Hannah And Robert's Visit

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Location:  Osage Beach

Curses

We are back at the Lake. We hit the road about 8:30 this morning and arrived around noon. Then I quickly set up camp, unhooked the car, and then tore off to the dental office just in time for my appointment.

Vickie (my dentist) called in sick.

The internet at the park comes and goes, my internet is not picking up, so post might be sporadic until I can resolve the issues.

Wiz - we flat tow our car. When we first started planning this adventure, I wanted to go with flat towing because it seemed easier. Now that I have been at it for a little over a year I can now say it is. In fact I could hook up by myself but having mom to help makes it easier. We have seen a few people without cars but they are basically trapped at the park. While staying at San Padre Island we met a couple without a vehicle. Every Sunday they would unhook the motor home, pack everything up, and go to church. Then they grocery shop and come back to the park. For a single person or a couple who wants to do without a tow vehicle a Class C or Class B would be a better choice. Class C motorhome are Mini Motorhomes. The Class C motorhome has a distinctive cab-over bunk. They are available in various lengths, many with slide-out rooms. The size: ranges from 21 to 35 feet. The Class B is a van. These vans are loaded though. Those you can probably drive around to various places and not have to have a car. We started off with a class C but it was to small to live in full time. I was terrified with the thought of driving anything over 28 foot. Now that I "conquered" my fears, this is so much easier to drive than the Class C.

Until Later.

Location:  Osage Beach

Thanks Kev

One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his Sweat- shirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"

"It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"

He yelled back, " University of Oklahoma ."

And they say blondes are dumb...

Another Joke
A man and his wife, now in their 60's, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good that each one of them could have one wish.
The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband.
Whoosh! Immediately she had airline/cruise tickets in her hands.
The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger...
Whoosh...immediately he turned ninety!!!
Gotta love that fairy!

And Yet Another
Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name?

A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough.

Finally any male that wants to do a little female bashing, Post your comment, I find them funny as well. This came to me from a MALE friend.

Bye Texas Bye Oklahoma and Bye Bye Birdie

The past couple of days have been hectic. We left Victoria County, Texas heading for Missouri, or, as I like to put it, the state of Misery. Friday night we arrived in Mt. Pleasant Texas.



I took the back roads and the scenery was beautiful. The only trouble I had, driving, was in a very small town. I don’t think the streets have been updated since the 1800’s. I had a pickup truck with a horse trailer half parked on the street and another truck in the middle of the road. Needless to say, size mattered in this situation and everyone got out of my way. My mom just closed her eyes and muttered prayers.



When I arrived in Mt. Pleasant, I was supposed to take Business 286 or something like that and you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was gone. I was given only two options, right or left. As usual, my selection was wrong and I headed out of town. I called the RV Park and they advised me to make a u-turn. I am driving a 34-foot motor home, pulling a car, and a quick u-turn was not possible. In fact, it is never possible. There is a song, sung by the Willis Brother, “Give Me 40-Acres” that I like to sing when I am on the road. I will include the lyrics at the bottom of this entry. About 10 miles out of town I found a large area to flip around and I finally was heading in the right direction. Using their directions, I found myself, not at the RV Park but in front of a Diary Queen.





My kids will tell you that when I get myself in trouble while driving I will scream, rant, rave, and using the most colorful language. The time to be concerned is when I become quiet. Here I was parked in a Diary Queen, looking around, and not a peep. Yes, I was that upset. This was the first time since I have been on the road that I happened on a town where streets just disappear. I managed to get out of the Dairy Queen parking lot, with a small audience watching, and I even managed to find a road that was actually there that took me to the RV Park. Mom just closed her eyes and muttered prayers. It is a miracle I haven’t killed her.



Mt. Pleasant KOA was very nice. We did not want to leave but I have a dental appointment and priorities always win over. We did explore the cemetery in a town near Mt. Pleasant.



I blew through Oklahoma yesterday. Drove seven hours and made it to Missouri.



I have a confession… I killed a sparrow. It was an accident; it flew right into my window shield. I didn’t see it coming and obviously, it didn’t see the rig. I will do anything to avoid taking a life, even that of a sparrow.



I remember one morning, many years ago, while driving to work; I hit a deer with my car. I immediately pulled over, which was at the Catholic Church. I jump out of my car and a priest came out and asked me what was wrong. I was crying hysterically and I explained I hit a deer and I needed to do something for it. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I was ready to run into the woods, find it, tackle it, put it in the car, and drive it to the vets. Who knows what I was thinking. Instead of comforting me, the priest told me to “get over it.” No wonder I am not Catholic.



Aside from the sparrow incident, the trip was uneventful. I did have one nice thing happen. I stopped at the Missouri line to fill up the tank and the nicest kid greeted me. He filled my tank for me and washed my window shield. I have a HUGE window shield. I wanted to hug him but I figure he would appreciate a tip instead of a hug. I tipped him good. You just don’t receive service like that anymore. Yes, he was an employee of the truck stop.



We will be home tomorrow in time for my dental appointment. It will also be a time for us to catch up with friends and family. It will be a busy time but a fun time.



Until then,



GIVE ME 40 ACRES (TO TURN THIS RIG AROUND)



He was headin' into Boston in a big, long diesel truck

It was his first trip to Boston,

he was having lots of luck

He was going the wrong direction down a one-way street in town

And this is what he said when the police chased him down.



CHORUS:



Give me forty acres and I'll turn this rig around

It's the easiest way that I've found ...

Some guys can turn it on a dime or turn it right downtown

But I need forty acres to turn this rig around.

When he finally found where to unload, he had a dreadful shock

His trailer pointed toward the road and his cab right to the dock

And as he looked around him through the tears he made this sound

Oh, give me forty acres and I'll turn this rig around.



CHORUS



When he finally got unloaded, he was glad to leave the town

He was very, very happy, headin' back to Alabam'

When up ahead he saw a sign, said; "You are Northward bound."

He said; "Give me forty acres and I'll turn this rig around."

He was driving down the right lane, when ahead he saw a sign

Now he's gotta make a left turn, but he cannot get in line

And the tears were streaming down his cheeks and they all heard him yell"

Give me forty sticks of dynamite and I'll blow this thing to ... !"







Location:  Mt Pleasant Texas

Cemeteries In Victoria Texas

There are several cemeteries in Victoria Texas and I believe I managed to go to each one. No, I want bore you with details just photographs and epitaphs





Goodnight Moon
Goodnight Stars
Goodnight Air
Goodnight noises everywhere.





God’s Greatest Gift Returned To God – Our Parents





Bidden to the Supper of the Lamb, a voice cried! “Friend go up higher!”





Every morning lean thing arms a while upon the windowsill of heaven and gaze upon thy lord. Then with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet they day.





God’s finger touched her and she slept.







The Texas Ranger Prayer

O God, whose end is justice,
whose strength is all our stay,
be near and bless my mission
as I go forth today.

Let wisdom guide my actions,
let courage fill my heart
and help me Lord, in every hour
to do a Ranger's part.

Protect when danger threatens,
sustain when trails are rough;
help me to keep my standard high
and smile at each rebuff.

When night comes down upon me,
I pray the Lord be nigh.
Whenever on lonely scout, or camped,
under the Texas sky.

Keep me, o God in line
and when my days shall end,
forgive my sins and take me in,
for Jesus sake, Amen.

Location:  Victoria

Frustrating Day

Today was a frustrating day. I made an appointment to have my little house on wheels detailed. We hadn't had it done and the job I do is not very good because of my being short. They didn't show up and they didn't return my calls. I decided at 1:00 p.m. to head out for a historical cemetery in Victoria Texas. On our way there, we decided to stop at the Nave Museum, which was on our "things to see list."

Goliad Texas

Yesterday Mom and I visited the historical town of Goliad Texas. Today we found a cemetery we want to explore in Victoria Texas plus visit the Nave museum, we are off on another adventure.

Greetings

I have taken a few days off from blogging. My son was visiting and I was wrapped up in visiting with him. The things that I have missed - from piercings to a birthday.

Tomorrow will be my computer day. I will complete a tag I received, upload a couple of photographs, prepare pictures for printing, work on the budget, and of course play Chuzzles. That is a very addicting game.

We have moved on. I drove about 4 ½ hours to Victoria County Texas and stopped for the day. We planned to continue traveling but the weather conditions were against us. Scott left 80-degree weather and arrived in a blizzard. Poor boy. At least he has glorious sunburn.

South Padre Island is beautiful. It is very touristy with a tendency to sell to a younger group of people but it was nice to lounge on the beach. Dirty Al’s Restaurant is an inexpensive place to eat and the food is wonderful. I climbed the 75 steps to the top of the lighthouse in Port Isabel, we visited the Sea Turtle Rescue, and enjoyed a nature hike that ended with an alligator basking in the sun. We also collected many shells that Scott will be taking to Hannah for her yard. The icing on the proverbial cake was the boat ride. It was fun to watch the dolphins. I managed to take several pictures of birds that came out reasonably well.

Yesterday was chore day and I managed to clean out my basement, sterilized the water hose, and clean out the toolbox. Every time I pick up my toolbox, I am amazed by the contents. Half the stuff in there I am not sure what to do with and the other half I can’t live without. I thought seriously about getting rid of the stuff I don’t know what to do with but then again I might figure out what they are or I might need them. You can use things without knowing what they are and what they are intended for.

While I was cleaning out the basement, our neighbors drove in with their coach and car. I watched them unhook the vehicle and the wife asked her husband to please back up the coach because she cannot park behind it. The husband did just the opposite and told her it was about time she learned. She parked it and I am sure they can get the bumper repaired. Then they unloaded their vehicle. Clothes, household items, freezer goods… they carried it all into their coach. I thought that was a little strange. This morning they got up, she hooked up the car; they carried everything back to the vehicle. Mom and I were watching all of this in total amazement. Then we placed a bet. How long will they be on the road before they start looking for a place to park. The wind is horrible. Anyone that drives a motor coach knows you cannot drive in these conditions. We knew we would never know but it was fun placing bets. About an hour later here they come. They park in the same lot, unloaded the car, but this time he parked the car. We are neighbors once more.

Today mom and I will be wandering. Until later.

Lobster Boy

I recently posted this picture of my son, Scott.

I didn’t know how true this statement was until yesterday evening. When you spend 3 hours on a beach, you will become lobster red. If you need to convince your children or grandchildren just show them these before and after pictures.

Before:

OUCH!!!

Padre Island

Scott's Visit

Waiting For Dinner At Dirty Al's

Isn't He Pretty?

Lobster Boy

Surely Sporting A Mohawk

Location:  Padre Island

Rorschach Sand Test

Click on picture to enlarge.





1.) 2.)

3.)

4.)

5.)

6.)

7.)

8.)

9.)

10.)

11.)

12.)

13.)

Location:  Padre Island

Greetings from South Padre Island!

Greetings from South Padre Island!



It is another glorious tourist trap, which I am very contented to be at this moment. There is still a lot of natural beauty and quiet places to go. Mom and I took a boat ride yesterday to see dolphins in their natural habitat and it was a wonderful trip. Photographing dolphins was not easy for me, nor was walking around on the boat, but I had a lot of fun attempting this. Only one person became ill and she was quickly taken to the lower deck near the restrooms.



They called this an “eco tour” because they will cast out a net and capture sea life so you can view it up close. Their catch was very small and the crew seemed more disappointed than the passengers were. The only fish I recognized was a catfish. The scenery from the boat was beautiful, the waters were choppy because of a storm coming in, but it was well worth the money we spent.



I am still a fan of sea gulls even though several blessed my home. Yesterday morning, before the boat ride, I was out scrubbing sea gull poo off the sides of my house. Before I leave, I will have to climb on the roof and inspect.



Our first full day on the island, mom and I spent at the beach. We walked the shore picking up shells, avoiding Portuguese Man of Wars, and trying to calm poor Surely Not. She is having such a terrible time. The ground has many sand burrs and she is afraid to walk on the ground. Her situation has worsened because she is surrounded by water. Poor little thing she doesn’t want to leave the house.



We also stopped at a turtle rescue center. What a wonderful job these people are doing. The organization is actually a hospital for turtles and the ones that can’t be release back to the Gulf is kept there. All I have to say is “please don’t’ litter.” It is detrimental to all living creatures.



I also discovered where folks from Missouri go for the winter. I have met so many people from Missouri during this brief time. I have two neighbors that are from my neck of the woods. Yesterday I met another couple from the same area. It is a little unnerving. Our neighbor across the way is going to give us a recipe for grapefruit pie, which sound delicious! I will share when we get it. It doesn’t require cooking so I don’t have to worry about blowing up my little house on wheels.



My son, Scott is taking a road trip and will be joining us Friday. Mom and I are going through brochures and looking at State Parks on the internet but I think he is just coming here for the babes on the beach. I would like to think that he missed us terribly and will devote his time to just us alone. The fact of the matter is, if he had a choice of good-looking women in teensy weensy bikinis or two old farts, he will definitely go for the babes. I respect this and find it healthy. Mom and I are looking forward to seeing him and catching up with the news in his life.



Today is house cleaning, grocery shopping, and laundry day. More later.

South Padre Island

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Hannah Drinks A Beer - Vicariously

When my daughter was 17, we went to a metaphysical fair in Kansas City, Missouri. We stayed in a creepy hotel that reminded us of the movie "The Shining." They gave us a suite for the price of a cheap room and we had the entire floor to ourselves. We both were feeling rich and decided to order room service. That was when Hannah asked, "Mom can I have a beer?"

I was shocked. My daughter was asking for a beer. This was something I was never expecting to hear her ask for. Being the responsible parent I am I said, "Sure honey."

I noticed that Hannah hadn't touched her beer throughout the entire meal. Finally, when we were through eating and I was through drinking my beer I asked her "are you going to drink that?" Hannah took the bottle, pressed it against her lips, and I saw no swallowing motion. She put the bottle down and said, "I can't do it." That of course lead to a heart to heart talk about responsibility and I told her how much I was proud of her.

Then she said, "You drink it."

I sat down in a comfortable chair, sipping her beer and Hannah was intensely watching me. I asked her what she was doing and she said what are you feeling? What does it taste like? Are you getting drunk yet? What does getting drunk feel like?

That’s my baby - she is the only person I know of that can drink a beer vicariously. I can see her going to a bar, ordering a beer, and then telling the person next to her "Here you drink it."

Robert - Good One

If you had purchased $1000 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00. With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00. With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

If you had purchased $1000 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left. But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, You would have had $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg Plan.

Zach Thanks For The Chuckle

It is so funny.

Hannah A Pretty Flower For You

Click on it to enlarge it.

Palo Alto Battlefield

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