Pages

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

better late than never!

I slept until after eight this morning. For some reason I woke around three am and had trouble going back to sleep. I guess I did but when I got up I felt yucky and looked puffy. This should only happen after drinking to much, but I didn't do that!

The day started out overcast and cold. We had breakfast and then I started laundry. Today was black tank day so Jim did that and cleaned the toilet. In all I did four loads and it pretty much took all day because of other projects. Anne asked for my help in painting our New Years Eve glasses. We had fun deciding on the design. Simple was better because we weren't having much luck with the original Happy New Year design. We did stars and swirls in all colors and on the base 2010.

Not sure how long we worked on the glasses but I ran back and forth checking on the laundry and getting a bite to eat. And guess what? While we were painting the sun came out and stayed out!!!! It was really nice seeing everyone coming out and enjoying the sunshine.

Jim took the truck to a car wash and cleaned the bed and wheel wells. He even played some golf on his Wii. I got him the Resort for Christmas and it came with a motion controller. He says that will take some getting used to in golf!

We had pot roast with Anne and Scotty before heading to Margarita hour at the clubhouse. The sun was still out so we rode down. Before long the clubhouse was full of folks socializing and having a good time. We squeezed 5 couples around our table. I took my coffee and I planned to refrain from eating, but Jim, Scotty and Anne had some sweets. Jim brought me some peanut butter fudge and all my resolve flew out the window! After an hour we didn't linger and rode off into the sunset. :) Our sunset was pretty and you should see the moon!

At home we made the bed, we've showered and had some ice cream. We've been watching Bones and all episodes have been new to us.

It's cooling off, 56 degrees outside.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Dreary weather and we're tired of it!

Just because we're in south Texas it doesn't mean we're warm. Today was another rainy, misty, dreary day. I don't think the temperature reached 55 today.

Yesterday our friends Karen and Dave arrived late afternoon. They had planned to stay longer in north Texas but the weather chased them south. Anne and I had dinner for them but first we had to go to the movies!

Pat and Vern, Anne and Scotty plus Jim and I went to see Avatar late yesterday. I think the movie started around 1630. It was a long movie! I couldn't sit through it all because of my back and missed about 10-15 towards the end. We all loved the special effects and can only imagine what it looked like in 3-D. At Tinseltown on Monday all movies are $5. We got home around 1930 and dropped Anne off to 'wake' Dave and Karen so they could come to dinner. They traveled 12 hours! Mac and Cheese, ham, some steamed veggies and corn muffins. We sat and talked until 2100. We split up heading to our rigs to settle in for the night.

We both slept well last night with just the comforter and an exhaust fan. When I get up I usually turn off the fan and turn on the furnace. This morning we were in the upper 40's outside.

Jim has been reading a lot to pass the time indoors. Today Anne and I got haircuts and then we went shopping. We hit Target and HEB, not buying much but enjoying our time out of the house.

We had spaghetti and a Cesar salad for dinner along with a glass of Merlot. Jim is still reading and I'm watching PBS, Escape to Dreamland: The Story of the Tamiami Trail.

It would be nice to see the sun again......

Friday, December 25, 2009

How was your Christmas?

Ours was wonderful! I was awake but stayed in bed for awhile just enjoying the quiet. Of course I was staying warm too! It got a wee bit chilly last night and I really didn't want to get out of bed. When I did, I turned on the furnace then made my coffee. My intention was to let Jim sleep and around 0800 I was going to put the cinnamon buns in the oven to make the house smell good, then wake him. But Boo decided Jim needed to get up!

Once he was up he started giving me gifts....great way to start the day. :) We had fun exchanging our gifts. Speaking of gifts Sonsearae sent us popcorn! It was a gift basket with organic popcorn, oil, salt, seasoning and trail mix all packed in a popcorn bowl from Eden Foods. Popcorn is my favorite salty snack! I like it almost as much as chocolate which Jim gave me as part of my gifts today. My loved ones know my tastes!

After breakfast we just slowly started our day. We had plans to eat out so we played games and watched Good Morning America. Parts of our country got hit with some cold, snowy, rainy weather.

We left around 1330 for dinner. We ladies looked pretty spiffy and our men cleaned up real good too! We were the first to arrive at Hayashi and we went inside (to cold outside to wait for our friends) and got seated at our table. We had just ordered our tea when the rest of our party showed up. There were eight of us, Anne and Scotty, Pat and Vern, Diana and John plus Jim and I. Pat and Vern had never been to a hibachi table and it was fun watching them enjoy the show the chef put on.

Sharing a meal with friends on this Christmas day was perfect! Each family took some food home but that was mostly because we ladies couldn't eat the amount of food that is served.

We got home shortly before 1700 and both Jim and I fixed coffee...then Anne came over to remind us to come over for happy hour. Dan brought down all the ingredients for margaritas! I had my coffee while others drank delicious margaritas. It was really chilly (low 50's) and we were sitting outside. I think several couples were invited, but only a half dozen folks showed up. We did get to hear taps played from the RGV Veterans Cemetery with the coyotes chiming in. Shortly after that Jim and I came home.

We watched The Librarian, Quest for the Spear and Iron Chef. Now it's time for bed

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

May your day be filled with family, food, friends and fun! Merry Christmas!

Please remember the reason for the season....

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Beautiful day!


Our weather today is why we like coming to the Rio Grande Valley. It was wonderful seeing everyone outside enjoying the sunny, breezy day we had today.


This morning I gave Boo a bath, he needed it! It had been to cold or I was busy doing something and he was due. As a rule Yorkies don't need to be bathed often, they're a clean breed. A few days ago I dosed him with his flea medication and that makes his coat feel dirty.


Anne and I went shopping while Jim and Scotty went shopping. We ladies went to the Walmart in Pinitas and even though it's two days before Christmas the store wasn't that crowded. We made our purchases and checked out quickly. We also made another stop but that's better left a secret!


I know the guys went to Walgreen's and Camping World. But they've been a bit secretive about where they went and what they got! I know Scotty discovered a problem with his rig and I assume the guys will be busy with that.


We got home around 1500 and I immediately started working on our dinner. I've been trying to make pork fried rice for three days and needed to use the pork or freeze it. If you could see my freezer contents you'd know that's not possible. Shortly after 1600 the rice was ready and the Scott's joined us on our patio for an early dinner.


Once dinner was over we had to get ready for margarita hour at the clubhouse. Anne and I got our plates ready to take and the four of us hopped on our trikes and rode down. We thought we'd just have some dessert. Jim had other plans....he loaded his plate up with the wonderful offerings the other resort members brought. Some one made some peanut butter fudge and I enjoyed that. I'm not sure but I think we spent about an hour and a half there. All the tables and chairs were put away while we talked with friends.


It was dark as we wheeled around the circles heading home. After a couple stops we got home just before 2100. I got busy with cleaning up the kitchen and Jim helped by drying the dishes. Thanks Sweetie!


A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart was coming on as I got into the shower. I didn't miss much and it was fun to watch.
the temperature has dropped into the mid 60's and soon we'll be in bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day. I decided to have ham for our Christmas Eve meal. I guess it will be like a fancy happy hour. Mostly finger foods....Sure hope you're ready for Christmas, time is running out!
Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

How about some pictures?

Today was a lovely day. Quite a bit of wind, but it's south Texas! I did some laundry, some ironing. Jim finished up the repairs on the roof.

Anne and I rode down to the office. The next three pictures show how they've decorated the porch.

looking left
the tree in the center

looking right towards guest services
We stopped in the office to say hi and I took these pictures of some of the items that have been collected for the two families the resort is sponsoring for Christmas. I was told there is more in the back room


Food, toiletries, clothing, blankets.



Dishes, household items. The families are very needy and it looks like most everyone has donated something!


The ladies working in the office were quite busy. But Terry took time out to pose for me!

She's a sweet gal and everyone loves her....She's a bit balmy when it comes to decorating for Christmas! the next two pictures show some of the decorations she and Mark have set up outside their rig.



That's a little hippo wearing a tutu, three trees...looks like some candles on the right


It was so windy today this snowman fell over while I was taking the shot! The dog is lifting his leg on the wires....it's not a real dog!
Since Jim got the dish up and running I was able to watch all my soaps today. Around 1600 I made some coffee and sat outside with Jim. Didn't take long before Boo wandered next door and Jim had to chase him down. We were invited to join Anne and Scotty. She was carving a chickadee.
Once I finished my coffee we all changed clothes and headed to Pizza Hut for dinner. Ten dollar pizza and a beer. Better yet, dinner with friends!
This evening has been breezy and comfortable. It's 71 degrees outside as I type this. I like this kind of weather.
This is our little tree on the right side of the desk area



Our cards sit on the left...
Are you ready for Christmas?


Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale









Falling Behind!

Not sure why I can't seem to keep up with nightly blurbs...just lazy I guess.

We've been staying busy and that does tire my brain. Saturday we stayed close to home. I don't like shopping during the Holiday Season, not even for groceries. In the Morning Jim and I went to line dancing classes. Not as easy as it looks! But we enjoyed trying. I wore my boots and my feet were tired when we finished.

We went to happy hour over at Pat and Vern's. Pat's mom and friend were visiting and we brought some guacamole and chips but when we arrived it looked like a catered affair! Red beans and rice was a main dish with lots of savory and sweet snacks. I enjoyed some excellent Chardonnay and once home had trouble seeing the Saints lose to Dallas......perfect season for the Saints has ended! :(

Jim and Scotty have been working on the roof problem. Measuring, buying, discussing etc.

Sunday we went to Pepe's on the River. It's a favorite of the Winter Texans and I think just about everyone else in the Valley! We arrived early enough to get tables set up for ten of us on the 'patio'.

This was the view some of us enjoyed, the Rio Grande River and Mexico on the far side. As you can see it was a beautiful day. We all brought jackets and some of us had to shed them once the sun came around to our side.
Jim, Vern, friend of Pat's Mom, Pat's Mom!

Jeni, Don John,Diana, Anne and Scotty. I didn't get a picture of Pat because she was taking pictures too. Not everyone ordered food. Jim and I had catfish and shrimp and it was good! We had been told that the top shelf margaritas were good so Jim ordered one and it was very tasty! I had a beer.
Yesterday Anne and I did some grocery shopping and I can't begin to tell you how crowded the stores were. First stop was the Dollar Store where we picked up some glasses for New Year's Eve. Then we stopped at Target where I wanted to check on food items. I had printed some coupons and used them there. Then it was HEB! Mad house! LOL But I picked up the ham and other items for Christmas Eve dinner. We shared a basket because we only needed a 'few' things. Well it has half full when we left!
While we were gone the guys were working on the roof. I'm not sure what all is finished but Jim mentioned it would take a few days for the sealant to set up. Meanwhile we're watching local cable TV.
We sat outside for a short while before Anne headed off to CPR class at the clubhouse. I still had a mess in the kitchen so I cleared it up and fixed Jim some dinner. I bought mine! Sushi....
Once the sun went down we just relaxed and enjoyed the evening.






Thursday, December 17, 2009

Stressful day

When I got up this morning at 0645 I discovered a leak. Water was dripping down from the last seam on the ceiling. I wiped the seam and then made my coffee. I wiped the seam again and noticed spots on the floor and my computer. Not sure why but Boo was barking at a vase on the dresser, which woke Jim and when he got up I told him.

It was cold so I had turned on the furnace and apparently that made the water drip more! while I was eating it kept dripping on me! Can you hear me sing? "Raindrops keep falling on my head" LOL

After we had a quick breakfast we started moving things and removing things. Jim removed the lights from the ceiling and determined that the insulation was dry so we figured we wouldn't have to remove the ceiling panel. Jim borrowed a shop vac and was able to suck out some water.

By this time we had to leave for couples dancing at the clubhouse. For the next hour and a half we learned two dances. Well we were taught two dances, we need to practice.... a lot.

Back home I checked and water was no longer dripping from the ceiling and I couldn't press any out. Cross you fingers for us! Jim will go up on the roof tomorrow and check the satellite dish and make sure the seals are still intact. We think not and if this is the case he'll remove everything and redo it!

Jim spent several hours outside in the fresh air and sunshine cleaning up the patio and drying things out. I stayed inside and had lunch, watched my soaps, did some stuff on the computer and worked on my afghan.

We both felt a simple dinner would be good so I fixed scrambled eggs and toast. Dishes are done and we're both relaxing in our pajamas, watching TV.

Hopefully your day was less stressful!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

No improvement on the weather

It rained all night long! We had deep, deep puddles everywhere when I got up at 0700. It was chilly inside so I turned on the furnace and it took about an hour and a half to warm us up to 68 degrees!

Jim got up at 0800 and had SOS for breakfast, I had toast and orange juice. I cleaned up the kitchen so I could mess it up again :) Over night I soaked some great northern beans. Along with smoked ham hocks, diced ham, onions and carrot I made a pot of bean soup to keep us warm! There's enough to keep us warm tomorrow too! maybe with some corn bread.

Jim did up the dishes and cleaned the stove. Sometimes I'm not very neat when I cook!

We spent the day just hanging around together. We both spent time on our computers. I did a couple loads of laundry and worked some on my Afghan. Around three I put some meatballs and spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker for Margarita Hour at the clubhouse. Something hot was just what we needed! I asked Anne if she was going (she hates cold weather) and she agreed and even drove us (still raining!). Before I forget, Anne gave me this plaque for my birthday. It hangs by the door so we see it every time we look at the thermometer and when we leave the house.

This was the best picture I could get of it. My camera put to much flash on it so I used my phone camera.

It was nice getting out of the house but it sure was cold in the clubhouse, even after everyone arrived. Chocolate seemed to be the theme today and I even brought home some fudge. After we ate our fill we chatted with friends and made plans for later in the week. Back home about an hour later.

We've been watching TV, Bones and now I'm watching Ed Begley on Planet Green.

Monday, December 14, 2009

the weather is yucky!

A lovely rose for my readers. I took this with my phone camera just before we went shopping.


I know I shouldn't complain as folks north of us have much colder weather. But we haven't seen the sun in days and today was no different. It did warm up to at least 73 and that's great.


This morning I did a load of laundry, made the bed and did the breakfast dishes. After lunch Anne and I went shopping, nothing exciting, just groceries and a stop at Ulta. We did make a stop a Feldmans where we joined and got a 10% discount on our purchases today. I bought a bottle of Lemoncello.


We stopped at HEB for a couple items then home. It only took us three hours.... :)


While I was gone Jim tidied up the kitchen for me....thanks honey!


Anne made Mudslide iced coffees for our happy hour. Tasty! Then we had tacos for dinner. After dinner we sat around and listened to some Christmas music and chatting. I think we came home around 1930. I cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen.


We've both showered and we're watching Top Gear on BBCA. Boo is snoozing while we play games on our computers


Hope your day had some sunshine!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

I think the sun came out today....

I've been sleeping longer lately. Didn't get up until nearly 0800 this morning. Made my coffee and woke Jim. When he got up we had some pancakes with toasted walnuts.

After breakfast we played games on our computers waiting for the day to warm up. Alas that never happened! We did make a run to the bank for some cash and then Walmart in Pinitas. Back home I put our purchases away and Jim turned on the Saints game which had just started.

We had some lunch and watched the Saints win their 13th game this season. Sure hope that's a lucky number for them! We'll be watching the Dallas/Saints game next Saturday night on the NFL channel.

Last night we had dinner with the Scotts. Brisket, baked beans, cole slaw and macaroni salad. We managed to drink two bottles of wine! After dinner we sat and talked for a bit and then Anne and I decided we needed some time in the hot tub. We changed into our suits and left the guys to fend for themselves. Not sure how long we stayed in the tub but when we got back Jim was relaxing in front of the TV having done the dishes for me and showered.

Today we spent all afternoon watching football although I did bike up to check our mail. For our dinner tonight I fixed ham, fried potatoes, corn and a cucumber salad. After I did the dishes Jim cleaned the stove for me.

We are watching the Eagles/Giant game and it sure is a close game. Might have to stay up late to see how it ends!

It's cooling off outside, 58 according to our outdoor thermometer. The Weather Channel says our low will be 66! We may see some sun tomorrow....

Friday, December 11, 2009

Dreary Weather

It's been cold and dreary the past couple days. We mostly stay indoors and watch tv, read, play games on the computer or in my case crochet.

Yesterday Anne and I went out and one of our stops was the Veterans Memorial here in Mission. It's in the Convention District behind the the Convention Center. We were both impressed by the size of it! It covers all the conflicts our country has been in. There's no way I can do justice to it with these few pictures. If you're in the area be sure to stop and see it.

There are statues of women
and Men

Some of the bricks are engraved with names of the fallen. There are walls of names of those who have fallen. I want to go back on a sunny day to get a better look at all of it.
I think I mentioned our bike ride in the state park the other day. I took these pictures and forgot to post them

The butterfly population has dropped but if you're patient you can still find them and get some pictures.



The park didn't suffer much from the freeze we had and seeing the green against the blue sky was simple gorgeous.


The palm trees are pretty
Today was a good day to stay inside. Mid 50's and no sun. Anne, Scotty, Jim and I went to the movies and saw Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams. Funny movie! The four of us laughed a lot...I laughed so much I had tears running down my face. Good movie to see on a dreary day!
After the movie the four of us had dinner at Chili's and we got home just before 2000.





Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Many thanks!

Yesterday was a wonderful day!

After doing our normal, daily routine Jim took me out to lunch. We went to Kumori in Palms Crossing Mall. Our lunch was good, we had hot green tea, gyozo for starters and Jim had a dish with beef, veggies and fried rice while I had shrimp tempura with a side of fried rice. More than enough food for the two of us! We even took fried rice home.

After lunch we next door for my birthday present. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has the best truffles and that's what I wanted, one truffle. Jim bought 4 so we could share them with Anne and Scotty.

Before we headed home we stopped at HEB for a few items.

Back home I put our purchases away and did my online banking and watched my soaps. I made some guacamole for happy hour and around 1600 we headed next door to share our chocolate truffles with the Scotts.

It wasn't long before our friends started arriving. Pat and Vern, Diana and John, Dan (Amy stayed home so she wouldn't spread her cold) showed up with food and gifts and cards. Amy and Dan got me a Frog cake! the two other couples gave me a card each. They all brought food!

Dave and Karen were with us in spirit! That's my pina colada!

Anne baked me a cholesterol free cake and put four candles on it.


Diana and Dan


Anne and Pat



Some of the food we had. Turkey sandwiches, cheeses and crackers, dips and chips and a fruit bowl.




My Frog Cake! thanks Amy and Dan. I don't think they knew green is my favorite color and I love frogs!





Another shot of the cakes






Anne, Pat, Vern and Diana
Sonsearae called but it was noisy so we didn't talk long. She sent me this cosmetic case that I wanted.

It holds all my potted powders that are now organized!

The party broke up when I had to head home to shower for our night out. It was a great gathering and I loved sharing my birthday with friends!
As we were leaving for the concert Anne took this picture of the sunset. A beautiful ending to the day.


But the day wasn't over! The eight of us in two vehicles headed to McAllen to attend the Christmas Around the World concert. The McAllen Symphonic Band conducted by David Isadore provided us with an evening of Christmas music that was very nice indeed!
We were home by 2130 and in bed an hour later....My birthday was perfect!









Monday, December 7, 2009

Where does the time go?

Our cold weather ended and we had a lovely sunshiny day yesterday. It was fun walking around the resort yesterday and seeing folks enjoying the sun and warmer temperatures. We went for a ride in Bentsen State Park. Not much to see as it was mid day and oddly enough it was quite empty. I guess there wasn't time to enjoy an outing, everyone was probably out shopping for the holidays. Jim, Anne and I just liked being out in the fresh air!

The frost we had the other night killed off the tomatoes and peppers. But I still have beets coming up in my garden plot. Anne has turnips! It's a good thing we don't have to rely on our gardening skills to survive! :)

Today started out foggy and chilly but the sun came out and it warmed up nicely. I saw my doctor at the VA Center and I guess I'll be around for a while longer. I need to work on lowering my cholesterol with exercise and diet. No meds yet.

When we got home I had a big package from Sonsearae to open! Mostly magazines and catalogs but she also included some coffee for Jim and cosmetics for me. Also a cute Yorkie key chain, it's already in my purse!

We spent some time over at Anne and Scotty's place. We shared a bottle of wine while Jim had beer. Again the weather cooperated and we enjoyed good conversation and shared some laughs. I wanted to check the mail box for mail (my birthday is tomorrow) so Anne and I rode down but no mail for me! then we stopped by the garden for a few laughs. On the way home we stopped and chatted with several people.

We've had dinner, just leftovers and now Jim is watching Alice on the syfy channel. Two parter that started last night.

The windows are open on this balmy night and I can hear the crickets. We also smelled a skunk not to long ago! I don't think it will be to cold tonight.

Friday, December 4, 2009

What happened to our warm weather?

We both slept until almost 0900 this morning. I'm tellin' ya, this cold weather makes us sleep better and longer! I love it! I heard the rain off and on during the night, nothing heavy but it must have rained quite a bit because we had puddles again.

Today we pretty much stayed indoors. It was overcast most of the day. Jim ventured out to get rid of the trash and picked up the mail. I brought my potted plants inside just in case the temperature goes as low as predicted.

Even Boo didn't want to be outside long!

We had oatmeal for breakfast. Pea soup for lunch and some shrimp pasta for dinner. The only cooking I did today was lemon poppy seed bread. It went well with my afternoon coffee. I took some over to Anne and Scotty just so I could see Anne! We haven't been outside to see one another for two days!

The sun did come out to end our day and the sunset was pretty only because the sun was out!

We spent most of the day on our computers...I did crochet some on an afghan while I watched my soaps.

I think tomorrow we're supposed to have sunshine but the high will only be in the 60's. I really don't mind these chilly days we've been having but if this keeps up I'm going to have to buy some clothes!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

I'm a wife!

LOL and today I did laundry, made pea soup and a pasta dinner!

Nothing like cold weather and no plans to bring out my domestic side. After out breakfast of blueberry muffins I started on the laundry. Then I did dishes so I could mess up the kitchen again.

I had smoked ham hocks in the freezer and used one to make the pea soup. We had some for lunch and it was yummy! Just the thing on a chilly day....mid 50's for the high today. I shared some with the Scott's. Needed to save some for tomorrow because it's going to be COLD again. Speaking of cold, the predicted low for tonight is the mid 40's.

I watched my soaps this afternoon. Jim played games on his computer and finished reading a book. I walked Boo around the block.

I fixed a shrimp/pasta dish for dinner that both of us enjoyed. Dinner dishes are done, we've showered and soon we'll head to bed. We've been watching TV and playing games on the computer

Chilly weather

We had two days of steady rain which is good for my garden plot. Yesterday the sun was out even if we had partly cloudy skies. It was good to get outside and see others enjoying the dry weather.

December 1st (during the rain) we saw a lot of rigs coming in and setting up. No one purposely arrives during rain. Messy and cold setting up!

Anne and I walked around noting all the new arrivals and greeting returning friends. We also made a Walmart run. She finished up her Christmas shopping while I filled my basket with food.

We were back in time for the Wednesday afternoon Margarita hour at the clubhouse. I took a fruit bowl because we're asked to bring something to share. It works out well, lots of food to pick from and dinner is over! Of course most of the food isn't good for you!

As we were just ending this happy hour I noticed the sunset. My phone camera cannot show you how beautiful it was



The colors were so pretty and after two days of rain and a partly sunny day it was a site to see!

Back home we just settled in for an evening of TV, reading and computer time. I'm still having trouble with my left shoulder blade so I'm trying not to sit in front of my computer to much....but I'm addicted to the machine!

We slept until 0800 this morning! these cold nights are great for sleeping. When I got up I turned on the hot water and the furnace. I woke Jim and once he was up I made some blueberry muffins for breakfast.

Now I'm doing laundry, not sure what else we'll do today. Hope your day is a good one and stay warm!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Teresa and Trent

Last summer we met a lovely Canadian couple who hopes to join us RV'ers on the road. For now they still live in the cold north and I think they are jealous! I'm sure they sent this cold rainy weather to spoil our sunny, relaxing days.... :)

Trent and Teresa please, PLEASE keep the cold weather up north where it belongs!

Today we had another rainy, chilly day. I was up around 0715 this morning. I had an appointment at the VA center for blood work. Since they always test me for diabetes (runs in the family) I had to fast. No coffee to start my day! Yuck! We were there for the 0830 bloodletting, then headed back home.

I made myself some coffee and made biscuits for our breakfast. Jim had sausage gravy for his. Having the oven on helped heat the house and it sure made it smell good.

I needed to mail a package so we went to the post office and boy were they busy! If you have packages to mail out for Christmas do it now. After that chore was done we headed over to Barnes and Nobles to while away some time. We like to read magazines and I like to peruse the cookbooks.

Back home I watched my soaps. Anne and Scotty went to Mexico today and picked up some tequila for us so I went next door to swap our money for the booze. We got to talking about dinner and we decided we'd eat my Spanish rice at their house with some corn muffins. We ladies had a glass of wine. After dinner we sat around and chatted for awhile. Home by 1900 to watch President Obama.

Well Jim watched and listened while I took a shower. We watched NCIS and now I'm watching Chopped on the Food Network

We did have a pretty sunset tonight. We haven't seen the sun for two days and our forecast is for sunny skies tomorrow.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Rainy, chilly day

I slept in this morning! didn't get up until 0845 and I immediately told Jim to get up. During the night we had some light rain. It was just a sign of things to come. It has rained off and on most of the day. I don't think the temperature got above 55 degrees. We held off until 1300 before we turned on the furnace. Yesterday at this time it was 20 degrees warmer!

We pretty much stayed indoors today. Reading, watching TV, playing games on the computer and I stripped the bed and washed sheets. Jim did venture out to get the mail and take out the trash. He put on shoes and wore a jacket.

For dinner we had cod steaks, sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. We've showered and are waiting patiently for the Saints/Pats game to start! GEAUX SAINTS!

Into each life some rain must fall, we've had ours for the month! I hope it clears up soon.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

I don't like spiders!

I'm sorry I've been absent. First our daily lives are about the same and it's difficult to find anything interesting to write about. Second, I have poor posture.....and I've been spending to much time on the computer and I've gotten an ache that won't go away. so I've been restricting my time online. :( But I have been reading more! :) I finished my Diana Gabaldon book, An Echo in the Bone. If you're a fan of the Highlander series this is book 7 and it's as good as the previous 6.

We went for a ride tonight and when Jim took the cover off of my bike out crawled this tarantula! In an effort to shoo him out of our site I think Jim killed it (can I hear an awwww?). I took this picture through a hurricane fence and I estimate it to be 3-4 inches long. I told Jim not to put the cover on my bike....

I don't like spiders!

We had a beautiful day today but I understand a cold front is coming....

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Our Thanksgiving

I was up fairly early this morning and enjoyed my morning coffee in solitude while reading emails. It was chilly and I turned on the furnace to take the chill out of our home on wheels. I let Jim sleep and he got up around 0845. I had a late breakfast of cereal and juice.

Anne and I walked down to the garden to see if the rain made anything pop up. Still not much growing down there. More beets and beans have popped up. Our tomatoes are doing well and that's good to see!

Back home Jim was watching a Bond movie and when that ended he turned on the Packer/Lion football game.....not much fun watching Detroit play...

The resort provided turkey for today's dinner at the clubhouse, with residents bringing side dishes, but Anne can't eat chicken or turkey so we had dinner for the four of us on the patio. Steak and scallops, garlic mashed potatoes, acorn squash, stuffing, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, cranberry sauce, relishes and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Oh we had wine also!

Our table looked really pretty set with my tablecloth and napkins, Anne's dishes and tulips that Anne picked up at HEB
we used this table to hold the food

this is Jim's pie with all the whipped cream he could get on it!


Not sure if this little guy came for dinner or just to watch



this fly didn't mind me getting up close to take this picture of him chowing down on some cranberry sauce!
Great food with wonderful friends, life is good!




Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope your day is filled with family, friends, food and fun! Take time to enjoy what life has given you and be thankful.

I am thankful to be loved by a wonderful man.

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful to have plenty of food to eat and a roof over my head.

I am thankful to have good friends who enrich our lives

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Shopping and Rain

Monday just before lunch time Anne and I headed out for a wee bit of shopping. She wanted to go to Hancock Fabric to find some material to make curtains for her coach. I have no idea how long we were there but we looked at everything and didn't buy any fabric....I bought a Wallie for our loo! Our rig has the toilet in a small closet like enclosure, we have a window and that's great but when you sit down you face a wall that's boring. So I bought a window scene of the beach, it has water, sand and palm trees. I'll try to get a picture I can post. Next I want to get some shells to scatter around :)

On the same block as the fabric store is a furniture store so we headed there to look a Lazy Boy recliners that would work in Anne's rig. She did find one but in the end it cost more than she wants to pay.

Then we headed to Sam's Club to pick up some items for Thanksgiving and life in general. Boy was that place packed! A lot of children were there and we wondered if school was out for the area. We stuck to the meat and veggie area as we didn't need dry goods. We sampled a few things and managed to get out without spending an arm and a leg. Anne also fueled up while there.

Next stop was HEB to check on scallops for our Thanksgiving dinner. I ended up buying frozen ones. We're all set for our surf and turf dinner tomorrow! We only needed a few items so we thought we'd be in and out quickly. But this store was crowded with shoppers also. By the time we got out the door it was almost 1600! We were out all afternoon!

Once home we went into dinner mode, neither one of us had lunch. Anne bought a spiral ham and she fixed some mashed potatoes and gravy. I brought over some corn bread and beans and viola! dinner....

These are some of the pictures I've taken lately


My cactus pot, anyone need some jade? that's the huge leafy green plant in the back

this rose wanted to get in the pot


close up of the double pink rose in our flower bed
Yesterday was laundry day and I stripped the bed and washed the sheets and one other load of clothes. A storm rolled in and made the afternoon a bit dreary. We had a lot of rain, some lightening that cut the power a couple times. Obviously we stayed indoors. The temperature dropped into the lower 60's real fast and stayed there.
We had red beans and rice for dinner with some hot French bread rolls.
Both evenings I watched Dancing with the Stars......who knew Donny Osmond would win? I thought for sure Mya would and I wanted Kelly to win!!!!
Today is starting off cloudy and cold. It's 0800 and only 57 degrees outside. Time to wake Jim so I'll bring this to a close......Hope your day is a good one!



Sunday, November 22, 2009

Foggy, chilly and the flea market

It was foggy and chilly this morning. Didn't think it would ever clear up and it never got sunny per se. We had more clouds than sun today. But it turned out to be a nice afternoon.

One of the things I did this morning was check on the garden. I think the irrigation system is turned on....at least I hope so. Anne joined me at the garden and we walked back to rigs after I bought a newspaper. I wanted to eat out so I mentioned it to her and she was all for it if we could convince Scotty. Back home Jim had no problem talking Scotty into going to Olive Garden.

So we left around noon and had a lovely soup and salad lunch. Afterwards we headed to the Don-Wes flea market. We spent a couple hours looking around and all we bought was pineapple and cucumbers. There wasn't a crowd of people so I guess all the Winter Texans haven't arrived yet. We did notice some empty spots so all the vendors aren't here either.

Once home I checked emails and then made some coffee and sat outside reading my book, An Echo in the Bone. Very pleasant! Jim also had some coffee and finished off a magazine then played some golf on the Wii. Speaking of the Wii, Jim has constructed a mount for the TV that he uses outside to play the Wii



Using a piano hinge, some plywood and a mounting bracket he can now fold the TV up against the roof of the compartment. He still needs to figure out how to secure it for travel.

The following pictures are the ones I promised.

I'm growing Mesclun in a window box and it's doing well. I pick some every day and it's yummy!

my herb pot is doing quite well also! I can't cut it fast enough. Parsley is huge and the oregano and thyme are keeping pace.

On our ride yesterday we stopped to take pictures along the wall of Retama Village


It's really nice having all these flowers blooming all around us! It's November and we have flowers!
Today is my sister Roxann's birthday. Happy Birthday Dear sister,I hope your day was super!


I'm sure she'd love to come to south Texas and smack me for posting this picture! LOL
We've each had some dinner and now we're watching America, Before Columbus on Nat Geo. It's cooling off nicely and we should sleep well tonight.