We begin on Tuesday June 3rd.  After running errands we worked on updating last month's blog.  On Wednesday the 4th we started on our next project.  First of all -- we like DARK chocolate but ---- not in a bathroom (2 walls).  It doesn't go with the beautiful stone!!!!  We got the Gripper (primer) on today.  We're going to look at a color chart, picking a color that goes with the stone.  We had our yearly eye appointment on Thursday the 5th.  I don't know why I let them set us up for an 8:00 appointment!!  Both of us had a hard time getting up.  Very little was accomplished once we got home.  Having our eyes dilated and going through all the testing wore us out.  I checked out fine and dandy.  Lee's cataracts are ready to come out, so surgery has been scheduled -- one in July and the other one in August.  Late afternoon the neighbor across the street came over with a doe in her arms.  Her dad found her all alone --- no mom.  I got to hold her!!!!  So tiny -- and precious.  She cuddled up to me so I named her Miss Cuddles.  (FYI - they contacted the wild life folks and were instructed as to what they need to do. Can't keep them as pets.)

                                                       Miss Cuddles came calling
We headed out early on Friday the 6th for Home Depot.  We needed a larger gate so we can get the kayak trailer in the yard beside the house.  It's still at Debi's.  Will be going up there next week to bring it home. We also got the paint for the dark chocolate walls in the master bathroom.  We also decided to paint the little bathroom, so we got that paint also (light peach color).  Once we got home Lee got started installing the gate while I made a peach cobbler.  I used fresh peaches off one of our trees. YUMMY!!!

                                                      It was great
NO painting today (Saturday the 7th).  I helped Lee out in the yard -- which is something else I really enjoy. Called it a day fairly early so we could get cleaned up for a HOA meeting and pot luck dinner.  On Sunday the 8th Lee worked on an area beside the house where the kayak trailer will go.  I got busy painting in the master bathroom where the dark chocolate was.  As I painted I listened to the race.  YEAH DALE!!!  We had a couple good rain showers in the afternoon .  Good timing -- our plants and yard are happy happy happy.  Great teamwork on Monday the 9th.  We got the master bathroom painted!!! We'll do touch ups tomorrow and take a break for a few days.  Lee has become a great helper with all this painting --- and I do think he enjoys it ---- just a little bit!!!  I have an appointment with my surgeon on Thursday.  We plan on staying with Debi for a couple days and get the kayak trailer out of her yard.

                                                      Before

                                                              After
On Tuesday the 10th we did the finishing touches on the master bathroom.  Got it all cleaned up and headed outside.  We wanted to get a couple areas cleaned out.  There was an abundance of mulch and straw that had molded.  If the ground could talk -- it would have thanked us.  It can now breath a bit.  Took Wednesday the 11th off and went to Wimberley.  If you're ever in the area -- that's a great little town to check out.  Lee got a haircut while we were there.  Headed back home to pack up for our trip to Cedar Park tomorrow (Debi's and surgeon).

Thursday the 12th we headed north to see my surgeon.  I GOT RELEASED!!!!  The breaks have healed completely.  I still have some healing issues around my ankle and knee (muscles, etc).  Walking will help with those (I HOPE SOON).  The top of the brace on the left side of my leg sticks out a bit, which he can fix. But that would require more surgery -- and I'm NOT ready for that right now.  We agreed that if it starts to cause a problem then give him a call.  So far I'm ok with it --- as long as I don't hit that area on anything!!! Like I did against an aluminum ladder.  Saw stars that day!!!  Left there and headed to Debi's.  Todd, Chelsea and Ryder came over for a visit.

Spent a lot of time in her pool on Friday the 13th.  Good therapy/exercise.  Got back in the pool on Saturday the 14th.  More therapy for my leg!!  Lee got the kayak trailer ready to tow back home tomorrow. We had several other miscellaneous items at her house also.  He got all that packed up in the back of truck.

All loaded up and ready to head home on Sunday morning the 15th.  BIG accomplishment at her house.  I conquered her steps to the second floor (this is where I broke my leg).  My heart was beating so fast the first time up and down, but I had Lee close by.  I had such bad memories of those stairs, but I think all is a-ok now!!!  Seemed strange leaving her house and arriving at ours about an hour later.  Cool!!!!  Monday the 16th was laundry day for me.  Lee worked on getting the kayak trailer cleaned off.  We need it empty when we go to Home Depot for the wood paneling we're putting up in our bedroom.  It will only go on one wall which will cover up an accent wall of MORE hot pink.  Off to Home Depot on Tuesday the 17th.  Got the paneling and a grill.  YYIIPPEE!!  It was grocery shopping day on Wednesday the 18th.  Lee mowed the yard while I got everything put up.  Put a pot roast on for dinner with homemade cornbread.

                                                 All covered up

                                                    Now we can Grill with the big boys
Had a fun day on Thursday the 19th.  We got the paneling put up!!!  Just like our other improvements we've made --- it's beautiful!!!  Ran some errands on Friday the 20th and found some drapes (panels) for our bedroom and the living room.  There were already blinds throughout, but we like drapes also.  Lee wasted no time getting them put up.  Looks GREAT!!!  Good work day on Saturday the 21st.  A couple walls in the living room needed a fresh coat of paint.  One wall had about 50 pin holes which Lee had spackled.  I worked on that while he pressured washed the front and back porch.  Both are in need of a paint job also. We should be able to start on one of those tomorrow.  The heat here is drying them out quickly.

                                                             Before

                                                          After
Had a sheet of paneling left over.  Got in our "thinking mode".  A bar separating the living room and kitchen was white.  Not any more --- got the paneling installed in that area on Sunday afternoon the 22nd.  Dang - we're good.  On Monday the 23rd it was overcast with some breeze so we starting painting the back porch.  We were also able to get about 1/3 of the front porch painted.  Heat set in so we called it quits on that job.  Good thing because about 3 hours later we had a thunder storm.  Thank goodness the porches were dry.  Lee worked on some lantern lights we have outside that needed a good cleaning and ---- yep ---- a paint job.  While he did that I started painting in the small bathroom.  Rain interfered with us painting outside on Wednesday the 25th.  No complaint though since we had other unfinished projects.  Lee installed a couple motion detector lights and I continued painting the other bathroom.  No rest today Thursday the 26th.  Back at it.  I finished painting that bathroom.  Lee worked on our lawn mower.  Won't start.  He put new parts on it -- but still won't start.  Ordered another part today.  Hopefully that will fix the problem.  We spent the afternoon putting window film on the master bedroom windows.  That will help with the afternoon sun.  Hopefully we can get back to painting the front porch tomorrow.  We had more rain today, which is fine with us.  As of Friday the 27th, we had 3 projects going that are not completed.  No rain in the forecast so we decided to work on the porch, steps and slats.  We were moving right along - and here comes the rain. We head back inside.  We decided to complete one of the projects -- putting window film on all the other windows in the house.  YEAH -- COMPLETE -- DONE!!  Cleaned up the mess, took a couple aleve.....we are also done for the day.

                                                               Before

                                                     After
Big work day on Saturday the 28th.  I finished the small bathroom.  I've got to clean it, but I took advantage of the cooler weather and headed outside to the porch.  This project is turning out to be huge by large!!!!!!
I painted while Lee got the yard mowed, etc. etc.  Again the heat of the day "got us" so inside to the cool
house.  After cleaning up we made fresh peach freezer jam.  This was the last of the peaches off one of our trees.  Hope it turns out good.  Lee scraped the bowl -- didn't want to waste a drop -- so the partial jar is all his.  He now has ribs on the grill -- that's it for the day.  On Sunday the 29th the heat arrived earlier so no painting on the porch, so off to one our favorite places -- Home Depot.  We had faucet issues in the master bathroom sinks so we got new ones.  Also had a light in the kitchen that wasn't much more than a night light.  Got a new one.  Lee has not only become a great painter.....he a great plumber and electrician also does yard work, Driver, and yes he also does windows.  Thank goodness!!!

                                             These are from the small tree in the backyard

                                                7 1/2 jars

                                               Big and Juicy
I really wanted to report that we were done with the porch, steps, slats, mailbox area on Monday the 30th....but it didn't happen.  Very hot!!!  This paint we're using (Deck Over) doesn't like for you to paint when the sun's beating down. If you have a deck and need to paint it this product is great, as it also has a non skid in it.  From Home Depot.   Another project is COMPLETE though --- the small bathroom.  I got it and the floor all cleaned up.  And yes -- it looks great!!  Lee got an area by the "barn" cleaned out.  He was able to put some of it in an area under the porch.  Now we both are cooling off and getting ready for a much needed nap.  A special note to end the day.  We tried some of our freezer jam.  OH MY GOSH - a complete success.  SO GOOD!!!

Wonderful day -- Tuesday July 1st.  The McClure paint team is FINISHED with the front porch, steps, slats, area at the mailbox and touch up on the back porch.  My cohort said he didn't want to see a paint brush for at least a week.  I'm inclined to agree with him.  All the major issues have been accomplished.  It's been a lot of work, but we did it as a team ---- and we're really proud of what we've done.  On Wednesday the 2nd I do believe our workload (and the heat) got the best of us.  After a run to the grocery store -- we both took the day off.  This was a day to "kick back and relax"!!!!  We had no problem doing that at all.

As I read back over this -- it's made me feel really really tired, so I would say a nap is in order.  Joy to the World.

Take care.  Until next time.......

Can't believe another month has passed.  This blog starts on May 4th.  I spent most of the day cleaning out a file cabinet --- rearranging and shredding.  What a mess!!  Lee put up our Rock City birdhouse, a new mailbox and set out our yard arts.  Of course some of the flamingos found a spot --- but with the cactus?!?!? So so funny!!!  I started on last months blog while Lee loaded the pictures.  A good day had by all.  On Monday the 5th Lee pressure washed the house and porch.  What a difference - looks great!!  Now I've got to figure out a way to get paint off the siding.  The folks that painted last time were NOT careful at all!!  I worked on the inside, but nothing heavy duty though.  Our annual physical was on Tuesday the 6th. Hopefully we're both a-ok.  Will know after the blood work report comes back.  Lee finished pressure washing the house.  It's so nice and clean!!!  Finally on Wednesday as we set on the porch with our morning coffee --- 2 deer showed up across the street.  Beautiful -- love 'em!!!  On Thursday the 8th, I finally made a trip to the beauty shop for a trim and perm.  Lee painted on some outside tables and a shelf we'll use as a plant stand.  We went to check out a flea market on Saturday the 10th.  Lots of home grown veggies.  We'll definitely go back for more.  Lee cleaned out the gutters while I cooked dinner.  After dinner it was time to kick back and relax and watch the race.  I finally got back to my knitting project.  Haven't worked on it for several weeks because of things we needed to do around the house.

                                           Flamingoes in the Cactus

                               Some ran around to the front yard
On Sunday the 11th we started packing for our trip to Chattanooga for Austin's (grandson) graduation from high school.  Lee worked outside doing some "cosmetic" stuff around the house.  More packing and loading the car on Monday the 12th. Anxious to get on the road.  On Tuesday the 13th we left at 7:30 am (CST) --- and it was only 56 degrees (COLD).  Not suppose to be like that --- it's the middle of May!!!  Got to Palestine for lunch around noon.  Warmed up to 59 (LOL).  When we reached the Louisiana line at 2:35 pm it was 62.  Stopped in Vicksburg, MS at 5:56 pm having completed 539 miles.  Back on the road on Wednesday at 7:30 am.  At I20/59 there were "Rough Road Ahead" signs.  OMG  appreciate the warning -- but they should use much bigger font and all bold letters.  It was awful!!!  Reached Tuscaloosa at 11:10. Stopped for a late breakfast/early lunch. Contending with lots and lots of rain today.  Arrive at our first destination (Columbia, TN) at 3:20 pm. Lee's daughter and family lives here.  Spent the night with them.  Had a great visit.  Our total mileage so far is 969.

Chris, Stephanie, Jeremiah, and Danielle Grissom

                                       Jeremiah

                               Danielle
Left there on Thursday the 15th at 7:43 am......and it's 48 degrees.  MY GOSH - what gives?!?!?  We checked the weather before we left and knew it would be cool, but nothing like this.  Today we're heading
for Lebanon to the James Ward Fairgrounds.  This was the week of the Tennessee Samboree.  As most of you know we were the Assistant State Directors before moving to Texas and participated in these every year.  We wanted to surprise most of the folks so only 4 people knew we were coming.  Arrived at 9:50 am. What a wonderful day visiting with everyone!!!!  And - our secret was kept.  Lots and lots of hugs -- even a few tears of joy!!  We love ya'll so much!!!  Left there at 3:20 pm heading to Chattanooga.  Didn't want to leave, but we had family waiting.  After travelling 1,202 miles we arrived at my step-dad's (Elmer) house at 6:55 pm (EST).....but not before stopping for a sackful of Krystals!!!  Michael, Austin, Kristy (Michael's friend) and her son Corbin came by to see us.  GOSH - it was GREAT seeing them.

On Friday the 15th my cousin Trina, her husband Mack and her mom (Aunt Ed) came by to see us. GREAT seeing them also and had a wonderful visit!  Friday evening we went to Kristy's house in Birchwood for a graduation dinner her and Michael planned for Austin.  WONDERFUL food and visitation.  Included Debi, Chad, Chelsea and Ryder who flew in on Wednesday, plus Kristy's family.  Saturday the 17th we headed to the UTC Arena for Austin's graduation from Central High School.  As for Centrals graduates --- I graduated in 1964, Michael in 1989 and Austin 2014.....mom, son & grandson.....how cool is that!!!  Everyone came back to Elmer's and had a fantastic bbq lunch with all the trimmings.  Dinner --- Krystals, chili pups and corn dogs. On Sunday the 18th Lee and I went to visit an aunt of his who is 97 years old, along with his cousin and her husband. At dinner time we met a nephew, wife and daughter Patrick, Kassie & Mariah), plus Michael and Kristy at Red Lobster.  This trip of ours is going by too fast!!!!  Once we got back to Elmer's we starting to pack up for our return trip to Texas.

                                             Linda, Austin, and you know who

                                     Michael Class of 89, Linda Class of 64, Austin class of 14 at Central and Lee
                                     Brainerd High Class of 64

                                     Gail, Aunt Ernestine and Lee

                                          Gail, Ernestine Lee and Fred

                                      The View from Kristy's

                                           Baskin Robbins Cake  yum yum

                                                   Ryder loves Krystal Corn Pups

                            Red Lobster
After 1,344 miles we're heading home on Monday the 19th.  Going to miss everyone!!!  Had a WONDERFUL time.  Love and miss everyone bunches!!!

Arrived in Tuscaloosa at 2:25 pm CST.  Lots and lots of sunshine -- and was warm 85!!!!  OH HAPPY DAY!!  We have now traveled 1,631 miles when we arrive at the Alabama/Mississippi line at 3:25.  Outside Meridian there were lots of people on the side of the road and overpasses.  Finally -- blue lights and hundreds of motorcycles.  This was part of the Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall in Washington, DC.  What a beautiful sight!!!  We arrived in Vicksburg at 6:00 and decided to call it a day.  After a good night's rest, we were back at it at 6:30 am on Tuesday morning.  At the Louisiana line we had completed 1,785 miles.  We took highway 79 outside of Shreveport at 9:52 - mileage now at 1,969.  Stopped in Palestine for lunch at noon (2,087 miles).  Same Place we stopped for lunch when we went to Chattanooga, Love Denny's.  Arrived at home at 5:22.  Our total trip was 2,317 miles.  Without all the side trips -- from our house to Chattanooga is only about 987 miles (one way).  We had a wonderful trip, but it was sure nice waking up in our own bed on Wednesday the 21st.  Also enjoyed being able to sit outside with our morning coffee.  Couldn't do that in Tennessee due to a COLD front that arrive and wouldn't leave.

We have several peach trees.  Upon our return home every single tree has peaches on them.  Should be ripe in another week or so.  Definitely will freeze some --- and make some peach cobblers!!!

                                        Big Peaches

                           Lots of Peaches  We have 5 trees
 Lee went to the post office to get our mail and stopped to pick up bird seed.  All the feeders were empty and the birds were not happy.  Also got me some deer corn!!  Later he went to pick up a bookcase we ordered and talked to an "expert" about painting our trouble rooms.  Long story short - SHE knew what she was talking about.  Got this paint called Gripper.  That is what I'll use to cover up that awful hot pink and black in one of our extra rooms.  I'll have to do this before we even pick out the final color.  I love to paint so I'm anxious to get started.  Don't know it you noticed the awful ceiling light in that room, but it's now gone and Lee installed a ceiling fan.

                                           Purple Room

                                            Black and Pink for a Hobby Room NOT!!!!!!!

                                         Thank you Linda

                                           New Fan

                                         Bookcase

                                       Purple Room is gone yeah!

                                   Lee's Cow

Thursday the 22nd was a very productive day.  Started off the day going to the grocery store.  I should have taken a coat and my leg sweater.  There shouldn't be a chill factor in a grocery store!!!!!  After getting all that put up I got started on the first coat of primer.  Looks better already (LOL).  The inside of the closet is hot pink, but I'll work on that later.  We'll just keep the closet door shut.  Lee worked in the yard and put the bookshelf together.  Big surprise when I went to the front porch for coffee on Friday the 23rd.  One of the gardenia plants I've tried so hard to bring back to life (after the freeze in Rockport) had a bloom on it -- and had about 5 more buds.  Had 3 of those,  We took the time to get them out of the pots and into the ground. Also noticed that one of our cactus plants is blooming a beautiful yellow flower.  I headed back to the room I'm painting and Lee head to the "barn".  That needed a clean up and reorganization.  Busy day for both of us, but we enjoyed it so much.

                            Cactus Flowers
Headed to Home Depot on Saturday the 24th for paint.  We decided to have the bottom part while and the top blue. (See The Pictures above) We also got paint for the faded shutters.  Lee started on them.  Sunday the 25th was very productive and fun.  As soon as we finish breakfast of homemade waffles we started working.  Me - painting in the fly tying room and Lee putting a second coat of paint on the shutters.  He says he's not a painter --- well --- he did a great job and they look great.  Mom (a butterfly) came by to see what he was doing. Another butterfly was with her.  Lee says mom brought dad to check him out to make sure he was doing it right.  Shutters are back on the house and what a difference -- for the better of course.  Finished up the fly tying room on Monday the 26th.  Will start on the purple room tomorrow.  More deer showed up today.....two bucks.  Beautiful animals.

                                         Deer Feeding

                                         Young Buck

On Tuesday the 27th we had to take the truck in to the shop -- brake issues.  We've had a lot of rain since last Friday so Lee hasn't been able to "piddle" outside, so he has been a HUGE help with the painting chores.  I cut in at ceiling and floor - he rolls the paint on in between.  We're doing it a light green.  Doesn't show up good in the picture....but it's beautiful!!  As of Wednesday the 28th the purple room is finished.(Also see the pictures above) While I did the finishing touches on the room, Lee worked outside cutting grass and weed eating.  Great day for wild life.  A bird building a nest in one of our bird houses.  Several hummingbirds that come early morning and evening.  And of course my favorite -- the deer. On Friday the 30th both rooms were finished, furniture back in place and all the floors cleaned.  Lee got a new door put up in the fly tying room.  Remember --- the door to that room was painted black and hot pink???  We're discussing the next project.  There's several --- but the worse ones have been taken care of.
                                                           

 Before

After

On Saturday the 31st Debi called and wanted to come down.  HECK YES --- then we won't find something else to work on.  She and I went shopping for swim suits.  When we got back Chad had driven over from San Marcos.  Enjoyed their visit.  Chad went home and Debi spent the night.  On Sunday morning June 1st we all had a very relaxing morning on the porch with coffee.  Lazy Lazy Lazy.  Lee started painting on the back porch and I did laundry.  I had gotten Debi and I a dolphin mold kit.  She played with that most of the morning then packed up and left around noon.  I headed to the couch with the newspaper.  Lee got a lot of painting done before he called it a day.  Now he's in his recliner checkout out the back of his eyelids.

Update on my leg -- better.  Haven't needed the wheelchair in over a month (sent it home with Debi today).  I put the crutches up 2 weeks ago.  I'm using a cane only now.  Have another checkup next week.  Anxious to see what the doctor says.

Well folks - this ones a bit long, but it's been a busy busy month.

Until next time......Take care!!