Now There Are Two

Everyone but us and the Kendalls have left Kerrville, and we are both leaving Wednesday. Today we spent stocking up on Opa's sausage and cheese and butter from the Amish market, had to put off till tomorrow Bar-B-Q from Billies, because they are closed on Mondays. We probable could eat for a month of what we have stockpiled, it is like they don't have stores any place we are going. We will be going through Roswell, New Mexico, where we actually lived for a few years way back when. Came there from Orlando, and at the time I truly did not know there was a place that desolate this side of the moon. From there we will be making our way to Albuquerque for the rally. Want to go very slowly as the weather does not seem to be getting any warmer up north.

Life is good, the wind has died down, the sun is shining....WOW

Out of sight but not forgotten

I was so busy stealing my last blog from Deb, that I forgot to mention some of our dear friends, Sandy and Gary Turzak, from California who stopped by Kerrville for a too short a visit. It was so good to see them, it has been almost 2 years since we have been back to California. Miss all the great friends that we have back there, and it seems like we are in a different place now. Our friends are scattered all over the states, which is great. Just that everyone is mobile and on the move. Love what we are doing, but there are times you miss the ole life too. Guess that why memories are so great. And that is what we are doing now, building memories.

Sandy in Luckenbach

Tonight the "three musketeers" (Rod & Deb, Nolan & Donna & Chuck and I,-- looks like SIX to most people I"m sure) went back to the 11th Street Bar in Bandera. Which is the cowboy capitol of the world and biker friendly. Bring your own steaks and booze, no clean-up, works for me. Not nearly as crowded as two weeks ago. We met Jimmie and Ester who are in the area for a few more days, we will not be seeing them again as we are going in different directions in a few days.

Luckenbach, 11th Street Bar, Thanksgiving, & Byes

I know it's time for an update. We've been in Kerrville for almost three weeks and I've only updated once. We've just been so busy with all the people who are here. Some of our friends have already left and we sure do miss them but I know they're having a good time wherever they are. In fact, next week we're going to invade Bob & Molly's campground for a visit. They left us 10days ago to join their group of friends down the road in Boerne. Keith & Donna left two weeks ago as did Jim & Ellie and Glenn & Sylvia. If you click on any of those names you can read their versions of the time we've been having. Some people update every single day but not me. I

try for once a week, but since we have been here my air card is not pulling in the signal that I need to get on the Internet, so it is make do. Lots of this post is stolen from Deb. Well, we are almost the only ones left and she has been posting and basically doing the same thing as us, works for me......

Last Wednesday we to dinner with Rod & Deb in Bandera. There's this place called the 11th Street Cowboy Bar. On Wednesdays you bring your own meat to grill and pay $4 for your sides. Sounded like fun and and we met up with some of the people that we had met in Mission this winter. Great seeing them again. The Bar was a kick, loud and full. Tacked to the ceiling there were bras, all colors, all sizes, thankfully there were no takers hanging theirs while we were there.

Well we are into week three now, most of our friends have left us here in Kerrville. The only ones left are Rod and Deb, Donna & Nolan and us. We sure do miss everybody but we've been having a good time anyway. Other than a big part of the second week here when it was colder than cold and lots of rain, which they really needed here, the weather has been great. Not as warm as it was down south though.

Thursday we loaded up the truck with Rod and Deb, chairs, food and jackets for our trip down to Boerne to have Thanksgiving dinner with Bob & Molly. They are with a group of people who are all members of the Escapees RV Club , class of 07. Since that also includes us we became official members too! Bob deep fried 3 whole turkeys and 8 turkey "boobs" (as Molly calls them). Boy were they tasty. Of course all the Thanksgiving sides were there too. It was lots of fun, and we met 2 couples that will be going to the rally on Albuquerque

Around noon all six of us piled into the truck and headed for Luckenbach where we were meeting up with Bob & Molly for the day. Luckenbach is just a tiny little town that was made famous by Willie Nelson singing about it. Well, yesterday they were having a "festival". They were celebrating the return of the "MUD DAUBER". Why they would celebrate the return of a wasp I have no idea. The town consists of a dance hall, a general store with the post office and a bar. The parking lot is bigger than the town. LOL The sign says population 3 but the guy in the store said it's really only 1 now. Still there were a heck of a lot of people there yesterday. From there we were off to find the fastest armadillo in Texas. This is a fellow, named Monroe, who is one of the happiest people you will ever meet. Loves what he does and it definitely shows. He uses a dermal tool on marble and glass. Of course we were ready as we brought our own beer bottles for him to do up. He can write your names, date, Luckenbach and sketch an armadillo in less than 30 second. As it happened he was not in his shop, although the doors are open, want something, put your money in the jug. Thank you very much! But we did find him at a monthly flea market, and everyone was happy. Lots of great stuff at the market, good thing we are down sizing, but there were a few things that just had to be loaded up as gifts for some important people. From there is was off to dinner at Auslander in Fredrickburg, and it was fabulous. Next it was time to say good by to Bob & Molly. They are heading off for some time on the coast, but think that our travels will cross again come September. Looking forward to it. We so enjoy the time we spend with them.

That brings me to today, Sunday the 22nd. SHM (sweet husband of mine) and I went to Gibsons in Kerrville. It is a store like no other, they have everything that was ever made. We spent almost 2 hours in there just wandering through the entire store, and found more than a few things that I could not live with out. One of which was a pink flamingo with 8 outfits. Tell me that you are not jealous. Hey that is it for the day, week, and then some. Will post pictures when my connection is better, right now can not do.

A Wonderful Sister and Friend

Evelyn Yeakley, Chuck's wonderful sister has gone to be with her eldest daughter and sisters. We will miss her, but know the welcome she received on the other side was a wonderful joyous celebration.

What, where and when?

Like in where are we meeting next, what are the food plans and when. Yep, that has been our life the last week. We have had potlucks, appetizers dinners, baked potato smorgy, breakfast in a bag, plus there have been a few meals away from the park. I believe we have discovered eating is what we all do best!









These pictures need to be enlarged to see the detail. And it is all in the detail.

A great German Restaurant

Fredricksburg is a small German town near here, there are lots of cute shops and a wonderful place that makes sausage. We descended on it, like we were doing a swarm, luckily we had eaten before hand or we all might have just bought them out. I did find a ballerina bunny for our greatgrandaughter for her Easter basket that is absolutely precious.

Chuck has played golf once since we have been here and thought it was a pretty good course. Most days though he has been on the putting green here with Kevin. They have been up and down all week. Next week we are trying Lady Bird Johnsons course. We have friends from California coming and they want to play once, so checking the courses out.

Bob, Molly & Chuck

It has been great getting to know all these great people better. Sure that our paths will cross again.

Now this is a TRUCK!

And they take it to Wal-Mart.

Stonehedge, Texas

Still have the ole Texas wind, but dang life is good.

There Goes Febuary!

Yep, it is in the rear view mirror. The past week seemed to fly, had to do Mexico one more time. Seems funny being as the first two months we were here did not go at all. Just did not want to take a chance, but once we tried it felt comfortable there, even though the soldiers were ever where. But so were the Winter Texans. The day before we hit the road it was sooooo hot, but just for the one day. There were so many people at the pools they were doing the "everyone under 60 OUT. Got to look out for the old folks. LOL Actually it was more like floating daiquiris watermelons, which were good! Better than good. Saying good by to all the new friends that we met was a downer, but sure that we will cross paths somewhere in the future.

Leaving Mission we faced a head wind, but not for too long. Been a long time since we were on the road, felt a little strange, but we had Willie singing full blast, and we in the travel mood real quick. And we were no alone, lots of RV's going north, but there were a few heading south.

Arrived at the Buckhorn Lake Resort, and there was this gathering just waiting. It was great seeing all those familiar faces. We did the set up hit and miss, so yesterday got to do it over again, we were really off on being level, but now all is right with our world. But there will be no complaining about the heat here, got up yesterday and the warmest place in this RV was "IN" the refrigerator. We don't like to sleep with the heat on so it was cold. The first night we went to a Mexican restaurant that was some of the best mex food I have eaten. Last night we had a bean feast, just our group, in the club house. As usual our lives revolve around food. Love it! No pictures, unless I steal some.

Life is good, windy, but we can go with the flow.

Beach, Mexico and Toilet Races

We have been on the go here the last week or so, guess because our time is running out here. So I'm going to work backwards, you know, CRS and all. Yesterday we played a golf course that we had not played before, they have a special, 15 dollars for the family, with cart, after 4. Play as much as you can, which we did, got in 14 holes, so that was great. Lots of water on this course, think there was some on almost every hole. Our regular golf group had their snack party Thursday night, and they will be winding down too. This coming one will be our last, they were a good group and fun to play with. We also had the toilet races, which were a hoot.

Sort of reminded me of backing the RV into a tight spot. One person sat of the toilet, which was mounted to a hand cart, while the other pushed, the trick was the pusher was blind folded. They just had to go a short distance, then around a traffic cone and back to the starting line. Needless some of the spectators were in danger, just like backing that RV.

We also did the beach one day and of course Mexico.

That water is COLD!

Tourist Trap

aka Gift Shop

They has so much stuff in there it was unbelievable

It was the day that they had all the trouble at the other bridge. The only one that is recommended is Progresso and that has not seen any problems as of yet. But it is a little disconcerting to see the army in a bunker in the middle of the street as you enter. But there is not shortage of shoppers, the streets are packed, and they do have some good buys. But with us there are not too many things that we need (or have room for). Did get some cute little folding tables for outside,and some tequila, but mostly just go for the fun of it. I have been enjoying the grapefruit here, they are the best that I have ever eaten, bar none. Fruit and vegetable's are very plentiful and down right cheap. We will be so spoiled. Two years ago we were up north and could not find a tomato worth eating in the middle of the summer. I stopped laughing at people who pulled out their tomato plants that they carried with them, when they were stetting up camp.

I did win at card elimination the other night, sack full of dimes, my very first win of the season, Chuck had a great winning streak for awhile, even the big one once. Being as it goes in the same pot I shouldn't be complaining now should I?

We will be leaving here next week, planning on a few days in San Antonio, then on to Kerrville, where we plan to stay for a month. Lord willing. Chuck has an appointment with his cardiologist Monday, and we will hear what he has to say. The echo that he had done showed some things that the doctor did not like, but wanted to see his records from California before making any changes. So we are keeping our fingers crossed, he is feeling fine, so that makes me sort of feel better. Course he does not always tell me the truth, soooooo, yea. Any way I'm planning on being there to hear it from the doctor myself.

Life is good, the sun is shining, and the wind is at our backs.

Friends Old and New

The past week has seen friends from near and far. Jessie and Ginger, great people who we met, last May, while we were all being reborn "texans". They were headed for Branson for a RV Dreams Rally, and we decided that that sounded like a good time, as we were headed there anyway. They are here in the Rio Grande Valley, having just started full timing. We got together for dinner, and I gave my seldom used cooking skills a try out. Wow, I have really lost my touch, we just plain eat out too much. But reconnecting with them was great, we will be seeing more of them as they will be in Kerrville. We have met some great people here, but one couple has become very dear to us. Lois and Larry, we are so happy that we met you!

And believe it or not they are not golfers, but they don't hold that against us. We have so much fun with them, and bless Chucks heart, he is always such a good sport to be our chauffeur. This past week end seen us taking a trip to one of the flea markets, Chuck bought a hat of hair,

Gives hat hair new meaning

got a duvet cover for the down comforter, but I guess the biggie is we filled up the gas tank for 1.92 a gallon. Gas is going up but diesel is going down, to where it is close to the same price, go figure. Wish that would last, but sure it is only temporary. Windy the past few days, but today it had died down, which was good, played golf so that made it nice. We have not had any rain to speak of since we have been here, so they are hurting. This morning ran to the post office to mail valentines for our little ones and it was like Christmas, could not believe it. There must have been 75 people lined up. Thankfully I could do the little package I had on the computer there, and the rest I had stamps on, Other wise don't think I would have been out of there under two hours. They say it is always like that for valentines day here. Tomorrow we are off to Mexico one more time. Back from Mexico, everyone still has their heads...LOL....we had a great time. Went to a fiesta, well sort of, more like an all you can drink marathon. With a band and dancers thrown in. We were almost as dink as we thunk we were. Got that?

Chuck almost had to carry everyone back across the bridge. Progresso is the area we go in and it is not too bad, just park on the US side and walk over the bridge. Costs 25 cents going in, 30 to get out. The town is fairly clean though. Yesterday we all got pedicures, which Chuck very reluctantly agreed to, but enjoyed to no end.

Hey, they brought us margaritas, where else can you get your toes done and .........maybe we were suppose to use that to sterilize the instruments???? Naaaaa Back next week. Life is good.

Same post same day

Maybe some day I will have this posting down. First I saved, then could not get back in to finish, then had to post it, same goes with the pictures, everything is out of sequence, %$##@#$%%.

Anyway just wanted to say if anyone has not seen Slumdog Millionare, is it great. Also if you are in the valley, Bernie & Red are hilarious. Laughed so hard I cried. We are off to Mexico again tomorrow for a fiesta. Life is good.........

Friends visit, dining with Royality

Roger & Barbara

Wonderful visit the other day with some friends that we met at the RV Dreams rally in Branson. They were here for a short visit to do some dental work, glad they took the time to give us a call. Did some of the sight seeing that we had hoped to do, like the trolley ride through Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Glad we had company as it was not all that interesting. Did see a few birds at the nature center, and a hawk overhead. We also tried a ropa, had heard they were a hoot. Wrong.....but they did make the salvation army look like Dillards. (A ropa is an outlet where they get all these clothes, some new, most used and they are just thrown out in a huge mountain and people go through them.) We did not stay but a few minutes, I looked at Barb, and we were out of there. From there it was over to the Riverside club, it was Wednesday, and they do a pork tenderloin sandwich special.

.

I'll let the picture speak for itself!

Saturday had us "dining with royality". We were pulling the float with our king and queen representing our rv park. We had to have the float in place by 4, for a parade that started at 7. It was rather far to any place so we were sort of stranded till it was over. But there were street vendors that came by and we "dined" in the truck! Of course we were very careful on drinking anything as bathrooms were not to be found. Big parade, over 200 entries, and the people were lined up 5, 6 deep the whole way. The paper said there were over 100,000 people, all I know was there were a lot. The bad part is that we didn't see any of the parade. That's what happens when you are in it, darn. It was the citrus parade, and I have truely never eaten grapefruit like the ones here now. They are the best ever. So good, no sugar, they are so sweet. Poor Chuck, he loves them, but takes a medication that win't allow him to eat them. Feel really bad for him.

Love the truck

3RD PLACE

Did change the flag

had the Texasone

upside down.

QUEEN DIXIE

&

KING JIM

Weekly, Monthly, Woops

We are picking up speed at an amazing rate. This month has been so busy, as of now, the reason I have found time is that the laundry was a must do. The weather has been so nice that I feek guilty every time that I see the nation forecast, even Texas (northern) is getting hit with ice today. But we are in the 70's, granted the wind is blowing some.

Changed our minds the other day and did decide to pay a visit to Mexico and it was fun. Went with a fun couple we have met from Canada, so the magaritias along the way made us Happy Gringos. Food was good, but basically that was about all we bought. Now we are planning on doing it again soon. Every one says you have to get your toes done, so will be tying Chuck down and getting him a pedicure. Seen a few of the shows that are going on around here, and they are pretty good. Lots of entertainment, and the parks all intermingle, everyone is welcome. Makes it kind of nice, miss someone, you can catch then later.

Chuck and I have both been getting all our medical appointments out of the way, been awhile, so this will get us current. More medicial facilities here than any place I've ever seen. At least all that will be out of the way. One of the hard facts of full timing, no family doctor. We will probably be back in this area if not this year, then the next.

Played a lot of golf last week, three times, plus on Saturday there was a tournament. Chuck was on a all mens team, I played on a couples team. Guess who came in first.....not Chuck, they did not even place. Can't rub it in tho. There is the Citrus Open days this week end, and we are going to be in it, sort of, actually they wanted our truck. We are pulling the float with the king and queen on it. That is the couple from our park, so guess they all do it. At least we will have a place to park, I hope. Sounds like fun.

Laundry is done, so ........life is so good. Nothing like clean sheets, love it.

Getting my "Two Bits" in

Well, I'm Two Bits, the cat that has these two somewhat worthless humans traveling with me. Guess that I wouldn't get very far with out them, can't reach the gas pedal, nor work the can opener. So maybe they are not so bad after all. But when it comes to writing the blog, well that is another story. The week has flown past, Sunday seen them taking a boat ride on the Rio Grande, but only after a few margaritas, with some new friends, Lois & Larry. Great time had by all, they finished up the day with some fabulous Mexican food. The rest of the week was filled with golf, cards, movies, friends and margaritas. Did take in a few shows that have been here, great entertainment in the area, so they say, I never get to leave this place. Kathy did take off one day with the ladies and went to the Christmas house up near a town called Falfurries. The house is the home of three retired school teachers, (old maids) who are the sweetest. They decorate their house and open it up to the public for tours for six months. Kathy was lucky, or Chuck felt so, as after the holidays everything in the gift shop was half price. Kathy really loves Christmas. She is collecting an ornament from most places they have been. Or two, well sometimes maybe even three. Small works for the RV.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

What a wonderful week. Christmas eve there was a party at the club in the afternoon, which got everyone in the mood. Entertainment was topped off with the folding lawn chair Chippendale's. See attached pictures. Christmas day there was dinner provided by the park, and Chuck and I volunteered to be part of the helpers and served. At least we did not have to cook or do the dishes, one of the joys that I'm happy that was left behind. Do miss the family and all the festivities, but relied on the memories. In the afternoon took in the movie Marley and me, which was great, but being the softie that I am, the ending had me sobbing. Also seen Doubt, in which the acting is terrific, story not so much. So we have had a few days of golf, and last night decided that we would take in the dropping of the ball in times square on the t.v. Lots of fireworks going off here, as they sell them around here this time of year, but come midnight we were both snoozing. Our golf group decided that we should have our regular tournament, which is what we did today, then we had our get together with lots of lovely snacks. Great, didn't have to think of dinner! Weather here has been ever so nice, actually there have been times that it has verged on hot. We went to the coast one day, and the wind was really blowing there. Seen some para sail boarders, which was great for them, but once the sail was in the water they would really have to work to get it out. Fun watching though. We have been here two months now and the time has just flown. We are here for a couple of months and then we will be meeting some RV friends at a mini rally in Kernville. From there we are planning on hitting the big rally in Albuquerque the middle of April. Then I think we will be heading for Colorado Spring for a few weeks, then off to Wisconsin, slowly, ever so slowly, on to Pennsylvania. Then even more slowly down the coast. But a lot of these plans are in jello, which is nailed to a tree.

Chicken House Opry

What a great time. We laughed so hard that we hurt. Had a little trouble finding the place, but luck won out. Old eyes you know. We had planned to have dinner out, but decided that we would give their, 5 dollar fer two, a try, and it was good. Bar-b-que beef, beans, grilled bread and sodas, hey, can't go wrong with that. The kids called to wish Chuck a great birthday, and our son, Glen,was very excited. The night before he was bowling in their couples league and he came soooo close to having a perfect game. Rolled a 298. But he said that he was so nervous that he was like jello in an 8 point earthquake. Do miss our grandsons and great grandkids. Christmas isn't the same with out little ones around. Still life is good.

Chuck wins again

Our fellow players of card elimanation are ready to ban Chuck from playing, he has won so often, but last night that it was the grand prize of 84 dollars. It is played with cards and you are in groups of four. You deal out all the cards and then it is like bingo, they call cards and the one who get rid of theirs first is the winner. They play 11 games, 5 where everyone puts in 10 cents, 5 for quarters and the big one, the dollar pot. Personally I don't like bingo, but this goes real fast and it is enjoyable, especially when you sleep with a winner! Played a new golf course today and that was a treat, had more chracter than the other we have played so far. Weather has warmed up, great. Had our weekly golf party, which is great, no need to cook as we all bring snacks so everyone gets filled up. Yesterday was a Christmas party, did the gift exchange, then they were drawing for the chance to steal someones. I had gotten two of the prettiest Christmas placemats, and sure wanted to keep them, and luck was with me. Chuck didn't make out so good, but we have a prize drawing at the golf party, so his is gone there. Good way to get rid of stuff. Chucks birthday is coming up and we are going to the Chicken Opry, surprise, surprise.

Winter in the Rio Grande of Texas

The other morning I was laughing at the kids in Colorado, telling them about our 75 degree temps, and that after noon it bit me in the butt. The mercury went in a free fall, like it was the stock market. And now yesterday and today it is about the same only it added a drizzle just to kick up the misery a notch. About the only thing different we have done is take in the movie, Australia, which was very good. Meant to be seen on the big screen. Have a Christmas party to go to this afternoon. Life is good.

Bouganvillea in full bloom

This grows all over here

and it is so pretty. The house is in Hilago

that decorates the whole town. Absolutely

breathtaking at night.

Chicago is NOT the windy city!

How can it possibly be almost a month since my last post? We have been busy doing nothing...there are so many activities that we have to make a list on the calendar! Chuck is more the social bug, he loves games, where as I am not too keen on them. Did find a bridge event at another park, it was great to play again. Lunch was served and had something that had never seen before. Salad made with fresh spinach and strawberries, nuts and feta cheese, with a sweet dressing. It was so good. Of course there were many other dishes all of which were excellent. We did take in one dance here, which is different for us, since Chuck no longer indulges, he is not too big on dancing, and I'm having a foot problem, which they have yet to find a reason for. Just doing lots of tests, but nothing yet. Old age.....naaaa, I don't think so.

We did take in the Christmas lights in a small town near the border, Hidalgo. The whole town is decorated by the city to the max, it is wonderful. I've always loved seeing all the lights this time of year and this was one of the prettiest yet. Miss decorating, but do have the RV done up some. I buy a ornament in just about every place we visit, so have quite a collection already, but it is small, so doesn't count.

Been playing some pretty good golf, and think that I may have to try a little less. At our golf party every week I seem to win every thing, which I feel bad about. Like taking candy from babies, as most of the women don't play that much. Chuck has been shooting in the low eighties/high seventies, so that is really good for him. He has also been very lucky in the card elimanation games and bingo, winning quite often. They have a rule here, win three times in one night and it is into the pool with you. So far he hasn't gotten wet!

The wind here does blow, yet it is not that unpleasant. The air is warm so it does not seem so bad. We did not have the awning installed over the slide outs because of our experiences with the wind in Tucson last year. So glad, cause the wind does seem stronger here at night. We just found out that the covering made so much noise, and in the 5th wheel, your head is very close to the ceiling when you are in bed. But other than that the weather is great, just like Chucks golf game....70's, 80's. The flowers are all so pretty, the bouganvilla (spelling wrong) is totally awesome, and it grows like weeds, it is all over.

Have not been too good about taking pictures but will post a few. Which about all that I have taken since seing here.

Wow, where does the time go?

Hard to believe that we have been here for more than 2 weeks, and I made a committment to post at least once a week, so much for that....LOL. We have been busy getting acquinted with people here, got involved in the golf league, which plays twice a week at two different courses. On Thursdays afterwards they have a finger food cocktail hour to pass out the winners prizes. Great, no having to do dinner that night. Lots of card games and things to do, so we have been busy doing nothing basically, but enjoying it. I've been spending time in the swimming pool getting in some exercise, seems a lot easier in the pool. Have not done any touristy things, but figure that there is plenty of time for that. Thanksgiving the owners are having a catered dinner for all, so we will be spending the day with several hundred people, don't think that we will be all alone. There will be plenty of games afterwards and all. weather has been great, sunny, warm but not hot. The wind does blow most days, just some harder than others. I have a doctors appointment this afternoon, think that I'm doing okay, but will see how things check out. Never been any place that has as many medical facilities as here. Not sure why.