Monday, December 01, 2003
We arrived last night about 5. The Thanksgiving weekend traffic going north was horrendous. At the checkpoint cars were backed up a mile or more. I was so glad we were headed south!
The weather is warm. 70’s daytime, 60’s night. We had the windows open and no furnace running. It is great. Angel has been quite intent on viewing her surroundings.
J. D. and his little dog Tony are conspicuously missing this year. They were our neighbors to the west and their place was a semi-permanent dwelling so it is not a good sign. For now we have empty spaces on three sides of us. Feels a little strange. We have the satellite TV hooked up and running. Internet connection is fine- just fine! Next stops are the Farmers Market and grocery store.

Sunday, November 30th
We enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with George and Jackie, neighbors of Bill and Jo. Everyone along the river is very sociable and kind to strangers. ;-)
Friday was all geared toward Butch’s eye doctor appointment. His eyes are much improved although Dr. McNair suggested he continue the medication for 2-3 weeks and then try the eye drops again to be sure that is indeed the cause of the allergy.
We then did some housekeeping in preparation for our departure.
So tomorrow we are off!
Saturday morning after daybreak we left Heber Springs Arkansas headed for Texas. We aimed for a Flying J truck stop in Texarkana because we needed propane. When we arrived there they didn’t have anyone working authorized to do it. So we will take our chances without. Our route was 59 south to 79 and today we will pick up 77 at Rockdale. There are two main arteries into the Rio Grande Valley from the north, 77 and 281. We have been on both but this time highway 77 is our route of choice.
Last night we stayed at the Tucker Truck Stop south of Palestine Texas. It is always noisy with trucks nearby but we didn’t notice it much. Still no Express Network Internet connection. In the valley we will be near several large cities so I do not anticipate any problem with it then she says hopefully. ;-) I haven’t checked it as we have traveled because it is too much to turn the computer on and off all the time. I may check in Victoria Texas today when we go through. It will be the largest city we go through until we reach the valley.