RETREIVING TRAVEL TRAILER MISSION

Left California bright and early with a feeling of anticipation, the day had finally arrived, we were on the road to start a new adventure. We took the road over the “mountain” into Indio, aka the heart attack ridge. With out the RV it wasn’t too bad, but still not a piece of cake. Once there the storm clouds disappeared and it was blue sky and smooth sailing. We found out later that we manage to stay just hours ahead of a giant snow storm. Almost unheard of in this region. We basically drove, stopping only to gas up, and potty stops. I know….TMI…..shut down for the night in El Paso. The next afternoon we were picking up the little guy, having not officially given the travel trailer a name. Thought of Little Bit, but too much like 2 Bits, and still miss our cat, so that will not work. There was a small campground just down the road from the RV dealer so we decided to spend a few nights there, check things out. We were totally surprised at the space and amount of storage we had available.    

Love the bathroom.  It is actually roomy, with  a wardrobe closet and towel, ect. closet.  So much room, very happy with every thing so far. 

 
Had only seen the inside at a dealer in California, but because of the Murphy bed, knew that it was the kind we wanted. Which meant our choices were very limited, and because of the scarcity, price was mostly non-negotional. Thus the main reason for the trek to Texas, price. Also wanted to register our car in Texas. Well that did not work out in Dublin, so it meant a trip to Livingston. We arrived at the Escapees park in early afternoon, ran back into town, with in minutes had the car registered. Had tried for two months to do it by mail and then time ran out and had to renew it in California. Seems it is not legal to drive a vehicle with plates different than your license. Even if you are in the witness protection program. We didn’t think there was a problem as we hadn’t planned to have it travel with us, when we are on the road.

Spent a few nights in Livingston and decided that we would move to the Elks at Huntsville where our friend Mac &Netters Mac and Nette's Road to Retirement are working at gate guarding near there. One thing led to another and before we knew it we had a plan to “swarm” them at the site they were at. People coming from all directions, Arlene, Roaming When We Can, John & Bridgett, travelsofjohnandbridget.blogspot.com , Roger & Barb, and even Rod &Deb, KEEPING UP WITH THE KENDALLS .
         

Rod & Deb

Arlene Great Picture!

John & Bridgett,Mac &Netters,Roger & Barb, and Deb of Rob &Deb.  Sorry Rod…should have used the wide lens.

It was wonderful, we knew everyone, but several of the people had never met, yet everyone knew each other. Blogs and Facebook, connecting the world. We laughed,and ate, and laughed some more, and yes, ate some more, and then, before we knew it, it was getting dark, time to try to find our way home. For some reason our GPS wouldn’t work, luckily my phone did the job, as we were leading the pack, or we might be still wondering around in the woods. Roger, Barb and Arlene came back to see our rig before heading out.  Next morning we were on the road, making our way to Buckhorn Resort, in Kerrville, Texas, where Mike and Leslie Kennedy are spending the winter months again. They didn’t know that we were coming, Mike was out and about when we knocked on their door, so when he came in thought he was going to have another heart attack. The last few days we have spent running around to some of our favorite spots here. Mamacitas Mexican restaurant, which was just as good as we remembered. Yesterday, laundry in the morning, and then we were off to Fredericksburg. Opa's sausage store, Chucks first stop, then lunch, perfect day, having lunch in the sunshine, with good friends, priceless. Spent an hour or so roaming a marvelous kitchen store, then off to Luckenbach. Took them to up town Luckenbach, which they did not know about. So look for it if you come this way. After sitting a bit at downtown Luckenbach,

we made the trip back to the park. That brings us up to now. Tomorrow we will be back on the road, destination Benson, AZ.  We are thinking another day to get out of Texas, (once you are in Texas, hard getting out)so will be Tuesday.  Looking forward to seeing Barb and BobChuck. 

GETTING READY TO ROLL

The next few days we will be trying to get together everything we will need to spending a month or so in the little trailer, as we pop around the countryside.  Sure that we will forget a lot, but we will make do or pick up anything we can’t live with out.  Really anxious to see how this RV works for us.  We are hoping to make the trip to pick up the trailer, in two days, which is close to 600 miles a day, long haul, but we won’t be towing, so should be able to do it.

The past few weeks we have been busy with our bridge lessons and getting the truck all set.  First we had to find a tail gate, we had the 5th wheel one.  We were lucky enough to find one on Craig's list, but then it needed a locking latch, plus a few other things.  Also a hitch, tow package, and the cover for the truck bed, and the list goes on.  And of course gas is going through the roof here in California.  But the sun is shining, no wind to speak of, got to complain about something, right?

Ginger & Jessie are coming in for a visit tomorrow, be great to see them again, as we had a very short visit when we were in Vegas.  They have other friends that they are meeting here, hope they all enjoy our resort.  We are also going to a halibut fish fry at the Elks, in the afternoon.  We had gotten tickets when they first went on sale, as they tend to sell out, the fish is fresh caught in Alaska, by several members, and then they have a big fund raiser.  Sounds good. 

Looking forward to seeing all our friends that are scattered all over Texas and Arizona.  Signed up for the Escapade too, so we will be making that this year.  Plans are getting made…what fun. Love having a place we can call “home”, but sure looking forward to getting back out there.

Next post will be on the road……….. 

 

IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Yes, that is a old song.  The last week it has been raining off and on, and we are spoiled when it comes to wonderful weather. The forecast starting tomorrow is looking up.  The weather has been very different from last year, but still glad Jojoba Hills is where we have decided to do extended stays. 
Last week we made a fast run to Vegas, our daughter, Cyndi, and her hubby, John, were there for a business convention.  We decided it would be a nice, quick trip.  It is only 4 to 5 hours away, depending on the traffic, we put in an audio book and we were off.

The scenery is all the same most of the way, so having the book makes the miles fly.

We stayed at the Flamingo               

and it was lovely.  But the complex was so big!!  We are of the generation that remembers the Vegas of old, and this is not your momma’s Vegas.

Vegas’s idea of art….lol

Gone are the 99 cent street shrimp cocktails, the free shuttle,inexpensive food and cheap drinks.    We had a good time, seen a couple of shows, one of which was Divas.
              
Female impersonators, good show, unlike the second one, which would have only run 30 minutes had they eliminated the “F” word.  Now those of you who know me, know that I’m no prude, but truly, using it 6 times in a 10 word sentence, is total overkill, IMHO.  So be warned his show is Vinnie something or other.  We even managed to squeeze in a quick breakfast visit with Jessie & Ginger before leaving.  Good to get back though, there is no place like home, no matter how humble. 
We have been taking bridge lessons on Mondays for the last few weeks from a very well know pro.  He was willing to come to the resort for a period of 6 weeks, and he is an outstanding teacher, and hopefully we are all understanding more of the conventions that are associated  with bridge.  Tuesday’s has us all trying to put into practice what we have supposedly learned.  Why does it all seem so clear Monday and a blur Tuesday?  Hate the game, love the game.  Either way enjoy it, and glad there are about 20 others here that feel the same way.  We have three more lessons, and then may have him back another time, but will take some time off, trying to get it all to sink in.  Summer is coming. 
We are going to Texas to pick up our little travel trailer, the middle of February, that we bought one out there, mainly because  of the price, saved about 5 grand, but it will also be registered in Texas like the rest of out stuff.  Also will get the car transferred over.  Tried to do it on the internet, but gave up after a few failures.  Been getting the truck refigured to haul a trailer, and it has been a case of one thing leads to another.  First we needed a tailgate, we had a 5th wheel one, found one, now a hitch, stabilizer. ect. done, lock for the tailgate, done, which has left us yet to get a tonneau cover. (cover for the truck bed) The main reason for this trailer is for short trips near here, and the trip to Alaska next year.  Have lots of relatives there, so it will be a lot easier finding places “Little Bit” will fit. Taking “Damnearahouse” was a bit more than we wanted to do.  Fingers crossed we made the right choice.
Matilda has found her long lost relatives and they have been having a ball.  Here they are playing in the snow. There you have it, fake flamingos, playing in fake snow, but brings a real smile to my face, and that what really counts.

If my body was a car, I would be trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps, dents, scratches & my headlights are out of focus. My gearbox is seizing up & it takes me hours to reach maximum speed. I overheat for no reason and every time I sneeze, cough or laugh either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!  Ain’t it the truth???

Live, Laugh, Love, no one leaves this world alive.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1.. Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:"Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!"
2. Keep only cheerful friends.The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!) 

3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...
Never let the brain get idle.'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things. 


5. Laugh often, long and loud.Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER. 

6.. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love:whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever..
Your home is your refuge. 

8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips..
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend! 

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance..

HAPPY 2013!!!

Wish it was ours, but it is our grandkitten. 

What a year!  Each one seems to go by just a little faster, hence the name of this blog.  To be truthful if we weren’t going down hill we probably wouldn’t be moving at all.  But the year was good to us.  We took some small trips but mainly recharged our batteries and decided, or tried to map out future plans.  We will not be traveling quite as much, and when we do probably staying closer to “home”.  Then again we are planning a trip to Alaska, which will probably be in 2014.

Quilt that I bought during the Christmas craft sale.  Just had to have it, totally loved it.

Taken at the Christmas bridge group party.  At Jojoba Hills we have a house that houses the office, but also the back part of it is used for smaller gatherings and private family get togethers.  It has a large fully equipped kitchen and a living room/dining room.  Very nice when you want something smaller than the huge hall.

Howard & Linda Payne of RVDreams fame.  They spent a few weeks here, and we gave them a welcome to the park lunch.  Not sure if they brought the cold weather with them, but it hasn’t been the best every since they arrived.  Great seeing them again.

We have had several Texas Hold’em tournaments, and Chuck has placed in both.  Think it was 3rd and 4th.  As for me, not so much.  Never even got to move from the first table, but it was fun.  The buy-ins were only 20 bucks so it is mostly for fun, although winning some of that back is good.  Thank goodness for Chuck, all in all think we are 10 dollars ahead.

                                                                     

                                  

    Took a drive up to a little town of Idlewild a while back and there was this interesting craved tree trunk.  Click to make these larger.  Below is what I think was a real eagle taken from our front door, but it was raining and I didn’t want to venture out to try and get a better and closer picture. 

Santa did bring me an I-pad, but the jury is out on whether I like it to the point that I would do without a computer.  Will take some classes, and we will see.  And we also found our travel rig…………in Texas.  About 80 miles west of Dallas.  We will hopefully be going out to get it the middle or so of February, what with all the doctor appointments and commitments we have until then. Plan to do some visiting and travel the area on the way back here.  There is a large storage lot here, which makes it nice, and it is included with our monthly fee.  We were going to the Price is Right show on the 28th, but Chuck got a notice from the VA that he was scheduled for an appointment then.  And as hard as they are to come by if you try to reschedule it could be forever, and you can bet it will be even less convenient.  At least that has been our experience.

Chuck has become a member of the Temecula Elks, and although they do not have a campground there are some very nice ones in the near by areas.  Two couples along with us did  their monthly steak night last Friday, Chuck’s was free, birthday treat.  Nice group of people, they are trying to raise the money to build their own clubhouse, but it seems like the closer they get the further away they are.  The state needs the money. That along with the military we will have a surplus of options.  The military has upped their rates quite a bit, any place with the ocean view in California,  expect to pay at least 40 dollars a night.

That seems to be a brief look at the “busy” life we have been leading, when your busy doing nothing it is really hard to tell when you are done. or if you have even started.  But we are enjoying it all and wouldn’t change a thing.  Well……..winning the lotto, nooooooo, I’d still keep my job!  Oh, and by the way Santa, you did it again, wrote you a letter and even left you a note. 

Happy New Year, Everyone!

SLIDING INTO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Wow, the time has flown by since we have been back.  Seems that there is something happening all the time.  Almost everyone is back so the place is jumping, so to speak.  There was the poker tournament, which Chuck and I both played in.  Chuck managed to hang in there for third place, as for me, well, not so much.  But it was fun, lots of laughs.  It was only a 20 dollar buy-in so nothing to get too excited about.  Then there was Thanksgiving, and we hosted a table, which meant it was up to us to set up the table and cook the bird.  Decided to try smoking it this year.  But we were a little afraid that it might not get done in time, so cooked it the day before.  So of course it cooked in just 6 hours….lol.  Turned out very good, not too smoky, very mellow.  Of course there has been bridge, which we seem to play a lot.  The group is getting bigger, so hopefully we will end up with some good games. 

We have been seriously thinking about getting a small travel trailer, which we would use for short, quicker trips.  Also we are giving some serious thought to making a trek to Alaska come 2014, and would want something smaller for that.  One that we could park just about anywhere.  Found one that we really like, and what makes it special is that it has a Murphy bed in the living room area.  Plus it is only 23 feet long, but because of the bed, seems so much bigger.  The bad part is it is new to the market, so there are no used ones basically out there, and hate to spend the money for new.  No rush, we will just take our time and what will be will be.  Which means we will probably end up with the new one.  It is what it is.

Last Monday was the parks craft sale and soup luncheon.  Bought a beautiful Christmas quilt, and 20 minutes later Chuck’s name was called for the one they were raffling off. What a surprise. One of the volunteer soup makers fell ill and they put out a plea for replacement, an being the good soldier I volunteered.  Little did I know that they wanted me to make 16 gallons!!  Had no idea how to buy enough, but what I ended up with could have made 26 gallons.  So figure there were 5 of us making different soups, and it all either got eaten or went home with people.  That is a lot of soup.  You know us Escapees, we travel on our stomachs.  Next day we decorated the hall for Christmas.  There were many boxes of decorations, most in need of repair, but with a little glue, wire and fluffing, we managed to make everything look down right cheery. Today was the wine, fruit and cheese get together to meet the candidates running for the board of directors.  It was definitely different as they split us into groups of 12 or so, and had the candidates come to us one at a time.  Lot more personal, good idea.

We have a few parties coming up before Christmas, then there will be New Year’s eve.  Have nothing special planned till the middle of January, then we are making a quick dash to Vegas for a few days.  Our daughter and SIL will be coming for a convention, which makes it a great excuse to go.  Plan to just stay in a hotel, drive the car.  About the middle of February will probably make a trip into Arizona. Had hoped to make Casa Grande in early February, but have some bridge classes that are weekly, and we will have to wait for those to be finished.  Right now we are busy getting all those pesky doctor appointments out of the way.  So far so good.

Seems like we are so busy, the time just flies, yet when I go to write about it, nothing really much comes to mind.  But we are loving it here, every day we are sure we made the right decision to buy in to Jojoba Hills.  Will post some pictures later of the quilt, have to take them first.  

 

BACK TO THE MAINLAND

When you are traveling on the cheap, you take what you can get, when it is available.  We hit the air base around 10 at night for a plane that was on the schedule to leave around mid night.  As it was there were only 13 seats and we were number 8 and 9.  That is until a family of five checked in, and as he was active duty, they went to the head of the line, now we are 13/14.  We decided to hang around a bit just in case, and it paid off, they managed to take everyone, 32 people.  Once again it was a mad dash, Chuck had to return the rental car, get a cab back, all in a matter of minutes.  We got all checked through, then waited in a secure waiting area.  The hurry, hurry and wait routine. The plane was a large cargo carrier, with cargo strapped down the center.  Think they must have been hauling meat, it was so cold.  Not you could tell the seasoned travelers as once we were on the plane they were pulling out the knit caps, jackets, blow up seat pillows. Even blow up air mattresses, they plopped those on the floor and got 4 hours sleep! These people were not on their first cargo plane flight, unlike me and the ole guy I sleep with.  So very glad they passed out lots of blankets.  Five hours and we were back at Travis AFB and our car.  It was a good experience and we know that we will do more travel this way, but also we will be much better prepared. 

Spent just a couple of days in our old home area, visited with the kids, and off we went as Chuck had a cardiologist for his six month check up that he didn’t want to miss.  Put a audio book in and the miles just melted away.  Got home just as it was getting dark, so the timing was good.  Hate being off day light saving time, gets dark so early, 4:30 and the sun is going down.  Bummer.

Thanksgiving is almost here, we are planning on hosting a table, and Chuck is going to smoke a turkey.  Instead of having a big pot-luck, they do tables of 12, which work out quite nicely. There is also a porker tournament this week end and I’m going to give it a try, glad they are having a couple of practice sessions, been a long time since I played poker.  Hope I don't make a fool of my self. 

Sort of thinking about next summer and the travels we hope to embark on, just wonder what gas prices will do.  Guess we can always put a wind mill on the roof of the truck.  Tuesday did not make my day, but life goes on……hopefully.

HAWAII

We decided that our chances of getting a flight to Hawaii would be much better out of Travis AFB in northern California, as there was an air show scheduled in our time frame and the flights had just dried up. Easy drive, had a audio book an the miles flew past amazingly fast. We got a room in the hotel on base, an there were 4 planes leaving the next day. But in the morning 2 had been canceled and the other moved to the afternoon, but still lots of seats. But Murphy’s Law wasn’t done with us yet. In the afternoon the one with 73 seats,,,,,gone,,,,,,which left the one with 10. And there was 2 families ahead of us, one with 5, the other 4. Back to the hotel, and no flights due out the next day. But we were keeping an eye on the Facebook page for Travis an at 8:45 AM there popped up a flight, with roll call for 8:45!!! Let me tell you we were out of that hotel and at the airport by
9, an not a minute too soon. Plane was a C5A, huge, second level, all first class seating.

That is a long climb up there!

Room for 75 people, we flew with 10. Had booked a room for the night before at the military hotel with the understanding if we had to cancel we paid anyway, but when we were checking in, they said as long as we had notified them they just moved it to another night.

Nice surprise. We just relaxed on the balcony, me with wine, Chuck with his soda, and watched the sunset and the moon.

Beautiful, we made it!! Big sigh of relief. Ready for breakfast.

The next day we were off to get the rental car and our hostess, Alice, whose plane was arriving are 12:30. We had arranged to meet her at the rental car location, just in case we had not arrived she would have access to the car. As it was we had just finalized the rental agreement an she appeared. We drove over and retrieved our luggage from the hotel as we had taken the bus over. Your Medicare card and a dollar, ride all day. Good deal, you know us seniors, love a deal. We arrived at the house and totally were enchanted with it. Big, very old, but lovely. The other two couple arrived, and we rushed to the store for some dinner, and once again settled in and relaxed. Three hour time difference, takes quite a toll.

I want that!  House down the street, really wild.

Day two found us still shopping for food, our hostess, Alice, provides most of the food, so we had agreed to take her to the commissary to do a large shopping as she will be here 6 weeks. And everyone was winding down, deciding what we wanted to see and do.
Off to the macadamia nut farm,

well maybe it should be called the macadamia nut store, as the groves are located at a higher location. But there were plenty of samples of many different flavors, Moving on we came across other crafty shops. We decided to send a box of nuts and candy to our son and his family, the shipping was quite reasonable, and of course we had to make a few purchases to be eaten while here. From there we went to an orchid farm.

How lovely, So many different and wonderful varieties. Picked out a couple and had them sent to our daughter.

Saturday was a golf day

for Chuck, so I tagged along with a couple and went to the huge flea market that is around the stadium down town. We didn’t begin to see it all, but spent and couple of hours there, some good “stuff”. Also good prices. Hawaii is more on the pricey side, although gas is cheaper than in California.
Sunday we decided to do the around the island drive. The couple that I spent yesterday with, who are sharing the house joined us. Sunday was not the day to go to the beaches as the locals are out also and parking is limited in many places. But we did stumble on the most amazing Shrimp Truck.

It was the most recommended one and seemed to have the longest lines of all.  Mmmmm good.

They had garlic shrimp, lemon butter shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. Yes, that is a lot of garlic, but hey…..

Three of us had the garlic, which was so good and sweet, but sure felt for the person that didn’t, imagine being in a closed car for hours. We certainly didn’t have to worry about being attacked by vampires. There was also a truck selling corn on the cob. The best ever. They take the corn, grill it, then submerge it in a container of butter, when you order they pull it out on a stick, hit it with a blow torch, then cover it with spices and parmesan cheese. OMG, was it good.

The Dole pineapple plantation was a stop, did the garden and the train ride through some of the fields.  Interesting to see the plants in different stages of growth.  But the only real pineapples we seen growing were in the entrance area.

Does not seem possible that that little stem can hold up those big pineapples. 

The pineapple fluff, the absolute best.  There was a banana split that had the guys tempted for 20 dollars, thankfully they passed.

Some of the mountain scenery.  Every where you look it was all eye candy.

  Moving on we came across Wameia Falls.

There was a golf car ride to the falls, that could be purchased and we decided that we would do the trip the easy way. Back at the falls there were people swimming in the pool, and although I had to do it alone I did,

Getting in and out was quite painful, the rocks were so hard to walk on, but I made the sacrifice it and have the pictures to prove it.
Chuck has played golf a few times, not that it would seem to justify toting the clubs all this way.  But he loved it, and know that having his own clubs made it better.  Otherwise each bad shot would have been due to rented clubs….lol

Being in a huge house, right on the beach surely does beat hotel living. Plus the fact that we are not on Waikiki with all the tourists. Although it seems that half of Japan is over here.
Our time here is coming to an end, sadly we have certainly enjoyed our stay, and our hostess has gone out of her way to make sure that we enjoyed ourselves. But there were times…..Saturday we had made plans to have a wonderful sunset dinner at the Elks club, as they have a wonder dining room overlooking the ocean.

This is the most expensive Elks club in the nation to join, am not sure of the cost, but when I heard it knew that we would have never joined there. We arrived and were seated, but told that dinner was not available, something to do with the chef and a swimming pool accident. We decided that we would try an Italian restaurant that Alice knew near the house. Off we went in two cars, but once we arrived the haughty waiter was like …..”table for SEVEN….NO reservations…Saturday night…IMPOSSIBLE for two hours! Off to a pizza place we went, while there the news was coming on about an earthquake in Canada, an a possible tsunami for Oahu. Okay then, we were off to the blare of sirens, rushed by the house, threw everything we owned in the cars an off we went. Chinese fire drill, comes pretty close to what we must have looked like. We drove to higher ground and all pulled off together to await this giant wave of 4 inches of water that eventually came ashore. The next day chuck was not feeling his best due to all the excitement, so we just took it real easy and stayed at the house. Sorry that we had opted for the deluxe tour that included a real life, once in a life time adventure.

The whole house decided that the Polynesia Culture Center was a must do, and we were able to score tickets from the base for a very reasonable price.  They included the park, grand buffet and the show.  I had been there 30 years ago and was not too impressed with it, but time has made a huge change and it was very entertaining.  The buffet was good and the show was amazing.  Everyone thought it was the best. No pictures were allowed of the show, but did take a few outside.

   

Tuesday October 30th, we took a final island drive. Had to try that fabulous corn one more time. Sorry to say it did not come close to the first ones, but the pineapple ice cream at the Dole Plantation did. We arrived at the house and Alice had made a wonderful Mexican dinner, mushroom and spinach enchiladas, pork Verde in a green sauce, margarita's…..wonderful.
Now to find a ride back to California………..

GARAGE SALE TO END ALL GARAGE SALES

Ever year at this time Jojoba Hills has a park sale.  From the proceeds they buy all the little extra for the members through out the year.  Last year the total after expenses was close to 12,000 dollars.  So it is not just a small sum.  Although everyone said that it was a sight to behold, I will tell you it is impossible to imagine.  When I first seen the clothes that were for sale,  was wondering why everyone in the park was still clothed.  There are only 275 lots here, but still we sure generated a lot of STUFF.

These were just women’s clothes, men's were outside.  These are about half of them.

Need coffee pots?  Slow cookers?  Toasters?  There were so many and so much of every thing.  Takes 3 days to get some semblance of order, then it is open to the people of the park.  Now for the next two days, open to the public, and on the final day it goes for a dollar a bag. 

Have not seen any rain to speak of in three months, but today that came to an end.  So it was tarps on….tarps off. The prices are so low that it is unreal.  And yes, I did spend some good dollars buying things that will probably get donated next year, but we will see.

We are running into some bad luck trying to get a military hop to Hawaii, up until now they have had at least a couple of planes going out of San Diego Naval station, each week.  For the last 10 days nothing , nada.  So we are thinking we will make a run up to Travis, they have a couple a day going, most days.  It is about 400 miles, but our little car gets about 43 miles a gallon, so even at 4.50 a gallon, it won’t be bad, compared to air fare.  Can’t wait to see this place, it is on the Historical Register.  The link: halepohaku.com

We have been busy enjoying our time here, and welcoming back all the travelers.  Think just about all have returned, can’t miss that sale!  I’ve also been sticking to water exercises, and it makes a big difference to my joints.  The pool is heated, so will be able to continue through out the winter.

Catch up sort of, at least all is well, and looking forward to the next few weeks.  Life is Good!