A Rocky Sunday

Michelle and Andy had been given some geodes by Brenda and Richard in the fall, and Jerry and Marlene have some good friends in Socorro, NM, who enjoy working with rocks. So we all piled into the car and drove to Socorro to see Dennis and Jean. Dennis and Jean are now retired. He had taught mathematics and science, and she was a bank vice president. About ten years ago they were visiting Australia and found several places where you could dig for rocks and gem stones. They have turned this into a vocation and have the tools to cut through a geode or polish a gem stone and cut facets into it.

Dennis helped Andy and Michelle cut through their geodes, and they just loved seeing what was inside as well as doing the cutting on a special saw with a diamond edge blade. Then Dennis took the kids to his back yard and they found several more rocks to cut. In the meantime Jean showed the rest of us their gem stone collection that they have made into lovely jewelry. HW2 had a wonderful time and ultimately brought home a few blings to add to her collection.

Once we were thoroughly rocked out, Dennis and Jean piled all of us into a Suburban and took us to the wildlife Bosque del Apache refuge that is about ten miles south of Socorro. We got to see the ducks and cranes leaving their eating areas and flying back to night time safety in the surrounding ponds. They flew in by the hundreds and landed without crashing into each other. We saw several species of ducks, geese, and cranes and just enjoyed the whole thing.

We then invited them to join us for Mexican food for dinner and left Socorro satiated with rocks, jewelry, wild life, and wonderful conversation. Dennis and Jean travel annually to Australia to add to their growing collection. He also is a hunter and has a collection of heads of beasts that he or Jean have shot over the years. Their house was an amazing collection of things that made it seem like you were in a museum. Their interests include aboriginal art, fossilized wood, and other items gathered from the many places they have visited over the years. We even talked about making a stained glass lamp shade with thin pieces of cut geodes for the focus pieces. Who knows we may yet work together on such an interesting project. It was a great rocky Sunday. Happy travels.

Subsequent happenings

Since Christmas we have been on the phone to family and friends, eating wonderful leftovers, meeting and visiting with our extended families, shopping a bit here and there, playing cards, reading, and relaxing. It is such fun to play Pitch or Hearts with the family. We had a lovely lunch yesterday with Mike and Sue and their family. We visited with Herb and Sue and their family and the days go quickly by here. Yesterday we even got a bit of snow. Today we plan to take Scott for some more shopping as he has gift cards that are burning a hole in his pocket. We have not yet decided when to return to Kerrville but it will be soon. Happy travels.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day dawned cold and we had promised Michelle that we would be up and over to their house by 7:00 am. So at 6:30 we were up and getting dressed and on the dot walked over to be greeted by a spectacular sun rise. The sun shown through the clouds like a king's crown and seemed so appropriate on this day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We had to get everyone out to see the sunrise and we have pictures to share here.

Jerry was making breakfast of bacon and eggs and Marlene had coffee and a breakfast tree made of rolls. The children were coerced to eat and then we cleaned up and trooped into the living room and sat around the tree and began to open the presents. Andy was the designated elf but had lots of help from Michelle and Kait. Finally, in a generally orderly way, we had oohs and ahs and had great fun opening this and that. Scott was pleased with clothes and cookies but especially with a video tape player and a large box of older tapes to play.

In the late morning Kim and Chuck and boys came by and we repeated the process much to the delight of all. Having three kids and spouses and five grands all under one roof was the best treat of all for us.

Later good friends Brenda and Richard came by to exchange presents and then we began the final preparations of the Christmas feast. Traditionally we have a standing rib roast, gravy, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes and green beans. As usual the 'Yorkies' got the oven to smoking and we had to open a window or two to let the smoke out but no one really cared. The feast was wonderful and later on we had many deserts to choose from. All in all it was just lovely. A happy day to spend with friends and family. Happy travels.

Saturday Shopping

We used the divide-and-conquer mode to go shopping on Saturday. Kim and the two boys came by, and the boys stayed here to play with Andy. Kim and HW2 went shopping. Kait needed a ride to work, so Marlene took her, and then she and Michelle went shopping. Jerry and I took care of the boys and at some point got them lunch. Finally, the shoppers began to return, and Jerry and I took our turn at shopping. While in a line at Borders I met up with an old friend Joyce, who is also retired from being a counselor, and we got caught up on common friends. HW2 met a former student while waiting in line.

We went on to Walmart and found several gifts for Marlene when lo and behold, she showed up. Guess those gifts are not a huge surprise. Marlene guesses gifts very well anyway. Finally, we all returned home and after dinner got into the hot tub. It was quite cold outside, but the hot tub felt wonderful.

Kait and boyfriend Andy also joined us. It was great to meet Andy, but he is a very brave person to go hot tubbing with his girl friend's parents, brother, and grandparents. He reminded us of another Andrew, who is the neat son of Dennis and Rachael. Altogether it was a great day except for the long lines and many people out shopping. It makes you wonder if we are really in a recession. Happy travels!

Albuquerque for Christmas

We left Kerrville about 6:45 am yesterday morning after filling up on diesel which we obtained at the cost of $2.39. That was the best price we have seen this year. As soon as we got onto I-10, we ran into thick fog, and this lasted for the next 150 miles. Since it was early, we also kept an eye out for deer trying to cross the road since they are such a nuisance in this area.

After refueling in Fort Stockton we headed north on 285, finally stopping for lunch in Carlsbad and then onto Cline's Corners, fighting winds most of the way. Then westward on I-40 to Albuquerque. We had come a day early, as the long range weather forecast had predicted even worse winds for today.

Jerry was flying home after meetings in Huntsville this week, and Marlene was ending teaching Friday, her last day before Christmas break. We were glad to relax and enjoy each other's company.

I have to make new arrangements for the tie-downs that hold the car on the trailer, since two of them came loose as we were driving the last several miles to Jerry and Marlene's house. Fortunately, the car stayed on the trailer. We were really glad to stop after that bit of excitement. Happy travels.

"You could have heard a pin drop"

We received this from a friend who received it from a very high level official in a previous Presidential administration. We wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!

"You could have heard a pin drop. You don't say?

When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush. He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that d id not return.' You could have heard a pin drop.

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?' A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed203,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?' You could have heard a pin drop.

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks bu t a F rench ad miral suddenly complained that, 'whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?' Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.' You could have heard a pin drop.

AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE... Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. 'Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.' The American said, 'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.' 'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!' The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained. 'Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.' You could have heard a pin drop

A series of Poppy windows

I have finished and delivered the first of four windows that are to be of Icelandic Poppies. The windows are in a line but separated by wood panels. I have them planned to be apparently connected by a vine that has poppies hanging off it. The poppies are of different colors and in various stages of opening their blooms. I have never done such a panel or of such a degree of difficulty. Icelandic poppies have leaves with many curves and of course this is not easy to do in glass. The background glass has to have the same curves to insert the leaves when they are finished. Both pieces have to be copper foiled on their edges which is a challenge as well. This is probably the second hardest piece that I have ever tried to do, and I am enjoying the challenge. Now, three more windows to go to finish the series. I asked HW2 to insert a picture of the first one so you can see what I am working on. Happy travels.

96 years old

Mom turns 96 years of age on Saturday, December 20. Few people live into their nineties and are fortunate to have the good health she experiences. She still lives in her two-story home, drives her own car, and is fiercely independent. Last Sunday her Methodist church celebrated her birthday during and after the service. Happily, her oldest son Maurice and wife Anne could drive up to be there with her and enjoy her celebration. They said it was really wonderful and that Mom enjoyed the whole thing.

She sees well, since having cataract surgery several years ago, and continues to enjoy her needle work. She does excellent work and has it juried and framed. We feel fortunate to have several pieces of her work including a banner of "The Night Before Christmas" and a Santa pillow which we have decorating our motor home.

I can not imagine being 96 or even 90, although I suppose I might live to be that old. The men in our family are lucky to get to 70 or beyond. In two months I hope to learn what being 70 is like. Mom has set a wonderful example of how to age gracefully. If she has any regret, it is that she has become very hard of hearing and does not always get the conversation correct. We keep checking to see if she has understood and usually get the message through. Happy Birthday Mom! May you live well in to the 100's. Happy travels.

Posole for lunch

Today after church we came home, and HW2 finished making posole. This is typical New Mexican cuisine that we love. It consists of hominy that must be soaked and then cooked to soften it; then you add chili and cubes of pork to the mix. It is wonderful and usually enjoyed by us at this time of the year. Of course, we had to have warm tortillas to dip in the posole. Our friend Byron, our near neighbor, joined us for lunch, and he had never tried this dish. Needless to say, he finished his bowl and thoroughly enjoyed it. Best of all we ate outside in the sunshine with the temperature in the high seventies. It was a beautiful day here. Tomorrow when it only gets to the fifties, we will wish it was Sunday again so we could again sit outside for our lunch. Later in the afternoon we could smell steaks being cooked on the grill and watched as other neighbors sat down outside to enjoy their steak dinner. I thought they might invite us for dinner but they did not do that.

Otherwise it has been a quiet day with phone calls to and from kids and a chance to work on the annual Christmas letter and to do some work on the next glass window (Icelandic Poppies). Tomorrow I hope to get the pieces cut and ground but that is dependent on the weather. I can work out even if it is in the fifties if the wind is not blowing. We shall see. Happy travels.

A new lunch place

While at the glass shop in San Antonio, we asked the ladies who worked there if they would recommend a good sea food place, and in the discussion they mentioned that P.F. Chang was establishing neighborhood bistros named Pei Wei. Since it was on our way to our next stop, we decided to try out this bistro. We tried Crab Wantons for an appetizer, Asian Chopped Chicken Salad, Japanese Beef Teriyaki Bowl and Minced Chicken Lettuce Wrap. It was all very good, and we decided that we would recommend this type of restaurant. Apparently it is much cheaper than P. F. Chang's, but the food was excellent, and we brought some home, maybe to eat today. They even prepared some ice so that the food would keep cool for the trip home.

We managed all of our errands and even managed to get most of the bevels that we need and several possibilities for the remaining trapezoid bevels. So the trip was a success.

Once home we decided the final thing to put the day over the top was to visit the River Rock Saloon which is here at the RV resort. Friday nights after work, all of the folks that work so hard to make this a lovely place to park, get together to celebrate the ending of another week. Somehow, we are always included. It was a fun evening, and we even played shuffleboard although we lost, good natured 21 to 2. I guess our skills need some practice. This was HW2's first game and my second. Happy travels.

San Antonio today

We have planned a trip to San Antonio because I have to get some glass supplies to continue to work on several windows for Sandy and Ed. They want me to do a sequence of four windows which will be Icelandic Poppies and pick up some themes from the rose window that I finished a week or so ago. They also want some windows over their entrance door which will need some beveled glass which will have to be a special order. I went on line to find places that make beveled glass and one of them was in China. However the China company only wants to make big contracts, not my little order. So I guess I will not be outsourcing my bevel needs.

HW2 wants to go to Joanne for some sewing supplies and Cost Co of course. Then we hope to go to some new seafood restaurant for lunch. It should be a fun day. It is cold this morning but sunny so we shall soon be on our way. Happy travels.

A good day here

After a cold night, we got going, had our morning walk, and started the weekly wash. Time for a shower and breakfast, as well as weighing in to discover that I HAVE LOST 11 POUNDS!!!!!!! Once we finished the chores here, we went to Walmart for some errands, gas station, and then on to Fredericksburg to shop a bit, get a bite, and then go to the dermatologist. This is a new doctor here, and I liked him very much. He has three boys and is very involved in their t - ball games. He froze some spots, so I will be very pretty for the next few days. He also did a bit of surgery on one finger where either I have a glass shard embedded or a wart or arthritis or.... We will know more after the biopsy.

Home again, and the rest of the day was quite restful. It was a beautiful day, a bit cool, but jackets were not necessary. I am thankful to have lost a bit more weight and to have met a new dermatologist who was very helpful. I feel blessed for sure. Happy travels.

Eating out and gaining weight

We like to eat out! Does it have to go with gaining weight? Friends Karl and Betty asked us to join them for lunch, Chinese food, on Monday. Now I firmly believe that you can eat you fill of Chinese food and not gain weight. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves eating and visiting the whole time. Then we went shopping and got home two hours later. Monday night, HW2 made spaghetti sauce over pasta and a good salad. It was very good too.

Tuesday morning I got on the scales and had only gained three pounds. THREE POUNDS FROM CHINESE FOOD AND SPAGHETTI SAUCE! Now really! Salt I guess. We ate frugally the rest of the day until Byron came by and talked us into going across he road to 'The Hole in The Wall' which we had heard about but had never visited. We split a hamburger. Can you imagine how good a hamburger tastes when you have not had one for a LONG TIME? I even only ate ONE FRY!

Wednesday morning came by very quickly and I got on the DREADED SCALES and lost one pound. Now go figure. Chinese up, hamburger down. What am I to think? Damn Diet anyway! My pants do fit well for a change! That is a positive thought. How am I ever going to lose the fifteen pounds I set as my goal? Some goals only goes so far when you can eat out. Happy travels.

The bride wore white

This afternoon at the Union Church, the bride wore a floor length white dress and the groom was dressed in a black suit with a moroon shirt and tie. His attendants also wore matching maroon shirts and black suits. These outfits were complimented with boutineers and the bride had her bouquet. The music flowed and the scene began as two young girls delivered flowers on the path the bride would walk. The young ring bearer quietly did his role as well. Rosetta played beautifully and then we heard the strains of Mendelson's, 'Here Comes the Bride' caused by the entrance of the bride. Frances and Marvin had come together to renew their vows and to celebrate thirty years together.

There were tears of happiness and smiles of joy as the ceremony proceeded. Even a bit of a dance occurred during one of the songs. Finally there was the repeating of the vows and of course the kiss, which grew quite lengthy. A perfect day for all to celebrate. Happy travels.

Sunny Sunday

Today opened cold here but sunny. It probably dropped into the twenties or thirties over night but at ten am it is almost 60. We like it cool for good sleeping at night but like it to warm up during the day. This is lovely weather for sure. I weighed in this morning and have lost nine pounds so far. I have not been this light since we were in Friday Harbor, WA. with Arthur and worked at his B & B. Apparently I did enough real work then to get to this weight. My goal involves another six pounds but we shall see.

This morning I tried on a pair of grey slacks for something different to wear to church and could not get them buttoned or even close to being buttoned. I took them off and looked at the tag and learned that they were a size 36 which I have not been able to get in for 40 years or more. Why did I buy them? Who knows! Probably I did not look at the tag closely enough when shopping. I did have to laugh at myself. So it is back to the usual black pants. Have a great day. Happy travels.

Saturday evening

We went shopping at Penney's for a much needed winter coat and some sweaters. The prices were wonderful and affordable. Then we went to the Antique Mall to see if I had left my 'Digger" hat there. No luck but we did stay and help out for an hour or so. Then home for a bit of lunch and back to town at the Presbyterian Church Chapel for a choral concert which was lovely. The singers did a great job with seasonal music and in a truly beautiful setting. The chapel was the original church that this congregation has outgrown. The stained glass windows are spectacular and beautiful, not that I would notice them.

Then home to stop and see Byran and his new puppy. It is quite small, about six pounds and a mystery cross of Chihuahua or Daschund or some other low long type dog. Byran thought it might be a miniature German Shepherd but I think he needs new glasses. He is going to be busy getting this puppy house trained.

Dinner was pot roast and vegetables and then we relaxed by watching the University of Oklahoma - Missouri Big Twelve Championship football game. No scores till the end of the game, although Oklahoma is ahead. Did you know that Navy skunked Army 34 to 0? Happy travels.

This and that

Here it is Saturday morning and cold at 24 degrees right now. It is supposed to warm up into the fifties as it did yesterday. It has been sunny and pleasant to be out in but a bit cool to work out in. I finished my glass for Frances and some more Christmas decorations and we took those to the store and put them up in the window. That should do for the store, unless some get bought, and then I will make more.

HW2 has been sewing up a storm and we sent three more packages off to Jerry and Chris's families and another to Mom. That may be why I have not been adding to this blog lately. We have tried to stay on our diet but this morning I am up two pounds so yesterday's fudge has stayed a bit longer with me than planned. We gave most of it away to say thank you to the many kind people who live and work in the park.

Late this afternoon we hope to attend a Christmas music concert being held in our church's chapel. Sunday afternoon we hope to attend Frances and Marvin's thirtieth anniversary celebration. We keep walking the park but have been doing that later in the day when it is a bit warmer. happy travels.

The new window is in

Yesterday I finished the window for Sandy and Ed, and in the afternoon we took it out to their ranch and installed it for them. It really looks nice at the end of the hall and should show well with the morning light. Now they have decided to have me make six to eight more windows. There will be some significant challenges because of the special beveled glass that will have to be found or ordered, as they want two of the windows to match side panels of their front door. The others are series of four windows or two windows. I think I have my work cut out for me and this should keep me busy the rest of the winter.

After we got the window installed, we four sat down and just visited. Ed suggested a bit of scotch, and that helped the conversation flow. As we left the ranch, we counted two herds of deer. What lovely people and such a beautiful ranch by the river. Now I can also work on a panel for our friend Francis and some more window decorations for the Sunrise Antique Mall. I think I will keep busy. Happy travels.

Happy Monday

Today we walked, had breakfast, and I continued to work on the latest piece of stained glass. I was in the copper foiling part and finished that in the late morning. Left - overs for lunch and quickly back to work now doing the soldering. That took most of the afternoon. Both sides of the glass were finished by 5:30. That made this a happy Monday, for sure. In the middle of the work, I took a completed cross to the next door neighbors. and now they want to pick out another cross and have me make that for them. The first one is to be a gift for a friend of theirs.

One of our good friends who works at the Sunrise Antique Mall is Frances, and she and her husband are about to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary this coming weekend, and I want to make a stained glass window for them. Frances and I tease each other as to which of us is the oldest. Actually she is a month and a half older, if the truth was to be known. Her son Bobby and wife Vicky own and run the mall. I am glad that the commissioned piece is about finished so that I can get to work on these new pieces. This glass business sure keeps me busy.

HW2 has worked on the computer and more sewing for Christmas presents and has been as busy as I have been. We keep being very industrious here.

The other happy Monday news is that HW2 is down another pound, and I am down two pounds. So far I have lost seven pounds and am about half way to my goal of fifteen pounds. The pants fit better, and that is positive reinforcement. Happy travels.