Sunday on the Road

Hello, We do not stop for church. Leroy and I did do devotions. We did not sing a hymn as we usually do. It is because we sing a cappella. I always make my best guess for the starting note. I miss church since we go every Sunday. We went past Montreal without stopping. Then it was on to Quebec City. We did stop here and had a tour of the old town. The guide took us on two walks with just a bit of talking on the bus where there was a mike available. It was hard at times to hear what she had to say when out walking. There were 42 of us and it was difficult to get close.

I did get a picture of The Chateau Frontenac which is in the upper town. About $800 a night for a room. We did not stay there.

Even though our guide told us we could not get lost, one couple in did get lost. It took our guide looking for them, a phone call fromd the lost on one on the bus, and when we could not get ahold of the guide, I saw him and realized I could run out and tell him where they were. The driver did not want to let me off the bus, remarking, “Will we have to come find you too?” “I just want to tell the guide where they are. I will not go anywhere else,” I assured him. I did even run. I was impressed with myself for remaining upright. They were found and got on the bus before the police came over to talk to the driver again. Paula

More about that Bus trip August 9, 2026 Hello, On the third day it was raining, but it was only a hard rain while we were on the bus and the driver had to contend with it. We had brought our umbrellas, but there was a large tote bag of umbrellas. I assume they had been left by previous passengers. They were available to all of us. We also had our raincoats. Most often we just used them. It seemed easier than drying an umbrella. We saw a fire truck that is only used at the airport for emergencies there.

In Ottawa we had a local guide who came on the bus. I was told a lot of interesting things. Can’t say I learned a lot of interesting things, because I am not sure I could tell you many of them. Guess I should take notes. This guide was quite young, but had a head full of knowledge which he shared in a clear voice. He was also entertaining and helped us laugh along with learning. He got us to the war memorial in time for the changing of the guard at the tomb.

Paula

Group of Eight

Leroy and I were slower to get up the second day, making us almost last on the bus before takeoff. Not our style and not what we want.

We picked up the last of our group of former pastors and spouses in Sioux St Marie, Michigan. Now our small group, within the group, was complete.

Soon we crossed the border into Canada. There was still quite a lot of smoke. I had brought masks for me, but Leroy did not like that kind. They offered masks on the bus. But Leroy did not take one. He did not feel so good after that. Luckily, for us because his coughing had gotten serious, there was a drug store next to the hotel. We were ready to check out with some over the counter items. I could not find the directions. “We better talk to the pharmacist about this,” I said. The first thing she asked Leroy was, “What medications are you using?” When she learned that, she said, “You can not take this. I will help you find something that will work.” She selected two possibilities with a preference for one of them. She even told him how much he could take a day. I was so pleased that we had asked and that she was so helpful. There are good people all over the world. A total of 44 of us were on the bus, counting the guide and the driver. Even though we were a sub group of eight we met and visited with a number of the other passengers. Paula

That 19-Day Trip

Hello, We listened to the GPS which advised us to take a different route than planned because of road construction delays. We went the scenic byway which was called Shooting Star. It was lush and green with little variation of the scene. We had packed a lunch which we ate when we found a well shaded city park. It was lovely and refreshing to get out of the car. After that we did more meandering because of so many road closures. Leroy thinks we went in circles. I am not sure. Because of stops and different possibilities it took a bit longer than expected. However, we had plenty of time to get to the hotel. I had brought a cord to charge my phone. Unfortunately, I learned it only worked with Leroy’s phone. Luckily, we did have the proper cord in the car so that went all the way with me. After we returned home, I made sure that cords for me were clearly labeled. We woke early the first morning, giving Leroy some time to do his exercises before breakfast. Breakfast was ready early. The guy there informed us that it looked foggy out, but it was really smoke from the wild fires to the north of us. It was nice to get that warning. We got there is plenty of time to get our things on the bus and greet our friends. This is really a 17-day trip, but we have to drive a day before and one after so I call it 19 days. Paula

Computer Help

Hello, Brian came for about a day and a half to answer any questions we might have about our technology use. We had made a list so all of those questions were answered. He flew in and flew out. With one solid day here. It was great to se him again and good to settle some issues even though we had ignored those issues for some time. He also helped our downstairs friends with one issue of theirs. His plane was delayed coming, but not by much. The return flight was a different story. It was delayed several hours, meaning he would miss an appointment. He and Leroy drove to Des Moines, about two hours away. He caught a flight there and did ok. I was a little concerned about Leroy driving back by himself. Leroy does not like to drive. He made it in good time. We could even walk to church afterwards for a senior lunch. Then our internet did not work very well. Leroy had gotten a text that they were working on the “line”. But even when they should have been done it did not work. A call to our downstairs friends showed that their system was working. We reset all devices, but it finally worked again when the modem was unplugged and restarted. Amazing how turn it off, tun it back on seems to clear many things. Perhaps we should just do that on a regular basis. Relax and take a deep breath. Paula

Being a Slight Invalid

Hello, There are some good things about the toenail gone. Leroy just washed the kitchen and bathroom floors because he did not want to have me accidently hurt my toe. I do not get on hands and knees, but squat. He still figured there was some risk. I can just let him do it. I did help move things out of the area, sweep the floors, and shake out the bathmats. At least I did not feel guilty about not doing so much. It seemed to me that my toe was a bit shinny. I called my provider this afternoon. That became a bit of a challenge. Apparently, many people have foot issues because it was a bit hard to get through. When I did get through, a picture was required to be sent to the online site. I could take the picture just fine. The portal, it required a provider’s name. my provider was off for the day. I only had the first name of the person who would look at it. The last name was needed to find anyone, requiring another phone call where I left a message so they could call me back. That next call was the best because they gave me the cell phone of another doctor. I am comfortable sending photos by text. That Doctor got back to me in short order. He feeling was that it looked quite normal. Yes! How did we manage these questions before such advanced technology? Paula

Earwigs

Hello, I have a closer relationship with earwigs than I had ever imagined possible. I barely knew their name before this season. Now I have talked to several, they do not listen or obey. I have dumped several outside after finding them around the base of the cabbage head. I have killed several with my bands by crushing them into the garden soil. I have tried to destroy their home in the garden by snapping off the lower cabbage leaves. I have put out a trap for them, recipe found on the Internet, and apparently caught many tiny ants. I am sorry about that as I suspect these are good creatures to have around. Is this war or what? Does this mean you should not get on my bad side? The cabbage heads have been quite good. Especially after we chase out the earwigs. Most of the damage is just at the bottom of the head. From the street the cabbage looks beautiful and perfect. There are still two heads left. We will get those cut and frozen before we leave on our trip. I like cooked cabbage better than raw. Leroy goes along with whatever I say in the food area. By the way, Leroy will not touch the earwigs. He was also that way with squash bugs which I attacked with a vengeance one year. I managed to extend the zucchini crop for a good month. The Internet site stated that earwigs like lettuce as well, but they seem to like our cabbage better. We have some very nice oakleaf lettuce that with stands the heat. I am pleased with it. Paula