A quiet pall overtook the house this week—Kay was away all but one day and night. She had a great time at the casino, and even came back with more money than she took.

And then, she left again to spend the weekend with granddaughter Aker in central Arkansas.

Monday morning was for church business, and golf followed in the afternoon—weather was as near perfect as one gets in Arkansas. Tuesday was the weekly golf scramble with other church men, we missed several short putts, and I generally played awful; no money was won this week! Wednesday was a great weather day for pickleball, and we had some competitive games at Diamante. Once again, it is worth repeating how nice the players are, and are so much fun to play with/against. I also made it outside with the camera for a few photos; perhaps the last of the butterflies for the season!

And then, it was pickleball again in the afternoon with the “Arizona” group, the Paddlewheelers. The games there also proved to be very competitive.

On Thursday, I played pickleball at Diamante, arriving home before lunch to find Kay already home from her junket. Friday was a “down” day for me, allowing time for an oil and filter change in the “old” Honda CR V, our tow car; it’s now ready for traveling to Arizona late next month. Kay traveled to central Arkansas to spend the weekend with granddaughter Aker.

Despite the frigid weather, Aker had three soccer games.

I had big plans for Saturday to include cleaning the garage floor; it didn’t happen. Instead, I caught up on a lot of YouTube videos, perhaps a waste of time, but enjoyable nevertheless. With Kay out of town, I attended early church on Sunday, leaving the rest of the day to just “hang out.” Kay returned later afternoon, and both of us were glad she was home.

The aromas coming from the kitchen early this week reminded me of the Christmas season when Mom was still alive. The blended, but somewhat distinct aromas of cakes, pies, cookies, appetizers, and chowder, etc. filled the house. These were the result of Kay preparing to host the monthly meeting of Naomi Circle, a ladies church group, and The Book Club. Hosting the The Book Club is a BIG DEAL among its members, and each goes all out. I spent the early part of the week painting the printer stand made for me by good friend Dan. It is awesome.

Consequently, with those two affairs happening Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, I skedaddled our of the house to play golf on Tuesday and explore the Quachita National Forest on Thursday. Not much to photograph was found while touring the forest.

Pickleball was also on the agenda for Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

On Friday, Kay and Pam shopped at “Glitz and Garland” in Benton, while I hung around the house doing a lot of nothing; I did cycle to Balboa Baptist Church to play pickleball, but for some reason the outreach building was all locked up. On Saturday, Kay and I traveled to Costco to cash a couple of award “redemptions” for spending money there, and bough way too many things including a powerful battery operated blower for removing all the leaves and pine needles. Upon returning home, played the front nine at Magellan Golf Course. For the last couple of years, we have enjoyed playing an occasional game of golf together, particularly since I was advised not to give her helpful hints while playing!

Sunday was church day, but I woke up with an upset tummy, so Kay represented us at the late service. The tummy finally settled down after lunch, and we both played pickleball at Diamante. We so enjoy all the players there—nice, nice people. When checking email, I noted that Costco had the same blower we purchased yesterday on sale, and for $10 more, it came with an extra battery. So, I was off to Costco to return the previously purchased blower, and had my hearing aids serviced while there; except, I forgot them and they are still at the store to be pickled up later this week. Kay leaves tonight for a junket to the Gulf Coast with some girlfriends to donate money to the casino.