The End of Our Week

Thursday was finally dry, but very muddy.  Ted called and said to not come to the gun club until 3:00 when they would be done shooting.  The whole complex was one big mud hole.  I was able to park my car on asphalt with a layer of mud but nothing I would get stuck in.  I sat on the patio until the shooters and other ladies arrived.  Everyone was really hungry so we just ate dinner from the snack bar.

I was looking forward to Friday when the ladies tour took place.  We arrived by 8:15 to find pastries and mimosas to start our day.  Our bus arrived and off we went.  Our tour guide was very good, informative but not overbearing with some funny historical facts and stories.  

Our first stop was at St. Fernando Cathedral.  As many times as I have been to San Antonio, I have never visited this beautiful church.  The remains of those killed at the Alamo are interred there in a marble secophagus, they were found during an excavation.  

The altar is a beautiful gold creation. 

Since a funeral was starting, we left to continue our tour of the city.

Next up was the ever present Riverwalk boat tour.  Each driver has his own spiel and this guy was entertaining.  After all the rain, warm, dry and sunny made it a delightful morning.  

Next stop was a Japanese Garden to visit.  As my Dad always told me, I am jaded by so much travel, and after Buchart Gardens in Victoria, BC, all gardens have paled in comparison.  This was quiet and peaceful with an interesting story that the family that created it were removed in 1941.  It wasn't until 1984 they were invited back and received an apology from the city.

We continued on to an award winning Mexican restaurant where we occupied the entire patio.  First up were demonstrations in preparing four different salsas that were served with chips prior to lunch.  By the time my chicken taco salad arrived I was too full to eat it all.  Cookbooks and tortilla warmers were for sale and bought by many.  

Our last stop was the Mercado.  Kristy was looking for a magnet for her mother, easy to find, and I wasn't looking for a thing so we just strolled around.

Back at the gun club, dinner was being prepared and we were having fajitas!  More Mexican!  I made a small nacho with the chips, salsa, cheese, pico, etc. and gave my fajitas to Ted.  We all eventually headed for home after saying our goodbyes.

We traveled home on Saturday.  Our nearest to home campground had no space, our second choice was having their Halloween weekend so no room and we ended up about 15 miles away at the KOA.  We emptied our clothes, food, guns, etc. and took it all home.  Church was at 5:00 so we cleaned up to go and then went to dinner with Terry and Carol, then returned to spend the night in the RV.

In the morning we put the trailer away. I spent the day doing laundry, putting clothes away, putting groceries away and going through the mail.  For dinner we ate the meatballs and spaghetti I had taken with us but never were home at dinner time to eat.  

There were several things that needed to be done in my office on Monday but my keyboard was not talking to my computer.  I finally gave up and used my phone and IPad to renew the trailer registration, look up my nephew's address to send him a get well card (he was in a car accident), chose a hotel for my April visit to San Antonio, paid our county and MUD taxes, renewed our AARP membership, paid the landscaper, paid the two months' rent for our spot in Retama, etc.  And I sent a mayday to Alison about my computer problem.  

Alison appeared with a wired keyboard which allowed her to get into my computer where she went to Devices (I think) and reset the wireless keyboard.  I sort of knew what was probably wrong and how to fix it but without that wired keyboard I wasn't able to get in at all.  Which reminds me, to use Maps with sound on your I Phone, you need to turn the Bluetooth function off.  I finally figured that out!  

And now we are home until 12/20 when the Great American Family Hawaii saga will begin.  But we have lots to do between now and then.  

It Keeps Raining!

The fellows are having a tough time in the Sporting Clay Competitions.  But they are trying not to let that deter them.  The weather is just not cooperating.  Ted wore his camouflage rubber boots on Tuesday.  

Sunday I had left the ladies suggesting a trip to San Marcos on Monday or Tuesday.  When I didn't hear from them, I cleaned some cabinets in the RV then dressed to go to a mall to use my birthday $25 coupon and $50 gift card at Chico's.  Then Ted called to say all the ladies had come to the gun club.  Considering the weather and how I was dressed. I opted to do my own thing.  I texted Ted and told him my plans stating if I didn't return, Charlie and I could be found on the MTA!  

Record breaking event - I bought a size .5 (1/2) at Chico's in slacks!  I bought a size 1 top and have found I really need to try them on because a 0 in a sweater was too big.  They don't have tops in size .5.  I stopped at Apple because my Maps was not talking to me.  Whatever the guy tried didn't work so it was a good thing I paid attention the night before to have an idea that I have to take the road marked N to go south, then ignore the turn left direction when you are still on the freeway and take the left turn after Military to go back north to the campground on the right (east side) of the freeway.  I texted Ted that I made it home fine but Charlie is still riding the MTA "where his fate is still unknown."

Tuesday the ladies wanted to go to San Marcos so I met them there.  They apparently don't mind the back roads but the highways scare the bejeezus out of them.  Good thing we aren't in Houston.  They were very impressed with the stores at San Marcos and a few charge cards may have melted from use.  We all went back to the farm they are staying on where cooking and grilling was done as a joint effort for an amazing dinner.  After shooting, Ted had the fellows follow him to the RV, he parked the truck and had come to the farm to drive us both home.  

Wednesday was hard rain all day long.  They were so happy to have the day off because without lightning, the shooters were required to shoot.  I am sure scores were impacted.  We all met up in Bandera, Cowboy Capital of Texas, for the 11th Street Cowboy Saloon Wednesday night grill out.  You bring your own meat and cook it on a huge grill, then buy a plate with baked potato, salad and roll to complete your meal.  There is a bar, of course, and a band for dancing.  We had quite a good time.  I even had a gentleman ask Ted if he could ask me to dance, so we did the two-step.  Then I danced with Ted and my brother Dan.  It was a really fun night.

Grist Mill Restaurant

I couldn't post these to the last blog so I am doing it separately.

Situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels 
between Austin and San Antonio, the Gruene cotton gin processed 
crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure burned to the 
ground in 1922.  All that remains of the water-powered mill today is 
the three story brick boiler room – now the Gristmill
River Restaurant & Bar.

Inside and outside eating areas.

Overlooking the river.

National Sporting Clay Championships

We left in drizzle Saturday morning hoping for an arrival at noon.  The weather eventually cleared but we ran into a traffic jam.  Turns out a semi was across the road and we were being forced to exit.  Cars to the right, trucks and RVs to the left because of an overpass the other way.  I was allowed to follow Ted to Gonzales, drive west the length to the next exit, then north to I-10.  Not a big deal but Ted's trucker's GPS that indicates problems for big rigs has been stolen and he just noticed it recently.  He hasn't pulled since our return last March and we know the route so well we don't use it.  But in cases like we just experienced, it is great to have.  At least the police knew not to send semis and RVs into the town with the overpass and that the way was clear all the way through Gonzales to the next entrance.  

After arriving and setting up, we left for the gun club where we met up with Dan, Dale and Whitey.  Ted got registered, he bought my ticket for the Ladies Day Out and they used a coupon to get a free box of shells.  By then Chris had arrived and those four went off to practice.  Ted and I left for Mass right across the street at St. Anthony of Claret church.  Then we went home and I fixed us dinner.  We were tired from the day of travel.

Sunday we met the group in Gruene now joined by Dale's wife Kathy and Chris's wife Krissy who had flown in that morning.  An afternoon of music in the dance hall and shopping for the ladies, we then had dinner at the Grist Mill along side the roaring Guadalupe River.  There has been recent flooding north of there and the water levels are still high.  Since I suggested it, I was glad everyone enjoyed their food and the ambience of the restaurant.

Ted and I returned home and the GPS is not up to date on all the construction on the circle freeway.  We are camped in the SW quadrant of a circle that is listed as North on the east side of the road.  So traveling SW on the road listed as N for north, we need to make a U turn to go back north to hit the east side.  And the GPS thinks we are on a road where we can make a U turn.  My phone app hasn't been much help either.  After two nights out in it though, I think we got it!

Planning for San Antonio

Saturday was busy.  We went to a 50th anniversary open house for good friends.  I find it interesting that so many of our friends have or are close to meeting this milestone.  Birds of a feather flock together!  Fr. Tom was coming in on our way out.  We said we were leaving to go to 5:00 o'clock Mass and he said not to worry, they wouldn't start without him - and they didn't.  

From there we hit Chik Fil A for a bite before heading to Shanghai.  We watched the Astros beat Boston in Game One of the ALCS while I lost at cards and Ted won.

Sunday we went back to Rayford to visit with Tommy and Susan again and to see Stella and Jay who had just arrived from a summer in Colorado.  They were leaving on Monday so we didn't have much time to get together.  There was an accident on the Xway and it took 45 minutes to get there.  We waited awhile before leaving for Sweet Tomatoes where we had an early dinner then went back to the campground and sat outside until almost 8:00 and then left for home.  It was an enjoyable day.  Astros lost Game 2!  

Monday dawned cold and rainy!  Luckily we had made plans with Terry and Carol to see the movie Gosnell about the abortionist and it is extremely well done.  I recommend you see it regardless of your thoughts on the subject.  Afterwards we had dinner at Cracker Barrel.  Then we came home to put warmer than usual jammies on for the night.

I was scheduled to work Tuesday at the Thrift Store and it was so good to see so many Forum friends.  We were having such a good time that I didn't leave at noon but closer to 1:00.  I bought Ted a Lauren down vest to shoot in if it stays this cold next week.  I also got Sam a Star Wars hoodie and Morgan a Pink brand hoodie with the logo printed in Hawaiian flowers.  And the most impressive buy, SIZE SIX designer skinny jeans for me!  A milestone!  

On the way home I stopped at the post office to mail a baby gift to a great niece's baby in Indiana.  I guess that makes the baby our great-great niece.  

Wednesday I worked on getting food and clothes ready for Thursday when Ted would be moving the RV to the campground where Tommy and Susan are staying.  I am trying to avoid taking more than I need so I don't have to carry so much home when we return.  Our Astros are not looking good!

Thursday morning Ted left to hook up the trailer, stop to have it inspected for its license plate renewal and then on to the campground.  When he was ready for me, I left with my car loaded up.  He and Tommy were getting leveled up and working on a leaky water elbow when I arrived.  We got settled inside, I went for a haircut and when Susan came home from work, we went to a new restaurant to eat dinner.

Friday was a trip to a catfish restaurant for an early lunch.  This place gets really crowded.  Except for 3 hush puppies I had a zero point lunch - grilled fish, green beans, and salad with fat free dressing.  All this eating out has to be handled carefully but I can be okay as long as I choose wisely.  

Our Astros went down in flames!  

A week with Irene

After hosting the breakfast on Thursday with Irene and shopping with her on Saturday, on Sunday she and John invited us to Del Frisco's to celebrate my birthday.  We met them after they had been to church.  This restaurant is not on my WW app so I couldn't determine points but they did list calories.  I chose fish and chips based on that!  I was amazed that was the best choice of the things I liked.  They brought us a complimentary appetizer and I had a piece and then they comped us a small coconut cream pie (my absolute favorite) for my birthday and I took a small piece and the others finished it.  It is fabulous, best ever.  I never got hungry the rest of the day so when Ted heated up some leftover chili, I ate an apple.  Result on Monday?  A half pound down from Sunday morning.  I think the trick to this Maintenance is plan ahead, use what is available to determine your best option, celebrate important things and watch day by day so things don't get out of hand.  

Monday I went to the hematologist's office for bloodwork so results would be ready for my Wednesday  morning appointment.  It was only 45 minutes over, blood drawn and back home.  I had Carol, Irene and Mary stopping over at noon so I finished up around the house.  Ted was already gone shooting.  Mary was subbing in Canasta and we played a single hand to help her refresh then all traveled together to Jane's.  Her husband played with us when a sub cancelled at the last minute.  I came in second, a first in this group.  

Tuesday I was back at Irene's to assess the furniture and the swatches we had collected.  Once we thought we knew what she was going to do we left for another trip to the Upholstery shop.  Little by little we got the various patterns matched up to the correct furniture.  We chose one pattern from his stock and then made our way across to the fabric shop to get one final chair print and a valance to match.  Back to the upholsterer to determine how much of each we needed.  Then back to the fabric shop to buy it and one more trip over to give him the fabric.  I am certainly glad they were right across the street from each other!  

We had left at 10 and it was almost 4:00 when we got back.  I picked up my car, stopped for a bite since Ted was shooting (what else?) and I didn't feel like making something.  I was all ready to put my feet up!

Wednesday I met with the hematologist.  He complimented me on my weight loss, asked if my IVC filter had been removed (yes) and gave me a copy of my blood test results which were all good.  He said he would order a six month's prescription for my Eliquis at the same dosage.  I told him about the residue still in my vein that had the clot and that Dr. D wants to collapse a vein due to valve leakage when it is totally gone.  However, because I am doing so well I should see her in January to readdress it.  He said don't have it done.  I have no pain, no swelling, traveled on a 10 hour flight twice (wearing compression stockings) successfully and now have two friends who have had less than desirable outcomes.  I tend to agree with him but we will see what January brings.

Ted and I went to Sam's and Stein Mart before coming home.  We both got flu and pneumonia shots and a few other things at both stores.  Our new Medicare cards arrived so he left to have them laminated.  One more thing taken care of.  I guess eventually this new Medicare number will have to be given to all providers over the next year.  

Thursday was the monthly neighborhood birthday luncheon.  Jeanette always goes above and beyond when it is her month to choose.  I brought everyone an individually wrapped popcorn ball, she brought birthday glasses filled with peanuts and candy corn and also cupcakes.  Merry made place marker candy bags and of course everyone else had a card for each of the four birthday girls.  It was a nice afternoon and a great end to my birthday week.  Ted was gone when I got home so I took a nap.  Both my arms were sore from the shots and I woke myself up everytime I moved the night before.  

Friday was laundry day and not much else.  

Jet Lag

I thought arriving home at midnight and going right to bed for a night of uninterrupted sleep would get me turned around!  It sounded good in theory but hasn't worked out quite like that.  I have been falling asleep around 8 and waking up at 3 or 4!  No harm done but I really need to shift that 2-3 hours.  Tonight I am having iced tea with dinner.  It always keeps me awake.  

We unpacked, I did laundry, we went to church and our favorite Mexican restaurant where they have taken to greeting us with hugs, cleaned the house, was taken out for a Birthday lunch and had my nails done.  That's it besides posting all those pictures.

Since I was going to be busy Thursday, I weighed-in on Wednesday.  This was my 4th weigh-in in what is a 6-week Maintenance process so I thought I had two more weeks to go!  Nope!  I weighed exactly the same as the day I left on my cruise, 6 weeks had passed since I made Goal so I achieved Lifetime!  This means I have maintained my goal weight within 2 lbs. for six weeks.  Now I have to weigh-in once a month, stay within 2 lbs. up or down and I will not have to pay anymore!

Thursday was the Continental Breakfast I was helping with so I went to the store to buy what I needed and started chopping and mixing so I was ready bright and early Thursday morning. 

Our breakfast was a success!  Over 50 women came and put a pretty good dent in the food and emptied two 42 cup coffeepot contents and two 10 cup decaf pots!  My yogurt parfait bar received many positive comments and my pico de gallo impossible quiche was all gone.  Here are the hostesses.

It was my birthday so that evening we met Tommy and Susan at Saltgrass for a birthday dinner for Ted 9/27, Susan 10/3 and me 10/4.  Then we went to their motorhome at the campground for cake and to meet two more couples, friends of theirs.  Between the ice tea at dinner and getting home at 10:30, I slept until 7:30!

Friday we tackled the closet in the twin guest room.  We keep the luggage in there along with anything that needs to go back in the RV plus boxes and gift wrapping bags, paper, etc.  I also keep a pile going for the Paralyzed Vets that come once a month.  We emptied it of everything, moved the shelves around and then systematically put things back.  It is amazing the room you can achieve when you get organized!  Next up is the closet in the Queen guest room!

Saturday I went with Irene to an area of Houston where Wholesalers maintain all kinds of businesses,  to look for fabric.  We cut lots and lots of swatches, stopped at the Upholstery shop and feel we made great progress on choosing what will go on her chairs.  I asked to stop at my favorite flower shop and bought a new arrangement for the bathroom.

A stop at Central Mart to look around followed by lunch at Cheddar's and it was time to head home.  We were delighted to hear of Kavanaugh's appointment on our drive north.  What an ugly thing that had turned into.  I would not have liked that to happen to anyone.  Character assassination with no proof.  That's just not right.  

We went to church and then out to dinner with Terry and Carol.  And now we start preparing for an RV trip to San Antonio for Ted to participate in the Sporting Clay Nationals.  My brother Dan and a whole entourage is coming from Ohio too.  We leave in a week and a half.