Fun time in the Bluegrass state!

Had a great time visiting my sister Melody and her family over the weekend. Never a dull moment there. Running here and there, I don't see how they do it! But is was a welcome change of pace for me as my life is just the opposite.

From left to right, Angel, Melody and Allie.

One of the many trips we took was south to Lancaster and her daughter Angel's house. You can see in the picture at the left that Melody is showing off her best side! Then we traveled on to Crab Orchard, where my youngest sister Sharon operates a restaurant called the Past Time Cafe. We were joined there by another sister, Kathy, and we all had lunch. Food and company was excellent and I really enjoyed the visit.

After that we traveled back to Lexington, dropped Melody off at the UK medical center to take care of some family business and Jim and I went to look around at Harbor Freight. I bought some plastic trim removal tools I had been wanting and checked out a tool chest I am interested in. I always enjoy a visit to that place, tools, tools and more tools!

Back home we watched TV for awhile and before we knew it the clock struck midnight, which made it Melody's birthday! I gave her the card I'd bought before coming down and soon after that it was time for bed as I was wore out from the trip down as well as all of the running around we did.

After a good nights rest, we got up to do a few things. Jim got an old Corolla wagon he had bought ready to junk by pumping up some tires and removing the catalytic convertor from it. After that he loaded it on his dolly and away we went to make a deposit at the scrapyard.

Once finished, we stopped by a house where their grandson Rodney had spent the night with a friend to bring him back home. Also got a look at a '66 Buick LeSabre there that the guy had. Then, after dropping Rodney off at the their house, we proceeded to the local pull-a-part junkyard to see if we could locate a few parts I needed for the Cavalier.

Before

After

The gatekeeper there told us a red Cavalier had been brought in very recently and he thought the right front fender was still on it. We went to look at it first, but unfortunately, the fender was not in very good shape. We walked around the entire lot, looking for parts, but didn't find a lot. I did get the missing piece for my console though and I picked up some sun visors with good plastic holders as well as a spare hubcap.

I was also looking for a jack and lug wrench as my car had neither, but none were found at the junkyard. I did find a spare tire cover which I also needed, but unfortunately I left it laying on top of a car while I was searching for something else. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

We left the junkyard after Melody stopped by to get some money from Jim. She was taking Rodney back to his mother's place in Lancaster. Jim and I went looking for his mechanic friend to see if he could tell what the noise was in the back of my car. He wasn't at his shop so we stopped by a nearby Hardee's to get a bite to eat. I had wanted to try their Memphis BBQ Burger ever since seeing this commercial:

I was not disappointed at all, it is a very good sandwich. Jim asked where the girls were, but no one seemed to know where they were. Probably for the best, I doubt I could of eaten if they were around!

Jim's friend was going to be awhile, so we went back to the house to watch TV while we waited. After awhile, he called to say he was at the shop so we headed over there. He and Jim took the Cavalier for a ride and once back the man said he thought all of the wheel bearings needed replaced, but we might get away with just doing the ones in the rear for now. He also said it could be driven as is for awhile, but they would need to be replaced soon. He also had a jack and lug wrench which he gave to me, so mark a couple more things off my list. I really appreciated that.

We headed back to the house to wait for Melody to get back and once she did, we headed out to eat supper. Texas Roadhouse seemed to fit the bill so we headed there for a pleasant meal and some people watching. Although people were waiting outside, Jim saw his friend, the owner, who promptly seated us near the bar, which is the best place for people watching.

I had my usual roadkill, well done, with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies, along with a cold Bud light to drink. I don't often drink beer, but I was just in the mood I guess. Food was great, and watching a certain girl wearing sparkly shorts was nice too. All in all a very pleasant evening out.

Once back home we had another fine evening talking and watching TV. Melody made some fresh baked oatmeal cookies of which I had several. After which I retired to the bed once more. Slept pretty good with my belly full and the beer probably helped too.

Next morning I got up and ready, but didn't leave until around 11 AM. Then after saying goodbyes I headed back towards Louisville and then north to Seymour. I arrived home about 1:20 PM, so Google was right on the money when they said the trip would take 2 hours and 20 minutes. Of course I only did 65 on the highway to save gas, which was excellent by the way. I filled up before leaving Seymour Friday and still have about 3/8's of a tank left. Not bad for down and back and running around Lexington.

To Melody and Jim, I just want to say thanks so much for your hospitality and I really appreciate all you have done for me. You have helped me a lot and I have truly enjoyed our times together. Hope we can do it again someday soon.