Thanksgiving Day

Butch and I went up to Allen Hall and enjoyed the fantastic meal put together by many capable hands.  We came home and took the usual heavy meal nap after which we waded through this big pile of Black Friday ads.

We did not find one item worth the effort of going out into the masses to purchase. Someone else will have to buy enough to make up for our lack of patriotic duty. Wink, wink.

‎"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It

 turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie

I do not know who she is but I like what she says.

Thanks Giving

Tomorrow is the big day. We will be having our thanks giving meal with 150 of our South Texas friends. I plan to tell them and you my thoughts of thanks giving as it is my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving day and Christmas both suffer a similar malady in that they are too often thought of as just another holiday. The family gathers together and eats an enormous amount of food, maybe plays some games, maybe have a few disagreements and then return to their homes and jobs. For a very long time this day has been my favorite holiday because some people do take time to truly reflect on the meaning of the day. Giving thanks from the heart for all we have. Dwelling on what we are blessed with and forgetting what we lack. Some people seem to have difficulty thinking of what they are thankful for. I have difficulty thinking of something I lack! How many times do we say things like, Thank God I was there at just the right time? Isn't it lucky how that turned out?  If we acknowledge those moments for the miracles they are and take just a moment to be sincerely thankful from the bottom of our hearts it is amazing how they multiply and suddenly our days are filled with miracles from morning to night.
So I thank each of you for being our friend and adding so much to our lives and this day of Thanksgiving.

Tuesday is a golf day

Butch had surgery on his back 6 weeks ago today. He has done well, behaved himself and done his exercises. He is very happy to be here and healthy and able to do all the things he has done in years past.
I still feel like I am playing catch up but it is getting better. I am weighing between going to play golf or staying home and washing bedding...still haven't decided. It is amazing how quickly the time fills up!
There is still a bit of a gap between what I want to do (Make bracelets and visit with friends) and what I need to do (wash bedding and clean house) but it will resolve itself shortly. Have a good one!!

It takes awhile

It always takes awhile to settle in...a little bit like moving to a new town. A getting reacquainted process needs to take place and we are still a bit in that period. It is one of the reasons I like to get here earlier. It gives me a head start so I am not adjusting at the same time everyone else is.
I bought a new printer last spring and then about 6 weeks ago it quit working for me. My computer did not recognize it. I know, I know...we have all been there. So I didn't want to deal with it then so I waited till we got here. Today I called  Lexmark and after lots of doing this and that including turning the printer upside down and shaking it at least 5 times they are sending me a new one. My patience is tested to the max when things do not work as they should. Fortunately I am much more patient with people.
It is hot here now and we are running the AC. It is also a routine we are very familiar with. It gets hot for a few days and then a cold front breezes through and we have a few cool days and then it heats up again. What fluctuates is the time periods of each cycle. Fortunately the warm ones outnumber the cold ones or at least we hope so.

Arrived in Sunny Cool South Texas!

The trip down from San Antonio was cool,calm and collected. It was a great trip but we do forget that it is a long way down here. I vow to have a audio book ready for the return trip. One we can get excited about. I had one ready for this trip but it was one we had for awhile and neither of us were anxious to get to it. The miles do fly by when you are listening to a good book.
Now is when I become a bit schizophrenic with the blog as I keep this one going, my first love, and the one for Magnolia Park as well. So you will want to check on both I hope. A link to the Magnolia Blog is on the left. You can also scroll to the bottom of that one and sign up for email updates just as you can with this one.

There are so many things to do when we get here. My favorite grocery store, H.E.B. is one of our first stops, and then we must resume our walks and note all the changes in the park and visit with everyone we meet. We have already done quite a bit of greeting but they are all giving us time to settle in before we have extended conversations.
A cool front has reached the valley. A bit unusual for this time of year. We were obviously acclimated to the north because it did not feel all that cool, that is until the sun went down.
Till next time!

Wednesdays Travel

We left the Leisure Time RV Park located on highway 82 in northern Texas shortly before 8:00 AM heading south to Sattler TX which is located near Canyon Lake north of San Antonio. It was more like our travels of the past as Butch did not take as many breaks as he did the first of the week but he assured me he was feeling fine. His stamina for driving long periods without stopping has always amazed me.
We had a problem with our kitchen faucet when we arrived in north Texas. We could not get any water out of it! The bathroom worked fine, it was just the kitchen. We figured the Oklahoma roads had something to do with it. So after our arrival at Rio Raft Park Butch tore into it and found a calcium buildup that had come loose ( Oklahoma roads) and blocked the water line. It was quite a chore to get it freed up but he did and we were back in business with water in the kitchen.
Later on our friends Terry and Lisa Linder stopped by and we had a nice long visit and before we knew it it was way past our bedtime.
 Butch is sleeping in this morning. Our first part of the next leg will be going through San Antonio so we want him rested and alert. We should arrive in the Rio Grande Valley this afternoon.
Later...

Tuesday!!

We left the casino early for us-about 7:30 AM. We encountered some fog but it burned off about 9:00 AM. Oklahoma roads are awful!!! They should be ashamed of themselves having guests of their state travel on roads such as those. It made us even more anxious to get to Texas. We are staying in the park we usually do near Whitesboro TX but they have raised their prices $5 each of the past two years. They are no longer a bargain and when we pulled in we were the only people here. AND then we hooked up to water and the water pressure is practically non-existent. That cinched it. We will be scoping out different parks for our next trip through this area.
Somewhere in Oklahoma Butch looked in the rear view mirror and said, "That looks like Bob and Kitti Toomire!". And sure enough it was! They will get to Magnolia far sooner than we will but Bob may get himself another ticket in the process too. :-) We will most likely go out for supper with them when we get there. We usually do. But we also usually beat them getting there too.
So tomorrow morning bright and early we will be on our way. We have a couple of destinations in mind and Butch's stamina will determine which it might be. It is now looking like we will arrive on Thursday rather than Friday.
We are doing great and getting very anxious to see all our park friends.

Monday, Monday

We left Peculiar headed south and decided to find a spot for lunch near Joplin. Not much of the storm damage is visible from the Interstate by the way. Right at the Missouri state line we noticed a casino and thought that would be a good place to stop for lunch. They have big parking lots. We did pull off to the side in the casino parking lot to have lunch and a fellow who was staying at the Casino RV Park came by with his dog and informed us the RV park was free if you went in to register. You can stay 3 nights free and it is $15 after that. After a few minutes discussion we decided to stop for the night. It is about 60 to 70 miles short of our planned destination but the planned destination was also going to cost us $25 at Big Cabin OK. We went into the casino and registered. Ate lunch. The price was a little high but the meal was abundant and very tasty. Then we decided to play for a little while promising we would lose no more than what it would have cost us to stay in an average RV park. We played the penny slots. At least I did. Butch played the quarter machines for awhile but switched to the pennies. He won $40 and I won $4 and we were there for at least two hours. We left feeling we were big winners all around.
While we were eating lunch Butch asked what state we were in because Butch thought we had not crossed the stateline as yet on the interstate. He said the hotel was in Missouri, the RV park is in Kansas and the casino is in Oklahoma. Now how cool is that?!! So tonight we will be sleeping in Kansas.
When we leave we always have a plan but it is never set in cement.
We still plan to stay nearWhitesboro TX. But we might change our mind too. We'll see. The boys used to say,"We'll see means "No". But then as now that was not always the case. 

Weekend with the kids

We spent the weekend with our Missouri kids. I will let the pictures I shot speak for themselves.

She pulled a bit of a conniption when Grandpa pulled her off the mower to try the slide. She likes being outdoors and she likes the mower. 

It is morning and she is brushing her teeth.

Grandma Susan is assisting

Anyone for golf?

Peculiar MO

We are in Peculiar MO and we arrived without incident as I always like to say. Gary came by shortly after arrival and we made our way to East Lynne where Elise resides with her parents Amanda and Brad. Susan was  entertaining Elise when we pulled up but as soon as she saw her Grandpa that is where she wanted to be.
Our little Elise is growing like a weed. She is 18 months now. I captured some of her entertaining moments during the evening.

Story time with Grandpa Gary

Can you see the mischief in her eyes? 

Puckered up for a kiss

Send off

Denise and Jack had a little sendoff for us last night that included several grown up kids from our youth. We had a great time with much laughter and shared stories. It will be great to return to our old/new circle of friends next spring.
We did not get the 4-5 inches of heavy wet snow that parts of Iowa did but we have been enclosed in our little cocoon for several days trying to conserve what heat we could. Last night and today have been the coldest thus far with the high so far standing at 39 degrees. Butch said he was tired of being a shut in and I must agree. He could not get me to agree to a walk today. Too much wind and cold.
So here we sit waiting for tomorrow to take off. We have done all the preparation. We have started the engine to make sure it is okay. We have brought up the leveling legs to make sure they will raise. Our welcome mat is picked up and stored away. The plants that I plan to save are on board.
So in the morning we will hitch up the car and go to Sparky's to fuel up, head east to Ogden then south to 141 east to pick up I-35 south and we will be on our way to warmer climes. We will have a 3 night stay in Missouri to see kids, grand kids and great grand Elise before heading on further south. I am not sure of Internet connections on the way but will write when and if I can.

Details. It is all in the details. It does take us longer to pack up and go when we have been sitting in one spot for awhile but we have been working on it and have everything in order to be ready  for final approach on Friday morning. Butch is itchy. He likes to drive and is ready to be behind the wheel and headed south. I am too of course. But one of my growth things in my life is that I am 100% better about living in the moment than I was in my youth. So I am enjoying the day. The sun is shining and we went for a nice long walk this morning wearing winter coats, hats and gloves. We have all the shades pulled because it helps to keep out the cold so I am looking forward to having them open when we arrive in warmer climes.
Tonight we are meeting with friends for a drink. Tomorrow night we will be going out to supper with Leo and Keri. Saying our goodbyes for the winter. See you next spring in Iowa and if you are in Texas we will be seeing you soon.

More of Elise

from her mamas phone:

From Gary in Lees Summit MO

Gary Brooker gbrookermo@yahoo.com

11:19 PM

I am a long ways from where this latest earthquake happened but I felt it and knew what it was. First for me. Good thing we are far enough away to stay away from major damage. I was watching things perched up high like vases and pictures to see if they were going to topple. It's only been a few minutes from the happening but I found info on this government web site.

 

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb0006klz.php

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

  Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant ... Asian factories are kicking into high

gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --

merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This

year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine

concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift

giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes

there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in

a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates

from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some

health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American  owned

detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a

book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down

the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift

receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or

driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift

certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about

a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this

isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town

Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or

motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a

local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is

struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin

their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery

and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave

your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at

your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to  buy another ten thousand Chinese

lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about

fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to

burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that

China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about

US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow

their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our

communities, and  the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion

groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in

your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,

and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,

and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Busy Elise

Thoughtful

We have thought about just cancelling appointments and leaving. It is much colder than we like and getting colder. We do plan to stick it out and leave next Friday however. Butch will then only have about a week where he cannot do much after we arrive. He has been a good boy about obeying the rules. Perhaps for the first time in his life.
I am on a new eating plan and so far it is working for me. It is really just a lifestyle change and one that should be easy to adhere to. There is only one rule. No eating between meals.  I can eat anything I want in a 40 minute period 3 times a day. A fellow was telling me about this a few months ago. He said he and his wife did this for a year and he lost 30 pounds and she 20. I am hoping after a year to do the same but stick with it  as it should be a habit by then.
Last night right after supper (new rule) we walked the 4 1/2 blocks to the dairy queen. On the way I took a tumble. Skinned up my knees and nose. Luckily I had on jeans, gloves and coat which saved me from getting scraped up worse than I did. I tripped over a rock that had fallen out of a raised flower garden. It is not the first time I have done such a thing. Tripping over a rock, I mean. I fared much worse the first time several years ago. I am hoping to not do it ever again. It is such a shock to find yourself face down on the sidewalk.

Hunkered

We went to the grocery store and Dollar General this morning and have no plans for venturing outside again. Well, one of us has to go out later and unhook the water due to forthcoming below freezing temperatures  but only for a little while. The remainder of the day will be spent watching it rain. We really need the moisture.

While at Dollar General I bought a new pair of warm pajama bottoms. I am considering giving up the pair Gary and Susan bought for me in 1986. That pair is getting mighty thin and even has a few small holes. They started out with cuffs and a waffle weave top. The top was put aside after a couple of years. Then I removed the cuffs off the bottoms of the pajamas. The bottoms have been perfect ever since. They are the ones I reach for when the weather is just a bit cool. I still like them and really hate to see them go. They have had a long and useful life.

Great Joy

All three of my "boys" get great joy from the their grandchildren which gives me great joy.

Nice day

They say this is the warmest day we will have for quite awhile in Iowa. Butch and I went for our morning walk and have plans to get in a second one because of the forecast for tomorrow. Highs in the 40's! That is like one of the worst days in the Rio Grande Valley. Lucky us.
On our walk I seemed to see an inordinate amount of discarded empty cigarette packs so we started counting them and in  a 6-7 block span we counted 9!  Could we assume that if you smoke you might also litter? I won't assume.
Butch went to Leo's and borrowed his leaf blower. He is out now blowing leaves around. He isn't picking them up-just blowing them around.
Conclusions:
1. The Brookers have a lot of time on their hands.
2. They are easily entertained.