Hi sweetheart, hello honey, hey sugar, sugar, sugar, sugar ... BARF! It's cute until he expects ME to call him sugar. My term of endearment (Philoberto) is so much more appropriate ... those Texan women don't even know him ... why is he "sugar this" and "sugar that"? OK, I'm over it.
Today was all about things going wrong down the road. Missed exits, doors left open, sewer hose sliding out, gas stations advertising propane available; NOT! Other than that it was a good day.
Adjuster Dog has become a most very excellent travelling dog. Ask Ed Durnford about her very first long trip in the car; she was bouncing off the walls! Now she hops into her doggy bed, pees at each stop, eats on command (that one was a difficult trick) and just plain enjoys traveling. We are lucky, lucky adjusters!
Missed lunch so need to fix dinner. Peace & love and pray for storms!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Stick
Once there was a little doggy who loved sticks. She loved sticks so much that they became an obsession; every moment outside was spent in search of sticks. One day the doggy's mama had to chase her around the park to fetch her home for dinner. The little doggy did not care about dinner, only sticks.
The end.
Twas another beautiful, warm day in Dallas. I know that many of you are dealing with a snow storm, and we're sorry about that, but we're not sorry to miss it! We keep watching all of the storms surrounding us and hope that "something" turns in to "something"; thus far, no joy.
This afternoon we had an opportunity to go to Dealy Plaza where President Kennedy was shot and killed. There is a fantastic museum at the Book Depository (where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy) and we spent a couple of hours listening to that tour. We both learned things that we were not aware of before; definitely an interesting museum that we would recommend if you are in the area.
Adjuster Dog is such a big girl. She no longer fReAkS OuT if we're gone longer than 10 minutes at a time. We're so proud, our little girl is growing up!
Until our next adventure ya'll ... peace & love (and pray for storms)!
The end.
Twas another beautiful, warm day in Dallas. I know that many of you are dealing with a snow storm, and we're sorry about that, but we're not sorry to miss it! We keep watching all of the storms surrounding us and hope that "something" turns in to "something"; thus far, no joy.
This afternoon we had an opportunity to go to Dealy Plaza where President Kennedy was shot and killed. There is a fantastic museum at the Book Depository (where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy) and we spent a couple of hours listening to that tour. We both learned things that we were not aware of before; definitely an interesting museum that we would recommend if you are in the area.
Adjuster Dog is such a big girl. She no longer fReAkS OuT if we're gone longer than 10 minutes at a time. We're so proud, our little girl is growing up!
Until our next adventure ya'll ... peace & love (and pray for storms)!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Laundry
The time has finally arrived; Adjuster Dog's favorite day of the week. Nope, it's not Monday ... it's LAUNDRY DAY!!!!!!!
She loves to show off her domestic skills (she's very competitive) and today she dazzled me with her ability to sort laundry. Bless her heart (they say that in the South). Hope this video thingy works ... she's pretty cute!
Philoberto was released from training early today so after Sadie finished sorting laundry, we headed out to find a Laundromat. We use Google maps to get around (that's how we found everything in NJ) so we assumed it would work here. Nope. Wound up driving around at least 45 minutes before we finally found one that we could live with. Drama.
We get updates from NOAA hourly regarding the major storms in this area. Still hoping that "something" hits and we can get to work with Phil's new training.
Fixin' to fix some supper ... Peace & love ya'll!
She loves to show off her domestic skills (she's very competitive) and today she dazzled me with her ability to sort laundry. Bless her heart (they say that in the South). Hope this video thingy works ... she's pretty cute!
Philoberto was released from training early today so after Sadie finished sorting laundry, we headed out to find a Laundromat. We use Google maps to get around (that's how we found everything in NJ) so we assumed it would work here. Nope. Wound up driving around at least 45 minutes before we finally found one that we could live with. Drama.
We get updates from NOAA hourly regarding the major storms in this area. Still hoping that "something" hits and we can get to work with Phil's new training.
Fixin' to fix some supper ... Peace & love ya'll!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Carbs
What do ya'll think about low carb lifestyles? Yes I'm still working to perfect my Texan accent; when in Rome ....
Phil has been interested in low carb foods for several years and I see how limiting carbs works for him. His diet consists of meat & eggs for breakfast, meat & cheese for lunch, meat and salad for dinner. Perhaps the favorite part of his diet is snacking on Chicharrones (he likes plain and I prefer spicy hot).
Today Adjuster Dog got on the low carb band-wagon and consumed her fair share of Chicharrones while I stepped out for a bit. I calmly 'splained to her that doggies don't need to limit their carbs. Furthermore, I 'spained how all the doggies in China would give anything to have her diet of Beneful. She shrugged (wiggle, wiggle, wiggle) and walked away.
Our camp-mates all departed this afternoon and the park is eerily quiet. We had a great time catching up with Patty, Reb, Kathy & Glenn ... hope to see them all again real soon! Philoberto says his training got better today; it's been a gross waste of time up until now.
Today we're basking in 70 degrees and bracing for big rain and wind tomorrow. The wind is noteworthy because it may be a "damaging" wind. Although it's true we would prefer a good flood, we are in the right place if the Dallas/Ft. Worth area happens to sustain mucho hail and wind damage.
Must go prep for the Oscars. Peace & love to ya'll!
Phil has been interested in low carb foods for several years and I see how limiting carbs works for him. His diet consists of meat & eggs for breakfast, meat & cheese for lunch, meat and salad for dinner. Perhaps the favorite part of his diet is snacking on Chicharrones (he likes plain and I prefer spicy hot).
Today Adjuster Dog got on the low carb band-wagon and consumed her fair share of Chicharrones while I stepped out for a bit. I calmly 'splained to her that doggies don't need to limit their carbs. Furthermore, I 'spained how all the doggies in China would give anything to have her diet of Beneful. She shrugged (wiggle, wiggle, wiggle) and walked away.
Our camp-mates all departed this afternoon and the park is eerily quiet. We had a great time catching up with Patty, Reb, Kathy & Glenn ... hope to see them all again real soon! Philoberto says his training got better today; it's been a gross waste of time up until now.
Today we're basking in 70 degrees and bracing for big rain and wind tomorrow. The wind is noteworthy because it may be a "damaging" wind. Although it's true we would prefer a good flood, we are in the right place if the Dallas/Ft. Worth area happens to sustain mucho hail and wind damage.
Must go prep for the Oscars. Peace & love to ya'll!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Brrrrrrrrrr
Lacking inspiration today; it must be Adjuster Dog's fault (or the dreary weather but it's more fun to blame her). Twas by far the coldest morning since we've arrived. Appropriately, Adjuster Dog donned her "Adjuster Dog Cape" courtesy of Cindy Durnford. She then offered to guard the unit and protect that which is rightfully hers. Good doggy!
Kathy & Glenn (Texan friends with Patty & Reb) arrived today to share the camping experience. We camped with them in Durango a couple of years ago and had a fabulous time. During that trip Glenn was trying to "speak" to his DISH network satellite finder (talking to Siri rather than typing his location). Being the excellent Texan that he is, he kept telling Siri that he was in "Colorada". Glenn was frustrated that it couldn't find his location, and being the helpful guy that he is, Phil explained that the state is pronounced "Colorado", not "Colorada". Sigh ... such fond memories.
But we digress. We all agree that Phil should be released from training this weekend so that we can play. The only person not on board with this school of thought is Phil. He is having such a busy 1st day that we spoke only briefly during his lunch break. I always put him on speaker phone so that Sadie can cock her head from side to side as she tries to figure out where he really is.
Because of her coloring it's hard to tell, but this is a picture of her highness falling asleep sitting up. Her head kept falling over and her little doggy legs kept twitching ... ridiculously cute!
Peace & love ya'll!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Dog Gone Fun!
YAY! Philoberto finished the first leg of training this afternoon! It was a long week but sooooo fruitful! It is indeed a small world and as I suspected, our next door neighbor in the campground has been attending the same conference.
While we (I'll explain soon who "we" is) were walking by, I spotted the neighbor working under his pickup and inquired if he was at the conference this week. I guessed that he was because he and Phil left the campground at the same time each morning, and the neighbor would return shortly after Philoberto returned. It's a small world, right?
Back to "we" ... my 1st cousin Patty Killday and her husband Reb joined us in the campground today. Yay, Yay, Yay! Patty and I walked our doggies (Piper and Sadie) through the park; it was a great walk!
Speaking of Adjuster Dog ... whoa! She was sooo excited to meet Piper this afternoon ... until Piper wanted to "play". They play exactly the same but Sadie was intimidated by Piper's size and was scared to death. By the time we all walked together they had become great friends and the drama is behind us.
Tomorrow Phil starts training with Pilot. They are huge and the training is expected to be extremely difficult. It should be a shorter commute but probably longer class hours. At least we're hoping for good weather over the next several days so he can enjoy some of that after he arrives home.
Time to make guacamole ... would love to hear from ya'll! How's everyone doing? What's going on in your life?
Peace and love to you!
While we (I'll explain soon who "we" is) were walking by, I spotted the neighbor working under his pickup and inquired if he was at the conference this week. I guessed that he was because he and Phil left the campground at the same time each morning, and the neighbor would return shortly after Philoberto returned. It's a small world, right?
Back to "we" ... my 1st cousin Patty Killday and her husband Reb joined us in the campground today. Yay, Yay, Yay! Patty and I walked our doggies (Piper and Sadie) through the park; it was a great walk!
Speaking of Adjuster Dog ... whoa! She was sooo excited to meet Piper this afternoon ... until Piper wanted to "play". They play exactly the same but Sadie was intimidated by Piper's size and was scared to death. By the time we all walked together they had become great friends and the drama is behind us.
Tomorrow Phil starts training with Pilot. They are huge and the training is expected to be extremely difficult. It should be a shorter commute but probably longer class hours. At least we're hoping for good weather over the next several days so he can enjoy some of that after he arrives home.
Time to make guacamole ... would love to hear from ya'll! How's everyone doing? What's going on in your life?
Peace and love to you!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Just The Facts
Here are a few little known facts:
Peace & Love to ya'll.
- While in the unit, it is impossible to hear LMN dramas during a rainstorm in Dallas.
- Simultaneously, Adjuster Dog loves and fears pet food commercials.
- Philoberto is an excellent student and an even better adjuster!
- Large Bullfrog season begins April 15 and ends December 31. You are REQUIRED to have a fishing license to hunt bullfrogs. You only care if you dig frog legs ....
- On the desk behind the check-in site at Cedar Hills State Park (TX), they proudly sport a sign proclaiming: "Team Glock".
Peace & Love to ya'll.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Scary Things
Decided to treat Adjuster Dog to a walk on the beach this morning. I was eager to see her excitement when she discovered the ducks floating along the shore, the squirrels jumping between tree limbs, and the noisy birds circling above. What I did NOT anticipate was how she would react to this new experience in addition to the sound of gunfire in the park (well maybe it was trash trucks but gunfire sounds more appropriate in TX). Anyway, the stimuli scared the poop out of her, she put on her little brakes and bolted back to the unit. What a Wiener Dog ;). Below is a pic of the view from our campground; it's really lovely and quiet.
Last evening we attended a vendor show for the conference adjusters. We met several other husband/wife teams and it's great to hear how other folks team storms. Phil has been networking daily ... seems that EVERYONE is now, or has at one time worked for State Farm. It sounds like people love them or hate them ... it's interesting how we all have different experiences.
Today's training was very intense ... Phil is now certified in TX Wind and Flood. He asks ya'll to pray for wind storms or floods; but also that nobody is hurt or dies.
Hope everyone is doing well ... peace & love!
Last evening we attended a vendor show for the conference adjusters. We met several other husband/wife teams and it's great to hear how other folks team storms. Phil has been networking daily ... seems that EVERYONE is now, or has at one time worked for State Farm. It sounds like people love them or hate them ... it's interesting how we all have different experiences.
Today's training was very intense ... Phil is now certified in TX Wind and Flood. He asks ya'll to pray for wind storms or floods; but also that nobody is hurt or dies.
Hope everyone is doing well ... peace & love!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Shopping List
Tonic
Ice
Limes
Picante
Doggy Chews
Oops ... wrong list!
Adjuster Dog had one assignment today; to investigate the stink bug infestation at our campsite. She misunderstood her assignment and decided to fix the problem without consulting her handlers. Pam Long says that Dachshunds are "hoovers" and that is what she did today, "hoovered" the campsite and destroyed the evidence. Because of her negligence, this claim is DENIED. Such is the life of an Adjuster Dog.
The sun finally came out and the wind settled down for a short while this afternoon. This is good because we were considering changing campsites again ... too much trouble. Other than Phil's intense training, things are mostly relaxed.
Hope ya'll are relaxed too ... Peace & Love!
Ice
Limes
Picante
Doggy Chews
Oops ... wrong list!
Adjuster Dog had one assignment today; to investigate the stink bug infestation at our campsite. She misunderstood her assignment and decided to fix the problem without consulting her handlers. Pam Long says that Dachshunds are "hoovers" and that is what she did today, "hoovered" the campsite and destroyed the evidence. Because of her negligence, this claim is DENIED. Such is the life of an Adjuster Dog.
The sun finally came out and the wind settled down for a short while this afternoon. This is good because we were considering changing campsites again ... too much trouble. Other than Phil's intense training, things are mostly relaxed.
Hope ya'll are relaxed too ... Peace & Love!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Day 4
Wow ... what an ethnically diverse church we attended this morning! It was a very small building and was packed to the gills with folks who appeared to be regulars. Good on them!
After Mass we drove to downtown Dallas and checked in for the seminar that begins tomorrow morning. Sunday morning Dallas traffic was a bear; we got lost a few times. Adjuster Dog went along for the ride and waited patiently while we did our thing. Good on her!
The short haircut has already paid off ... took the normal RV shower and was able to wash my hair without running out of hot water. Believe me when I say, "this is a big deal". During our 2 month stay in NJ my hair dictated when I could wash my hair, how long between washes, etc. Good on me!
Today is the Judge's 84th birthday. Good on him!
Today is also Mike Browns birthday. Good on him!
Shortly we will attempt to relocate to a campsite that backs up to a huge lake. It's too cold to play in the low water but it will very nice to look at. Phil is currently studying for the seminar and one extremely difficult exam. He tests well under pressure so he's not too worried; of course he'll do fine. Good on him!
Hope everyone is doing well ... peace & love to you!
After Mass we drove to downtown Dallas and checked in for the seminar that begins tomorrow morning. Sunday morning Dallas traffic was a bear; we got lost a few times. Adjuster Dog went along for the ride and waited patiently while we did our thing. Good on her!
The short haircut has already paid off ... took the normal RV shower and was able to wash my hair without running out of hot water. Believe me when I say, "this is a big deal". During our 2 month stay in NJ my hair dictated when I could wash my hair, how long between washes, etc. Good on me!
Today is the Judge's 84th birthday. Good on him!
Today is also Mike Browns birthday. Good on him!
Shortly we will attempt to relocate to a campsite that backs up to a huge lake. It's too cold to play in the low water but it will very nice to look at. Phil is currently studying for the seminar and one extremely difficult exam. He tests well under pressure so he's not too worried; of course he'll do fine. Good on him!
Hope everyone is doing well ... peace & love to you!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Day 3
Adjuster Dog is a bad, bad girl! Upon our arrival at Cedar Hill State Park she bolted and hid in nasty scrub oak. I had to chase her in and out of the mess and wound up with stupid seedlings stuck to my pants. Bad girl! She'd better watch it or I'll consider tying her up to the picnic table as bear bait.
There, I said it. Today's trip was very short and uneventful, therefore we did not stop at the largest tiger colony in the US; can't even remember where that was. The campground is beautiful and after the long weekend is over we'll probably move to a site right on the water. Currently the best sites are occupied by amateur weekenders ... that sounds kind of judgmental, doesn't it?
We've located the nearest Catholic church which happens to be 4 miles away, yay. Tomorrow we'll drive into Downtown Dallas to scope out the commute for the next week of training. The days are scheduled to be pretty intense but I suspect they'll take numerous breaks for the adjuster smokers (seems to be plentiful in this industry; that and beer bellies).
Phil still receives e-mails and phone calls from claimants in NJ. It's pretty much a nuisance since we can't do anything to help them. We made the rookie mistake of using our "real" phone numbers during that storm and will try a different approach during the next storm. Speaking of storms, the lakes and rivers are seriously low in this area so I don't think we'll see any flooding while we're here; good news/bad news story.
We're off to explore the campground; need to scope out our next campsite. It's supposed to be 70 degrees here on Monday ... nothing but good.
Peace and Love to ya'll (they say ya'll a lot here)!
There, I said it. Today's trip was very short and uneventful, therefore we did not stop at the largest tiger colony in the US; can't even remember where that was. The campground is beautiful and after the long weekend is over we'll probably move to a site right on the water. Currently the best sites are occupied by amateur weekenders ... that sounds kind of judgmental, doesn't it?
We've located the nearest Catholic church which happens to be 4 miles away, yay. Tomorrow we'll drive into Downtown Dallas to scope out the commute for the next week of training. The days are scheduled to be pretty intense but I suspect they'll take numerous breaks for the adjuster smokers (seems to be plentiful in this industry; that and beer bellies).
Phil still receives e-mails and phone calls from claimants in NJ. It's pretty much a nuisance since we can't do anything to help them. We made the rookie mistake of using our "real" phone numbers during that storm and will try a different approach during the next storm. Speaking of storms, the lakes and rivers are seriously low in this area so I don't think we'll see any flooding while we're here; good news/bad news story.
We're off to explore the campground; need to scope out our next campsite. It's supposed to be 70 degrees here on Monday ... nothing but good.
Peace and Love to ya'll (they say ya'll a lot here)!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Day 2
Twas a drama-free day ... YAY! Beautiful warm sunny skies, flat highways and most importantly, we picked up 2 miles per gallon in the GMC! We decided to break out of our shells and stop at scenic sites along the interstate. The most interesting site was the KS underground salt museum; sadly we missed the exit and arrived safe & sound in Norman, OK (home of the University of OK Sooners). If you are a Native Nebraskan, this is an important fact ...if not, please skip and continue to the next paragraph.
Adjuster dog has been a good girl today. She LOVES riding in the truck/car all day and she loves playing hard once we land. We are so grateful to have her in our lives ... such a strange turn of events. I'm having problems posting pics of the Adjuster Dog but will as soon as I get things figured out.
We're parked in a casino parking lot tonight ... it seems to be filling up with the Friday night gamblers so we'll see if we can sleep tonight. We had their fish & chips (yep, it's the first Friday of Lent) then off to Dallas tomorrow where we'll stay in a state campground for the next several weeks.
Peace and love to ya'll ... stay safe!
Adjuster dog has been a good girl today. She LOVES riding in the truck/car all day and she loves playing hard once we land. We are so grateful to have her in our lives ... such a strange turn of events. I'm having problems posting pics of the Adjuster Dog but will as soon as I get things figured out.
We're parked in a casino parking lot tonight ... it seems to be filling up with the Friday night gamblers so we'll see if we can sleep tonight. We had their fish & chips (yep, it's the first Friday of Lent) then off to Dallas tomorrow where we'll stay in a state campground for the next several weeks.
Peace and love to ya'll ... stay safe!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Day 1
First Stop!
Ellis, KS. Population 2,000 (says Phil) ... what a cool campground! $7.00 per night, full hook-ups, free Wi-Fi, Big Creek running behind us BUT IT SMELLS! Again, that's what Phil says ... I can't smell so I'm not affected 
. Unfortunately the drive was eventful; wind+snow=blizzard! At one point we really wondered if the unit might get tossed on its side. We meandered in & out of the storm the entire trip and landed in Ellis with light rain and almost 40 degrees, the warmest of the day.
Tomorrow we're headed to Norman, OK. Norman doesn't have any significance other than we're parking in a Casino parking lot ... no charge! No hook-ups but it should be a safe parking space.
Sadie is being a good little adjuster dog. Yesterday our friend Cindy Durnford made and delivered an "Adjuster Dog" cape for her highness ... she loves it! I'll post a picture when she'll stop long enough for me to take one.
It's Valentine's Day so we're going to treat eachother to dinner out ... take out Pizza from Arthurs Pizza ... we're hungry so adios! Stay tuned for adjuster adventures! Peace ya'll!
. Unfortunately the drive was eventful; wind+snow=blizzard! At one point we really wondered if the unit might get tossed on its side. We meandered in & out of the storm the entire trip and landed in Ellis with light rain and almost 40 degrees, the warmest of the day.Tomorrow we're headed to Norman, OK. Norman doesn't have any significance other than we're parking in a Casino parking lot ... no charge! No hook-ups but it should be a safe parking space.
Sadie is being a good little adjuster dog. Yesterday our friend Cindy Durnford made and delivered an "Adjuster Dog" cape for her highness ... she loves it! I'll post a picture when she'll stop long enough for me to take one.
It's Valentine's Day so we're going to treat eachother to dinner out ... take out Pizza from Arthurs Pizza ... we're hungry so adios! Stay tuned for adjuster adventures! Peace ya'll!
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