Day Four and Five

The kids had booked us all to go Fluming the Ditch, a kayak trip down the irrigation canals and through tunnels to the fields.  When we read the waiver it said no one on blood thinners or with back problems should go.  That left me, Ted and Larry out!  They had a great time and saw the NW part of the Big Island and had a very unique experience.

They stopped at a beach up that way and spent a little time perusing the area.

Ted, Larry and I went into Kona-Kailua to visit the shops and historic buildings ending with lunch at the historical Kona Inn.  We could watch swimmers, parasailors and even the submarine surface, change passengers and then disappear down again.  

We made the daily run to the grocery before coming home to get the meatballs and sauce Kara made on to heat through and the water boiling for the spaghetti.   It sure was good!

Having been out and about for a few days, we decided to stay close to home on Christmas Eve.  Some of us went to the pool and others went to different beaches.  Pat and Larry went snorkeling and we got things ready for our Christmas dinner and dressed for church.  

The Hula Ministry danced twice to Hallelujah and Silent Night.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  As we left church the main usher who we had talked with extensively said Nancy Pelosi had been there and her Security had parked on the grass in the No Parking zone!

And Christmas Eve, 2018 was a wrap!

Day Two and Three

With 11 people to feed, we hit Costco and Walmart for a bundle before the last family arrived.  We stopped at Annie's for lunch which came highly recommended in our condo booklet.  Kara's family stopped to get pizza upon arrival and the rest of us had "grab what you want" and everyone turned in early.  We have two 3 bedroom, 3 bath condos for the 11 of is.

Saturday was a trip to the City of Refuge, Greenwell Coffee Farm and St. Benedict's Painted Church for Mass.  We found the National Park Service not staffing the park but everyone was still walking in and using the App on their phone for the tour!  For free!  

The kids loved the tide pools with yellow tangs and lots of sea urchins.  

Afterwards we headed to Greenwell Coffee Farm where we learned everything you would ever want to know about coffee growth, harvesting, roasting and grades.  I tried their Macadamia Nut flavored and it was very good!

The Painted Church is St. Benedict's and is a very historical landmark.  We chose to attend Mass and were warmly welcomed by the Deacon and congregation, small as it was.  

The inside is painted with perspective making it appear that the building continues on behind the altar but it is a flat wall.

As is Catholic tradition, walls are painted telling Bible stories and were used to teach Christianity to the Hawaiians.

It was a full day and we had seen a lot.

Where To Begin?

We left in plenty of time to get to the airport and park.  The shuttle bus was there and away we went.  Our first disappointment was they would not check our bag through to Kona because Hawaiian Airlines is not part of the Star Alliance any longer.  So we were going to have to claim it, check it back in and go back through security.  TSA pre-check actually worked unlike our fun trip going to Rome!  

We had been advised there wasn't food service, only things to buy, on this 8+ hour non-stop flight.  What did I want for $1100?  Our seats were comfortable but we had no screens to watch the advertised movies.  You had to download their app, provide your own headphones and clip your phone to the seat in front of you!  I kid you not!!  Since I was in a bulkhead seat I had no seat in front of me and we have a whole basket of airline headphones at home but none with us.  None were offered at any price.  I read on my Kindle and Ted played Solitaire on my I Pad.

We waited 1 1/4 hours for late passengers before we took off.  Then we were put 10th in line since we hadn't used our allotted take off time.  Just as we moved into first place, an elderly woman was on her phone and her husband got up to use the restroom!   They didn't speak English so the attendant got their son from coach to get her off the phone and him out of the bathroom!  We barely made it before getting pushed back to 10th again!  I told Ted we could kiss our connection goodbye.

They brought drink service and I had a cup of coffee with a package of 6 thin wafer cookies.  A bit later they were back asking if we wanted to purchase any food.  I asked if they would come back again later and he said there wouldn't even be any food for the back passengers so if I wanted something to order it.  I asked for the $10 grilled chicken wrap and received a chicken Parmesan because they didn't have what I wanted.  No one asked if I wanted something else. They just handed it to me and moved on.  It was microwaved in a brown wrapper which caused hard spots on the corners.  Oh well!

I had packed some apples, oranges and pretzels so we weren't going to starve.

We agreed Ted would wait for our bag and I would go ahead to Hawaiian Air to rebook our flight to Kona.  There is a shuttle but it just pulled out so I decided to walk, from Baggage Claim 30 to 1, then cross the street, go upstairs, pass International to Inter-Island.  I could not rebook until Ted was there.  He eventually arrived having walked the whole way without ever seeing a Shuttle.  Then we were directed to A16 where we did not make standby.  Not to worry, go to B2 and wait for the next standby list.  We made it!

Our arrival in Kona was now in the dark, our bag had arrived before us, so we proceeded to the car rental and received a nice Altima.  We drove to the resort complex, got through the gate, found our unit and got inside with no problems!  It was very nice, very well equipped and roomy with beautiful landscaping and views.  Finally, things worked as they should!

Side view, we are next to the pool.

From the second story balcony.

In the front yard.

Shortly thereafter we had to return to the airport to pick up Larry and Kristin, awhile later Cassie, Kelly and Pat arrived having rented their own car.

Getting to where you are going is the hardest part of the trip, second only to getting home.  I hope things improve but I am not expecting much out of United Airlines.  To me they are a flying Greyhound bus!

Countdown to Aloha!!

Friday and Saturday were spent cleaning, shopping and cooking.  I dug out the Christmas linens and dishes.  To encourage people to stay out of my kitchen while I cooked, I pushed the table in the breakfast area back against the sideboard and removed the chairs from the long side and used it for the bar and appetizers.  Food usually attracts them!  That and the Texans were on TV in the adjacent family room.

We baked the ham for an hour just to warm it and, leaving it in the foil, placed it in the cooler to keep it warm.  Next up was putting the sweet potato casserole into the oven, when it came out I put it in the electric roaster on about 225 and put the bacon wrapped asparagus into the oven.  While that baked, I made macaroni and cheese in 5 minutes in my Instant Pot.  I had a mandarin orange and spinach salad with homemade citrus dressing and golden raisin sauce for the ham made ahead of time.  Last up was popping the rolls in the oven.  It all came together hot and ready to be served.  I love when that happens!

Everyone cleaned their plate and partook of Blue Bell peppermint ice cream accompanied by the Grinch cookies I made for dessert served with coffee.  We forgot to offer the after dinner chocolate dessert wine!  

We sat until after 10:00 talking and laughing.  We had such a good time!  I gave John and Terry each a container of mac and cheese to take home.  They both love it and apparently don't get it often.  Neither one declined!  

We had to go to church Sunday morning and then went to Walmart to pick up a few things.  Ted went shooting in the afternoon and I put all the dishes, crystal and silverware away and laundered the linens.

That evening we joined with Connie and Jeff in attending a dinner hosted by John and Sherida.  Two big dinners in two days is playing havoc with my Weight Watcher points!  It was just about 11:00 before we got home.

In the meantime on Monday I continued my mission of getting my email changed in more places.  I am making progress and the old one has been suspended.  That will allow me to peruse the 20,000 or so that have jammed my mailbox.  My electric bill came to my new email so that was a good sign!  

Tuesday and Wednesday we did laundry, finished packing, went to the bank, printed out boarding passes, put away what little I had out for Christmas inside and left a few things outside.  We made a reservation at the airport parking lot for the time we are gone.  Two years ago only reservations were allowed into Hobby, no room for those without.  We didn't want to leave it to chance.  We didn't ask anyone to take us for two reasons.  First, everyone is very busy right now and many are traveling themselves, and second we arrive home at a very early hour.  If I can't afford to park, I shouldn't be going, is my feeling.  

Since my last weigh in was 11/30 I had to weigh in for December or find a meeting in Hawaii to cover the month.  After three large holiday dinners and three parties, I was wondering if I could hold my number.  I was ecstatic that I weighed my lowest number yet.  I am not trying to lose anymore and I have enjoyed the food served at meals, paid close attention to party foods but did have an occasional  glass of wine.  Now I have to keep up the good work while cooking for all of us for 10 days!

We leave early in the morning so I will wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Hold On - Busy Week Approaching!

Friday we made a long delayed trip to the jewelers with several things for repair.  I needed a second link removed from the watch Ted bought me for my birthday.  They removed one link when he bought it but then it became necessary to remove another.  His Augusta National Masters watch band came apart and needed to be repaired.  He has no plans to part with THAT watch.  I had an earring post come off a gold earring and I wasn't sure if they could repair that or if it would be worth it.  I can't remember where or when I got them.  At first he asked if they were a favorite pair and I expected bad news.  I told him not necessarily and he said it would be $60 to fix.  He then said they were worth $250-300 so I am having it repaired!

That evening we met Barry and Gerre for dinner and I returned her canning jars filled with candy along with the two cookie cutters I borrowed last year.  I wrapped them like a present and we had a good laugh.  We had agreed to stop birthday and Christmas gifts because neither of us need a thing.  

We saw Seussical the Musical and the young cast did a tremendous job.  Such energy!  They will all be exhausted when the 3 weekend run is over.  Santa was in the lobby.  He didn't even ask what we wanted for Christmas but did his impersonation of Howard Cosell!

Saturday was double duty church day.  Normally if a holyday falls on Saturday or Monday, the requirement to attend Mass is waived.  But not on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Since we were at the theater Friday night, we went to Mass at 10 am on Saturday,  it was cold and misty and I expected less than a crowd at church.  Wrong!  It was SRO!   Was pleasantly surprised to see so many still attending these celebrations.

We went to the store and came home to make some cookies and then at 5:00 went off to Mass again.  There are different readings for the second Sunday of Advent than we heard in the morning.  Right after, we went to play Shanghai with our group.  What a spread our hostess had.  She really outdid herself.  Neither of us won at cards!

Sunday was laundry day, started working on the Christmas cards, balanced the checkbook and got the Christmas dishes out for next week's dinner.  I decided I need red chargers, the gold ones just don't hack it with the tablecloth I am using.  Irene said I should borrow hers and not buy any.  I haven't been able to find any in stores so I am taking her up on it.  After Christmas they will be available probably or I will have time to have them shipped.  

Monday was a double duty day again.  I had to be at Canasta at 1:00.  Michele had quite a spread too.  I ended up in the middle of the scores as always.  I arrived home at 4:00 and had to dress to leave at 5:00 for Forum's Christmas dinner.  I rode with Sue Ann and Donna and traffic was stop and go all the way.  I was able to visit with many ladies I haven't seen in awhile 

and the food was delicious!  

Ted had returned home from his busy day when I arrived.  I forgot to ask him what he ate for dinner!

Tuesday I played 3-13 again, a new card game.  This was only my third time playing and I came in second.  We eat lunch there and I didn't eat again all day.  When I got home I did the ironing and finished setting my table for Saturday.  Ted went to his shooting league.  A quiet evening was appreciated!

I stayed home Wednesday cleaning and getting ready for our weekend dinner party.  Our neighborhood birthday/Christmas luncheon was Thursday but I forgot to take a photo!  I spent a good deal of time both days shutting down my old email and setting up a new one.  I was spam blasted and have thousands of emails to join every website in the world!  Getting your accounts changed to the new email is the hardest part.  They know the website that started it.  Some black listed place in a foreign country.  They had no other info, just the email address, thank goodness.  I apparently have requested joining Tommy Hilfiger's website over 100 times!

Enjoy all this season has to offer!

Rest In Peace #41

I spent a good part of the day watching the funeral of President Bush.  Not much got done except what had to to be.  Ted arrived home about 7 pm having been caught again in the funeral motorcade.  He was in it on the way south on Monday as they left for Ellington Field and then again Wednesday as they arrived back at Ellington and headed for the church. I thought it fitting since George's motorcade caused a huge backup in Detroit in 1982 as both it and Ted made their way to the Silver Dome to see San Francisco trounce Cincinnati in the Super Bowl.  

Thursday was our CWJF trip to the Design Center and we had to drive the highway next to the tracks the 4141 would travel on.  Every sheriff, constable and police officer it seems was standing guard at intervals along the way.  I have never seen such a security presence.  Houston made us proud that day in handling the logistics with such respect, dignity and safety.  

Once everyone was where they needed to be we made our way to our destination.  The Design Center features all kinds of furniture, fabrics, decorations, outdoor furniture, etc. to make your home beautiful and your wallet lighter.  Their focus this week is on tablescapes for the holidays.  I have never had vodka for breakfast but there is a first time for everything.  Here are a few of the creations.  The first one featured Baccarat Crystal.

This was all live plants.  The centerpiece was a roof gutter,

Happy New Year

Very pink.  Pretty but too much.  You wouldn't be able to see across at your dining guests.

A mantle in the room where we viewed a slide presentation on chateaus in France.

It was a sad beginning to the day but a nice middle and end.  

The Celebrations Are Starting

First thing Monday morning I took Ted to Enterprise to pick up a rental car.  He was driving to south Texas to call on the McAllen Monitor and chose to not drive his truck.  He will return Wednesday or Thursday depending on shooting skeet with his buddies before he heads home.

I was on call to take my walker to an 80 year old neighbor who fell and cracked her pubic bone and was now being discharged.  She lives alone and I didn't know what else, if anything, I might need to do for her.  She called telling me she was not being discharged until 3:00 which gave me time to go to the Container Store and buy some drawer organizers for my kitchen.  With only six drawers I have decided I am tired of hunting around trying to find things. A little organization would help.  

I spent the rest of the morning emptying and cleaning drawers and then used the organizers to optimize the space.  I think it will work pretty well now.  Then I tackled the pantry and in the process put together a bag of groceries to take to the church pantry.  No one can see what I did but that doesn't dilute my sense of accomplishment.  I even washed every potholder I have.  

At 3:00 I received my phone call and went to Anisa's house.  She had a nurse accompanying her, driving her home and getting her settled in.  I helped her out of the car and onto the walker.  Once she was inside and lying on her bed, I left her with the nurse.  I had asked if she needed dinner and she said she had it covered.  

Ted called saying he arrived safely and had visited Sue and Niles, Trudy and Don as well as rescued my Christmas napkins left in the coach house last year.  He texted me later saying he had eaten and was heading in for the night.

Tuesday I went to my happy place!  It was the Christmas party for the seniors in Tomball.  I took my two bingo prizes, donned my little Santa hat, put a bell around my neck and drove right into backed up traffic from a bad accident.  I called ahead to let them know I was on my way and they were getting my table set up when I arrived.  I had a very lucky table of bingo players and everyone won a prize.  

The entertainment was a group of Spanish dance students where our Volunteer of the Year takes lessons.  They were so good, and a nice change from just music and singing, that they received a standing ovation,

Lunch was chicken and dumplings, green beans, cornbread and spice cake.  Once they eat, the hall clears quickly and we can begin clean up which doesn't take long.

I had not seen some of these ladies in quite some time because doctor appointments and our trip to Florida and San Antonio had gotten in the way.  We had a great time catching up!  

I stopped by the thrift shop and because I had on my uniform they thought I came to work!  I was looking for a new toy to take on Thursday but they didn't have anything I was interested in so I went elsewhere and bought a pop-up tent.  After a drive thru trip at Chik Fil A, I made it home.  

Slow Week

Wednesday - Worked on Hawaii grocery lists, sent Ted for two $50 Walmart gift cards for Giving Tree at church, did laundry, helped Eileen find plane tickets for an upcoming trip, watched Survivor.  That leaves out the things you do everyday related to cooking and eating, making beds, paying bills, etc.  

I forgot to mention that Monday I bought a plane ticket to Cincinnati to attend a 60th wedding anniversary dinner for Karen and Ron.  Because we will be in the valley, I have to fly from McAllen to Houston to Cincinnati.  This will be in February so when Ted said to stay a few days if I wanted I told him no because it will be cold!  I will rent a car because I don't want anyone to have to make two trips to the airport in two days.  That gives me the freedom to visit someone else if a quick visit opportunity pops up.  I hope the weather cooperates!  

Thursday Ted took my car for an oil change and then went to shoot with John.  I stayed behind to work again on my Hawaii grocery list, send out the neighborhood ladies luncheon invitation, notify my BFF since 1951 that I will be in Cincinnati in February and made a lunch date, designed and ordered our Christmas cards and gathered and wrapped my gifts for the seniors, the luncheon, and a friend.  I guess you never really have an entire holiday season with no gifts to purchase.  

Friday Ted had to work an outing at the gun club.  I went to weigh in, 3 lbs. below goal, and then had lunch at Sweet Tomatoes by myself since I assumed Ted would eat lunch provided for shooters.  It was after 2:00 when I arrived home and Ted was there.  I had things done before I left so there wasn't much to do.  I paid some bills and that's about it.  It was warm and we turned the AC back on!

Saturday was church and dinner.  Irene stopped by to return our blow up bed she borrowed over Thanksgiving.  Sunday was football and hemming a pair of jeans and moving buttons on the sleeves of a blouse and not much else.  Slow week was an understatement for a title!!  

More going on next week!

November is Ending. Oh My!

Where has 2018 gone?  We stayed home more than usual this year but that didn't change the speed with which the year has come and gone.  Each year is a smaller percentage of our entire life so I guess it will just continue at break neck speed from now on.  

We have had a relatively quiet weekend, staying home Friday to avoid the shopping hordes.  Saturday we drove to Carmine TX to have lunch with my former boss, and Michigan neighbor, from my time at Celanese.  They have retired to Thornton CO and are visiting their son in Austin.  We had a great visit and meal before they had to return their son's car.  We went through Magnolia going out and the traffic for the Renaissance Festival had the town in standstill gridlock.  We took the Grand Parkway home to avoid the problem again.  It was a bit longer, and costly, but well worth it.  We were in time for church at 5:00 but didn't go out to eat afterwards because we weren't hungry.  

Sunday my major accomplishment was getting my jewelry in order.  I have a new hanging carrier and it allowed me to put sets together so I don't have to go rooting around looking here and there for what I want.  It is just costume jewelry but it gave me a sense of accomplishment.  

I used the Instant Pot to make ribs.  Remove membrane, cover with rub, cut into 3 rib pieces, set them up in a semi circle around the pan edge, pour in a can of Coke, the real thing, and set for 25 minutes on the Meat setting.  I left it naturally release for 10 minutes, then pushed the valve to finish it.  I placed them on a cookie sheet, brushed them with BBQ sauce and placed them under the broiler for 3 minutes.  Voila!  Fall off the bone delicious.   

The girls and I are trying to come up with a grocery list for our time in Hawaii.  We are in the two condos for 10 days times 11 people!  That equals a whole lot of food!  I think we will shop for just 5 days and then make another smaller run as we determine what, if anything, is left to get and just what we need to finish out our time without over buying.  After cooking for two for so long, making something starting with a 5# chub of ground beef seems daunting!   We will need at least four pork tenderloins and several pounds of chicken breasts.  Then on to all the side dishes!  And snacks.  We can't forget them.  And drinks. There are supposed to be some basic supplies in the condos so we will have to check out what is there before we leave for Costco.  

I worked at the thrift shop on Tuesday and didn't buy a thing!  I never even went into the store and worked my whole shift at the children's clothes table.  I wasn't feeling great and it felt like the afternoon would never end.  I drank a Coke as soon as I got home and felt better quickly.

Ted went to his shooting league and I finished the Hawaii menu.  Just three weeks to Aloha!

Enough With the Rain!

It continued to rain on Sunday. Ted was texting all morning trying to get a consensus from his buddies on whether it would stop at some time so they could shoot.  He finally left and they did get in half a round.  I just putzed around and made beef stew in my Instant Pot in 47 minutes start to finish when he came home.  And that was using raw beef and fresh vegetables.  Delicious!

Monday was more rain and I did my minimalist Christmas decorating.  I put our manger on the sideboard, a centerpiece and place mats/napkins on the table and my Texas Christmas tree on the counter.  Friday I will take 5 minutes to do the front porch and door so the neighbors won't know Scrooge lives here!

I was tired of staying in with the cool weather and rain so I went to work at the thrift shop.  I had to try on several pairs of my navy pants before I found one that fit.  The Paralyzed Veterans collection bag continues to get refilled.  Three brand new pairs of Chico's khakis came in the store and that is another color I am allowed to work in, so I bought one of them.  I also bought a small Christmas arrangement for my sunflower table on the porch.  Grand total $12 for both.  I spent the whole shift putting clothes out on the floor.  

Initially the clothes are pulled from bags, looked over and kept or tossed.  Tossed ones are sold to recycle firms that do bundles to be shipped to third world countries or even sold for the fibers to be used in fine papers and probably lots of other things in between.  That's why you will see a child in a photo in Ethiopia wearing an Astros T shirt!  

Second inspection is done looking for tears, stains, dirt, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc.  Third inspection is one more look when the neck labels are given a colored plastic tag to help with moving inventory.  Once a month, everything with a colored tag from two months ago is put on the bag sale rack.  Fill a bag, pay one price.

Fourth inspection is right before they go on the floor.  Once they are OKd by store personnel they are moved to racks by type, sex, size, sleeve length, athletic wear, holiday wear, etc. and then by color.  That was my job Tuesday.  

Housewares is another area but there are other people that do that.  We do have a Forum member who comes in regularly and stages the store showcasing available merchandise.  Right now it is holiday wear and Christmas decorations.  This is my favorite place to work.  Second is the senior lunches at the Episcopalian church where I am as old as, or older, than the attendees.  Ted calls it "being on the right side of the bingo card."  I consider it a blessing to be able to serve these folks.  

I got my hair cut really short on Wednesday and didn't do much else.  I did make the cranberry jello salad to take to Irene's on Thursday.

Thanksgiving morning Ted and I peeled a bag of sweet potatoes and I made the sauce that goes in the baking dish with them.  I told Alexa to set an alarm so I wouldn't forget to put them in at the right time! We took our two dishes and a bottle of wine to Irene's where we had dinner with her son and his family and his mother-in-law, all in from Dallas.  The food was delicious and the company great.  

All but two of Irene's newly upholstered chairs had been delivered and her new rugs were down.  It looked amazing.  Her big tree in the foyer was all decorated in blue and silver and set off the new colors we had chosen.  We did good!

Well That Was A Short Fall

Wednesday morning was right around freezing depending on your location, a little above and some a little below.  My begonias made it through the night.  We stayed home most of the day but then the sun came out and it warmed a bit so Ted took my car and his truck to be washed.  I did laundry

It was just at freezing Thursday morning.  The begonias are ok but you can see a bit of frostbite on some edges.  It warmed up so we took a walk twice around the neighborhood.  They are promising 70s again for next week but a terrific rainstorm on Wednsday just to keep Thanksgiving travel interesting!   They were predicting temps above freezing Friday morning and there was no frost and 40 degrees.

We are going to Irene and John's for Thanksgiving so we will be fine whatever the weather.  I am making sweet potatoes and cranberry salad and offered a pumpkin pie but she insisted she has it covered.  Our pies from last Thanksgiving that Kara and I made.

It was Ladies Shanghai cards day Thursday. I try to keep my recurring activities spaced out but with Thanksgiving coming they get moved around and I ended up with four in one week!  And I won again.  I got good cards and lots of wild cards that really helped.  My dime purse is overflowing and there are $5 and $1 bills in there too!

Ted got a haircut Friday while I waited for the furnace yearly inspection guy.  When I followed him up into the garage attic because he couldn't find the light switch, I saw evidence of some critter activity.  A blue bag was chewed to pieces and my Christmas garland had balls, bows and cones pulled off it, probably the glue holding them was eaten.  I called Ted and told him to stop for Decon!  We put it upstairs since we have no kids or pets to worry about.  

Ted received a gift card and this medal in the mail on Saturday.  It is for his third place finish in Seniors during the Sporting Clay Nationals.  

He watched football and I ironed my clothes for Hawaii.  I am pretty well ready with clothes because with these cooler temps, I won't be wearing those clothes here any time soon!

We went to church and then Spring Creek BBQ for dinner.  

Fall Is Here!

Wednesday morning we received a call from the Ford dealer that my car was ready.  The bill was half of what they estimated because they only needed one piece, not two.  Labor was cheaper and Ted had a 15% off service coupon he received in the mail.  My seat works again!!

I had no activities for the rest of the day because I couldn't plan on having my car.  But don't ask me what I did.  I don't remember, so obviously nothing Important. 

Thursday was overeating day.  My neighborhood ladies birthday lunch was at a nearby Mexican restaurant followed later in the day by dinner at a high end steak restaurant as guests of John and Irene to thank me for the time, gas and tolls during our three trips to downtown.  We would have been happy at Culver's but they chose the steakhouse, a favorite of ours but one we save for special occasions.  Ted had their famous pork chop and I chose the smallest filet which was plenty for me.  The food was outstanding.

We woke to rain on Friday and Ted's Exxon Mobil gun outing was canceled.  I had a follow up doctor appointment and lab work early in the day.  When I came home, Ted received a phone call saying the outing was back on.  So he went there and I went to the nail salon.  The temperature really dropped so we just stayed in that evening.

Saturday was still rainy and cold.  Once again, the outing was short pullers so Ted agreed to go but said he needed to leave for us to attend church.  He called on his way home, brought Subway sandwiches, but it was too rushed and we decided to attend Mass on Sunday.

We were playing cards at 7:00 but were invited to join everyone around the firepit at 6:00.  I stood up from the couch to leave and turned my ankle completely over and down I went.  I had a huge lump and we immediately put ice on it and stayed home until we needed to leave for the 7:00 card game.  It didn't hurt but was tender walking on it.  Jane put a stool under the table so I could keep it elevated and offered me an ice bag which I declined.  I had a pain pill with me just in case but never needed it.  I slept fine with no pain but minimal tenderness when I walked on it.  We decided I would stay home Sunday to keep it iced and elevated so Ted went to church alone.

And I won at cards.  There were some really high scores (that you don't want) but mine was the least of them.  Ted finished out of the money.

Monday was the day to play Canasta.  I ended up in the middle which is par for the course in this group.  The weather turned cold and it sprinkled off and on most of the day.  I canceled going to the Newcomers Happy Hour because being out in dark, cold, rain didn't sound too inviting.  It was a good night for a chili dinner.  

There were snow flurries when I left for the doctor Tuesday morning.  In November!  

My cancer spot was scraped (or something) and bandaged with instructions to pick up a script for an ointment and keep it bandaged.  I played a new card game Tuesday and came in 3rd out of six by just one point!  Not a bad start.  It was too cold to do anything but head for home but I needed to stop for my script. They said it wasn't ready but would have "them" in 15 minutes.  When I talked to Ted I found out why.

With my weight loss and 20 mg. of cholesterol medicine, my number was 131, with 10 mg. it was 138.  So we tried with no meds and it went to 226!!  The third time the doctor called, Ted told him he could talk to him about my results (HIPPA).  He ordered 10 mg. again and it seems that my high number is tied to my own liver production and not just my diet.  I am eating the same, have not gained anything in almost 3 months so we will see how this goes.  I was shocked and then disappointed but it is not a big deal to take one pill a day that only costs $1.66 for 90 pills.  

The sun is finally shining but it was 32 this morning.  Hope my Texas weather comes home soon!

Fall is Flitting In and Out

The weather has been crazy.  Lots and lots of rain.  Temps in the 80s and then in the 60s.  I can't decide if I need the AC or the furnace!  And then we got the time change.  It is hard to stay on an even keel.  But my begonias look as good as ever.  They have been amazing.  Soon they will be replaced with pansies.

We watched lots of football on Saturday before going to church and dinner.  I attended a wedding shower on Sunday with about a dozen ladies from Forum.  We all showed up in flowered dresses with no consultation!  

Since it was at a yacht club in Kemah, five of us met up and rode together for the hour's drive.  That made coming and going lots of fun.  None of us were too familiar with just where we were but we could see the Kemah Boardwalk to the left when we turned right to reach the club.  It was almost dark when we arrived home because of the time change.  I brought Ted a bag of goodies from the candy/dessert table.  

Monday I readied all my bags of things for Texas Paralyzed Veterans and in the evening put them out on the porch.  While doing that I pulled together the shorts and capris that fit to start putting my Hawaii things together.  With a laundry in both condos there isn't as much need for too many clothes. Then I hit the office to order the wedding present and return the response card and sent a sympathy card to a relative of my son-in-law.  

Ted told me to renew our Haulin' Hitchhiker dues despite we now haul a Mobile Suite so I did that.  He went to the grocery, put gas in my car and made an appointment for a repair to my car seat.  The wrap around molded piece at the bottom has come loose and the seat isn't responding to my key or the button.  I know my next car will definitely have the seat response too because it takes me a long time to manually get everything set to drive after Ted and it is getting old quick!

I made taco soup for dinner and watched Dancing with the Stars.  There are several terrific dancers in the semi finals and two who must have big fan bases because they should have left long before some others.  

Talking about voting, Tuesday was Election Day.  I sent our ballots in awhile ago and was chastised on FB for using the mail because it costs $30 to process.  It is the difference between voting by mail or not voting because of our frequent absences.  Since $30 is about .001 of the total tax bill this household pays, I will continue in my wild ways.  

Irene and I made our fifth trip to the upholstery/rug area to return the second rug and get a third one.  We stopped at the carpeting place near home and picked out carpeting for the stairs based on the area rug we chose.  When we put it all together at her house it looked great.  I just hope she thinks so tomorrow.  

I talked to the flooring fellow about using wood for our DR, office and sitting area but Ted wants to go with carpeting again. It will be Spring though before we make the move.  We are still recovering from the bathroom chaos.  

When I arrived home we took my car to the Ford dealer.  It should be ready tomorrow since they have the parts.  I poked around the Explorer and Escape while there.  Again, I think this will be a spring project!

I guess we will watch Hallmark tonight since everything else is election results.  I have had enough!  Let the chips fall where they may.  

Wet and Windy Halloween

Tuesday was a dermatologist appointment to take a look at all these things that are appearing here, there and everywhere.  She removed a large skin tag that just sprouted out of nowhere and was driving me crazy with jewelry getting caught on it.  Then there was a small sore on my arm that just wasn't healing.  It had developed a small cone shaped scab and eventually that fell off but it was still a sore.  She biopsied that, said it was deep and I will hear back from them.  If it is something, there will be follow up.  If not, I only need to return on an as needed basis.  Getting old sucks!

I dropped a package off at the post office and then went to the mall to check out slacks at Chico's.  They are moving to another location in the mall and neither was open and no date was indicated when it would be!  Bummer.

Ted attended his last skeet league night followed by a banquet so I had the remote all to myself!  He was very pleased to have won "Best Overall" and "First" in the Senior Class too.  Sort of takes the sting out of the Sporting Clay scores the previous week in San Antonio.  There were many class divisions in San Antonio because there were 2100 shooters so his second place in Seniors was actually a good showing.  

On Wednesday Irene wanted to return one of her rugs down near the upholsterer.  She asked if I would take her because the 8 ft rug would fit in my Expedition.  We drove in rain all the way down but caught a lull upon arrival and the rug was removed easily.  She exchanged the foyer rug that John picked out in red and gold for the royal blue and gray one.  John's choice just didn't match anything else we had chosen for the furniture upholstery.  Since we were in the area we met her old neighbor for lunch and then went to the Chico's nearby.  I ordered one pair of slacks but that was the only one of four colors I was looking for that was available.

We arrived home just before the downpours started in earnest.  Because it was All Saints Day, we attended Mass in the evening, we could hear the rain pounding on the roof.  Even with big umbrellas and with the wind blowing, it was impossible to get to the car without getting wet.  I wanted to go through a drive thru for dinner and take it home but Ted chose Denny's.  My jacket was soaked when I got inside.  I had breakfast for dinner and he had pot roast.  We both cleaned our plates!  

Not a single trick or treater was seen anywhere in our travels.  In 15 years we have not had a single one but the family neighborhoods can get around 200, but not this year.  I hope many went to the mall but I don't stay abreast of those types of things so I am not even sure if that was available.  I imagine there was much disappointment in the kitchens around town with Snow Whites and Darth Vaders all dressed up and no place to go.

I went to WW on Thursday for my monthly weigh in,  I was 2.6 lbs. below goal.  Better that than 2.6 above!  That would cost me money until I lost the excess.  I am good until December now for another weigh-in.  I get on my WW digital scale every morning so I can keep myself on the right path.

I returned and readied myself for the Great Government Lottery for tickets to the Arizona memorial in December.  They went on sale at 7:00 am Hawaii time (noon here) so both Bill and I were poised and ready.  I got through first and ordered 6 tickets with narrated headphones for the Sunday afternoon we leave Kona and fly back to Honolulu.  After one night there in the Embassy Suites we will move to Disney's timeshare resort Aluani for New Year's Eve and Day (2 nights).  Then head back home after 2  weeks in paradise.

I cleaned the entire house Friday while Ted hosted four Exxon Mobile groups having outings at the gun club.  I usually clean in segments but I went full court press this time.  It certainly needed it!

 The sore on my arm was squamous cell cancer.  I have to return to have it scraped and burned.  And Irene doesn't like how dark the rug is so we are going back - again - to exchange it.  

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.