my care while I was in the hospital.  The first thing she said was; "You look so much better!"  I've felt better too.  There have been some days when I didn't think I'd have the strength to endure much more.  Thankfully, with Butch's help - this mark finally came & with it, a reduction in the severity of pain.  I had marked this date during my recovery from my last injury & had hoped the timeline for this recovery would follow the same path.

Side view~

The x-ray technician had quite a time isolating the current new hardware, from all the existing hardware from the old injuries.  It was almost laughable, but it wasn't.

The results were all good!  Healing of the bones has started; everything has remained where it's supposed to be.  I will be able to start PT this week.  I was told it will be four-weeks before I can start walking with assistance.  I'm not sure how long after that I'll be able to walk on my own, but I hope not long.  Once I'm walking, I would think I'd also be driving.  My next appointment at UNMC is mid-August, unless I have an issue before then.  Dr. Siebler & Dr. Thomas both were impressed with how far I've progressed.  I can stand flat footed & am constantly working on flexibility.  I can even walk (walker assisted - with a decent stride.) 

If all goes well, both Finn & I will be enjoying our daily jaunts in the woods about the same time.  At least I hope so.  I had everything pretty much caught up when the accident happened, but with all the rain, I'm sure the weeds have taken advantage...    

Finnigan's Story~

 I'm a little late with Finnigan's story.  With both of us recovering from surgery, Butch has his hands full.  There's little I can do to help which is not my usual MO.

On the 15th of May, both Butch & I noticed that Finn was favoring his left hind leg.  He would do a little hop as he walked & when he was just standing, he wasn't putting any weight on that leg.

5-16 Finnigan~

We called his vet, Dr. Darnell right away & Butch took Finn in that day.  Dr. Darnell prescribed some dog aspirin & told us to wait a week & see if the limp went away.  It didn't...  The next step was to be referred to Siris Veterinary Orthopedic Center in Omaha.  Their first opening was June 1st.  Butch & Finn met with Dr. Karlin who gave Finn a thorough examination.  The news wasn't good.  He had managed to tear his CCL.  This injury would leave him lame for life, with a high probability of arthritis as he gets older, unless TPLO surgery was performed.

Diagram~

The "V" in the above drawing is the section of bone that was to be removed.  It's a very expensive surgery, the estimated cost was twice what Dr. Darnell had expected, but neither of us hesitated.  After his heroic escapade to find me after my bike accident on the trail, he's proven himself the most loyal of companions. Everyone who knows Finnigan, knows what a special dog he is.  We don't know his exact age, but he should still have many good years left.

6-2, Finn, post-op~

It was heartbreaking for us both, Butch had to drop him off & I had to sit at home & worry.  The staff at Siris were super in keeping us informed on how Finn was doing.  The surgery was scheduled for later in the day & it was late in the evening when we received the above photo.  To see his bright little eyes & that expression meant the world to us.  It meant that our boy had survived & was staying strong.

The next day, Butch brought him home!  He had a bag full of goodies!  His own Finn sized ice packs, a lick sleeve, a collar, lots of drugs & a folder with pages & pages of directions & information on how to care for him.  This included exercise routines, massage therapy, etc.  I told Butch, Finn had more thorough post op directions than I had!  

He was so happy to be home & the two of us started our new routine, sitting together on the recliner.  He was kept under a low dose of sedation, to make it easier to keep him from doing something he shouldn't.  

6-8 A very unhappy Finnigan~

The two of us are limping around the house together now.  Finn easily keeps pace with my walker & will stop to wait for me if necessary.  He loves being pampered & looks forward to his walks around the yard with Butch.  

Tomorrow is the two-week mark, when we send in photos & a video to Siris.  If they approve, Finn can ditch the collar of shame & the lick sleeve too!  It will be six more weeks before he can return to his usual lifestyle.  That said, I'm going to do everything I can to slow him down a little.  He loves to run, to jump, slide across the floor after Hedgehog & do his sit up tricks.  All of those things are very hard on the rear legs.  As hard as it will be for us, if he can take things a little easier, it should help him from injuring himself again.  He is back to playing with Hedgehog (no sliding!) & doing his easier tricks!