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





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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.