Much needed rain

Yesterday it rained. It got very black in the sky in the west, and we could see the storm coming. We had enough time to lock up the pool areas and put things away before the rain arrived. I even managed to finish mowing the middle section of the park where so many of our visitors put their rigs. At first it was very windy and lots of thunder and lightning, but then it settled down to a steady penetrating rain. Of course in the middle of the most exciting part, we had to park two new arrivals. I got one to his space and waved goodbye, and Roy did the other. Both waited for the rain to lessen before they began the hooking up process. The boss sent several workers home and kept on a minimal staff for the rest of the day. Today our grassy areas look much greener, and the ground is still moist. Our river that runs along one side of the property even seemed to have a bit more water. We got at least one inch and maybe more but could not really tell as no one seemed to know where the rain gauge was kept. Today it is muggy as well, but that is a small price to pay for this wonderful rain.

Friday is a free day for us and we did the usual chores like groceries and laundry but the best part was going for a good breakfast at Hunter house which is about three miles up the road in Ingrim. I like the special which is two eggs, meat of your choice and two pancakes. This afternoon I even had a snooze while HW2 got her hair cut. A lovely day! Happy travels.

If it is Monday

If it is Monday, then does the unusual happen? Today a co-worker, Clayton, went to mow around one of the buildings and later used the weed wacker to get any missed grass. As he came around one corner of the building, he managed to catch a rock and send it careening into a window. It was the same window where I had previously sent a rock. I got the first layer, and he got the next. So, suddenly we were cleaning up busted glass and cutting plywood to cover the opening.

At the same time I suddenly realised that I had lost my set of keys I use to get in and out of the many buildings and doors throughout this resort. I retraced my steps and NO KEYS. Panic sets in, and so I talk it over with Clayton (of the window breaking fame today), and we decide to go back to one of the mechanical rooms near the pools, and there were the lost keys. YEAH!!!!

Neither of these activities were planned, but it was Monday.

Finally, we were returning lots of vehicles to a storage area that got painted today, and I had to drive the tractor. I had not driven this vehicle to date but managed and got it back without an incident into the yard. Some things happen on Mondays that are OK. Happy travels.

Music

Today at church our Minister John W. shared his music experiences with us as he recognized our choral director Sally R., who is retiring from her job of musical director. This of course set me to thinking of musical experiences that I had participated in.

I think I made my musical debut as a baby by crying. I strongly suspect that Maurice would categorize this as wailing and screaming. At some point I learned to sing "You Are My Sunshine," and I believe I sang it on the Ithaca Radio Station WHCU for a local disc jockey, Jack Deal. Mom remembers that I also sang "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover" at another time. I don't think I was in school when that happened. I always wondered why Mom did that. About the fifth grade I started to learn to play the trombone. I didn't really like this, and at about this time I started taking piano lessons, as well. I was not very good at either. In high school Bill Jackson asked me if I would be willing to carry a tuba in the marching band at football games. I agreed but the condition was that I was NOT to try to play it, just march. Then I relearned the trombone and played it throughout my high school years. Bill always said I would get to be a good player, "If I would only PRACTICE." He was trying to tell me something. I finally managed to give up the piano and in later years have thoroughly regretted that decision. My problem is that I have no notion of the names of the musical notes and simply play as best as I can. This leaves much to be desired , especially for the listener.

I also sang in the chorus. In the early years I had a good soprano but it gradually changed to tenor and then baritone and today is a rumbly bass. Bill Jackson encouraged us to experiment with other instruments, and I liked drums and French horn. I was never very good at either of these.

In college I had bit parts in two musicals, The Boy Friend and Guys and Dolls. I think my best job is to appreciate other musicians. Today my biggest joy is listening to grand children play the piano or sing. I am a good listener. I trust your musical experiences have been equally rewarding. Happy travels.

Outlet stores, San Marcos, Texas

Today we decided to go about 70-80 miles east of here to San Marcos. We think that there are more outlet stores there than any place else in the country. It goes on for miles and most stores have an outlet there. HW2 was in heaven, of course, even though it was about 105 degrees outside. She got a few necessary items, and so did I. I also bought some more short pants and another pair of blue jeans. All told, it was a fun day, and we enjoyed getting out of Kerrville and away from work camping for a day. It has been very hot here, but we are coping so far. We also stopped at Camping World and found a few necessities there as well. That store has everything a camper needs, and some things you would never think of, as well.

We got back to town about 5:30, and Max was very glad to get out of his crate and do the potty thing and then get taken down by the river for a chance to be off his leash. We sat outside and enjoyed the breezes, which made the temperature bearable. A good day which we finished with several family calls. Happy travels.

Another Harry Potter Movie

On Saturday in the early afternoon we went to see the latest Harry Potter Movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It was spectacular, and in my humble opinion, the best of the movies made so far. I particularly enjoyed the scenes of the students trying to deal with their loves and infatuations. We have watched these characters grow into adolescence over many years. They rise to the challenges and seek to checkmate Valdemort and do the evil wizard in. The books are some of the best written books that I have ever read. Rowling gets you interested in the first few words and keeps your rapt attention throughout each book. The movie version of the book must by necessity leave out some good stuff but captures the essence of the book quite well.

If by some peculiar chance you have not read the books or watched the movies, do so. You will enjoy them immeasurably. Happy reading or watching.

Barbeque

Clayton and Susan spent yesterday barbecuing a feast for the staff here. They cooked brisket, chicken (cooked over an open can of root beer), and sausage. They then provided potato salad, beans, and tortilla wraps. There was enough food to feed anyone who showed up. It was excellent! The food was cooked to perfection, and all enjoyed the companionship, as well as enjoying a great barbecue. The surprise of the evening was the return of vacationing work campers Ken and Connie. They were glad to be home again after three weeks away. We were glad to see them return. Dessert was provided by Lois and Dave, who also made the beans. We waddled away from the feast and were thankful to be working with such generous folks. Happy travels.

Work Campers gone

Some work campers are gone as of Monday. They got let go because they had been here for seven weeks and still did not know many of the routines. They ran our Karaoke program on Fridays, and I guess that is the end of that. I am glad the HW2 and I got up to sing last week, as it might not get done now.

It seems to be a matter of a work ethic and trying to do a job to the best of one's abilities. When asked about some aspect of work, both would give a blank look and not be able to procede. This, of course, brings up the matter of their trainers. Their trainers gave them a pass of being trained and when it proved not to be the case, caused several black marks to be settled on their account.

Now that we are one couple less here, we have all had to go back to four days on and three off. Fortunately, we still have the weekend and will manage to try to do our best. We hope that the couples on vacation return rested and willing to work again.

We think that their resumes must be inflated or just not true. As first time work campers these are good lessons especially if we want to continue to do this activity in the future. Happy travels.

Keroke or Karaoke or ?????

I am not exactly sure how to spell Keroke but will try this spelling at the moment. Friday night we went over to our neighborhood River Rock Saloon, and Friday night is Karaoke provided by one of the work camping couples here. After a beer I suggested to HW2 that we get up and participate. One of our favorites is an Anne Murray song, "Can I Have This Dance." Well there was no shepherd's crook to yank us off stage. HW2 got suggestions of other songs and singers to emulate afterwards. I sat down. No other comments came my way.

We did sing the whole song and had no idea what anyone heard. It was fun, but I probably will not try it again. Now HW2 may soon be singing on Friday nights, which would be fine, as she has a good singing voice, and I, for one, like to hear her sing. It was a new adventure, for sure. I do not see how someone can get up and sing in front of an audience as a career but am glad for those that have such a talent. Happy travels.

Working outside in the heat

It has been hot here for quite a spell. In the early morning it is in the 80's but quickly rises into the 90's or more by lunch time. Yesterday I was mowing and by 2:30 could feel the sun burning on my legs and finally quit when I got done with the middle section of this park. I do not know how someone can work out in this heat, especially when it gets into the low 100's. I have learned to put on sun screen, which I hate as you feel sticky. Then I have learned to try to keep hydrated by drinking water and more water. I do not really like to drink water much either, but it is necessary. As soon as you take a swig of water, you break out into more sweating. Thank you for sharing.

In spite of this we do manage to get along. At the end of a day we are quite tired and looking forward to a cooling shower and a chance to relax. Texas, in the summer, takes getting used to, for sure. Next year we are not planning to stay here in the summer. The cooler northern part of the country is calling us, with its siren voice. "Come North, you fools, come North."

This weekend we hope again to attend our second Crossfire Rally. Shall keep you posted. Happy travels.

The Rev. John Witherspoon

The Reverend John Witherspoon was the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was a Presbyterian minister from Scotland who was recruited to become the sixth President of a New Jersey College that later became Princeton University. He helped represent the State of New Jersey to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and was involved when the Declaration was being written in 1776.

Our current minister John was selected to play this role in the play 1776 and Sunday came to church in costume and treated his congregation to how it might be, to be there in 1776. It was the most spectacular Sunday service we have ever been privy to. John held the interest of the congregation in his hand and we came away feeling that we had been there in 1776. What a treat. I can only wish that you could have been there to hear our John. We feel blessed to be a part of this church. Happy travels.

It can really rain here

This week we had a cloud burst that resulted in several inches of rain here. The Guadalupe River was quickly filled to overflowing, and we had some tree damage from the resulting winds. Terry and I were working that day and could see that the storm was coming, so we went into the maintenance shop just as the rains began. It got so windy that we had to close the garage door, and even then the rain blew in under the door. At one point we could hear the sizzle of the lightening strike and knew that it was very close. After about an hour or so the rain stopped, and since it was the end of the work day, we closed up and went home.

The next day we began to clean up the damage which involved getting rid of mud washed onto our road and especially some damage to some of the park trees. At least three trees had significant damage, so we began the process of picking up limbs, cutting up parts big enough to be used for firewood and all that entailed. In one tree, we had to climb up an extension ladder and cut the limb off with a chain saw. This effort took most of the day, but our firewood collection grew greatly and at the end of the day few limbs or leaves were left. We were tired at the end of this day, but knew that we had accomplished quite a bit of necessary cleanup.

I guess we should be careful of what we ask for, since most here had been wishing for rain. We got the rain for sure, and the 40 to 50 mph gusts of wind as well. I think a more gentle rain is in order, you know, a good soaker. Happy travels.

Great Grandchild Harper

Ashley sent us a new baby picture yesterday, and I must admit that Harper is not only smiling but is a cutie. Now all grandchildren are beautiful. Just ask any grandparent, and if you are lucky, they will immediately show you all of the latest pictures too. You then get to say, "How beautiful!"

In this case, since Harper is a great grandchild, it is doubly so. I will try to add his picture and you can draw your own conclusion. Happy travels.

The Michael Jackson thing

I have never heard news people get quite so worked up over a death since Princess Diana died. I guess I am too old to appreciate the positive side of Michael, although I did think his moon walking was clever. I was too turned off by the negative things reported about him and his constant plastic surgery efforts. Needless to say, I am quite sick of all the fuss and can't wait to have all this blow over. Fortunately, we have a mute and an off button on our TV clicker, and it has been put to use frequently during this time.

When Elvis died at a relatively young age, I felt sorry to lose his talent but sad that he had gotten into drugs and other things. Graceland turned out to be his resting place and a tourist attraction. Where do you suppose they will put Michael? I suggest ashes over the Pacific. Let the pilgrimage begin. Happy travels.

Double rainbow and 1776

HW2 loves the play/musical 1776. She often played a video of the movie for her classes, and when she heard that it was to debut here yesterday thought we needed to go. We had not been able to go to see Wicked in San Antonio, since the cheapest tickets were more than $100 each, and we thought that was foolish to spend that much. So we went down to the ticket office to get tickets to 1776 and learned that good seats in the fourth row were only $15 each. This was a much better deal and we got the tickets and planned to return later in the evening.

We got all cleaned up and dressed for the theater, left about 7 pm, and noticed that after our rain shower that there was a rainbow and even better, a double one. It was hard to see the second arch but the colors were there. What a great treat and a lovely omen on the way to see 1776.

There seem to be many local people who have talent and enjoy doing plays like 1776. Ten people from our church were in this one, and the director of our choir was the director of the musical. In fact, our minister had a speaking role, as well. We were about to sit down after talking with several church friends when we got yelled at by Phillip, who used to be bartender here at the River Rock Saloon. He wanted us to come to the play that he will be in next month. The audience was friendly, and the play a grand success. The actors who played John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were excellent. By 10:30 we had enjoyed ourselves hugely and winded our way homeward. HW2 got to see 1776 again. I enjoyed it very much as well. The double rainbows were like a Fourth of July fireworks celebration without the noise. Happy travels.