November 29, 2009. Mexico. Grocery Shopping.

Here in Mexico, we have two options for obtaining groceries. This trip we have returned to our first method which is to use the local market for our food. It is a walk of about a quarter of a mile so it is no problem to get there and back and in fact it is a very nice walk along a shaded road with a new stone sidewalk. Tuesday morning, our first morning here, Ken and I ate breakfast in the Mall, then brought a limited amount of food home. Our plan was to walk to the Market, which is in the Mall, every few days. What really happened is that we ate very peculiar meals, amounting to the left over food from yesterdays restaurant meal. It was fine, but clearly we were not eating a balanced diet.

The problem is that I do not like that Market, but last evening we had no choice, so we took our back packs with us and shopped for food. Our back packs were heavy walking home but we ate well today.

The other option for grocery shopping is to shop at Mega, a very large modern store in Buciaras, then take a taxi home with all our food. Next time we are here we will use that method, so we can shop only once. I have made up my mind. Of course, I made up my mind the last time and was convinced that the local Market would be fine. But it is not fine, so next visit, I will shop at Mega.

November 28, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. 281.

I spotted it in a book on drives to take in the Hill Country, and right away, I wanted to drive the Highway from on end to the other. Highway 281 is the only highway in the US with the same number from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. When I first read it I dismissed it, until I looked at the atlas, and sure enough, there it is, all the way to Canada on 281. That was two years ago and it has takes that long to figure out how to organize the trip.

At first Ken was enthusiastic until he realized the distances. We have talked through every different arrangements. At first we thought about doing it in thirds, but the complication there is where to start from and when, so we scratched that. Next plan was to drive straight up from Texas in the Spring, leave the car with Keith and Wilma in Brandon for the Summer, then fly back to Brandon before driving down to Texas. We would use our Texas car for the trip. But that plan soon got scrapped too. I was beginning to think that Ken really did not want to take this trip.

Yesterday, after many different options, it is settled. In the Fall of 2010, we will fly to San Antonio and after a visit with the kids, will drive north all the way on 281, until we arrive in Brandon, Manitoba. It is a 1500 mile drive. A Time Share has been arranged at a lovely resort just north of Brandon, so Keith and Wilma will join us for a week. Our route back south to Texas will be further west, closer to the mountains. We'll take another break after our long journey, before flying home to Bethesda. I am thrilled with the plan. It took us awhile to figure out all the options, but now we have a good plan for driving Highway 281.

Playa (Beach) Market at the Condo

November 27, 2009. Mexico. The Beach.

A walk on the beach provides an unending interesting events. A large pail was sitting on the beach, and upon inspection, saw that the pail was half full of small fish, each about six inches long. It was a amazing, the competence of the fisherman. He stood in mid thigh water, but of course the waves kept coming in, so often he was mid-chest in the water. He fished with a circle net, and threw out the net, and quickly pulled it tight. When the bag attached to his waist was full, he walked into shore to put the fish in the pail. I would have liked to find out how long he had been fishing, but all the while I watched, he stayed in the water. A pity.

I over heard a four year old to her Mother, the child saying "But it is better for me to eat ice cream before my lunch. It feels better in my stomach". My sympathy entirely, but I bet she won't win that argument.

The man was playing with his two girls, making sand castles. The Mother was standing watching. Actually, she was watching the girls go in and out of the surf collecting buckets of water for their construction. The man was intent on his construction, speaking to neither the girls or the wife. He was concentrating on his castles, paying no attention to anything except his own project. Each girl worked alone too. His diligence was remarkable and unusual for the beach. Most Dad's talk with their children and their projects including his own, but this Dad had a Mission and he was intent and motivated. I watched for ten minutes. Ken even took pictures of him but he never raised his eyes. It was very impressive.

A walk on the beach is never dull.

November 26, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Thanksgiving.

It is unusual to spend Thanksgiving on your own. Of all the celebrations held in any year, Thanksgiving is the one where most folks spend time with their families. Certainly more than at Christmas. Without looking up, both Ken and I think that this is the first time we have every celebrated Thanksgiving all by ourselves, without either family or friends. My brother when he called with greetings, wondered if we were feeling lonely all by ourselves in Mexico, but we assured him that we had a lovely day.

Last Thanksgiving Day we dined with Gary and Diana at their home and with their family, just before we flew the next day to Jackson. The dinner surpassed our dinner this year!! In other years we had been in Nova Scotia and Mary and Walt always invited us to celebrate in their home. In fact, we have celebrated both Canadian and American Thanksgivings with them, just not on the same year. The farm is a wonderful place to celebrate Thanksgiving and have done so many times with Andrew and Christina and the girls. Christina baked a cranberry cake the first year we celebrated at the farm, and it has remained a staple of the holiday. I would like a piece tonight. When Kate was five, I asked her what she liked best about the Thanksgiving holiday. After a moment she said "The desserts we ate after every meal and for tea". I must agree. Pumpkin pie and apple pie and cranberry cake will leave you with a whole new set of memories!!

November 25, 2009. Mexico. Estudio-Cafe.

We intended to take the Trolley, the free tourist vehicle that wanders around the area, but after walking down to the Market and waited a few minutes, we were told that the Trolley only runs on Friday to Monday. We were out of luck. Our intention was to take the Trolley to the other side of the river to check out the construction of the Marina and to have lunch. As the free trolley was not working, our next plan was to take the first bus arriving at the bus stop and get on and find a lunch spot. Fortunately for us, the first bus took us to the same place we intended to go to, so we just got lucky. For fifty cents each, we were there, and wandered around looking over the constructed marina. Ever since we have been coming here, the first floor of a condo is being restored, so every time we check out the progress. Unfortunately, the construction is being done, but not very quickly. It is a pleasant walk, seeing all the boats and birds.

We have seen the artist and his work twice, but had never dined at the restaurant. It was worth the wait. The special of the day begins at 3:00, but it was 1:30 when we arrived, so we asked the lady, who is the wife and in charge, if we could drink beer until we could order the fish dinner for lunch. She spoke little English and we spoke little Spanish, but she understood enough to know that we were not leaving until we ate the fish dinner. She laughed and asked the cook and proceeded to serve a wonderful simple meal; mushroom soup, fish and rice and salad, apple strudel or chocolate cake. It was the best meal since our arrival.

In addition, we saw huge pelicans roosting in nearby trees and one large iguana eating flowers in their flower boxes. The young ladies from the kitchen came out to send away the lizard, but he was not to be denied. He liked eating their flowers. The large lizard turned to face her and pumped up his throat and hissed at her. She went for the broom and he retreated, hissing all the way. We will return to the Estudio-Cafe but next time with our camera!!

Sunrise

Sunset reflection & shadow

November 24, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Hurrah.

Why do we enjoy Mexico? Ken and I discussed it last night over dinner, sitting at the Marina restaurant, El Pescatorie. Here are the three reasons.

1. The Weather. It is perfect. You keep the windows open or sit on the balcony, it is all the same. Dining outside by the boats was comfortable. I call it "in door outdoor" weather. Eighty degrees during the day is comfortable with seventy in the evening a delight. No snow, no rain, no wind, no ice. The weather here is perfect.

2. The People. They are pleasant and helpful and hard working, also neat and tidy. They are exactly opposite to their image, who Americans think are lazy.

3. The Responsibilities. Here we have none. Ken has no chores needing to be done. Our only tasks are to keep interested, so we explore and read and wander and exercise. Last time we were here last April, after two weeks we were ready to leave, but we are trying it again and will be here for nineteen days. A life time with a to-do list leaves us vaguely uncomfortable, but also exhilarated too.

There are more reasons that we love coming to Mexico, but the three most important ones are at the top of our list. What is most interesting to us is that no one else seems to want to come to visit us. It is fascinating, but true.

Farm in November A

Farm in November

November 22, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Travelling.

The highway was crowded driving to the farm. From Bethesda until we turned on Orleans Road the roads were full of cars. At some point on the drive, we decided that people were heading out of town for their Thanksgiving holiday. AAA announced that 48 Million Americans travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The number of people using airplanes is down, which means the highways will be crowded all week. I'm grateful that this time we will be flying.

These days, flying is difficult. The planes are crowded and the security system is unpredictable. It requires five minutes to clear security most of the time, but when Jose and Elaine were leaving San Diego last Monday, it took them 55 minuted. It was fortunate they left themselves two hours at the airport. Ken and I usually leave plenty of time at the airport mainly because I hate to be rushed. Years ago, flying was comfortable. The plane was uncrowded and the food was decent, but not anymore. The whole experience is uncomfortable.

Ken has tried to use the trains, but getting to San Antonio or Mexico via train is next to impossible, which seems a shame. We did take the train to Halifax but it took two full days, with an over-night stay in New York, so it is not really cost effective in money or time. This is one of the parts of life when the good old days were better. Ried Buckley's book tells of taking the train from Connecticut to South Carolina, and taking a day and a half of fun and games for the whole family. Not any more. "Bring on the trains" I say,"and the sooner the better".

November 21, 2009. Artemas, Pa. Highlights.

Every time we drive up to the hill house a deer is browsing under the bird feeders. It started last night. When we came up from the hot tub, a very small deer was eating in the grass area right under all six bird feeders. We have fed the birds at the same place ever since we built this house and this is the first time the deer have eaten at that location. This small deer did not run away. It just stayed and looked at us and as we did not move, it kept eating until we opened the car door, when it ran away. This morning, a very large doe was eating at the same place. We have tried to figure out whether or not we are using different seeds, but Ken thinks not. Twice today, we observed the same behaviour, probably by the same small deer. It's a highlight of the day, arriving at home to see our resident deer grazing on the bird seed, right in front of the house.

Rodney is such a talented artist. This morning we picked up two pieces from the framer. Karen, who runs the framing business, was able to complete these two pieces to take with us when we go to Mississippi for Christmas. We discovered Rodney's ability five years ago and encouraged him to spread his wings and paint. Up until then, he would carve and draw with pencil and paper. We have several of his drawings of ducks and birds and they are very good. We kind of forced him to paint in oil when we commissioned a painting of the old farm house. He came and took many pictures. It took him two years to complete the painting of the house, which now hangs on the wall of the apartment. Today, we saw two of his latest paintings and they are wonderful. One is a small piece of an acorn, about three by four. It looks as if it is right on the forest floor. The other piece is of a seagull. I loved them both, but really want the acorn. The best part is that he likes them too and he is loving his painting. It is wonderful watching talent blossom and know that perhaps we played a little part.

November 20, 2009. Bethesda, Md. The Farm.

Bryan sold our bull. Now we have a new young bull. We are learning that after a couple of years, the old bull must be put out to pasture, or sent to the auction, for purposes of genetics and energy. I feel sorry about sending away our bull because he was a good bull. Thirty seven calves born this season is a testament to his vigor, but he had a growth on his cheek which no one could touch, so at this point he has probably been turned into hamburger meat. Today when we arrive at the farm we will meet a new bull. Actually, it is Bryan's bull, purchased locally, so he is not registered as an Angus.

Since we have been in the cattle business at the farm, our system has been to keep the heifers so they can have more calves and sell or make steers of the bull calves. It is a lovely sight to look out on the hills and see a herd of black cattle, all Angus. Bryan is pleased every time he comes over to the farm. The hills when you drive into the farm face southeast so when the sun comes over the opposite hill, those hills get the first sight of the light and warmth of the sun so of course, the cows hang out on those hills, which is what Bryan sees first thing every morning. All his life he has wanted a herd of good Angus cattle, and between the two of us, we have done it. Now we are both charmed by the sight. In addition, we enjoy the meat and we enjoy the income when we sell the calves. Our farm has becoming self sufficient in addition to being a pleasure to us. What a surprise!!

November 19, 2009. Bethesda, Md. Sarah and Andy.

Their home was lovely. Both the decor and furnishings and art were wonderful. Every part of the home had been re-furbished and updated. The two car garage was made over as the most elegant billiard table. In other words, their projects were over in that home. Last year at this time they held a cocktail party, something they have done every year, always very successfully. Each year the number of people in attendance has grown so that last year Ken, when leaving, commented to Sarah that they needed a bigger house!! Everyone laughed, except Andy and Sarah.

Tonight, Ken and I will attend their first party in their new home. Being very brave and energetic, they bought this lovely oldish home on it's large lot in a fine neighborhood. The good thing was that the house had never been updated at all, anywhere in the house, which meant that the house did not sell immediately. The grass cloth wall paper was everywhere and was old and tired. Sarah and Andy know how to "fix" a house, so they bought it, contingent on the sale of their own home, except two weeks later another offer came in on their new home. They did what any brave purchaser would do, was to remove their home sale contingency and proceed with their purchase. Fortunately, their old home sold and settled, prior to their purchase. Since that time, they have been busy with their new home. But Sarah has told me that they have enough projects for the next ten years, which is a good thing.

For my part, Tonight, I will enjoy their lovely home, at their uncrowded party. And once again, be thankful for Ken's honesty.

November 18, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Turkey Day.

It all started six years ago when a group of agents and staff were having lunch in the kitchen. They decided to serve a turkey dinner, in the office, to everyone who was in the office at that time, but not announce the dinner in advance. So they did and it was a great success, except only the people who happened to be in the office were able to eat while everyone else wished they had been there. I was away so was not a part of the plan. The first year, they cooked one turkey, which Mario cooked at home and carved it in the office. When I returned and heard about the plan, the decision was made to have the event again, but to plan ahead and invite everyone.

They have done it every year since. Dennis and Mario cook the turkeys at home and carve them at home. This year they will cook and carve five turkeys. Regina, Carol, Chris, Ruby and Sally make the mashed potatoes in the kitchen. Mario prepares the sweet potatoes and green beans. They serve all the traditional turkey dinner and the trimmings including salad and rolls. We collect canned goods for the food bank and the agents bring dessert. This is a wonderful event as it is organized and implemented with no Manager involvement. The agents line up to be sure they do not go hungry. Susie and Maureen decorate the table. Every thing about the event is a pleasure. Tomorrow at 12:30 we will have our turkey day. I can't wait.

November 17, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Manners.

I wonder if it is really true? Are people in the West just more polite and pleasant than those in the East? Now I know that the situations are not alike. I was in a tourist area where the folks are trained to be polite and everyone at the convention are from other places in the US and Canada, but when we were riding the trolley, the local people were helpful. They smiled at us and asked if we were enjoying San Diego. It was obvious that we were tourists because we did not know where we were going and when we were getting off and we had to ask a hundred questions.

Today in Bethesda, the weather was lovely. The only difficulty was that when walking across the street, you had to really watch out for the automobiles, even when the walk signal was on. In the elevator from my parking garage no one spoke at all. Honking horns are heard when the first car in line is slow to enter the intersection. I have heard that folks in the East are more intense or more bossy. I have never seen that to be true, but perhaps I have become just like everyone else and so do not notice. Certainly, it was noticeably, watching the California kids this weekend and the Bethesda workers today.

November 16, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Networking.

How times have changed. This has been my seventh convention, held by The National Association of Realtors. One of the goals of the meeting has always been to meet fellow Realtors and put them on our personal mailing list, in an effort to obtain referrals. Our theory has been that every agent knows someone who has gotten themselves promoted and will move to the Washington area. We want to help their client purchase a home here. It has worked. Before and after the meetings and sitting around the table eating lunch, the agents and I from the office have worked hard to get to know other agents from other areas of the country. Our system was interesting and productive.

Now in November 2009, our old system does not work. Even at lunch, every one keeps their eyes focused on their Blackberry, answering e mails, sending messages, talking on their phone. The agents from work who I am having lunch with are doing the same. The same is true while sitting for the class to begin. Almost every one in the room is working. The opportunity to talk to anyone new is impossible. Several times I interrupted the work on the Blackberry, but after a monosyllable answer to my question, the person quickly buried themselves in their little machine. This is definitely a change from past years. I wonder if it is beneficial?

November 15, 2009. San Diego, Ca. Pedestrians.

Walking around town here is easy and safe. The cars actually stop for you when you are at the corner in the cross walk. But you better not walk across the street in the middle of the block. If the police man spots you, he will arrest you and handcuff you, while he makes out a ticket and gives you a steep fine. Only then will he take off the handcuffs. We observed two tickets issued for jaywalking here in the gas lamp area of San Diego. Horns are never heard here. I don't know if it is the custom or the law. We walked everywhere and was a great pleasure.

This afternoon we took a trolley ride. The system is very easy. For a daily pass of five dollars, we were able to rode as much as we wanted. Phyllis figured out how to buy the tickets, which she said was a miracle. First we rode the orange line for thirty minutes, then switched to the blue line which took us to the Old Town. After wandering around and eating lunch, we rode yet two more trolleys, finally arriving at the Gas Lamp area and to our hotel. The trolley system is very convenient and inexpensive, yet another plus when visiting San Diego.

Nothing is better than walking around down town and having the cars stop for you at the corners. It was just like walking around Liverpool in Nova Scotia!!

November 14, 2009. San Diego, Ca. The Convention.

There really are advantages to living in southern California. The weather is spectacular. Ever since we arrived on Thursday, the sun has been shining and the daytime temperature is seventy five degrees. In the evening, sixty feels just fine with a light jacket. I am staying in the Gas lamp area, right on the shore, close to the convention center, Petco baseball park and hundreds of restaurants, along with thousands of people living in condominiums and apartments in this old restored area. It is fun living and working here.

But there are downsides to living in sunny California. The most obvious is the shortage of water. It does not rain much so the risk of forest fires is always with them. Living down town is not a problem, but I am told that the traffic is terrible almost all day, although when we arrived on Thursday the traffic was not terrible. Peoples expectations of what constitutes bad traffic is widely divergent from mine. The homeless is also a serious issue here. The homeless are often seen on the street both during the day and evening. Soon they will take control, I am sure, or maybe not. Elley and her husband were staying at the Omni Hotel, and were required to valet park their car. The next day when the car was brought to them so they could head to the zoo, the smell in the car had a stench of sweat. Turned out a homeless person slept in the car overnight, and one of his sneakers was left in the car. Not good at all.

We are enjoying San Diego and we are enjoying the convention. My hotel is just fine. I would not want to live here.

November 13, 2009. San Diego, Ca. Convention.

Ten years ago we were learning all about digital cameras, now I have been listening and learning all about social networking. It is all very exciting. My goals at the National Realtors Convention are to try to find the trends in the industry and to determine the daily habits of agents leading to success that we may have over looked. Fourteen of us from the Bethesda Gateway office have come to the convention, so even though any one person could never attend every class, by trying to have each of us go to separate courses, we are able to cover a lot of information, which we share over drinks every evening. We work hard but we have a good time.

San Diego is supposed to the most livable city in the U.S. Certainly, the climate is wonderful and of course the Pacific is right in front of the city with the mountains close behind. It is hard to beat the city for attending a convention. The airport is close to town and takes ten dollars to get to the hotel from the airport. By the time you have driven past the cruise ships and the marinas any stress has been removed. The Convention Center is two short blocks from our hotel so our life is easy. Last evening we three, Phyllis, Suzanne and I, wandered around the Gas lamp area which is the historic part of the city, finally settling on The Blue Point restaurant for dinner. Damian had recommended the restaurant to Suzanne, which turned out to be excellent. Elley joined us for dinner. It was a fine time to begin our convention.

Tonight I will host a cocktail party at The Alltitude Bar, on outside facility on the 22nd floor overlooking the water and the city. Our group from Bethesda will meet and greet and share. You can be certain that we will enjoy!!

November 11, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Our Condo.

We are pleased with the purchase of our little place in Mississippi. It looked better than we remembered. The former owner left the furniture, dishes, vacuum cleaners, cutlery and glasses, so all we needed to purchase was a new mattress and box spring. Christina and Andrew made up the bed with their sheets and Ken found a comforter in the closet, so we were ready to move right in when we arrived. They also left us with towels. When we drive down for Christmas, we will bring our own belongings from here.

In addition, we left a box of our clothes and supplies with Andrew and Christina, so when we put away our belongings, we could function quite well. The first thing the next morning, we shopped at our closest grocery store. Fortunately it is a wonderful store, so we have supplied the apartment with every essential object. Now we are ready for Christmas in Mississippi. I have been packing dishes and glass wear and teapots and towels, so we will have a full truck for our journey.

Now we know where to put the trash and retrieve our mail, and how to open the gate with the remote control button. But the best part is the view from our condo at night. The large homes opposite from us on a channel of the lake look so appealing. And when we drove away, a big blue heron was sitting on the rock, right in front of our place, fishing for breakfast. I hope he is there when we return.

View from the Mississippi Condo

Texas is Goat Country Too

November 10, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Party Time.

At work this afternoon at four o'clock we celebrated. We drank port and ate crackers and cheese, along with grapes. The event was to welcome me to the Upper East Side of the office. It was fun and festive. My office is very small and Nancy has managed to hang all my pictures, which means every wall is full of either paintings or photographs. It looks wonderful, all jammed in together. But as someone commented to me today,"They are tastefully hung on the walls, not just stuck up there". So this afternoon, everyone came to take a look.

Dennis brought a cake, which said "A very small cake for a very small office". It was perfect, about 6"x6". Almost everyone came by to say hello, and with Carol E. dancing, the atmosphere was lively and jolly. One thing we have learned is to know how to have a good time. This group of agents and staff enjoy each others company, but the best part was that we wrapped up the party in under an hour. No fuss and muss. Just have the party and go back to work, with everyone having had a good time. Now I am firmly ensconced in my new digs. It fits me like a T.

November 9, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Bristol, Va.

I am always impressed when a skilled chef opens a restaurant in a small town. The questions that need to be answered are many, and of course, are never going to be answered because we just drive on to continue the trip. But it would be interesting to find out how this couple opened this restaurant, called The Brooklyn Grill, in Bristol Virginia. The husband, the chef, is not from the south. He has tattoos on both forearms and he wears his long hair in a pony tail. He is a good cook. The wife waits on tables and is extremely efficient, also thin and good looking, blond with a southern accent.

The restaurant was recommended to us by Bob Mimms in Jackson. So we decided to stay in Bristol for the night. The area is very pretty, called the Virginia Highlands. When we checked into the motel, The Hampton Inn, I asked the lady checking us in if there was a good restaurant in Bristol. Her reply was immediate..."The Brooklyn Grill, and to get there drive left up the hill and drive three miles. Oh yes, it is best to make a reservation. " Evidently, it is the only good restaurant in Bristol. So we did as we were told, drove straight there and enjoyed our dinner. And we talked to the wife but not for long enough.

We also left my extra food that was boxed up for us, something we have done at least one hundred times. That left over pasta would have tasted good to us once we arrived at home. The next time we stay in Bristol, I am going to find out how and why they opened this restaurant in this small town. I'll let you know.

November 8, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Traffic.

The worst traffic we experienced on our three week car trip was on Highway 66 in Northern Virginia driving into D.C. today. It was ridiculous. It was pathetic. Sunday afternoon early in the day, the road was full. Highway 81 still has two lanes in each direction, exactly as it was in 1970 when we moved here although the population has dramatically increased. What has happened to the good people in the north? Nothing is happening to improve infra-structure. No wonder the southern states are getting ahead.

Leaving Jackson Ms. on Saturday was interesting. We drove east on Highway 20. Soon we started to see cars with College colors hanging out the windows and words painted on the cars. It took us a while to figure it out, that all those cars were heading for the LSU/ Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. The traffic increased heading east, full of kids driving in packs. Their driving patterns were awful. I was driving over seventy, and these cars breezed by me. Once we passed the stadium, my traffic was gone, but the road heading west was full. Now the game was to begin at 2:00. We drove through the stadium at 11:00, so everyone was heading to a huge tailgate party. It was just amazing to see the impact of a football game on a southern highway. It was very new to us.

We are pleased. We drove to Texas, on to Mississippi, then home , and the truck just kept on ticking. Not even a flat tire or a ding. The cap working as promised. But we are always happy to be home!!

November 7, 2009. Bristol, Va, Trauma.

There are consequences to not paying your bill. The electricity is turned off. The lights don't work. The stove won't turn on. The washing machine won't turn on. In other words, bad things happen. The timing was impeccable. We arrived home to the condo to discover that the light was not working, so after Ken spoke to the administrative people in the office, it was determined that our lights were not working because we did not pay our electrical bill. Now this was not a good thing, as we had invited Andrew and Christina and the children for dinner, also Susan Mims, our real estate agent and her husband over to our new condo for dinner. So, now here we are, company arriving at 6:30 with no ability to cook or serve food. Everything was getting dark.

The first thing to do was to pay our bill. We did not even know that we needed to pay an electrical bill, but it turns out that we did not pay enough attention. After a hundred or more buttons pushed on my cell phone, the bill was paid, and from then on, the bill will be automatically paid every month. The company guaranteed the power would be turned on that day. The question was, when?

I quickly drove to the grocery store for rotisserie chicken and rolls, as my real menu was rice and enchiladas. Then I lit the four candles left by the former owner. The dinner party turned out just great. With two flash lights and four candles we were able to dine with great atmosphere. Of course, everyone loved the idea that we did not pay our bills. Hard to believe, but true. It was a true story, certainly more memorable that a normal dinner party.

November 5, 2009. Jackson, Ms. The Trip.

It was a lovely night, leaving San Antonio. The moon was big and bright and the night clear so we drove one shift each, and by the time we were ready to quit, we were on the east side of Houston. This was a great blessing as the morning traffic in Houston is supposed to be hectic. A Holiday Inn appeared just when I ended my two hours, so we quickly checked into this old but clean motel and were soon drinking wine before going to sleep. In the olden days, we often drove at night, but recently we prefer to drive by daylight, but last night, driving on the inter-state 10, it was a piece of cake.

Grilled fresh tuna was for dinner last evening with David and Suzanne and the girls. It was a wonderful dinner, along with green beans and potatoes. Ice cream for dessert. It was a celebration and a send off. We enjoyed it.

Today, Kate and Mary Frances and Molly were waiting to greet us at the door. After a cup of tea with Christina and the girls, we went to see our new condo. We were pleased with our purchase. It is a very nice spot, right by the lake, so after a short nap, we put away the stuff we had left with Andrew and Christina. Also, Christina had left goodies for us, such as milk, coffee, bread peanut butter, cereal and bread. So nice to have agreeable helpful family!!

November 4, 2009. Canyon Lake, Tx. Travelling.

Today we begin our long march home to Maryland. Our intention is to spend the late afternoon and dinner with David and Suzanne and the girls, then leave for Jackson early evening and drive for a few hours, staying at some nice motel for the night. Early in the morning we will start out and finish the drive. It takes about ten hours for the trip and we have discovered that eight hours driving is much easier that ten, so we will begin tonight. After Christmas with Andrew and Christina and the girls, we will drive the same path with Kate and Mary Frances, where we all have a festive time with the cousins at the ranch. Our plan with the girls is the same, to break up the ten hours into two parts, and meet everyone at the ranch on Dec. 28. All the girls are excited.

Yesterday, our plans almost came crashing down. Driving through Fredericksburg on a by-pass road, with no traffic in sight, a Sheriff's car entered from a side road on this main road, without looking in any direction, certainly not at us. He was on his phone and neither looked nor stopped at the stop sign. Fortunately, no car was beside us, so we were able to swerve around him but I believe we missed him by an inch. Stupid man. Eternal vigilance is required for a car trip. Now we head out to begin to drive north, expecting to arrive on Sunday after a day with the family in Jackson.

On the drive down to Texas, I was startled to note on the map that when we were passing Memphis, we were only a few hours from Jackson, so Ken suggested we stop on the way home. Of course we also want to see our new condo, which now has a new bed. It is ready for us, and God willing, we will get there in one piece!!

November 3, 2009. Canyon Lake, Tx. Humble.

First thing this morning, I spotted my empty pill box. I went to retrieve the next full one, only to discover that they were no where to be found. Neither the bag with the new full pillbox nor the three bottles of medication were in their normal place. So I thought. It took me a nano second to remember that I left the two bags at the ranch, in my bed side table. That means we must return to the ranch, then come back to the lake the same day. Fortunately the weather was clear and sunny and we could drive on back roads, but it is a four hour round trip, all to amend for my stupidity.

Yesterday I was feeling smug. Through the day I did the laundry, then organized the Christmas gifts for the San Antonio family. Next I arranged my belongings for the trip home. I am leaving a box of supplies and clothes with David and Suzanne, (not in the car but in their home). The trip home requires a supply of clothes and toiletries, also we are stopping by Jackson on the way home and we have purchased stuff for our new apartment. My task was complicated, but by evening, I was all done and ready to leave on Wednesday. The gifts were lined up by the front door along with the boxes of belongings. I was definitely feeling competent.

Every so often, something comes along to take me back to being humble. Today was the day. Actually, our lunch at the Red Rose Restaurant in Blanco was worth the trip. Our day was a success. I got humbled, retrieved my medications, ate a wonderful lunch at a new restaurant and had a lovely drive on country roads. Ken did not even complain!! He is probably happy to have me humble, at least for a day.

The Mississippi Halloween

Molly and Mary Frances enjoyed Halloween in the neighbourhood while Kate went to a retreat.

Front Yard Pets/Pests

November 2, 2009. Canyon Lake, Tx. Texas.

Today when looking outside at first light, I could see why the good people of more northern climes choose to come to Texas for the winter. The sun was shining and the sky was bright blue. The temperature was 65, heading to seventy five degrees. In other words, the weather was perfect. For the two weeks since our arrival, the RV parks have been filling up. Several we pass on our drive from the lake to the city are already full. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa. We spot license plates from these States, also Manitoba and Saskatchewan from Canada. They are here for one very good reason... no snow. Really two good reasons... no ice and no snow. The winters can be chilly and very often rainy, but not until late January and February.

Texas is growing. Not only the retired folks from the north who stay the winter (called the Northern Texans) and often stay to live permanently, but also the working people in search of jobs and the headquarters of major companies in search of a better business climate. Sixteen years ago, David and Suzanne moved to San Antonio to find a sleepy city where the roads were ahead of the people and where the traffic was light at all times. Not any more. The city is often overlooked by the nation but it is the seventh city in population in the Nation, giving Texas three cities in the top ten. The most important thing about Texas is the people and their spirit. They are enthusiastic and energetic, and they don't back down, which is probably why many people do not like Texans. But we do and we like it here and we like Texans. Even the second grade girls on the soccer field do not hang back, even on the co-ed team. They plough right into the play, just any good Texan would do. Cultural or genetic, who knows? I do know that Texas is a different kind of place.

David's (and Family) November Garden

Ready for trick or treat

Longhorns, Calves, Bull & Steer

November 1, 2009. San Antonio, Tx. Sleepy Day.

Even the children are startled to discover that November has arrived. Just two months along and soon we will have a new year. This morning, even with the extra hour of sleep, every one is feeling sleepy. No church today. Last evening, after doing their Trick and Treating here at home, Abigail was taken to a birthday party and sleep-over which she elected to join after her excursion here at home. One of the friends who came with us last night was invited to sleep-over here with Samantha and Allison, using Abigail's bedroom, so this morning, before Suzanne picked up Abigail at ten, she fixed a big breakfast, including bacon, scrambled eggs and biscuits. Coffee of course for the adults. It was a pleasure to just poke around in the morning for the little girls. Most of the time they have a tight schedule in the mornings.

Suzanne and David are fortunate in having a lot of energy. Suzanne has such a full schedule of responsibilities that she seems to be always on the go. It is fun to sit back and watch the action in their home. Late yesterday afternoon, David, Suzanne and I had a beer on the back deck, gearing up for our evening activities. Suzanne and I always split a beer, because I can only drink half a beer at a time, so after we three enjoyed our beer, Suzanne stood up and stated that she needed to clean up the house. Neighbors were coming over for Pizza prior to the evening excursion, and as she had been away from the house all day with the games, the house was somewhat untidy. David and I convinced her to sit and drink another half beer, telling her that the neighbors would not care if her house was perfect, so she did. I joshed her about her being tidy all the rest of the evening, but she finally admitted that it makes her feel better if her house is clean and tidy. Her workload is incredibly large, and fortunately she has the energy to match. Once again, I am grateful for my daughter-in-law, the busy, competent Suzanne.