Wine is the word

This morning the word in the web was 'Wine." Now Gracie liked her glass or more of red wine and was not particularly careful as to type. One time when I looked in her refrigerator, I found it largely empty except for a gallon jug of Gallo red table wine. When Gracie was out of wine, she would call up a granddaughter, and when they answered would say, "Wine." or "I am out of wine and need you to go to the store and get me some more." Then whoever received this distress call had to get in her car, go get the wine and take it to Gracie.

Does the message on the web suggest that we need to go to the store and get her some red wine, or does it mean that Gracie lucked out in the afterlife to discover that she could still get her wine? I like to think that there is wine available for those who pass on, but actually I would myself prefer some Scotch. I will keep that nice thought in mind. Happy travels.

Gracie does it again

We were gone for the weekend, and Gracie our spider in our golf cart was a busy girl. This time she spun a web across the back and wrote, "Who are..." Foxy's grandmother is talking to me through Gracie's web. Foxy's grandmother would call us in an evening and tell us that she could not get her television working and could one of us come over and fix it. I told Foxy that I would go over and see what was wrong with her television.

When I got there, I knocked on the door, which was quickly opened by Grandmother Gracie. She looked at me and said, "Who are you?" I replied, "I am Foxy's husband." She responded, "No, you are not. Now who are you?" This was getting us nowhere so I told her I was coming to fix her television. "OK, come on in then," she said. It turned out that her television was on the same switch as the one by the door which she kept turning off. I got her to leave the switch on, and then her television would work. So the spider is channeling grandmother Gracie and still wondering, "Who are.." Happy travels.

Sunday and home

We intended to spend most of today in Austin with Kim and Christian, but it did not work out. I took luggage to the car, and it would not unlock. I opened the door with the key, and the alarm went off. It is quite a piercing sound, I might add. Trying to stop the alarm, I inserted the key in the lock, and the entire car shut down and could not be started. Time with the car handbook proved to be less than helpful. As I tried several methods, periodically the alarm would go off again. A call to Chrysler and no one there works on weekends. A call to AAA and shortly a nice young man appeared. He went through the several steps that I had tried, and the alarm continued to entertain us and others within ear shot. Kim did some research on her computer and discovered that this had happened to other Crossfire owners. Apparently, the trick is to disconnect the negative lead from the car battery. This causes the alarm to go off as well, and then you are to wait while it shrieks for 30 or more seconds and then reattach the lead. This resets the car, and it can be started.

We still do not know if the car battery is weak or the remote key batteries need to be changed or what caused the doors to not open to begin with. Tomorrow, if I can get the car going, I will take it to a local dealer and see what can be learned. I hope they like the sound of the alarm.

Once we got the car working, we left for home and did not stop it until we arrived. So we got home much earlier than planned. Happy travels.

We enjoy Christian

Christian is a lively six year old who knows what he wants to do. We took him to the Children's Museum in downtown Austin on Saturday, and he had a great time running from one activity to another. This morning he wanted to go back there again.

We also saw that he got breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at which point his mom joined us. This kid can eat and prefers to order off of the regular menu rather than any children's menu. He not only ate his food but enjoyed any offerings from any of the rest of us. He also got to swim, and Foxy introduced him to a computer game Bubble Town, and he is now thoroughly addicted to the game. We had a good time with our youngest grandson and were glad to have his undivided attention, that is assuming any six year old gives you much attention. His teacher in the fall will have her hands full with this lively addition to her classroom.

We did go to a fun seafood restaurant called Quality Seafood. It supplies fresh seafood to much of Austin and has a very loyal clientele. The food was wonderful, and I enjoyed a Poor Boy of deep fried oysters. Foxy had the oysters and scallops. Kim had blackened red snapper. Whatever Christian had he ate and some of ours too. He liked the hush puppies so much that his mom only got part of one. I also enjoyed a bowl of potato - leek - seafood which was wonderful. The next time we are in Austin we hope to have another chance to sample their wares. Happy travels.

Concert by Kim and Midori

At 1 pm today we went to hear Kim and Midori play their concert. It was wonderful as they were completely in sync and thoroughly enjoyed playing with each other. Kim played her clarinet, and Midori accompanied her on the grand piano. They played a relatively new work about Bright Angel area of the Grand Canyon. You could truly believe that you were there and envision the area. This half hour concert was well attended, and everyone seemed to enjoy the music and gave a standing ovation at the end. Kim seems to have matured in her music, and the soft and loud notes were right on. Midori seems to bounce and plays the piano with great strength. What a wonderful adventure! We have known Midori for years, and these two talented people have played for together for years since both play in a group called Quorum. Generally, this group plays what I would call avant guard music, and generally I do not enjoy it very much as I find it quite discordant. Today's concert was simply beautiful and displayed the talent of these two mature musicians. It was a treat. Happy travels.

We visit Austin for the weekend

Daughter Kim is in Austin with youngest grandson Christian, and we are there as well to take care of Christian and also to hear Kim play for the International Clarinet Festival being held at The University of Texas. We picked up Christian from his mom and took him for lunch at Chipolte recommended to us by Gordon and Diana. It was excellent and filled the boy. We then wandered about visiting a toy store of course and took in a short movie, Wild Texas Weather at The Bob Bullock Theater in the Texas State History Museum. It really was delightful and we enjoyed the interactive nature as we got rained on and the lightening effects made you jump in your chair. Christian was captivated. We then went back to our hotel and waited for his mom and her accompanist Midori to arrive and then all five of us went out for dinner.

Foxy has been checking out all the best places to go and see while we are here in Austin and, following her suggestion, we drove to a nearby restaurant Primizie, a bistro style Italian, featuring wonderful appetizers. When we arrived we could not find it but did discover a young woman who stepped outside of a brand new restaurant in the same location that had opened only this week. So what to do? Of course, try the new one. We had dinner at the Zandunga Mexican Bistro and ate appetizers. We were still too full from lunch to do more. it turned to be quite a lovely place, food beautifully plated and very tasty and we got to try several different ones and left very content. We were sad to not be able to try out the original but closed restaurant but the replacement one is worth trying when in this city.

One of the nice things was the people we encountered as we wandered about and asked directions and how the buses worked. This is one friendly helpful city. Happy travels.

A new word

Gracie was busy over night, and there is a new word on her web, "Jonesy." This is not a common word, and I think something unusual is going on. Foxy's grandmother was quite a character, and I was privileged to know her if only for a short time. Some years before I entered the family, my sister-in-law was dating a dentist who had the last name of Jones. Of course, Gracie could not call him by either his first or last name, and he became known in the family as Jonesy, so christened by Gracie.

I am thinking that our spider is transmitting more than just a word, which is fabulous in itself. I am thinking that Gracie is trying to communicate from beyond. But why "Jonesy?" Is this Grandmother Gracie's way of letting us know that she has something to say since the word is specific to her? Stay tuned, and lets see what the spider does next. Happy travels.

The golf cart and Gracie

Our golf cart recently sprouted a very well-made spider web. While driving to work I finally saw the perpetrator, a small reddish brown spider. She deserved a name, and I decided it should be Gracie. Foxy's grandmother was named Gracie, and somehow it seemed appropriate. I am waiting for Gracie to begin to communicate. I know that she will when she is ready. One of her relations, a bit in the past, was named Charlotte, and so if Charlotte could communicate, then Gracie will seize the day and do so also. I do wonder what she might have to say. We do not have a pig that needs saving, although Max has his days when he needs a bit of saving, usually from Foxy.

I just returned using the cart to go get our clean laundry when I spied, you got it, a message from Gracie. She wrote the word, "WORK." What does this mean? I have returned to work part time and still seem to need my rest each day. She could have written "REST." Then I would immediately have taken to bed and rested, of course. I wonder if she is transmitting a message from Don, the owner - manager of this place. He wants all of his work campers to WORK. Actually all of us do work and work hard, so it is probably not that. Hmmm!! Any suggestions? Happy travels.

Back to work - week two

Don has really been terrific and last week worked a new schedule that lets me work several days half time. He also thought it would be nice if Foxy was able to spend time with me and cut her hours a bit too. So we started back this week on Tuesday. I cleaned a pool and checked and cleaned some filters in air conditioning units in cabins and then mowed for the rest of the morning. This does not seem like much, but it was enough for me, and after coming home to get lunch, I had a lovely afternoon nap that lasted till almost four pm.

Foxy cooked chicken with mushrooms last night in an amount enough for two meals so we only have to heat it up tonight. Work tomorrow should go along about the same, but on Thursday we will take off for Austin to see daughter Kim and youngest grandson Christian. We are taking care of the rascal while his mom attends an international clarinet meeting being held at the University of Texas. We also get to hear Kim play, I think on Friday afternoon. The rest of the time will be spent with Christian and taking him to see the sights of Austin. It should be fun and maybe a nap for me here and there. Happy travels.

Foxy and Max

Foxy tolerates dogs but is not really an animal person. In fact, she is not at all interested in cats or other animals that some people keep as pets. Now she really liked MacGregor, a Scottie we had in Omaha. He was hit by a car and had to be put to sleep when all he was really trying to do was follow our other dog Duffy, who liked to run away. This put Duffy high up on the S___ list for Foxy for a long time.

Now we have Max, and Foxy tolerates him and thinks he is a good boy most of the time. Max and I get up about six each morning so that he can go outside and take care of business. Then he gets bored while I read the morning papers and do the Sudoku puzzles. When he hears Foxy begin to stir, he quietly whines in anticipation. Foxy didn't really believe that he did this until she heard him the other morning. When she finally gets up, he gets so excited. "Maybe she will play with me," or "Maybe I can jump up to get petted," or "Maybe she will throw the ball," or some other doggy thought goes through Max's mind. What he gets from Foxy is, "Down," "Off," or "Stop." Then he sits in front of her and looks longingly at his adored Foxy and wags his tongue at her which grosses her out, as she does not want to be licked. Then we go for a walk and he forgets his adoration and can sniff wonderful things in the outdoors.

They have an accommodation of sorts but as I originally stated. Foxy does not really like pets very much but does allow me to indulge them. Thanks, Foxy! I do love my dogs. Happy travels.

Sign next to a local nursing home

We were out driving and passed a local nursing home that had a sign next to it which said, "Dead End." Now this sign was meant for the road next to the building of the nursing home, but we took it out of context and decided, once laughter was at a dull roar, that the sign needed to be changed.

None of us wants to end up in a nursing home as most of us really think of it as the sign stated. So we tried to come up with a new sign and got, "Do Not Enter," "No way Out," "Feet First," and several others equally inappropriate. Being a bit superstitious I am wondering if payback for my gallow humor is to one day end up in the nursing home. Foxy, please make me a cocktail of all of our prescriptions and let my lights go out before that happens. Can you think of other better sign names? Happy travels.

Survival

The work week flew by, and here it is Friday. The mornings were filled with the usual things to do around here, and I ran numbers on two days, mowed on two, did the ice thing on several, which means either bagging ice for sale or taking the bagged ice up to the front from where we store it. I then did some light repairs that needed doing, and the week flew by and from my perspective went well. The other guys watched out for me and would not let me do anything involving heavy lifting or weed whacking.

Now there is a new schedule out, and both Foxy and I are working three days but still half days for me. Don is watching out for me, too. What a great place to work. Today we expect to check out an estate sale or two. We may no longer have an antique business, but we love to go to the sales and occasionally have to get one thing or another. We are looking for folding chairs to go with the kitchen table being built by Rian, which should arrive soon. Anything else we find is just gravy.

This summer has been wonderful weather wise. It has rained just often enough to keep the place green and beautiful. Currently the Crepe Myrtle bushes are in full flower and beautiful. Best of all, the temperature quickly drops in the evening so that you can enjoy being outside. Last summer it was so hot that you could not comfortably be outside even in the evening. Three months of continuing over 100 degrees was tough. We have only gotten into the low 90's this year. I only hope it stays that way. Happy travels.

Back to work half time

Today I started back to work half time by working the morning shift. I ran the numbers, which meant that I checked to see who was still located in the park and then picked up the small amount of garbage set outside for us to take to trash bins. After that I worked with Clyde, who is relatively new, on cleaning and maintaining the pools. I then checked to insure that those who had indicated that they were leaving had indeed done so. Finally, Gordon and I transported some ice to the front and packed up more.

In some quick way the morning seemed to fly by, and it was good to be back working even an abbreviated shift and with light work. I think that this will continue for the next two weeks and then it will be back full time. My task is to not get ahead of my healing body and to listen to its limitations. I suspect it will take awhile before I am in the same shape that I was in before the operation. I do like to be busy and work as it keeps my mind occupied, and I enjoy working with the other work campers. Happy travels.

People who impact your life

For some reason this evening I have been thinking of the many people that have impacted my life. Some have been relatives and others a more fleeting contact. My parents certainly had a significant impact on my life. First of all they were my parents. They tried their best to set a good example and applied the necessary discipline when it was needed to get me back on the right track. I could not ask for better examples and the excellent guidance they provided. Some provided unconditional love, like Aunt Florence. She always left you in a better mood and usually had you laughing. She was fun to be around, and you knew that she loved you warts and all. What a splendid teacher she was. I always wanted to have been a child in her classroom.

Aunt Florence's father Sheldon inspired awe in his great grandchildren, of which I was one. He grew a beard in the winter and always seemed to me to be the incarnation of God. That inspired me to try to be real good in his presence. I never questioned anything he said to me.

I think that I will continue with this in future commentary. I wonder if you the reader think about the people that have influenced you and how that impacted what you have become. Happy travels.

Lovely weekend

On Saturday afternoon Jerry, Marlene, and kids arrived from playing tourist in San Antonio and spent time with us. Andy had a small helicopter which he enjoyed flying in the outdoor pavillion, walking Max, and generally being all boy. He is a delight to one and all. His sisters played with electronic toys and kept themselves amused. When it came time for dinner, all pitched in and helped. Of course, right in the middle of cooking the propane ran out, but Jerry, being ever resourceful, went nearby and brought home a fresh tank and installed it so dinner preparation could continue. Finally we were ready and sat down to full plates and later full stomachs but with a little room left for chocolate cake. Kait did the honors of cutting the cake and shared the chocolate rose from the top of the cake with Michelle. All too soon it was time for them to go and drive part of the way home. We had a wonderful time.

Kait has graduated from high school and will soon be living in the UNM dorm as a college freshman. Michelle will be an eighth grader in middle school, and Andy will be in fourth grade. How quickly they grow up. I told Kait that college was a favorite time for me and to thoroughly enjoy the years, as they would pass ever so quickly. Lots of hugs all around, and they were off. It was so thoughtful of them to drive all of this way and to spend a good part of their vacation with us. Safe and happy travels.

Good progress

Today I had a ten o'clock appointment with the doctor to see how I had progressed in my recovery from the prostate surgery. He was very pleased and thought that six weeks had gone by instead on only four. The end result was that I can go back to work half time for the next two weeks and then back full time, but to use good sense as what my body is up to. I can now pick up 15 to 25 pounds, and that will increase weekly. I guess that my daily walking is paying off, as well as the fine care given by Foxy. We both decided that God was the one really in charge, but I did have to thank this fine caring man for his quality care. Now I do not have to go back for three months. That is progress. Happy travels.

Lovely time with visiting family

Our Albuquerque kids Jerry and Marlene arrived Monday about 5pm and quickly got settled in one of the cabins here at this resort. We had hamburgers and potato salad for dinner and lots of appetizers and later played cards. Tuesday morning we introduced them to kolachis and doughnuts and then went together to visit President L B J's ranch. You are now allowed to visit the inside of the house which was not open as long as Lady Bird Johnson was alive. It is located along the Pedernalas River and a treat to visit. The young lady who gave the tour was a local girl from nearby, and she made the tour memorable with her anecdotes about the Johnson family.

When we were finished with the tour, we took the family to Fredericksburg for lunch at the pub and then walked the streets so that various members could visit the stores of their choice. Fudge was a great favorite, as was Rustlin Rob's store where you can sample all sorts of preserves and other good food. Finally, we all decided it was too hot, embarked back in the car, and headed for home. Once home, I rested and the grands went for a swim in the resort family pool. Dinner turned out to be appetizers, since most were still full from lunch followed by cards, which I think Grammy won. Yeah!!

Today we took the short trip to Hunt to see the river and visit the Texas version of Stone Henge. Then the family left to play in San Antonio, and we hope to join them to do the River Walk on Thursday. What a delight to have part of our family visit and see our beautiful Hill country. Happy travels.

It is a good day

Max and I got out this morning for our morning walk, and we made it all around the outside of the park which is about a mile. This is one of my goals and a lovely one to meet as I begin to get my strength back. Now what could top that?

Oldest son Jerry, Marlene and kids are on their way from Albuquerque to visit us. Yeah!!!!!!!! We have not seen them for at least a year, and they plan to stay here for two nights in one of the park cabins and then go on to San Antonio to play at places like Six Flags, Sea World, or the Schlitterbahn Water Park. We may join them for an evening on the River Walk, floating on one of the barges and maybehaving dinner. Could anything top that?

Nope! The weather is overcast and a bit windy, but the rain is supposed to hold off until Thursday. It is nice to be on the mend and to have family visit. Sound like we may play cards tonight. It is a great day indeed. Happy and safe travels.

The park 4th of July party

We held our annual 4th of July party on the third today. It was a success on several levels. One, it did not rain during the party. Two, the food was great and cooked by the Chuck Wagon Gang. Three, I was able to attend and help with tickets for several hours. Four, the bands were good. It was fun to see guests who return year after year for the party. It was fun to have all the work campers enjoy the festivities and be the quiet force that keeps the whole thing going. Foxy worked in the kitchen handing out the food with several other ladies. The guests get wrist bands when they arrive which gets them free food, drinks, and all the music from the bands.

Don was there. He is recovering from his emergency surgery and tends to overdo, and yet he feels he needs to be there. After several hours of working the tickets for drawings, I retired to our coach, took Max for a walk, and felt that I had contributed a small bit to the entirety. It was good to get out and socialize, too. A successful party. Happy travels.

What is a peanut?

In the comics this morning, BC has the following definition of a PEANUT: " An overzealous urologist." I laughed and then decided this only would appeal to someone who is having warm feelings and perhaps needs to talk about this condition with his urologist. Oh well, you the reader, may have to put up with my current fascination with the subject.

It is true that humans are an amazing piece of engineering and we only realize how beautifully we are made when something goes wrong or we break something. A few years ago I broke or fractured a small bone in my foot and after messing around for several weeks went to the doctor and discovered the problem and lived with a cast for several weeks more. Gimping around on that walking cast made me appreciate the bones in my foot in a way I had never done before.

Lets be thankful for all of our blessings including a body that may function well or have its problems. Happy travels.

More of the same?

Friday is our day to go to estate sales if we are not working. We headed out even though it was raining a bit and thoroughly enjoyed the estate sale. We even got a few treats like the dish that has a microwave acceptable top. Foxy has been looking for such an item for weeks. Our son-in-law did not want us putting food in the microwave and using plastic to encase the food. Apparently that is a good way to get dreadful stuff from the plastic into you and your food. Although you do have to die from something.

Then we decided to have breakfast at Denny's, which is usually good and then back home. Later in the day we stopped by Rian's cabinet shop to see how our table was coming along. He is behind since all of this moisture in the air slows down drying time significantly. On the way back we got some movie CD's so I would have something to do this afternoon. I watched '2012'. I had heard that there were some good special effects as the world comes to an end. It did keep my attention until Max needed to go out for a potty break.

This afternoon it has just poured here off and on. We are wondering whether the party scheduled for tomorrow will take place if the rain keeps up. Maybe we need a plan B. Happy travels.

Cabin fever

Now we got up and went to breakfast and then later went to the mall where I could walk inside since it was raining off and on today. Foxy visited Penney's, she enjoys that for sure since her favorite four letter word is SALE.

Later in the day after I had rested a bit, I came out to the living room and announced to Foxy that I had a serious case of cabin fever and needed to do something. Brave soul that she is, Foxy agreed, and we took off and visited Tuesday Morning, Billy's, and Walmart. She found several items of interest at Tuesday Morning, and we got some groceries at Walmart. This little trip seemed to cure my cabin fever. Bless her heart for humoring me. Happy travels.