San Antonio Christmas

We celebrated the "real" Christmas at the townhouse in San Antonio. Santa found Samantha & Emily even though Samantha would not go up & tell him that they were not in Kuala Lumpur anymore - she says she is still a "scaredy cat." Santa is always too good to us. Samantha wanted a "mop & broom" and has been cleaning after us all. Emily got a little horse she loves to ride and both are busy playing with their new dolls from Tima.
We rode the new River Taxi down the newly expanded Riverwalk last night and actually ate dinner outside at County Line - a popular BBQ spot. The Riverwalk is always lovely with Christmas lights in all the trees and decorations all around. We are having fun just doing the ordinary - going to the park and playing with the kids and having "sleep overs." Samantha & I made a garland to decorate the tree and a gingerbread house and cookies. Emily isn't quiet ready for arts & crafts and cooking yet but she entertains herself well - busy exploring everything! They are such a joy!

We are all heading to Austin on Thursday. Meeting Dave & Marion there too. We will babysit while the kids enjoy New Year's Eve and then we need to prepare ourselves to say "good bye" on January 2nd when they fly home to Malaysia. We will then head to Brownsville for the winter.

Austin Christmas

We had a wonderful time with all my family in Austin last week-end. We started out by celebrating Samantha's 4th birthday on Thursday with dinner and a Princess cake and then we went to see the Christmas lights in Zilker Park. The girls got me a wheelchair so I could go without having to walk the long distance so Tima, Samantha & Emily were in our "strollers."

We ate Mexican food on Friday night and BBQ on Sunday - trying to eat all Texas specialties. Heather & Megan cooked lasagne & fettucine alfredo for Saturday night and Rachel made her familie's spicy sweet potatoes and a decadent bread pudding. So, as usual, we ate and drank ourselves into oblivion! Had fun playing cards and games and just being together. Wish Mom could have joined us.

The weather was beautiful - in the 60's - so they all got a break from winter and their travel was not interupted. Had to say "good bye" on Sunday & Monday and then we returned to San Antonio.

The desk we ordered for the motorhome arrived and we are finally really "settled in."

Samantha & I are excited - we are going to the "Nutcraker Ballet" this afternoon.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

We are on our way to Austin to celebrate Samantha's 4th birthday at Aunt MeMe's. She is sooooo....excited because she is having a "Princess Party" but also because it is "Daddy Day." Kyle has been working in Houston this week but will be in Austin this evening.
I am excited because my family will be here for the week-end. Judy is flying in to Austin tonight. Joel, Rachel & Kirt are driving from Dallas tomorrow morning. Kelly, Mel & Ray fly in tomorrow night. Kyle drives from Sugarland after work tomorrow. It will be a quick long week-end but we will make the best of it. They all rented a big house about 1.3 miles from Megan and Carlos so we will probably hang out there. We are praying the "weather gods" will warm up the temperature a bit so we can enjoy some outside activities. Would love to be able to fly the Cub up to Austin.
Roger called the campground office the other morning and said "This is Roger in site 15D, can you please turn the heat up?" Unfortunately, the lady working didn't have much of a sense of humor!
Heather went to Austin Tuesday afternoon so we have had the girls with us - they are such a joy! We are enjoying every minute with them.

Anticipation

The first week of family time with Heather, Samantha & Emily has flown by! The weather has been cold, windy and rainy until yesterday when the sun finally came out and someone turned up the temperature to 73.
Emily has been sick with a sore throat. We took her to an Urgent Care Center on Friday night but even though she has been on an antibiotic for 3 days she is still fussy and not eating and running a fever. May take her back today if she isn't much better. Samantha & I made a construction paper garland and decorated the Christmas tree and she and Grandpa put lights on the fence in the front yard yesterday. We are enjoying just being with them. Samantha has an accent and talks "the Queen's English" - puts things in the "dust bin" not the trash!
My family are all coming to Austin this coming week-end. They rented a house about a mile from Carlos & Megan's and we'll take the motorhome up there. Joel & Rachel are coming from Dallas and Kyle from Sugarland. It will be a fun family time but the days will fly by!
Daddy Kyle arrived in Austin last night and is driving to Houston this morning to work for 3 days. He will be back in Austin on Thursday to celebrate Samantha's 4th birthday.

Homecoming

Heather, Samantha & Emily arrived late Monday night in Austin. We greeted them with balloons and a big sign. Samantha was excited because she can read her name. Emily cried with all us strangers trying to cuddle her - but she warmed up the next day. We ended up staying an extra night in Austin because Samantha's car seat and Emily's pak-n-play (that she sleeps in) did not make it to Los Angeles with them. They delivered them to Megan's the next day. Probably worked out best because Heather was "wiped out" - the girls slept on the plane but not at the same time. The extra day at Megan's gave her a chance to sleep more. We had to make a Target run because Samantha doesn't have any warm clothes and it is cold and windy here - in the 40's today. Emily has all of SK's hand me downs so she has long sleeved clothes. They are now settled into the townhouse. We are enjoying every minute with all 3 of them. Believe it or not, Samantha has an accent! Emily is the cutest - toddling around and exploring everything. She babbles alot - says "hi" - "bye" - "DaDa" - "MaMa" and sends "flying kisses" (that's what they call them in KL.) Trying to teach her to say "Tima." Samantha & I are making decorations for the Christmas tree today.

The Boomers

We had dinner with some couples from the Boomers RV camping club last night. Good friends and good food make for a good evening. We ate Mexican food and then went for desert and coffee - we were "stuffed" when we got home. So much for watching what we eat during the holidays - we flunked the first big test!
We talked with Heather this morning - the last time before they leave Malaysia. She's packed and ready for the ordeal with enough Benadryl for all three of them to sleep during the flight(s.) I pray the travel gods are with them! They don't arrive in Austin until 10:35pm Monday. Their bodies won't know whether it is day or night!
We put the Christmas tree up at the townhouse this morning - will wait until they arrive so Samantha can help us decorate it. I got rid of my ornaments so we are making construction paper garland and using candy canes.

We are going to Austin earlier in the day tomorrow. Roger wants to stop at a truck stop and weigh the new motorhome. Hopefully, we are not over the weight limit. If we are, we will really need to diet! Several items came with the RV that we did not want - grill, chairs, outdoor rugs, portable satellite disc etc. - so we have been having our own little garage sale here in the park. Roger learned last night that because of the new coaches' weight we need "Class B" drivers licenses to drive it in Texas. Gary said they made him parallel park theirs when he got his license! Can't quite see me doing that! One more item on Roger's "to do" list.

"Cracker Dance"

Samantha & I have tickets to see the "Nutcracker Ballet" - the matinee performance on Christmas Eve. I told her to remind her Mommy to pack a pretty dress for her to wear because it is "dress up." I talked with her yesterday on Skype and she told me she got a new red dress to wear to the "cracker dance!"  I told her only 6 more days until she comes to visit me and she said "No, Tima, only 5 days!" I forgot Malaysia is 14 hours ahead of us.
Heather reports little miss Emily has discovered the "emergency button" for their security system and has pushed it a few times - it sounds the house alarm and notifies the guards at the entry gate to the subdivision where they live! Think we will need to child proof more than we thought!
Roger & I finally finished our project at Boeing today. If there ends up being more to do he will have to hire another data entry assistant because I have formally resigned!
Would you believe 40 degree weather today? Calling for the 20's tomorrow and Saturday with snow flurries! I am really missing my fireplace now!

Less Than A Week!

It's less than a week until Heather and the girls arrive!!! It's cold (50's) and rainy here in SA - hope it warms up some before they get here - they are used to tropical temperatures. We are finally beginning to feel "settled" in our new motorhome. Loving it! We are going back to Boeing every day this week trying to finish our project - where were our heads, volunteering for this????

Thanksgiving

We had a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving with Anne & Gary and Leanne & Jim in New Braunfels. It was just what we needed after the "big move!" We grilled steaks and had a "work free "meal then the guys watched the UT/A&M football game (Carlos was happy - Heather was sad!) while us women chatted. We all spent the night and the guys played golf on Friday morning. Us girls had a lazy morning and then went to JC Penney's to check out the sales - guess what all 3 of us bought? Mops!! The electric steam mops were on sale for a very good price and we all decided we deserved one! Roger & I drove home Friday afternoon and met Carlos, Megan & Yolanda at the movies and then went to dinner. Now, since we've had two relaxing days, it is time to get with it and organize our new house.
We have so very many things to be thankful for - each other and family & friends are at the top of the list!

Northern Hills Friends

We had dinner with our friends from Northern Hills last night and then everyone came back to the townhouse for desert and coffee. It was so nice to reconnect with all of them. Our children and grandchildren are growing up at an alarming rate but none of us have aged a bit!
We spent the day - well, 9am until 2pm - at Boeing working on our data entry project. Beginning to regret our offer to complete the task -  really tedious and so boring! But, we are making progress.
Hoping to get the Pace Arrow back tomorrow so we can drive up and pick up our new house on Tuesday!

Santa Comes Early

Remember that Cub flight to Alvarado to look at motorhomes about a week ago? Well.....we really wanted a new TV so we drove back yesterday and bought the motorhome we liked!!!! If I could, I would dance a jig I'm so excited! It is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a "live in" coach. It is a new (no previous owners) 2007, 40 foot, Alfa diesel pusher with 3 slides. The Texas dealership purchased 3 of them from a bankrupt dealership in California.  Of course, everyone that buys a new car, truck or RV thinks they got a great deal - but, because it is almost 3yrs old and because Alfa no longer builds motorhomes, we really did get a good buy. Will trade our Pace Arrow in on it. Two of the slides are small and on each side of the bedroom. But, the third is a 4 foot,  full wall slide on the driver's side of the coach. This big slide allows for a hallway lined with 3 large closet/drawer combinations on the way back to the bedroom. There is a full bathroom with a large shower on the passenger side. A couch, two recliners, and two stools make a really comfortable living room. Tile floor in the kitchen & bath - carpet in the bedroom and slide. Brown/beige color scheme. There is a large pantry and a stackable washer & dryer. That's just the inside! The bins have big slide out drawers, for easy access, and one has a cooler/freezer; a grill; and a flat sceen TV! We are so fortunate - hope to pick it up next Tuesday and "move in."

In the meantime, the Pace Arrow is at the Ford dealership getting the tranmission fixed and we are at the townhouse. Lucky we didn't have guests staying here - a problem when your vehicle is also your house! Roger is on the couch thoroughly engrossed in the big screen TV and I am on my way upstairs to soak in the Jacuzzi tub! One thing our new "house" does not have!

Rock & Roll Marathon

We were awakened this morning by loud band music. The second, annual, Rock & Roll Marathon, a 30 mile run, started at 7:30am, in downtown San Antonio, and the course passed through Mission & Espada Parks behind our "home." We took our chairs down near the route and watched for quite awhile. All shapes, sizes, ages and running styles you can imagine - 31,500 entrants. Even saw Elvis running! One lady was barefoot and one poor guy had an ice pack taped to his calf! Many were walking by the time they passed our area - about 23 miles into the race. Stefan Lerow ran it but we didn't see him go by. I was just happy to be able to walk with my cane to the "viewing area!"
More progress for me - got rid of the handicapped/raised toilet seat! Another of life's simple pleasures - using a regular toilet! My Aunt Maxine, my mother's brother's wife, fell and broke her pelvis in July. She just heard about my accident and called to empathize. She's amazing, 90 years old and remarkable - doing well without a walker or cane. Hope I do as well!
Roger & I went to "work" at the Boeing plant on Friday. Roger had told me how big the place is but you can not imagine it until you see the hangar and the whole area. It is at Kelly Air Force Base and even though the base is now closed the same security is in place. We had to have picture ID cards made and they escort you everywhere in a golf cart. Worked from 9:30am until 12:30pm and then called it quits. Tedious data entry! It was "TGIF" and we didn't want to over do it! Truth is, I can only sit for so long then need to move. Guess I did OK - my boss didn't fire me! Figure we need 30 more hours to finish the project.

A Fun Day!

We flew the Cub to Alvarado, Tx (near Ft.Worth) yesterday and looked at motorhomes at a big dealership.
A glorious fall day and perfect flying weather. We flew over the chain of lakes in the hill country - Lake Buchanan, Lake LBJ & Inks Lake - on the way. Fun to look at areas that are familiar to you. We went to look at a couple of motorhomes that were on sale but of course they had been sold. But, of course, we found another one we really liked. Why do we have to have "champagne taste on a beer salary?" Just looking for now!
Roger has a big project for his "real" job - out at the Boeing plant here in San Antonio. They need to data enter airplane information into a spreadsheet so I'm going to help him. He will need to read and intepret the airplane "stats" while I do the typing. He was quick to point out that he will be the "boss" and be telling me what to do and how to do things - that he didn't need me to reorganize everything and come up with a "Kathy plan." I pointed out that Texas is a "right to work state" and I can quit at any time! Should be interesting to say the least! Our first obstacle is to get on the base!
Stay tuned for chapter two!

Happy Birthday Emily & Kyle

Emily's birthday was November 5th and Kyle's is the 10th. Hard to believe she is a year old already! We see newborn pictures and marvel at how much she has changed. She is taking steps by herself - usually chasing after Samantha! - and will surely be walking when they get here in December. Can hardly wait to see them!
We went "camping" this past week-end with Gary & Anne and Jim & LeAnne - friends from the "Boomers" that we cruised with last winter - north of Boerne. Friday & Saturday were gorgeous but it rained on Sunday. They guys played golf and the girls went shopping on Saturday. We drove to Fredericksburg, shopped and had lunch on Sunday. Didn't come "home" until today. We are all spending Thanksgiving together at Gary & Anne's in New Braunfels. They are all going on another cruise in January - same ship but different ports of call - but we decided not to go - would prefer to go on a different ship and enjoy a "new" experience.
We pulled into our site at Travelers World and saw a bunch of scooters buzzing around. Apparently, there was a "liquidation sale" just down the road on Saturday and everyone went down and bought one for $500.00! They are really cute, two seater motorcycles/scooters in bright colors. Our neighbors live in Ontario - haven't figured out how they will get it home! We were teasing them that we left for three days, come back and a motorcycle gang has moved into the park!

Travelers World

We settled into a new site this week - at the back of the park - larger lots, less noise and more permanent residents. Went to the Halloween party on Saturday night and met several couples and then to the Monday night "pot luck" and met some more. A good group to spend the fall and winter with. There are several travelling nurses that are here for temporary assignments - interesting life style.
It has been absolutely glorious weather here lately. We went down on the Riverwalk Sunday afternoon with Gary & Lynne and rode the river taxi up the newly completed "north" section. It adds about 1.3 miles to the Riverwalk and has stops at the San Antonio Art Museum, the Municipal Auditorium and the Pearl Brewery. Remember "Billy Beer?" The brewery no longer makes beer but the area is being renovated with shops and restaurants. The old stable is now a venue for weddings and receptions. It is lovely and actually, very close to our townhouse. The boats go through a set of locks to navigate back down to the old section and the center of downtown where most of the restaurants are located. We had BBQ at County Line - sorry you couldn't join us Dave! Haven't been downtown in ages so it was fun. I managed the walking and a few steps very well.
We have been doing "real" work this week. Roger at Seven Q Seven and me at Dr. Robinson's office. Well, I should qualify that statement - we are not fighting rush hour traffic or punching in & out for 8 hours so I guess I should not call it "real" work!
Check out Heather's blog - liskowlife@blogspot.com - for adorable Halloween pictures of "Princess" Samantha and "BumbleBee" Emily! They will be here in almost a month!

Reklaw Fly In

The airplane and weather gods were on Roger's side and he was able to take the Cub to the fly in at the Flying M Ranch in Reklaw, Texas this past week-end. After ten years of restoration and these past 2 long weeks fixing an oil leak, he is finally able to play with it!
The trip wasn't without hassles. Since I still don't feel comfortable driving the motorhome after my fall - we drove the motorhome to Taylor, Tx on Wednesday night and then on to Reklaw on Thursday morning. Then we jumped in the car, drove back to Austin, and spent the night with Carlos & Megan. On Friday morning, we got up early, drove to San Antonio, hopped in the Cub (well, I didn't exactly "hop" in but I made it!)and flew the airplane to Reklaw. About a 2.5 hour flight. A beautiful, sunny day and a smooth flight - what a treat! Megan & Carlos and our friends Ray & Cindy joined us Friday night and we had such a fun day on Saturday! Another gorgeous day allowed over 500 airplanes of all shapes and sizes to fly in for the 25th anniversary of the event. Ray, Carlos & Megan flew around the area with Roger but the sky is pretty crowded, lots of radio "chatter" and a bit chaotic for the pilot! The funniest thing was when Roger & Ray got in the plane for the first flight of the day, were all ready to start the engine, whoops where's the key? Megan had to run back to the motorhome to get it! We had fun just sitting along the runway and watching planes take off, land and do "fly bys." We were awakened at 6:30am on Sunday morning with a particularly loud plane taking off and then coming back for a "fly by" - the airport alarm clock! Roger flew the Cub home - head winds turned it into a 3.5 hour flight. Megan drove the motorhome with me and Carlos drove their car. Then Roger drove to Austin to pick me and our house up! Hopefully, next year will be a little less convoluted getting us all there and back! It is pouring down rain today - we wedged a great week-end between the storms! We are truly blessed!
This week is "recuperation" week for Roger - nothing to fix!
Brag Time:
Congratulations to Carlos who just got a BIG promotion at Dell. He has always been BIG in our book!

In Memory

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother-in-law, Ray & Mel, his mother, Cricket, brother, John, and his family as they mourn his father's death on Wednesday, October 21st. His father was 84 years old and had been in failing health for the past year. The country has lost another World War II Veteran - Ray senior served in the U.S. Navy - whom we owe a debt of gratitude. It's times like this that we regret living so far away from family. Thinking of you all!

Pay Homage to the Airplane Gods!

The airplane gods have not been good to Roger - the weather was finally decent to fly yesterday and a "low oil pressure" warning came on while he was landing the Cub. He is now taking the engine apart to find the problem. The pressure is on to fix it so we can go to the annual fly-in at Recklaw next week-end! Not eager to do any glider flying! Less than ideal hanger conditions and 90 degree weather complicate the issues!
We rented a car this morning, so I have my own wheels. I'm getting around pretty well using my walker and cane - even going up & down steps. I tire easily but I'm building my stamina. A little "retail therapy" is a good cure for my "cabin fever." Stein Mart here I come!

A Day of "Firsts"

Roger went to California for an FAA meeting early today and I drove him to the airport! I got in & out of the motorhome and in & out of the car all by myself - bringing my walker with me! This afternoon I went and got a pedicure & manicure. I even walked from car to the nail salon - with my walker but... a regular walk not my "step and drag" of the past month!! I feel like I am getting my life back! Next, I tackle steps!
The kids are coming home for Christmas! Heather, Samantha & Emily arrive on December 7th and Kyle is coming on the 13th. We are on a countdown - only 59 days left! They will be here until January 2, 2010 so we are planning on having lots of fun times with them!

San Antonio

We are finally back in SA. Settled in at the RV resort near Mission San Jose. Warm, humid and rainy - guess we brought it with us. We had Mexican food with Megan & Carlos, in Austin, on Friday night and with Lynne & Gary last night! Hope we get our fill before we gain too many pounds! Megan and friends, Lena & Molly, were heading to the Warrenton Antique fair this week-end - meeting Holly & Amanda there - for a fun "girls" week-end. Doesn't Meg's hair look cute? Roger was so disappointed to miss the shopping trip - another consequence of my accident - good for him/bad for me! He is headed to the airport to work on the Cub all day and I'm going to sort through the motorhome and get rid of "stuff" - probably just to make room for more stuff!
PS - Check out Heather's blog to see Roger's favorite birthday present - Samantha & Emily performing the "Happy Birthday" song!

Happy Birthday, Roger!

Happy Birthday, Roger! I won't divulge his age but let's just say he qualifies for Social Security and a National Parks Golden Eagle Pass!!! He also qualifies for "Husband of the Year" award for taking such good care of me since my fall!
We are back in Texas finally - staying near Waco tonight because we didn't want to hit the rush hour Austin traffic. Will drive into Austin tomorrow and have dinner with Carlos & Megan and then on into San Antonio on Saturday. We are already salivating for Mexican food! It's flat with scrubby trees (I told Roger we saw sweet corn taller than these trees!) and not anywhere near as grand as the scenery we saw this summer but, there is HEB!

Southbound

We stayed in Jackson, TN last night and are on the road again this morning - me with my first cup of Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season - life is good!

Samantha story: Heather picked Samantha up from school the other day and she said there was a new boy in her class - she didn't know his name or anything about him but she told Heather he was "handsome" - Heather is now anxious to see him!

Indian Summer

We left Michigan yesterday and are now in Hanover, Indiana. Today was a glorious Indian Summer day - 62 degrees, sunny and windy with the leaves falling like snow. We need to get south before the real white stuff arrives!
I am travelling well. I can't get up while Roger is driving so he is missing his flight attendant but it isn't painful to sit and ride. I slept on my left side last night - Roger did such a great "pillow pack" that I slept in cushy comfort! - and I got in the shower all by myself this morning. Oh, how I enjoy life's simple pleasures now!
We stopped here to check out "Lee Bottom Flying Field" - a small, privately owned, grass runway airport along the Ohio River. Rich & Ginger, the owners, have "work campers" stay on their property during the summer months to help them mow and maintain the property and host events - Rich still works full time. They have "fly ins" for ice cream and breakfast throughout the summer and their big annual event is in September. Unfortunately, it got rained out this year! Roger sent them his resume - thinking it would be fun to have the motorhome and Cub in the same spot all summer. The location is about 5 hours from our family in Michigan and just upriver from Louisville, Kentucky. It is definitely "rural" but close enough to towns that I won't go too crazy. Plus our phones and Internet work here. So, if they decide we are a good "fit" we will probably do it. Glad we had a chance to "eyeball" the area! Heading south in the morning.

Nurse Reunion

W.A. Foote School of Nursing celebrated a 50 year anniversary yesterday. It was the 40th anniversary for 12 of us in the class of 1969. We enjoyed a nice luncheon at Cascades Manor House and then went to Carolyn's house to look at old pictures and for a good "gabfest." We sat in a big circle and went around the room with everyone telling their life stories since we graduated - the happy and sad times, the successes and disappointments. We laughed and cried together just like we did for 3 grueling years - it was so nice to reconnect. I hadn't seen my room-mate Joanne since our 25th reunion. Patty Larson, our "best" instructor even joined us - it was fun to interact with her on an entirely different basis than when we were in school. We all had a chance to thank her for the influence she had on our careers. Two members of our class have passed away and they were sorely missed but we decided the rest of us have aged well. Linda brought her old uniform and Pat was the only one that could still fit into it! What a trip down memory lane!

Doctor's Visit

I had a follow up visit with an orthopedic doctor and another x-ray today and am healing well. He estimates another 4 weeks with the walker and then maybe a cane and back to "normal" within 10-12 weeks. Roger says that assumes that I was "normal" to begin with! Every day is truly a better day and the pain is noticeably less in the past 3 days. I'm able to put more weight on my right leg - which is good because my arms, shoulders and palms are sore from bearing my weight with the walker. I'm suffering from "cabin fever." We went to Meijer's (similar to HEB Plus) the other day for groceries - I rode on one of their scooters - the problem is they don't go fast enough for me to ditch Roger and browse & shop at things other than what was on our list!
We are enjoying a beautiful "Indian Summer" here in Michigan. Hope this nice weather will follow us to Texas!

One Week Later

It's been a week since the "big fall" and I'm doing better every day. Hobbling around with my walker and even getting in and out of the motorhome fairly well. Roger and our families have been an immeasurable help - cooking, cleaning and lifting! I have learned so much through this struggle - #1 - I'd rather be the nurse! #2 - The power of positive thinking! #3 - I am so blessed, every time I start to feel the least bit sorry for myself I think of all the good things in my life and I perk up immediately. Example: I could have done this at the beginning of the summer and ruined our trip in the northeast. Samantha & Emily call frequently and they are the best medicine. Samantha is so curious about it all. She wanted to know what I was looking at when I fell - she thought it was probably butterflies or sea gulls - and what color was the ambulance? Roger is taking me in to see Mom this afternoon - one of the good things about her illness is that she isn't worrying about me. My new goal is to be able to walk to Judy's raft and go for a ride around the lake -the weather is so gorgeous and being on the water is so relaxing. Have to do it one more time before we leave for Texas.

Mackinaw Island

For you non-Michiganders, Mackinaw Island is in the Straits of Mackinaw, between the upper peninsula of Michigan and the lower portion of the state, right near the big Mackinaw Bridge. It is a gorgeous place to visit - blue sky, blue water, sunshine, sailboats/yachts and flowers all add up to one of the most picturesque places in the U.S. No cars are allowed on the island - bikes and horses add to its charm. Unfortunately, I will now always remember it as the location of the "big bike wipe out!"
Roger & I, along with Mel, Judy and Marilou had barely started our ride around the island when I forgot one of the most important bicycling rules and was gazing at the scenery instead of where I was going! It all happened so fast I can't tell you why or how but I fell over and landed on my right hip and fractured my pelvis in two places! Thank goodness I had my helmet on because a large rock was right near my landing zone. Thought I was OK until Roger helped pull me up and I put weight on my right leg! Found out they actually do have motorized vehicles on the island - an ambulance! The clinic's x-ray machine was broken so they "ferried" me to St. Ignace, in the upper peninsula, and then transferred me down to Petosky to the regional hospital for an orthopedic consult and an overnight stay for "observation." I was determined to come "home" as soon as possible so I managed to "walk" 80 feet with my walker yesterday afternoon and they let me leave. It was a challenge getting into the motor home - going backwards up the steps on my "hiney" (as Samantha would say) -but worth it to sleep in my own bed! It will be awhile before I ride my bike again but right now I am concentrating on the positives. No sense in going back to Jackson until Friday as originally planned - I can take my pain meds and struggle with my walker here as well as there. Figured sitting here enjoying the beautiful view has to have some healing powers!
It is a joke in my family that no embarrassing moment is ever forgotten. While I was in the ER, I told Roger to tell my sisters to stay on the island and continue their plans for the day - the doctor walked in and said "I don't think so, they are planning to meet your ambulance at the ferry - something about pictures for the blog!" In case you can't read my new sweatshirt it says "I Do All My Own Stunts." Blessed are they who care for their old, crippled sisters!

PS - As if a broken pelvis isn't enough bad news for the week - I lost the emerarld out of my ring too!

Things We Miss

The view from our deck - correction "their" deck!
My jacuzzi bathtub
"Real" toilet paper
The workshop in the barn
The traffic back & forth to work - NOT!
HEB
Friends in San Antonio
Girlfriend time
The kids & grandkids
Mexican food
The "Cub"

Weather

It is 39 degrees here this morning! I told Judy I'm coming back in the summer next time! Trouble is, they haven't had much summer weather - it has been cool and rainy for the past 3 months. We went to a farmer's market yesterday - the sweet corn is delicious! - and saw several trees that are starting to turn color. Even the trees think it is fall! We need to get out of here before the white stuff starts falling - at this rate it will be soon! San Antonio would appreciate some of this cool, humid climate.

Megan

Well, it's official - Megan is no longer working at Southwest Airlines. After 10 years, she was tired of the travel and took a "buy out." She started classes at Texas State this week to earn a degree in Interior Design. She is so talented, we know she will do well. In addition to full time classes she has started a personal assistant business - Austin Assist. Check out her web page at www.austinassist.com - she'll give you back your free time!

Michigan

We left West Virginia, drove through Ohio and arrived in Michigan on Wednesday afternoon. Someone told us a "two way road in WV means 2 wheels on the shoulder and 2on the road" - a good description of the narrow, winding roads through the hills. Sorry Ohio, but your flat farmland pales by comparison. We have enjoyed hiking this summer but were afraid we were going to twist an ankle or slip and fall, so we stopped at Bass Pro Shop and bought hiking boots. By far the UGLIEST pair of shoes I have ever purchased but ohhhh...soooo....comfortable! It started raining when we crossed the Michigan line and hasn't stopped yet! Hope we can bring some of the "wet" weather to Texas!

New River Gorge

We went exploring again yesterday. This area of the New River Gorge is so gorgeous! I saw a caption in one of the tour books that said "Did you know - Nearly 80% of West Virginia is forest land?" No lie!! On one of the scenic drives we took I counted 7 waterfalls along the river road. We even found a good Mexican restaurant in Fayetville and had a fajita fix!
We played golf on a 9 hole "mountain" course this morning. Glad we had a cart! Cost us $7 to play and $11 for the cart - worth that just for the views! Actually, pretty nice for the price.
This afternoon we hiked the 2 mile trail to Kaymoor Mine. It was in operation from 1899 until 1962 in the hills above the New River Gorge. Kaymoor Bottom, the town on the river where the workers lived, was a real "owe your soul to the company store" town. We owe all these men a debt of gratitude for their contribution to the industrial era. They worked in tunnels miles long and 3 feet high - extracting coal. Can you imagine working all day, and I'm sure they were long days, while squatting in a 3 ft high tunnel? It was scary just seeing the mine shafts let alone going into one!
We're "pooped" tonight - anchoring our lawn chairs!
We have cancelled our reservations for Shenandoah, Williamsburg and Kitty Hawk and are heading to Michigan tomorrow morning. Our hearts are just not into vacationing anymore and we want to be there for Wally's memorial service. Still plan to return to Texas the first part of October.

Babcock State Park

We moved to another beautiful park in West Virginia near the New River Gorge yesterday. We have Internet access here so spent most of the morning playing catch up on our computers. Roger's laptop had a "major meltdown" - Carlos helped him delete & reload everything - so he is finishing that frustrating process. It rained most of the night and this morning but cleared this afternoon. We went exploring and saw the Grist Mill and several scenic outlooks. Could not have found a better place to spend our 40th wedding anniversary!
PS - Guess what we bought each other for our anniversary?? Padded biker shorts! The kind you wear under your clothes - we wouldn't force the general public to see us in them! I know 25 years is silver and 50 years is gold but I'm not sure if 40 years is spandex!!

Greenbrier Trail continued.....

I can't believe I forgot the most exciting part of our bike ride! We saw a black bear cub on the trail! He ran out of the woods about 100 ft in front of us, ran down the trail and then back into the woods! We stopped for awhile and waited to see if Mom or Dad was around anywhere close and then sang really loud as we biked away! We also saw a family of wild turkeys and oh, a turtle - quite the wildlife tour! No pictures of the bear - it all happened to fast. Carlos says he'll get bigger and closer with each telling of the story!!
PS - Megan & Carlos left early Friday morning for Baltimore and a flight home. They saw 3 more cubs on the park road!

Greenbrier River Trail

We moved to Watago State Park on Monday where Carlos & Megan joined us for the week. Our campsite was right on the river and you could hear it bubbling along as we relaxed. The Greenbrier River Trail, which runs along the Greenbrier River on the old Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad bed, is 75 miles long, virtually flat and runs through some of the most picturesque countryside we've ever seen. On Tuesday, Carlos & Megan rented bikes and the outfitter took us up to Slatyfork. We then rode 27 miles back down to the campground - through a tunnel and over many bridges. There are campsites, toilets and water pumps along the way and we stopped in Marlinton for lunch. They allow horseback riding on the trail so all the campsites have places for horses too. It rained on Wednesday so we went to Lewisburg for shopping and dinner - the guys hung out at the library where they had wi-fi access. We drove into White Sulphur Springs and saw the Greenbrier Hotel - the "in" place to stay in West Virginia. It looks like the White House only bigger! Four world class golf courses and beautiful bungalows in the hills around it help to occupy the 7,000 acres. Definitely 5 star! On Thursday we were back on the bike trail - this time we rode 20 miles from the campground to Renick where we had positioned our car the day before. Another tunnel and an old fashioned swimming hole with a rope swing, where we had a picnic lunch, where the highlights of this day. We showed our country roots when we went swimming with our clothes on in the river! I'll share our web album with pictures of us at the mileposts to prove we actually rode 46 miles plus!! A truly memorable time with the kids!

Blackwater Falls

We are now in West Virginia - gorgeous countryside with scenic vistas at every turn. Don't know how anyone that suffers from motion sickness could live here with all the steep hills, ups and downs, twisting "S" curves and switchbacks - no such thing as a straight road in WV! An adventure in the motor home! Our first stop was at Blackwater Falls State Park, in the northeast section near the Maryland border. We rode our bikes all around the area and hiked to scenic lookouts. The falls are "root beer" colored from the tannins in the water from red spruce and hemlock needles that have fallen from the trees.