First of the Lasts

So, we are starting our week of "lasts" here in Beaumont. It started on Friday, but to explain Friday, I'll have to start on Thursday . . .

Thursday evening Michael had a work dinner so I stayed at work late, trying to settle everything for handing my job duties over. I had finally arrived home and settled in to my "in-for-the-evening" attire when Michael called to tell me the dinner was over but he was going to head over to Steve's to hang out for one last time. Five minutes later he called back - apparently he had run over some sharp object on the freeway and was now stranded at a nearby gas station with a flat tire. Wait, not a flat tire - the tread of the tire had completely separated from the rim. Crazy! We are blessed that the Michael was able to get off the road safely and that the wheel itself was not damaged. After helping him with his first tire change ever (Really?! He is so lucky!), we drove back to the house and he took my car over to Steve's - I am happy to say that they watched a movie together and whenever there was a car on the screen, Steve managed to get a gibe in about "watching out for nails". ;-)

So, the next morning started my last Friday off in TX. Normally, I like to sleep in but Michael's car was being picked up by the vehicle movers and we didn't want him to have to deal with getting a new tire right after he moved to VA - so I was up, bright and early, to head to Discount Tire. Another blessing - the remaining tires all had full tread left, so we needed to replace only the one, plus, Michael had purchased road hazard when he bought the tires originally, so the tire and labor were completely free! I did pay a small amount to have road hazard added back to the new tire - too bad I didn't realize there are no Discount Tires in VA or any surrounding states! So we're praying for no more flats until we get back to Houston!

The movers picked up the car soon after I came back home, so Michael picked me up for lunch. We went out with St. Mark's' organ and choirmaster. We have so enjoyed being part of the music program at St. Mark's and will miss it and Jerome in VA. I've told Michael a church with a bell choir is a must in VA - preferably one with an open position! We ate at Honey B Ham, which I didn't even know existed, but was quite tasty.

Friday afternoon, after dropping Michael back off at work, I visited a few body shops for quotes on getting my bumpers repaired (from the July 3rd incident). As I suspected, it won't be cheap. Fortunately, I picked up the accident report and the lady who hit me was found completely at fault and given a citation, so hopefully there will be no problems with her insurance paying out (and yes, we are very thankful she had insurance). An appraiser for her company came out after I got home to take pictures and write up the damage so I should hear back on Monday.

We also had an appraiser come out to look at the house on Friday. He asked me a series of questions: "To the best of your knowledge has the property ever experienced:
"Flooding?" - "No."
"Mold?" - "No."
"Fire?" - "No."
"Termite Damage?" - "No."
"Violent Deaths?" - What?!! "No!" At least, I hope not!

That evening, after dinner, Michael and I spent some time going through our closets, deciding what we really wanted to take to VA and what we can trash or donate. I found my box of childhood ephemera so took a little trip down memory lane. I'd really like to find a way to better store that material for easy viewing - maybe a scrapbook? But not everything would fit, hence the box to toss it in. Hmm, I'll have to stew on it some more.

So, too bad for my restful Friday! I made up for it by lazing around today, though! Poor Michael, he was still all gung-ho to get work done around the house. I supported him by staying out of his way! ;-P This evening, we met up with some dear friends at Tokyo for a good-bye dinner. No pictures, though, because, apparently, that is not Naomi's thing, even when she purposefully puts the camera in her purse! Oh well, we still had a great time. We're going to miss all the good friends we've made here!