Needing to Update

Well it's been quite a experience the last week or so....We have gotten moved and trying to get every thing unpacked and find a place for it..It has been quite a job, cause for one thing we don't know just where or in what things were packed...It's like Christmas every time we open up a box and we get to say OH THAT'S WHERE THAT WAS...At least we are 99 percent moved and about 75 percent straighten around with things in there place...I got on line and am just started to put all the electronics together...I have to keep looking in different boxes to get the right cables and cords, What a mess...I don't want to have to move again for sure...It sure is nice though to have more room than we had over at the other house...I have secured a nifty corner in the Texas room to set up all the computers and printers...Once I get it all set up and squared away I will take a picture and post it...Course I will have to find my camera first....LOL...

Well we have been told we must go to the Social Hour in the morning so we can be introduced to the folks in the Village..I have been informed that this is not a PARK, but a VILLAGE....Does that mean we have arrived???I guess only time will tell...

Big Move

Well today I made it official, that is the day of the big move...I went and reserved a u-haul truck this coming Monday for the move...I also asked a few of the men that I chum with if they would be available to help on Monday...Of course they all said OK and afterward several others came to me and said they would help also...At times like this it pays to have good friends to help out...We will sure be busy during the next few days just getting ready and packing...A lot of the small stuff we are moving by car ....The trips seem endless and we may run out of room to just place things...I don't know how we have accumulated so much in such a short time...The new place is a lot bigger but we may run out of room even before we get moved it seems...I know that we will eventually be able to get a place for every thing...Well the time has been set so on with the show....

A little update

Well a whole week has gone by and I haven't put any thing on the blog and I imagine you are wondering what is happening with us...Well this week it has been for the most part very cold in the deep south Texas we're living in...It's not suppose to be this cold at this time of the year for sure...Of course that's no excuse for not doing something, just not as much...We have really been kind of busy finishing up all the little things that need to be done before we really do all the moving...I don't want to be living some place and trying to fix up things and be in a mess.. This way if we get tired or something is going to take too long to fix or repair we can just quit for a while and not have to clean up and start over again....Today we were able to finish installing a new range hood over the stove in the island...It started out to be a 30 minute job and turned into about 5 hours or more...Some of the fittings and hook ups aren't the same size in a mobile home as in a regular house and when you run into them unexpected, they can sure cost you some time to engineer things to work...Well time is getting closer for the big move...I won't say just when that will happen, but it won't be too long in the future....I will try to do better to keep you informed...

Some progress?

Well here it is a couple of days after Thanksgiving and I am still full....The food was just great at the hall and was shared by all the Magnolia Family that cared to participate...Then it was just relaxing watching TV in the afternoon(to full to do anything anyway)...

Friday morning the carpet layers came about 10 AM and started to work...It was after 2 PM before they got done...They did a great job...I couldn't have ask for a better one so I was pleased....Today I took Marilyn over to see the work on the house that Gene and I have been doing and for her to see the new carpet....She has been kind of layed up with some pulled mussels in her leg and hip...I have been trying to keep her from straining too much so she can heal up so to speak...She said that now she knows how I feel with my knees hurting...I wouldn't wish that on any one though...I think that she kind of perked up when she saw the new carpet and how well the colors in the room matched...I am happy she is happy...We started to put some of the furniture back in the rooms after we vacuumed the lint and loose threads from the carpet...Well it's a start and a long way to go to the finish....I am glad we have time on our side....

Ready for Thanksgiving???

Well for the last few days Gene and I have done a few jobs at the house getting ready for the carpet layers....We have gotten the rooms cleaned and moved everything out of them...Today while I did a few little odd jobs, Gene put some new plywood down under the kitchen sink cabinet and then used up all the left over tile flooring from the kitchen and installed it under the cabinet...It sure looks great and now it matches the flooring perfect...We then installed a new reverse osmosis machine under the sink for our drinking water and cooking water...They sure make a difference in the taste of water and you don't have to go to town or buy water from a water machine...We have one in our house at Magnolia that we love but will leave it installed when we sell the house for the new owners to enjoy...I did get a call from the installers and they made an appointment to install the carpet Friday morning....Now I will have to get up kind of early to make sure I am over at the house to let them in...I know that it will be worth it though when it's all done and we can start thinking about moving a little at a time...Oh well no hurry thank God....

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and a day of rest and enjoying great food and company...We all should be thankfull and greatfull for all the blessings that we have...We are so blessed...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone..

Sunday a day of rest

Today we had a day of rest and did nothing over at the new house...Matter of fact we didn't even go over there....Yesterday Gene and I started fairly early in the day and thought we would be able to get through what we wanted to do early....We stopped at the hardware store and got some materials needed and headed for the house at Siesta....I refurbished the old trim and matched the color of the old and new trim....Gene took down a kitchen light that we wanted to replace and update...When he went to install the new light he found that the glass was broken, so while I returned it to the store , he started to install the new trim...I couldn't get the exact same light that was broken so I had to make a new choice of light....Marilyn doesn't know just what it looks like yet but it is up and she will have to live with it for a while at least....When Gene got the trim done it looked just great...It couldn't have been better...While he installed the new light in the kitchen, I installed a new light fixture over Marilyn's washer and dryer...The light in that area was just a piece of junk and not even right for the area...Before we moved the furniture back in the kitchen, we took a good look at the finished job and I was so pleased at how every thing turned out...I know that Marilyn will love it....After moving everything back we quit for the day....Tomorrow I am going to just clean up in the rooms and have them ready for the carpet layers whenever they call...It's just a waiting game now...Of course we can always find little things to do so we won't be bored at all...It was sure nice to have the day off...HA HA

Progress

Hooray the kitchen flooring is down and it looks great....Gene did a great job in putting it down..All the seams are totally invisible and every thing matches perfect...We even had time to reinstall the washer and dryer again for the last time I hope...We didn't get all the trim down installed cause we ran out of time and didn't want to stop in the middle of it before we were done...There's always tomorrow....We will have to also move all the furniture back in the kitchen from the bedroom so the carpet installers will have clear access, when they do eventually get here...A lot of odds and ends to do, but nothing real major now....I can finally at least see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak....

Moving Along Now

Well this last week we have moved along fairly well...Marilyn finally decided what flooring she wanted down in the kitchen....I wanted to try to get it down before we had the carpeting installed...We managed to get the carpet ordered Wednesday and it will be several days before it gets here from the factory to be installed....That gives us time to get the kitchen flooring down...Oh by the way she picked out the color of milk chocolate for the carpet...Being she did pick out the flooring, we had to remove the washer and dryer and move every thing out of the way in the kitchen to be able to put the flooring down...She finally decided to have the same pattern in the kitchen as in the bathrooms.... I was so glad cause I knew that it would be easier to install than linoleum, being we have an island in the kitchen...We got started on it today and Gene is doing a great job...I am helping out as much as I am able...Some times I just get in his way so I wind up doing some other job that has to be done any way....He got most of it done before he and I just gave out for the day....There is always tomorrow....I am sure the carpet won't be in until next week some time and by then we will be ready for it....

Still Working

Yesterday we took off to kind of rest up and regroup...Gene's wrists were hurting for some reason,,, He wasn't sure just why they were so sore, but that's the way things go some time...He seemed to be better today, but I didn't take any chances and we didn't work very long...He managed to replace a small section under the clothes dryer that some one had butchered up some time ago...Some of the work that people have done in the past hasn't been the best quality or else they didn't know how to do the job properly...That is just some of the can of worms you can open up when you buy a house from older folk that can't really supervise work being done for them....I managed to get the washer out and will replace the hoses just to bring things up to date....We replace the vent hose and will install a new outside vent tomorrow...Will try to put every thing back in place and get ready to order the new carpet...Don't know just where we will get it yet so it may take a little time to decide...Oh well...We need to put the trim in the bathrooms so there is always something to do and a lot of clean up....

Still Busy

It seems like it's a never ending process with the house, but I know that it is just me wanting to get it all done...We just get something almost done and something else comes up that we didn't expect...I guess that is just the way things go any more....We have made quite a bit of head way...Today we got the last bathroom re tiled and just have to do the trim around the floor to be all done...They look great and Marilyn is happy with the new tile....We also found another soft spot in the floor in the living room and decided to replace a section of it...It also turned out well....I had some tile left over so we decided to tile under the washer and dryer space...I managed to get the dryer out and found that the exhaust vent and tube has to be reworked to some extent....I don't really like the looks of the dryer and am going to really check it out before I reinstall it for good...Maybe will have to replace it with a new one as it is quite OLD so might be the time to do it, just have to see...I think we are going to take a break tomorrow for a while as we need to visit Wal-mart to see if they have moved any thing and pick up some needed items...

Update

Well I better kind of catch up on the blog....The last few days has been in painting still as slow as ever it seems...Today we finally got the bed room and closet done...What a chore...The closet was a killer for me...We also finished the master bath...Gene has been tearing up the old carpet and padding...He found a small spot on the living room floor that was kind of soft, so he replaced a section with new plywood and it's just as good as new..It sure looks different with out all the carpeting....He also was able to get all the old staples pulled and make sure the flooring was smooth...A job well done...I started to rip out the carpet in the master bed room but by this time we were tired and quit for the day...There's always tomorrow...The place is coming along slowly but we're making headway now...Later...

Busy at the house

Well we have been busy working on the new house every day for a few hours at a time....The worse part was having to mask off trim and such before Gene shot the bed room and bath in new texture called Orange peel...It turned out very good...Gene sure does a good job, but he pays the price in pain for a couple of days in the back and arms....It is just different work than he is use to...Friday we spent the day putting down hardwood flooring in the Texas room...It turned out very well....The last couple of days we have been doing some painting...Talk about slow....I don't really care for painting myself...I have done a lot of it in the past but never did learn to like it....Just the last stroke of the brush or roller is the best part...HA HA I don't even mind taking off the masking tape, cause that's where you can really see the results ( or mistakes ), but that's part of it...Well you have been caught up so to speak for now....Later...

Update for the Loring's

Well I can imagine every one is wondering what happened to us and the blog...Well I will try to bring you up to date a little...We have been in the process of buying another house for us to move to latter on in the year....It is in another park (Siesta Village) south of Weslaco...We didn't want to say any thing too early cause everyone we would see would say"When are you moving?" and we can't tell them cause we don't know ourselves...We have quite a bit of work to do on the house cause we want to change some things and of course repaint some walls...We have been working on it almost every day for a few hours and it is slowly coming along, but we have a long way to go....We are doing the work ourselves and we aren't as young as we use to be...HA HA...I have been so busy I haven't gotten a chance to play pool during the day with some of the other parks so you know I am trying...Gene (our son) has been doing some of the jobs that I can't or would have trouble with anymore so he has been a blessing for us....

The reasons for us to buy another home is varied and I won't go into them...Just keep us in your prayers and be patient with me on the blog...I will try to do better now that we are going public with the up coming move....We will still always love Magnolia Park and the people in it....We have always felt that we were a family and this move won't change that feeling with us....As I have said we don't know when we will move and we aren't in any hurry to leave....I will try to keep you informed as we go along....

Sunday Update

My oh my how the time flies by...The last week has just gone by so quickly and I didn't write any thing down on the blog...I will try to fill in for some of the week....Of course I went and played pool for a few days in other parks...Don Howard didn't go with me this week though as Barbara hasn't been feeling quite up to par and Don didn't want to leave her too long...Being Don Louks and Sally are here now, Don went with me to play and to see all the guys at the other parks...You know that Marilyn and I just had to visit Wal-mart a couple of times cause they may have moved some things...HA HA...

Last week was very hot again, but last Friday night it rained about 1 inch so it was wet around here and humid...I know that it was muddy enough that we couldn't go bird hunting cause we couldn't get to the field where we hunt....Oh well Marilyn says that I shouldn't shoot those little birds any way...I just tell her that some of them will die cause of too little feed or some other reason, so why not have some fun and utilize some of them for meat....I don't keep any , but I give all my birds to the Elks lodge and they have a game feed once or twice a year...Nothing is wasted that I can help...

Busy Sunday

After Bible Study this morning we went to Sevilla's for breakfast with Jim and Margret...It was good as usual and is a treat on Sunday's for us...We then came home and read the paper and relaxed for a time....They came and got Marilyn later after one o'clock to come and play cards with the Sunday Card players...At 3 o'clock Johnny came and got me to go bird hunting....I gathered up my stuff and headed out the door for a fun afternoon....I put my hunting equipment in the back of the truck and got in the passenger seat up front and was immediately licked all over the side of my face and ears by the two dogs of Johnny's (Luke and Copper)...I guess they were glad to see me...We went out to our usual place that was too muddy yesterday but was OK today....We managed to shoot our limit but could only find 28 of them....The weeds were just too high and thick and the dogs were give out....So was I by the time we got home....So it was a good day for sure....Life's great if we can just keep on keeping on....

Saturday's doings

We went to the garage sale up at the big hall this morning to see just what all was up there...We were surprised to hear that stuff was flying out so fast....Most of the tables were almost empty which was good for the sellers....We got a couple of dinners to take home and eat for lunch...They were good as usual....Don hasn't lost his touch over the summer....This afternoon my buddy Johnny came and picked me up for a couple of hours of bird hunting...It had rained down south where we hunt so it was too muddy for us to go there...We tried a couple of other spots and settled in on one spot for an hour or so....The birds weren't flying there too good so we only got a couple, but it was good to get out....It was kind of hot and the bugs were somewhat bad, but what can you expect outdoors...We plan on going tomorrow afternoon as we should be able to go to the usual place and do better...There is some shade there to get under and a little cooler(and more birds)..It's all fun any way....Later...

Can't believe This!!!!!!

I just can't believe that it's been a week since I put something on the blog...I guess now that it's quit raining and that we are kind of getting out and going the time gets away from you...I can't say that we have done much exciting but what the hay at our age every thing can become an event....I have been playing pool of course at different parks three days a week but that will stop pretty quick as the regular players come back in from up NORTH...I don't want to take up their spot in the pool room...It is getting quite hot again and is sure muggy...Don Howard and I tried to play in the big hall one night but it was just too hot, so we are still playing in the little hall....The air-conditioner is trying to work but is not doing very well...I don't know if they are going to do much about it or not...When we said something to the manager about it , he just said that it won't be too long before it gets cooler weather....Kind of hard to believe when it's 98 degrees in the shade...Oh well

Almost the end of the week

At almost the end of the week and I haven't put anything on the blog for a few days...I know that I am slipping up by not putting down something, but when nothing too exciting happening it's kind of hard...I have been playing pool almost every day at one park or the other, so at least that's happening...Marilyn has played cards on a couple of days...It's been raining every so often and it's kind of keeping us some what contained, but that's alright cause it's been dry for so long it's nice being wet....HA HA...Don Howard and I have been playing pool in the evening up at the little hall also...The other night I slipped on a slick spot stepping over a water puddle and fell...I didn't get too hurt (just my pride mostly) but have been kind of sore for the last few days....Of course my joints are kind of sore due to the change in weather...Most of the residents in the park are complaining of soreness due to the weather, so I'm not the only one....Oh well.....

Busy Weekend

I have been kind of busy having fun this weekend...I have gone bird hunting the last two days in the afternoon and am finding out that I am out of practice shooting...I shot a lot of shells, got a lot birds but missed more than I should have for sure...I had a lot of fun though...One of my friends from Weslaco takes me every year bird hunting and I sure enjoy it...When we first started, he would take me places where I didn't even know where I was for sure...He knows all the back roads and can get me lost very quickly...I am finally getting my bearings after a couple of years riding in the truck...We didn't limit out on either day but came close....Marilyn played cards this afternoon so that left me free to go...We got rained on a little bit today but not enough to quit hunting...Yesterday it sprinkled on us, but when we drove home thru Weslaco a lot of the streets were flooded and blocked off....I couldn't believe how much water was standing around....We had two inches of rain at our house in a short time...Marilyn was getting worried about me she said cause of the rain...I told her that we didn't even get wet and we weren't setting in the truck...That just shows how much the weather varies down here in deep south Texas....

Wal-Mart Day

HA HA As usual Friday is Wal-Mart day around here so we can go before the BIG crowd on the week end hits....We did go out for a fancy breakfast at Whataburger this morning before shopping....Marilyn thinks that is a real treat....I am so lucky....We also went over to Mercedes to the Outlet mall...We had been told that there was a new Croc's shoe store there that had the shoes that I like at a good price....I was able to get two pair for the same price that I usually pay for one...How great was that????...Then on to Wal-mart for grocery shopping and on home....It got too hot to do much else for the rest of the afternoon so the TV and computer were busy....What an exciting happening....Well it doesn't take too much when you get our age...HA HA..It's all good any way....

Here comes the heat again

Well this week so far it's been quite hot and muggy...All the moisture that we have had recently is in the air and ground is now combined with the temperature becoming HOT again...I guess we are never satisfied as we are always wanting something different than what we have...I guess that's just part of life for us old folk....This evening we got another small shower but it didn't amount to much, just made things humid...At least it cooled the air down....

I have been playing pool the last couple of days with my old bud Don Howard and I going to other parks that have air conditioned pool halls....Marilyn and the card players played Tuesday afternoon in the little hall...While they were there the air conditioner quit cooling and she said that it got hot in the room very quickly....The motor was running but for some reason it wasn't cooling at all....She said that she wasn't going to play cards again until they fixed it or it got cool weather...I don't blame her at all....We will just have to wait and see how long it takes to fix it... Other than that all's well in Magnolia.....

Sunday

The weekend is almost over and I don't know just where it went...We didn't do any thing Saturday special, but today (Sunday) we did go to Bible Study at the little hall...We were a small group but that's OK for now, it will get bigger soon with more folks coming in later this month and next...We did go for breakfast after Bible Study at Sevilla's in Weslaco where we met Jim and Margret...It was a little crowded this morning as a lot of other folks wanted to get out for breakfast also...It was still good as usual though....This afternoon we went for out usual exercise riding in the golf cart ( don't laugh it's fun ) and we got to talk to several folks who were out enjoying the evening air...It was a little warmer today and we didn't get any rain, but the grass is growing like mad....Well wasn't that exciting to hear....HA HA...

Nothing Too New Here

With not too many people in the park there isn't to much going on for us to do except for Marilyn playing cards some afternoons and I going to play pool(and of course going to Wal-mart to check things out) life's just watching the rain that we have so desperately needed fall...It is just nice to watch the birds fly around and splash in the puddles to clean their feathers...It's almost comical to watch...Well it won't be long before the NORTHERN family will be coming in and stir things up for the winter...Things will be going then and I may wish for a little quite time once in a while...I guess we're never satisfied...OH well...

Tuesday Play

Well I went to coffee up and the hall this morning to listen to the latest news that everyone had heard...I forgot to count the number that were there so I could put it on the blog, but that's ok, just let everyone up north wonder how many they are missing...HA HA..After coffee, I went home and Marilyn had my breakfast done and I was ready...I didn't eat a donut up at coffee just waiting for my breakfast....Afterward we had to go the Wal-mart because it had been several days since we had gone and they might have moved something...Of course we did need some stuff also so it's all good....This afternoon I and my old bud Don Howard did go over to Siesta Village and play pool while Marilyn played cards, so it did work out after all...Life's good, what more can I ask for!!..

Feeling Better

I finally feel like writing again so I will get to it...I have been kind of off track the last couple of days....Saturday night and most of Sunday I couldn't stay out of the bathroom or at least not to far from it if you know what I mean..I really didn't' feel too bad but just had a "bug" it seems...OH Well I am over it now and am ready to get on with life...I am tired of being couped up in the house and ready to get out and do something...I guess I will have to go play pool tomorrow while Marilyn plays cards in the afternoon...HA HA That way both of us have something to do outside of the house...Well as I said nothing exciting to report on so will sign off for now...

Finally got caught up...

I suppose I would kind of get caught up on more stuff if I didn't go play pool almost every day , but of course I wouldn't have as much fun either....I did take today off of pool and did some things that needed to be done....I managed to take Marilyn to Wal-mart after I took her out for lunch at Daisy's 2 up north Texas street...She said that it was one of the best meals that we have had for quite a while...Once in a while she really gets hungry for some good Mexican food and so do I...I would say that is a great day in deep south Texas when it is only about 95 and you have a great meal and your wife doesn't have to cook and is happy.....

It can rain

It sure is nice to be able to see some rain in the valley again...We did get to see some when we were in Florida, but of course it isn't the same as getting it here...I know that the air is a lot cleaner and I didn't' mind the car getting dirty from the roads...

I have been able to go play pool over the last couple of days...My old bud Don Howard and I went to Siesta Village today..We had quite a group today and as always it was fun...I know that I need to get some computer work done one of these days...I have some new software that my brother-in-law in Florida got for me...We did some HORSE TRADING while we were there on computer stuff...I have yet to send him what I traded to him as I just have been lazy and haven't gotten it all ready...Almost though just waiting on one thing to come in so I can send every thing all at once....

Sunday

Well we started the day off by going to Bible study up at the little hall...We were a small group but the fellowship was great and the lesson very good...After Bible study Marilyn and I went to meet with some friends for the usual Sunday morning breakfast at Siliva's...The food is always good and it is nice just to get out...Marilyn gets out of having to fix breakfast for a change...The rest of the day was just a lazy Sunday afternoon...We did have some rain in the late afternoon and was it ever welcomed...The air smelled so clean for a change as the dust was washed out of the air...It was so nice...I just hope and pray that it continues for the next few days....At least the weather man says there is good chance of it, we'll just have to wait and see....

Back in the Grove

Well things have started to settle down on the home front and we are getting back in the grove or rut as some people might call it...HA HA..It feels nice though...Marilyn got to go and play cards this afternoon and of course I went and played pool at Siesta Village with the guys...I was kind of rusty from not playing for a couple of weeks, but that was OK as it was just nice to be able to play again...Of course we had to go to Wal-mart to see if they had moved any thing and stock up on groceries again and a few other items...It's all good...

Back Home in Deep South Texas

Well we survived the long trip to Florida and back to Texas...We had a great time visiting with Marilyn's sister and family...I got to talk with my brother-in-law about computers and just visiting in general...The trip going over we got to drive in a rain storm for about 45 minutes or so...It was sure different to see rain for a change...We got to see it almost every day while we were there...I was just hoping that it would rain in the valley while we were gone, but no luck....The roads were great and not tooooo much traffic....We were sure glad to get home though...It seems that no matter where you go or how long you stay, it's all ways good to come home...

I am going to put a picture of Marilyn and her sister(Shirley) and Shirley's daughter(Teresa)...The girls did their thing while the boys did theirs and all were happy...HA HA It's going to take a while for us to get every thing unpacked and put away...It seems that we gained some articles some where along the way....More later....Don't the girls look Innocent????

Marilyn. Shirley and Teresa

Still in Florida

I just want to know just where all the time has gone???..We have been in Florida a little over a week and it seems like we just got here....I know that the GIRLS have done a lot of catching up and Don (my brother-in-law) and I have talked a lot of computer talk...We have managed to acquire some new TOYS and are learning just how to run them...You know the old saying"Boys and their toys", well we fit the bill, especially for a couple of old guys, but we won't talk about that...

I promised to put some pictures on for you and haven't really taken many(don't know why) but will put on where we are staying...Also a couple of pictures of the peacocks that are running wild in the neighborhood...They just strut around like they own the place....As I said we are getting to see some different sites for sure...I also know that we are going to have to start getting things around to pack and go home in a day or so...Oh well all good things have to end some time...Keep well...

Home Base in Florida

Florida Peacock in the Flowers

Another View

Here in Florida

I know that I need to catch up on my blog, but we're having too much fun and visiting...We really haven't done anything exciting but doing some shopping and just generally looking around....It sure is nice to see all the family that is here in Florida...We have had an addition since last year our great niece having a baby named Aidin....It's fun to have a new baby around to see them laugh and just what all they can get into so fast...

We get to see all kinds of new animals every once in a while when we are here...You never know just what you are going to see next...We found out that a funny looking animal was coming across the yard and going down the block a couple of times a day....So we kind of watched for it an Don(brother-in-law)saw it under the car resting....He moved the car and I got a picture of it...We looked it up and found that it was a Nutria...Everyone thought it was a muskrat, but I told them that it would be the biggest muskrat I ever saw and a record breaker for sure...I put a couple of pictures in the blog and they don't do it justice...They also have a lot of peacocks that run wild in the neighborhood and will try to get a picture of them to put on the blog later...Keep smiling....

Melanie and Aidin

Aidin and Great Uncle Don

Florida Nutria

Another View

Here in Florida

Well we made it to Florida just fine...We managed to drive in rain for a while in upper Florida...That was an experience that I haven't had in quite a while....It was almost a blessing, we haven't seen rain in a long time...We really had a good trip with no problems at all on the road, good places to stay and always able to find some good places to eat.. HA HA...You know me and food..

This morning the girls, (Marilyn, Shirley, Teresa)went SHOPPING and left Don(my brother-in-law) and myself alone to go to the TOY store and do our own shopping...That way we won't get in each others way...HA HA..I am also going to try to keep up with the blog as best I can, so bare with me for the next few days... I am also going to try to get some pictures and put them on later...

Ready to go????

Well I guess I am ready to go on our vacation...I just got every thing packed that I think I need...Now I just have to go over it and take out about half of it and it will be right...I know that we are ready just to get away for a little while...Maybe it will rain here if we leave and go where they have rain...HA HA...I don't have to worry about the place as Gene will be here and see after the house and yard and gather the mail so that's a blessing....

I have gotten to play pool yesterday and today at least before we leave tomorrow, so that will have to hold me over till we get back...I kind of feel bad leaving before I got to bring Bill Saubert home from the hospital, but they still don't know what his problem is..At least I asked Don Howard to bring him home when Bill is able to come home...

Well we leave in the morning so you won't see any thing on here for a few days till we get to Florida and a little rested up...Keep us in your prayers and everyone keep healthy...

Spinning Wheels

Did you ever get the feeling that you were spinning your wheels???..That's how I have been feeling lately...It seems that I am busy all the time but never get anything done...I don't know where the time goes, it just does...I have gotten to play pool the last few days of the week and seem to have done quite a bit of just running around here and there...Course I have been up to the hospital several times to see Bill Saubert(one of my friends in the park)...I have also been trying to figure out what not to take on our little vacation that's coming up...I usually take too much stuff that I don't need or use...I know that Marilyn will have things figured out about what to take for both of us, so not going to worry too much...I will have access to Internet when we get to Florida so will take the new laptop to give it a test...We did go to breakfast this morning as usual and had a good meal and good conversation...Afterwards we went to Wal-mart to do some shopping so we wouldn't have to go later...It seems it's not too busy early Sunday mornings, at least at this time of year...Not so later when the Winter Texans come in...HA HA...Life's good anyway...

Music in the Air

This morning we went to Wal-mart to see if they had moved any thing and sure enough Marilyn found a new pair of shoes that she needs to go on our trip...Well what the heck as long as she is happy, that's all that matters to me...I stop ed and COOKED on the way home so there would be no dishes to wash...Tacos were the staple for the day...After polishing off the taco's we headed to Siesta Village to listen to a young man from Mexico play the keyboard and accordion...His name is Diego and can he ever sing...All the old songs and a lot of the new country...Allen Jackson, George Strait and others ..He is definitely worth going to listen to...

My old bud Don Howard and Barbara came in today...I was sure glad to see them as maybe things will start to look up around here...Oh Well...

New Plans!!!

I got to go to Siesta Village Park and play pool this afternoon for a while..Are you surprised??? As they were working on putting in a new air-conditioner in the office, they had the electric in the building turned off...Therefore they couldn't run the air in the little hall for cards....I didn't manage to stop and COOK some food for a late lunch on the way home from playing pool....Marilyn loves when I COOK food as there isn't any dirty dishes or clean up...I got to call my brother-in-law in Florida to wish him a happy birthday and ask him if they were going to be around home or if they were doing any thing special in a week or so for a week or so...He said no so I ask him if we could come over and play and see their new house...I told him I hadn't told Marilyn yet cause I didn't want to be packing for days and days...I finally did ask her tonight if she wanted to get away for a while and now she's all excited( so am I )..She said that she thought something was up cause of the way her sister talked tonight when they were on the phone...If you read this sis you will probably hear about it tomorrow... HA HA...I better quit while I'm ahead so will sign off for today..

Lazy Sunday

I need to kind of catch up on the blog for the last few days although not much to say has happened...We managed to go to Wal-Mart on Friday at least....You never know they may have moved something and you would have to find it again...We always seem to find something to look at every time so they must move things..HA HA...I managed to go to Snow to Sun and play pool Saturday afternoon so that was great...I always gain some great knowledge (gossip) when I get around some pool players...Some one always hears about some of the pool players that are up north and how they are doing...Sometimes it's good and some times it's bad, but at least we are able to kind of keep up with some of them...

This morning we was able to have breakfast with Jim and Marge at out usual cafe...As always good food and good conversation, a great way to start the day...Afterward we came home and just relaxed...Marilyn did go up to the little hall and play cards this afternoon...I just stayed home and watched TV.(Exciting HEH)...Well it was too hot to do any thing outside(broken record) and besides I didn't want to do much anyway...

I did talk to Don Howard Saturday and he said that they would be in this week...I said that as bad as I wanted to see them , they were crazy to come when it was so hot...He said he needed to warm up as it has been too cold up there..I am sure he will warm up when he gets here...Later..

Back in the Grove???

Marilyn got to go up and play cards this afternoon so I went over to Siesta Park and played pool...Must be feeling better you say and you would be right...It's kind of nice to be back in the grove....Didn't shoot too well but nice to get out of the house for a change....I noticed on the way back home on the outside temperature on the car that is was 106 degrees...I quickly turned it to inside temperature and it said 75 degrees....That's a lot better...Thank God for air in the cars....It seems like a broken record about the temperature but until something changes that's the big deal around here...How sad...Well maybe I will just have to do some thinking about something to do...We'll see....Later.

Under the Weather

Sorry I haven't put any thing on the blog for a few days as I have been under the weather so to speak....I don't know just what I have had but don't want any more of it...I never was real sick, just didn't feel good....Well it was bad enough that I didn't play pool any this week, so what does that tell you....HA HA..I know that I got as much rest as I could and tried to stay away from people after I started feeling strange...I don't know if it is or was contagious or not but wasn't going to take a chance so just stayed home and was a good boy for a change...Well that's about all that's exciting in my life for the last few days, but am looking for a better tomorrow.....

Sunday at Magnolia

Not much going on in the park this morning....Now that we don't have Bible study or Church , we only have to go out to breakfast with some friends...They are the same ones that we usually go with each Sunday....We had a good breakfast and good conversation and laughter....We then came home and just did the TV thing...What would we do without TV,especially when the weather is too hot to do any thing outside...Even just to set out and watch the world go by so to speak....It's sure wonderful that air conditioning was invented or we wouldn't be down in deep south Texas in the summer for sure...

Special Day

Well today was our 51st wedding anniversary...We didn't have a big party or celebration or any thing like that...We just went out to dinner over in McAllen at Furr's...The only thing is we eat too much when we do that so it's good that we don't do that very often....Marilyn didn't have to cook all day and that is a break for her....We were too full from dinner to eat much tonight , so we just had some left overs from the meatloaf and potato salad from yesterday...Now I know why she made so much then....She's always thinking ahead of me it seems....After 51 years and I still don't know how she has put up with me for that long...I know that I don't have her fooled about anything so??????...I just know I couldn't do with out her...

I was talking to our youngest son (John) this afternoon and he told me that his oldest boy (Garett) got hurt in wrestling camp this week with a concussion..Later Garett called us to tell us he was OK and not hurt to bad...Marilyn was talking to him on the phone and he said "Grandma have you been married 51 years?"...She said yes and he said "That's a LONG time Grandma"...Talk about feeling OLD, that will make you think...

I had to smile when I remembered that we share the anniversary date with Butch and Barbara Brooker...Only thing is we have seniority as we were married a year before..Happy Anniversary Butch and Barbara....

Quite day at home

Marilyn still has laryngitis to some extent today...She is able to talk for a little bit and then fades out so to speak...Thank goodness she is otherwise feeling OK...But still it is irritating for her to say the least...She wasn't even able to talk to her sister Shirley tonight on the phone as she said she wouldn't be able to say more than a few words before she would lose her voice....Well tomorrow is another day and I hope it is a lot better for her....I am almost completely over mine, just a tickle in the throat once in a while...

I did go to play pool this afternoon over at Snow to Sun Park, so I was having some fun while Marilyn was able to have some quite time to take a nap and rest...The nice thing was when I got home she had made a meatloaf and some good potato salad for supper....Oh boy was it ever good...It has been a while since she had made the meatloaf, but she hasn't forgotten how...I am so lucky...

Play Day

Well I got to go to Siesta Park and play pool this afternoon with the guys...Has a great time as usual...Am invited to go to Snow to Sun Park tomorrow and probably will...Marilyn was suppose to go and play cards this afternoon , but turned it down cause she keeps losing her voice...Had a little sore throat and she didn't want to spread it if was contagious...I don't think it was but it was up to her...She just kind of took it easy and at least I got out of her way for a while...I had a little bit of it myself last night but was a lot better this morning...I didn't feel I would spread it , so I didn't feel guilty about going...She is a lot better tonight so I think the rest did her good....

I felt guilty about the other boys pictures so tonight I am going to put on my youngest son's picture with his boys....The oldest one is Garett, the next is Seth the youngest, and Zane is seated....All I know is the boys are growing up too fast....It is sure making me feel OLD when ever I am around them...I just wish I had 1/2 as much energy as they do....I guess at one time I did but have used it all up....

John and the Boys

Pictures of Family

I just had to put some pictures of the family on that I took this summer...We went up to Temple, Tx. to my grandson's for a visit and got these pictures...The only way I could get everyone was to split us up, but it worked out well...My grandson (Donny) and his wife (Pebbles) yes that's her real name, plus the great grand daughter( Ciara ) or as I call her Sweetpea....I got the guys in and put some of the most important women in my life in the other picture and of course they deserve to be first...HA HA...I am real proud of all my family and love each and everyone...Need I say more....

Pebbles, Ciara(sweetpea) Marilyn

Donny(granson) The old man, Gene(my son)

Thoughts

Well I got to go play pool today at a different park and had a great time...I bet you are surprised that I got to go Hey...At least I was out of Marilyn's way for a while...A big exciting day for sure...HA HA Coffee and rolls this morning and playing pool this afternoon....This evening I had a movie that I rented and we watched most of it...We really didn't get the plot, so about 1/3 of the way through it we just quit it...I was so disappointed in it...It was with Will Smith and I though it would be good,,It got a lot of awards, but it wouldn't have from me....By the way it was called 7 Pounds..If you get it good luck...

I thought I would put another picture from our vacation and will put some more on later...This was our middle son Jim and his wife Debbie, along with his grand daughter that was visiting for the day(our great grand daughter) her name is Justine Loring...One bit of info for you all of our great grand kids ( 5 ) are girls....Go figure...More later

The Family

Hot Day in the Park

Today was real hot and we couldn't do any thing outside for most of the day...I was able to get away for a while this afternoon and play pool over at Snow to Sun Park for 1and 1/2 hours so that was good for me...Marilyn got me out from under foot for a while anyways...

I did notice that since we came back from vacation another gator appeared in the pond...I told Marilyn that it looked like it was eyeing the rabbits like it was going to eat them...She said she would have a go around with it and it would behave...

Another Gator in the Pond

Sunday at Last

This is the day I can just kind of relax and boy have I...We went out to breakfast with a couple this morning at our Sunday cafe...We managed to see some of my friends from the pool league and caught up on what they had been doing....After that we came home and just watched TV and this afternoon watched a movie I had rented...Lazy day for sure..

I am going to put some pictures from our vacation on a few at a time...I don't want to bunch every thing up at once as I won't have any thing else to do or put on the blog...HA HA I want to start with the picture of my brother-in-law and his wife....This is Marilyn's brother that lives in Rogers, Arkansas...We stopped there and visited with them on the way back from Iowa and Nebraska....We had a nice visit and went out for supper with them and our nieces before we left..

I have been able to get out and play some pool at Snow to Sun park a couple of times when Marilyn wants me out of her way....I am sure glad to be able to have friends in other parks that have air conditioning in there halls to play with...

Earl and Dee Norton

Back to the Heat

Here we come back to the park and find that the heat hasn't left but got hotter( if possible)..Marilyn said if it gets any hotter she is ready almost to go back to Iowa for some cooler weather...I didn't tell her that tomorrow(Saturday) it was suppose to be a high of 74 with a low of 47.....Now that is too cool...She was freezing when we were up there most of the time...She said that she wanted to get cold for just a bit, well she got it...At least we got to set out in the yard and enjoy the outdoors without sweating...I guess it all proves that now matter where you are you can find something that you do or don't like about it....I will have some stories to tell later...Right now I am rather tired and want some rest...Later...

Buzy Day today

Have you ever had the feeling that you weren't getting any where fast or just spinning your wheels???...Today was the day....It seems as if we have been packing the car all day and still aren't done...We went to get hair cuts this morning and at least that was fast...Gassed the car up, came home and started to load....MY MY..You would think that we were going for a year with all the stuff....But in self defense we are taking quite a bit of things up to our sons that they wanted...Like the whole trunk full and part of the back seat....That only leaves just the back seat for our little bit of luggage ....Oh Well there will be a lot less to come back I hope....

We plan on leaving in the morning right after coffee at the little hall...We are only going to Temple, Tx. tomorrow to the grandson's for a short visit...Then on the way Wednesday and plan on being in Nebraska on Thursday ....We aren't in too big of a hurry as the kids all work and aren't home during the day anyway...

I don't know when I will be able to put anything on the blog..The kids all have cell phones and there aren't many wireless hot spots in the small towns that we will be in....So just have to play it by ear...Don't worry at least when I can I will make up for lost time...Keep healthy everyone and pray for our safe trip.....

Another HOT Sunday

At least it was kind of cool this morning early (at least that's what Marilyn said) , but it got very hot the rest of the day...We started off with Bible Study at some friends house and they off to breakfast with some friends from another park...We went to the usual cafe as it's always good and friendly....We did manage to get to Wal-mart to pick up a few things that we needed...That will save more time tomorrow for packing the car for our trip...We both kind of hate to pack to go any where as we all ways take too much stuff....This trip we are taking some things up to the kids for them so it makes it more crowded, so maybe we won't take much of our things...HA HA I don't bet on it...

We did find out that one of our friends up in Iowa was taken off life support and wasn't expected to make it...It is just sad that we have to lose our friends and family, but I know that it's the way things are in the world...All of us have our time coming and will take our turn as God directs...

While I am thinking of it....Most of the places we are going up north we won't be able to get on the net, so don't know when or if I will be able to post any thing on the blog or even use the E-mail...The kids all seem to use cell phones now instead of land lines...I have the laptop set up if I can find some wireless spot...We'll just have to wait and see...I know that when we get back I will probably make up for lost time...HA HA More tomorrow...

Errand Boy Today

To day I was errand boy and ran to McAllen to get some articles for Gene (our son) that he wanted done before we did manage to go up north on vacation...I managed to run around for most of the day either looking for some things I wanted to see or do before I finally had to really do the real reason I went to McAllen for...It's nice to just goof around sometimes for no reason, but I was a good boy and didn't buy any new TOYS before I came home...Almost makes me want to cry, but Marilyn was happy that I didn't I'm sure...I can get in to more trouble not even trying so help me...

Another Play Day

This was another play day for me as I went over to Snow to Sun Park and played pool with the guys...We have been playing some different games in pool just to make it interesting and fun...Marilyn said that she got more work done today while I was gone so tomorrow she will be able to play cards up in the little hall and still be ahead....That means I will be able to go to Siesta Park and play pool over there with the guys from there....I think that will be the last time I will be able to play before we take off and go up north sometime next week...Just have to wait and see if we can get every thing together that we want to before we go...I know that the kids are checking in every day or so to see how we are coming along and I like to keep them guessing, (course some of the times we don't know ourselves) as to what we are going to do...It's nice to be retired and not have to punch the clock so to speak...It's all good...

Play Day for Me

Today I got to go over to one of the other parks to play pool with the guys...Marilyn didn't even go up to play cards in the little hall as she said that she wanted to be able to get some odds and INS done around the house being I would be out of her way...HA HA It's almost as if she can get more done when I'm not around.....Don't know what to think about that...All I know is I think I am going to test her again tomorrow and ask her if I can go to another park to play...The guys have already ask me as they need a fourth player....I love their air conditioned pool halls!!!!!!!!

Monday Tours

Well we did our usual Monday tour at Wal-mart this morning after a short stop at Walgreen's...We hadn't been in there for quite some time and wanted to check on a couple of things...It is sure a nice store and has some unusual items, some things you can't find elsewhere....At least we were able to do some walking in air conditioning instead of the hot outside...This afternoon consisted of TV time and computer updating...I am finally getting the laptop to where I think I want it so will be ready for the trip if we can figure out just when we will go....I am getting kind of fidgety as I don't want to wait too long as it will be too hot up there and we will be blamed for bringing the hot weather with us...HA HA

I did talk to Berwyn and Erma Cleaveland to find out how they were doing and they said just great...They wanted to know when we were coming up and I gave them an estimate...They said that we better come to see them when we got up there and I said we would...Berwyn sounds just as ornery as ever and full of go...I will have to challenge him to a game of pool on his table down in his basement...They want us to go to the celebration in Oakland for the 4th of July, but we will just have to see...

Fathers Day

I had a great Fathers Day today , I got to talk to all my boys....What more can a father ask if they are so far away and can't get away to see you...At least I promised them we would see them in the near future and that seemed to satisfy them temporally...

The day started out with Bible Study at Don and Marji Soole's house with Pastor Stacey and Tina...They were blessed to have all their children there, even the daughter and son-in-law that are in the service...They are going to be deployed to Iraq for a year so it was good for them to be able to come at this time...The Bible study was great with much to think about if you listened...The theme was "Whom will you serve" from Ephesians and 2nd Timothy...Just a great day indeed....

After Bible study Marilyn and I went to meet some friends for breakfast at a little restaurant that we go to on Sunday morning...We had a great breakfast and good company...Life's good....

Lazy Day on Saturday

I was too lazy to even go up to the small garage sale that a couple of the ladies had in the small hall...By the time I decided to go it was all over and cleaned up....Marilyn did go earlier and bought some cushions for some chairs....I got up there in time to close the gate for the day as the mail man had already come and gone...Oh well at least I got to do something...

I spent most of the afternoon straiting up my bulletin board on the computer cabinet doors..I had quite a mess and finally got it all together and organized...We did go for our nightly ride in the golf cart and stopped by Don and Marji Sooles house for a chat...Don seems to be getting better every day and that's good to know...They ask it we were coming to Bible Study in the morning and we said yes, so we have that planned...

I want to wish all the fathers and grandfathers a HAPPY FATHERS DAY tomorrow on Sunday....Enjoy the day....I hope all your kids contact you...

Knee problem

Well I finally bit the bullet so to speak and made an appointment with the Dr. to get a couple of shots in the knees....I thought with us going up NORTH for a visit, I didn't want to get up there and have my knees get worse and no way to get a shot easily....I got in and got it taken care of this morning so now I am set as good as I'm going to get so to speak...Now if we could just finalize some plans for the trip we would be in business....The Dr. said to stay off my feet for the rest of the day as much as possible, so this afternoon all I did was to update the new laptop and install some of the software that I need and get it updated...It sure takes time to start all over with new stuff to get it like you want it and all the stuff you want on it...But it's all fun and I really enjoy it, at least some of it...

I got a couple of E-mails from Phyllis Neudorff and from Kay Voss telling about how they were doing, and what they were doing for fun...Kay said that it was wet and dreary and wished for some of our heat...I would sure send her some if I could...Keep well everyone

Busy Thursday

A little before noon I got a call from Bill Saubert asking if I could come over and take him to the Doctor..I said sure and got the car and stopped in front of his house...I went in and he couldn't hardly move...His knee was swollen and he couldn't put any weight on it or bend it...We just couldn't figure out how to get him out to the car and he said he didn't know if he could get in any way...We finally called the ambulance...They loaded him up and took him to Knapp in Weslaco...We both were sure he would have to stay as he was in bad shape...I went on back home and showered and got ready to go to another park to play pool for a while...Marilyn was going to play cards up at the little hall for the afternoon...I told her that I was going to quit playing pool early and stop by the hospital to see what was going on with Bill...After I played for a while I told the guys I had to go to do a hospital check on a friend...When I got to the hospital I ask about Bill at the ER...They looked on the computer and said wait here just second...The next thing I see was Bill coming through the doors in a wheelchair...They were releasing him....What timing...He was a lot better...They drained a lot of fluid from his knee and gave him a shot of antibiotics....I got him home OK and settled in...We saw him tonight and he was feeling a lot better...All in all it was a busy day for me and not the kind of busy I like...At least the hospital part...The thing is we never know the next time it might be us...

Catch up

Well I was lazy yesterday and didn't put any thing on the blog, so will try to catch up today..Yesterday about all we go accomplished was we had to make one of our trips to Wal-Mart tours for the week...You know that you have to go every day or so just to see it they moved any thing...You don't necessarily have to buy anything, just go and walk around and get your exercise in air conditioning ...(it's hot here outside)...It's a chance to get out of the house at least....

We had coffee and rolls this morning at the little hall...There weren't many of us but the company was good and we had some laughs...Marilyn played cards this afternoon and I went over to another park and played pool...This way we both get to do something we like and get out of the house and away from the TV....The trip up NORTH is still in the planning...I am afraid that when we go up there it will turn off hot and we are going to get the blame, but I guess that is just how it goes...Later...

Sunday

It was kind of hard for me to get up this morning as I was just plain lazy I guess, but as we wanted to go to Bible Study I made the effort...It was worth the effort as Pastor Stacey taught on the Book of Psalms, Chapter 18 and brought out new meaning for some of the verses...I think it's just great when you can go to any study and learn from it...Pastor said the Book of Psalms was his favorite book to study and I can see why...Great job Pastor...

After Bible study Marilyn and I had breakfast with some friends from another park...We usually have a breakfast with them almost every Sunday...It's nice to socialize with folks from other parks, especially in the summer when there isn't many people in all the parks...I play pool with the man so we see them often...This afternoon it was too hot to do any thing outside so we just stayed in the house and did the TV. thing and played with the computer...Don't we have an exciting life??? HA HA As long as we are having fun and have good friends and are reasonably healthy,,, life's good....

Area update

I have done a little work in updating Marilyn's hidey hole and alligator pond back of the house...I told her that now that I stirred things up, the alligators would probably eat the rabbits and frog....She said that she had them trained very well and they would behave better that I do....I guess that she has me figured out for sure...At least I got to go over to another park and play pool this afternoon.. We played for about 2 hrs. so that is enough to satisfy me...

Yesterday afternoon I spent playing with the new laptop and getting it set up...OH I have a lot of new bells and whistles on it to learn how to control...It is going to be OK after I get use to it...At least I won't have to carry some much extra external stuff for pictures and Internet...All though some of the places we go I won't have Internet so will just settle for playing games and viewing pictures that we take of the grand kids and friends that we don't see very often...I know we will get to see some of the family that we don't see often enough...Still don't know when we are going though...Still in the planning stage...

Alligator Pond

Marilyn's Hidey Spot

Deep South Texas

Another beautiful day in deep south Texas today....A little warm but there is always something that you can do if you just want to....This afternoon while Marilyn went up to the hall to play cards, I went over to another park to play pool...She plays cards on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and I go and play pool at some park with the guys there...In the summer time almost all parks are a little short on players so they try to get together and play a couple of days every week...Of course their pool halls are air conditioned and of course the one in our park isn't...Well I guess you can't have every thing you want , but it sure would be nice...

P.S. Thanks Barb for putting a link to this site on the Magnolia Blog for me...

Fun

I tell you one thing I am having fun setting up this blog...I just can't seem to get it exactly how I want it to look...I am going to have to have Barb to E-mail me some info when I finally get to the point that I am stuck....It is all just a learning process and at my age that doesn't come as easily as it use to....But I am just as stubborn as ever, so we will see what gives first...

It's certainly warm here today(about 100) with the heat index of about 110...That's warm, but not bad if you stay in air conditioning...Oh well at least I usually have some thing to do in the house...At this time I am waiting on a new laptop to come in Friday...The old one turned into a boat anchor about two weeks ago...I had it looked at and it would cost at least 1/2 the cost of a new one to fix it so do the math...At least the new one has a lot more bells and whistles on it to play with..(and a warranty)..That will make my brother-in-law in Florida laugh...My wife and her sister just shake their heads and smile at the things their men do but just as the women say, we men can say"We are worth it too"...HA HA...Enough foolishness for now...More later..

New Experience for Me

Well I have started my own blog, just to see if I could do it..It will be a change for me to just be able to put my own thoughts down for myself and not just have to think of the park...I do enjoy writing for the park, but sometimes I wonder if I am stepping on someones toes with some of the articles...At least here I only have to answer to myself...

At this time Marilyn and I are starting to think about taking a vacation up NORTH for a couple of weeks... We just can't seem to figure out when we want to go...HA HA That's one great thing about being retired, we don't have any time clock to punch and can go when we want to...It will be OK to go to a little cooler place for a while...We are kind of wanting to see the grand kids and see how much they have grown...Well that's all for now...Later