Friday, April 1, 2016

April 1st 2016

Today is our 29th Wedding Anniversary.  We were going to go
to Denver to the Art Museum or to Boulder and check out the
art on the Pearl Street Mall.  However, I was up half the night
with leg cramps and feel lousy today.  At this point we aren't
doing anything in the way of celebrating.  I am planning a 
special dinner.

Yesterday our new dishwasher arrived and was installed.
I found that more tiring than one would expect, but the
installer seemed to want me to stand by, so to speak, in
case he needed anything.  Mid-stream he had a 
problem, but he, with Robert's help was able to solve
it.  Finally, 2 hours later, it was installed and he left.
I had, at his request, saved a mound of dirty dishes,
but he only ran the machine long enough to make
sure it was working, turned it off and left.  I loaded
it with dishes and tried to turn it on and nothing
happened.  I read the book and then decided I had
to cancel the cycle he had left it in.  Finally, after
that was done, I was able to clear it's memory and
it started and ran smoothly and VERY quietly.
It is a Bosch and they are really quiet, but that is
partially because they have replace the disposal
unit with a filter system which has to be cleaned.
The picture of the filter looks just like the filter
I had in a Kitchen Aid in the 60s! That was a
shock.

Last evening we went to Spice China where we
met up with Carl, Martha and Arren to celebrate
Arren's 17th birthday.  I left a b-day cake and
candles at the Hostess Desk and she said she
would deliver it later.  We had a very nice
dinner.  While we were waiting for dinner I
presented Arren with her b-day present from
us.  The present was a pair of spike-heeled
platform soled shoes in white with blue
trim.  The heel looks like a vertebrae because
it looks like one with cut-outs.  She was
ecstatic with delight.  I found them on her
Amazon Wish List, but I am never sure 
the list is current, but this time it was! The
Hostess and our waiter delivered the cake
with lit candles, after the table was cleared.
They came with cake, plates, napkins and
forks.  It was nicely done.  And the cake
was delicious...thank you KingSoopers.

Monday, March 28, 2016

March 28, 2016

It's rewarding to see Bernie Sanders doing so well in most
of the western states.  I'm wondering what California will
do.  I expect Hillary will still get the nomination, but I'm
hoping that isn't so.  Our society has gotten so splintered
and the Middle Class has been left out as the wealthy
get stronger and stronger.

Today Xcel, our power provider took out three Spruce
trees from our yard.  I would guess those trees were
between 40 and 50 years old and now they are gone; 
all that's left is a stack of fire wood.

Robert had an emergency trip to the dentist last week.
Our dentist was not available so we went to his
designated substitute.  The dentist extracted another
of his molars.  I guess the good thing coming out
of that is that Robert really liked the dentist and
he hasn't been happy with our dentist for some
time.  He has decided to switch to the new one.
I shall stay with the one I have been going to
for ever.  I started with a dentist and stayed with him
for his whole career.  When he retired he sold his
business to my current dentist and that was
probably 25-30 years ago I just kept going to the
new guy.  I seldom have a cavity, but I do have
gum disease so that I get my teeth cleaned every
three months.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

March 22, 2016

Last evening Jo and Fred came for dinner. We had
grilled pork tenderloin.  It came out well, as
always.  It's so easy!  In any case we had a
pleasant evening, but Jo got antsy by 7:30 and
they, Fred reluctantly, left at 8:00PM.  I
am not sure why Jo is that way, but she started
that several years before Alf died.  He usually
made her stay until at least close to 10:00 PM.

Today Robert and I went to Boulder Valley Hearing
Associates.  I had my ears checked and then took
a hearing test.  It was quite a bit worse than
two years ago when I had the last one.  We took
home the literature and talked about it a little.
I, later, called and said that I had decided to
order them.  I'm waiting a call back at this
time.  Betty says she has Oticon hearing aids
and loves them.  These are also Oticons.

It is really spring today, 72F at the moment.
However, it is supposed to snow overnight and
the wind is blowing now so I suppose a front
is moving in.  Sigh.

Sunday was really a big day.  I did such exciting
things as folding laundry and water plants and
on top of that balancing my check book.

Things continue on an even keel here.  Pretty
relaxed.  Kate continues to come, but yesterday
she didn't seem quite her usual perky self.
Arrived late and left early.

Friday, March 11, 2016

March 11, 2016 addition

March 11, 2016

Jeanne presumably arrived yesterday
morning and was picked up by her sister,
Connie.  They are due to arrive here
momentarily.  We are all to go out to
lunch.

Lorena is here cleaning.

Yesterday was too busy.  We walked our
mile in the morning.  I then went to
meet Susan Wayland for coffee at 11 AM.
in, as it turns out, Arvada.  I went
through Broomfield and then Westminster
and finally, Arvada near 80th and on
Wadsworth.  We meet at the Starbucks
there.  We had a good chat, but I was
feeling stressed because we met so late.
I came home about 12:30 and more, stress
I was running low on electricity in my
auto, Leaf.  I made lunch and left at 2
to buy bird seed and go to the bank
before I met Hannah at Frasier Meadows.
I stopped at Nancy's and picked up the
jacket I had left there instead of
buying bird seed; the bank took longer
than expected such that I arrived at
my appointment with Hannah 8 minutes
late.

After 20 minutes with Hannah and that was
quite a work out.  I raced home (now
driving the jeep) Jo was coming for dinner
and I had thawed  baby back ribs which
would take 2 1/2 hours at 300 F to bake
and then 5-10 minutes on the grill to
brown.  I added Lemon-ginger marinade
before browning.  They were really good.
I also served asparagus and a green salad.

March 4, 2016

Connie and I celebrated my birthday at the
Madeira in Louisville.  I ordered steak salad,
but we had eaten such a late breakfast that
I was not hungry.  I managed to eat 1/3 of
it and brought the rest home.  It is a really
good green salad topped with thin slices
of steak, cooked as you specify.

Friday, March 4, 2016

More and some repeats of our trip

February 25

We spent the night at Villaneueva State Park
in northern New Mexico.  It is a lovely wooded
park at the end of a 14 mile rough road, but
worth the effort.  Since we were non-residents
we had to pay $14.00/night instead of $4.00.
Our trip is winding down.  We should get home
sometime today.

February 24

We continue on our trek toward home.  We are
taking the quickest if least interest trip
home.  We took I10 east to I25.  As we
drive I follow our route on my tablet, but
this route is pretty dull.  Fortunately,
we are listening to an interesting book.  It's
Alistair Cook's story of his travels through
the US as a Foreign Correspondent in 1943-1944.
He writes well and is an excellent interviewer.
He manages to pick out people to tell him their
stories of the war, so far.

We are overnight at the Golden Eagle Campground
in Eagle Nest, New Mexico.  It is free!

February 23

We drove through Saguaro National Park this 
morning.  It is amazing.  We drove on a road
that had many curves and seemed to be going
steadily down hill.  Driving through a forest
of Saguaros was a unique experience.  I didn't
know there was such a thing as a forest of
Saguaros, but that's what I thought of it.
Jan had told us how beautiful the campground
was so we drove through it a couple of times
and must agree with her.  It is a lovely
spot; each site appearing to have its own
garden surrounding the concrete.  It would
be awkward for a tenter, but great if 
you have a vehicle you can sleep in.

Continuing on our way.  Around supper time
we stopped at a reststop W of Deming New
Mexico.  There was a big sign at the
entrance saying it was illegal to stay
more than 24 hours.  That sounded like an
invitation to us; we drove around to a
covered picnic table and a distance from
anythin else and "pitched our tent" so to
speak.

Monday, February 22

Heading home.  Stopped at the Solar shop
in Quartsite and bought a folding solar
panel which fits into a padded case and
fits behind the couch in the Van whether
it is a couch or a bed such that we
wont have to move it unless we want to
set it up.  I love it!  I am so happy
that we'll have some additional power
without having to plug in all the time.
Robert bought a number of LED bulbs 
that he hopes to use as replacements
for the incandescent bulbs in the Van.
That would be so great.  Lights are
our primary use of electricity.

We stopped overnight in another grungy
but cheap ($12.00) RV park.  We were 
too late to go to Saguaro for the night.

Sunday, February 21

We left Robyn and Jan to go to Quartsite
but the Solar Shop was closed.  We forgot
it was Sunday.

Saturday, February 20

We spent a lazy day with Robyn and Jan.
Had another great dinner cooked by
Robyn and Jan.

Friday, February 19

Alyssum left Joshua Tree heading for
Santa Barbara.  We are back at
Robyn's.

Thursday, February 18

Aspen was happy to see us again as were
Robyn and Alyssum.  

They all went somewhere to picnic and hike, 
but the wind was blowing and cold; I stayed
behind.  It was a welcome chance to put my
feet up and read.

Wednesday, February 17

We drove through the park and stopped at
General Grant's Grove.  The trees are huge, 
not terribly tall, but 4 feet in diameter, 
if you can imagine such a tree!

We left the park about noon; we stopped for
lunch about 2 PM. and then on to Joshua 
Tree.  It rained and rained. Robert drove on
through rain, detours and with a zillion
trucks.  We arrived at Joshua Tree National 
Park about 11:30 PM.  Robyn had reserved
two sites in Many Rocks Campground. As we
drove through the campground I spotted
Robyn's big green Van.  We parked the
Van in front of it and very soon went to
bed.

Tuesday, February 16

We drove to Sequoia Tree National Park.
We stayed at an RV campground outside
the park so that we would have electricity
and water and a dump.  We wanted to get
ready for a few "dry" days in Joshua
Tree National Park.

Monday, February 15, Honeysuckle Lane in
  Paradise, California
Priscilla drove us to New Clairvoux
Monestary.  It is being rebuilt as a
replica of a1200 Spanish Monestary. 
Many of the stones in the new building
are stones from the 1200 monestary. These
were brought to the United States many
years ago and were dumped near the 
Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. It
is a going to be a lovely chapel.
They have a winery there, too, and make 
and sell an excellent wine.

Sunday, February 14

Left the ranch and drove to Paradise.

Saturday, February 13

This afternoon Barbara stopped by to
see how her patient was doing.  Robert
is fine and so reported and gave her
a substantial monetary gift of
appreciation. 

Robert and I moved the Van and Robert
dug a hole so we could dispose of
both black and grey water.

Friday, February 12

We did "do" the Sheep Drive yesterday.  
I thought we were going to watch, but
the community didn't turn out for the
drive; Alyssum and Hazel were the lone
drivers.  Robert immediately was drafted
as a third driver.  Aspen and I were 
"keep with the others and off the road"
drivers.  After it was all over a 
couple of cars went by with young 
people in them.  Where were they when
they were needed?

Later in the day when Robert and Alyssum 
were back working on her electric system,
Robert was sitting on the edge of a tub 
and without thinking he leaned back and 
fell into the tub cutting open his head.
He and Alyssum hurried to Barbara (a
nurse as well as good friend).  She was
able to stop the bleeding.  

Alyssum came to get me since I hadn't
responded to her cry of "Robert needs
help." I hadn't heard the words.  I 
should have realized she wouldn't 
yell and keep going under normal
circumstances.

Thursday, February 11

Still at the ranch.  Aspen in Pre-school
in Sebastopol.  Alyssum dropped her off
and stayed in town until it was time to
pick her up again.  We all are going to
a sheep drive this afternoon.

Wednesday, February 10

At 5 AM. I got up and went to Alyssum's
so she could go to work.  I slept in
her bed until 7 AM. when Aspen woke up.
We went to the Van, I got dressed, made
the bed, and got breakfast for the three
of us.

Aspen and I were busy.  At first we didn't
know what to do so walked down to visit
the sheep.  A lady came to fill the now
empty water containers.  She was upset
because someone hadn't watered them the 
day before.

Barbara has many grandchildren and has
a fantastic play room.  She kept all of
her kids toys.  When her front door is
open then Aspen may go and play there.
Aspen loves it and kept quite busy
until her mom came home.

Tuesday, February 9

We went with Alyssum and Aspen to
the laundrymat and then to the
library.  Tuesday as story time at
the library and Aspen loves it.
After story time Aspen and I were
waiting for Alyssum and Robert
to return from the hardware store.
There is a lovely frozen yogurt
store in front of the laundrymat
so Aspen had a frozen yogurt.
When the shoppers returned we
picked up the laundry and then
went to lunch at a Mexican
restaurant nearby.  Not
surprising Aspen was not very
hungry. 

Monday, February 8

We all went to the beach in the
Van.  It was breezy at the beach, 
but Aspen didn't mind.  She loves
digging in the sand. 

Sunday, February 7

We stopped in San Jose to get Propane.
It was available at Marine Company. R.
thought it would be the wrong kind of
propane, but they had what we needed.
Then, on the fringe of San Francisco
we found a Safeway and I stocked up
for the next few days of our trip.
And then on to the "ranch" to spend
a couple of days with Alyssum and 
Aspen.

Saturday, February 6

Our journey continued uneventfully.
We located a US Government RV park along
the coast. It was Plakette campground we
were looking for and found it sometime
after 5 PM.  We found the camp host and
he showed us where to park..the last
available site.  She came to collect our
rent for the space.

Friday, February 5

It is warm and sunny!  Yea! As we continue
are way south.  We stopped at Santa Barbara,
but the friends we had hoped to visit were
no longer there.  She had died a few years
ago and since we had lost contact with them
we didn't know.  I found an Obit on the 
Internet when I was looking for a phone number
for them.  The Obit also said that Sam, her
husband had disappeared.  I'm not sure I know
quite what that means, but in any case he is
no longer in Santa Barbara.

We arrived at Sunrise RV park where we could
spend the rest of the day and night.

Thursday, February 4

We left Robyn and went to Joshua Tree Nat'l Park.
It was cold and windy.  We stayed overnight and
continued south in the morning.

Tuesday, February 2.

Janis packed a picnic lunch and we went off
to explore Midland, a former mining town and
now a ghost town.  Unfortuantely the cold and
wind has continued.  But we wandered around
and discovered a barrel full of photo albums
and diaries describing life in Midland.  It
appears that the former residents come back
once a year and have a reunion to touch base
with their former neighbors.  It was very
interesting.
Friday, March 4

We've been home for a week and a day.  I posted
my blog from the trip, miss-spellings and all.

Today Connie and I went out to lunch to celebrate
my birthday which was last week.

February 29th-March 3rd
Nothing very excited on February's extra day, 
but on March 1st Robert went to the VA for
a check up and came home with good news.
He is doing well.  His white count continues
to climb slowly but Dr. Klein assures him
that when he needs it there are new therapies
that should keep him going.

In the evening was the Caucus.  Hillary
Clinton vs Bernie Sanders.  Hillary is way a
head in the southern states and Bernie has
done nothing to woo the minority vote so I
think his is a lost cause.  We arrived at
Douglas Elementary school, the site of our
precinct caucus and found 5 other precincts
were there as well.  We got there early, but
there was a line already.  I think the Democratic
committee is so intent on Hillary they don't
realize there is quite a swell for Bernie.  But
we got in and eventually our precinct was
given a room in which to caucus.  Hillary 
gained 34 votes and Bernie 35; Bernie won
in our precinct.  I was happy to see that, but
this is Boulder.  I noted many young people
and many elderly people were in the Bernie
corner!

Kat came on the 1st and 2nd.  I had her cut
back the roses and the perennials, but really
didn't have much else for her to do.  So
she spent the rest of the time working on
pictures.  On the 2nd we went to Lafayette
Florist to buy Lily bulbs, but they didn't
have any yet.  They had boxes of bulbs,
but they weren't unpacked nor priced so
they wouldn't sell me any.  I bought some
seeds and we left.

On Thursday, I went to Frasier Meadows
in the afternoon



February 25

We spent the night at Villaneueva State Park
in northern New Mexico.  It is a lovely wooded
park at the end of a 14 mile rough road, but
worth the effort.  Since we were non-residents
we had to pay $14.00/night instead of $4.00.
Our trip is winding down.  We should get home
sometime today.

February 24

We continue on our trek toward home.  We are
taking the quickest if least interest trip
home.  We took I10 east to I25.  As we
drive I follow our route on my tablet, but
this route is pretty dull.  Fortunately,
we are listening to an interesting book.  It's
Alistair Cook's story of his travels through
the US as a Foreign Correspondent in 1943-1944.
He writes well and is an excellent interviewer.
He manages to pick out people to tell him their
stories of the war, so far.

We are overnight at the Golden Eagle Campground
in Eagle Nest, New Mexico.  It is free!

Sunday, January 31, 2016

We are in Needles at a lovely RV park, at least compared to 
The previous two  nights RV parks. 

We will head for  Blythe next .

Friday, January 29, 2016

Thursday, January 29, 2016

We are in Flagstaff, AZ.  There is lots of snow and ice. 
 It was really cold last night, but we were toasty. We 
Added two  down comforts and  our Christmas 
Electric throw.  Thank you Carl,Martha and Arren!

We have visited theLowell Observatory.  Now,
we are heading out. It is  oon.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

January 27th 
We left yesterday afternoon. We have a new bed making 
System. But, we spent so much time adjusting the bottom 
Sheet music we didn't get to bed until after midnight. 
It will be easier next time .

We spent the night in a nothing RV park,but it diidn't 
Matter. We slept until 9:30 this morning. another late 
Start. 
Just out of sight of the Spanish peaks now.

A tXT  from our housesitter.C T

Can't get Into gzrage. Two more texts and problem 
Solved.I love txting!

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sunday, Januaary 24, 2016

We had a bit of snow on top of the old snow, but it
all is melting now.  The last couple of days have 
been cold, but today is in the 50s!

This morning Robert and I went to KingSoopers in
Louisville.  Usually that store is very laid back and
not busy.  Today was the exception.  It was packed.
I couldn't believe it; it was like 30th St. Kings on
steroids!  We picked up about 15 items so were in
a shorter lane, TG.  I asked the clerk what was 
going on and he responded, "The Broncos game
today."  Why the football game would cause 
such a surge in grocery buying is something I
would not have anticipated, but the store had. They
had all the check-outs working and plenty of extra
hands re-stocking shelves.  He also said that if
we had come in at 3:00 PM today we would
have found a very quiet store.  Lesson learned, I
hope.

I have my lists made and piles of stuff waiting to
go to the Van.  Kate comes tomorrow and I'm
going to ask her to do the carrying to the Van and
I shall be out there putting things away.  I usually
make a dozen trips and then put things away. This
should make it much easier on me!  And she seems
to have limitless energy so I don't think she'll mind.

Kat is going to house sit for us.  That is reassuring.
I like to know there is someone living here.

We are expected, by Robyn and Jan, on February 1st.
It'll only take us 3 days to get there, but we shall
leave on Tuesday or Wednesday so that should 
give us plenty of time to stop and see things on the
way.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Con't...January 17, 2016

Robert, Viki, Liza and I went to Salina last evening.  We dropped
the two ladies at Vernon's so they could walk up to the church
with him.  We were there to see the movie which was in the 
church this time.  It was "Make Way for Tomorrow."  The
movie was produced in 1937 and was very well done!  But
it was very, very sad.

The basic plot was of an elderly couple, in their early 70s, but
who had no money.  Social Society was designed for such as
they.  They had never saved and he retired, but was a pauper.
However, they had 5 children and obviously had assumed 
that between the 5 of them they would be cared for.  The
5, it was made clear, were not poor.  They lived well, but
couldn't be put out by taking care of the old folks.  

For a while mother lived with one daughter and father with
another, but father was soon "farmed" off to his daughter
in California.  The saddest scene and final scene was of
father on the train and mother walking along beside the
train until it gathers speed and is gone.  End of movie.
By then many of us were in tears.

All I could think was...thank goodness Robert and I have
enough to live on.  But, I do feel that if we suddenly 
lost everything we could live with our children, even
if it meant moving every two months or so...to spread
"the joy around."

Sunday, January 17, 2016

The kitchen is getting painted.  If I can figure out how, I'll post
a picture when it is finished.  Right now the kitchen is a mess.
Cooking is a challenge. "Now, where is the Sage...ah, there it
is.  The Vanilla..somewhere else, but where.  The plates....?
And so it goes, but it will be done, eventually.  It is slow
because Kat is painting it and she only works 10 hours a week.
Kate did a little work when she was here on Thursday, but
she is never diligent...and would prefer to spend time with
Robert, helping with his photos are, as was the case, on 
Thursday, helping record some of his history.  

The weather continues to be cold, not like Minneapolis, but
a lot colder than we are used to.  And it just goes on and on.
The snow is tenacious and the ice in the driveway is lethal.
I slipped today, but with much arm flaying and feet hopping
I managed to keep from falling, thank goodness! I complained
once more to Robert and told him I had almost fallen.  That
sent him out with the sand.  Hopefully, it'll be easier tomorrow.
I'll be happy when we leave for the south, in another week!

Jo is coming for dinner tonight and Shirley is coming Wednesday.
Shirley is going to stay over and hopes to find out whether she'll
be able to sleep better away from home than she does at home.
I gather she doesn't sleep well at all since Earl died.  He's been
gone almost two months so she is pretty exhausted.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

January 12, continued.....

I forgot to mention that Anita came yesterday.  She is the
proud owner of a beautiful Tiny house.  She came
yesterday to check us out and the place we had for
her to park it.  She seems like a very interesting person.
In addition to her talents as an artist she is a Master
Gardener.  Kat and I shall make use of her talents as
a consultant.  She will be living in her little house
in our back yard.

  http://www.lilypadplanet.com/

The above is her website.  Take a look; it's really interesting.


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

I checked my credit card account today and discovered a charge for
199.99.  What a shock.  I checked their website and discovered
they are a software company that installs software on your computer
to "keep you safe."  I called the company SYSTWING and told 
them I had software on my computer that I did not want.  That
I may have misunderstood what it was for and how much it cost.
I had thought it was 1.99 NOT 199.99.  I was told I would be
transferred to their accounting department.  Thirty minutes later
I hung up and called them back.  This happened three times.  I
figured I had given them a chance and they hadn't taken it.  I
called my credit card company and said I did not want this 
software and had been misinformed as to the price.  I had 
already uninstalled it and was trying to get my money back.
I also let them know I had done my best to deal with the
company and what had happened.  They immediately said
they would look into it, but in the meantime my account would
be credited the amount of 199.99.  A half hour later Systwing
called me.  I told them I had tried 3 times to talk with them
and that I was through.  I had uninstalled the software and
gotten my money back.  I was sorry they were so difficult
to deal with, but I had had enough.  I hung up.  We'll see
what happens next.  That was yesterday.

Kat came today and continued with painting and sanding.
Robert and I went back to the Paint Store to get some
primer for her to use to apply to the varnished wood
after she does a light sanding job.  I love the color!
The doors of drawers and cupboards will be a "dutch
blue" and the background will be white.

Today was sunny and warmer!  Much of the snow
melted today, but we still have quite a bit.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Wednesday, January 7, 2016

Arren and I did go to Starbucks this morning, as planned
and picked up hot chocolate for Robert, Latte for me and
a drink Arren favors, for her.  

When we returned to our house Robert was waiting for 
us.  He accepted the hot chocolate and suggested he and
Arren go into the living room for a comfortable place
for each of them to sit while she interviewed him.  I
have the recording device and haven't yet tried to 
type up the session.  I had thought I would get some
way that I can stop and start it more easily than just
pushing buttons on the recorder, but there is no USB
port, but there are holes for an ear phone...don't know
as that would help too much.  I have been trying to
clean out my file cabinet to make way for a new year.
Also, Kat was here today to start painting the kitchen!

Tomorrow is going to be busy, too.  I am helping
Shirley Mosburg prepare for her husband's Memorial
which is on Saturday afternoon.


Saturday, January 2, 2016

Saturday, January 2, 2016

A new year; a fresh start.

Arren and I meet and go to Starbucks.  Jeanne gave us a
Starbucks gift card which encourages us to go there and
Arren has a favorite drink or two that she likes to get there.
Our next meeting is set for Monday.  We'll pick up our
drinks plus another for Robert and then come back to
the house where she is going to interview Robert about
his past.  We'll see how that goes, if at all.

We have had about ten days of really cold weather; one 
snowfall last week which is still with us today.  I am 
really tired of winter and it is only January 2. This is 
the first day that it has been above freezing in a long
time.

Robyn and Jan have rented the same farm house they 
spent time in last winter.  It is in or near Blythe, CA.
Our invitation to stay with them has been accepted and
we plan to be there on or close to February first.  We,
of course are dependent on the weather.  We are going
in the Van, but this time of year it is "dry" camping. 
That is no running water.  We use a watering can in
the bathroom and a cube with a faucet by the sink.
That is not great, but it works!  The Erie Cowleys gave
us an electric throw to use for very cold nights.  A
throw is about the right size.  We have a single bed
electric blanket, but it is too big for the Van.  Robert
sleeps so warm that it has to get really, really cold 
before he could sleep under an electric blanket.  We
do carry two down comforter throws, one for each of
us.

We stopped in at the Carnegie library yesterday.  Marti
is loaning us a coffee urn for the Earl Mosburg Memorial
next Saturday.  Sometime this week I have to pick up
compostable plates and cups at EcoCycle.  Also, a bin
to use in disposing of them.  I have to find out what its
measurements are; can it fit in the Leaf ??