Momentous Day!

Roger started his airplane and "taxi'd" around the airport yesterday! There is light at the end of the tunnel!
We are leaving for Austin and our Christmas celebration tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing all the family but especially the granddaughters - Emily is changing daily!
It is a beautiful day today - sunny and 69 degrees!

Merry Christmas!

The girls are with their husband's families this year so we had a quiet Christmas. Gary & Lynn came here for dinner on Christmas Eve and we joined them and Nathan, Yvette and their kids for Christmas dinner and a nice afternoon. Good friends and good food! We will celebrate with our family over New Year's week-end at Megan & Carlos'. Dave & Marion and Joel & Rachel will join us. We'll have a full house!
Samantha is having a great time with her cousins, Piper & Emerson, visiting.
We have decided to stay here in San Antonio until the middle of January so Roger can finish his airplane and take some flying lessons. Then we'll drive down to Brownsville - just in time to leave on our cruise on January 25th! Roger hopes to find a hanger for the plane down there so he can finally enjoy the fruits of his labor.
The townhouse is rented for the holidays and then again the first week in January & a week in February. We hired a maid to clean it and help us with it and feel comfortable leaving San Antonio for the winter.

Summer in December

It was 80 degrees in San Antonio today! Guests were swimming in the heated pool at the park. I got out of Michigan just in time!

Back Home

I had a short (4 days) but good visit with Mom, Judy & Mel. We made some changes in Mom's daily care which we feel will help her more this winter. The travel gods were with me and thanks to Megan - I'm her dependant! - I flew on Southwest back and forth with no problems. Even the Michigan weather cooperated - cold but "drivable" roads. I had planned to stay longer but storms were heading their way and I got out "while the getting was good." Foggy and misty in San Antonio but the temperature is certainly better - what was I thinking calling 40 degrees cold?
Samantha's "real" birthday was yesterday - hard to believe she is 3!

"Norther" Blew Thru!

Never made it to the Riverwalk the other night - 85 degrees all day and then a "Norther" (cold front) blew through around 5:00pm and the wind and cold air dropped the temp to the forties! Snow in the hill country and at our old house during the night! Had to settle for driving around in a warm car looking at lights. Incarnate Word College has a wonderful display of colored lights in all the trees on campus so Samantha was happy!
They got some good Christmas pictures of the girls on Wednesday morning at Portrait Innovations and Heather finally decided on a "package" so we could get out of there - what a zoo! Convinced they make money because parents just buy anything so they can leave!
We met Amanda with her little boy, Liam and Lynne for lunch and relaxed!
Mom has not been feeling well - think she may have passed a kidney stone - so I am flying home to visit and help if I can. I'm praying the roads are "good" so I can drive from the airport without an accident!

Busy Time

We spent last week-end in Boerne with the "Boomers" at our Christmas rally. Good to see many couples that don't always make it to smaller rallies. We went on Thursday so had Friday "free" (Roger took a break from airplane chores!) so, we went to see "Australia." Not great but a good movie and worth seeing.
I flew to Houston on Sunday for Grandmother duty - and stayed with the girls while Kyle and Heather went to a Christmas party Sunday night. Emily has little "chipmunk" cheeks now - and is eating and sleeping well. Kyle left, right after the party, for a "red-eye" flight to Brazil, on business, for the week so Heather & the girls drove me back to San Antonio yesterday. Megan came from Austin too. They are all staying at the townhouse. We are going to the Riverwalk tonight to see the holiday lights and Christmas carolers on the boats. Heather made an appointment to have the girls Christmas pictures taken Wednesday morning - she figures if Megan & I help and there is a 3:2 ratio we have a chance for success!

Brrrrrrrrr.............

A cold front moved through last night - 40 degrees with the wind blowing this morning! Not out at the picnic table today!

Christmas Cards

I sat outside at the picnic table this afternoon and addressed my Christmas cards!
That was a first! Sorry, Michiganders - I see it is snowing there!
We are heading to Boerne tomorrow for the Boomers Christmas rally - always a good time to see most of the members. Then back to San Antonio until New Year's when we go to Austin to celebrate with the kids.

Body Worlds

No, this is not a "Muscle Man' contest! "Body Worlds 2 & The Brain" is an exhibit at the Houston Natural Science Museum that is awesome. It consists of real cadavers and body parts preserved using a technique call "plastination." There are complete human bodies displayed kicking a soccer ball; ballet dancing; holding a baseball bat; ice skating etc. - so you can see all the muscles, bones and organs involved in the movement. There are also individual organs - healthy and diseased. It is unbelievable - until you see them - how detailed the dissections are. They even have a pregnant woman with the fetus in her womb! Sounds kinda' gruesome but it is truly fascinating. If you are in Houston, it is a MUST see!

Thanksgiving 2008

We certainly have a lot to be thankful for - our health and happy family times - and two precious granddaughters. We ate, napped and played Monopoly yesterday. Went to the park to play and take family pictures - the weather was in the high 70's here in Houston. Our nephew Kyle joined us for dinner.
Samantha and I did "art" and made a Thanksgiving tree with construction paper leaves - everyone wrote what they were thankful for on their leaf and we tied them to the branch. Samantha was thankful for "her birthday" - and then, after some discussion, added "and Baby Jesus' birthday" as an after thought!

Cold Days

It's in the 50's today with a gray sky - like winter in Michigan - well, maybe a little warmer than winter in Michigan! At least there is no snow on the ground! Last night was the first time I really missed the house - I would have had a fire in the fireplace and sat in the hot tub!
We are back at Travel World RV park in SA. More "snowbirds" here now - many from Canada. All the typical activities have begun - we went to "Happy Hour" last night and breakfast this morning. Roger met a fellow Cub pilot and they talked airplanes.
We are having the "Northern Hills" crowd over to the townhouse tonight and then on to dinner. Will be nice to play "catch up" with all of them.
Going back to Sugarland on Tuesday for the Thanksgiving week-end. Missing "Tima's" babies!

Cuddle Time

Roger and my "house" went to San Antonio today - he wants to work on his airplane. I will fly over on Wednesday and join him and then we'll return for Thanksgiving.
I am staying with Heather & Kyle for a couple of days - enjoying more "cuddle time." Emily is so good - she is content to eat and sleep - it's hard to catch her awake (unless you are here around 4am!)But, I succeeded today! She looks like Heather with her Daddy's blue eyes. Isn't she just the sweetest???

Santa is Watching

Last night, Samantha pushed her chair back and said she didn't want to eat anymore. Heather told her she had two choices to sit up and eat her dinner or go to "time out." While she was weighing her options, I told her she had been good all year but this was the time Santa was really watching little boys and girls to see if they were "minding" their Mommies and Daddies before he brought presents at Christmas. She decided to eat some more but didn't comment on what I said.
Later we were all playing "school" - Samantha's favorite game, guess who is the teacher and who is in the "class?" She was reading us a story and I was talking - she stopped, looked at me in frustration and said "Do you want Santa to come? Do you want presents? Then, you'd better stop talking and listen!" She's just too smart!!
Sweet little Emily sleeps through it all!

Lily the Bear

Kyle, Heather,Samantha & Emily went on their first family outing yesterday - Kyle said it takes 20 minutes to get everyone in and out of the car! Samantha has been saving coins in her piggy bank to go to "Build a Bear." She has been such a good "big sister" she got to go and pick out her bear. She made one for Emily for Christmas too but shhhhhh......it's a secret! Samantha named hers "Lily" and she's a ballerina bear. Samantha was excited because she got to ride in the stroller (made for two) with her "little sister." Now there is one more member of the family - Kyle, Heather, Samantha, Emily, Baby Doll and Lily!
She spent the night with us last evening and since it was cold and windy this morning, we took her to a new indoor playground -The Stomping Grounds. This place advertises for parents to come in, relax with a cappuccino and let the kids play. Guess we are nervous grandparents because we spent most of our time trying to find Samantha in the maze of tunnels, slides, and climbing apparatus. She loved it but after an hour and a half Tima was pooped!

The Nutcracker Market

Kyle took yesterday afternoon off and stayed with Emily so Heather & I could shop at the "Nutcracker Market." It is sponsored by the Houston Ballet Auxillary and held at the Reliant Center - their big, annual money making project. A huge holiday extravaganza - too many vendors to count. Fun to browse and we bought a few gifts.
A "big" trip for Heather's first outing after the baby but, she did well.
I found a new part-time job for Roger! The parking lot is gigantic and a long walk to the entrance of the convention center so they have "Bicycle Cabs." A rickshaw of sorts with young men pedaling shoppers to & from their cars. I figure it is a great way for him to keep in shape and they make good money in tips!

Back to San Antonio

Roger drove to San Antonio for business meetings on Monday and Tuesday. I flew over on Tuesday afternoon (thank you Megan for free flying!) and we went to dinner with his "work crowd" from Ireland. Great company and great food makes for a lovely evening.
Our very first renters left on Monday so we needed to clean the townhome and get it ready for another family coming on Friday. Our first guests were very satisfied so we feel good about what we've done. Getting a lot of inquiries for Christmas/New Years but no confirmation. Worked out well for us to stay there. Guess we'll do the same manuever next week too. We enjoyed lunch outside at LaMargarita and then drove back to Sugarland.
Heather & Kyle bought a car seat for us to keep in our car to make it easier for us to pick Samantha up from school etc. Roger transferred it to the old Buick, (we keep it at the airport in Houston for Megan & us to use when in town) which I drove while he was in SA. On the way home yesterday Roger asked "Where is the car seat?" You guessed it.......in the back seat of the Buick at Hobby! I could kick myself for being so stupid!

Rainy Day

Today is the first day we have had rain on the roof since June! Just a nice steady light rain. Roger is in San Antonio on business today and tomorrow. I will fly over to meet him, clean the townhome and we will drive back together on Wednesday.
Heather & I took Emily to the pediatrician for a check-up this morning and she is doing fine. She's a sleepy head - going to have to work at waking her up to eat more frequently.

Happy Birthday Kyle!

We celebrated Kyle's birthday (11-10)last night. The "girls" got all "gussied up" (as Mom would say) in the "dress up" clothes & jewelry I gave Samantha when we moved. Then we pigged out on Heather's praline cheesecake!
Megan & Carlos, Samantha and Roger & I went back to Brazos Bend State Park yesterday morning so Samantha could see the alligators. We saw one up close, laying on the bank. While we were watching he slid backwards, turned around and swam away. Samantha was mesmerized!
Heather & Emily are doing well. Heather says she has a week to make her own schedule and then they'll start getting her on theirs. She's a little sleepy head - hard to wake her up to eat sometimes!

Samantha & Emily

Heather & Emily came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and Samantha is overjoyed with her "little sister." She wants to hold her and care for her like she does her baby doll. Megan says she is a "baby hog" - she wants to hold her constantly! It is so sweet to see how tender and caring she is with her. Glad we are here to share in it all!

It's A Girl!

Meet Emily Grace Liskow - born November 5th at 2pm - 7# 1oz - 20.5 inches long - lots of dark hair and looks alot like Samantha when she was born. Mom and baby are both doing well. We took Samantha (in her "BIG SISTER" T-shirt) to see Emily tonight.
Heather unwrapped Emily so Samantha could see her and when Samantha touched her hand, Emily grabbed onto her finger - they bonded immediately! We are so blessed!

Brazos Bend State Park

We had a great time riding our bicycles around Brazos Bend SP today. A beautiful day in a beautiful park. Obviously, there is no swimming in this park! Lots of "critters" quietly watching. We had planned to stay there with Bill & Anna Lee and Dave & Marion last year but I made reservations for the wrong week-end and we ended up at the park we are staying in now. No comparison! Sorry guys!

Halloween

Samantha had strep throat last week but felt better for Halloween. We went to Sugarland Square for a big community party - all the shops hand out candy. A little different than the Halloween's in our past - parties at the local fire barn - bobbing for apples, finding pennies in a big pile of sawdust, cider & donuts - a costume contest.
Megan ended a trip in Houston on Friday so was able to join us for the week-end. Nephew Kyle came for dinner last night too. Then we spent the evening watching the UT/Texas Tech football game - even I got into it! Poor Carlos - it looked like his team had won until the last seconds of the game!

Sugarland

We arrived in Sugarland yesterday afternoon and are settled in our new "home" at Riverbend RV Park. Notice I said "park" not "resort." OK but not great - close to the kids and the best we could do after Ike. Samantha spent the night and we had a fun day with her - looking forward to being around for awhile. She's all excited about the new baby coming - she's sure she'll get a "baby sister." Heather reminded her that the new baby will only be able to eat, sleep and cry and Samantha thought a moment and said "No, Mommy, she can swing!"

Flying M Ranch

We spent a gorgeous fall week-end at the Flying M Ranch, owned by Dave & Marsha Mason, hosts of the Recklaw Fly In. It is an annual event, started about 20 yrs ago when a few friends flew in for the week-end and is now a huge event held the 4th week-end in October. We didn't hear the official count but guess at least 500 airplanes plus many others, like us, there to enjoy the "show."
The area reminds us of Northern Michigan, thick forests with log pole pines and a few red oaks to give the landscape some color. The Masons have a beautiful property with a 4000 foot grass air strip and a lovely log home nestled in the trees. Various airplane clubs help put on meals to feed everyone Friday supper, three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. It is a great time for pilots and airplane enthusiasts to get together and for the "boys to play with their toys!" The favorite pastime is to sit along the runway and watch planes take off and land - of course, there is a fair amount of "buzzing" the strip.
Airplanes begin coming in on Thursday to get a good spot along the runway, where all the action is, and by Saturday afternoon there are planes and tents everywhere!
Fun to see the "brotherhood" of all the pilots, young and old. Lots of "plane talk" and stories!
A little excitement on Saturday night when someone landed after dark (the runway is not lighted.) Turned out OK but had potential for disaster. There's an idiot in every crowd!
Last time we are going with out Roger's Cub!
If you want to see all of our pictures of the event, send me a comment & I'll connect you to our web albumn.
We are in Livingston, Texas now - our new address - checking out the Escapees RV Park, picking up our mail, and voting tomorrow. Then on the Sugarland to wait for our new Grandbaby!

On The Road Again

We are spending the night just outside of Palestine, TX tonight - on our way to a "Fly In" in Recklaw, over the week-end. We traveled cross country on Hwy 79, out of Austin, through rural east Texas. A whole lot of nothin' out there! Small towns with a gas station, a convenience store (of sorts,)maybe a Dairy Queen or Whataburger and always, a Baptist church. Don't know where the Methodists, Lutherans and Catholics are but, they are not in east Texas! Hard to imagine how people earn a living in these parts. A lot of cows, horses and goats in the fields and a few Sanderson chicken farms. Went through Buffalo, Texas - home of Rebecca Robinson, Miss Texas 2008. Palestine has around 17,000 people and a HUGE Walmart Distribution Center so it's the BIG city in the area.
The Good, The Bad & the Ugly:
The Good - We rented the townhome from November 5th through the 10th! Our first tenants!
The Bad - We had to leave San Antonio before we had a chance to thoroughly explore Southtown on our bikes.
The Ugly - The week working in California and the townhouse tasks put Roger behind on the airplane project so we're here another year without the Cub.

Hot Tub

I took the hot tub back yesterday. Had to admit, maybe, just maybe it was an impulse buy!!

Samantha's Birthday

We know, Samantha's birthday isn't until December 17th - but Heather & Kyle wanted to celebrate while the weather was nice and before the baby and the holidays - so they had a party in the park by their subdivision this week-end. A gorgeous "fall" day and the kids had a ball jumping in the blow up castle. Hard to believe she is almost 3 years old!
Heather is looking very pregnant and ready to have a baby. They just discovered the baby is breach and unless "he/she" decides to do a flip her doctor will schedule a C-Section in early November. Hate the thought of her having to have surgery but glad she and the baby are in good hands. Samantha has a pink "Big Sister" T-shirt waiting for the big day! She is sure she is going to have a "sister."
Megan & Carlos just got back from a week in California - said they had gorgeous weather and a great time. Anxious to hear all about their trip - say they found great places for us to explore.
Had a chance to see our nephew Kyle, who lives and works in Sugarland, while we were there. He "weathered" the hurricane well but went without power for several days. He had dinner with us on Saturday night and when he left Heather said, "Samantha, say good-bye to Kyle" and Samantha turns around the says "Peace" and makes the peace sign!
We have had a terrible time finding a campground in the Houston area - they are all still full of Ike evacuees; insurance adjusters and repairmen - mainly roofers and fence companies. Finally had a call back from one that is about 6 miles from the the kids house - not the best but it will work for November.

Bicycle Adventure

We left early this morning for breakfast and a bike tour of the King William area in downtown San Antonio. About 4 blocks from the restaurant (advertising the best omelettes in SA - which they were!!) I had a flat tire. Luckily we were close to a gas station and air hose so we made it to El Mirador for breakfast. Met Mayor Harberger as he was leaving. When we came out, Roger's tire was flat too! Guess the "bike gods" were with us because there is a bus stop across the street from the restaurant and #42 comes to the park. So we loaded the bikes on the front of the bus and thanks to a kind bus driver, who let us both ride for $1 (he couldn't take any larger bills and we only had 1 dollar bill!) we made it "home." Not exactly the adventure we planned but a new experience. Needless to say, Roger is shopping at the bike store for new tubes, patch kits and a hand pump!
Roger & Gary LaPoint played golf yesterday. Ann & I shopped and then we all met for lunch at LaHacienda. Sat out on the patio and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. Felt like we were playing "hookie" - having a fun day during the week!
Leaving tomorrow for Sugarland and Samantha's birthday party on Saturday.
A few inquiries but no confirmations for the townhouse.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

We rode our bicycles through the Missions Park this morning. A series of trails connects the RV park to all the Missions and parks in the vicinity. A beautiful part of San Antonio we have missed in all the years we have lived here. Went to the Espada Dam (built by the missionaries in 1731) and park today. Saw Mission Concepcion yesterday. They are such a wonderful part of the city's history. I am loving living in this area! Close to everything and the traffic on the south side is nothing compared to the north side of SA.
We went to dinner with 4 couples from the Boomers last night and had a great time. So glad we joined the group - we've made many good friends - we are all looking forward to the cruise!

TGIF

I had lunch with Dr. Vela and his staff today. Great to see everyone and hear about their lives and families. They vote we keep the hot tub and have our picture taken in it for our Christmas cards!
Roger is on his way home but won't arrive until 1:00am. He finally had the meeting with the FAA and all went well. Happiness is the Mojave Desert in his rearview mirror!

California

Roger's meeting with the FAA, originally scheduled for Tuesday, is now postponed until Friday! Some things never change - "they" are as difficult to deal with as ever!
Kyle sent us tickets to the Valero Open Golf Tournament. Had hoped to go Thursday or Friday to avoid the huge crowds but....plans have changed.
I have been lunching and dining with friends - playing "catch up" with everyone. Plan on having the "Boomers," that live in SA, meet at the townhome on Saturday night for appetizers and drinks and then on to dinner. Hope Roger makes it home for his party!
Time to kill - guess it's a good time to start Christmas shopping!

Carlos' Birthday

We celebrated Carlos' birthday (October 7th) with his family last night. So good to see them all again - remembering all the fun we had last year at the wedding. Went out to eat Mexican food and topped it off with German chocolate cake. There is a new woman in his life - Olivia, 2 months old - Paul & Christina's daughter. She's precious!
Roger is on his way to California on business for a few days and I'm finishing up on all the details for the town home.
Heather called this morning and I asked to talk to Samantha - she came on the phone and said "I'm busy, I'll call you tomorrow!"

Happy Birthday, Roger!

Roger spent his birthday working on his airplane. Trying to get it ready for the Recklaw Fly In in late October.
We went out to dinner with Ray & Cindy. Good to see them again.
Samantha called and sang "Happy Birthday to Grandpa" - the highlight of his day!
I'm busy finishing the web site for the town home and working on marketing material.
Still HOT here!

The Hot Tub

We had a great time this past week-end with our RV group - the "Boomers" - good to catch up on what's happening with them. We are back in SA now - same campground, different "monthly" site for October. Doesn't much feel like fall - 97 degrees yesterday and today. Finishing up with the townhouse so Roger can move on to his airplane and I can spend time with all the financial paperwork. Ugh!
We met a couple that are "full-timing" that have a portable hot tub - they say it works great and they love it. I found one just like it at Big Lots (a discount store) on summer clearance for $399.00 today. Of course, I couldn't resist it - I did give up my jacuzzi bathtub, didn't I?! Roger is not exactly thrilled with the purchase. I even told him it could be my Christmas present and he wouldn't have to shop. His first question is "where will we store it?" He always worries about the minor details! Guess I had better keep the receipt - just in case it has to go back!

Passport

Found it!!! Cleaning accomplished more than usual!

Townhome

We have spent all day, every day this week doing town home "stuff." More work than we imagined. I have "shopped 'til I dropped" at every home goods store in San Antonio looking for "classy" but "cheap" - correction "inexpensive" - accessories. Roger has been to the nearby Home Depot a thousand times! Need to get window treatments and update the security system then we are done. This retirement thing is exhausting!
Going to a Boomers campout this week-end near Medina Lake and to the Cajun festival on Saturday. Will be nice to see all our Boomer friends. Hope those from around the Galveston/Houston area are OK. Ready for a few fun days!
Speaking of fun - we booked a cruise for the end of January, first of February 2009 with Ann & Gary and LeeAnn & Jim (Boomer friends) - Royal Carribean, Voyager of the Sea - in the Western Carribean. On a count down already!
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly:
The Good: No packing the motorhome for the camping week-end - just unplug and go!!
The Bad: Missing Samantha - awfully quiet around here - no one to swing with!
The Ugly: I had my passport out to book the cruise and now I can not find it! How could I loose it in this small space! Of course, Roger is no help - he doesn't know where his own stuff is!

City Living

I got a parking ticket out in front of the townhouse today! Parked to close to a cross walk. So much for city living!

Tobin Hill Townhome

We have had such a fun week with Samantha but, finally had to give her back to Mommy & Daddy today. The kids all came in for the week-end and helped us get all the furniture and "stuff" we saved from the house settled in the townhome. Never could have done it all without their help! Still have some pictures to hang and cleaning to do but it's livable. Now we need to finish all the details to rent it to vacationers.
We met the LeRows at Retama on Friday night and took Samantha to the horse races. Beautiful weather and it was great to see Gary & Lynn again. We are going camping with our RV club - the Boomers - next week-end. Really looking forward to seeing everyone and relaxing. This retirement thing is exhausting!

Samantha Kate

What a joy grandchildren are!!! Samantha is spending the week with us and we are finally getting our SK "fix." She loves riding and living in the "car house" but asks when she can go "see the deers at our other house." She talks our arms off and amazes us with her comments. We took her to see Megan play volleyball yesterday and as she is watching the game she says "they are all sharing the ball, Tima." Later she said "look, they are all wearing tennis shoes." She's at the playground with Grandpa doing "underdogs" on the swing set while "Tima" has some quiet time. Only one problem - she is at the "why" stage!!!!

Hurricane Ike

We stayed in Austin over the week-end and got no rain and only "breezy" wind. Heather & Kyle are on their way back home this afternoon. According to nephew, Kyle, who stayed in Sugarland, they have electricity and only a few tree limbs and fences down.Samantha is staying with us for the week and we are going to San Antonio tomorrow. We took her to see Megan play volleyball in an intramural league tournament this afternoon. She likes volleyball because she watched the Olympic coverage.The Good, The Bad & The Ugly:The Good - Family & friends in Houston are all safe.The Bad - The horrible destruction in the hurricane zone and the length of time it will take for families to get back to normal.The Ugly - Roger, Kyle & Carlos having to take the washer/dryer unit (they could not have designed a heavier more awkward one)out of the motor home, load it in the truck and take it to Carlos' garage - where they took it apart and found an underwire from one of my bras between the two drums! Wondered where it went!! Couldn't imagine it "falling" through one of the those little holes -but, it did! Sure made a lot of noise! Needless to say, I'm in BIG trouble!

Surprise! Surprise!

About 5 minutes after I posted my blog yesterday morning - feeling sad because I thought we were going to have to drive west before Heather, Kyle & Samantha arrived in Austin - we heard giggling at our door and when we opened it there was Samantha, in her PJ's, saying "Surprise!" Since Ike has turned east, the predicted winds are less than originally expected here so, guess we are going the "weather" the storm in Austin. Having a good time playing "catch up" with the kids - like Samantha says, "I'm here with all my family!"
Heather, Megan & I took Samantha to the Children's Museum today. I told her it would be a "fun, girls day out." So later, she told Roger and Kyle both that they couldn't go because it was "for girls only - no boys allowed!"
Cross your fingers that the weather channel is right and we don't blow away!

San Antonio

We are still in Austin but drove down to SA yesterday. Did a "walk thru" of the townhouse, got the keys and then went shopping for a refrigerator, washer and dryer. Still need window treatments and a TV. Planning to move our furniture in next Thursday & Friday. The kids are coming to help that week-end.
Watching "Ike" closely - the kids are leaving Houston and coming to Austin. If it "tracks" near Austin and they are likely to get much wind we will drive west out of its reach. The storm at Beaver Lake taught us a big lesson!
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly:
The Good - HEB and Bill Miller's ice tea!
The Bad - San Antonio traffic - hope our house buyer isn't cursing us!
The Ugly - Hurricane Ike interrupting our plans to see Heather, Kyle & Samantha.

Tour of Austin

We spent the day with Megan on a bike tour of Austin. Rode along the river and around Town Lake - now called Lady Bird Lake - then rode a trolley - called "The 'Dillo" - downtown. Enjoyed a tour of the Texas Capital and then lunch at Shady Grove. I began to "wilt" about half way back from lunch - no wonder, when we got back to the truck the outside temperature was 97 degrees! Came back to the "resort" and jumped in the pool. Went to dinner at Megan & Carlos' - asked Roger, "Should we take all our dirty laundry with us? Sort of a role reversal - just for old times sake?" So good to see the kids again!
PS - Did you notice Roger's hat under his bicycle helmet? His remedy for the bright sun!

Battle of the Ants

We spent Sunday night at a lovely Corps of Engineer's park near Corsicana, Tx, on Navarro Mills Lake. Figured we would get off the "beaten path" and explore a new area. We camped right on the lake and the sunset and sunrise were gorgeous. When we checked in, the volunteer at the gate mentioned "we have a little ant problem so you might want to spray something around your tires." Well, we didn't have any ant spray to put around the rig and we figured we were only going to be there overnight, so how bad could they be? Oh my god!!! We woke up on Monday morning with the entire coach overrun with ants - thousands of them - inside and outside. Not just lines of them around the floor and up the walls but literally all over the floor and the sides of the coach. Needless to say, I went balistic! Ended up sucking them up in my new central vacuum and then mopping the floor with Amway bug spray. Then Roger sprayed some into the vacuum bag! We had planned to spend Monday morning riding our bikes and exploring the park but, we could not get out of there fast enough. Then we stopped at a roadside park and cleaned the cupboards and vacuumed up dead ones. We were driving down I-35 - my skin had just begun to stop "crawling" - and Roger said, "It gives 'ants in your pants' a whole new meaning" - I immediately began to squirm! We are now in Austin and still seeing a few that hitched a ride. First thing on todays agenda is to buy some Tempo to spray around the tires.We went to dinner - Mexican food, of course - we have been in withdrawal for weeks - with Carlos and Megan last night. So good to see them. Going bike riding and tour the Capital building today with Megan. Think we will stay here for a week. Had planned to go to Galveston Island with Heather, Kyle and Samantha but, hurricane Ike has interupted our plans. They may come here if Ike heads their way.

Clinton Presidential Library & Park

We spent a lovely day in Little Rock, Arkansas today - toured President Clinton's Library and rode our bikes around the park like grounds, along the Arkansas River and then down by the River Market - an area revitalized with shops, restaurants and a farmer's market near the library. The library is a beautiful contemporary building with replicas of the his oval office and cabinet room and very well done displays highlighting his accomplishments as President - the CHIP program (Children's Health Insurance Plan,) FMLA and the Brady Bill to name a few I favored. Enjoyed wine & a beer at a microbrewery along the way. Heading into Texas tomorrow. Watching hurricane "Ike" closely - hoping he won't ruin our plans to go to the Galveston beach next week-end! People at the campground here in Little Rock say Gustav's rain and wind was really bad and if "Ike" comes anywhere near here they are moving inward!

Barbeque & Blues

We spent the day in Memphis, TN - stayed in a campground behind the "Heartbreak Hotel" on "Hound Dog Way" - across the street from Graceland. Toured Elvis' home, saw his cars and walked through his airplane (a Convair 880, named Lisa Marie.)It is truly amazing how much money people are still making from him! So sad that drugs had to ruin such a great talent. I bought a CD of his Gold Records and we've been remembering his songs, movies and TV appearances all day. Remember when he was on the Ed Sullivan show and they would only show him from the waist up because "Elvis pelvis" was just too scandalous!!??This afternoon we rode our bikes around Mud Island Park, located on the Mississippi River. There is a replica of the river, made out of concrete and flowing water, that runs through the park, with plaques along its path detailing the cities and history. It was close to downtown so we continued our ride down Main Street along the trolley rails. The street is closed to traffic and the cobblestone sidewalks with cafes and businesses reminded us of La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain. It was raining when we were there too! We stopped at the "Blues Cafe" for a pastry and a latte and then headed home. Neely's Interstate BBQ was recommended as the best in the city so, tonight, we had to go compare it to what we ate in Kansas City. Roger asked the waitress if they had good BBQ and she said "You jus' got to hog heaven!" She was right - finger licking good!The Good, The Bad and the Ugly:The Good: Touring in September, after schools start, and during the week is great - no lines, no crowds, no hassles!The Bad: Something is rattling in the washer/dryer - more for Roger to fix! The Ugly: The flies are horrible here! Why is that????

Good Bye Michigan - Hello Texas

We said "good-bye" to Mom & Mickey, friends and relatives in Michigan and headed south this morning. This was the longest time spent with family in 30 years! Stopped at the farmer's market for squash, sweet corn and peaches (the best we've had in years) for the trip home. Looks like we'll run into some left over Gustav rain on the way back.

To Hell & Back!

We rode with Dave & Marion to visit Jay, Kim & Ryan today. They live near Howell, MI and Dave drove us through Hell, Michigan on the way home. If you blink, you miss it!
Had a lovely afternoon and dinner at Jay & Kim's beautiful new home.

Hewlett/Reed Cousins Reunion

We enjoyed "catching up" with Roger's cousins at a potluck picnic yesterday. All the parents and six of the cousins are now deceased so it's important to stay in touch and "reconnect" when possible. One of the few events where Roger & I are actually the youngest!
Later we picked Mom up and joined Mel & Ray at Judy's for a "dinner cruise" (pizza and beer)on her pontoon boat on Lake LeAnne. Great perks at this "resort area!"
Anxiously watching the hurricane in the gulf - worried about Heather & Kyle in Houston and Kyle's family in Biloxi. Hate to wish it on anyone but hope it avoids them!

Quiet Day

Roger is in Florida on business until Friday (he is still doing consulting for the company) so I have had a quiet day doing laundry and cleaning (easier to do when he is gone - I don't have to clean around him!)
I've also been on the phone making arrangements to return to San Antonio and move into the townhouse. Plan on the movers coming on Sept 19th and hopefully, begin renting it to vacationers soon thereafter.
Heather is doing well and I'm excited about our new grandchild in November - not much longer!
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly:
The Good - last minute plans to have dinner with Judy and my "third sister," Marilou
The Bad - missing the kids and especially Samantha Kate
The Ugly - defrosting the freezer - and if I've mentioned it before, it deserves repeating!!

Rust & Dust

"Rust & Dust" - the last tractor event - at least for Roger, this summer - was this week-end at Heritage Park in Hanover. A gathering of antique tractors and farmers that compete doing "pulls" and demonstrations of old time threshing machines, horse plowing, and a wheelwright making old wooden wagon wheels - all followed by a pig roast and potluck dinner. Back to our rural roots! Nice to see old classmates and family friends we haven't seen in years. Duane had 6 tractors and Bill had 2 on display. Roger drove Duane's tractor in the tractor pull but didn't win - according to him, it is the tractor not the driver! I think he would have had a better chance if he had worn bib overalls!The original high school - which became a middle school in 1959 - where Roger went to 7th & 8th grade - is now a museum full of antique organs and memorabilia from yesteryear's. It brought back lots of memories for Roger as he walked through the building remembering school days - four classrooms, an office and a tiny gymnasium (remember the movie Hoosiers?) There are pictures of all the graduating classes - fun to look through them and see so many familiar names.

Anniversary

We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary yesterday. I got a new shower door and I love it! Looking forward to the next 39 years!

Renovations Complete

Our "aluminum villa" - as Roger's nephew, Rick, calls it - has a new look! Roger has completed the hardwood floor project and I did my part shopping for chairs and rugs. We love it - makes the coach seem bigger inside.                                Roger finished tractor drive #2 yesterday. Three days driving from Hanover, MI to Portland, IN - with overnight stops in Edgerton, OH and Berne, IN - to an antique tractor show featuring Allis Chalmer tractors. 70 tractors drove around 160 miles on rural roads - good thing they have those big seats! You can take the boy off the farm but not the farm out of the boy!I enjoyed lunch with an old friend, Connie - I should say, a long time friend, we are not old! - shopping and time with Mom & Judy.

Hummingbirds

I bought a hummingbird feeder that sticks on the window near our table - they started coming to eat within 30 minutes! Amazing!

Tractor Drive #1

We have been without internet service for a week and have felt totally out of touch -didn't realize we were such computer "geeks." Like most Americans, we have been glued to the TV watching the Olympics. What a remarkable opening ceremony! We have a problem with the time zone - an hour later than we are used to in San Antonio - can't stay awake for "prime time" events!
Roger and his brothers, plus 2 nephews, had a great time on the tractor drive last week-end. Roger is hardly the typical farmer with his "Aussie" hat, shorts and tennis shoes!
I joined Judy and friends at a summer festival in Saline on Saturday. Another friend plays in a band that was performing - they play "big band" sounds - great music and great weather made for a fun afternoon. Bought a cute winter hat - even though I have no intention of being around when the white stuff falls!
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly:
Good - a Farmer's Fruit/Vegetable Market plus Bakery and Jerome Meat Market are both close by and we have been literally "pigging out" on fresh sweet corn!
Bad - we saw a sign for "Winsor Highway" the other day - it was a gravel road! A little different than SA traffic but rural roads everywhere.
Ugly - learning to cook on a gas stove when I have had an electric one all my life!

Samantha & "Baby's" Birthday Party

Samantha woke up last Sunday and told Heather it was "Baby's" birthday. They made cupcakes with "sprinkles" and had candles and party hats!Samantha sang "Happy Birthday to Baby" and then helped her eat her cupcake!