Memorial Day

Roger finally returned from California late Thursday night. He will need to go back in June when they are ready to actually move what is left of the airplane off the runway. It is scheduled for the week-end Heather and the girls arrive - couldn't be worse timing! But, .........
Emily will be so disappointed to get off the airplane and not see her "Papa!" On a countdown - 12 days!!
We spent the week-end at Miller Creek RV park with the Boomers. It was so good to re-connect with everyone. Saturday morning, after breakfast, we had a really nice memorial service to honor all the men who served in the military. One of the members brought a computer presentation that showed all the cemeteries around the world and how many American soldiers are buried there. A good reminder of why we enjoy our freedom and a three day week-end!
We had forgotten that the Boomers are a drinking and eating club that likes to RV!
Roger had a meeting in San Antonio this morning so we stayed at the park and will head up to Austin tomorrow.
PS - I saw a funny sign while shopping recently: "I laughed so hard tears ran down my legs!"

Confession

True confessions - In all the years we have owned a motor home I have NEVER dumped the sewage tank! Until today!
Not 'cause I wanted to but 'cause I had to!!!
Roger is still in California so I gotta do what I gotta do!!

Report from the "SME"

Sounds like Roger is going to be in California for "awhile" - a big mess - the investigation and clean up of the airplane crash will take time and it's Omega's responsibility. It appears that one of the engines fell off ! He said the debris is scattered for 1/4 mile across the ramp and the plane ended up in a muddy bog at the edge of the airport property. The good news is that the crash sprayed water and mud all over - which helped dampen the fire - but the bad news is that the plane is packed full of and laying in sticky, clay like mud that you can't move in.  The crew had trouble opening the cockpit door because of the packed mud and then had to jump into the water and wallow about 400 yards to get away from the fire. Thank God they are all OK and home with their families! One of the firemen, first on the scene, told Roger he saw them coming toward him and thought they were burned on the lower part of their bodies -  imagine his relief to find out it was just mud! The biggest problem is that the bog is a registered environmental site - so, clean up of fuel and airplane parts will be a nightmare. Roger is working closely with the insurance agent, who has done this before, to figure out the best way to proceed. They will have to store what is left of the plane and all the parts until the investigation is completed, which could take over a year. Roger says his major contribution so far has been identifying the airplane parts when found. Despite it all - it is very interesting and now he is the "SME" for this project!

Point Mugu Naval Base

Roger checked the news on his computer early yesterday morning and saw that one of Omega's 707 tanker airplanes crashed, at Pt. Mugu military base, on Wednesday night, on take off. Thankfully, all three crew members got out without injury - it was full of fuel and went up in a fiery ball of flames. Apparently, an engine fell off and the plane skidded off the runway and into shallow water. I saw a report on the west coast evening news and all that remained was the charred remains of the plane. A horrifying sight!
It wasn't long before he got a call asking if he was free to travel to California - they needed a company representative to interface with the military, the FAA and the press! Of course he went as soon as possible - the crew definitely needs some support. No telling how long he'll be there helping to clean up the mess - literally and figuratively. We have plans to have dinner with friends tonight and tomorrow night before we leave for Georgetown next Friday - guess they just get the better half!
Ann & Gary came to San Antonio on Wednesday - as usual, the guys played golf and us girls went shopping. Megan is on break between winter and summer semesters so she drove down from Austin and joined Ann & I for lunch and shopping and then spent the night. We planned to go biking on Thursday - Roger missed the fun but Megan & I had a great time exploring downtown and the Riverwalk. We found a new trail that goes all around Brackenridge Park golf course. We ended up in the King William district and lunch at the "Mad Hatter Tea Room." A fun day - but thinking of Roger and all he had to deal with and so very thankful the crew was not hurt.

Celebration Time!

I got my Texas Class B driver's license today - I am now legal to drive the motor home! Details to follow!!!

Koyote Ranch

We went camping with a few of our San Antonio Boomer friends this week-end at a "new to us" park called Koyote Ranch. It is located out near Bandera/Medina/Kerrville. We decided it would be a good time for me to practice driving the motor home to get ready to take my Class B drivers license test. I did OK until we got to all the twisting, narrow, tree covered roads in the hill country. Gary & Ann ended up behind us on the last leg of the trip and called  - joking, they knew I was driving - to ask "what's the hold up?" I was white knuckled by the time we arrived! Needed a couple glasses of wine to relax! But, no dents and no injuries! Roger drove us back to San Antonio today but we went to the drivers license office and I practiced parallel parking and driving in the area. Need to pass the written test first and then go for it - stay tuned!!!
Koyote Ranch is a really nice park - cabins, a lovely pool, rally barn and even a restaurant with entertainment on the week-ends. They serve all you can eat fried fish on Friday nights and all you can eat breakfast on Sat/Sun. It  was nice because we just grilled steaks on Saturday evening and ate there the rest of the time.
Bikers like the place because it is a great area to ride and they have cabins and food. They must give a discount for tattoos! When we all signed in we got a little speech about how clothing needed to be worn at all times in the pool and hot tub and to remember that there are children around so no lewd, compromising behavior! They even had a BOLD paragraph in their brochure. Obviously, some of the bikers had given them reason to stipulate decent conduct! Or maybe it was some of the Boomers on a previous visit??!!

I flew to Michigan on Thursday to see Mom on Mother's Day. She is doing well. Mel came to Judy's for the week-end and we had good sister time. I picked a great time to visit - spring has sprung and the weather was beautiful. The magnolia and fruit trees, redbuds, tulips, daffodils, iris were all in full bloom and gorgeous. It was a little early for the lilacs so I missed my favorite but it was nice to get Mom out to see the sunshine and flowers.

I had breakfast with all of Roger's family on Friday - it was good to see them too. They are all glad for the end of winter.

Roger stayed in San Antonio and actually "worked." He went to a meeting yesterday at Southwest Research Institute to discuss a government contract. You need to master "government speak"  and understand all the acronyms in order to participate! The attendees were listed on the agenda and he found out he is referred to as a "SME" - Subject Matter Expert! I am now expected to address him by his new title!

Royal Wedding

We traveled to Fredericksburg with our friends, Ann & Gary, this week-end for golf and shopping. Gary had to work until late Thursday night so Ann spent the night with us and Gary came up Friday morning. Ann & I didn't want to miss the royal wedding. We got up at 4:30am and ate tea and scones in honor of the big event! How lovely was Kate??!! And her sister, Pippa, was gorgeous!
We stayed in the Municipal Park next to the airport. Fun to watch planes take off and land. I was sad Roger sold his. Lots of people flying in for breakfast and lunch at the airport diner.
All four of us played 9 holes of golf on Friday - really windy - like Brownsville golf. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it! The guys played 18 on Saturday while us girls shopped. It is a great place for women - lots of clothing boutiques and fun stores. I bought a beautiful cross to hang in the motorhome. The only problem is - it looks best where the clock used to be - now we never know what time it is!!!
We moved to a different, bigger lot (in the same park) when we returned to San Antonio. Feels like we have a new home!