Hello Friends and Family,
I'm half way through my stay in McAllen, Texas. Last Tuesday was a travel day and then I spent Wednesday through Friday in the Cencorp office. It feels good to be here. I have no issues with the hot weather, but the traffic is really bad and I'm not real fond of it.
Jimi flew in Thursday evening. We spent the weekend driving over to South Padre Island and up to Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi drive is too far for us to even consider as a future destination; however, South Padre Island was nice with an "island time" feel to it. There are a few sail boats, but nothing like the Florida area. We are still doing research and weighing our options. I dropped Jimi off at the airport Monday morning and I am here rest of the week.
Yesterday, Jimi and I recognized our four year anniversary!
Hope all is well with you.
Love Everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
All things must come to an end
Dear Friends and Family,
I have received a number of emails this week from friends thanking me for sending the weekly updates. This really means a lot to me. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't boring and monotonous; however, when I'm late with one, someone is calling me wanting to know where the latest update is. I'm glad so many appreciate and look forward to receiving them every week; I began writing them two years and eight months ago. After only a few weeks I was requesting to be added to my distribution list and we are now up to about 20 people. We've probably had a dozen more requests for additions; however, those people are local and we don't want the emails to be the reason we don't see each other. We will add them once we move. Thank you to everyone for your kind words this week and for your support!
Tuesday evening we went to the Red Zone to play pool. My first few games were pretty good, but after that I went down hill. Jimi played very well throughout the evening.
Wednesday evening we rode the motorcycle to Westminster. Jimi took and passed his level one and level two HAM radio exams. Congrats to him! I took advantage of the time sitting in the grass outside the school reading. I finished the book "Twilight" and started the sequel "New Moon". Great reading! By Sunday, I had finished "New Moon".
Thursday morning I received a call from my boss at Cencorp. The person I trained to take my position fours years ago, is now leaving the company, and our president is stuck in Brazil on visa related issues with no idea when he will return. They want me to come back full time to take over the accounting and admin duties. My old job back? - WOW - I was excited; however, there was one catch. I would have to move to Texas. Funny as it is - in the mean time, at Crocs, my boss' boss and HR were looking for me to lay me off. YES - I was laid off from Crocs just within an hour of receiving my new offer. Bazaar isn't it? In any case, this opened the doors for me. I will go to Texas tomorrow through the 3rd of September to get back up to speed on things there. Jimi will fly down on the weekend and we will check out the area including the marinas on the Gulf, and from there the negations will begin and decisions will have to be made.
Thursday night we were back at the Moose playing pool. Jimi beat me 5 of 6 games. Yay for him! :-) And he's not letting me forget it.
Friday night we went to Brad and Ellen's house in Denver for their "Happy Hour". We ate, drank, and visited allot with lots of friends. It was a great time! Thanks guys!!!
Saturday night we went to the drive in theater in Fort Collins. We saw two movies: "Despicable Me" and "Inception". We enjoyed both.
Jimi took Senior pictures for our friend's son on Sunday. And Sunday was my final day in Mead. I swept and mopped the floors, wiped down the counters and bathroom, mowed the grass, pulled a few weeds, and cleaned out the last little bit of things from the garage. I said my goodbyes to the house I raised my children in. I enjoyed living there, but now I know it's time to move on. Selling the house is nothing less than a blessing. This morning at 8:30am I sat with the buyers at the title company and we signed all the paperwork making the sell official. They took immediate possession. It's a bitter sweet feeling - all kinds of emotions fighting over one another, all stuck in one little area. One down and one to go!
As always, we will keep you posted.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
I have received a number of emails this week from friends thanking me for sending the weekly updates. This really means a lot to me. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't boring and monotonous; however, when I'm late with one, someone is calling me wanting to know where the latest update is. I'm glad so many appreciate and look forward to receiving them every week; I began writing them two years and eight months ago. After only a few weeks I was requesting to be added to my distribution list and we are now up to about 20 people. We've probably had a dozen more requests for additions; however, those people are local and we don't want the emails to be the reason we don't see each other. We will add them once we move. Thank you to everyone for your kind words this week and for your support!
Tuesday evening we went to the Red Zone to play pool. My first few games were pretty good, but after that I went down hill. Jimi played very well throughout the evening.
Wednesday evening we rode the motorcycle to Westminster. Jimi took and passed his level one and level two HAM radio exams. Congrats to him! I took advantage of the time sitting in the grass outside the school reading. I finished the book "Twilight" and started the sequel "New Moon". Great reading! By Sunday, I had finished "New Moon".
Thursday morning I received a call from my boss at Cencorp. The person I trained to take my position fours years ago, is now leaving the company, and our president is stuck in Brazil on visa related issues with no idea when he will return. They want me to come back full time to take over the accounting and admin duties. My old job back? - WOW - I was excited; however, there was one catch. I would have to move to Texas. Funny as it is - in the mean time, at Crocs, my boss' boss and HR were looking for me to lay me off. YES - I was laid off from Crocs just within an hour of receiving my new offer. Bazaar isn't it? In any case, this opened the doors for me. I will go to Texas tomorrow through the 3rd of September to get back up to speed on things there. Jimi will fly down on the weekend and we will check out the area including the marinas on the Gulf, and from there the negations will begin and decisions will have to be made.
Thursday night we were back at the Moose playing pool. Jimi beat me 5 of 6 games. Yay for him! :-) And he's not letting me forget it.
Friday night we went to Brad and Ellen's house in Denver for their "Happy Hour". We ate, drank, and visited allot with lots of friends. It was a great time! Thanks guys!!!
Saturday night we went to the drive in theater in Fort Collins. We saw two movies: "Despicable Me" and "Inception". We enjoyed both.
Jimi took Senior pictures for our friend's son on Sunday. And Sunday was my final day in Mead. I swept and mopped the floors, wiped down the counters and bathroom, mowed the grass, pulled a few weeds, and cleaned out the last little bit of things from the garage. I said my goodbyes to the house I raised my children in. I enjoyed living there, but now I know it's time to move on. Selling the house is nothing less than a blessing. This morning at 8:30am I sat with the buyers at the title company and we signed all the paperwork making the sell official. They took immediate possession. It's a bitter sweet feeling - all kinds of emotions fighting over one another, all stuck in one little area. One down and one to go!
As always, we will keep you posted.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Fantastic
Dear Friends and Family,
While we've had no solid hits on Jimi's house, other things are moving along. It's probably best this way, so we don't become too overwhelmed with things to do.
Jimi has been studying for his HAM Radio test relentlessly. The HAM radio is a amateur radio system, which we will use on the boat. After purchasing the equipment, using it is free and includes a way we will be able to receive emails, weather reports, and upload our position to a webpage all at sea without an internet connection. Users of the system are required to become certified in two of three levels. Jimi will need to get the user two certification and I will test for the user one certification. The information is very technical and difficult. Jimi, however, is more familiar with the technology than I am and will take the test sooner.He has studied for six days straight to take both tests this Wednesday. I will wait until he is finished before I begin mine.
Tuesday night Jimi and I played two games of 18 hole putt putt golf. It was a nice change; fun and relaxing at the same time.
Thursday night we played nine excellent games of pool. Well.... excellent for me! Lol
Friday night we camped at the Pawnee National Grasslands. It was beautiful, and there was a meteor shower that Jimi watched; I slept. Jimi took about five hours of pictures; roughly 600 images to created this time laps video. Please watch when you have time; it's only about thirty seconds long. Video link
Camping and Star Timelapse August 13 from Jim Nicolaus on Vimeo.
Saturday night we met Brad and Ellen in a bar in Denver to watch friends Jeremiah and Mike jam on stage. It was a late night for us, but fun to be with friends.
Rest of the week, Jimi studied. I did a great deal of reading, some painting, and I worked.
Daniel had surgery on his toe last Monday. Everything went well for him except for all the confessions he blurted out to his father as he was waking up from the anesthetic - so funny. Pool Daniel. He now has a metal rod through his toe into his foot holding the bones together for healing. I've attached a couple of pictures. The doctor said it should only take a few weeks to heal.
Jenn is doing well in Idaho with her father and brother. We talk just about everyday. She's thinking about selling her car there and flying back to Colorado before leaving for boot camp.
We had a fantastic weekend and look forward to great things happening over the next few weeks.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
While we've had no solid hits on Jimi's house, other things are moving along. It's probably best this way, so we don't become too overwhelmed with things to do.
Jimi has been studying for his HAM Radio test relentlessly. The HAM radio is a amateur radio system, which we will use on the boat. After purchasing the equipment, using it is free and includes a way we will be able to receive emails, weather reports, and upload our position to a webpage all at sea without an internet connection. Users of the system are required to become certified in two of three levels. Jimi will need to get the user two certification and I will test for the user one certification. The information is very technical and difficult. Jimi, however, is more familiar with the technology than I am and will take the test sooner.He has studied for six days straight to take both tests this Wednesday. I will wait until he is finished before I begin mine.
Tuesday night Jimi and I played two games of 18 hole putt putt golf. It was a nice change; fun and relaxing at the same time.
Thursday night we played nine excellent games of pool. Well.... excellent for me! Lol
Friday night we camped at the Pawnee National Grasslands. It was beautiful, and there was a meteor shower that Jimi watched; I slept. Jimi took about five hours of pictures; roughly 600 images to created this time laps video. Please watch when you have time; it's only about thirty seconds long. Video link
Camping and Star Timelapse August 13 from Jim Nicolaus on Vimeo.
Saturday night we met Brad and Ellen in a bar in Denver to watch friends Jeremiah and Mike jam on stage. It was a late night for us, but fun to be with friends.
Rest of the week, Jimi studied. I did a great deal of reading, some painting, and I worked.
Daniel had surgery on his toe last Monday. Everything went well for him except for all the confessions he blurted out to his father as he was waking up from the anesthetic - so funny. Pool Daniel. He now has a metal rod through his toe into his foot holding the bones together for healing. I've attached a couple of pictures. The doctor said it should only take a few weeks to heal.
Jenn is doing well in Idaho with her father and brother. We talk just about everyday. She's thinking about selling her car there and flying back to Colorado before leaving for boot camp.
We had a fantastic weekend and look forward to great things happening over the next few weeks.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Monday, August 9, 2010
Adventure to Idaho
Hello Friends and Family,
As you already knew from last week's update, we picked Daniel up from the airport Monday night. He's tall and skinny, just like his grandpa. He was on crutches due to his broken toe and his foot was all bandaged up.
Anyhow, Jimi and Daniel spent Tuesday morning working on Jennifer's car and when I got off work at noon, Daniel and I went shopping. That evening, we went to the Moose for their Tuesday night burgers and a few games of pool.
Wednesday, Daniel and Jimi spent the day four wheelin in Left Hand Canyon and doing Daniel's Senior pictures. That evening we packed and loaded Jennifer's car for their trip and then had dinner at the Armadillo. The kids left about 7:30 pm stopping in Loveland to visit their grandparents for a couple of hours. They actually hit the road at 9:30pm for Idaho. They felt it would be better to drive all night to keep the engine cooler and because Jenn does not have air conditioning in her car.
On Thursday, at the Idaho exit and an hour from Weiser the rear passenger tire blew out. No worries though, as Jennifer had a spare and both kids know how to change a tire. However, one of their dad's friends was close by and came out to assist then. Jennifer was especially tired and both were grumpy. But, all went pretty well. They are in Weiser, at their dad's house safe and sound.They arrived about 3:30pm on Thursday.
Jimi and I took it easy any did things around the house Thursday and Friday. However, Saturday was a full day for us. We had to be in Mead to do some repairs Saturday morning, then went to Vicki's house for a BBQ and pool party from 2pm until 6pm. Our friends Brad and Ellen joined us. That evening the four of us went to the red neck races. They were over by 9:30, which after a busy day was nice to have an early evening. We had a great day with friends!
Between 10:30pm Saturday night and 7am Monday morning, I slept 20 hours. We aren't sure why I was so tired, but I definately feel better now.
Movies we watched this week were Monsters, Inc., SeaBiscuit, and Star Trek.
Daniel had surgery this morning on his toe. He's awake and somewhat coherant. He'll be going home soon.
All is well.
Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Water, a wedding, and a pinkie toe
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a lot happening all around us last week. Jimi painted the fence connecting the house to the garage. Now it matches the fence around the front of the house and looks great. He also kept busy with small miscellaneous things in preparation for our move. I received the inspection report back from my house. I am happy to report that everything listed on it was minor. The most significant thing was the concern for the age of the furnace, even though it still works well. In any case, the buyers are still happy with the house and the closing will continue to move forward. The closing date is now scheduled for August 23rd.
I met my friend Brenda for coffee after work on Wednesday; we had a wonderful visit. And of course, my days were filled with Crocs and many of my evenings we filled with Cencorp.
Jimi and I tried to get over to the Moose lodge to play pool, but it's was too hard, as we were so busy; nor have we even had time to get groceries and are about down to having to eat our emergency can on spam. Ha-ha
Friday, we went to my house in Mead to do some yard work. I had not been out there in several weeks and the place was a wreck. We pulled a lot of weeds and set up sprinklers on timers to keep the grass green. I still need to take the mower over for some more maintenance.
We spent the entire day on Saturday with Brad and Ellen Cole for their 3rd annual Water World Cabana experience. Ellen injured her back the day before and was unable to ride the rides, but we managed with the wave pool and the lazy river. Regardless, I think we had a better time relaxing in the cabana with everyone present, rather then standing in crowded lines. A total of four couples and three children attended. It was a great time.
Jenn participated in a live "swearing in" performance at Invesco field on Saturday night. We were suppose to attend, but got delayed and missed it. She said there were about 60+ new soldiers there. I'm sad that we didn't get to see it.
Sunday was the big day for Tammy and Gregg. We spent the entire day at the ranch for their wedding. As Tammy's matron of honor, I was the first to arrive to help her with the final preparations. Tammy, Casey (her daughter), Jennifer, and I had an awesome time getting ready together in the bride's room. The ceremony was simple and informal. We signed the marriage license during the ceremony; I thought this was a nice touch. But, the highlight was when Greg and Tammy released two doves in the sky during the ceremony. Beautiful! It was a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. The food at the reception was excellent and I just can't say enough - it was a spectacular day. The sound guy had some issues with his equipment, but Jimi saved the day by fixing everything. Tammy gave me a beautiful heart necklace engraved with "A true friend reaches for you hand and touches your heart".
It was wonderful.
Ok, now for some sad news. Daniel dropped the hitch of a trailer loaded with a riding lawn mower on his foot Friday afternoon and internally severed his right pinkie toe. The toe is still attached by almost all the outer skin, but inside the bone is broke in two and the skin is all that is holding it on. They tried several times to set the toe for healing, but were unsuccessful and had irritated it so much that it was swollen as large as his big toe. They ended up sending him home to let the swelling go down. He'll go back to the doctor the end of the week to try to set it again. If they are not able to set it, they will do surgery and put pins in it.
Daniel's visit to Colorado from Aug 2nd through Aug 16 almost got cancelled because of his broken toe, however, I was able to compromise the situation. Daniel flew out as scheduled; Jimi and I picked him up yesterday. He and Jennifer will drive her car to Idaho getting him home in time for the doctor on Friday. Jimi and I were very excited to see him, even if it is for only two days.
And finally - today, August 3rd is Jimi's father's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
Whew - this was a busy week!
That's all for now. Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
We had a lot happening all around us last week. Jimi painted the fence connecting the house to the garage. Now it matches the fence around the front of the house and looks great. He also kept busy with small miscellaneous things in preparation for our move. I received the inspection report back from my house. I am happy to report that everything listed on it was minor. The most significant thing was the concern for the age of the furnace, even though it still works well. In any case, the buyers are still happy with the house and the closing will continue to move forward. The closing date is now scheduled for August 23rd.
I met my friend Brenda for coffee after work on Wednesday; we had a wonderful visit. And of course, my days were filled with Crocs and many of my evenings we filled with Cencorp.
Jimi and I tried to get over to the Moose lodge to play pool, but it's was too hard, as we were so busy; nor have we even had time to get groceries and are about down to having to eat our emergency can on spam. Ha-ha
Friday, we went to my house in Mead to do some yard work. I had not been out there in several weeks and the place was a wreck. We pulled a lot of weeds and set up sprinklers on timers to keep the grass green. I still need to take the mower over for some more maintenance.
We spent the entire day on Saturday with Brad and Ellen Cole for their 3rd annual Water World Cabana experience. Ellen injured her back the day before and was unable to ride the rides, but we managed with the wave pool and the lazy river. Regardless, I think we had a better time relaxing in the cabana with everyone present, rather then standing in crowded lines. A total of four couples and three children attended. It was a great time.
Jenn participated in a live "swearing in" performance at Invesco field on Saturday night. We were suppose to attend, but got delayed and missed it. She said there were about 60+ new soldiers there. I'm sad that we didn't get to see it.
Sunday was the big day for Tammy and Gregg. We spent the entire day at the ranch for their wedding. As Tammy's matron of honor, I was the first to arrive to help her with the final preparations. Tammy, Casey (her daughter), Jennifer, and I had an awesome time getting ready together in the bride's room. The ceremony was simple and informal. We signed the marriage license during the ceremony; I thought this was a nice touch. But, the highlight was when Greg and Tammy released two doves in the sky during the ceremony. Beautiful! It was a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. The food at the reception was excellent and I just can't say enough - it was a spectacular day. The sound guy had some issues with his equipment, but Jimi saved the day by fixing everything. Tammy gave me a beautiful heart necklace engraved with "A true friend reaches for you hand and touches your heart".
It was wonderful.
Ok, now for some sad news. Daniel dropped the hitch of a trailer loaded with a riding lawn mower on his foot Friday afternoon and internally severed his right pinkie toe. The toe is still attached by almost all the outer skin, but inside the bone is broke in two and the skin is all that is holding it on. They tried several times to set the toe for healing, but were unsuccessful and had irritated it so much that it was swollen as large as his big toe. They ended up sending him home to let the swelling go down. He'll go back to the doctor the end of the week to try to set it again. If they are not able to set it, they will do surgery and put pins in it.
Daniel's visit to Colorado from Aug 2nd through Aug 16 almost got cancelled because of his broken toe, however, I was able to compromise the situation. Daniel flew out as scheduled; Jimi and I picked him up yesterday. He and Jennifer will drive her car to Idaho getting him home in time for the doctor on Friday. Jimi and I were very excited to see him, even if it is for only two days.
And finally - today, August 3rd is Jimi's father's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
Whew - this was a busy week!
That's all for now. Love everybody,
Lorie & Jimi
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