November 30, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Left Eye.

Yesterday, my left eye once again had surgery.  Dr. Kosta did the job.  He looks as if he was 20 but of course, as he has all the credentials, he must be much older.  After the last surgery, the little stent slipped out of place so was not doing it's job.   Today at my day post operation check, the pressure in my left eye is 6, which the good doctor is says is too low.  My right continues to be perfect at 14.   Right after the operation on my left eye the pressure was 2, which Dr. Kosko said was too low.   He also said that the San Antonio surgeon would have had to repeat the surgery anyway.

Now I am back taking multiple drops.  And again I must not bend my head below my waist nor lift anything even close to heavy.  I must not strain.  No sneezing.  No blowing my nose.  No constipation. I must take life easy for the next week.  I am not really sure what that means as my life is already pretty easy.    I must use the eye patch for sleeping.   But I am doing what I am told.  Dr. Kosko assures me that the drive from Texas to Mississippi had nothing to do with the stent moving out of place.   The old stent is now behind my retina.  We elected not to go after it.

I see the good doctor again on Monday and hope the pressures stay reasonable.   So far so good.

November 29, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Coffee Pot.

When we returned to our Mississippi home a few weeks ago we discovered that one of our two one cup coffee pots would not work.  Suzanne and Ken took it apart to fix it but it appears that when the pot was cleaned, a  part disappeared so it would never work.  As it was the pot used by me for my tea each morning, Suzanne and I bought a new one.  The one we selected was small and  inexpensive.  Suzanne read the directions and told us how to work it but since she has gone, I have done everything wrong, one thing after another.

Some how or another, I mix up the order of what needs to be done.  I put too much water in the reservoir so I ended up with water all over the counter.  I could not get the pot to brew.  My cup overflowed.   Finally, I seemed to be getting it right.  For two mornings in a row my tea was brewed in a timely fashion.   Then I really got humbled.  Everything was working perfectly so I walked over to the toaster for the next step of my breakfast.  When I returned to the coffee pot, I discovered brown liquid all over the counter.  I had forgotten to put in a cup.  My tea was over everything.

How stupid of me.  I was so pleased with myself that I forgot the first step, which is to select a correct size cup and put the cup in the proper place.     I bet I never do that again.

November 28, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Storm.

I did what any sensible person would do this afternoon when confronted with a very big storm.  I went to bed.    The thunder was so loud it sounded like a bomb.  Of course, I have not actually ever heard a bomb, but the three claps of thunder so loud and so close together that I took to my bed. Normally when I nap, I lie on the top of the bed with a quilt over me, but today I got right in bed.

The day was overcast right from the light of day.  and the wind blew hard all morning.  We even had white caps on the reservoir and waves crashing onto the shore.  By noon, the rains started as did the increase in the wind.  Then the thunder started and I took to my bed.

Ken was down stairs sitting watching the storm in his recliner chair.   He said it was a spectacular sight.  I slept through the power outage and most of the thunder.  But the rain kept coming hard all the rest of the afternoon and evening.  Just now the rain has stopped.  When Ken came up, he reported we were under a tornado watch.  Goodness.  These Mississippi storms are real storms.

November 27, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Decorations.

My habit is to decorated the house for Christmas immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday.  Ken would buy a tree as soon as the trees arrived and put the tree in a bucket of water on the back deck.  The tree always came home wrapped for ease of transport.  Our home was always decorated for a long time because we decorated as soon as we had the time.

A few years ago when we bought our condo in Mississippi, I brought two small boxes of decorations from the farm, just to give a holiday look to the place.  Then three years ago we brought all our decorations south and divided them between the Mississippi and the Texas family.   We knew that eventually the farm would be sold so we started moving stuff out.

Today I put out our decorations.  It took me less than an hour, which is perfect.  Our new home looks a bit festive but certainly is not crowded with decorations.   One group of decorations I brought was a set of small houses that my Mother had used on our mantel.  She had artificial cotton on the mantel to look like snow but that is long gone.  Now I arrange them on our mantel.  And I wish my Mother was here to share in our pleasure.   After everything was in place , I remembered bringing Christmas placemats, but I could not find them.  Eventually, they were found in the bottom of the china cabinet in the dining room where someone put them away last year.  Now we are ready for the season in our home.

November 26, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Christmas Cards.

I love Christmas cards.  This morning I read every card received last Christmas and noted on my list who had sent us cards.  It was a walk down memory lane and I enjoyed remembering every friend.  Our family friend Bram Collier, had the habit of keeping his cards in a box beside his chair.  Every few days he would use a card as a book mark and he would drop a note to say hello and to tell you what he had been reading.  I have always thought it a good idea and I enjoyed his notes over the years.

I even enjoy sending Christmas cards.  My system has never changed so by now I know the drill.  First I address the envelopes and add the return address sticker and stamps.  Next I sign the cards with our full name.  Today I had three cards from Jim and Sue and several from Sarah.  I need a last name.  And last I write a note with every card.  I feel as if I am just stopping in to say hello, but briefly.

This year Ken was late ordering our cards.  I actually forgot to ask him.  Yesterday he sent me many options so tonight I selected one and he ordered the cards on the Internet.  He is an expert at digging things out and even better at ordering items on line.  So now I am set and even have the Christmas stamp when the cards arrive next week.   Sending and receiving Christmas cards is a great joy for me, especially in my more sedentary years.  So here we go.

November 25, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Lights.

Our home on Franklin Street in Kensington had a lovely large backyard.  With the two levels, Ken planted his garden on the lower level complete with a charming garden house.  The garden was productive but the best aspect of the garden were the raspberries.  They bore twice a season so we ate berries both spring and fall.

The upper level housed the pool, hot tub, decks, gazebo and patios.  The plantings were lush, with a large magnolia tree in the back of the top level.  Although we talked about it, and twice met with lighting people, we could never decide what we wanted to do, so we did nothing.  Other than lights outside the doors, we had no lighting in our back yard.

Now in our home in Mississippi we have rectified that error.   Last year when we were in Mexico, lights were installed at the front, showing off the house a bit and allowing us safely to go in and out at night.  We have been pleased with the understated look.

While we were away in Nova Scotia and Texas this summer and fall,  our lighting man has fixed our backyard too.  The lights are not garish or bold but four trees are lit with lights pointing down the trunk and the railings on the deck have subtle lights, along with the path to the lower deck and the dock.  The lights are set to come on at dusk and off at midnight.  From inside the house, the back looks like a wonderland.  Both Ken and I are pleased.

November 24, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. A Splendid Feast.

The adults sat in the dining room.  We were a table of 26.  The teens sat at a table in the family room. They were a table of 8.  The young children sat at a table in the hallway on the way to Eleanor's studio.  There were 6 children at their table.  So we were a group of 40 celebrating Thanksgiving together.  Each table was beautifully decorated and set with china, crystal and silver.  It was a beautiful sight.

Of course, everyone helped by bringing food, thus making it easier for Eleanor and Jim. But still, much work had gone into the preparations.  Eleanor is well organized so she planned ahead, which meant that serving dinner for 40 was not hectic.  In fact the whole day was quiet and pleasant.  First we ate a pumpkin soup, made by Henry Greaves.  Delicious and spicy.  All the dinner food was set out on the side board so we helped ourselves.  Turkey, ham, two types of stuffing, gravy, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, sweet potato casserole, green peas, mashed potatoes plus baked.  A veritable feast.

I ate three different desserts, from an array of 12 different types.  Delicious and not a bit fattening. Port and coffee to end the meal.  The afternoon was a delight.  The whole Greaves family, except the Mills, who were in Louisiana for the holiday, were together, plus those of us who feel like family.  Ken and I were delighted to be invited.  Christina and the girls picked us up so we really had a day off.  And I brought the best thing, which was wine and port.

The Sutherland's home is perfect for a feast like today.  They built their home specifically to be able to house such an event and to have a studio for Eleanor.   They succeeded.  Hats  off to them.

November 23, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Drought.

Drought is following us this year.   While we were away from the Hill Country this summer,  inches and inches of rain fell in Texas.  When we returned, the lake was full and the grass was green at the ranch.  While we were in Texas,  no rain fell so by the time we left, people were once again praying for rail.

Nova Scotia has had the driest summer in over 100 years.  Wells went dry and even if the wells did not go dry, everyone was fearful to use too much water to be sure the well would not go dry.  There is nothing worse than turning on the tap and finding nothing was happening.  For the tourists, the weather was perfect, with lots of sunshine and no rain.  Since we left, the rains have fallen.

In Mississippi, we live on a reservoir.  For the first time we can see rocks and stumps of trees.  People say they have never seen the reservoir so low.  The plantings here are used to lots of rain.  Jackson averages 52 inches of rain each yer.  But they have had no hard rain since Christina arrived in late July.  It rained for about thirty minutes this morning but nothing more.  The gardeners are distraught.  The weather is perfect with clear skies and sunshine and 75degree days.  But people want rain.

In Texas we expect draught but this year the dry weather has followed us everywhere we went.  It certainly is unusual.

November 22, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Scans.

Scans are a wonderful part of modern medicine.   If the results were not better than anything else, no one would ever put up with having one done.   I forget from one time to the next what is coming until I am actually going through the procedure.  Then it all comes back to me and I harness all my techniques to get through the ordeal, so I am getting better.  The last time I asked if I could keep my arms tight to my side rather than held over my head.  They agreed so I was less uncomfortable although they told me that the results are better in the chest area with the hands over the head.

The results speak for themselves.  My recent scans, both Pet and Ct, were negative.  No signs of cancer in my  chest or bones.  I am prepared for a bit of discomfort in order to hear the results.

In June, I asked my Oncologist Dr. Sheehan, when she was ordering my scans, if this could please be the last scans I have done.  She looked at me and said, "Maybe".  I look  this a definite yes but today when she was giving me the good news about my scans, I asked her again about no more scans.  Not no easily done it seems.  I am scheduled to have another set of scans in late March when we return from Mexico.  Fortunately, I can still sing all my songs and choruses in my mind while I am in the dark tunnel so I will survive yet another scan.  Good news today.

November 21, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Snow Bowl.

The player caught the ball and ran into the end zone and fell down.  He had just scored a touchdown so while he was still  on his back in the snow, he made a snow angel, complete with arms and legs.  It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen during a football game.  Had he been in the NFL, he would have been penalized for a delay of game but I just laughed out loud and loved it.

The game was being played in Ottawa, the coldest capital in the world.  Yesterday in Ottawa they were having a snow storm.  The field was covered by snow but the lines were brushed regularly so you could kind of see.  But the snow fell all during the game.   When a field goal was being kicked, the goal posts were invisible due to the heavy snow.  When the camera panned to the coaches, they could be seen as if a veil covered them.  It was great fun watching the players slip and slide.  But what I enjoyed the most was that I was sitting at my home in Mississippi, enjoying the 65 degree weather and not worrying about the ice and snow.

Ottawa won this semi final game of The Canadian Football game, beating the Edmonton team.  Next week, the Grey cup will be played in a covered stadium in Toronto, which will spoil all my fun.  But the Snow Bowl yesterday was great fun.

November 20, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. The Office Chair.

I am sitting on an office chair.  This is the third office chair Ken has ordered and assembled this season.    The chair I am sitting in is much more comfortable so I am pleased that Ken took it upon himself to order these chairs, although had he asked me,  I would have said that the old chairs were working fine.  But he did not ask me.  The boxes just appeared at the door.

In Nova Scotia, Ken started reading his e mails at the desk in the office.  The chair was not comfortable enough so he ordered a chair on line.  He and Ian assembled the chair and it works well.  I have no idea where the old chair went but it is probably in the garage.

The second chair was ordered for the desk at the Top House in Texas.  The desk sits in an office area in a corner of our bedroom.  The previous chair was purchased with the desk and all though the chair looked lovely, it was too low to use the computer for long periods of time so Ken ordered a proper desk chair.  It also is a definite upgrade.  The old chair now sits just outside the laundry room in our bedroom.  We did not know we needed a chair in that spot, but Ken used the chair every day to put on his socks.

At the back of the breakfast room in Mississippi sits a computer, the one I use to write my wee web log.  The table was purchased at a consignment shop, as was the chair.  But the chair, although pretty and made of leather, is too short so we have piled pillows on the chair to put us at the correct height.  The system was awkward so Ken ordered yet another office chair.  And I am pleased he did.  Every time I stood up both pillows landed on the floor.   Now I am just fine and dandy.

The chairs require assembling so Ken put the last two together all by himself.  Only twice did he need my help.  These office chairs work perfectly.  Now we must be finished with ordering any more.

November 19, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Hockey Night in Canada.

There we were tonight, watching Hockey Night in Canada, just like we had done many years ago.  And the Canadians were playing the Maple Leafs too.  Once again, Montreal beat Toronto.  But there the similarities changed.   We were watching on the NHL channel not the CBC and we were watching from our home in Mississippi.

Once upon a time, we had no television.  We could not afford either the money or time to watch TV, so most Saturday nights we went to Don and Doreen's apartment to watch the last two periods of the game.  That was all that was shown on TV at that time.  And it was the only game on TV all week.  Now I could watch a hockey game every night of the week.  And half the games are being played in the south.

Ken commented  to Suzanne, that when he was a young man,  it never occurred to him that he would ever live in Mississippi.  I agreed.  Also neither of us dreamt that our home team would be the Nashville Predators.  Times change.  But somethings stay the same.  Hockey Night in Canada was just as enjoyable tonight as it was 60 years ago.

November 18, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Together Again.

Christina and the girls came to dinner at our home.  Suzanne knew the girls years ago and was especially pleased to see them again.  When Kate was 2,  Suzanne, Christina, Kate and I would go to lunch at McDonalds in Bethesda and Suzanne has kept with all three girls over the years.  Our dinner was joyous with each of us pleased to be together.

You might ask what I served for dinner?  Fortunately, Lourdes came to cook this week so I served  her Cuban soup.  First we ate salad, put together by Christina and the girls.  Cheese cake for dessert kept us all happy.  

Before dinner,  gifts were open.  I brought goodies for the girls from Nova Scotia and Texas, both of which were well received.  And for the start of the holiday season, I gave them nuts, pralines and pecan bark.  It was all very exciting.   Everyone was pleased to be together again.

November 17, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Target.

Target is such a good store.  I can no imagine what happened with them in Canada where they failed miserably.  My shorts in Mexico were purchased 15 years ago.  As I only have three pair, they get much use so by now they are tattered and torn.  My list of objects I must bring to Mexico includes shorts.  Suzanne and I went to Target to find shorts.  The ladies department has only a few pair.  The plus sized department only had very short shorts.  Why anyone wearing a plus size would want to wear short shorts is unclear to me.  "This is winter here so no lady is buying shorts today," said the sales clerks.  Clearly she was wrong because I am a lady and I was there to buy shorts.  But she could tell I was not a Mississippi lady.

So we went to the men's department.  And we found shorts.  I have yet to try them on but the sizes look reasonable.  Now the four pair are sitting on my shelves ready to go to Mexico.   Fit is the most important thing for me so before we leave in January, I will try them on, but not yet.  I prefer to let new clothes sit around a bit before wearing them.

Target was clean and orderly and the working people were helpful, even funny.  But the best part is their carts, which are large and sturdy.  And the next best thing was the price.  Everything was on sale.  Suzanne and I had the best time shopping at Target today.  Hurrah for Target.

November 16, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Progress.

Thanks to Suzanne, progress has been made.  She took me to the eye doctor which was tedious as we had to wait.  And I received bad news.  The pressures in my left eye are too high.  The filter in the stent is not working so I must try to get the pressures down with the old glaucoma drops.  Next Tuesday, I see the doctor again to see what is happening.  I knew something was not right in the left eye because my eye hurt, which the right one never did.  Bad news.

Our next task was to the grocery store.  When we left, both our baskets were full.  It took us until 2:00 to put everything away.  I can still not lift nor can I drive so we bought enough groceries to last our whole time in Mississippi, I hope.

I had forgotten the Jolly Holly event at the Yacht Club.  When we arrived at 6:30 for their Blue Plate special, the parking lot was full as were all the tables in the dining room.  And a guitar player was entertaining.   You could not hear a thing, between the crowds and the singing and playing.  Our food was excellent but we could not have any conversation throughout dinner.   It made for an unusual dinner.  Next time we will stay at home and eat our own groceries.  But we made progress today.

November 15, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. Home.

We did it.  Taking two nights of the road worked well for both Ken and me.  Our stops were enough to allow us a bit of a walk and we did not need to drive after dark.  Today we arrived at 1:30, just in time for lunch at home, which was a blessing.  We have been enjoying our meals on the journey but we have been overeating.

Suzanne brought all the belongings from the car into the house while Ken and I started the organizing.  We are still not finished putting stuff away but we will peck away.  My preference is to put everything away immediately but I can not do that anymore, even when Suzanne is helping.

We did sit on the deck in the comfortable chairs and drink a glass of wine.  Ken lit the table top flame which looked lovely.  As we sat enjoying the warm air, the outside lights came on.  The lights were installed in our absence so tonight was the first time we had seen them.  The back yard looks lovely and not a bit garish.   Now you can walk to the dock in the evening and actually be able too see where you are walking.   Suzanne especially enjoyed sitting outdoors in mid November.  Ken and I are grateful for Suzanne for driving us.  By ourselves, we would have been here the end of the week.  Thank God for friends.  We are pleased to be home in this lovely comfortable home.

November 14, 2016. Minden, Louisiana. Food.

The food in Louisiana is just better than in other places.  This evening we ate at a deli attached to a gas station.   The location was just across the street so the distance was perfect.  We has spent enough time in the car already.   The clerk at the Holiday Inn Express recommended the place.  She was wise.  The food was excellent.  We three ate the same thing, a bowl of sausage and chicken gumbo.  It was excellent.  When we arrived just after 7:00, a group of four people were just leaving.  They were dressed for an evening out even though they had just eaten dinner at an unimposing deli.  Quality food is always a draw.

For the first time in my life this afternoon we three stopped at a Sonic for an ice cream treat.  Around 4:00 we needed a break.  Perfect.

We did well today.  Suzanne drove the whole time.  The Subaru drove the whole day on a three quarter tank of gas.    Certainly beats the truck.  And it costs us $30.  to fill up.  Tomorrow we have under three hours of driving to get home on Roses Bluff.   Our drive today was lovely, on highway 79 almost the whole way.  We saw beautiful farms and hundreds of cattle.  Now we will be on Interstate 20 right across Louisiana.   Good food and good company makes the hours speed along.  The traffic was light all day.  Tomorrow will be a different story.  But we are getting there.

November 13, 2016. Hutto, Texas. On The Road Again.

What would we do without friends?  Friend Suzanne R.from Bethesda, Maryland flew today from Baltimore to San Antonio, just to help us drive home to Mississippi.   We all had lunch with David and Suzanne and the girls, breakfast tacos, then we got into our new vehicle and headed east.  David told us a simple way to get out of the city which we followed to a T.  Ken drove for an hour just to get us out of town and to show Suzanne the gadgets.  Form then on, Suzanne was at the helm.

Our hours to drive each day will be limited by our legs.  Sitting is death on Neuropothy legs  Today Ken and I decided to stop at Hutto which meant we would drive for two hours.  This was a smart move.  After checking in at 4:00 and having a brief rest, Suzanne and I took a much needed walk.  Our motel is lovely.  Holiday Inn Express.

This is the third time that Suzanne has driven us.  We have a good time.   One thing we always do is to find a good restaurant which we did tonight.  The manager of the motel who is from Australia directed us to The Rio Grande, just across the shopping mall.  I have eaten Tex Mex food hundreds of time but tonight 's dinner was the best.

A normal person would be home tomorrow as we have just over 8 hours to drive.   Our plan is to drive 5 or 6 hours and stay overnight, then finish the drive on Tuesday.   So far, all is well.  And we are also having a good time too.  Friends are wonderful.

November 12, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. Traffic.

San Antonio is a big city.  Once upon a time, the powers that be tried hard to keep the roads ahead of the people.  Long before the city grew, the outer belt, 1604, was being built at a time when new houses were in sight, let alone businesses.  But the city grew and grew and grew.  The traffic is terrible, just like every other big city.    Now 1604 is a four lane road with a service road on each side.  The road is jammed all the time.

Today we drove into San Antonio from Canyon Lake.  On every road, the traffic driving to the lake was constant.  The highway, 281 was full of traffic every mile of the way.    Getting around the city is becoming increasingly difficult.  And during rush hour, it is impossible.  Right now I am not driving due to my faulty eyes but I do not even enjoy being a passenger.  Too many cars to be comfortable, at least for me.  I am not sure that I will ever be able to drive in a big city.  My peripheral vision has gone so seeing cars approaching from the side is difficult.  Poor Ken may become the sole driver in cities.  

Construction is always being done to the roads but the roads are still full of cars all the time.  In 1995, the city fathers were trying to ahead of the traffic, but they failed.  The city grew too big too soon.  Driving in San Antonio is difficult.

November 11, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Veteran's Day.

Today is a special day.  The eleventh Hour of the eleventh Day of the eleventh Month is celebrated now as Veteran's Day or is it Remembrance Day or Memorial Day.  I guess it  depends what country you are in.  Over the years, the name has changed but not the sentiment.  We in North America honor our people who fought and died in wars.

The day is important.  The government and banks are closed.  Most businesses were open.  Ken and I went to the bank before we realized it was closed.  How could we forget?

Gill sent a report of the event held in Liverpool.  It sounded spectacular.  Well attended and emotional, held in the Astor Theater.  The Mersey Band played.  Everyone who had been in the military wore in uniform.  According to Gill, it was an impressive event.  Those who died during a war had their name called out loud.  

San Antonio is a military city.  The people here honor their military personnel all the time but especially on today.    It is a big deal which is nice to see.      Military folks have special pricing at most places.    Impressive that the honor to the veterans continues all year long.

November 10, 2016. Canyon Lake, Texas. Tasks.

The task is only partly completed.  We suspected it was so because we had not gotten a bill, but we were hoping the job was all done.  The railings have been installed along the front steps.  They look peculiar and primitive but the rail is sturdy and will do the job to allow us access without falling.  It appears that the rains have interfered.  One step is set for more concrete but nothing installed yet.

The grass on the two levels looks great.  Actually it looks as though the grass was always there.  Now the area will be useful.   When the grandchildren were young, the first level had a big sand box and the other end a climber.  We had mulch on the ground.  We removed those two objects.  Now it has grass so could be used for boce or croquet.  The lower lever has a horse shoe pit so will be still useful.  Now it looks good too.  The path across the levels will be done but so far all we see is a strip of plastic.  I actually can not remember what will be on the walk.

But progress has been made.   I wish the task was completed so we could pay the bill before we leave for Mississippi.   I will call them tomorrow.  They will tell me that the rain has come down hard every day, making it impossible to work.  Want to bet?

November 9, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. Good Things.

Something good comes from everything.  Because I was required to have surgery in both eyes, we have spent lots more time with our Texas family.  They have been gracious about invading their home.  Tonight at dinner, Abigail suggested she get ice cream from the store because this was our last evening here, at least for now.  And she did.  The ice cream was delicious.

Suzanne took me to the after surgery appointment today and we stopped at the drug store to get my drops.  David came with me for surgery yesterday and stayed the whole time with me.  And the girls are always concerned with our health.  Ken and I have enjoyed our long visits with them here.  We stay at home on the computer or iPads while everyone is at work or school.   Eventually everyone gets home so we have lively discussions.

My  eyes checked out well today.  Pressures in both eyes perfect.  Vision not yet perfect.  Dr. Flynn was startled to hear we were leaving on Sunday but he knows I have scans coming up that are important.  He is turning me over to my eye man in Mississippi.  We hope he is good.  Now I must behave again. No bending. No lifting.  No driving yet.  But so lar, all is well.

November 8, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. Second Time.

It is done.  My right eye surgery was done this afternoon.  David drove me and stayed for the surgery, then drove me home.  All went well, as far as we know.  Tomorrow I see the surgeon to remove the patch and to check on the vision.    He will not be pleased when he knows I will be driving to Mississippi, leaving on Sunday.    Now the deed is done so I will assume that all will be well.

November 7, 2016. San Antonio, Texas. Groceries.

David is in the habit of bring us groceries at the ranch.  It all started when I was staying away from people and not going to the grocery store myself.    This weekend, David texted me to ask if he should bring groceries.  I said no because we were leaving on Monday and were finishing up everything in the fridge.  My suggestion was to bring food from himself but bring a bit more so Ken and I would join him with his food.  So we did and it was great fun.

We ate in the dark sitting around the fire.  After David had finished his hunt, he smoked sausage.  Lots of sausage.   It was the meat from last years hunt.  Venison sausage mixed with pork, processed by a company in Fredericksburg.  No forks were required for our dinner.  We ate sausage and oranges from his tree.  Lots of sausage and lots of oranges.  Tasted delicious.  We even had barbecue sauce.

For breakfast we ate hash brown potatoes cooked crunchy and sausage, left over from last night.  And of course, coffee.   David cooked and cleaned up.  Everything tasted great.  We were both grateful.

November 6, 2016. Harper, Texas. Out of Gas.

Once upon a time, many years ago, Ken took my cousin Diane for a drive around the pasture in the Mule.  Dave and Irene, along with Diane and Stafford were visiting the ranch.  While we were sitting around the fire, Diane commented that everyone else but her had been driven around in the Mule, so Ken quickly took her for a ride.  They took ages before they returned because when they were in the middle of the ranch, the little vehicle ran out of gas and they were forced to walk all the way home.  Ken filled it up, but Diane was not about to get in the Mule again.  We all laughed.

This morning, the saga of the empty gas tank struck again.  Ken and I were driving down to have breakfast with David.  At the bottom of the hill, the machine stopped working.  Ken knew immediately that we were out of gas.  The road from the Top House is uneven and rocky but Ken and I walked to the ranch house, where David was sitting by the fire enjoying himself.  I had texted him a message but his phone was inside beside the bed.  But we made it.

David quickly got the other Mule, picked up a container of fuel and we all drove to rescue the Mule.   And we parked the Mule in the garage.   Exercise before breakfast is always a good thing.  And we were pleased that we were able to make the walk.  All three of us thought it was funny.

November 5, 2016. Harper, Texas. The Fire Department.

Harper is a small town.  Their fire department is an all volunteer organization.  Once a year they raise a lot of money by putting on a lunch time fish fry.  Cleverly, the fish fry is held the first Saturday of hunting season.  The event has been held for many many years, always on the same Saturday.  People come from far and wide to come and eat fish.  The event was bursting with people.

The cost for the lunch is a donation, so even the poor folks can come and enjoy the event.  I am told that when the price is not fixed, most people donate more than just pay a fixed price.  Desserts are also a donation.   In addition, they sell baked goods and T shirts.  There was also a silent and live auction. For the first time in my life, I did not bid on anything.

What most surprising to me was the number of people in attendance.  There must have been over a thousand people.  The event was well organized.   They opened for business at 11:00.  By the time we arrived at noon, we waited in line with 5 people in front of us.  When we left at 1:30, the line for food was all the way down to the road.  The whole event was admirable.  And I hope they made lots and lots of money.

November 4, 2016. Harper, Texas. Oranges.

We buy oranges at the grocery store.   In Florida and California we have seen hundreds of orange trees.  The same in the valley in Texas.  On the roads we stopped to buy bags of oranges right from the farmer.  But we have never had oranges growing in our own yard.  At least not until now.

Every day when we were staying with David and Suzanne, an orange would be given to me as an appetizer before dinner.  David parks his car at the bottom of his yard and every day he picked oranges right off his trees.  One tree is especially good.  Fortunately the tree has over 200 oranges.  He brings the oranges right from the tree so the oranges are warm and juicy...and delicious.  We all peel our own orange and eat them immediately.  They were such a pleasant surprise as I had not known about his orchard.

He has planted a variety of fruits: peach, apple, plums and three orange trees.  This is the first year with lots of fruit.  One orange tree has fruit that is dry and the second turns out to be grapefruit.  If you peel the grapefruit the dog Moose is happy to eat them but they are too sour for the rest of us.  But we all love oranges from the third tree.  Such a treat.

November 3, 2016. Harper, Texas. Steve.

Steve looks after our cattle.  And he helps us with odd jobs that need to be done.  The windmill is not working so Steve is the one who contacts the windmill man to come and fix it.  Years ago, Steve would climb the windmill and fix it, but no longer.   He was born and raised in Harper.  For years, he ran his own business, working as a handyman but Robbie convinced him to take a job with benefits and pension so he now works for the county department of transportation.  He has five years to go before retiring.  He is looking forward to that because he is not in love with his job.  "No one works hard enough", says Steve.

He is a friendly fellow.  He always comes to see us bringing a friend and holding a can of beer.  And he is very skinny so I suspect he is a smoker.  He is invaluable to us.  We are going to replace the back fence so the fence man, Rusty, will meet Steve at our ranch to figure out what is needed.  We will pay the bill once it is completed to Steve's satisfaction.

Steve owns his own place with 20 acres.  And of course he hunts like all country people.  He also raises fancy hens and turkeys.  He is a very able person and is happy with his role.  But somehow or another, people like Steve never get ahead.   He is honest, hard working and competent which is a pretty good combination.  We feel fortunate to know Steve.

November 2, 2016. Harper, Texas. Dr. Flynn.

Dr. Flynn is a surgeon specializing in glaucoma.  He is an expert in his field.  But his path has not been straight.  I am always fascinated to learn the history of how people arrive at their success.  For Dr. Flynn it was especially complicated.

First he obtained a BS in Chemistry in Ohio.  Next up was a MA in Ocular Physiology, followed by becoming a Doctor of Optometry.  He received his MD from the Uniformed Service Medical School in Bethesda.  His residency in ophthalmology and glaucoma was taken at Dartmouth Medical school and became the head of the glaucoma center at Wilford Hall for over 10 years.  In other words, he knows a whole lot about eyes.   Now he is one of the hundreds of doctors who used to be in the military but now practice in San Antonio.  I am delighted that he has brought his expertise to San Antonio.

I saw him today for a check up on my eye.  All is well.  Pressures still very low.  He will now operate on the left eye next Tuesday, followed by a follow up check the next day.  Normally, he will only operate on the second eye after three weeks but he knows we are keen to get to Mississippi.  And I am a good healer so he agreed to next Tuesday.  I am  enjoying watching Dr. Flynn at his work.  He is competent and efficient, thank heavens.

November 1, 2016. Kerrville, Texas. Holiday Inn Express.

We have been in a rut.  The Comfort In has been our home away from home,  but the last time we stayed in Fredericksburg, Ken had difficulty breathing.  He thought that the motel was a bit moldy, so since we have been at the ranch, he has been investigating the other moderately priced motels on the internet.  Much to his surprise, Super S was top rated in that group.  So now for the next few months, we will stay in other motels.  Tomorrow in Kerrville I have an 8:15 appointment with the surgeon so we decided to drive to Kerrville today and stay over.  Ken selected the Holiday Express as our first experiment.

For $20. more than the Comfort Inn, we have lots more space and amenities.   The price is still under $100.  I feel like we are living in the lap of luxury.  We have three areas.  The first, closest to the window houses a desk, a couch and a coffee table, in addition to a TV on a dresser.  The big window looks out at a field.  Next area is the bedroom, with a king sized bed with 2 ample side tables,  comfortable chair and a chest with another TV.  In the corner is a sturdy card table size with two dining chairs.  The entrance area has a small bar sink with a refrigerator, a microwave and one cup coffee pot, along with a six foot bench for cases.  The bathroom has ample space with bars all around the shower.

Ken and I are pleased with our first venture into other motels.  Being in a rut is fine until it is not working.  Next up we will try out La Quinta.  Ken listened to a talk giving the growth of the company, so we will see for ourselves.  The Holiday Inn Express is definitely a winner.