New Year's Eve.

Today Lisa drove us over to Leon's for the afternoon.  We visited with him and Lynn, then he took us over to see the new unit he has purchased in the Condominium Complex he lives in.  The new unit is double the size and is just studded out.  He is having the work all custom done with upgraded finishes rather than the standard condo finishes.  It is quite impressive. 

The Architects have been in and drawn up the plans for all the changes

It`s a very nice complex

The new unit will have an upper balcony as well as the lower porch. 

We`ll get to see it finished next time we come down for a visit. 



We then went back to his first unit and Loreen and Carmelo and Brittany and her boyfriend joined us. 

We visited with them for a while then called it a day and came back to Lisa`s. 

We spent a quiet evening at home while the others went out to celebrations elsewhare this evening.

A Visit with Georgie, and Chinese Food

We took the day off on December 29th and just hung out around the house.  We vegged out and watched TV and visited with Lisa and her twins Racheal and Micheal, that is when they were not working.  Lisa has the whole week off, but the kids both have steady jobs they have to go to, when they are not at University, which doesn't resume until mid-January.  We needed a good rest after the long drive, but yesterday we were raring to go.  So, off we went to Akron for a visit with Georgina, my old school chum, and the widow of Dan's best man, whom we haven't seen for years.  We had a nice afternoon at her place.  A few drinks and a lot of laughs, reminding each other of old times and old memories.   We also met Bill, Georgina's friend and companion of the last number of years.  Georgie and Gary's son Steven stopped by for a visit. 

My goodness, if it weren't for his stature, which he certainly inherited from his father, Gary Holcroft, I would have sworn, I was sitting talking to his Grandfather Garnet McClelland.  His looks and mannerisms were so much like him.  I haven't seen any of the children for sometime and it was nice to catch up and put the memories of them, as little children, into the prospective of grown adults.  All in all it was a very pleasant visit and stroll down memory lane.  When we got back to Youngstown we decided to make a night of it and go out for Chinese food.   So, that's the latest from Ohio.  . 

It's Tomorrow, So, Here's the Update.

We tackled Chicago early yesterday.  Oh, how I hate those big cities.  I'm sure glad we did not have the trailer with us.  The traffic is insane, but I have seen it worse.  It was not rush hour or anthing like that, but mid-morning.  Thank God for GPS, I don't know how we used to do it before we had GPS, but we did.  Of course the city itself was not as large or traffic laden as it is today.

The rest of our drive yesterday was just long and boring.  That's a long drive through scenery we have seen many times before, so it is kinda something to be indured, rather than enjoyed.  Arriving in Youngstown on the other hand was wonderful.  Everyone here is fine, Warm and wonderful.  We met Leon's significant other, a very nice girl named Lynn.  Lisa and Micheal Jr. and Racheal are the same as we rembered.  Happy and healthy.  Pictures to follow tomorrow.   

Youngstown Ohio

We arrived safe and sound in Youngstown.  We are celebrating, so I will update you tomorrow.

Wisconsin Dells

Well we got away at 6:00 am as planned.  So, off we went.  It was cold and dark and who wants to be on the road at that time, except those that have to go to work.  There was not much traffic anywhere on the roads.  The boarder crossing was no problem and very quick. 

Usually the thing we are looking for as we head out on our winter vacation is "Brown Grass", which means no more snow.  Today we acheived that as soon as the sun came up.  I'm sure the feilds were clear in Manitoba as well, but it was still dark when we went through there. 

All in all it was a great day to travel.  The sun was shinning, the roads were dry, and not too much traffic.  We made our way all the way thru the Wisconsin Dells and will loop past Chicago tomorrow morning. 

We Are Ready

It doesn't look like there will be any impediment to tomorrows journey.  The truck is packed, my puppy is healthy and happy again and the weather looks good.  Just a system much further east that should be moved on by the time we get there.  So, it's to bed early and on the road by 6:00 am (we hope).  Will report from our next stop, somewhere in Wisconsin.  Till then.

Back To Blogging Our Travels

It's December and as usual I'm not really hyped about Christmas, but instead, I am making my lists and checking them twice for our journey south.  And on that list is "Re-activate my Blog".  I don't know why I don't keep it active all year.  I could easily do a once a week post, during the summer, but I usually see most of my friends regularly in the summer and there is Facebook, so it seems unnecessary.

Maybe now that we have a more permanent home in Texas, we will make some Winter Texas friends that we can keep in touch with all summer.  I will not be posting regularly until we are travelling.  We are heading out December 27th, heading first to Youngstown Ohio, to visit our Nieces and Nephew, for a couple of days, then it's off to Texas.

If you read this, be sure to leave comments from time to time, so I know I'm not just talking to myself.  lol

We Are Home.

A Storm in Northern South Dakota

We had heard about a storm in South Dakota, but weren't really all that concerned about it.  It's not as if we haven't seen snow before.  And we hadn't seen any yet thus far.  We finally saw the solid white stuff around mile 143 just north of Brooking.  And you could tell that they had had quite a dump. 

But it had stopped snowing. 

It wasn't until a little further on, around mile 150 when all that snow started blowing across the highway that it got a little hairy.  We drove about a 100 mile stretch in near white out conditions.  A couple of times down to 20 mph following semis that were hogging the center of the road and wouldn't move over to let us pass.  It took us a couple of hours to get through that blowing snow and washboard roads.




 Then just as we crossed into North Dakota the winds died off and the sun came out and we had the usual crisp Sunny day you always get after a snow storm.  We coasted on into Fargo and Dan could hardly turn the wheels to make the turn at the end of the off ramp because of so much ice and snow packed in around his front wheels.  We certainly needed a drink and a rest after that afternoon.  " Thank You Dan"  for putting those Ice Radials on the truck before we left. 

2nd Night We Stopped in St. Joseph MO

Our second night we stopped in St.Joseph MO.  Another good 500 plus miles today.  I am already fed up with motels and restaurants.  That's why we bought a trailer so we didn't have to do this.  Tomorrow we should make Fargo no problem.  We could go on home, but we want to arrive home early to unload not late at night.  So we will stay there and move on in the morning.   And Sea-enna is definitely fed up with traveling in the truck all day everyday. 

Hearding North From Texas

As we were heading north out of Texas, I tried my best to get a picture of these beautiful Cacti that were in bloom everywhere





. 

They have gorgeous White Blooms sticking out of the top of them.  We managed to make it to Denton our first night out.  That was over 500 miles.  That made it a long day as we were up and packing and securing the trailer very early and didn't hit the road until 9:30 am , but we make good time. 

All Packed and Ready To Go.

We went out for Dinner and to a Dance at Llano Grande Resort with Sharon & Casey last night.  The Cruisers, were the entertainers and it was all late 50s and early 60s music.  The Dance floor was never empty except for when the band took a break.  We really enjoyed ourselves, and will do a lot more of this next year.

This was our last Saturday night here, so now it's time to pack up and say goodbye to Texas for another year. 

The signs at our park entrance and exit say it all. 

"Seniors at Play" very appropriate. 

We don't stop playing because we get old.  We get old because we stop playing. 

We'll be back next year to play some more. 

St. Patrick's Day

We started off the Day sitting outside our trailer site waiting for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

It didn't quite measure up to the New York City or Montreals St.Patricks Day Parade, but it was full of fun and enthusiasm. 

All the Golf Carts in the park decorated in green and full of happy people.  And it did come right past our door.    We didn't have to drive anywhere to see it. 

Then it was off to the Pet Parade.

Sea-enna got a ribbon for best Irish Costume.

There were lots of dogs involved. 

They were all very well behaved .

The judging was interesting.  Best costume, curliest tail, pinkest nose, bluest eyes, curliest coat.  All fun nonsense categories, so that every dog got a prize. 

Then we had Sharon & Casey and some of our neighbours over for Happy Hour. 

I served "Irish Car Bombs", to willing participants.  It was a good turnout, and I think everyone had a good time. 

All in all, it was a great St.Patrick's Day, from beginning to end. 




Now it's time to start thinking about packing up.  We will be heading north on Monday.

Another Relaxing Day in Texas

It is another hot sunny day in Texas, but as usual there
is a wind to cool us off.   

Some of us like to relax in or by the pool.

Others have there own idea.  To each his own. 

Bringing in Our Crop

Today Dan decided to tackle our Grapefruit Trees.  Apparently we have to make sure all the fruit is picked before we leave or the park will arrange for it to be done and send us a bill. 

We have decided that the trees are very much overgrown and need to be pruned way back, which we are not capable of doing, so we are going to get a few quotes on having it done. 
                                                                              

We also have to find out when it is supposed to be
done.  Should it be spring or next fall? 


Meanwhile we certainly got a good crop of Grapefruits off of our trees.  There were 5 full crates in all, we gave a lot to the immediate neighbours that we have met, then donated the rest to the club house for others to help themselves. 

The Question Is What's Going On?

Well, first off, I have been having computer problems.  That's why I have not been blogging.  So, what have we been up to since my last blog.  My last blog stated that we are trying to get more involved around the park, and we have.  On Saturday morning we went to the club house for breakfast and met some more residents.  Wednesday, we got involved in a Pot Luck dinner and met some more park people.  Last night we were invited to our neighbours for a wonderful Turkey Dinner.  I am trying to write down names as I hear them, but I'm sure I've missed a lot of them, and by next year I won't be able to remember any of them or even find my list and will have to start all over again

And in case my computer acts up again, our future plans are:  Friday night a club house Fish Fry, and we will go again for the Club House breakfast each Saturday until we leave.  Then after breakfast, I will go to the "Computer Class" they have here, to see if they can help me with my computer problems.  On Monday, we are even going to try out the "Hamburger & Bingo "night, on Monday, then next Thursday I have invited people over for St. Patricks Day drinks after the afternoon Parade.  I will be serving Guinness, Jamison's Whiskey, Baileys Irish Creme, and a mixed drink called an "Irish Car Bomb".   Then on Mar. 19th Saturday night we are off to see "The Cruisers" with Sharon & Casey, this will be our last event here, as we head north on March 21st.  

Blogging Less

I haven't been blogging much lately as we have been very busy.  But the trailer is now "Tied Down".  and one more chore is off our list. 
We attended a Park , "Beer & Brats" function this afternoon.  As you can see there were enthusiastic attendees. 

It was very well attended and we met some new people.

They had Pinatas you had to break with a pool noodle.    ??

The Beer was cold, and the Brats were good.

They turned the hot tub into a duck pond.  You bought a ticket, fished out a duck with a number on the bottom and claimed a prize with the corresponding number.  Dan won a puzzle game. 

And I won some home made cookies.  All in all it was a fun afternoon.  We are going to try to attend more of these type functions.

Chores On Sunday?

Well today's chores are done.  I've cleaned the trailer from stem to stern, did some sewing and got my veggies ready for Sunday dinner.  The sewing might sound like a simple chore, but I was doing it on my new sewing machine that I just bought and I had to learn how to use the damn thing first.  You can tell by my cursing that it's a far cry from my old Singer Zig-Zag machine.  But I think I have the basics figured out.  Dan's in charge of the roast on the Barbee, tonight because of the heat.  We are hold up in the trailer and haven't even been for a swim yet today as it is far too hot out there.  It's 88 out there now and is supposed to go to over 95.  So we will wait until the sun goes down then we will go for one of those evening swims I like so much. 

It's Chore Time.

Well, since getting back from our little sight seeing jaunt on Thursday, we have buckled down to do some necessary chores.  Friday it was grocery shopping.  Saturday, was laundry day.  And tomorrow will be clean the trailer from stem to stern.  But we will have to get it done nice and early, because it's supposed to go up to 95 degrees tomorrow.  But each evening we get to go for a hot tub and swim, which makes for a nice relaxing nights sleep.  We have still got to find out about those tie downs for the trailer.  That has definitely got to be finalized next week.  Still enjoying the heat, is that snow melting at home yet? 

A Trip to South Padre Island & Port Isabel

We went on a sight seeing trip to Port Isabel and South Padre Island. 
This is the first real sight, Port Isabel Light.

Then we decided to stop for "All you can eat" shrimp And it was great. 

The restaurant was really nice and they sure did give all we could eat.  In fact we won't eat until some time tomorrow. 

The restaurant is in a very natural area and kept very attractive. 

These are our friends Sharon & Casey, who we traveled with.  Thanks for the lift guys. 

Here's a unique take on a glass bottomed boat.  Its a glass canoe, hung from the ceiling with gold fish in it. 

Then we traveled on to a public beach access that had, Boomerang Billies Beach Bar. 

It was quite the rocking place. 

Then we all went for a walk on the beach, because Sharon wanted some sand for her garden. 

All in all it was a great day.