Keeping Busy This Week

We've been all over the place with our company. They really can say they visited way more than Houston, Texas.

Wednesday started very early with the 7:56 am arrival of the 8:15 am flight! We hurried to arrive on time and then came back home after a brief swing through our area where we stopped for a coffee out on the patio of a local eatery. Later we picked up Gerre, went back to the airport for her sister and niece and headed to The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We spent a full day at the rodeo canvassing the vendors, watching the entire rodeo and staying for 3/4s of The Band Perry's concert performance. It appears if you can stay on the bull for the full 8 seconds, in any riding form, you are in! Only a few riders did. It was a long and enjoyable day for everyone and we headed home.




Thursday we headed to Huntsville to visit the Sam Houston statue and museum. We spent time in town for lunch, introducing Tim to chicken fried steak, and visiting some of the antique stores. Tim found a hand carved duck for his collection and Ted bought me a lamb cake mold. My Aunt Ret (Henrietta) made a lamb cake for all my children's First Communion parties. She also handmade their rosary. I still have my crystal aquamarine one she made for my 8th grade graduation in 1959. Aunt Ret taught a lady I met years later in Michigan how to make rosaries. Pat has just finished Morgan's rosary for her May 5 First Communion. The lamb cake mold will be such a great reminder of those wonderful days when we lived close to Aunt Ret in Cincinnati.





Off we went to George Ranch in Richmond on Friday, another long day. We saw the roping, dipping, hide scraping, blacksmithing as well as touring three of the four houses before we ran out of time.





Our company is so impressed with the wide open spaces and all the livestock so close to the country's fourth largest city. We came home west of the city to avoid rush hour traffic and stopped in Brookshire for pizza. It was late when we got back home.

Saturday we drove east to the Opry in Liberty. The Magnolia Opry shut down and we certainly miss it. We've been wanting to try the Liberty or Alvin one and this was a great opportunity. Tim got a kick out of the political incorrectness of some of the announcements from the stage such as having the veterans stand and then the MC saying "We are going to pray now, these fellows fought for our right to do that, so if you're offended, they fought for your right to leave the auditorium until we are finished." Of course no one left and we said a prayer for our country and our servicemen.

The show was 3.5 hours long and was so entertaining. Again, Tim was amazed that you could have that period of time of live performance for $15. He is liking Texas and keeps looking at all the land with cattle. He'd love to have a small ranch. We grilled some brats when we got back home and put out all the leftovers so far and finished a lot of them off.

Today we went to church and then to the Sunny Flea Market north of Houston. It was like being dropped into the middle of underdeveloped Mexico. Tim got his hat and boots while Cindy bought some gifts for their children. I bought a "bling" necklace to wear to the Junior Forum Gala the end of this month. We ate at a Taqueria but we're not sure just what it was. As much as we've eaten in Mexican restaurants, this was more pointing to what we wanted put into the tortilla and hoped for the best. We spiced it up with pico de gallo and such and it was pretty good. It is a huge market and after almost five hours of walking, we were pooped.


I slipped in my monthly bunco game Monday morning while Tim and Ted put a shelf up in Ted's room to hold his trophies. I ran out of room to display them. Then Tim climbed up and cleaned out the rain diverter above the family room door. It gets so filled with pine needles and he could see them hanging out the ends. He also took the screens in my dishwasher out so I could clean them and touched up the paint on the front fence a bit. His help was much appreciated.

After a quick lunch, we headed to Tomball to check out the little town and antique stores. Tim loves to browse these areas and he found a reproduction of the Remington bronze, Bronco Buster. Based on what we researched on the internet, he did OK on the price. An auction house near them is auctioning #37 of 90 of the authentic Remington and it is expected to go for $200,000-$300,000! They will be loaded down when they get on the airplane.


NASA was our intended trip today but there was terrible weather predicted so we stayed home this morning and had a big breakfast. The radar showed the edge of the storm near Brenham so we headed west figuring we would drive out of the rain and we did!

We walked all around the town square stopping in many of the stores. When it got to be close to 4:00 we drove to Carmine and hit a couple antique stores before eating at JW's Steakhouse. We each had a few packages and everyone was happy with their purchases.

I checked today's flight status and the planes are back on schedule after the delays of the past two days. Cindy and Tim are due back at work tomorrow. We've had a wonderful week with them and they realize there is way more to see in this area. They want to meet us in the valley next winter so I hope they can work that out. We've had a great time showing off Texas to a couple of Hoosiers.

Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.-- Gustave Flaubert

On This Date - Nothing Much Happened

I meant it when I said we had a quiet weekend planned. We went to church Saturday at 5 o'clock, came home and ate a bowl of chili and watched Taxi Driver on TV. I'm not sure why this is a "classic" or how Jody Foster got her career off the ground with it. But that's just me!

On Sunday Ted fixed lunch for his shooting buddies and took it all to the gun club. They couldn't even shoot because of the weather but they must have enjoyed the food because he was gone a few hours. It was raining cats and dogs most of the day and I stayed in and worked on my family tree.

By Monday the weather had cleared and I played Canasta in the afternoon. I came in third but should have had second. Cathy and I went out, forgetting we had 4 of the red 3's and the other 2 were still in the very small pile. When we checked, I would have drawn them both, giving us 1600 points instead of the 400 we got. Cathy won either way, but I would have been second instead of third. Live and learn.

In my absence Ted smoked a 13# brisket. The house still smells like it today. We have two trays ready to share with our company.

Today I did laundry, got my hair cut and colored and had a manicure. Then I picked up the dry cleaning. I'm waiting for Gerre to call because we are going to dinner while Ted is shooting.

Tomorrow Cindy and Tim arrive around 8 a.m. We'll be up early to get to the airport in time to get them. Later in the day we're going to the Houston Rodeo. It may be a few days before I get to write again, but I'll have good info on the bull riding when I do.

"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction."- Anonymous, but probably a smart cowboy.

Into Sarasota, Out Of Daytona Beach

While at my Dad's on Tuesday, I was able to go through all the stuff he has on the family. I got a lot of useful information on some ancestors; however, that created more questions! This is quite a detective game. But I'm anxious to get back to working on my ancestry.com account.

Laurie came by on her lunch hour for a final visit and she was able to say goodbye to Ted who was pulling in the drive just as we walked outside to her car. It was a great visit and all concerned were happy we made it happen.


The sun was shining, the sky was blue and we headed NE towards Orlando. On the radio it was announced that Brenda Lee was performing at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, strawberry capital of the U.S. We attended this festival sometime in the late 90s with our friends Jim and Marilyn and saw Wayne Newton perform. So we decided to stop.


My, how it has grown. It was bigger than most county fairs with a seemingly never ending midway, everything under the sun to eat (including deep fried butter!?!?) and of course everything strawberry.

We caught most of Brenda's show. She is 4'9" and her hair is about 6 inches high. She put on a good performance and we, along with many others, enjoyed it.


We walked around some of the exhibits but we don't need any signs, candles, massages, etc. so we ended up at St. Clement's Catholic Church strawberry tent for shortcake. You get a bowl and can choose a shortcake or half a biscuit and then you put on your own strawberries from a huge bowl, followed by whipped cream from an equally huge bowl. The lady at the end plops a whole strawberry on top. Now this isn't on my diet but you can't go to the strawberry festival without eating one ... and besides it was my lunch!



Kristin had a dinner to go to so we weren't in any hurry. We all pulled into the drive at her home at the same time. The yard looked so nice now that the city has finally finished digging up her yard for the third time. Pipes were installed for the lake water leveling system so there wouldn't be any flooding. It would have been so much better if they had done it right the first time!

Wednesday Ted went to The Villages and we went looking for a new car for Kristin. She has had an Altima for 10 years and it has 180,000 miles on it. We thought it best to get a new one while there was time to comparison shop rather than getting into a situation where you had to buy something right away. She put her car on Craig's list and had constant calls. She was unable to keep her voicemail empty. So we knew there wasn't a problem getting rid of it.

We went to Courtesy Acura in Sanford to look at a Honda Accord that had been advertised with 36,000 miles on it. It was in beautiful condition with leather interior and clean as a whistle. We both drove it. We studied the carfax and it had every maintenance recommended done at a Honda dealership and was inspected by the state of NY each year. No floods, no accidents, no major repairs done on the vehicle.

We pretty much shot the day looking, negotiating, driving, paperwork and paying for the car. Then we had to take the old car to the new buyer and that was 45 minutes away in rush hour traffic. But we got it all accomplished and she is happy with her new set of silver gray wheels.

We were going out to dinner and Kristin invited a friend she wanted us to meet. Larry has been in the picture for a few months but she hadn't said anything until now. He had dinner with us and we found him delightful. Very open with us, caring about her and seems to be an all around nice guy. He is a photographer and after dinner he brought his camera in, used her ladder for an angle, and took a lot of pictures of all of us. Then Ted took a few of them two using the camera. I hope there are good ones in there.

Kristin went off to work Thursday morning and we dressed, packed up and left mid-morning and drove to Daytona Beach airport. Since we had to go through Atlanta anyway, this airport is so much easier than Orlando's crowds. Ted flew 1st Class to Atlanta but had to sit with me in the exit row into Houston. Three out of four segments in 1st Class isn't bad though.

Rebecca is cleaning today. The guest rooms and bath aren't usually used but with Chris having been here for so long she has a little extra work today. I cleaned the pantry, the inside of the refrigerator and my closet. There is a pile of clothes to go out now.

We have a quiet weekend ahead of us and I'm looking forward to time at home catching up on whatever comes my way.

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it. ~ Sydney J. Harris

No Grass Growing Under Our Feet

We left Victoria around 8 o'clock Saturday and were home by 11. We have finally mastered the back roads. We drive up out of the valley and then continue north, staying west of Houston. We've tried several different ways and now we have the best route down. We can make it a one day trip if we have to but Ted prefers to stop after a couple hours on the road when we have the time.

It took two trips with the truck to get everything home. First was all our clothes, laundry and items that needed to be brought back. Second was the pantry items, refrigerator and frozen foods.

We keep lots in the RV but it will sit until May now and I don't want to need something and it's in the trailer (happens all the time!) or encourage bugs. You would be amazed how quickly two truckloads of "stuff" can mess up a neat and tidy house.

Chris took one look and opted to head for home, leaving his stuff and promising to come back on Monday. He is rather shy and prefers to stay only when we're out of the picture.

I put groceries away first, started the laundry, sorted the mail, finished our taxes because the last two items I needed were in the mail and started putting everything else away. We did make it to church at 5 o'clock and surprised Terry & Carol. They were going out afterwards and we headed home to keep plugging away.

Ted went shooting on Sunday and I finished up the laundry, did a little ironing and packed for Florida.

Our flights over were uneventful and Ted was able to fly First Class with his Silver Status upgrade. He always offers to let me sit up there but he needs the room, not me. I had comfortable aisle seats and both segments were short flights.

We checked into the Hampton Inn (Note to self while sitting here: Do not take the room next to the exercise room! - thump, thump, thump).

Laurie, Dad and Edna were waiting for us and it was so good to see them. Their health has been a challenge this past year and God bless Laurie for being there for them all the time. We had a nice visit and then took them to Cracker Barrel for dinner. It is a struggle for them to go out but they made the effort, ate well and we appreciated being with them.

Today I'll go back while Ted visits the newspaper and takes Richard to lunch. His contacts in the industry still come in handy at times. When he is finished, we'll head to Orlando.

If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport. ~ George Winters

Adios Until We Meet Again

Wednesday the rugs inside were cleaned and at 5 pm we went to the Margarita hour. I took pigs in the blanket as well as a few taquitos and they got snatched up quickly. We sat with a fellow and his wife that we met last year and a new couple. That's how you make new friends. Pat and Vern were there but at a different table. We don't want to limit ourselves to just one group. Afterwards we took a walk and said goodbye to Trudy and Don. They left today too and we didn't know if we would see them again.

Rick came and washed and waxed the rig on Thursday and I started packing up my clothes as well as the pantry items and miscellaneous things that we need to take back to the house. Ted made a run to Camping World to get a new sewer hose because ours was getting a split and you just can't have that. Our antenna "froze up" and when we tried to raise it for Nick to clean the roof it wouldn't go. Dave climbed up and lubricated it and now it works great.

We were up and ready to pull out about 8:30 this morning. We went to say goodbye to Karen & Dave and Diana & John. We will see all of them this summer in Michigan and then again next year in the valley. Ted signed us up for mid-January to mid-March, double the time we spent this year. I can't remember a month passing by so quickly.

We made our way to Victoria in just under four hours. There were no stops other than at the Immigration Checkpoint where there was a slight back up. We must look like honest Winter Texans because they asked citizenship, if anyone was in the trailer and told us there was a rest area right ahead if we wanted to stop. We said thank you and continued on.

Ted wants to leave by 8:30 tomorrow and that should get us home with the RV put away by no later than 1:30. That will give me a jump on mail, laundry and packing. We hope to get to church at 5:00 so Ted can shoot Sunday to finish up the latest league and I'll finish up what isn't done. If Chris wants to go, we'll take him out to dinner.

Florida bound on Monday.

Long you live and high you'll fly
And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be. ~ Pink Floyd

Blue Skies, Nothing But Blue Skies

We finally got normal weather for this time of year in the valley. It's been warm and sunny.

We received a phone call Monday morning from Mel saying he had been sick all night and they were unable to go to lunch. Ron & Lois opted not to go either and we were both actually glad because of the Brat Fest being moved to 4 o'clock that afternoon.

I made hot bacon slaw to take and we joined a whole lot of others at Don's party though it was held on Dave & Karen's Premium lot where there is more room.


Folks parked in front of and behind our trailer since we are right across the road. There was regular potato salad, German potato salad, macaroni and cheese, sauerkraut, beans, red cabbage, salad, fruit, my slaw, regular cole slaw, etc., etc., etc. There were several tables up in the storage house but it was almost impossible to find a place for all the food. It was a great turnout. Don and Trudy are leaving on Friday also and this was their goodbye after their extended stay down here.

Today eight of us went over to Mexico. The little town of Progreso has no major roads in our out of the interior of Mexico and has had no problems so far. Ted had purchased a fancy belt set (buckle, loop, end piece) so he bought a brown belt at the same place he bought his black belt. The fellow put the new pieces on and added a set of conchos so now Ted has two "Texan" belts and is so happy.

We bought another tube of Retin A for a friend and a tube of the prescription strength Aspercreme for my sister. We also bought two bottles of Don Pedro brandy for Don who forgot to bring his passport and couldn't go with us.

We sat in the plaza listening to music and had a beer (I had water, Ted a Coke) until we all met up.


We agreed to meet at Willie's in Alamo for a late lunch. This is a very popular BBQ spot and lunch was good.


Dave, Karen, Ted and I drove on to the produce market to get some oranges and grapefruits before we leave. The Ruby Reds are so good and I can't eat them because of my cholesterol medicine. Ted really enjoys them.

Ted and Dave greased our shackles when we got home in preparation for our departure. Now we're in wind down mode. Tomorrow the fellow comes to clean the carpets. On Thursday Rick will come to wash and wax the trailer. He has done this every year for the past six years. We have lots of leftovers to finish up over the next two days and plenty to get ready for unloading.

We'll only have Sunday to do laundry, go through the mail and pack for our quick trip to Florida. I'm going to ask Chris if he just wants to stay put since we'll be in and out so quickly.

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

Crazy Weather

Our weather turned cool and rainy so we didn't do too much other than going to the grocery and doing a little shopping for our France trip (at a regular store no less!). I went ahead and had a pedicure and manicure because I won't have time before we leave again.

Ted didn't shoot on Saturday because the fields were muddy so we hung out until it was time for church. We went back to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Fr. Roy. There was a wedding just ending, it was 20 minutes until Mass ... and we still didn't get a seat. We went up in the balcony and I found a chair but Ted had to stand the entire time. The gospel was the devil tempting Jesus in the desert after 40 days of fasting. We had two young men running through the church acting out the scenes, ending up in the balcony in front of us as the devil offered the city of Jerusalem to Jesus. And then the music started ... I Was Almost Persuaded!! Comparing the devil tempting Jesus to a bar lady tempting a married man is a stretch but hey temptation is temptation I guess. Five dogs were there, all dressed in purple blankets for Lent.

We were to hear the Bishop's Annual Appeal via a DVD but they had last year's by mistake so he said he would show it next week. Then someone found the correct one so eventually we did see it. Fr. Roy is totally unflappable. If things don't go right, he just talks to us as if we were in his living room and laughs things off.

We came home to a roast in the crockpot so we quickly ate open-faced roast beef sandwiches and then went to the clubhouse for an ice cream social followed by Pokeeno. Karen and Pat both won but neither of us did.

Our weather turned good again and the guys went shooting. I started working on my ancestors since I have the list of descendants done for my reunion. There is other info to fill in but I need to sync my info to Family Tree where I can add Marriage Dates and other things and I need help from Gerre on that.

We had the luau tonight so I made my appetizer and Dulce and I decorated our table.



We had a great dinner with our friends and set up a time for our trip to Mexico on Tuesday.






We can't believe our month is almost up. We're really not ready to leave but it is time.

"Is it time to go home yet? I keep clicking these damn shoes, but nothing happens” ~ Robin Hecht

Karen's Mardi Gras Picture of Us

Karen sent a print of us over with Ted today. I asked her to e-mail it to me so I could put it on the blog and she said she didn't know how to do that! She only knows how to slip the memory card into her printer and print.

So before they left for dancing and we left for the grocery, I went over and downloaded Picasa to Dave's new computer and downloaded her pictures to my computer. Now I can e-mail them to her so she can share them with others via e-mail.

We did laundry today, went to the grocery and not much else. The weather is supposed to get rainy and cool again so our German Brat Fest is being moved to Monday. We are meeting Mel & Dee and Ron & Lois at Gonzales Burgers on Monday for lunch so I doubt we'll be eating many brats at dinner!

Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made. ~ Otto von Bismarck

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday - Take Your Pick

No one down here plays cards that we've found other than the Pokeeno game held at the clubhouse one evening. There were 90 people and they play 3 games at a nickel, 3 at a dime, 3 at a quarter and 1 at a dollar. Ted won a game - the nickel one and had to share it with another winner. Now I have 45 nickels mixed in with my laundry quarters!

The weather has been fantastic and spring is definitely here. While waiting for the Mardi Gras parade last night I took some photos of the flowers that are blooming.




The birds are starting their return to the north and chatter all day long. I haven't seen any butterflies yet however.

Here are some photos of some of our friends who rode bikes in the parade.




Karen goes all out and what she wears, Smoki wears.


The little dog never even barks. She just wears her hats, glasses, outfits and gets toted around in a carrier that always matches the outfits. It's a hoot.


We all gathered at the palapa (tiki hut) after the parade for dinner and Margaritas. Ted had some beer and I stuck to Sprite Zero. There were three different red beans and rice (the only Louisiana cuisine present) so I was pleased when my 6 quart crockpot was half emptied. I had 2 lbs. of sausage in mine and I think they were after the meat versus the other two.

There wasn't a Cajun in the crowd based on the menu. Pasta salad and hamburgers just don't cut it at a Mardi Gras party but no one else seemed to notice. Even the king cake was a yellow cake and the top was covered in stripes of green/purple/gold. Instead of a baby Jesus, Pat had put a piece of candy for someone to find. Karen got that piece and has to hostess the party next year. She asked me what a real King Cake should look like. I told her HEB sells a very nice one. They look like coffee cakes with a cream filling, sprinkled with green/gold/purple sugar. The Louisiana food and customs just aren't known up north I guess.

Today Ted is going shooting and I'm not sure what else we'll do. The days seem to fill themselves.

'Laissez les bons temps rouler!' ~ Let the good times roll

Hey Chris, Can You Spare a Few More Days

Well, just to make sure we gather no moss, we are leaving here a day early. We need to get home on Saturday to have Sunday to prepare to leave on Monday! Ted has an appointment at the Port Charlotte paper and The Villages paper on the Tuesday and Wednesday of the week after we get back.

My father lives in Punta Gorda and we haven't seen him in a year and a half so I decided to go with Ted. I'll also see my sister Laurie and her husband Spence. Then we'll move on to Orlando and see our daughter Kristin and my good friend Eileen. It will be a quick trip but very worthwhile. We need to take these opportunities when they present themselves.

Ted shot in a tournament yesterday in 40-50 mph winds. He won his class in 12 and 20 gauge and came in third overall. If you subscribe to Skeet Shooter, look for his name in the winner's box.

I spent the day working on my family tree. My great-grandfather had three children, one of which was my maternal grandmother. I have two of these three children's families done and am at 273 people. The third sibling had five children and the last time I did the tree they had 40 people so I know I'm going to hit 300+ people. I can't wait to see it all printed out on a banner printer.

Today we attended Mass at the Basilica in San Juan. It was chaotic! It was half Spanish and half English. When the priest spoke one language, the other was on a screen. Until we got to the sermon. It was 99% Spanish with a few English sentences thrown in. By the time I realized he was speaking English he was back to Spanish! At Communion, there was no rhyme or reason to get in line, just a mad dash with three lines approaching the ministers. That was coupled with the exodus in the other direction for the door. I think we'll go see Fr. Roy again next week. The mariachi music was terrific and the shrine is absolutely gorgeous but it's too far and too busy for me.

Afterwards we went to Furr's Buffet for lunch. Another crowd! There was a line out the door the entire time we were there. Then we went to the party store to get leis, napkins, centerpiece, etc. for the luau. Last stop was HEB because I need the ingredients to make the red beans, sausage and rice on Tuesday.

Tonight was pizza night at the clubhouse. We went over at 5:00 and sat with our friends but there was a program at 6:00 followed by a movie Mama Mia at 7:00 so no one in our group stayed long. Amazing Race started at 7:00 and without a DVR, I NEEDED to be back in time. And so another season begins. So did Survivor last Wednesday.

Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television. ~ Woody Allen

Keeping Busy

Wednesday we went to the Don-Wes flea and produce market. I wanted to get two rugs for in front of our chairs. We seem to drag so much dirt in on our shoes and then sit down in the recliners where we get the rug so dirty. We found those, bought some fruit and vegetables and headed back to the park. A couple stopped us in the parking lot to ask about our truck and we had the nicest conversation with them. They are staying at the park down the street from ours.

We were due at the Margarita party in the clubhouse but decided at the last minute to go eat at the Riverside Club. We sat overlooking the Rio Grande River with Mexico on the opposite bank. There are picnic tables on the deck to sit at and we had a nice visit with two other couples visiting here too. There is live music all afternoon and a dance floor. It was a pleasant afternoon and meal.

Dave and Karen signed us up for the luau so Thursday we went looking for something to wear. We have a lot that would work at home but that isn't helping us here. So back to our newly found store for a look. I found a blue and white muu-muu, actually made in Hawaii, so now I'll need to find a lei. No luck for Ted but he did get a few more $28 shirts for $3.50. We decided to try the ropa usada. Now finding an Aloha shirt, in his size, in an 8 foot mountain of clothes seemed like a long shot. I walked the perimeter looking for bright colors. I asked a lady sitting on the pile sorting and she pulled out one but it was just size Large. I climbed up a bit and finally asked another couple who said they hadn't seen anything like that. My next comment was "I would need St. Anthony to find that for me." I looked down and there was a black shirt with brown and green palm trees all over it ... in size 3X! I took it to Ted and he slipped it on and it fit. It is rayon, probably got washed and shrunk and is why it was in the pile. He said if I would wash it and iron it with starch he would wear it. Cost - 21 cents along with a scarf and potholder. It still isn't as good as the brand new Tommy Bahama I found last year for $3 but it will work.

Friday was a double birthday celebration for two of the folks here in the park. We met at Pappadeux with 20 other people to celebrate. The restaurtant is celebrating Mardi Gras so everyone received beads and we had a good time along with good food. We are now invited to a Mardi Gras party on Wednesday, a German sauerkraut cookout on Saturday and the luau on Sunday. I decided on red beans and rice with sausage for the Mardi Gras party, hot bacon slaw for the German dinner and ham wrapped pineapple chunks stuck into a whole pineapple for the luau. It's nice just fixing one dish and getting to eat a whole meal for your effort.

We need to make another run to Mexico, have the rig washed and wax, have the carpets cleaned and meet Dee and Mel for lunch at Gonzales Burgers. I best be getting the calendar in order since time is passing quickly.

A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours. ~ John B. Priestly

Conventional Church ... Sort Of

We went to 5:30 Mass Saturday instead of 4:00 to see if it was less crowded. It was, but the presider was not Fr. Roy. There was no country western music, no animals, but the strangest part was this other priest skipped things during Mass. After the gospel we usually stand to recite the Creed. Nope ... moving on! He skipped a lot of the prayers in the Consecration and before you know it, Mass was over. Fr. Roy did appear to hand out Hershey kisses to everyone. OK, back to 4:00 next week I suppose.

It rained all day Sunday. To keep from being cooped up all day we ordered tickets to see an I Love Lucy show. There was a BIG crowd of several hundred to see this performance. The gal did a great job as Lucy looking and sounding just like her. She had the mannerisms down pat too.


Ricky was decent enough but not quite as good with the vocals. The show itself was weak in my estimation. I think this is because there isn't a joke or punch line that Lucy delivered that most all of us don't know. It was OK but not one I would tell people not to miss.

SUNSHINE made an appearance on Monday. It was our day to meet the HitchHiker owners for the monthly luncheon. We saw several of our Haulin' HitchHiker friends and had a great time. We talked about our rally scheduled for Michigan in August at Manistee.


We stopped at HEB on the way home because we were invited to a birthday celebration across the street from our lot and needed something to prepare.

This was no appetizer/finger food outing. There were ribs, goat cheese pizzas, wings, chicken casserole, meatballs. I'm glad I made BBQ smoked sausage pieces and didn't take chips and salsa! We had a nice visit with the folks we know and met a few others we didn't. This is a friendly park. Some parks down here that have a lot of "permanent residents" aren't. You get the feeling that they resent your intrusion into "their" park.

Today Ted washed the truck, we walked around the perimeter of the park and I did two loads of laundry. At 4:30 we went to the Wine Tasting at the clubhouse. My favorite was the choco-wine. How appropriate for Valentine's Day. There was a chocolate fountain for dessert in addition to all the food brought by individuals. Ted and I stopped the Schwann truck this afternoon and bought four different appetizers since it seems we need to provide one frequently. The spinach/artichoke mini bowls I made for today were well received.

We've been here almost two weeks and the time is going by quickly. We still have several things we want to do and hopefully the warm weather and sunshine will stay and we'll accomplish all of that.

The human spirit needs to accomplish, to achieve, to triumph to be happy. - Ben Stein

Days 9-10 - Some Sunshine

We had a successful trip to the ropas! We skipped the usada ones and went right to Erika's; but alas, it was a shadow of its former self. I'm not sure what happened but most of it was sitting empty. What remained wasn't much. We left but a fellow outside said to try a new store Ramme's back the way we had come.

What a find! It looks like a department store, very clean and orderly. All name brand clothes with tags still on. I bought white denim capris, a pair of Ralph Lauren shorts and Ralph Lauren jeans ($26), three tops and my best find ... a Kate Spade $355 dress for $59. Woo Hoo! I believe I had eight items for about $160. Not the $3 finds of Erika's but much more to choose from.

Friday it didn't rain but was overcast. We piddled around and at 2 o'clock decided to go eat out since neither of us had eaten anything and then go to the grocery. We chose Tony Roma's because 1) we had a coupon and 2) it wasn't BBQ or Mexican. Of course we had ribs and they were good.

We decided to check out JCP because of all their advertising and Ted's need for new underwear. He has always worn their Stafford brand. Sure enough the prices were much lower than previously so we bought him two packs of briefs and T-shirts. He should be ready for our cruise now, at least in that department.

Our next stop was HEB where we got a few grocery items we needed and then headed home. We weren't hungry so after a while we headed to Mission West Park next door to ours to see a Branson performer John Sager. He was voted male vocalist of the year in Branson two years in a row. What a show he put on! He sang all the songs we like and had a lot of audience interaction which is always fun.

There was another fellow with him who did some comedy and impersonations in between. They pulled a fellow from the audience to be Elvis and his job was to sing the refrain "I'm all shook up." What a great sport he was.

Today was the pet parade. There were hot dogs, beer, soft drinks and baked goods for sale for the Cinderella Dog Shelter.

Votes were $1 each and also went to the shelter. We had front row seats in front of the trailer to see the parade. Here are a few entries.
Here is the winner.

We are going to church tonight and have tickets for a Lucy and Ricky show tomorrow night. Monday will be the HitchHiker's monthly luncheon and we'll see some more friends there. Who knows what will happen the rest of the week.

Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon

Days 6-8 Rain, Rain and More Rain

This is what I get for bragging on Facebook that it was 80 and sunny when we arrived. And to make matters worse, those down here are accusing us of bringing this weather!

We stayed in on Tuesday and it was pleasant listening to the rain on the roof and especially the slides when we sleep. Between my Kindle, the cable TV and the laptop, there's plenty to keep us from getting bored.

Wednesday was rain off and on but Ted was able to get his shooting in. We've also had times when we can do our walk around the perimeter and stop and talk to folks. Ted borrowed one of the parks' bikes and road around for awhile.

Last night we went to the Margarita happy hour at the clubhouse and sat with some folks from North Carolina, Kansas and Ontario. There were all kinds of appetizers, even some soup, and all the frozen Margaritas you could drink.

Today it hasn't stopped raining at all. We're going to take a ride down towards Hidalgo to the ropas. There are ropa nuevos (new clothes) and ropa usadas (used clothes). Karen said she'll go to the nuevo ropas but not the usada ropas! I'll miss Stella because she and I have the best time just rooting around through used and new. Ted has a new Tommy Bahama shirt (tags still on) that I paid $3 for. I have a pair of lined wool Ralph Lauren slacks I paid 60 cents for. I don't buy a lot, just great bargains when I find them, but it's so much fun to see a mountain of clothes and people climbing all over it. But today with Karen I'll be limited to the stuff hanging on racks.

Another park we stayed in a couple years back has a fashion show each year. The ladies must buy all their clothing at the ropa usadas. I think they tell how much the entire ensemble cost. Once two ladies found a silver fox and a full length mink coat. At 45 cents a pound, they were a real hit in the show.

Such is life in the Rio Grande Valley ... with or without the rain.

Shopping tip: You can get shoes for 85 cents at the bowling alley. ~ Author Unknown

Day 5 in Mexico

We had a good time at the Super Bowl Hamburger Bash and enjoyed the food. Apparently the shooting group isn't much into football because it wasn't too far into the game after eating that people headed home and Ted and I were the only ones left watching the game. When the workampers started putting the chairs away, we came home and watched the rest on TV. It was a terrific game and my quarterback won, I wasn't choosing a team. I had 6 and 7 on the board and never came close to winning anything but that's how it goes.

Monday we picked up Jay & Stella and headed to the Mercedes bridge parking lot to meet most of the group we had dinner with on Friday. They all wanted to be accompanied into Mexico and we four obliged. First stop was the Almost Free Pharmacy where we get what we need. I had orders for some face cream, allergy medicine, antibiotics, etc. from folks in addition to what we needed.

Now don't get your panties in a twist. It is perfectly OK to buy these things in Mexico and bring them back. I always show what I have to Customs and there has never been a problem. Also, the quality of the drugs has always been up to par.

The ladies wanted to go into the big department store to browse so we waited while they did that. I found a scarf but that was all. We walked on and eventually stopped at Rene's Cafe. Ted and I just had rolls (delicious!) and coffee while the others ate lunch and/or breakfast. It was just too early for us to have lunch and Ted isn't an egg eater so breakfast was out. Our three pastries and two bottomless cups of coffee were $5.75. Try that at Panera Bread or Starbucks!

We walked on and stopped at several boot places. I was looking for boots and found some that feel good on. I didn't want fancy ones or the high heel/pointed toe ones. At my age, comfort is the name of the game. These are black with white embroidery up the sides, very much like Ted's boots. Now I'm ready for the rodeo!

We've tried to replace Ted's belt that we bought in New Mexico but the fellow called us and said it was no longer available. So we stopped at the leather shop and Ted chose a black leather belt and the man put his old silver buckle on it along with four silver conchos strategically placed in the design. Then he put a new buckle on his old belt so he could still wear it. Now he wants to go back over and get a brown belt.

We walked back over the bridge after clearing Immigration and Customs and said our farewells to the folks. Jay & Stella leave tomorrow and we won't see them until April. The other folks are heading out in different directions too.

The weather has been about 10 degrees cooler than normal and it has been very overcast. We took a walk around the entire park before coming in for dinner. The Bachelor was on so I was happy to be home since I missed last week when the skinny dipping scene took place! I've read spoilers and if they are true, I don't like the outcome and it has sort of ruined it for me. If he really chooses this girl, it won't last long. She isn't a very nice person and seems too self-centered to ever be good marriage material.

We were invited to Willie's BBQ to say goodbye to all the Heartland folks but we passed. I'm not sure what we're going to do today, perhaps nothing. That sounds good!

The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.

Days 1-4

We had an uneventful trip to Victoria on Thursday and were set up by 2 p.m. Dave called us before we were an hour on the road and Stella called to be sure we had arrived safely at our destination. Stella also said she got tickets to see the Link Family at our park on Friday and Dave signed us up for the Super Bowl Party on Sunday. It's so nice to have a welcoming party looking out for us.


When we were less than an hour from Mission, Jay texted that we were invited to a cookout with their Heartland friends. Of course we accepted. So we had an agenda.


We pulled into site 418, right across from Dave and Karen. Perfect! And we are right near the clubhouse. We couldn't have picked out a more convenient site. Karen told me to come over as soon as I was settled. She and I had a pomegranate martini while Ted visited with the fellows out in the casita that is on their site.

At 4:30, Jay and Stella picked us up and we went to Jim's over in Retama Village. Kathy, who we know, was there and two other couples we didn't know but met and enjoyed their company. We had a a nice cookout and visit. A little before 7:00 we left to return to our clubhouse to see the Link Family show. We've seen this group before and enjoy them. Friday night was no different. Having an entertainer in the family is great, having the whole family involved is amazing.

Saturday we picked up Jay and Stella and went to Furr's for breakfast. We intended to go on to the Don-Wes produce market afterwards. The weather was iffy and Ted received a call that the shooters wanted to leave early so we brought Ted back to get his truck and then the three of us continued back to the market.

My best find was wild rice from Minnesota. We bought a BIG bag in Minnesota summer before last and I recently used the last of it. The only place I can find it at home is a very small box at Kroger's. There are lots of mixtures, boxes, etc. but no plain wild rice. So I was happy to buy two bags. I also bought grapefruit and a pineapple. I didn't buy too much because I wanted to be sure Ted would bring me back next week.

Attending church here is still a hoot. Hank Williams' Oh Lonesome Me was the entrance song. I counted three dogs this time. It was once again the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Simon and Anna were all part of the small play but no donkey this year. However, when Father was reading the gospel while the actors silently did their acting, he said "and Jesus, Mary and Joseph came to the temple." And then one of the dogs barked. So Fr. Roy started again, "and Jesus, Mary, Joseph and their dog came to the temple." Everyone laughed long and loud. When Anna didn't appear on time, Fr. Roy asked "what happened to Anna." She appeared and at the end of the "play" Fr. Roy said Anna was 84 years old (according to the Bible) and it just took her awhile to get to the temple.

We so enjoy attending church at Our Lady of Guadalupe while here in the valley. There is always something non-conventional happening.

We came home, made a pot of chili and watched War Horse on DVD that David and Karen lent us.

Today is cold and rainy and the Super Bowl shindig starts at 5:00. So we've been inside but are heading out to the store.

Catch you later.

Chris is in Clover

We've been home for a month and Chris is anxious for us to be on our way. I know it isn't fun living with your parents as an adult and we're very grateful to have Chris as our housesitter. He's always so anxious to come! Tomorrow starts a whole month for him.

Sunday was a relaxing day but Monday was a bit busier. When Rebecca came to clean on Friday, she said the bathroom rug in the guest bath was wet. I called Rick, the plumber, and he said he would come Monday. We turned off the water and just didn't use that bathroom. We needed a new ring where the toilet sits in the floor and it was fixed in no time on Monday. Ted picked up Kelly and Pat around 2 pm and as soon as they got to the house, I had to leave for the dentist. After grinding the partial down a bit to get my bite more in line, I was back home in time to leave for Terry & Carol's. She had invited us all to dinner. We had a swell time visiting with them, at the dining room table, as the family always does. The kids were so glad to see them.

The weather was rainy on Tuesday but we had tickets to see the King Tut exhibit at the museum so we drove downtown and parked in a garage that allowed us to make our way through tunnels to the museum. We all enjoyed the exhibit and it is amazing how much people have learned about the Egyptian civilization 5,000 years ago. Afterwards we had dinner at the Mexican restaurant out the road from our house. The kids really enjoyed the authenticity of the place and the excellent food.

Today was beautiful but Pat & Kelly had to leave for home. We had the morning together and just spent the time visiting. They worked on some things from their weekend training and Pat had a work phone call but for the most part it was pretty laid back.

We dropped them off at the airport and are getting our things together to leave tomorrow. We'll drive to Victoria, spend the night and then drive into Mission on Friday. Jay & Stella and Dave & Karen are awaiting our arrival. I'm looking forward to a month of not having to be anywhere at any particular time for any reason!

Next time will be "notes from the road" as we make our way to the Rio Grande Valley.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WINTER TEXANS by Ken Rudine

Every winter, starting about 1950 many so-called “Winter Texans” have come to enjoy the Valley’s South Texas weather. These folks come from the states north of Texas and Canada. Their numbers have increased every year and as a result they now make a tremendous impact on the local economy. We hear them talk among themselves of the bad weather being experienced at their home. They are easy to spot dressed in their shorts and T-shirts. While us natives wear our jeans, long sleeved shirts and jackets when the north wind occasionally blows into the Valley. Obviously the weather is the first reason they choose the Valley. It is a fact that if these visitors collectively sang, they could sing, “I’ve been everywhere – crossed the deserts bare – I’ve breathed the mountain air – of travel I’ve had my share – I’ve been everywhere” and really mean it. I believe they choose to come to the Rio Grande Valley also because of us Texans. Winter Texans understand that Texans get along just fine when left alone.

Goodbye to Owen

Friday I had an early beauty shop appointment. Because Rebecca had parked in the drive, Ted drove me in the truck and went shooting. He picked me up afterwards and we went to the Honey B store to pick up the ham and rolls we ordered and took them to Alicia's for all her company coming in. She was going in several directions and was easily distracted but our friends Jeff and Rachel's daughter Tammy was running the show. Alicia said she didn't know what she would do without Tammy and another young neighbor Cammie taking charge. Jeff was doing the slideshow and Rachel was coordinating the food. It's great to have friends like this at such a time.

In the evening, Gerre and Barry picked us up and we joined Jennifer and Gene for some BBQ before heading to the theater. There we saw another friend Teri who also attends these performances. It's a lovely theater without a bad seat in the house and we enjoyed the play very much. The jokes have changed over the years with Facebook and HD TVs mentioned that weren't in existence in the 90s when we last saw the play. We came straight home because Gerre and Barry had a 9 am flight to Jamaica.

Saturday was a long day. I had a dentist appointment and my partial was ready. It fits well but is a bit high and it "hits" before the other side does. I have appointments Monday and Wednesday for final "fittings." At 2:00 we attended the memorial service for Owen. He was a retired Navy captain and had a very distinguished career. There were many in attendance and we knew lots of them. This getting older sure is sobering when your mortality is brought forefront. The old saying "no one gets out of here alive" comes to mind.

From that church we went to ours to attend Mass before we went to bunco. We were subbing for Ted's brother and his wife in a group associated with our church. We saw Rachel and Tammy at the funeral, her family at Mass, and we were all at bunco together. We met Rachel's sister Louise who lives in The Villages and she was such a delight. She had flown to Texas to take her father back home with her for a month. The three siblings take turns having their 91 year old father stay with them. This bunco group is a younger group for the most part and I am always so impressed with how closely these parents monitor their kids friends, reading material, extra activities, etc. How very difficult it must be to raise children in today's permissive world.

I was very tired by the time we got home and after a little TV went off to bed and got a good night's sleep. Pat and Kelly are in town and we'll pick them up from their hotel on Monday afternoon. They are visiting with us until Wednesday.

Keeping busy is a good part of retirement but having a day like today with nowhere particular to go and nothing particular to do is a real blessing.

Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't. ~ Richard Bach

I Aced It!

Sunday evening was a beautiful night on the waterway and we enjoyed what turned out to be a fresh group of people. I knew two of the ladies, had met two others recently at genealogy, but the other couples were new to me. We had enjoyable conversation, a very good pizza and shared a cannoli for dessert. Neither one of us had lunch so we were both way past hungry!

I didn't get around to my laundry but I did spend a lot of time on the computer doing family research and in-putting info I do have on over 200 people into Family Tree. I try to break up the work by looking for ancestors in between typing in descendants. I have found my great-great grandparents from my maternal great grandparents and that's exciting. After that entry the research moves to Europe and I have to upgrade my subscription to include The World. Since I have so much "regular" typing to do, I'm putting that off until I'm ready to concentrate on ancestors.

I worked at the thrift store on Tuesday and they are talking about having a small fashion show at one of our meetings wearing things people have bought from the store while working. I've picked up things for the kids but the only thing I bought for myself is a brand new jean jacket from Chico's. If I can wear the rest of my own clothes, I'd be happy to model it. We come across new stuff all the time. There is even a boutique area filled with designer clothes. I have to see what happens with this idea. It could be a lot of fun.

It was time for our evening Canasta group and Gerre and I had a hard time finding the house. The bad part is she has GPS in her car and I lived in that neighborhood at one time. We circled three times before we found the house on the opposite side of the street from where we were looking. We were in stitches by the time we arrived. I won second place and won $15 I think. Things are looking up!

We got some much needed rain on Wednesday and it was a great day to stay inside. We were supposed to take Alicia, whose husband just died, downtown but she called and said they were going to FedEx her what she needed. With the weather as bad as it was with flash flooding, we were both happy not to have to go out.

Today was my last performance at BookSmart. However, I was not Dwayne but ran the music machine. Last time I had trouble and was frantic the whole time getting the correct track ready to play at the correct time. This time I made sure the table was stable, did about three run throughs and it went off perfectly! I didn't miss one cue and there were no slip-ups. The new gal playing Dwayne missed three of her five lines and I knew how badly she felt. But the audience doesn't know and the others ad lib through it. All in all, it was our best production yet.

Tomorrow is hair color and cut day and then dinner and the play Nunsense with Gerre and Barry. They have season tickets and get two free tickets on occasion and invited us along. We saw this play in New York in the early 90s. Having gone to Catholic school K-12 with nuns doing most of the teaching, I find it a hoot. I know I'll enjoy it just as much this time. I don't remember the exact story line so much of it will be new again.

If my memory gets any worse I'll be able to hide my own Easter eggs soon.

I Broke A Leg!

Not really, I just didn't blow any of my lines as Dwayne. The only mishap was Bubba put my bolo tie on with the medallion facing in instead of out but I don't think the kids noticed. One teacher was laughing so hard I thought she was going to fall off her chair. Then we went around to seven classrooms to "autograph" the book - 120 in all! It is such a fun time for all concerned. I'm going to suggest they get shirts and hats as costumes that look like the characters in the book. I had a black cowgirl hat on and in the book the Wicked Stepdaddy does. A little boy pointed this out and I think he has a point. With so many of us working at the Thrift Shop, I'm sure we could locate a few things there or be on the watch for them for next year.



Ted ordered his new glasses and sent for his new lense to snap into his shooting glasses. I'm expecting all 25's from him with his new toy and new glasses. But Lord knows I don't need any more trophies unless he puts a shelf in his man cave to put them on. My office is plumb full.



Friday was up and out early. I had to be at the CWJF meeting by 8:15 to help set up the food. It is sign up time and most everyone comes so we have a crowd. They requested my deviled eggs so I made a couple dozen. We had everything set up, I signed up for what I need for the rest of the year, and I came back to eggs missing. People were wandering by and picking one up, then moving the others around to fill in the hole. But as more and more people did that, more plate was showing than there were eggs. By the time the crowd came up to eat and sit down for the meeting, my eggs were mostly gone already.



I came home and Ted and I went to visit our friend Owen who had been moved to hospice. We were there mid-afternoon with his wife and minister. We prayed for him with them and took our leave around 3:30. Owen passed away in the early evening. We were so glad we went to see him and didn't wait. He was a true gentleman, a military man and one h*ll of a Canasta player! Our hearts and prayers go out to Alicia and his family at this difficult time.



Friday was getting even longer for us because we were expected at Wind Down. We bought some jalapeno sauce when up at Canton Trade Days so I bought mini phyllo dough cups already made up, mixed eggs with the jalapeno sauce, filled the cups and put shredded cheese on top and popped them into the oven to bake into mini hot quiches. Quick and easy which is all I was up for. They were a hit but I caught flack because I didn't bring my deviled eggs! We had a nice visit with everyone including the host couple who are moving to Jakarta soon. So many people travel in and out of our lives in the area where we live.



We made plans to go to the campground to see Tommy and Susan on Saturday. They are there for the weekend to just have a few days away. There was a BBQ going on in the park but we had elected to go out to dinner. We took them to that new Italian place we learned about last fall. The food was excellent and we all enjoyed it. We did go to the BBQ once we got back, not to eat but to visit with the folks that we know. Then we retired to the motorhome to visit.




We had a great time and had a cup of coffee. Tommy carries decaf just for me and Ted so we have to show up now and then to keep the stock rotated. Susan used her I-Pad to send me this photo of Lexy. When we got back she was in the driver's seat and Tess was in the passenger seat just sitting there looking out as if they were ready to drive away.



This morning we went to church, Ted is shooting, I'm playing with the Family Tree looking for Ted's elusive great-great grandparents. We are going to a pizza place on the waterway with the Dining Out group tonight at 6. And tomorrow ... so far ... is still open! Laundry room here I come.



Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

Still Trucking Along

Ted's endoscopy went well but the doctor did biopsy two spots and removed a nodule at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. He said he didn't think any of it was anything but he was being careful. His office called today and said it was negative on the nodule and irritation from reflux on the others. He is to continue his Nexium and see him again next year. Those waits sure can be long! We give thanks to God for the good report.

Ted's Christmas present arrived on Friday and he spent a lot of time over the weekend and the first of the week at the gun club. He is happy with his new toy and I'm happy for him. He doesn't smoke, drink, or carouse around but he does bet on the lottery. I can deal with his little "man cave" and the time he spends with his buddies. Everyone needs something to do in retirement.

We played Canasta Saturday night and I won third place which gave us our $10 back. We always enjoy subbing in this group. We get called frequently because there are 8 couples and it seems there is always someone who can't make it.

Sunday I spent time on the computer with My Family Tree Maker and my new subscription to ancestry.com. I've made some headway on our family tree for the next reunion. I was proud when I hit 100 people included. Gerre then said she had 15,000 people! She has books and books of things. I'll be a long time catching up I think. I'm trying to get the bottom part of the tree filled in with my generation on down. Then I'll work on the ancestor part in earnest. Right now I do have eight generations so that's a great start. We figured out one of my problems is I knew eight of my grandparents (Kelly had 10 when she was born) and that takes you off on tangents in every direction. I'm focusing on Joseph C. Homer, my maternal great grandfather, whose family of three children and descendants populate the reunion we hold every two years.

My Third Monday Bunco group met on Monday and we had two new ladies join us. We have two spots to fill and they have expressed an interest. One will fill a vacancy and the other is waiting to see if my friend Michele is going to drop out. She has her 90+ year old mother at home, her husband with slight dementia in need of a new hip replacement since the other is one of the bad ones and she is now hospitalized with shingles. I stopped to visit her and her face is a mess. I know she is under tremendous stress and that is making things worse. She doesn't need to worry about making it to bunco. We'll let it ride for awhile to see how things go. The decision will be hers.

Tuesday is my day at the thrift shop. I have to say I really enjoy working with the Forum ladies there. There was so much stacked up that we were in each other's way so I took the basket of things to be set aside for poundage and cut buttons off. I filled a container like you would pack a sandwich in only a bit deeper. That's a lot of buttons! However, I wasn't as tired as I normally am when I stand and unpack bags and boxes for four hours.

Today was genealogy and we had a good group. Everyone has done something and several have beautiful books, pictures, trees, etc. All are doing ancestors, I'm the only one still working on descendants. But some day, someone will be happy I have all that information down on paper.

Ted had an eye appointment this afternoon and I went with him to drive him home after his eyes were dilated. He has a change in his prescription so he'll be getting that done soon. He needed a second prescription so he can send his shooting safety glasses away to be changed also.

Tomorrow is my premier performance as Dwayne, the ugly cowboy stepbrother. Wish me luck!

"Life has no rehearsals, only performances." ~ Anonymous

Almost a Vacation Week

It's been a slow, catch up week and I almost felt like I was on vacation. Monday I played Canasta in the afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday were free days. It gave me a chance to get started on our taxes, take my new coat and slacks to the tailor for hemming, pick up mail at Rayford for Jay & Stella, take care of getting a couple prescriptions, pay our estimated tax payment, mail a package at the post office, drop off Carol's birthday gift and lots of other little things.

I had dinner with Gerre Tuesday night while Ted was shooting. Darn if I didn't lose another bracelet! I had a lovely turquoise one made summer before last and when I arrived home and started to take off my jewelry, there was no bracelet. I called the restaurant and Gerre, but no one had it. I've lost a gold nugget bracelet and a diamond tennis bracelet. Now I seldom wear one for this reason. At least I don't wear expensive ones anymore, though this was a very nice one!

Yesterday was our first play performance and I ran the music machine. Unfortunately, they set up the music stage left where the actors exit most of the time. With the cowboys stomping past me, it sent enough motion to the machine to make it keep going back to Track 10. I was frantic getting it back to the Track I needed. Normally it would go in succession but that was not to be. The only major thing I missed was the lightning bolt sound which follows the thunder sound immediately. After the thunder track it went back to 10 and I couldn't get it to 6 quick enough for the bolt. But the audience didn't seem to notice my hurried pushing of buttons and most everything else went well. Next week I'll be Dwayne.

Today Ted is having his annual surveillance endoscopy to check that the Barrett's Esophagus remains gone! We are praying, first that everything is still clear and second, just maybe he can get these done every other year instead of yearly. But it's a small price to pay for the excellent outcome he had in 2008 with the new ablative therapy he had done.

Rebecca will clean today while we are gone. She hasn't been here since the middle of December so I'll be glad to see her. Next week is a bear and I have every day on my calendar marked with at least one, and in some cases two, things I have for that day. I guess it will be time to pay the Piper for the easy week I had this week.

"You owe it to everyone you love (including yourself) to find pockets of tranquility in your busy world.” ~ Wolfdyke

Success!

Kara completed her first half-marathon (13 miles) in 3 hrs., 28 minutes at Disney World this weekend. I'm not sure about times but I do know that they have a "sweep crew" and if you aren't keeping a 16 minute mile pace, off the course you go. By my calculations, she finished ahead of sweep time by about 20 minutes. Next month she returns for the Princess Half Marathon. What a wonderful husband she has who will stay home with the kids while she trains and flies off to Disney World by herself for the weekend!


Ted and I shared the kitchen on Saturday while he used his new Christmas gift crockpot for his pork shoulder. He puts the smoker on the deck for the brisket and both things were going at once.

I, on the other hand, was making more mundane things like yeast rolls, roasted peppers and lemon pie to go with our Saturday night meal. I made a great one if I do say so myself for my old boss, his wife and son. I left Hoechst Celanese in 1996 and we've remained friends all these years. They are at retirement "loose ends" and are trying to decide where to live. They have a son in Denver, one in the Carolinas and one here. They are returning in April and have invited us out to dinner so maybe they will have some news then.

We went to church early today because Ted is gathering up his banquet things and will be getting his brisket and pork ready for the first Skeet Banquet of this year. I'm going along to share in the banquet and just watch Ted in action. It does my heart good!

Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better. ~ Robert Redford

I Knew I Would Hate Myself

I said when I decorated a bit for Christmas that I would hate myself on January 2. Well I hated myself today on January 5. Everything is down but some is still sitting in the garage waiting to be put upstairs in the attic. While it is semi cleared out, I want to go up and get rid of a few things before I put everything back up there again. As Scarlett O'Hara said "tomorrow is another day."

I was busy Monday night tending to Ted's very sore neck and shoulder muscle. I think he had a spasm from driving for so long and he had a big knot. Using Flexall, aspirin and a heating ring, we finally got it to loosen up. Each day it got a bit better and he is fine now.

I played Shang Hai on Tuesday and even though Gerre and I were at the same table and did lousy, we had a lot of fun with Jan and Monica. We laughed and laughed the whole time. That evening I had another dentist appointment and he said we are two away from being finished. Hooray! I was supposed to stop at the funeral home for a viewing of one of the Newcomer lady's husband but I simply forgot and came on home.

Wednesday morning I did remember to send the dozen chicken salad sandwiches I made over to church for the funeral luncheon. I was unable to attend the Mass or help out because we had Book Smart play practice. It was a dress rehearsal and the last one before our first performance on January 12. I did great on the music but switched my last two lines while playing Dwayne. This learning two parts is nerve wracking. I wasn't alone and one gal was still using the script so I didn't feel too bad. I need to zero in on the Narrator to get the right line at the right time.

We brought a ham bone home all the way from Michigan because Kara was going to throw it away! There was a ton of ham left on it so we just put it in our cooler with ice. I made a pot of bean soup and we had it two nights for dinner with cornbread. It was mighty tasty.

Today was Continental Breakfast and since I'm one of the Activity Chairs I have to show up on occasion. My best estimate is that I won't be able to attend again until September so I thought it best to show my face. Afterwards I drove to the mall to exchange a top and ended up buying two pairs of slacks. There are still some good bargains out there.

Tucker is with us tonight and will be until Sunday. He's all curled up on the recliner love seat with Ted. He usually likes me best but he's really warming up to Ted who takes him out all the time and for walks.

My former boss at Hoechst Celanese in Michigan and his wife and son are coming for dinner Saturday night while they are in town. It will be good to see them. Ted's shooting league banquet is on Sunday. He is preparing the pulled pork and brisket for it. Both of us in the kitchen at one time might be pushing the envelope just a bit! I'll let you know how we make out next time.

If the shelves are dusty and the pots don't shine, it's because I have better things to do with my time. ~ Author Unknown