Wednesday, October 31, 2012, Tucson, AZ

Wednesday, October 31, 2012, Tucson, AZ
I got up at eight and fixed the coffee. Yesterday afternoon when we arrived at the RV Park we needed the air conditioner running, this morning we could have used a heater. I soon realized that I hadn't set the bedroom clock since the time zone change. So I had really gotten up at 7 AM. By the real 8 o'clock the sun was peeking over the mountains to the east. Did I say peek? It burst over the mountains, a ball of fire in the clear sky.
Last evening we spoke with our friends, Tim and Beth Burton, in Scottsdale. We plan to visit with them on Thursday and make the last leg of our trip home on Friday.
Before getting to far we stopped at a Camping World store near the park. We had hoped to find a hinge to replace the broken one on a kitchen cabinet, no luck there, will probably have to order it from American Coach. Before getting fully under way we stopped at a Flying J for fuel. This is the last gas station in Texas. When you leave their lot and enter the freeway you are in New Mexico. Before leaving Anthony, I did one cache. I picked up a travel bug and dropped two off.
On the Interstate by 10 AM we traveled non-stop across New Mexico. I remembered the line from an old western song, "Mothers don't let your children go to that God forsaken place called New Mexico." Of course we drove through the southern part of New Mexico, all desert. You all should know how much I love the desert.
We did stop at the first rest stop in Arizona. I did one cache at the rest stop, I hope this is one of the five counties I need to complete Arizona.

Lazy Dys, Tcson, AZ

Our original plan was to go to an RV park in Benson. We stopped in Wilcox at a truck wash. There were three trucks ahead of us so we were there nearly 2 ½ hours. There was an RV park next door, but all the streets and sites were gravel. I didn't want to go in there with a wet coach and Jeep. We headed on toward Benson. Along the way we decided to go on to Tucson and stay at Lazydays. We know this park has all paved streets with gravel sites. Gerri thought she saw a price of $20.00. Wrong! It was $40.00 after the Good Sam discount.

Sunset over Tucson

We traveled a total of 320 miles today, about 40 miles further than we planned. We will have a shorter drive to Scottsdale tomorrow. We plan to visit Tim and Beth Burton there before driving on to Las Vegas on Friday or Saturday.
Gerri made breakfast for dinner. We had some eggs and other things that needed to be used.
On a side note Gerri was born here in Tucson, 65 years ago next week.   That was 23739 days ago.

Our osition in Tucson.

 

Tuesday October 30, 2012, Anthony, TX

Tuesday October 30, 2012, Anthony, TX
We were up and moving by 9AM. Today we traveled more today than any other day this trip, 366 miles, The route was straight forward, Ozona, TX to Anthony, TX which is on the Texas/New Mexico state line just west of El Paso. The country changes in east Texas.  Most of our time in Texas was in areas that were either flat with trees or rolling hills with trees.  By noon I could see the purple mountains in the distance and the desert terrain was becoming dominant.  This is the kind of country I love.  I remembered some of the words to "America the Beautiful"   The part about purple mountains majesty, above the fruited plains, made my heart swell.  Then I remembered some of the other words, God shed his grace on thee and crowned thy good with brotherhood.  Considering the was our government is leading us, I wonder how long God will continue to shed his grace on this country.
Well the trip was almost almost straight forward, the American RV Park in Anthony didn't have a street address. While wandering around I got pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol. It turns out Gerri didn't have her seat belt fastened properly. She showed him how she had her seat belt fastened, but since it wasn't across her chest I got a warning ticket anyways. I guess that they have to have something to show for every traffic stop. The American RV Park is behind a Camping World, but not connected to Camping World. It is basically a large gravel parking lot with large pull through sites with full hook ups. Ok, but not a destination park unless you want to be in the El Paso area.

Anthony, TX

Anthony, TX

We had left over catfish from the restaurant in Columbus MS combined with tortillas and salsa, very good.

Monday, October 29, 2012, Ozona, TX

Monday, October 29, 2012, Ozona, TX
Before leaving Pecan Park, I did a nearby cache and visited with the American Coach Association member that made me aware of the park.
We pulled out at about 11:00 AM. I should have checked the map and chosen a route other than the Interstate. It would have been shorter and more pleasant than traveling all the way to San Antonio to pick up I-10. Our route was I-35 south to Anderson Loop, FM 1604, to I-10 west. Gerri looked up a couple of RV Parks in Ozona, TX. Both were low rated on RV Park Reviews. Both were full. We called the office at the Economy Inn and RV Park and they agreed to let us park without hook ups for $10.00. This is the first night on this trip that we stopped without at least power. We will find out how long the batteries will carry us tonight. Today we traveled 269 miles.
Before we left San Marcos one of the cabinet hinges under the sink came loose. Gerri seemed to think she had picked up a screw some time earlier. Closer examination of the hinge showed that there was a broken part. I removed the door to avoid strain on the remaining hinge until I can find a replacement.
When we played Sorry while visiting Sean we only had the rules in Spanish. Curtis sent us a copy of the rules and it turns out there were several points we were playing wrong.

We watched a little TV and checked up on internet stuff and went to bed earlier.

Sunday, October 28 2012, San Marcos, TX

Sunday, October 28 2012, San Marcos, TX

Brandon on the Guadeloupe River

Looking downstream from Pecan Park

Surfing?

Brandon awakened me at 7:20 to tell me about a dream he had. He was up for the day, so was I. Gerri managed to sleep through it all until 8:30.

Right away Brandon wanted to go outside. I held him off until after breakfast and till about 10. We walked down to the Guadalupe River where it flows behind the RV Park. The park has put in and takeout points for residents of the park. On our walk we also found out they have a Frisbee golf course.

Brandon at the jump house

Vanessa at the jump house

We went over to Curtis' and had lunch of leftovers for lunch. The original plan was for Gerri, Dana and the kids to go to a nearby jump house and for Curtis and I to go visit Sean. My leg was tired and hurting from the walk with Brandon. Curtis and I stayed at the house until the others returned. Then Gerri, Curtis and I went to see Sean. Curtis drove and took us a different way which he thought was quicker. It turns out Curtis works less than two miles from where Sean is living. We played a game of Sorry. Curtis won. Sean wanted to keep playing to see who placed second and third. Sean finished second and Gerri third. No need to guess, I was the biggest loser.

Curtis and Sean

When we arrived the nurse asked us if we could influence Sean to take his medications as directed. Sean convinced himself that they are giving him the wrong medications and they aren't good for him. We brought the subject up enough to realize that it would be futile to try to change his mind, so we didn't really press the issue real hard.

Curtis plans to call Sean's councilor and see what the rules are and what the best time to visit Sean. He hopes he can work some visits into lunch time. Lunch would be better for Curtis since he works until 5 and it is an hour commute at best.

We decided on Mexican food at Casa Maria's which is close to their house. Curtis called Dana and had her meet us there. We had an excellent meal, our last with the family for this visit. We said our goodbyes after leaving the restaurant. We didn't get far before realizing we had forgotten some things at their house. We made a quick stop and I got another kiss goodbye from Vanessa.

We tuned in the worship services at Oakey Boulevard via the internet. There were some times that the net cast stalled. Our regular preacher is in Kansas City. Brother Gamile Williams delivered a great message on doing the right and needed thing.



Our plan for in the morning is to get started for home after I do a nearby geocache.

 

 

Saturday, October 27, 2012, San Marcos, TX

Saturday, October 27, 2012, San Marcos, TX
I set the alarm for 7 AM to get up in time to go to Brandon's Tee Ball game. Of course being a retiree I am clock impaired. I woke up at 7:30 and the alarm went off at 8 AM. I still had time to fix coffee and drink some before driving to the game in Buda. It was cold and windy, I mean COLD. There was no dilly dallying and the game was over in a little less than an hour.

Brandon had white bread and brisket

Vanessa had crackers and brisket

bread, ribs, brisket and links, we had it all

Lone Star Campus

Vanessa and Gerri didn't go to the game. I came back to the coach and at noon we met Curt, Dana, and Brandon at Smitty's Market a BBQ restaurant in Lockhart, TX, about 12 miles from either the RV Park or Curtis' house in Kyle. Smitty's sell the BBQ by the pound in the cooking area and then you have to enter a restaurant area to purchase sides and drinks and then eat at long tables on folding chairs. The meat is served on butcher paper with only a plastic knife. Of course plenty of napkins are available. Both Brandon and Vanessa ate brisket, bread and crackers. We bought a lot more ribs and brisket than we could eat so leftovers went home.

Sean and his candy with Grandpa

We parted company and Gerri and I went to South Austin to visit with Sean. We took him some of his favorite candies. We visited for an hour. During our visit we played a game of Sorry. If you read my previous blogs about games with grand kids, you don't need three guesses to know who won. It was Sean! The facility where Sean is located is 15 miles from Curt's house and not far from where he works.
After we returned to Curtis' house I played some more games with Brandon. I should just say I lost some games to Brandon.
Dana fixed breaded pork chops for supper. We ate some even though we had a big lunch.

Sean wins at Sorry

Brandon came back to the RV Park with us to spend the night. We played a couple of games of Memory Match, I did better but Brandon still won. We switched to War and I finally won a game.

Brandon went to bed at about 9:30 and I was about an hour behind him.

Friday, October 26, 2012, San Marcos, TX

Friday, October 26, 2012, San Marcos, TX

Map of the Pecan Park area

I was overcast when we got up at 7, then it got darker, windy and cold. By the time we were ready to travel it was raining lightly. The drive to the Pecan Park RV Park in San Marcos was only about 40 miles. We got to the park a little after noon and started to set up. It rained off and on en-route and by the time we parked and set up I was pretty wet. The address here is 50 Squirrel Run, on the way to our site I saw the squirrel run across the road. It didn't rain very long but from the looks of the sky we may get more rain.
Gerri called the treatment center where Sean is and left a message for his councilor. At 2:30 we went to Curtis and Dana's house. Vanessa greeted us yelling and with hugs. Gerri went out at 3pm to see Brandon get off the school bus.
Brandon and I played, Old Maid, Candy Land and a Memory card game. He beat me every time at every game.
Gerri recalled the facility where Sean is and found out about visiting him. We plan to visit him tomorrow after Brandon's Tee Ball game and lunch.
Curtis got home about 5:30 and we had a dinner of lasagna that Dana had prepared. After dinner Brandon wanted me to watch a dinosaur movie with him, both he and Vanessa lost interest about halfway through the movie. They drew on a chalk board and a white board and we played a few games of tic-tac-toe.
Gerri and Dana had gone shopping after dinner and got home about 8:30. Vanessa decided she would sleep over with us at the motorhome. We got the things together what she needed and went back to the RV Park via some back roads. It turns out the Interstate route is closer by a mile or so.

Thursday, October 25, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Thursday, October 25, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

I was up at 8:30 and went to the blog of the Seasilk. It had been updated with the information that everyone was safe. Later in the day Neva got an e-mail from Montyne that she and John had arrived in La Paz and were on schedule to fly to Tijuana on the 29^th and be picked up by friends and return to San Diego. We will get a firsthand account of the trip up to and after the grounding of the Seasilk.
Mid morning I went to the orthopedic doctor in San Antonio to have my knee checked one more time before we leave the area. He drained another large vial of fluid. It had less blood in it than the last time.
On the way back to Spring Branch I check out a rustic furniture store for interesting wall hangers. They had some, but nothing that really caught my eye. I also checked out an RV park along the Guadalupe River about three miles of US-218. It was ok but didn't have WiFi. Back on 218 I called the number on a sign advertising 20 plus acre parcels. The lots are being offered at $10,500 to $20,000 per acre.

Brad and Bernadette Dass

I elevated and iced my knee for awhile before going to dinner at our friends Brad and Bernadette Dass in Bulverde. 

 We visited before and after the delicious meal. During conversation it came up that Gerri and Bernadette had known each other for over 43 years.
Back at the coach, TV and computer time topped off the evening.
Tomorrow is moving day. We aren't going far, just to San Marcos about 10 miles from Curtis' house.

Gerri and Bernie, BFF

Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

With every morning being overcast, I’m beginning to think we are in Southern California. Some of the clouds were heavy but it didn’t rain.  By the time I finished my coffee and catching up on the computer, the sky had cleared and it was a comfortable 82° outside.

I left to geocache earlier than usual, and did 13 caches by about 2 PM. My first cache was the one nearest the RV Park.  It was in a series of caches called the Milestone Miles” which commemorates the achievements of various local cachers.  All but three of the caches I found today were in this series.  Today I hit a milestone of 4000 caches found. One of my goals was to hit 4000 on this trip. Two of my other goals accomplished on this trip was finding the oldest active cache in Nevada and finding a cache in each county in Nevada. I also did a dozen caches in the ET Trail series of 1800+ caches in Nevada. Speaking of milestones, I have now found caches in 49 states, 13 countries and traveled over 175,000 miles to do it. Texas is also dear to me, not only do both Gerri and I have friends and family all over, it is the state that ranks third in the number of caches I have found and I have found caches in more Texas counties than any other state. Of course Texas has more counties than any other state.  It was ironic that after doing so many caches in The Milestone Miles series that this milestone fell to a cache not a part of that series.

The afternoon was busy with a flurry of phone calls from Gerri’s brother about how locate their sister.  Montyne and her husband, John, left San Diego on the third of Oct. with three other people on a 46’ sailboat.  I was following the course of their trip on the Sail Blog site and on a SPOT Satellite GPS messenger.  The last we heard on the Blog they were anchored in Magdalena Bay near a Mexican Naval base at Puerto Cortes on Isla Santa Margarita.  On the 17^th the boat was washed ashore by heavy seas caused by Hurricane Paul.  We got word that everyone was ok and they were assisted by the Mexican Navy.  No more word since then.  Hollis got the Mexican Consulate and US Coast Guard to try to locate them and check on their welfare.

Ann and Paul Conner

We made arrangements to meet Paul and Ann for dinner, but before going I elevated my leg and put ice packs on it.  We went to an Italian Restaurant just north of the RV Park.  We lingered over the table for quite awhile after dinner.  This was our last chance to visit with Paul and Ann this year.

After we got home we had a message that the Coast Guard had contacted Sue Blasingame and she told them that everyone was ok.  The question is still up in the air, since we have no specifics of why there has been no further contact.

Like most days the evening was topped off with computer and TV time.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Tuesday, October 23, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
Today was another overcast day. It cleared up by the time we finished the coffee.
I spent much of the morning dealing with a claim with an insurance policy that my mother had purchased to cover her burial expenses. It took a long time to get the claim submitted. Not all because of the forms needed but my problems with our new printer and scanning the necessary paperwork, coupled with several phone calls needed to get the proper paper work together. I did finally did get all the correct paper work submitted.
In the late afternoon I got out to find a few caches along TX Highway 311. Most of the caches were commutative of milestones achieved by various local cachers.
On the way home I missed a great shot of the setting sun, no place to pull over before the sun dipped below the trees.
Supper was a delicious combination of leftovers from Sandra's, the Hula Hut and the Cracker Barrel.
We did get word that Sean won't arrive in Austin until sometime tomorrow. We will still have to check on visitation rules.
TV and computer rounded out the evening.

 

 

Monday, October 22, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Monday, October 22, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
This was a lazy morning after the activities of the weekend. As usual recently the morning was overcast. We had coffee and caught up on e-mail and computer stuff. I located a park in San Marcos that puts us closer to Kyle. I called and made reservations there to arrive on Friday and depart on Monday. The park is also closer to Austin. That is important because our Grandson, Sean, was taken from Reno to a treatment center in Austin. If we are able to visit with him so soon after his admission we may stay a few more days. We still plan to be back in Las Vegas in time to vote. Since the way we travel it will take 4-5 days to drive the 1320 miles, we need to leave San Marcos by the first or second of November.

In the early afternoon I drove to a Quest office in Bulverde for a blood draw. I'm trying to get and keep my INR in the 2-3 range to avoid the problems I've had the last couple of weeks.

Ken and Sylvia Harwood

In the late afternoon we drove into San Antonio to visit our friends Ken and Sylvia Harwood. We met them at an RV Park in Indiana four years ago and hit it off well. We are in touch with them and visit as often as we can. We have visited with them here in Texas, Minnesota and in Oregon during our travels. We had a great visit and meal with them. We tried to watch the debate but visiting seemed more important and less aggravating. They recorded the debate and plan to watch it later. We will just listen to all the interpretations later.

We got back to Spring Branch at about 10:30 and I called it a night not long after that.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, October 21, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Sunday, October 21, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
We didn't get up until we heard little feet pattering on the floor above. Grand kids are so great! Dana fixed us coffee and we caught up on e-mail and Facebook. Dana also fixed breakfast; scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast with jelly.

 
A few days ago I picked up an Old Maid deck from a geocache. This morning Brandon wanted to play. Before Old Maid we played a couple of games of hungry Hippo and then Candy Land. Brandon beat me soundly. Old Maid is not as much fun for two players as it is with more players. But, Brandon really enjoyed it. We both won a few games. Brandon also played Candy Land with Gerri and beat her 2 games out of 3.

Aquarium at Cabelas

In the late afternoon we went to Cabela's, a store in Buda. What a really neat place for the kids. Stuffed animals and an aquarium. I have needed a belt to wear with my jeans; we found a nice Browning belt. I also found a neat small lock back pocket knife. The salesman tempted me with a Cabela's club offer that allowed for a $25 discount on the first purchase. It turns out it was a Credit Card. Oh, well we won't use it again. Of course Gerri got me the au rigor Cabela T-shirt.

After touring the Cabela store we went to a nearby Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. This is the first CB we have been to on this trip. Brandon and Vanessa ate very well, they even tried some of the cornbread muffin that they had never eaten before. The last few times we have been with them at restaurants they have been very well behaved.

The best we could do was two pegs left

 
Back out the house I played Go Fish and more Old Maid with Brandon.
We said our goodbyes and left Kyle at about 6. On the way back to Spring Branch we took FM-306 along Canyon Lake and saw a beautiful sunset. Back at the coach we tuned in the worship services from Oakey Boulevard on the internet. After some TV we called it a night.

 

 

Sunset over Canyon Lake

 

Saturday, October 20, 2012, Kyle, TX

Saturday, October 20, 2012, Kyle, TX

At the Hula Hut

There were high clouds this morning, but it didn't seem to be threatening rain. We had our coffee and caught up on e-mail and Facebook.    
Our plan for the day was to drive to Curtis' home in Kyle and spend the night. We left the RV Park at about 1 PM, in time to make it to Brandon's T-ball game in Buda at 2 PM. After the game we went to their house and the kids took short naps.

Bass

We decided to have dinner at the Hula Hut on Lake Austin and the go see the bats fly from their roosts under the Congress Street Bridge. The Hula hut is a mixture of Mexican food and Pacific Rim cuisine. We ate on the outside deck. We could see some boat traffic on the lake. The restaurants along this area have a dock with several slips for customers who come in by boat. In the water by where we sat there is a large fiberglass bass that moves back and forth and spouts water ever 15 minutes.

Brandon and Vanessa

After dinner we went t a small park under the Congress Street Bridge to see the bats exit at night fall. This is reputed to be the largest urban colony of bats, with an estimated population of 150,000. We got there after the area was crowded. Most observers were on the bridge, that allows them to look down on the bats as the come out from under the bridge. I didn't see any bats, but the rest of the family had walked down so they could look up at them. There were vendors selling water and other items. One of the items was a lighted whirly gig type device that is launched into the air with a rubber band and the its whirling slowly brings it down, they are lighted so they are attractive when launched and retrieved.

Bats

Back out the house the kids played with the toys outside and of course they went in other yards and on to the roof.

It was a great day with the kids. We went to bed about 11 PM.

Friday, October 19, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Friday, October 19, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
A typical day for the Barker's on the road. Sleep late and then sit around with coffee and catch up on e-mail and Facebook.
My knee seems to be swollen as much as it was yesterday when I had it drained. I called the doctor in San Antonio and made an appointment for next Thursday to have it checked and possibly drained again before we leave the area. I also called Dr. Randal Yee, an Orthopedic Surgeon in Las Vegas, and made an appointment to have it evaluated when we return the first week of November.

Eastwooding along TX-311

By mid-afternoon I was ready to go geocaching. Yesterday I did a series that were all named after some type of candy. Today I went south to another cache in that series. I didn't find it. I checked and the next closest in the series was 6 miles away. So I opted to start a series along TX-311. This series is "milestone Miles" the caches are about a quarter mile apart and each commemorates a milestone for a local cacher. There are 30 caches in the series along this highway, I have found 14 and looked for two more without success. I hope to complete the series next week. For some cachers this would be a power trail, but for a lone cacher I have to do the driving, parking, searching, signing and returning by myself. It is much more time consuming than for a team of 3 or 4 cachers. I got home about 6:30 and logged the finds and fails.


We went to dinner at a restaurant just north of us on Highway 281, Sandra's. It is a Mexican restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining, we chose indoor. The food was good.

Back at the coach, it was some TV and computer time before bed.

Thursday, October 18, 2012. Spring Branch, TX

Thursday, October 18, 2012. Spring Branch, TX

We got up early so I could get down to San Antonio in time for my 9 appointment. As we were having our coffee the sun came up. Unlike many recent days, it looks like today will start with a clear sky, only a few clouds and one con trail in sight.

I left the park for the 25 mile drive to San Antonio at 8am: I got there with 10 minutes to spare. No waiting for the x-ray and then only a short wait for the doctor. After an explanation of why I was there he drained off the fluid on my knee. I'm not sure it feels better but I have high hopes. Like the lst doctor, he told me I had bone rubbing bone and it needs to be fixed.

Before heading back to Spring Branch I stopped and grabbed a nearby geocache, # 3944.

Gerri wanted to do some wash. Ok she didn't want to. Since the water pressure in the park is so low I filled the fresh water tank so the pump will make up the difference. In the early afternoon I put my leg up with ice packs on it.

Later in the afternoon I went out caching. I found twelve. Eleven of the caches were on a road west of US 281 and had been placed by one cacher. The caches had a candy theme, Mars Bar, M&Ms, etc. I worked up an appetite for a Snickers bar but there were no stores along most of the route. The 12^th was on US 218 just north of the RV Park. I fueled up the Jeep before returning home. There was this really good salesman of a Cub Scout, in full uniform, at the gas station. I bought Trails End Popcorn from him. Was buying white cheddar popcorn better than buying a Snicker's bar?

Todd called and told me about his new job in Lakewood, CA. He gave his notice at his current job and starts the new job in two weeks. He had done contract work for that school district in the past. He says the job isn't any closer, but because of the route his commute will be shortened by 20 minutes each way and a little more pay.

Supper was leftovers from the chicken and noodle casserole from a few nights ago, even better. As a snack later we had some of the popcorn. So I guess the popcorn was the better choice than a candy bar, at least it was shared with Gerri.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Wednesday, October 17, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
We got up about 9 and fixed the coffee. It had rained some more during the night and the sky was overcast. By early afternoon the sky cleared and by 1:30 it was air conditioner time.
At 2 we headed for Kyle to see the kids. On the way we went by the Plum Creek RV Park. It wasn't up to even our lowest standards. There was only one site that would suit us. Before going to Curtis' we went on to Buda to take a look at the Crestview. This park is attached to an RV dealer. The only spaces we saw open seemed to be reserved for service or deliveries of RVs. I went into the office and was rudely brushed off with no vacancy remarks. I tried to explain that we didn't need a spot but was still brushed off.

Dana in the kitchen

We went on to Curtis and Dana's. When we got there we were greeted enthusiastically by Vanessa and Brandon. They were anxious to show us their new home. They have a large side and rear yard. The house is two story with three bedrooms upstairs and the master bedroom downstairs.
After Curtis got home we had supper. Later we went to the ball park to watch Brandon's Tee Ball game. Not much came to Brandon for fielding but he hit two popup flies over the heads of the pitcher baseman behind him.
We said our goodbyes after the game and went back to our RV Park.

Vegetating in Kyle

Shipwrecked! We got bad news after we got home. Gerri's mother called and had gotten word from Montyne that Hurricane Paul blew them off their anchorage and onto the shore. Good news is that Montyne and John were ok; another member of the crew injured his foot and was taken to a hospital. Personnel from the nearby Mexican Navy helped them get most of their belongings off the boat. Their plan at this point is to rent a car and drive to La Paz which is across the Baja peninsula. We have no word on the condition of the boat, except it is aground.

Tomorrow I have a doctor appointment in San Antonio at 9 AM, so I have to get up early.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
When we got up and fixed coffee it was overcast, much like yesterday. As I typed this I could hear the rain starting to fall on the roof, from the look of the sky, I don't think it's going to be a serious rain. Maybe enough to mess up yesterday's car wash. I believe this is one of those days that the phrase, "Into every life, a little rain must fall," is literal.
When I checked John and Montyne's status, at http://tinyurl.com/9my2aqf and http://www.sailblogs.com/member/seasilk-mx/ I found they are riding out Hurricane Paul at anchor in Magdalena Bay, near a Mexican Naval base. Looking at a weather map the worst of the storm is predicted to pass them on the west and continue north and west. They are experiencing winds of @25 mph. Theirs is a great adventure compared to our trek through Texas. I remember years ago we took a raft trip down the Colorado River. I returned to work with pictures and exciting stories. A co-worker then told of his life threatening kayak trip down the Snake River. It made our raft trip sound like a bus ride. Not everyone's sense of adventure is the same.

With Paul Conner in his computer room

Since we had decided to stay at this park until we move to Kyle on the 25^th, I went to the office and paid for the additional week.
I drove to the HEB about 6 miles away to pick up some items we needed. I did two caches along the way.
Since my right knee is still swollen and painful, I made an appointment with an orthopedic doctor that has treated Paul. The appointment is for Thursday morning at 9 AM, considering it's a 25 mile drive during rush hour, I will have to get up a lot earlier than usual.

Canyon Lake from Paul and Ann's backyard.

At 5:20 we drove to Paul and Ann's. Paul showed me his Logitech video camera system. He has a camera that shows his driveway and another that shows the dining room and part of the living room. In his house any intruder would have to pass through the monitored zones. We had grilled filet for dinner with baked potato, corn on the cob and salad. Dinner was followed by ice cream and cake.
After diner we watched the debate, I don't know how I tolerated the liar in chief, imposter president for so long without losing my supper. After the debate we didn't tune into the spin programs, instead opting for a game of dominoes. We only played down to the fours. Paul has an early golf game and he came out the winner.

 

 

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm19:14

Monday, October 15, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Monday, October 15, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

It was cloudy this morning but no sign that it might rain.

I had located a Chase Branch in the northern San Antonio area to take care of some business on my mother's estate. I also located a Quest Diagnostics in Bulverde to have my blood draw. I called my doctor's office in Las Vegas and ask that they fax an order to the Quest office in Bulverde. At the bank I was assisted by a very able lady. She found out that the inactive accounts hadn't been sent to the State of Nevada. It turned out that I was joint owner of the accounts and there was no problem with my closing the accounts and getting the cash. Closing the credit card accounts took a little more time. I had planned to pay the balance but the bank clerk advised me to wait until we received a final statement that reflected the waiver of any late fees and a reimbursement for the reward points that had been accumulated. She also gave me the names of a couple of companies that filed recurring charges on the credit card. Thanks to her I notified the companies and gave them my credit card number to use until the accounts can be settled.

Quest was a different matter. After finishing at Chase I called them and they hadn't gotten the order. I went to Walgreen to pick up some items and then to an HEB store to get what I couldn't find at Walgreens. I gassed up the Jeep and went through the self service carwash. The wash did a pretty good job and I finished it off by wiping off the windows with a towel I carry in the Jeep.

Since it was on the way I stopped by the Quest office. They hadn't received the fax. It took a couple of phone calls before I had the order in hand and the blood drawn shortly after that.

After quest I stopped by the Texas 281 RV Park that we had planned to move to because it was closer to our friends in Bulverde and San Antonio. The park wasn't as nice as where we are in Spring Branch. I also stopped and took a look at the Wagon Wheel RV Park on US Highway 281 about five miles south of where we are. It is a nice little park but it was pretty full. We decided to stay where we are for the rest of our time in the area. By the time I got back to the RV Park it was too late to extend our stay. I'll have to take care of that tomorrow.

We made no plans for visiting this evening so today was down day. Resting up and icing down was the order for the day.

Gerri fixed a Chicken casserole for supper.

Since we are staying here longer I called and left a message for my mother's investment broker and gave him this address to send some more of the paperwork to transfer the accounts to my name.

Sunday, October 14, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Sunday, October 14, 2012, Spring Branch,
It rained quite a bit during the night but the sky was clear by the time we were drinking our coffee. The water pressure has been low since we got here. Before Gerri took her shower I went out and checked the hose for kinks or obstructions. There seems to be plenty of pressure at the spigot and hose but not at the faucets inside. Gerri had to use the water pump to get adequate pressure for her shower. By 10 AM it was getting warm enough inside to justify using the air conditioners. I don't know if there is a problem with the units or it's the humidity, but the air conditioning units never seem to come on at the set temperature or once they are running it seems they don't go off at the set temperature. This has always been a problem but it seems worse this trip.

Ann Conner and Gerri

In the early afternoon we drove to Paul and Ann's. We went to an area near Johnson City to have lunch at a winery that was featuring BBQ. It turns out the food was served yesterday. So for lunch we went in to Fredericksburg. And had a late lunch at the Fredericksburg Bed, Brewery and Eating Establishment. We had huge juicy hamburgers with cheese, fried jalapenos, lettuce, onion and tomato on it and Onion rings on the side.

The burger really is bigger than it looks

The drive back to Paul and Ann's was like driving almost anywhere in Texas, there is always road kill. Besides the normal small animals and deer we saw a feral hog. But, we really enjoyed the drive in Hill Country as all the pastures were green with grass from the extra rain here lately.
We were invited in but my leg was beginning to bother me so we begged off and went back to the coach. I lay in bed for a half hour or so with my leg elevated and with ice packs.
At eight we tuned in to worship services over the internet from Oakey Boulevard.
We called it an early evening after some computer and TV time.

I have some errands to run in San Antonio relating to closing some of my mother's accounts. Ann is going to check with her doctor tomorrow and see if he can, or recommend someone, aspirate the liquid from my knee.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Saturday, October 13, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Brandon at 1st Base

It was overcast this morning with a little wind. We had our coffee and decided to go to Brandon's T-Ball game in Buda. Brandon was really surprised to see us. As usual he was the heavy hitter on the team. On the third round Brandon played the pitcher position and he and the first baseman made some good plays. After the game we went back to the RV Park which is about an hour drive. We didn't go see the rest of the family. Both Curtis and Vanessa are sick. We did give Dana some of the things we brought from Las Vegas for them.

Brandon coming into home plate

After getting home I called Paul Conner and let him know they could come over anytime. We stuck with or original time of 4:30. When Paul and Ann got here we visited for awhile before heading to Chuy's Restaurant in San Antonio. We had a great Mexican dinner; we hadn't had Mexican for quite awhile. Paul and Ann dropped us off back at the coach at 8:30. It seemed a lot later. But we had had a great visit with them and a good supper.

Friday, October 12, 2012, Spring Branch, TX

Friday, October 12, 2012, Spring Branch, TX
Today is moving day. We didn't get too excited about it since we only plan to drive to Spring Branch. It's about 65 miles. We are a little disappointed about the delay in seeing the kids in Kyle, but we will remedy that later.

As the crow flies from Austin to Spring Branch

All I had to do outside was unhook the utility connections; I never unhooked the Jeep while we were at the La Hacienda.
When we had everything done except the slides, Carl and Joyce came over to say goodbye. It was muggy and warm out so we had to start the generator to run the air conditioner. Our route today was south on Ranch Road 620 to Texas SR-71east to US-290 and west to US-281t and south to the RV Park. We traveled about 69 miles and with signal lights it took just under 2 hours.
After setting up Gerri called and left a message for our friend Ann Conner. I also called Ken Harwood in San Antonio. We will visit him and Sylvia when we move to Bulverde.
We didn't do much in the afternoon. Gerri did her computer things and I iced down my leg.
Supper was leftovers enhanced by eggs and cheese.
We went to bed after some TV time.

Thursday, October 11, 2012, Austin, TX

Thursday, October 11, 2012, Austin, TX
I had another uncomfortable night. I think it was better than the night before because I don't remember waking up with sharp pains in my leg.
I finally got the information for Sheriff Lamb about Brian DeBecker's son and the trust fund set up to defray the costs of treatment and sent it e-mail to him, followed up by a phone call.
Gerri talked to both Curtis and Dana about our visit. Both Brandon and Vanessa have been ill. Vanessa was taken to the doctor today with a 104 temperature. She was diagnosed with the croup. After talking about the health issue we decided to go on to Spring Branch, TX instead of spending the weekend in Kyle. Both Spring Branch and Bulverde, our next stop, are near enough to Kyle for visits once the health conditions have improved. Dana expressed anticipation of visiting San Antonio. If health improves they may visit us overnight and spend some time there. We still plan to spend a weekend in Kyle before heading back to Las Vegas.

Tortilla Soup at Jim's

We went to a cafe called Jim's for lunch. Excellent chicken fried steaks. I also had a cup of Tortilla soup. Soon reality must set in and we will have to cut down on our eating and lose some weight.
After lunch Carl took us by a Walgreens and Gerri and I got our Flu and Pneumonia shots. Like I have said before the RV life doesn't exclude basic health or other mundane activities.
After lunch and shots we went back to the park. Joyce had to walk a dog and I needed to get my feet up. Later Carl and Joyce came over to play Fan Tan and CRL. They won the most games, taking out laundry money and other change home with them for a change.

Gerri' chicken fried steak at Jim's

With Carl and Joyce at Jim's

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012, Austin, TX

Wednesday, October 10, 2012, Austin, TX
I spent another night with my right leg bothering me; I didn't get a lot of rest. I wasn't feeling up to going out for lunch with Carl and Joyce, instead opting to stay around home with my leg either iced or elevated.

Gerri got an e-mail from Gail Hardy, her retired boss, who relayed a request from former Sheriff Ralph Lamb. The request was for information on a Metro Officer whose son had lost a leg to cancer. He also wanted to know if a benefit trust had been set up. I didn't know and called the Sheriff and let him know I was checking for the information. I also had a question for the Sheriff about an e-mail I received from a researcher for the CBS series Vegas, which is about Sheriff Lamb. The researcher was looking for information on Sheriff's Training Academies in the 50's and early 60's. The Sheriff assured me that the researcher was legitimate. 
Since I knew very little about academies before mine I called retired Chief Deputy Ray Gubser. I had worked for Ray several times over the years and knew that he was one of the surviving officials instrumental in developing modern training and investigation techniques for Sheriff Lamb and the Sheriff's Department. He gave me permission to give the researcher his phone number. I sent the researcher an e-mail reply and referred him to Ray for further information.

Over the afternoon we made calls and sent e-mails to get the information the Sheriff wanted. Gerri was able to get some of the information needed for the Sheriff about the son with cancer from one of her former employees.
We did go to supper with Carl and Joyce at the Hill Country Pasta House, a nearby Italian Restaurant. They had great food and our waitress was very friendly and helpful.

Sunset  over the La Hacienda RV Resort.

Back at the RV Park I got some nice pictures of the sunset. After dinner we returned to our coach and played a new card game, Fan Tan. It was a fast moving game requiring a minimum of concentration. We played two hands and then switched to LRC. Left, Right, Center is also a fast moving dice game. Probably not very exciting without Joyce and Gerri involved.

Even though unset is in the west, It get interesting to the east too

When our company left it was raining, but they don't live far. I hope they didn't get too wet.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012, Austin, TX

Tuesday, October 9, 2012, Austin, TX
I didn't sleep well last night, some pain and discomfort in my leg and some apprehension of the move and drive to Austin. My leg is better after several days of rest, but I haven't driven for a week.

At Herb and Jo Nell's

We got up in time to get the coach ready to move before going in the house for breakfast. We had a big breakfast with Herb and Jo Nell, Scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, sausage, bacon and cantaloupe. Before backing out of Herb's yard I had to top off the air up five of the tires, I went ahead and checked the rest. By the time we hooked up the Jeep and left it was 9:45. 

Interesting picture?  What we are doing is airing up the tires

 I had no trouble driving either the coach or Jeep during the maneuvers of getting out of the yard and hooking up the Jeep.  To leave their yard I had to turn and back along a fence that is just out of the foreground of the picture and the through the driveway opening.  I always dread the maneuver, but it's not to hard with Herb guiding me.

We had a great visit with Herb and Jo Nell, longer than we had planned and we played a lot of dominoes.

Mexican Train at the Perleys

Our route to the Austin area was pretty straight forward; US 84 west to Palestine, US 79 southwest to Texas SR-620 to the road that goes to the park. The La Hacienda RV Resort has at least tripled in size and the entrance moved, www.lahaciendarvpark.com.  It was nice about six years ago but now has even more amenities. We drove a total of 254.4 miles in about six hours; we stopped for fuel one time. For at least two thirds of the way we had a strong cross wind angling from the front of the coach, so I assume out fuel consumption was higher than normal. We didn't travel the Interstate Highways, but much of the way was four lane divided highway, we did go through several small towns. Maybe bucolic isn't the right word for these towns, but to those of us that live in or near big cities they seem restful and reassuring that mid-America is alive, even if not doing well.
When I parked for registration I spotted our friend Carl Wolf at the office. Carl is a worker/camper here. We got registered and were escorted to our site a large pull through with a gravel drive and grass on both sides. Very nice but it could be more level. Our right front tire is barely on the ground and even with my portable step, It is a stretch to the first step into the coach. Joyce, Carl's wife came by and welcomed us. Turns out she isn't working at the park this year but does walk dogs for some other residents of the park. We made plans for them to come by after Carl finishes work and go to supper.

   

http://fms.ws/9-7IU/30.41698N/97.93115W

Since we hadn't been hooked up to water and sewer for a week, my first order of business was to hook up to power and water and then drain the holding tanks. I love the RV life, but holding tanks are an unpleasant aspect of that life, oh well a little rain must fall in every life. I interrupted my work long enough to meet our neighbors on the right, they have a 2005 Revolution. Gerri came and found me and got me back on track.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Boathouse.

Carl and Joyce came and picked us up at about 6:30 and we went to the Boathouse for supper. The Boathouse is a rustic restaurant featuring catfish. No table service, you place your order and pick it up when your name is called. We all had some kind of catfish plate and green fried tomatoes for a side dish or appetizer. All very good, but I ate all of mine. Half would have been plenty.
Before supper I got a call from our minister, Randy Mabe. He had been at a Gospel Meeting in Ashland, OR and called to see how my leg was doing. Another purpose of his call was to let us know that a dear friend and member of our congregation, Pete West was now in Hospice care as of today. He and his family need our prayers for comfort.
I think the full day took its toll, I went to bed at about 10:30 and had a hard time getting comfortable.