Let’s Stick With This

 My best guess is the Blogger App would not update and that was causing my problem, probably in conjunction with the old I-Pad not being able to update to the newest ISO so by going through Safari I have it working again.  It is not as convenient as using the App but like many things in life, I will deal with it.

I may leave something out or repeat myself but I will start with last weekend.  We had to change our theater tickets from the first weekend in March to the third weekend when we would be home.  Gerre and Barry could not do it Friday so we opted for Saturday and just didn’t go to dinner so we could attend church.  They had grandkids’ ball games so it all worked out.

The play was Godspell and they did a superb job!  Their mudicals are usually their best efforts, though we enjoy the range of plays they choose.  There have been one or two I could have skipped.  But again, I just deal with it.

Sunday evening, our elusive Israeli neighbors stopped by for a visit.  They arrived home before us, took off Tuesday and we will leave before they return.  I received a set of three lotions from Wiesbaden, Germany in the classiest black bag and box I have ever seen.  It isn’t necessary for them to buy me things for the few things we do in their absence,  Lord knows we are like two ships passing in the night as it is!  But she insists.

I invited our Tennessee friends for lunch on Monday while they are in town.  We hadn’t seen them for quite awhile and everyone looked great, all of us having lost weight.  While I did WW, they did keto.  The best exercise or diet is the one you will do so to each his own.  We had a nice visit for a few hours catching up.

Tuesday I did laundry and my friend Judy stopped by to give me a gift.  It was an umbrella.  During an outing I had left my umbrella under a chair and when I went back for it, it was gone.  She is so sweet.  We got to talking about all the wildflowers in bloom and were trying to identify the ones we had seen so far.  As a thank you, I ordered a Texas Wild Flower book from Amazon that was delivered to her the next day!

I took it easy on Wednesday,  I had been so busy getting caught up I just did what I had to but nothing extra.  Thursday I worked on our taxes.  I had been missing one K-1 and got to thinking maybe they sent it to my old email.  It took some doing but I finally had it sent via my new email.

Thursday I was invited to breakfast by Jody and we had an almost 3 hour meal!  But we got caught up.  Time just flies by when you are with friends that are so easy to talk to.  It is like no time has elapsed at all.  Before we leave for the summer I will invite her to lunch one day.  If you don’t make time, it never happens.

From there I went to play Shanghai.  I did great until the last hand and then got caught and went from tied for 1st to 5th!  I dealt with it!

We have a friend receiving medical care at Methodist in Houston.  Another couple who are mutual friends are with them at one of the RV parks near the Medical Center.  The fellows asked Ted where they could shoot and he arranged for them to come to his club on Friday.  The girls stayed behind because with 3 treatments a day, it was too much for Jana.  Once he had gone to meet them I looked at the calendar and realized I had to get blood drawn for my Tuesday hematologist appointment.  Ted was home when I got back but I left shortly thereafter for a haircut.

I spent the evening finishing up our taxes.  Because I paid the same Estimated Taxes this year because I didn’t know how much the new tax bill would affect us, we are getting a tidy sum back.  I also can send much less each quarter this year.

Life is Good!

I Think I Can

Tuesday we made our way to Apple and bought a new I-Pad. Since Tommy had kept on me to get a new one, Ted texted him we were at the Apple store. I told him there was no Apple store in the valley and he would just have to be patient! Once we completed our transaction, we met them for dinner at the Mexican place. He helped me check out the new I-Pad and is offering suggestions on how to learn to use it and this Wordpress.

Thursday I weighed in and am still 4 lbs. below goal. I am doing well. Then we drove to Lufkin and looked at two RVs. I found a layout I like but these two aren’t just what we would consider. We are going to be gone again until mid April so that is on the back burner and may just stay there.

Ted had cleaned the courtyard, deck and furniture and I did the front porch and furniture. The lawn people came today so the outside is presentable again. The pollen was terrible this year! The laundry is done, things put away, mail and taxes handled, so I did some dusting, mopping and vacuuming today (actually Rhomba did it). Ted delivered the things we got for Carol earlier in the week but we had things for John and Irene so we met with them at Landry’s for dinner Friday night. It was good to catch up and certainly didn’t feel as if 2+ months had gone by.

I appreciate you all hanging in with me and the blog. I hope to learn quickly!

Progreso, Mexico 

Well I can’t seem to add anymore so I will stop here.

To Photo or Not To Photo

It seems this app needs to be updated by the developers!  There is a photo icon that goes to my albums, it shows a circle completing and says Upload, then nothing appears.  I will mess with Wordpress and see how that works!  I hope the developers decide to fix it!

Blogger is apparently going away as I know it.  Google is not supporting and/or doing away with various platforms.  Photos will still not post on my new I-Pad.  I have tried to sign up on Wordpress.  They tell me they are sending an email for me to confirm but none never comes.  

Not sure where to go from here!

OMG - The Mail!

We arrived in Victoria early enough to set up, eat ribs at Uncle Mutt’s and attend Mass at 4 pm.  We were happy to get home and call it an early evening.

We left about 9:15 the next morning.  We had decided to take The Grand Parkway, the third circle freeway around Houston (though it is not completed yet).  We would pick it up before Sugarland and get off at I-45.  Thank goodness I put it in my GPS because it is not real apparent where you leave 59 to pick up 99.  I led the way and when I got off 59 it was not clear cut how to get on 99 but I followed the purple line of the GPS and did it!  Ted had complete faith in me and just followed.  Another problem was at one point it said to take 290 to Austin.  What??  I knew not to do that but stayed in that lane in case it led to 99 north.  At the last minute it said move left to continue on 99 North.  Gee thanks!  But we made it!  

We spent the rest of the day unloading the trailer.  Getting 2+ months purchases, clothes and food from there to here was tiring.  Despite having everything spic and span earlier in the week, the light rain made everything dirty again.  After dinner I tackled a huge box of mail.  I was able to separate garbage from things I needed to tend to.  Then I went to bed.

Monday, Ted left to finish up at the trailer and then called me when it was time to put the trailer back in storage.  It takes two so he knows when he has backed in far enough.  After all, it is over 40 ft. behind him.  He worked on the pollen laden outdoor furniture, deck and porch while I worked on that mail calling my name when we returned home.  We went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner after I started the first of four loads of laundry.  It was a long three days!

Despite having our calendar cleared until Saturday evening, I was invited to lunch on Tuesday with three Forum friends to pass off all the games I bought for the Silent Auction basket.  I was in a pretty good place with the taxes, laundry and putting things away so I agreed.  Two big shopping bags out of the house!  

I met Diane, Susan and Kathryn and passed the bags, went over our two basket contents and did the paperwork because we are a charity and need such things.  It was nice catching up on the Forum news and was a pleasant afternoon.

Ted suggested we go find a new IPad.  Sam’s will sell you one.  Good luck setting it up!  Best Buy will transfer for you as soon as they finish getting accredited.  So off to Apple which is probably where we should have started to begin with.  I told them of my Apple ID problem and it took three associates to finally fix the problem.  At least I hope it is fixed!  I am finishing downloading apps that didn’t come over and so far so good except for Words With Friends.  I had a previous account and it is the one that showed up.  So I notified the current players of my "new name" so we can continue to play.

I am going to start a new blog to see about photos.  The Apple guy said Blogger has only 1.6 out of 5 and lots of photo problems in the comments.  I may have to switch to Wordpress.

The End of Our Winter Sojourn

Tuesday we drove to the detailers and left my car.  Then Rick and his crew arrived to start washing the trailer.  In the meantime Eugenia came to clean inside.  I told her if it was high or low it was dirty.  To polish all the wood requires a ladder that Ted doesn't want me climbing and floors, baseboards, behind the toilet, between the shower and vanity, etc. requires crawling around and I physically cannot do that.  So for right now, the RV inside and out is clean as well as my car inside and out.  Until it rains!  It will be a smaller job emptying it and just putting it away versus having to clean everything.  Because we are leaving again in 2.5 weeks we hope to get permission to plug in so I don't have to empty the refrigerator.  Of course then every time I need something it will be "in the trailer!"  

We decided to drive to Alton to have chicken again and invited Sue and Niles along.  We had some good laughs talking about traveling mishaps in Europe.  

Wednesday we attended the Open House picnic for the gun range improvements.  I sure hope a new, updated IOS I-Pad fixes this "cannot post" problem for photos.  From about 3 tables to a full shade cover shooting stands and separate picnic area complex, the work put in was enormous.  Ted helped with the painting and screen stretching part after the welding was done.

For his part we were invited to a potluck for all the workers on Thursday.  I made warm, German potato salad and bought an apple pie at HEB.  If I do say so myself, the potato salad was as close to my mom's as I have ever made.  A lady asked how I made it and a fellow chimed in saying it was great.  Made me feel good.  Earlier in the day we had dropped Ted's truck off to be washed and waxed and then we both got haircuts.  I came home and got rid of the gray!  Then we went back for the truck.  All was clean.  Then it rained!

Friday I hit the nail salon.  I knew I had more time here than when I get home.  Two months of mail, our taxes, Ted's sister in law's taxes, 8 medical appts and another 10 day trip in the next month will keep me busy.

I played mahjongg in the afternoon and won 2 games after a long drought!  It was a fun time with lots of laughter.  When I returned home Ted was in the backyard.  The electric and water had been turned off too early!  We plugged in to our backyard neighbor's post with his permission and Niles used channel locks to turn the water back on.  We contacted the owner, he apologized for the mixup and I was able to tell him all was well.  

We went back to the Italian restaurant we had been to the week before with Gerre and Barry for dinner and had the same waitress who recognized us!  Two meatless Friday's down, five to go!  It's hard to imagine we used to do this every Friday!  

Tomorrow we will drive to Victoria and spend the night.  If we drive straight through we would hit Houston traffic mid to late Saturday afternoon and then have to go to church Sunday.  This way we can stop and fuel my car, go to church, eat dinner and leave early enough Sunday morning to miss bad traffic.  Sounds good in theory!  We will be at Woodlands Lake emptying the trailer on Sunday and putting it back in storage on Monday morning.  

It will be good to get home and get things caught up but it is with heavy hearts we leave our friends and "second home" until next year.  

A Visit With Friends

I am really slacking off!  What I am writing is off the top of my head.  Let's see what I can remember!

Gerre and Barry arrived on Wednesday later than originally planned.  She was in charge of her church's Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and they started out Wednesday morning later than planned. 

Ted and I attended the Ash Wednesday Lenten service and then we picked them up for dinner at Cracker Barrel where I ate trout and Ted had pancakes.  

Thursday we traveled to Mexico but we were caught behind the road patching caravan and it took 1.5 hours!  Our first stop was Almost Free pharmacy and then on to El Disco where Gerre did a bit of shopping.  We met up with the boys in Pancho's Bar, already on  their second margarita.  From there we headed to Jessica's for Ted's eyedrops but didn't even stay for the free margarita.  We received farewell hugs from the owners who wished us safe travels.  

That evening we went to Golden Chick for their roasted chicken for me and Gerre and tenders for Ted and Barry.  We have learned they are mostly in small Texas towns and Alton, TX fills that bill.  We all agreed it is great food for little money.  We came back to the coach house for a game of Shamghai.  Gerre had a Shanghai and didn't even realize it at first.  I also was holding one, needing to draw a card that would fit but with three jokers to manipulate, but I never got the chance!  

Friday our guests went to find a Sun Hut to use a gift card and in the afternoon we played mahjong while the fellows went to Da Range as our gun range is aptly named.  Sue had pointed out an Italian restaurant when we were shopping so we chose that for our meatless Friday dinner.  The pineapple pizza with extra sauce on thin crust was excellent.  We will certainly go back.

I was under the weather again Saturday morning so begged off a trip to the Mexican flea market.  By 10 am I was feeling much better so our afternoon and evening plans stayed intact.  The annual Toppa Hoppa (not sure what that means) started at 3:00.  We all went to the clubhouse for wrist bands and to buy into the "game."  There were 5 food stations and one dice roll when you bought your game sheet. You had to roll 5 die and get a 6 to get your ship, then a 5 to get your captain and the cumulative score of all 5 die to get your crew.  

My first roll I got my 6.  At our first stop I got a 5 and we bought $2 margaritas from the roving wagon and feasted on Frito pie.  Next stop was 1-2 ribs and cole slaw.  I threw a total of 18 for my "crew."  Our third stop was pulled pork and broccoli salad.  I was getting full so gave the pork to Ted.  I rolled in the teens.  Fourth stop was charro beans and mini corn muffins.  Three spoonfuls of beans and one bite of muffin and I was done.  I rolled in the teens again.  Our last stop was chicken Hawaiian skewers.  There was no way I could even think of eating it.  The chicken chunks were huge!  Someone gave me a ziplock bag and I took ours home. We stopped at the clubhouse for a brownie bite and one inch square cheesecake.  My total crew was 63.  Scores in the 80s won the first three prizes but Ted and Barry tied for last place with just 6 that they finally got at the end.  Barry won the roll off!  We said our farewell because they were taking off early in the morning.  They promised to return next year possibly for Smokin' on the Rio if the dates work.

I played mahjongg in the afternoon and we attended evening Mass at Our Lady of San Juan of the Valley Basilica.  Their 15 piece mariachi band provided the music and singing cantor.  Mass was a combination of English, Spanish and Latin.  Some I got, some I didn't.  We had dinner at BJs where I tried their tri tip sliders.  There are four but I put half the meat on one, the other half on another and didn't eat the two extra buns.  They were good and I would get them again.  

Monday the people to wash our RV did not show.  Ted tried three times to call but got no answer and there was no way to leave a message.  He called Rick who had been too busy and he said he would work us in Tuesday in the afternoon.  Ted emptied our tanks, checked all 14 of our tires and started gathering his things together in the coach house.  We took down my two card tables and put up the table Norm had given us along with four chairs.  We will leave that along with the tower heater he gave us too.  I have all the meds sorted by person and the games are in two Jessica Pharmacy sturdy shopping bags.  I emptied our hall closet and put the coach house things away and re-organized everything.  We are good to go!

Lost Some Time Somewhere

I thought I had written a few paragraphs for Tuesday and Wednesday but it is Thursday and my page is blank.  I played Mah Jongg on Tuesday and attended an Instant Pot class followed by a lunch with Dave and Karen and dropping my car off for new brakes on Wednesday.  I assume I did some daily routine things too but now you don't have to be bored with the details!

PS - I still cannot post photos.  Bear with me!

It is Thursday morning and the helicopters are up again.  They are right over us.  That means there are "unknowns" in our area.  Here is the news for this week and a letter from a lady up near Laredo.

RGV Sector Apprehends Nearly 7,000 Illegal Aliens in One Week

 

Rio Grande Valley #RGV Sector continues to apprehend large numbers of illegal aliens, averaging nearly 1000 per day.

 

RGV Sector leads the nation in illegal alien apprehensions, the sector now accounts for nearly 50% of all arrest along the entire Southwest border.

 

Yesterday, RGV Sector agents arrested more than 1,300 subjects, which marks the second time in two weeks this number has been reached. A majority of these arrests are family units and unaccompanied children from Central and South America, which greatly impact the number of agents available to carry out the border security mission within the RGV Sector.

 

At the current rate, the Rio Grande Valley Sector is on pace to reach 240,000 apprehensions for this fiscal year.

   

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

THIS IS FROM A WOMAN WHO OWNS PROPERTY ON THE MEXICO / UNITED STATES BORDER. THIS IS IN REAL TIME, HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

"I live on the Border and NO one but us knows what is happening.

"I live 1/2 mile from the border in El Indio, Texas. Last week, we had over 40 people pass through our ranch. One group of about 15 men pulled a gun on my husband and had a 13 yr old Mexican girl that they kidnapped from Guerrerro, MX. She had blood all over her and had urinated on herself. 

My husband was able to, with the help of Border Patrol agents in a helicopter who passed over, get the gun from the illegal man (he was Honduran) and they rushed the poor girl to the emergency room for help because she had in fact been kidnapped and gang raped by these men. This is just one of many stories we have. 

Two nights ago, 3 men came up to our house. One of them was an elderly man who was almost dead. We gave them water and protein bars, called BP and 911 for the man to go to the emegency room. 

We are kind people and believe in helping people in need BUT there have been 3 attacks on my husband on our ranch, 2 of which were directly at my home, in the last 3 months. And that really means something because we are considered an area that does not NEED alot of help!!! 

I got so MAD when I watched and heard what Pelosi and Schumer said concerning Trump's "manufactured" drama with the border. 

That is such garbage!!!! They are ignorant liars!!! How many people have to be hurt or attacked? 

There has to be someone in our government who stands up and helps our Border Patrol. From Eagle Pass to Laredo, there are only 3-5 guys on call, and it could be 2 guys against a group of 50+. 

Its horrible!! We need help!! The wall needs to be built, not at the port of entries but between them.

Pelosi is a moron if she thinks that added more security at the borders will help because, Hello Nancy, they are NOT COMING THROUGH THE BORDERS.  THEY ARE COMING THROUGH MESQUITE AND BRUSH.

Someone needs to define crisis and emergency to me because I apparently have a different definition than some people.  

On Thursday, Mimi and I rode to breakfast together and went shopping afterwards.  My favorite store before I lost weight is closing!  At first their sizes were 14-26 or so and I could wear some of the smallest things.  Then they moved to 12 and then this year to 4!  I had a hard time finding anything but there was about 2 feet of Smalls.  I bought a black and red dressy blouse and a pair of Slimsation ankle jeans in size 6 (woohoo!).  Ankle jeans on me are slacks that don't need hemming!  Mimi took me to Texas Thrift, a store everyone talks about.  It is huge, very well stocked and is like the shop I volunteer at when home only much larger.  My curling iron tip, where you hold it with your opposite hand, came off so I needed a new one.  I found a brand new Conair for $3, a package of 6 Thank You notes for 66 cents and an ice cream dish to match the 7 I have at home for $1.  There were all kinds of things, well organized, clean and so spacious.  

When I returned home Ted went running around in my car so I waited for him to return so I could go next door to do a load of laundry.  It was dinner time by the time I returned but neither of us was hungry.  Eventually he had a sandwich and I had a bowl of soup then we stayed in for the evening.  

Friday was Mah Jongg and Ted was running hither and yon in my car.  I am not sure just where he went or what he was doing.  

Well it is Wednesday again and I need to wrap this up.  Ted called card bingo on Saturday.  I asked Vivian to be my partner but neither of us won.  Ted and his group went to El Dorado to shoot Sporting Clays instead of skeet.  I had a good day at mahjongg. Monday I took Sue to Texas Thrift and she found designer jeans for next to nothing and Tuesday I taught Nancy the rudimentary rules of mahjongg.  She went with me to play and seemed to grasp the concept.  Gerre and Barry arrive today.  Helicopters were up last night.  BP was in here but I don't know the outcome.  Helicopters are up again this morning.  And life goes on ...

Nearing the End of Our Stay

We have three weeks to go of our winter stay.  We did only come for two months instead of three but it just seems to have gone by so fast!

Friday was Ted's day to help paint the welding pipes that will frame a cover down at the gun range, I played mahjongg in the afternoon and had terrible tiles but we had fun anyway.

We were up early Saturday and headed to Mercedes to Smokin' on the Rio sanctioned BBQ cook off.  We were judging fajita meat at 10:00 and ribs at 2:00.  Dave and Karen met us and we reported to the building at the appointed time.  Our instructions were the same as last year.  No talking, no facial expressions, grade on appearance, smell, tastes, texture and overall grade, 1-10.  Do not touch the food, use a clean knife and fork for each bite, take a bite of cracker or pickle and a small drink of water between bites.  We had 13 boxes to grade.  I gave one 10 and my lowest grade was 4.  Most were in the 6-8 range.

We walked around the many cooks admiring all the booths and different smokers in use.  We were asked to come back in by two separate people to judge the beans but we passed.  We found the Tito's vodka booth that was passing out big cups of Tito's mixed with lemonade and watermelon.  I didn't take a glass the first time but when the other three decided to get a second one I did because it was getting hot and I was thirsty.  Karen and I shopped a little at the vendors which ended in a new pair of earrings for me and a Yeti tumbler for her.  We listened to a band for awhile before returning to the judging building.

I enjoyed the ribs more than the fajita meat.  I was tempted by one box that got a 10 from me and was in danger of being hijacked!  They were so good!  Once we finished we said our goodbyes while Karen and Dave were going for one more Tito's.  We drove right to church and then to card bingo at home.  

I cleaned Sunday while Ted shot skeet and then went to play mahjongg.  All three of us at the table won a game so that was nice.  We were due back at the clubhouse for a memorial service for Eddie Randall who had died recently.  He was a guitarist with Buddy Holly and is in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  A dubious memory is he drove the Big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly to the airport the night they died.  A Lutheran priest presided at the devotional to the well attended gathering. Afterwards a light lunch and drinks were served.  

Our group of 10 decided to go to Brick Fire Pizza instead.  We had a good visit and many laughs while enjoying our food.  When we got back to the park we all retired to our rigs for the night.

Monday we left early for dentist appointments in Mexico.  It was time for our cleaning.  In the fall I get a cleaning done at home.  Ted had gone first and left for a pedicure.  When I caught up with him he was just getting finished.  By then it was almost lunch time so we stopped in Renee's for coffee and a cinnamon roll and boy did that taste good to me. The scale still says I am 3.5# below goal so adding a few things in has not been a catastrophe.  We bought the rest of his eye drops and back cream.  I purchased 3 Z packs because I like to keep them on hand and hand painted salt and pepper shakers for the RV.  We can't find the pepper and the salt one is hanging on to the top for dear life, probably corroded.  

We weren't home long and John and Vivian stopped by to say goodbye.  They are leaving Friday with their utility trailer but need to come back for their RV.  I don't know what he has in there but he wanted it with him.  Now even he is saying he doesn't know why he brought it!  Being fulltimers I am sure it is full.

We picked up Debbie and John at 5:30 for dinner at Saltgrass.  They are DRV owners too and she is co-moderator of the Owners Forum on Facebook.  We had trouble getting together but our dinner was great and lasted three hours.  They leave Thursday but their children live in Houston so hopefully we can see them again soon.  

I Need Three Wardrobes

Cool, Pleasant, Hot - Everyday is a crap shoot in getting dressed!  We have been in the 30s and the 90s.  Throw in my trip to Cincinnati and add gloves and winter coat to the mix!  Keeps life interesting.

Since neither of us had anything in particular to do Monday we went to the grocery.  When we came back I made peanut butter cookies and brownies for the Border Patrol.  Trudy and Mimi will deliver them to the station.  Ted took the opportunity to get my tires rotated because we bought them here at Pueblo Tire two years ago.

I was thinking smoked sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and cucumber salad for dinner but Ted wanted me to try Golden Chick he had eaten at while I was gone.  I had the roasted wing and breast, fruit salad, roll and drink, he got the tenders, fries, roll and drink.  The bill was like $13 because drinks, huge cups, are included.  And the chicken was awesome.  I would certainly go back.

Tuesday dawned cool and misty.  Ted's shooting was canceled and because it was such a crappy morning I decided to check in to WW and do my monthly weigh-in.  Last month I was down .8 lbs. and today I was down 1 lb. more. That put me 5 lbs. below goal.  She told me to stop losing and I told her I wasn't trying.  I guess I could eat more "cheat" things than I do.  I don't drink calories and I don't eat junk.  No game play snack browsing and no cocktail party grazing.  But I will add a potato or roll, etc. to my meals now.  I was sick in Cincinnati and didn't eat Sunday and that probably was a factor.  Now I have to weigh in once between 3/1 and 3/31.  

I played Mahjong in the afternoon and won a game.  Each of us did so that made it a good day.  We had leftovers for dinner and turned the fireplace on and settled in for the evening.  

I did virtually nothing on Wednesday. I just took the day off.  Other than getting showered and dressed, fixing that aforementioned sausage dinner, cleaning up and paying our flood insurance, I did nothing!  Ted ran to Walmart to pick up his script after shooting skeet with Mark.  I like taking days totally off on occasion.  

On Thursday Ann picked me up in her new red Lexus.  Such a pretty car!  She also had Elaine and Lorraine with her.  Breakfast was at Rosie's and to celebrate my weight loss chastising I ordered the special - 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon, 2 scrambled eggs.  I used no butter and sugar free syrup on  the pancakes and they tasted really good!  I wasn't hungry the rest of the day.

I spent time on the phone ironing out all the reservations for Ireland.  We have 5 doubles and 2 singles for a total of 12 people.  The 6 from Cincinnati are all on the same flights, 2 will fly from Phoenix.  The 4 of us from Houston are on different airlines because the other 2 are going a day early and staying on a few days after.  Once GCT had reserved our flights I went into the United Airlines website and paid extra to pick the seats I wanted, two aisles, one behind the other.  We are set!

Trudy called and asked if I would ride to Weslaco with her so I did, Mimi went too.  We shopped at Lionel's, Well's and Mimi's Attic.  Our Mimi loves antiques so we just couldn't pass up that store.  It was one of the nicest, reasonably priced antique store of its kind I have visited.  However, I bought nothing at any of the stores.

When I arrived back home Ted had ordered a pizza for dinner.  I still wasn't real hungry but ate two pieces. We will see how adding in a few carbs plays out.  I brought my scale with me!

Month Two

We have been here a month already!  Since we are only staying for two, our trip is half over!

Thursday is breakfast with the Retama ladies so I picked up Ann and Mimi.  The group has been smaller this year, other groups have broken off, so talking and getting to know people is easier.  I learned that Dale's sister lived in Cincinnati and worked for P&G at the same time I was there.  We had lots to talk about!  She is just visiting Dale for a short while.  When I arrived back home I changed my slacks for capris and headed to the nail salon.  I will probably go one more time before heading home and get one more haircut too.  

We had a very early dinner reservation at Saltgrass because there were 18 of us and it was Valentine's Day.  We all enjoyed our food, no complaints by anyone, and the other four couples at our table ordered dessert.  They insisted I eat one spoonful of the brownie pie and the bread pudding.  Sure hope it doesn't show up on the scale anytime soon!  When we returned to the park we gathered at Tommy and Susan's place until after dark before heading home.  It was a nice day.

Ted went to the gun range early Friday to help with some building projects to improve the range.  I cleaned up a bit, took a shower, washed my hair and then walked down to say goodbye to Tommy and Susan.  They are leaving in the morning and we were going to be busy the rest of the day.  

I went to play Mahjong and won a game and missed two others by one tile.  We had leftover lasagna for dinner then left for John and Vivian's park to see a former New Christie Minstrel singer.  He was terrific and such a personable entertainer with lots of audience participation.  The park even provided a light lunch with wine for free at intermission.  We had an enjoyable evening. 

Saturday was laundry day and I must say it is way less crowded than on Sunday.  It didn't take too long and I even took a walk to the market a short distance to buy bananas while the clothes washed.  We went to church as usual, picked up Subway sandwiches for a quick dinner and then picked up Vivian and John to attend another show, one we had seen last year and said then we would like to see him again.  

Jason Coleman is Floyd Cramer's grandson.  Cramer was the A team piano player in Nashville during the second half of the last century.  He played for all the big stars and created the "Nashville sound" still recognizable today.  Jason tells his story through music including videos of him playing piano as a very young boy and appearing on shows with his Grandad playing duets and singing.  We all thought the show was terrific.  

It was nice to not have to move too fast on Sunday morning.  Tommy and Susan were gone and it had been busy all week.  Ted went skeet shooting then delivered dog heart worm pills that my friend Sue had picked up in Mexico for Susan's friend's mother-in-law!  How's that for 6 levels of friends, Kevin Bacon.  LOL.  I played Mahjong and won two games and Kathy won one.  Ted fixed dinner and we called it a day.  

What A Weekend

Well the fashion show and weekend in Cincinnati have come and gone.  The fashion show turned out great.  We made almost $900 to donate to the elementary school for this area.  I bought the casual outfit I modeled but not the other outfit.  I wanted to wear a sheath dress I ended up buying but the owner wanted me to wear an elastic waist skirt and lace overblouse which looked nice but wasn't my first choice.  

Tommy and Susan arrived while I was at the Fashion Show so we met up with Jay and Stella to have dinner at Ranch Burger.  

We were up very early Saturday to get me to McAllen airport for a 7:20 flight.  I had to change terminals in Houston, a first time experience, and arrived in Cincinnati on time.  I picked up my car with no problem and met my P&G friend Karen for lunch.  From there I headed to church to meet up with my K-12 school friend for Mass.  She was my Plus One for the Anniversary dinner to follow.  We drove separately a short way to the restaurant and arrived before Karen and Ron.  They were certainly surprised and delighted to see me.  

Her children did a really great job decorating, ordering a cake and gathering the whole family.  After everyone was finished eating, there was much laughter, lots of ribbing and teasing with tears of joy thrown in.  I am very glad I took the time and expense to be there.

I went to Karen's to sleep and got sick in the middle of the night.  I had started feeling poorly before the party but pushed through.  There was no ignoring it later though.  I didn't get much rest and by 9:30 the next morning I called Karen on the phone to come down to my bedroom.  She asked what she could do and brought me some things. 

 I took a shower and ate toast and tea Ronnie made and stayed in my PJs watching it snow until about 3:30 when I had to get dressed and leave for the airport.  Just as I went out to the car the snow turned to sleet.  Great!  I took my time, stopped for gas and was so grateful when the rental car shuttle driver walked up to the car and requested my luggage.  It is like walking a half marathon to get to your gate in these airports anymore.  When we landed in Houston it was a Terminal change again resulting in what felt like a full marathon!

I arrived a few minutes early in McAllen and was relieved to be at Gate 2, ground level, about 50 feet from the front door and a bench to sit on until Ted arrived.  And it was 66, not 22 degrees out.  It was good to be home.

I took Monday to continue recovering and rest and eventually felt better.  Tuesday I played Mahjong and won two games!  Unfortunately I received a text that my friend's 8 month old granddaughter who had aspirated food into her lung, had died that morning.  Such heartbreaking news.  I finished the game but didn't start another one and apologized but left.  We were going out to eat with Jay, Stella, Tommy and Susan but I kept thinking about those poor young parents.

Wednesday was Gonzales Burgers for lunch and then the flea market.  Terri, Les and CeeCee joined all of us.  The burgers are so big we all split one.  Ted had a business  lunch so I split with CeeCee.  We perused the offerings at the flea market and I bought 3 more games for the Silent Auction, a new laundry bag and some hand cream.  You think there is nothing you need to buy and still come home with something!

When we came home I could not find my I-Pad!  We looked high and low and could not locate it.  I called over to Tommy's and Teri got on the phone and helped me Locate My IPad and it worked.  The beeping started in the coach house and it was in a bag with the new games in the old laundry bag I started using to hold all that is going home and put in the coach house.  I am not sure how that happened.  We had taken each bag out of the laundry bag looking but had not looked in each individual bag.  Why would we?  

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  Hope you all have a nice day celebrating with your love.

💗💝💘💞💕❤️💖💟

Big Week Coming

Sunday was 80 and sunny!  I put shorts on for the first time this year.  Ted went shooting and I cleaned and then went to the laundromat.  Shortly after coming home I left for Mahjong and won TWO games!  I am getting more familiar with the card.  It is only good for two more months before the 2019 cards come out.  Ted made dinner and he watched the Super Bowl while I paid sparse attention to it.  

Monday we were getting ready to go to the post office and Walmart to refill my script.  Trudy called and asked to ride together to the ladies lunch but I hadn't signed up.  She said "come anyway."  One of the gals taking care of it was on the cruise and the other one went somewhere else.  Only four of us showed up and eventually the manager asked if he could release the tables he had reserved for 24!  Not sure where the disconnect was but somebody goofed!  After lunch, Trudy and I stopped and bought a few door prizes and gift certificates for the fashion show and then came home.

After dinner we went for a walk and then watched The Bachelor.  This guy needs a backbone.  These girls are jerking him around big time.  

I woke up at 5 am Tuesday and spent the rest of the morning in the bathroom.  Something certainly didn't agree with me.  Ted went shooting and I was still in my PJs when he returned.  I decided to forego Mahjong, just in case!  I was tired from getting up so early and it took every ounce of strength to get a shower and straighten up a bit.  I talked to Kara and Kristin for awhile and Ted made dinner.  We stayed in for the evening and I was feeling much better.  

We both listened to Trump's SOTU address.  I wish some of those politicians would come down here to see what goes on.  There is only our gun range separating us from the river.  Helicopters are up most mornings and nights.  There was an old Hispanic farmer on our news begging for a wall across his river property.  He draws water from the river for irrigation and has been run off by drug dealers when he tries to turn the pump off or on.  The farm has been in his family for 4 generations.  He is afraid.  

My Jet Pack wifi battery died.  I can play some games and write on my blog but I can't connect to the Internet. Ted tried Battery Plus and Verizon but neither had one so he had one shipped. Since it is a lithium battery it has to come ground.  Lots may have transpired when I get this published but I may be able to use a public wifi when I travel this weekend.  We also received a call from Ted's brother Kevin and we have decided to all go to Ireland in the fall.

Thursday breakfast with the ladies was at my favorite place.  I came home and made 4 dozen Rolo pretzel bites dipped in white chocolate for the Fashion Show and will fill the lemon tarts tomorrow before getting dressed in my modeling clothes.  

I received a call from Matt at Grand Circle Tours and started the process of reserving rooms for the Rogers Clan to visit their grandparents' homeland.  Only one of the eight Rogers sibling has passed away and we decided before we all have to gather for a wedding or funeral, let's go on a trip to remember.  So the wheels have been set in motion for this to happen.  We have only been to Dublin so we look forward to seeing the rest of the Emerald Isle.  It will be our sixth trip with GCT.

Getting Behind

I think my Error 400 may involve my Safari not being updated.  This I-Pad will not support the higher versions and now my banks are saying they are moving up and I need to download the new app.  I am in a pickle on so many levels.  First, there is no Apple Store here.  I know I can buy elsewhere but I have a few things I need help with.  When I changed my email address which was my Apple ID, the old one remained somewhere.  It keeps asking for me to connect to ITunes on the old ID.  But that password won't work and when I try to change it they say there is no Apple ID named that!  A vicious circle.  So I can't update to higher versions anyway and I can't connect to the App Store to update my games and things that don't need the higher ISO versions.  Yikes!  So just realize I am doing the best I can.

Monday I spent the day shopping and having lunch with Trudy.  We hit Macy's, Chico's and then drove to Wells where I bought some things and picked out what I want to wear in the fashion show.  Leah, the owner, has final say but we get to have a say too.  I will take Marilyn and Karmen over next Saturday and we will make our final selections.  It is not just clothes but hats, scarves, jewelry and shoes!  Quite a production from three different stores.

I played Mahjong on Tuesday but did not win any games.  We were invited to Bonnie's for dinner so before I left for Mahjong I peeled sweet potatoes, put them in the baking dish, got the dry ingredients together in one dish and the wet in another.  I left instructions for Ted to put it all together and how to put it in the convection oven and when.  It was cooking away when I arrived home.  

We had a nice meal and evening.  I spent most of the night talking to Pat and Kathy.  My sweet potato dish was just about empty.  We think they were a hit.

I attended an Instant Pot class on Wednesday.  It was soups and stews, something I am pretty well versed in, but it was enjoyable talking to those who are new or are thinking about buying one.  We finished with a delicious vegetable soup, made from scratch with fresh vegetables, in 30 minutes.  When I got back home Ted and I headed to HEB to get what I needed to make my finger foods for the fashion show.  It was cold and rainy as the day went on so we just hunkered down inside for the evening.  

Thursday dawned cool and rainy.  I picked Cathy and Gayle up for breakfast with 7 other ladies.  I had a vegetable omelette and an English muffin and it was still less than that plain omelet from two weeks ago!  When I returned, Ted suggested we go to Mexico to pick up some more of the meds we need to get for him and some others.  It stopped raining so we had a good time walking around to various drugstores finding the best prices.  We had coffee at Renee's and a margarita at Jessica's while they got our order together.  

I was really tired so I took a nap when we got home.  Since it was still cool out, we just stayed in.  On Friday all I did was play Mahjong.  Still no wins!

Saturday I returned to Wells with Karmen and Marilyn.  It took the three of us three hours to pick out two outfits each. I had my casual one (top and bottom) picked out but then had sunglasses, earrings, necklace, purse and shoes added to it!  I tried on a zillion dresses but apparently they weren't on the list to be worn!  Finally we agreed on a long skirt in dark blue and green, a white tank top with a lace blouse over it.  Earrings, necklace and shoes were added.  I bought one of the dresses anyway!  

We had gone at 10 am so by the time we left we were thirsty and hungry so we stopped at Bubba's since none of us had been there.  There were 15 TVs in the bar area, loud music, but good food.  They let me order the kid's burger plate!  I arrived home in time to get ready for church.  Ted grabbed a Subway on the way home since I wasn't hungry and then we went to the clubhouse to set up for card bingo.  It was Ted's turn to call!  I had rotten cards all night and didn't even get close but then won the last game and won $20!  

Back at y'all after the Super Bowl!  

I Hate Not Posting Photos!

I am once again unable to post photos - but I am not alone!  After deleting history, clearing cookies, etc. I found a huge help page with everyone complaining about the Error 400 we are receiving.  Other than switching to WordPress not much else was suggested.  But many suggestions were given to Google so just maybe I can wait this out and hope they fix their end.

We have been a bit busy so I am losing track of days!  We played Mexican Train one night with Tom and Eileen, we went to Cheddar's to eat and then went to see The Redhead Express, a family group we have followed since 2007, on Monday.  We also saw them in Pueblo CO and Plant City FL.  Kara's family saw them in Ann Arbor MI.  We sure enjoy visiting with them before the show.  

Tuesday we had a Fashion Show baker's meeting to decide who was bringing what and how much then followed up with a DOG lunch. ( DRV Owners Group - our brand of RV).  Our Texas Boomers RV club wagonmasters organized it, Dale and Donna who we parked next to at Bentsen Palm years ago were there and John and Diana, also from the crowd at Bentsen Palm, attended.  The 8 of us sat together and had a terrific time.   

We spent a chilly day Wednesday at the DonWes flea market gathering info and photos.  My Forum class of 2009 is responsible for two gift baskets on the silent auction table at our March gala.  There is no better place to look than the game booths at the flea market.  I bought some ground nutmeg at the spice booth to take home.  Then I bought a summer sausage and cheddar cheese spread to keep on hand for those impromptu last minute gatherings.  I sent the game info off to the basket chairladies and await their thoughts on what they want to include!  We played Mexican Train again and I won!  We all have trouble beating Tom!

Thursday was our breakfast again.  Different restaurant $6.40 for plain omelet, toast  and coffee versus last week's rip off.  In the afternoon we went to see an ABBA tribute show.  I had two tall people in front of me so I moved and met a new friend!  We both had a great time getting into the music while Tom, Ted and Eileen said they didn't recognize the music!  Really?  Teri and I had a selfie taken with the guitarist but it won't post.  

We stopped at Applebee's on the way home then settled in to watch A Million Little Things.  If you haven't watched it, give it a try.  However, there are many story lines and it may be hard to catch on unless you start at the beginning.  

On Friday I attended the model's meeting about what we have to do, where and when we go to get our outfits, etc.  When we were finished I popped into the card room to play mahjong.

I was running out of time to get my January WW weigh-in taken care of.  My December one was on the 19th, the day before we left for Hawaii.  So I opted to go to a 7:30 am meeting on Saturday.  I was delighted to be -.8 from my last weigh in!  I decided to stay for the meeting and was glad I did.  I met some nice ladies and stayed afterwards to continue our discussion.  Later that day we went to church with Tom and Eileen, then to El Patio for dinner, and on to see The Goldwing Express.  We really enjoyed their performance!  

Today I played mahjong and got a mahjong!  We were using Linda's brand new game and I got the first ever mahjong with it!  Since 28 ladies left for a cruise today, Ted invited 3 of the "bachelors" for dinner.  He went to the store, fixed sloppy joes, and was setting the table when I returned.  I helped him finish up with baked beans, Cole slaw, chips and peach ice cream.  They all sat in the coach house talking afterwards while I did the dishes.  We are invited to Bonnie's for dinner Tuesday to feed the "bachelors."

Our total for the Border Patrol Project was $16,800 in one week!  When the government reopened we had 23 cards left.  We will see how many approach us this week and will continue to hand them out as they are requested.  We are not collecting any more money and if cards are left we will wait until the three weeks are up and decide what to do.  If all goes well and the government remains open, they will be turned over to a food bank.  What a terrific group of people who live in these two villages next to each other.  Of course we see first hand what a hard job these agents do.  

Busy Weekend

Friday was girls' day at the nail salon.  Eileen, Patricia, Vivian and I availed ourselves of a little pampering.  We were back in time to give Mahjong another try.  I got a mahjong and at least knew where I was headed on the other hands even though the tiles didn't come my way.  On Tuesday I was in left field!  The new 2019 cards come out in March and I will barely have finished learning the 2018.

Shortly after I returned, Niles knocked and told us to come over in a few minutes for a drink.  Six couples gathered under his pergola and had a good time catching up with some good natured bantering going on.  When the group broke up we took Sue and Niles to dinner for all the help they give us when we are here.  We certainly enjoy their company.

Our plan for Saturday was a trip to Mexico to show John, Vivian, Pete and Patricia the ropes on crossing the border.  Eileen and Tom went too.  

We stopped at our first pharmacy to check availability and prices.  Then we moved on to Renee's for coffee, pastries and mariachi live music.

Next up was the leather shops to order a custom holster for a specific gun John owns.  Then we all shopped along the way back to Poncho's bar for a drink before heading to Jessica's for lunch and more drug pricing.  I threw in a dance with one of the waiters!

I spent $400 on meds for three people but we are not done yet.  We will get the rest next time over.  With Trump speaking at 2:00 CST, we wanted to be back across the border before then.  But that didn't happen.  There is now a checkpoint at the boundary on the bridge to keep those without Passports from entering the USA between the boundary and Customs.  Once in, it is a different story.  Maybe everyone had the same thought about the timing, maybe it was just a busy day.  The line stretched all the way to up on the bridge.  

We drove right to church with all eight attending although only four of us attend regularly.  We all enjoyed Fr. Roy's take on the Wedding Feast at Cana.

Card bingo was starting at 6:30 so it was not too long and we were out the door again.  I won a quarter game (39 quarters) so now I have laundromat change.  As soon as the people at the end of the 

street got home, they reported the Border Patrol was in here chasing down illegal crossers.  We had seen the helicopters but they were up pretty high so we didn't realize they had detected activity.  It is a pretty common occurrence anymore.

Sunday I was under the weather.  I just stayed home and Ted went shooting.  I felt better Monday morning.

Ted was being picked up by Mark to start the distribution of about 140 $50 HEB grocery cards to give to our Border Patrol.  They are doing a thankless job without pay!  Tom suggested we do something, Ted and Niles talked and came up with the gift card idea.  By the end of the weekend they had $7000 and not all from down here!  The officers have been so grateful!  I remember the days when a late paycheck would have been a catastrophe let alone not knowing when there would be a paycheck!

It isn't much, but it is something and they all know we have their backs and appreciate their efforts.  If you want to find a group knee deep in this situation regarding a wall, these officers are definitely for it.  Ted came upon one agent and couldn't figure out what all the gyrations in the car was.  Turns out he was changing clothes after crawling around in the mud of the sugar cane fields that morning.  Like I said, right now the job is thankless.

I stayed home to get things done and was interrupted twice.  Once by Norm who was looking for Ted to go to Academy.  Norm was taking Richard who can no longer drive and I think Norm was thinking "safety in numbers."  Next was Mimi reminding me we have a bakers' meeting Tuesday morning about what finger foods we plan to prepare for the fashion show to benefit the elementary school in this area.  Last year we bought coats to have at school for when a child arrived in cold weather without one.  Recently a group went to the "ropas" to search the clothes mountain for used coats.  Many get donated because they are not needed here too frequently.  And I was put on the list to model!

Eventually I went to the laundromat and while standing at the dryer watched an elderly gentleman try to figure out how to make the dryer go.  I told him to insert the quarters, choose the upper or lower dryer buttons, push heat temp then Start.  The lady with him, who later said they help each other out so must not be married, whispered to him, "I told you someone would help us and she did!"

I am feeling so blessed down here with all the things going on that ultimately help someone.  We enjoy the shows, playing card bingo, playing mahjong, partying, etc. but volunteering and helping out makes me happiest!

Our First Week of Nine

Monday dawned a bit cool so I stayed inside.  There was vacuuming and straightening to do and I managed to get our garbage can front out.  It needed a repair to the wood and Ted arranged to take it to the wood shop.  He also went to the grocery.  We watched Outlander on my IPad since we don't have Starz and Tom and Eileen stopped by again.  They received an Instant Pot as a gift but have no idea how to use it.  I was making ribs so I told them how I would do that and gave her a Cheat Sheet on cooking times.  It was late when we finished dinner and we just settled in to watch TV.

Tuesday dawned cooler and rainy, worse than Monday!  Ted picked up our garbage cabinet front and the wood shop guy did an excellent job.  All they asked for was a donation!  He spent most of the day with Niles.  I picked up Vivian and headed to the hair salon.  She was so happy to have an appointment as soon as I arrived since this is her first time down here.  We made a stop for batteries at Dollar General before I dropped her off.  I was home just a short time before it was time for Mah Jong.  I sure am rusty and have not played much with last year's card so the hands are unfamiliar to me.  But it is all in fun and I should get better!  After dinner, Tom and Eileen asked us to go to a movie but Ted was settled in and didn't want to go back out.

I put our before-Christmas dinner ham bone in the slow cooker overnight.  Then I soaked navy beans in water overnight.  We had plans to attend the Expo on Wednesday in McAllen so I got up early, removed the ham bones and fatty lumps from the crockpot and after cooking the beans in the Instant Pot for 8 minutes, put it all together and set it to warm.  Tom and Eileen picked us up and we were able to get a good parking spot and covered a few aisles before the crowd grew.  We came home with over 10 bags, a dozen pens, magnifiers, pill boxes, glass wipes, mini flashlights, coupons, candy, T-shirts and lots of info on parks here in the valley, info on traveling to other states, scheduled entertainment, and lots of medical information and assistance.  We missed a door prize by one number!  

Tom and Eillen stopped during their walk and he helped Ted put our couch back in the "stoppers" to keep it in place.  It not only had slid out but had jumped in front of them so it took some muscle to lift it back over and into the slots.  It was probably a pot hole that sent the couch up and over the wood blocks!  

We had bean soup and cornbread for dinner followed by the Border Patrol in the neighborhood rounding up illegals.  Nine were apprehended.  Depending on their point of origin, they may be deported ... or given a court date two years out and roam freely until then.  However, there are few that return for that court date.  But no crisis here!  

I opted for the ladies breakfast Thursday morning.  When I tried to order the kiddie breakfast plate I was told I had to be under 12.  I told her I was 11.  She had no sense of humor!  My understanding has been that it is age discrimination to deny you access to something on the menu based on your age. I didn't want to make a fuss so I ordered a plain omelet which is what she brought.  And charged me $9, 50 cents more than a Hombre Omelette that had 3 vegetables, a meat, potatoes and toast!  When I questioned my bill the owner said it isn't on the menu ala carte because no one asks for it so he didn't have a price but knocked off $1.  I told him that maybe people don't ask for it because it isn't on the menu!   I should have ordered two orders of eggs all cooked together. 

Tom and Eileen came over to play Mexican Train Thursday night and twice we heard the helicopters go up.  I love people in DC and NY telling the world we have no crisis on our southern border.  Last night's TV had a report on $22.5 million of cocaine confiscated in this area as the perpetrators rammed a gate, drove into the river and then swam the rest of the way back to Mexico!

Hawaiian Photo Shoot Published Photo

This is the photo Becky chose to publish of Sam.  I had to laugh because he kept referring to that shirt as his "weed" shirt!

Home for the Weekend

We stayed up most of Thursday but did take a two hour nap in the afternoon.  We unpacked and got things put away.  Thanks to laundries at the condo and Aulani there was little laundry to do. I didn't get quite finished so I was back at it Friday.  We went to bed and got up at reasonable times.  

I stacked my clothes on the twin bed in preparation for loading the trailer.  The hard part is knowing it can be hot and cold over the time we are gone so choosing what to take is a crap shoot.  Ted picked up our mail and I attended to all of that while doing everyday chores.  Just to make me feel better I ran Rhoomba in the whole house.  At least the floors are clean!  I would get to dusting the furniture later.

By Saturday we were sleeping normal hours, had finished up our chores and did not do much of anything until time for church.  The Texans were playing terrible in the playoff game so it was easy to turn off the TV and head out.  After Mass we headed to our Mexican restaurant to eat with Terry and Carol.  

It took no time for my week to fill up.  Irene texted and asked me to go shopping with her Monday and I agreed.  I bought three spools of red and gold ribbon for her to make me three big bows I needed to replace in my Christmas decorations.  She already has them done!  Then we went to the Outlet Mall where I hit Chico's sales racks and also bought a birthday gift for my sister-in-law Carol.  We were gone a long time.

Tuesday I went to the cardiologist who gave me an A+!  She made a follow up appointment for June for an ultrasound on my left leg.  She agreed that collapsing the vein isn't necessay at this time.  I was scheduled to get a haircut but just as I pulled into the drive to drop Ted off and go, I received a call asking to move it to 10 on Wednesday.  This constant switching is getting old!  

Wednesday my hair appointment was cancelled again!  I called Becky in the valley and scheduled a haircut for Tuesday.  I will be looking elsewhere when I get back home. 

Thursday was our neighborhood lunch gathering followed later by dinner and cards at the country club for Carol's birthday.  We played 4 of our 6 rounds, had dinner, then finished the last 2 hands.  I came in second!  My dimes are in good shape.

Friday morning Ted pulled the trailer to the campground so it could be inspected for our extended warranty.  That went quickly with no problems but Ted couldn't turn the TV on and asked me to bring batteries for the remote which didn't help.  When the bedroom remote worked fine it was apparent it is a bad remote.  Hopefully a phone call will have a replacement on its way.  

We finished loading the trailer Saturday, went to Mass, grabbed a bite and then went to play cards.  I came in first!  $13 plus lots of dimes was added to my purse.

At 7:45 Sunday morning we pulled out of the campground with me following Ted in my car.  With only two potty stops, we pulled in to Retama Village at 2:30.  Our truck driver neighbor Niles prefers to just park the trailer in 3 minutes versus talking Ted in for 30 minutes!  In no time we were set up despite stopping frequently for "welcome back" greetings and short visits.  

Tom and Eileen came by about 5:30 and we eventually went to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  It was after 10 when we got home.  It was so good to spend time with our BFFs from our Florida days.

Last Day in the Sun

We talked of leaving the Resort and heading to the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the North Shore but the kids wanted to stay and swim.  So Ted went to save our chairs and everyone else got their things together.  We had to vacate the room by 11 am and the pool by 6 pm.  This necessitated two sets of luggage for the bag room ... what we had packed for the airlines and what we needed to dress for dinner and the flight home.  

We called for a bellman to take the packed bags to storage, put our food items in the Ice Room and posted on the net what was there and when we left with our remaining items, the food had been taken.  As an example of food prices in Hawaii, the 88 cent yogurt we buy here is almost $4 there.  A lunch of burgers, fries and Coke for 5 ran $140.  People love getting a crack at food that would otherwise be thrown away.  

Everyone but me spent the day going down the rock slides.  I chose to just get in the water when I got hot.  

A Mickey Shave Ice

Stitch came to the pool.  He was the only character I saw but then I really wasn't looking.

Around 3:30 we called it a day.  We rescued our bags and headed to the lounge to shower and dress for the trip home.  Ted went to get the car, Bill called for and met up with the bags and I bought an Aulani bathrobe.  We had to put our last minute things in the bags to be checked and it was 5:15.  We wanted to leave for the airport  by 6:00 so we were running short of time for dinner.  We talked the kids into just taking us to the airport where we would grab a bite and they could have the evening to have a relaxing  dinner and explore a little bit more.  So that's what we did,  

Our flight home was uneventful, no food, but drink service twice!  The cold weather and rain were not a real welcome home greeting!

Forgot Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl

Not sure how I forgot our main reason for spending a night and day in Honolulu!  I use the photos as reminders and I just passed over them.

This is the tree of life sculpture that appears on the Arizona Memorial and I had never noticed!  They have changed the area quite a bit since we last were there.  The deck to disembark onto the Memorial will not be repaired until March so we were only able to circle it on a boat.

The fellows loved looking at the war mapping of the South Pacific.  We closed the park down.

The view of Diamond Head from Punchbowl.

We did this after checking in to the Embassy Suites but before the morning we walked Waikiki Beach.