December 12

Well well well.  Hello and nice to be back.  A lot of things have happened since I last wrote, but it is so much that I can't remember all of it. 

We are going to Ruidoso for Christmas and Gabriel and Carrie and the kids will meet us.  Mary Ann and Melissa and Ramsey are going to Germany to see Alex and his family.  I wish Patrick and his family was joining us in Ruidoso, maybe next year. 

One of Chris' buddies on Aggie Yell passed away today from prostate cancer and it makes him very sad.  He didn't have the same kind of treatment that Chris had and we both feel if he had he would have survived.  But maybe the study Chris was in will prove that is the way to treat that type of cancer and save lives.  I hope so. 

The house in Ruidoso is just almost finished and will be ready for Christmas.  It has been a long year of work, but worth all of it.  We are hoping to spend more and more time there.

I will have a LOT more news tomorrow.  Just wait and see.  Hehe.

October 25

Carol and Cindy came for a visit last week and we shopped, ate, and yakked it up.  We went to my Bible study together and it was good they went with me.  I'm sad one of the girls', Lisa Fales, Dad died the next day.  She had just ask us to pray for her Mom who needs a knee replacement, but then her Dad passed unexpectedly.  It is always so hard when that happens.  That's why we always have to be ready and love the people in our lives as if it will be our last day together.  Because we never know the time or place, do we? 

Chris is going to work at the AT&T gold tourney today and tomorrow.  He's such a hard working man.  And makes so much money doing it too!  Not.

The Rangers are going to the World Series, yeah!  We will miss the first game because we are going to the Spurs game.  First things first. 

Go Spurs Go!

October 16

We went to Cindy and Lee's yesterday.  Chris wanted to go fishing.  Well so did I.  And we wanted to pick up the fish, Jackson's and Chris's.  They look great.  So we just took off and got there about 4, went fishing, and then had steak and lobster.  Those Magees really know how to do it, don't they?  To bed, and back fishing this morning.  After lunch, Chris wanted to get one more meal, we headed back to San Antonio and here we are!!

Chris recorded the A & M game although we had listened to it and it was not pretty.  But he wanted to see it anyway just to see what happened to them.  Anyway, they lost again.  But the Rangers won so that is good.

Carol is in Austin and she is coming over tomorrow.  Yeah!!  We will play a little Mahjong, do a little shopping, you know, just the usual.  Mary Ann should be coming home Monday.  I hope she is doing well.

I'm thinking that Patrick and Stephanie and the kids are going to be moving soon.  I am praying they are all well and that I will see them soon. 

Got tickets to the Spurs game here against Oklahoma Monday, I hope Carol wants to go.  If not, Chris will go with a buddy.  Oh well, we'll see.  Kevin Durant would be fun to watch though.  

Gotta catch up on Judge Judy.  So, until later.

October 13

We got to witness a miracle today when they rescued all 33 miners in Chile.  They were trapped for 69 days and all are free and well.

October 12

Bought rugs today for the loft, upstairs bedroom, and kitchen.  Need one for the den but can't get in there to measure.  Also ordered blinds for the upstairs and kitchen.  We're getting there and it is getting expensive.  But it will be very nice and I can't wait to get it finished and put together.

Mary Ann is in Reno and didn't do too well in her first tourney but tomorrow is another day.  Hopefully she will have good luck.


Labron hurt his precious leg tonight in a game and DeWayne has some kind of hurtishness going on too.  Awwww.  The Spurs are in Mexico City and playing the Clippers.   The Clippers were ahead by twenty and the Spurs just tied it up in the forth quarter.  So I'll let you know who wins before I go to bed.  GO SPURS GO!!

Well we were down by two and 1.5 seconds left.  Pop let Manu call the play and he got everybody all fired up and they make the 3 pt and we won 100 to 99.  I love Manu!!

October 11

We made it home from Ruidoso and I'm soooo tired.  Chris is too, he did all the driving.  So we are going to bed and one of us will get up to get Mary Ann to the airport by 6:15.  She's going to Reno to play poker.  Hope she does well.  And we are still excited Gabriel got an elk!! 

Miss Lady is coming tomorrow thank goodness and I am a week behind on my bible study so I'll have to catch up before Wednesday and it's my day to bring refreshments.  I wish I was down for the next week, but it's ok, I can always go to Cosco and buy some quiche and yes I will admit I didn't make it.  It is BIBLE STUDY after all.  So, got that going on.

And by the way, after not having my phone charger since Thursday, and today is Monday, I had a total of three messages.  All from Chris.  I'm not very popular.  Pitiful. 

October 9

I have been having a very miserable time up here in Ruidoso with no phone and being locked in the house.  I started to email Carrie to call Gabriel to tell Chris of my dilemma but Mary Ann was all twitting about it and she called him and he said he was on his way home.  I have been outside twice today, and it is not fun, but neither is it fun sitting here at this computer playing hearts and poker all day sitting at the kitchen table on a hard chair.  It's either that or lay down on the bed.  Lots of fun.  The front room is still walled up.  The upstairs is a mess.

So, about 9 this morning I realized the workers weren't coming...I didn't know it was SATURDAY!!!!!
But Mary Ann emailed me and said Chris said the key was in the console..so I climbed BACK out and went to look again and lo and behold there is was!  I thought he meant it was on the car key thingy, which WAS in the console but there was no key on it.  But there way in the back of the console stuffed in all his junk that he hoards (he would be a hoarder if I let him) was the key.  Anybody could have missed it.  You cannot imagine the pure JOY when I found that key. 

So I had gotten the doors unlocked about 30 minutes before he got home so he doesn't think I'm totally brain dead, but almost.  And he went and got the key out of Sam's ("easily" he said) (but I think not, if anything I had loosened it up for him) and got the door opened under the house which has a key in there (and I knew that) but it was so stuck I couldn't get it opened.  I must have loosened that up for him too.  Although I did think about getting one of the workers big giant tools and bashing it in.  But that would have meant crawling back in and crawling back out.  So anyway all's well that ends well.  And I don't have to sleep with that gigantic knife tonight.  But he is kinda looking at me with a little bit of pity.  I'm not sure if he feels sorry for me or thinks I'm an idiot.  I'm hoping he feels sorry for me.

The Spurs lost Thurs nite to Houston!!!  So tonight they are playing Miami Heat in SA!  GO! SPURS! GO!

October 8

I went to the casino today because I was so bored and won $70.00.  It took me forever and when I got home about 5 till 5 the workers were already  gone and they locked me out.  I have a key but they locked the deadbolt so I tried to get into Sam's because I had to go to the bathroom.  Then I got my key locked in the door at Sam's.  So I tried all the windows and the only one open was in the kitchen.  So I pulled the little rubber stuff from around the edge and pulled the screen off.  Then I had to get one of the rickety chairs from the deck and climb in the window.  I'm sure it was not a pretty sight.  But I made it.  Thank the Lord.  I was praying really hard.  So...all is well.

I am sad though that I don't have a phone of ANY kind to call Chris.  I hope they are having fun and don't have any problems.  This is not good not having a phone. 

Well I'm getting my pj's on and crawling in the bed.  I lock the bedroom door and Chris showed me the sharpest knife we have.  It is huge, so if anybody is out there thinking they are going to get me....they better have another think coming.  Because....I WILL CUT YEW!!

Also, someone snuck over to my house in San Antonio and took a picture of my latest art work and twitted it.  I think I know who it was.  That new movie director PokerLawyer!!

October 7

We got to Ruidoso yesterday and it is just lovely.  They are coming along on the house but aren't ready for me to start moving stuff into the upstairs bedroom yet.  They don't even have the wood floor down yet.  But Eric says it will be ready by Nov 4th, and I'm putting it in writing.  And that includes the big room downstairs too.  It has to be painted, the bookcases are coming out, new lighting and a new wood floor.  So we'll see.  I hope so.  

Chris left this morning to go meet Gabriel up by Cimmarron to go elk hunting.  I hope he gets one.  Chris isn't hunting, just being with Gabriel, so I hope they have fun.  It is raining and all the workers have left for the day, it's already starting to get dark and it's just 6 here.  I'm getting kinda lonesome all of the sudden.  And I'm totally cut off from the whole world.  Except if someone emails me which probablly won't happen.  Chris didn't even take his computer.  The land line is buried somewhere in the front room that is walled off.  And the cells no worky up here, gotta go down to town to get some bars.  And my cell phone is dead.  And the charger cord I brought isn't to my phone it's to Chris's, so no comunicado until he gets back Sunday.  Oh dear, I'm very lonely. 

And the Spurs are playing in Houston tonight at 8:30, maybe it will be 7:30 here, I hope so.  And I don't have any way to listen to it, except I can watch it on the internet, but not really.  They just update the score when it changes, and tell who fouled, and who made the point, etc.  In writing, not with a voice.   But that is better than nothing and I will be watching my computer screen to see how they do.  I hope they can start with a win.  Meow Ming is back and will be playing, and I don't know if Tiago is well yet.  So all I can say is GO SPURS GO!!

October 4, 2010

I can't believe that it was 10 years ago today that my Dad died.  It was the saddest day of my life.  I miss him just as much today as I ever did.  He was a wonderful man, a great Dad, and I think he was a great grandfather too.  He loved us all so much.  And he gave us all the ability to live wonderful lives.  I still love him so much.

We went to go see the Spurs yesterday at open practice.  It was a lot of fun, we had hotdogs and popcorn and cokes..free.  It was great.  And the team looked really good.  I had they have a good season.  We didn't get to see Tiago because he was hurt, but he sure is cute, really a cutie.

I know I am an obsessive person, it is one of my worse faults.  But this show hoarders has hooked me.  I just can't believe these people.  And man oh man am I glad that I don't have that problem.  Whew!!  WHO ever in the world ever thought about having a show like this.  I just can't believe it.  I have to go watch it.  Bye.

October 2

I finally found that piece of paper that had my password on it so I could get back in here and start writing my memoirs.   Whew!!

I have been getting rested up from my company but I think they are coming back tomorrow.  Don't know for sure but we'll find out.

Ramsey has learned to ride a bicycle.  She is getting to be a big girl!!  I hope they go with us tomorrow. We are going to watch the Spurs at AT&T Center.  It's 'open workout' and it is FREE and everybody in San Antonio will be there!!  YEAH BABY!!  Tiago Splitter hurt his leg or something so we won't get to see him.  He better get well before the season starts is all I have to say.  Everybody is all excited about him coming here and he goes and hurts his leg.  Great. 

Chris is very sad about the Aggies losing yesterday...right at the very end.  I'm sorry too but at least we weren't there.  That would have been awful.  Emily went home this weekend.  Hope that they all are having a great time.  Gig em!

I wonder if Pat and Steph and the kids got moved.  I'm going to have to find out because it's awful not knowing.  I miss them so much.  But I have been studying about Moses leading the people out of Egypt and the lesson is that God sometimes leads you through the wilderness so you can see Him more clearly.  It would have been a short 30 day trip to Canaan but instead they were left to wander in the wilderness for years.  But God choose this for the people of Israel.  There are some things we don't understand until we are put in a position where we have to see God's power working for us.  God will comfort us by His Holy Spirit.  I am trusting him while I am in this impossible situation with my son.  Moses told the people to be fearless, be still, be watchful, and be quiet.  That's what I'm going to do.  And I am expecting a miracle.  God is good.

September 28

My house guests left today.  Last thing Mandy said was "we'll see you Sunday or Monday"  so I guess that means when they come back from the ranch they are going to, they'll be spending another night here, or maybe two, who knows.  All I know is that it's true about after three days house guests and fish.......

We aren't going to Ruidoso because the floor isn't ready and Gabriel can't go hunting until maybe next weekend.  So we'll just put that off till next weekend.  Maybe by then we can move furniture into the upstairs bedroom.

Mary Ann cooked for me and Chris today.  Tilapia, rice, salad and it was yummy.  Chris had played golf this morning and after the girls left I went over to her house to get away from Miss Lady (cleaning lady-that's what Chris calls her).  Mary Ann and I had gone to the grocery store after our walk this morning and she just cooked us up some lunch.  It was really nice.  Then we came home and watched Mad Men from last Sunday and then took naps.  Old people. 

Chris has gone to his study class of the Divine Chaplet..and I have Bible study tomorrow so I need to go study.  I hope all of you (my loyal followers) have a wonderful night.

September 26

After Mass we went downtown to the Home and Garden Show...boring.  Then we went to the open houses...fun.  We are seriously trying to decide if we want to have this big house with the pool and all if we are going to be staying in Ruidoso half the time.  Who knows what we'll do...anybody's guess.

Then we went over to Patsy and Eddie's for dinner, German food.  And then came home to Mandy, Cindy, and Binky.  Chris calls them Winky, Blinky, and Nod.   They just laid around the pool all day so there you go.  Chris and I are going to bed and they are going to stay up and watch tv and visit. 

Maybe Mary Ann will come over tomorrow.  We'll see what we shall see. 

Even tho I am not too happy I have all these house guests that I don't hardly know,  I will thank God that I have this beautiful home to share with them, and I hope they are enjoying themselves. 

September 25

I had a birthday, again.  This was the 61st time this has happened to me.  This has happened alot.  You have no idea how fast time goes by until you look back and say you are 61 years old.  GOSH!!

We went out to Becky Westbrook's ranch about 26 miles from Median yesterday and met Pam and Doc from Sugartree.  We went fishing and Pam caught about 20, Doc caught 1 and Chris caught 1.  I caught none, zero, zip, nil.  But it was fun anyway.  We have new fishing poles and Chris says we could start fishing, more, and have a big time.  I have a fishing hat too.  Chris has a fishing vest.  And we have a tackle box and alot of lures.  Good ones.  I never new that fishing could be so much fun.  After we fished all day we went to Helotes to a CONCERT and saw Ray Price.  (Make the world go away..etc).  He is 83 and looks about 103 but he still has such a beautiful voice.  I guess he is still doing what he loves and it was great.  It was outdoors and kinda hot, but we danced and had fun.  It was too hot to drink anything but tea and suck on the ice.

Mandy came on Thursday and we went out to dinner with her and Mary Ann and Melissa and Ramsey for my birthday.  Gabriel called while we were there.  I wish they could have been with us.  And I wish Patrick could have been there too.  But they weren't and that was ok.  I love all my little babies.  Then Friday we went to the ranch and Mandy went to the airport to pick up her sisters from Florida (2 of them) and they came over to Helotes to the Ray Price concert.  Today they went shopping and Chris just took them to Martinee's to party hard. He just dumped them out and they were sure dolled up.  I hope they don't get into trouble.  They are taking a cab home.  They wanted to take Mandy's car, but it wasn't really a good idea.  I don't have any idea how long they are going to stay.  Or what I am going to do with them.  But we are leaving Wednesday to go to Ruidoso and Chris is going hunting with Gabriel.  So after Wednesday they are on their own.  They are really on their own anyway.  This is crazy, I don't hardly know what to think!!  It's like they are all on vacation and I am the hostess.  But it's really ok, I just don't know what to do with them.  I just hope they are enjoying their vacation. 

Chris (football-my-life) has been happy all day watching all the games.  Texas got beat is all I know, and at home...hehe.  Hope Emily had a good weekend at her leadership retreat and that she gets to go home next weekend.  It will make Caroline happy. 

Mary Ann, Melissa, and Ramsey have gone to the coast.  She just called to make sure I was still alive.  I think she might have had a little something to drink...since I just saw her the day before.

That's about it so until tomorrow..bye.

September 22

Joe Ramsey and Karla had a baby boy this morning.  John Amon and he was a big one.  Nine lbs something..but not as big as his big brother was.  Carol says all is well so I'll just have to wait to hear when I can go see them.  A new life.   Amazing.

I thought Emily was coming this weekend, but she had applied to be in a campus leadership program and was accepted for that and they are having a retreat this weekend, so maybe some other time.  She's going home the next weekend, and her sister Caroline will be so happy to see her.  So that is good.  And Matt and his friends are coming to San Antonio, but they aren't staying with us.  They are just going to the wedding, playing golf, and going back.  But Mandy  (Mikie's ex)is coming and bringing two of her sisters.  They will be on their own tho, I already told her we won't be around.  I am not looking forward to this but what do you do.

Carrie told me today that some boys at school have been bothering Caroline, just talking ugly, talking about sex, talking about smoking dope, just cussing and being crappy little 8th graders.  She is so sweet and doesn't want to get anybody in trouble.  But two other girls heard them ask her if she was pregnant and it made her cry.  She isn't even big, but it's something all teenage girls worry about.  So, the other girls told on them and they are now in trouble, so hopefully they will leave her alone, and start acting better.  It makes me so sad for Caroline, because she is so sweet and just beautiful and talented.  So I am still hurting for her, because she is hurting.  But Carrie says it is ok and Caroline is fine.  I hope so.  I love her.

I'm sad.  I'm going to bed.

September 19

Another beautiful week has come and gone.  We had a lot more rain this week, which is always good.  I went to see Ramona and Beezus with my daughter and youngest granddaughter Ramsey.  She is so funny and sweet.  She just loves everything and everybody.  My oldest granddaughter Emily is coming to see us this weekend.  She is a beautiful freshman at Texas A & M University.  She wants some cowboy boots, says everybody wears them there, duh!  I can't believe she doesn't have any cowboy boots!!  I can't wait to see her.

We have a new priest.  He reads his sermons which is not so great.  Chris says it doesn't matter because he can't hear anyway.  That really is getting worse, so Mary Ann and I are thinking about taking a course in American Sign Language.  The only problem with that is he has to actually LOOK at you, which could be a problem.  Our new priest tells jokes too.  Today it was:  Adam says to Eve, "I don't understand why God made you so beautiful and so stupid at the same time."  Eve replied, "He made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me, and he made me stupid so I would be attracted to you."  Okie dokie!!

I went to a jewelry party with Patsy today in New Braunfels and why I don't know.  I don't even like jewelry that much.  Anyway I'm way too old to buy something just because I'm embarrassed not too.  The refreshments were good and I did say thank you for inviting me.  And made my escape.

The Boardwalk Empire is starting tonight..right now...so gotta go.

P.S.  The reason I don't have any pictures anymore is because Mary Ann won't come over here and help me.

September 16

Thank goodness my sweet Mary Ann finally came over and showed me how to get back in to my blog.  I hope I haven't lost all my followers because I haven't been able to let you know what has been going on.  It was a problem with the password/log in thing but now I'm back in business.  There have been lots of  hours with Judge Judy, Hoarders, Forensic Files, and my new favorite Animal Hoarders.  And I finished my painting of the flowers, the huge one for the entryway.  And I'm almost finished with Mary and Baby Jesus.  But the big news is Chris has finally come home, thank goodness.  I missed him so much and it was awful because the phone in Ruidoso is in the front room which is piled high to the ceiling with beds and all the stuff from upstairs that you can't get to it.  And the cell phones don't work up in the canyon, so we couldn't talk on the phone until he came into town....to eat usually or play golf.  But we did email back and forth, Carol said I should IM him but I don't know how to do that, but he doesn't either, so he'd send me an email and I'd send him one back.  I should have flown to Roswell or El Paso, but after Carol left we had the hurricane, actually a tropical storm, but hurricane sounds better, and then it was almost time for him to come back, but still I should have gone.  I'm just so glad he's home.

I started my Bible study yesterday next door at Sonya Kelly's with some of our neighbors, her Mom and sister, and I think it will be good.  You know on my mind always is our son Patrick and how much I love and  miss him and his family.  My prayer is someday things will be better.  Chris and I will never really be whole again until we have him back.

I have decided I am a crummy poker player and don't know the first thing about the game.  I don't understand half of what Mary Ann says about it on her blog.  But the thing is it's so much fun, and I do win alot, well occasionally, and I love it when people get mad and say stupid things.  I love to beat the mouthy ones.  I love to beat anybody.  I just love to play poker.

Gabriel called last night and told Chris all about his big hunt and he shot something.  It looks like a big giant deer with horns, but he called it some kind of goat.  He's having the head cut off and going to have it mounted or whatever and wants to hang it on the wall in Ruidoso.  I said 'sure, we want the place to look like Clayton Williams' house in Midland.'  I said 'you don't have anyplace to hang it at your house, or Carrie doesn't want it in the house?', and he said 'sort of' and I couldn't tell if the timidness in his voice was fear of me or of Carrie, he is such a funny sweet man, so we'll hang it with the fish he caught and the one Jackson caught and the one Chris caught.  Now I think we are going to need something like a turkey or some kind of birdishness or a bear or something to compliment this menagerie we are going to put in our newly remodeled home in Ruidoso.  Actually I think it will be nice to have dead animal heads, and dead fish hanging all over the place, because just think of the stories they will be able to retell, every time someone asks about this one or that one.  It will be so much fun!!

Back to the painting.  Chris is out hiking.  Mary Ann left after her oatmeal.  Another day in paradise.

September 10

Since Chris is still in Ruidoso I can watch whatever I want to on the TV.  If you have not seen Hoarders, well all I can say is that you will not believe it.  These people save everything, trash, empty boxes, papers, I mean everything.  And usually they collect something  and they have thousands. And it is usually something that most people wouldn't want at all.  The stuff is everywhere.  You can't walk through their houses.  The faucets don't work, you can't use the stove.  And the BUGS!  Then, some family member contacts some type of 'hoarder professional'   who gets all these volunteers to come over and baby talk these people to please throw away some of your stuff and we will help you clean it all up.  Then the hoarders cry and don't want to throw anything away.  So it takes days to clean up to some extent. And everybody knows that they will just start doing it again.  Also, I'm wondering where they find these volunteers..I mean I think you should try to help your fellow man..but I'm just saying.  Most people would not be volunteering to do that, and most people would suggest a bonfire if you ever saw anything like that.  So this is what I have been watching.

Now, last night it was just Cops, and World's Dumbest...whatever.  So I found Animal Planet and if you have a hard time believing Hoarders....just try Animal Hoarders on Animal Planet.  The dogs, like 40 that live in the house.  The cats, like 127 that live in the house.  Well you can imagine, but you really can't and even I can hardly watch it.  But evidently somebody is watching it, probably people who have a relative like that and are trying to figure out a way to get some 'volunteers' to go over there and do something about it.

So if you don't have any  hoarding problems consider yourself very lucky.  I know I'm certainly glad that is ONE obsession I don't have.  In fact, I have spent today discarding every magazine over 2 months old, and organizing closets and the pantry.  (I saw the previews today for one coming on where when they start throwing out things, there are bats in everything.  Yes, bats.  Well I just don't know what to say.  I'm getting all creepy just thinking about it.  But I truly do feel sorry for people who have this horrible problem.

And to think that when I talk to Chris he is going to the golf course, going fishing, going to Cloudcroft, the workers have given him elk steaks, which he is preparing like chicken fried steak, and the mountains are beautiful and the river is flowing.  Poor thing, I'm thinking maybe I should record one of these Hoarder shows for him.  He might like that.

September 8

The tropical storm  has finally passed I hope.  We had 4 1/2 inches yesterday and over 5 1/2 inches so far today.  The water came up on to the patio and was about 2 inches away from the door.  Chris is still in Ruidoso and I think I am a fraidy cat after all.  He called when it was at it's worst and I told him about the patio so he called Tim (Kelly) next door and Tim called me and wanted to come over and turn the valve or something on the pool to let water out, but it was POURING down rain and I told him it was fine, and finally it did quit raining and the patio is fine.  But the front yard is going to have to have some work done on it, part of the flower bed has washed away and is gone down the street.  But I guess we are lucky compared to the people in Mexico and Brownsville.  And Mary Ann has lost a huge tree in her front yard poor thing.  And the electricity keeps going off and on so I'm getting off of this and hope I don't get blown away.  And the TV better come back on is all I have to say.

September 7

Labor Day weekend has come and gone.  Carol and I just shopped and ate and talked.  We got in the pool Sunday because it was nice, and then she left Monday so now I am all alone.  Chris is in Ruidoso and says the remodeling is coming along.  He said he would pick me up in El Paso if I want to fly up there but now we are having a HURRICANE or a TROPICAL STORM or SOMETHING.  It is raining so hard you can hardly see the street in the front.  The pool is overflowing and the wind is blowing.  So I'm just going to paint. 

And as far as playing poker you can forget that.  All the crummy AIPF idiots are playing today and I have already lost about 6 tournaments so that's it for me today.  Maybe they will go back to work in a little while and I can try again.  In fact, I think I have just talked myself in to trying it again.  No, I'm going to wait.... have a little will power would you!!   Come on!!  I'm pitiful.  

September 3

Well, I know that all of you (my readers and followers) have wondered about my silence yesterday.  So I will set your mind at rest and tell you that I am fine, and have some news.  I have already discussed with you the details of having to buy a computer.  But I had a horrible experience with a june bug that got into my hair, while I was drinking a cup of coffee and playing poker.  Needless to say the computer is no more.  So today Mary Ann and I went to Best Buy and bought this nifty computer (it was the cheapest one they had and I think it will be fine.) 

So my sweet daughter got it all set up so I can find my blog, and my email account, and her blog (pokerlawyer.blogspot.com) and installed bodog... I am back in business.  (Her blog is a lot better than mine but she talks a lot of legalize and a lot of poker which can get very boring) 

And the best news of all Carol got here today for a visit.  I am so happy.  We will play mahjongg and shop and have fun.  Chris is leaving tomorrow to go to Monahans to play in a golf tournament then to Brownfield to go bird hunting with Gabriel, then to Ruidoso to check on things.  So I will miss him but my sister is here and we will have a great time.  I will be sure to tell you all about it.  Later.

September 1

Time is flying by.  It's already September.  Everything seems to go quickly except the work in Ruidoso.  But they keep saying it will be ready for Christmas.  I sure hope so. 

I worked on a painting all day.  I've got it at Patsy's because she's giving me some help because it's flowers and I don't even like to paint flowers but she says it will help with my technique.  We'll see.  Blah.

I had a dream about Suzi Blair last night.  I haven't dreamed about her in a long time.  She came into my house and wanted to teach me a new dance.  It was awful and I told her so and she said "oh no, this is going to be all the rage and you need to learn it."  It was called the 'reindeer' and she was just jumping around all over my house.  So I tried it, anybody could have done it.  So now I'm just waiting for the reindeer dance to become popular and I am going to be ahead of the game.  That was her whole point.  Weird huh?

I'm tired of this hot weather.  Maybe it's going to cool off this month.  I hope so but what will be will be.

August 31

Finally started painting today.  Yeah!

August 30

What in the world did I do today?  Mary Ann came over for cereal but didn't stay long.  Chris left by 7 to go play golf.  I had lunch with Patsy and have gotten all my paints out to start painting something, what I don't know.  Maybe something will come to me.  I guess it was a day just like many others, but now it has come and gone.  I remember thinking this afternoon that the sky was so beautiful.  So everyday is special in some way...and in that way...today was special in its simplicity.

August 29

I had a dream last night that I got mugged by three guys who were talking and  rapping about me, when I came out of an old warehouse  that I had gone in to to find my horse.  I looked like a pony, but actually it was a full grown horse, not one of those miniature horses, but just a small horse.  The muggers slit my throat and took my purse, I fought really hard because it was my louie and it made them mad.  All I had in it was a fake million dollar bill with Obama's  picture on it.  (somebody had given it to me in Denver)  I had screamed and screamed and everyone turned off their lights because they didn't want to get involved.  Then they pushed me down and got my purse and cut out my tongue because I had screamed, and they got my purse.  Didn't die.  Just didn't have a tongue anymore and it was awful because I couldn't talk at all. 

Today......no news is good news.

August 28

Chris played golf with Bob today and I ran errands it seemed like all day.  I moved all the pictures from the hall to the dining room.  Ohhhhhhh.....now I have room for lots more pictures!  It was a great day.  All is well.  And that's the way uh-huh uh-huh I like it uh-huh uh-huh.

August 27

Mary Ann came over today to help me load all my new pictures and try to teach me how to link them where I wanted them to go.  It was very hard because she would act like she was trying to teach me something but really she was looking at her blog and tweeting and doing I don't know what.  But I think I finally figured a little bit of it out.  We'll see.  Actually we just spent the morning and early afternoon laughing and arguing but that's just the way we roll. 

Chris went for another long walk and cut his arm, a tree attacked him.  Me:  You cut your arm.  Mary Ann:  Oh Daddy..what happened! Are you alright?  Does it hurt?

Ramsey came over after school and we all went swimming.  But Mary Ann, the great computer GURU, and doting on her father DAUGHTER ran out of gas on the way to pick her up and had to call 'daddy' to come rescue her..which he did.

I think maybe it is cooling off a little finally, maybe not but today was wonderful in so many ways.

August 26

Today is Chris' birthday.  I thank God that I'm his wife and he is cancer free and we are still having a great time and have a great life.  We didn't really celebrate too much.  He went to play golf this morning with Dr. Dave, and then we went to Cosco and bought a computer, so I guess you could say for his birthday he bought me a computer.  Nice guy, huh?  (We did go back to Apple...at the mall with the boots, not back to La Cantera, and try to get a Mac but you can't load Bodog on a Mac, so forget that)

He wanted an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins so that's what he got.  Mary Ann and Ramsey came over and had some with us.  Melissa was still working, poor thang! 

I talked to Carol today and she may come see me Labor Day weekend..I hope so.  That's all for today, just feeling very happy and blessed and HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!  (Just one more year and we can get social security if there is any left)

August 25

Well, I started out the day with great plans to get a new computer.  My crummy computer I had to leave in Ruidoso because the keyboard is fried and I have to share with Chris, who is a big hog always on AGGIE YELL!  W e went to the Apple store at La Cantera and got an  ipad.  After Chris spent almost two hours trying to get it set up, and being really mad he had to get an itunes account to do it, we still couldn't get it.....so......we had to call Mary Ann (the great internet, blogger fixer, and twitterer) to help us.  So I took it over there and she got it going in about 3 minutes.  Then I  came home and immediately tried to download bodog, of course, and WHHHHAATTTT!  You can't download bodog on an ipad.  So back to La Cantera (in 5 o'clock traffic) to return the thing to BIG FAT DUMB bad breath having Armando who I specifically asked if I could play poker on it and he assured me I could.  And he said he didn't know that..(like that was supposed to make me happy...not)  and that he wasn't even going to charge me the $80.00 restocking fee.  And asked if that was ok.  Hmmmmmm...let me think a minute, ....ok, I guess it would be ok for you not to charge me the restocking fee.  TYVM!!!! You BIG FAT DUMB bad breath having computer salesman that doesn't know anything about ipads.  So tomorrow I'm going to Cosco or someplace real crummy to buy a lap top that I CAN PLAY POKER ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then they sent Chris a survey by email and he gave them a 2, and got mad all over again because they asked 'did they help you set up your ipad before you left the store?' and he checked the NNNOOOOOOOO! box.  So there you go.

August 24

I decided after all that shopping yesterday that I could probably make a top like I wanted to buy...but didn't.  So I went to Jo Ann Fabrics and bought some fabric and came home and made it.  It wasn't that easy, I did have to rip two seams out but it turned out fine.  So I'm feeling very proud of myself.  But what I really want to do is paint.  Maybe tomorrow.

Chris thawed out some steaks and cooked them outside, and it had started to rain but not very much.  And they were great!  He went for a long walk down in the backwoods this morning, but I didn't go.  Maybe tomorrow.

By the way, I did go to the grocery store today, and the cleaners, and I took the film to be developed....that should count for something.

The sun is setting and it's been another beautiful (but hot) day.

August 23

Chris spent the day clearing of all mess on his desk.  At least that what he said he did.  It doesn't look any different to me.  I met Patsy for lunch and we spent about 2 hrs just catching up and then about 3 hrs shopping, always fun when you seem to always like to look at the same things.  It's nice to get back in the old routine.  But I still didn't go to the grocery store.  But we had some kind of frozen stir fry that was freezer burnt but edible, barely.  I'll go tomorrow.......I hope.  But it surely is hot in San Antonio.  "Old people don't like the heat."

Today is my friend Candy Mermis's birthday.  She was one of my best friends in high school.  Her parents were the best man and maid (matron?) of honor at our wedding.  That was back in the day, when you had to be Catholic to do that.  Her Dad, Marvin has passed, and her Mom, Margie, is in assisted living in Las Cruces where Candy lives.  Her sister was Suzie Henley,  who was Carol's age and friends with her in high school.  Suzie is Joey's mom, and Joey was Gabriel's friend growing up.  We are going to try to get together sometime, maybe when the place is ready in Ruidoso, she's closer to there anyway.  Nothing like an old high school friend.

Hope all the grandkids got off to school alright today.  Big day for them .  I love them all.

August 22

Gabe and Carrie, Caroline and Jackson, left today to go back to Brownfield.  Mary Ann, Melissa, and Ramsey (and Rocco) left to go back to their house because the air conditioner people got finished around 3:00 so about 5 they felt it was cool enough to maybe be comfortable.

Ramsey starts Kindergarten tomorrow.  I can't believe it!  She's getting older and so are we!  Caroline with be an 8th grader, Jordan a 6th grader, Dayton, Peyton, and Jackson will be 4th graders.  Wow!

Chris has gone to Mass, I'm sitting on the couch too tired to move.

Maybe I will get to the grocery store tomorrow.  That would be a good thing.  And maybe I can start trying to lose some of this poundage I gained on this road trip.  I gained 7 lbs, Chris gained 15.  He will lose his in a week or so, I think I just gained another pound talking about it.

August 21

The Brownfield Hisel's got back today, minus Emily.  Everyone went swimming it was so hot and nobody wanted to get out.  So later we got cleaned up and went down to Free Tail and had pizza.  I don't have any food in my house and haven't been to the grocery store, maybe tomorrow.

The guys watched the Cowboys and most of the rest of us piled up on my bed and watched Old Dogs, a favorite of Jackson's.  I fell asleep and everyone ended up in a bed somewhere so it worked out fine I hope.

August 20

Gabriel and Carrie left today to take Emily to A & M.  Caroline went with them, and Jackson stayed here with Ramsey (and Rocco)
I had made an appointment at Yardley's on the way home because I needed a little "maintenance" from my hairdresser.  So I ran down there first thing this morning and got a little touch up.
 Mary Ann, Melissa and the rest of us went to the Dry Dock and ate oysters, shrimp, lobster, and crab legs.  It was great but too much food as usual.  Home and to bed.

August 19

Left Odessa after the meeting and drove to San Antonio.  We were very excited to get back home.  Mary Ann, Melissa, and Ramsey have been staying at our house because their air conditioner has gone out and they are going to have to get a new one.  So they were there and Gabriel and Carrie and the kids got there about 2 hrs after we got home.  They will spend the night and are taking Emily to College Station tomorrow.  Can't believe my little granddaughter is going to start college.  Another Aggie in the family..it's great!

But the greatest thing!! In the mail Stephanie had sent a picture of their family (they look so wonderful) and pictures of Dayton, Peyton, and Jordan.  Also a note from Steph, and a thank you note from Jordan for her birthday present.  They are moving to Aledo and Patrick will commute to Mineral Wells.  It made me so happy to get the pictures and notes. 

August 18

Had an extra day at Mike's and he treated us like tourist.  We went to the Presidential Museum, very impressive, and the Art Museum, even better.  Had some great exhibits, also went to see George W's first home in Odessa, behind the Presidential Museum.  Yeah George!!  Went and saw all the brands from the ranchers in the area, the Dunagan's had one, as did the Vest/Pigmon's, and the Allen's (Helen Williams parents).  Then we went to the movie and saw Eat, Pray, Love.  I loved it.  Mike and Chris not so much.  Back to Mike's and off to bed.         

Little Georgie W sat in the little yellow chair

August 17

Started the morning off by going to the er, Carol had an allergic reaction to something and have to get an iv and some medicine.  Luckily the swelling went down and we got to the funeral on time.  The funeral was in Kermit, the burial in Monahans, and the "big house" (Fay's) to visit.  I'm glad I got to see my friend Vicki and her Mom Nita.  Rex will be so missed by his family.  He was 83 years old, the same age my Dad would be.

Drove to Mike Dunagan's to spend 2 nights instead of the usual one for Chris' meeting.  Mike was kind enough when Chris called him to say we could come on over.  So off we went.  Had a great visit with Mike and all went to bed early

August 16

Left Ruidoso go to Monahans.  Met Carol and we got rooms there.  Had a great visit with Cathy Parks and Bob.  Funeral tomorrow.

August 15

Got bad news today.  Rex Pigmon, my friend Vicki's father, died and we'll leave tommorrow for Monahans. 

August 14

Went down to Sacred Grounds to get online.  While this house is under construction we have no internet and no phones..just cells that don't work in Upper Canyon.  It rained really hard, and the workers aren't working today.  Chris fried up a mess of the trout we caught at Vermejo.  It was delicious!!  Early to bed.

August 13

Just hung around Ruidoso, took a drive up to Bonito Lake and drove up to Nogal.  Didn't even know this part of Ruidoso was there.  They have made some progress on the house...but it is slow going.  At least the river and the mountains are still beautiful!  

August 12

Had to leave Vermejo today and drove to Ruidoso. It just got prettier and cooler all the way in. We arrived around 1:30 and the workers were busy on the roof and siding. It started raining and smelled so good. We were very happy to be back home in Ruidoso. Mike the contractor came by and we visited about all the work and everything is going good. We went by to see Jeff Barlean the cabinet guy to finalize the upstairs bathroom and headed to Elena's for mexican food, we couldn't miss a meal and Elena's is the best. The end of a great
vacation. I don't know how it could have been any better. I loved every minute of it and will never forget this wonderful experience. We both know we are so blessed and are eternally grateful. We have a wonderful life and a beautiful country to live in. God is good.

August 11

Another fabulous breakfast and off to the lake. We used one of their pickups and went back to Bartlett because we had had good luck yesterday. Caught the first one around 11, broke for our picnic lunch, after having to wait on a bear that wouldn't leave the area where our pickup was parked. He finally went away so we could come ashore and leave our boat. We ended up catching 5 (I only caught 1) and quit around 6. I hated to leave, the lake is so beautiful, but it was getting late. We went back in and Chris had duck, and I had a steak. We ate about 3 bites and had to give up. It was great but we were so full from the fried chicken lunch we weren't even hungry. So we called it a night and went to bed early. I hate to leave tomorrow but all things must end. It has been wonderful at Vermejo, the perfect way to end a wonderful road trip.

August 10

Left Raton and got to Vermejo Park Ranch around 8:30. The closer we got the more beautiful. Checked in and of course had breakfast. We were staying in Casa Minor right next to the Lodge so it was great, a big big room with a great view. Got our gear to go fishing and had Chuck Pompeo for a guide. He was 77 yrs old and has been working at Vermejo for 42 years. He had some great stories, some we heard more than once. We went to Bartlett Lake and started fishing. We saw some bear come up to the shore while we were out on the lake, they were fishing too. Caught some in the morning, had our picnic lunch, and went back out.  We ended up catching 8 each, it was close but we ended up in a tie, so we got our limit and called it a day around 5. Sam the guitar player from Trinidad, Co set up on the veranda and starting entertaining us. Chris got to sing Mama Tried and Silver Wings with him. It was great. We danced and had a great time.

Then we went in to eat, stuffed ourselves on sea bass and bison. Opened our last bottle of wine from the Alexander Valley in California. By the time we went to bed we had had it. But tomorrow we'll go back out and try our luck without Chuck and see how we do. Vermejo is, like my Dad said, the most beautiful place in the world.  

August 9

Chris woke up at 4:30 and wanted to go ahead a get on the road (beat all the downtown traffic) so by 5 we were on the way to Raton. We almost had to go back about 5:40 because he thought he left his phone until I called it and it was in his pocket (this was after pulling over and going through everything in the suitcases, dirty clothes, trash bags, and calling the hotel to tell them to go look in the room for it) So...then we did a little detour of about 40 miles to go through the Valley of Legends which took a couple of hours,and it was beautiful, the last part of Colorado for us but it was really to kill time because we were going to get to Raton about 9 a.m. Anyway we made it here and immediately had to go eat because we were starving. Then checked in and had to immediately take naps because we were stuffed and sleepy from getting up so early. Then we had lots of laundry to do. Chris helped me carry it down, he had to wear his dress pants from his bank meeting, tennis shoes, and a wife beater, I had to wear a bathing suit coverup. That's all we had clean. We went riding around in the rain, looking like homeless people. It's good to be back in New Mexico, it's raining and it is so nice and cool. Hope it doesn't rain in Vermejo tomorrow. We're going fishing with a guide so hopefully we will catch something. Can't wait!

August 8

We went to Mass this morning at Holy Ghost downtown. We took the free mall bus then walked 3 blocks. It was a beautiful big church, it reminded me of St. John's. It was in Latin, incense, the whole shebang. Walked back got the car and went on a tour of homes. We saw some beautiful homes, 1million to 2million. Came back and walked to a Mexican food place, walked back and laid up waiting for the COWBOYS. I
was going to go to the movie but it started raining. So Cowboys it was. Denver has been a lot of fun and I'm so glad we stayed downtown. Leaving early tomorrow for Raton, NM, have GOT to do laundry tomorrow.
Time for bed.

August 7

It was nice to just feel that we could relax today. We left the hotel around 9:30 and walked to the museums. We went to the art museum and it was fabulous. I could have stayed all day. We left there and walked back and stopped at a Nail Salon (pick u color) and we both got a mani/pedi.

We just spent time on the 16th street mall looking around. We rode the free mall buses which are a pretty neat deal. We had sushi and went back to the room and took a nap. Then we went back out, they are showing a free movie on the lawn right outside our hotel and we watched a little of it. (Cats and Dogs) We went to Starbucks got a Mocha, visited with a guy who was preaching the gospel made our way back watched a little of the movie and came up to our room. Another
beautiful day. Denver is great, at least downtown is anyway.

August 6

Oh Wyoming what a state. Very beautiful, wide open spaces, another beautiful one but so far I think Montana is the winner. We got to Denver around 1 or so without any unexpected bison or battlefield stops. We are downtown and everything is happening right here. We walked over to the public library, right by the Capitol building, it is very impressive. Checked the microfilm for city directory from 1935-1949 for Ann Underwood, Big Daddy's mother's half sister. But we couldn't find her. Walked back changed and went out for the night. Walked to the movie and saw Inception, don't waste your money. Lots of night life right here, music, street entertainment, everything. A very happening place.

Tomorrow we will go exploring..see what we can find.
Long day and we are tired and happy we don't have to get up and drive tomorrow. Staying right here, sleeping in.

August 5

Left beautiful Montana today. We were in Montana until about the last 15 miles when we passed into Wyoming. We both loved Montana. The country is just wonderful, much prettier than Oregon, the mountains

and valleys are just gorgeous. We stopped at Little Big Horn Battleground National Monument. Had our picnic there. We spent about 3 hrs there, looking at all the battle stuff, gravesites, reading about the whole battle. Really incredible. I stayed in the car for about 2 of those 3 hrs, Chris LOVED it.   Got to Sheridan and checked in and went looking around. Little town about 15,000 ppl, but a great downtown. There are different sculpted art works on every corner that are just great. We ate at the Rib Chop Shop. Very good. Saw some beautiful old homes, and a pretty park that had buffalo (real ones). See, we could have passed on the Bison National Park and just seen more here anyway. Wyoming I think will be flatter, but still pretty. It is the least populated state..lots of wide open spaces. We're going all the way across it tomorrow to Denver then rest for a couple of days. So far so good.

August 4

Left Spokane around 8:30 and so much for not being on the road so long. About half way to Butte Chris discovered a Bison National Park that you drive through. It took over 2 hours to go about 10 miles on a dirt road. We saw some buffalo (Bison I should say) off in a pasture, one deer, something else with horns, a deer I guess, and a chipmunk. Chris LOVED it and I was hungry. We stopped at the end of the tour and had a picnic. Then started back up for Butte. We got there about 6:00, and really it was seven because we are back in mt. time, checked in to the Hampton Inn and I started the laundry. We went to the Uptown Cafe (Uptown is really neat) and had a great meal we should have split. And a bottle of wine. Came home and had to go back to get Chris's cap from Arena Light House he forgot. Finally settled in and Chris has been looking at the map and guess what..we are going right through Little Big Horn something or another and "this is going to be great" so tomorrow

on the way to Sheridan we will be touring Little Big Horn to see where Custer got his. So there you go. Until tomorrow.

August 3

We left Bear Mountain for the ferry. That is just so neat driving your car on the ferry and sitting up top. Took about 90 minutes then drove over to the Edmonds ferry and that took about 30 minutes. The scenery started off really pretty with mountains and still nice and cool. By the time we got to Spokane it was flat and wheat fields. It
was a long day and we are going to bed early..at the Hilton, kinda not so nice, but a bed and shower anyway. Tomorrow to Butte, Mo. Won't be on the road so long so maybe we can check out Butte a little. We have
met and talked to so many nice people. This is great fun.

August 2

We went to the grocery store bought stuff for a picnic, went to Fort Rodd (it had a lighthouse) Chris LOVED it!! Had our picnic, went downtown, so much to do. Did the tour bus and saw it all. That's always the way to do it, tour bus. Went to the Oyster Bar next to the Fairmont Empress it was great.

Came back 'home' finished off a bottle of wine. Packed up to leave Canada tomorrow. So glad we came here. Anyone would love it. Back to Seattle tomorrow and on to parts unknown. We're going to stop when we get tired. Have to be in Butte, Mo day after tomorrow so somewhere in between. Nite Nite.

August 1

Today is our anniversary! 43 years of total bliss! (sort of)

Here we are in beautiful Victoria. We went to Mass this morning at Our Lady of the Rosary.  A pretty little church, nice and friendly. Then went to Butchart Gardens and they were unbelieveable. I took lots of pictures and hope they turn out. Then we went over to see a castle, very pretty but no Hearst Castle.
 
Then we went downtown and they were having a music festival and had the naval symphony playing on a floating ship in the harbor. Right across the street from the Impress Hotel. We ate at an Irish pub had fish and chips and Irish whiskey. Lots of fun. Came back to Bear Mountain. I'm doing laundry and we'll probably turn on in. Great day in Canada!

July 31

Caught the 7:55 ferry to Bainbridge Island. It took 20 minutes then drove to Port Angeles which took about 2 hrs. My cousin Jimmy Ramsey (Howard and Merrill's son) and his wife Ann Marie met us at a little cafe for breakfast and across the street he had some of his paintings on display and for sale. I think he is a really good artist.
 
Then we left for the ferry and started across. It took 90 minutes (18 miles to Canada) and was heavy fog all the way. Chris and I sat up top outside. It was chilly but I had my Uggs and a big coat. It was so much fun.

Just when we got back to land the fog just lifted and the temperature rose about 10 degrees. Victoria is absolutely beautiful.

As soon as we departed we drove out of the ferry area and pulled in to a parking spot for Chris to put the address for Bear Mountain Resort into the GPS and a big ole tour bus pulled in front of us and scraped our car with his tires. The driver got out and ran back to see the damage but there was really none just some tire marks that will buff out. Chris got out of the car to talk to him and his hearing aid fell out. He had flipped it out to talk on the phone to Bear Mountain to get the address, so he says everything is ok to the bus driver..off he goes and off we go. One block down Chris says.."My hearing aid!"..pulls over and goes running back to see if he can find it in the street when he got out to talk to the bus driver. He comes back with it but it had been run over by a car!! But he has his spare ones..the butter bean ones..so we are back in business. So 10 minutes after arriving in Canada we "got runned over by a damned ole bus" and got a hearing aid "runned over". But if that's the worst that happens to us on this trip it's ok. We drove through downtown which is gorgeous and out to Bear Mountain which is also a beautiful place. We went into town to a little pizza place came back settled in and getting ready for another big day tomorrow.

July 30

We arrived in beautiful Seattle checked in and went straight to Pike's Market down on the water. This lovely girl sold Chris a hat.  She saw Moncheechee in my purse and knew immediately what it was!  She was a good sport to model with him for our trek across the USA. 

 It was just about 3 blocks from theWestin but it was uphill going..at least downhill going back. Such a neat place..they had everything. We ate right across the street from all the hoopla and just watched the people and listened to the guys singing on the street corner. It was great.

There's Chris wearing the hat she sold him!

Went back to the hotel and rested up to...what else but...go eat at Salty's across the bay and had a beautiful view of downtown Seattle which is an extremely cool city.

Molly met us at the Westin and drove us to Salty's and delivered us back. We have to get up early tomorrow to catch the ferry so it's nite nite.

July 29

We left Grants Pass around 7:30 and drove through Oregon to Portland. It was beautiful mountains..green..and at least we were on the interstate finally.

Made it to 4 pts in Portland and we went straight to a great fish restaurant on the water and ate and drank wine. Came back to the hotel where Chris took a nap and I did laundry. A couple of hours later we went downtown to their riverwalk and it was very nice. We sat outside at a little table..it's 70 degrees here..had some snacks and a drink and made it back to the hotel around 9:30.

 Off to Seattle tomorrow. (They have slot machines in C stores and in bars and restaurants that are owned by the state lottery..weird. And also it's against the law to pump your own gas in Oregon..they have to do it for you, and don't try to do it yourself. And they don't take credit cards for gas..just debit cards or cash. I won't be moving to Oregon. They are very proud of it so they can keep it all to themselves).

July 28

Decided not to stay another night in Eureka since drive to Portland would be so long. So of course we ate the gourmet breakfast before we started out for Grants Pass. We went through the Redwood National Forest and took our time..it was just beautiful..like dinosaurs could be just around the corner.

Arrived at Grants Pass about 2:30 and checked in to a Best Western. At least we are back in civilization..phones..internet. We went for a little drive to check out the town of about 30,000. They have a beautiful river running through the town and a great park. Very pretty. Went to a little bar next door to the hotel...had a drink and I played a slot machine. They have them everywhere! 

Back to the hotel...rest up and off we go to Portland tomorrow. So far this has just been awesome.

July 27

Another great breakfast at Joshua Grindle..muffins..fritatie..baked peaches. Then sadly had to leave beautiful Mendicino for Eureka.

 On the way to Eureka we went on the detour through the Avenue of the Giants. Giant redwoods!! Enormous! We stopped along the way and had a picnic and a bottle of wine. I might have had more than Chris..he was driving after all.

The Carter House is a reproduction of an old victorian house right on the bay.

The drive was some of the most beautiful yet. We went to do our laundry first then went to dinner at Restaurant 301 right across the street from where we were staying. The best meal yet...and they had a 300 page wine list..but they corked one of our bottles for us and it was all delicious. Then for a little stroll and to bed.

July 26

Started the morning off with stuffed french toast with berries and apple turkey sausage. So Good! They packed us a picnic lunch with everything you could want and we added a bottle of our wine and off we went.

First to the Arena Point light house. Quite a drive and 137 steps to the top. Thought I would die..but worth it for the view.

Then came back the other way and went to the Botanical Gardens and had our lunch in the Cliff House, a glassed in house in the Gardens that overlooks the ocean. Breathtaking!

Back to Joshua Grindle for a nap. Then out to the headlands overlooking the sea where we took some clam chowder that was great but we weren't that hungry so we fed it to the seagulls.

 Then we checked out the cemetery and back to bed.

July 25

Went to early Mass then to Crepevine downtown for breakfast. Downtown area is beautiful.

 
Then left San Rafael for Mendicino. The drive was beautiful through the Alexander Valley. We passed about 30 wineries and stopped about 5. Made it it Mendicino which is like something out of the movies. So lovely right by the ocean. A little town of about 1000. No phone service no tv no internet. We went to check out the town and found a big tent up with a band playing so we joined the fun. Everyone was dancing like Elaine Bennis so we decided why not. It was a blast. Then off to bed. Joshua Grindle is the B & B where we are staying...just the best you could ask for.

July 24

Left Pebble Beach around 9 and drove through San Francisco...should have gone around to Oakland but we wanted to go across the Golden Gate Bridge instead of the Bay Bridge.

It took us two hours to go down 19th Street so we could cross the Golden Gate Bridge.  By the time we got there, I snapped this picture and was like "yeah, yeah, the Golden Gate Bridge - keep going!"


We stopped in Sausalito to have lunch at the Spinnaker right on the water with a great view of the Ferry coming in. Sausalito is as pretty as Carmel only prettier if you can believe that. Checked into the 4 pts in San Rafael...did laundry...went to bed after riding around and looking at the town. Very pretty town. Saw the Mission of San Rafael the Archangel...we'll go to Mass there tomorrow.

July 23

Cindy and Molly and I went in a golf cart while the guys played golf. Wow the course is so beautiful. Molly took lots of pictures then we turned the cart in after the first nine and we went into Carmel. What a wonderful town. We had lunch at a little sidewalk cafe..I thought I was in France or someplace in Europe. Went to dinner with everyone after we sat out and watched the bagpiper come up over the hills. Beautiful. Back to the Lodge and to bed. Have to leave this beautiful place tomorrow for San Rafael.