Wednesday January 1st - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!  The year is starting out very cold and wet. Warmer weather is not due for several more days.  Sure am glad there's some good football games on, since it's so UGLY outside.  OMG - woke up to sunshine on Friday the 3rd.  We haven't seen that in a LONG time.  A tad warmer - thank goodness.  Lee went outside to put the finishing touches on the kayak trailer (putting on the license tag and mount the spare tire).  I worked inside doing the usual domestic chores like dusting and vacuuming.  More cold weather arrived on Monday the 6th.  Lee went to the clubhouse for the men's morning coffee.  We stayed in the rest of the day where it's nice and warm.  I started studying YouTube for loom knitting ideas.  I need a new project.  I made everyone a scarf for Christmas - including a small one for Ryder.  Found a project --- fingerless mittens!!  Started on the mittens on Tuesday.  FUN FUN FUN.  Put it away for a while to go have dinner with our Heartland friends.  Wednesday was warmer - but rain.  We're just not getting a break down here.

We now have a real estate broker.  He had sent us several houses to look at.  We spent hours on Thursday and Friday looking at the web site.  We even made a spreadsheet of those we would like to look at.

Saturday the 11th was beautiful -- sunny and WARM (74)!!!!!  Opened the windows and doors.  After Lee replaced the faucet in the bathroom we started gathering info and running copies of documents the real estate folk need.  The rest of the afternoon was spent napping, knitting and football.  On Monday the 13th we made a trip to the island to have breakfast with friends.  Back to my knitting project when we got home.  Got 'em finished - fun project - and they're warm.  We're back to heat at night and air conditioning during the day, so I don't know when I'll wear them.  If you believe what you hear on the weather channel -- Canada is not done sharing their cold winter.

Thursday the 16th we got all packed up to head north.  We were meeting the real estate guy to look at some of those houses, then we'll head on up to Debi's for the weekend.  We fell in love with one of the houses.  Decided to make an offer.  On Friday Debi and I took Ryder to "Dinner with the Elephants".  Never been to one of these --- but so cool for the youngsters.  The circus was in town and they fill tables with  hundreds of pieces of fruit.  Then they walk the elephants to the area from the arena then they chow down.  Very enjoyable.  The rest of the family showed up Friday night for dinner.  On Saturday Debi and I did a bit of shopping.  Got with the neighbors (Pete and Tammy) and went to Longhorns for dinner.  After we got home we started doing laundry and packing for our trip back to Rockport on Sunday.  Lee got a call about the counter offer on the house we wanted.  WOW - those folks are outrageous - NO DEAL!!  So we're back to square one.  We were disappointed, but we feel it wasn't meant to be at this time.

Debi's has a two story house.  I had gone upstairs to retrieve some hangers ------- and everything went downhill from there!!!  Out of 14 steps -- for some reason I missed the last two.  Landed hard on my right foot causing several breaks from my knee to my ankle.  I knew I was in trouble because of the pain.  I was rushed to the hospital - thinking they'll put a cast on it and I'm good to go.  NOPE - I was transferred to a trauma hospital because the injury was so bad. We knew that we were in the right place when they put me in a room with a gator on the wall "Go Gators". lol  Long story short - surgery will be Monday afternoon the 20th.  A plate on right side with 14 holes for screws and a plate and 8 holes on the other side of the Tibia. The surgeon did not put screws in all of the holes since he was able to get the bone stabilized.  He banded the Fibula and it looks great.  No weight bearing with the right leg for 8 weeks.

I'm on the road to recovery when Lee gets sick.  He was admitted to the hospital also (2 doors down from my room) for tests.  He has had these episodes before, which we've discussed with our doctor.  Without seeing what occurs - he's not sure how to treat him.  Our doctor did eliminate heart problems through numerous tests.  You might consider this as bad timing -- but at least medical people witnessed the problem.  Everything has been documented and sent to our doctor.  We'll follow up with him when we return to Canyon Lake the first of March.  On a sad note -- we spent our 32nd wedding anniversary in the hospital.

Lee and I were both dismissed from the hospital on Thursday the 23rd.  We'll be staying at Debi's at least until the 6th of February (my doctor's appointment).  Her dining room was turned into a bedroom and her kitchen was where I showered.  I hope the pictures taken will give you an idea.  MANY MANY laughs!!!
Lee's 69th birthday was Friday the 24th.  For obvious reasons we couldn't celebrate.  That will come later.  The picture below sums up our feelings.

We went out to eat with the family on Monday the 3rd, it was my first time out and it felt great, I was really tired when it was over but it was a great time spent with family.

My new style bathtub that debi came up with  Scooter who is Chad's Boston Terrier enjoyed hanging out on my potty chair while he watched the birds outside.

Got a GREAT report from the doctor on the Feb. 6th.  Healing nicely, but still NO weight bearing.  Next appointment is March 6th.  HOPE HOPE HOPE I can have a boot then!!!!!  He gave us the OK to return to Rockport.  Lee started packing what he could on the 7th, for our trip to Rockport on the 8th.  Woke up to a beautiful sunny day.  Lee and Debi rearranged the dining room, bedroom, etc etc and off we went.  Met the real estate agent on the way down to see another house.  GREAT looking outside - dump inside.  We have put our agent on hold until after my next doctor's appointment.  It's just too hard to get around with a walker and only one good leg.

Lee and Debi are absolutely the BEST caregivers!!!!!  LOVE 'EM with all my heart.  I've got a long road ahead, but I'm trying to keep a sense of humor......but some days are really hard.  Thanks to everyone for your well wishes and prayers.  Please keep us on your prayer list.

Take care -- until next time

We start the month off on Dec. 2nd.  Got Lee off early for the men's coffee meeting.  I met him at 9:00 for the walking class.  Took a ride into town to mail our Christmas gifts.  On Tuesday the 3rd Lee had plans to meet his buddy John to go fishing.  He got everything ready, got the kayak hooked up and was ready to pull away......but the truck wouldn't start.  Long story short - batteries dead.  I headed out for the beauty shop for a haircut while the guys that had gathered around the truck accessed the problem.  While I was gone they got the truck running and Lee took it to the Ford place for a checkup on the batteries.  They confirmed our worse fear -- both batteries about gone.  Once I got back we headed to Corpus Christi for 2 new batteries. Very bad timing for this time of year.  On Wednesday the 4th after the morning coffee and walking class, I got busy cleaning inside the rig.  Lee started doing the finishing touches to the kayak trailer.  Starting to look really good.  This will make it SO MUCH easier for us when loading and unloading!!

The weather report on Thursday was not a good one.  Some weird cold weather is headed this way again.  After we finished laundry, we made a quick trip to WalMart.  It was 74 when we left and 58 when we got back home.  This is after a couple days in the 80's.  Going down to 40 tonight.  If you can believe the weather forecast, it will be COLD until next Thursday.  Well - the forecast was not wrong.  On Friday it turned cold - and I mean cold for this area.  We left at 8:00 to go to the island to meet friend for breakfast.  It was 38 with high winds which  made it in the 20's.  We came down here for WARMER weather - NOT this!!!!  Got back to a warm rig and I put on a pork roast and pinto beans.  On Saturday the 7th it was 33 degrees at 7:30 with a 30% chance of freezing rain.  Chattanooga is warmer today than this.  Not a day for outside activities.  We played around on our computers, watched football and I did some knitting.  Decided to have homemade chili for dinner and keep the roast and beans for Sunday.  Perfect for a cold winter day.

Sunday's weather improving - going up to 46.  Our Keurig is getting a workout with this weather -- either hot chocolate or coffee.  I'm not going to comment on the weather we had on Monday because it wouldn't be nice.  Meet some friends at The Bakery for breakfast.  Made a quick stop at WalMart and back to the warm rig.  On Tuesday the 10th Lee and Jim went to the shooting range.  I read and knitted, then I worked on my "list" for what we'll need when we go to Debi's in a couple weeks.  On Friday the 13th we rode over to the island.  It was cloudy, but warmer (60).  Due to the weird weather - rain, wind, etc. - there were thousands of shells along the beach.  This is unusual for this area of beaches.  The beach was also full of birds and dead jellyfish.  Stopped for a while at the jetty.  Got up close and personal with a pelican.  I believe I could have touched him.  Those that hang around the jetty are not afraid of people at all.

Woke up Monday the 16th to frost everywhere and 34 degrees.  Lee and 3 of his coffee buddies went to check out the new Academy after our walking class.  Warmed up quickly today to 64.  Tuesday was beautiful.  Warm (70) and lots of sun.  We received a care package from Chattanooga that was totally awesome!!!!  There were 2 dozen krystals, a huge container of brownies, a Christmas tin loaded with goodies and 3 loaves of homemade bread.  WOW - we were definitely overcome with joy and appreciation!  THANK YOU SO MUCH Roger, Darlene, Craig and Elsie.  We had the krystals for lunch - duh - and brownies for dessert.  I separated the brownies into baggies to freeze.  Also cut up the bread for freezing also.  That way we should have some all through winter.  Lee and I along with Jim and Pat went to dinner at Dan and Karen's.  Great food and lots of enjoyable stories by all.

On Wednesday Lee headed out for a pedicure after our walking class.  I worked on my famous lists since we're heading to Debi's on Sunday.  We both anxiously await lunchtime -- krystals and brownies.  Thursday was absolutely beautiful - 78 degrees.  Sorry to say - the krystals are now gone.  You should have seen Lee's sad sad look.  I suggested we freeze one for a keepsake.  Needless to say that didn't work.  Let it be know what krystals travel very well via overnight mail!!!!

On Sunday the 22nd we headed north to Debi's.  Stopped at Bucee's for a break.  Had to get trail mix and nuggets -- that's always a MUST.  Once we settled in at Deb's we headed to Fuddruckers for lunch.  Another favorite resturant.  On Monday the 23rd Lee, Todd and Chad spent a guy's day going to Cabelas and Camping World.  Debi and I had Ryder for the day.  He had gotten sick on Sunday.  We ran a couple errands and took him to the doctor.  He was put on medication so we're hoping he's much better tomorrow.  We don't like it when he's feeling down.  Chad headed back to San Marcos (where he's living now)and Todd and Ryder went home.  Debi decided to kick back and relax.  Lee and I went to one of our favorite resturants for dinner.
More bad news for the truck, when Lee took Chad and Todd shopping and running around smoke started to come out from under the front, when they got home it was discovered that the calipers on the front brakes had locked up.  To make a long story short we had to take it in to sears and they found a leak in the line and that the boost pump for the brakes had gone bad, new calipers, brake pads, brake line, and boost pump.  Then we had to have the front end aligned.

Tuesday the 24th was very very busy.  Lee, Chad and Todd ran around again, while Debi and I started baking things for Christmas.  We all went to Todd and Chelsea's Christmas morning to watch Ryder with Santa Claus toys.  Everyone came over to Debi's for the family Christmas lunch and to exchange gifts.  Once we got everything cleaned up, I started watching the clock.  Michael and Austin were flying in and due to arrive at 10:00 pm.  So good to see them!!!!!  After a lazy morning on Thursday, we all headed to Pluckers for lunch.  Another favorite, with wonderful lemonade drinks.  On Friday morning the 27th Debi left at 4:15 am for the airport.  She was flying to Chattanooga for 4 days.  Elmer (our stepdad) turns 90 on Sunday the 29th and a big party has been planned for him that afternoon.  Lee and I ran some errands in the afternoon, then I started making homemade potato salad and pimento cheese.

With all the excitement - needless to say Saturday morning was a lazy one.  Michael and I went to the store for sausage ball ingredients.  He's a master at making them for sure.  Michael, Austin, Chad and Todd did some running around on Saturday afternoon.  Lee and I started packing things up for our trip back to
Rockport on Sunday.  Once we got back, we unpacked a few things and settled in to watch football and take much needed naps.  Monday we finally finished unpacking and went to the grocery store.  We're getting our third round of COLD weather, so we thought a pot of homemade chili would be nice.  Lee makes a huge pot and we are able to freeze about 2-3 containers.  On Tuesday the 31st we bundled up and went outside to take down the Christmas decorations.  Got everything packed away.  Now we're ready to say good bye to another year.

Can't believe we'll only be here for another 2 months.  We will be heading back to the Canyon Lake area on March 1st.  Just HOPE it's warm then.

Take care - until next time

Our November update starts on the 2nd.  Back to The Bakery.  Two more Winter Texans (Dan & Karen) arrived from Michigan, so we all met for breakfast.  The group is up to 8 now.  Great to see everyone together again.  Hard to believe it's been 7 months since we've seen each other.  Now that our social director (Karen) is here more events will be planned.  It was a beautiful day.....72 degrees with a little bit of wind.  Open the windows and door!!!!!

On Sunday the 3rd Lee got our awning cleaned.  He did a superb job waxing the rig.  She looks great!!!  Spent the afternoon watching football and the race.  On Monday Lee went to the men's coffee event.  The Winter Texan events have now started.  We helped the office sort mail.  We DO NOT like the time change.  We would rather have light in the evening.  On Tuesday we had a hot dog luncheon at Jim and Pat's rig.  Dan, Karen, Carol & John also attended.  The guys were measuring and checking out Jim & Pat's rig  for repairs that need to be done from a water leak.  They now have a game plan, but have to wait until their bathroom floor is fixed (other damage from water leak).  Came on back to our rig because we were sorting mail for the office again.  Friday we went to the walking class, which consists of 2 miles.  This is now on a regular schedule - every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.  Definitely out of shape - again.  We should be in much better shape by month end.  Wonderful weather again, so we got on our bicycles and rode 2.4 miles.

Started Saturday in slow motion.  I made homemade waffles. After breakfast, Lee went with Jim to the gun show.  I made a trip to the grocery store.  Settled back in for the afternoon of football and the race.  On Sunday the 10th I made homemade potato salad.  We were all having a pot luck dinner at Dan & Karen's.  We worked on our social events for November.  On Monday the 11th Lee went up for men's coffee and I met him for our walking class.  Got a call from the fraud department at our bank.  Long story short - our account was hacked in South Africa.  Got the card cancelled, but not before they tried to use it 2 more times.   It's SO SAD this kind of stuff has to happen.  Sick sick folks!!  Lee got a call from his Nephew Todd that he wanted Lee to come and go to the Formula-1 race in Austin. Both Nephews Todd and Chad go every year.  He agreed to go up on Thursday and go all 3 days. Tuesday was spent taking inventory of things we could take to storage.  Our storage is in Canyon Lake, but we'll stop by there on Thursday on our way up to Debi's for the weekend.  Sorted the mail for the office.  Headed to Portland for dinner to celebrate Karen's birthday.  Lee helped me get started with the laundry on Wednesday.  I finished up while he went to the men's coffee meeting.  Met him at the club house for the walking class.  Back to the rig to pack and load the car.  Thursday the 14th we headed to Austin.  Stopped at Bucee's for some breakfast and coffee.  Stopped in Canyon Lake to put some things in storage then on to Debi's. Once Debi got off work, I went with her to pick up Ryder at preschool.  Everyone came to Deb's for dinner.

We were up at 6:00 a.m. on Friday the 15th.  This is race day for Lee, Todd, & Chad.  Debi and I entertained Ryder for the day.  Entertained????  I should say spoil.  As a nana and aunt - we're allowed!!!  Debi had been cleaning up in her home office, which contained about 13 years of receipts, etc, etc, etc.  Instead of shredding we decided to burn it in the chimenea.  It took us about 3 hours, but we made it fun.  Had been receiving updates from the guys.  Sounds like they're having a great time.  Lee will attach a picture of his lunch he had that day ---- a corn dog for $15.00 and a beer for $8.50.

On Saturday the 16th Debi and I were out the door at 9:00.  We started out at the farmer's market, attended Ryder's soccer practice and had lunch with Ryder and his mom (Chelsea).  Left them to go on our shopping trip.  We had so many stops to make we had to make a list.  We didn't get home until 5:15.  Had a fantastic, fun filled time.  Lee didn't go to the race track today.  Was having problems with his back and knee.  Took some medication and rested up because he was NOT going to miss the big race on Sunday.  We were all worn out so needless to say it was all downhill after we had dinner.  All 3 of us were in bed early.

The guys headed back to the track on Sunday the 17th for the big race.  A GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL!!! Debi and I had plans to take a motorcycle ride, but I got sick.  Not a good day for me at all.  We headed back to Rockport on Monday the 18th.  The RV Park had a breakfast on Tuesday the 19th. Afterwards we had to finish putting things away from our trip.  On Wednesday the 20th we went to the island for meet the Heartland folks for breakfast.  We got there early so we rode over to the jetty.  The tide was in and lots of waves which obviously attracked the dolphins.  I have never seen so many dolphins in one place.  Must have been a good area for their breakfast.  The picture of the dolphin is from the newspaper.  This is what we see when we go to the island on the ferry or at the jetty.  I can never time a picture of them out of the water, so this will give you an idea of what we see.  The picture of the gingerbread house (sand castle) is in front of the restaurant.  It's amazing what this guys can do.  Back to Rockport to do our grocery shopping.  Settled into a quiet afternoon.  Weather has been great - 60's at night, 70's during the day.

Made a trip into Corpus Christi on Thursday the 21st.  Lee needed some items from Home Depot.  We had purchased a utility trailer when we were at Debi's last weekend.  Due to old age and bad joints, it takes a lot of effort to get the kayak off the top of the truck.  He is going to make additions to the trailer for the kayak.  It will be much easier to maneuver.  We will be able to pull it with the PT or the truck.  Enjoyed a beautiful warm day at 83.  Anxious to see what happens here with the cold front that's moving in from Canada.

The cold is arriving today Friday the 22nd.  When we woke up it was 77.  By 11:00 it was 53, plus rain.  OUCH - here it comes.  Checked the temperature at Debi's (she's about 250 miles north of us) and they were at 29.  Guess we can't complain - uh?  I took advantage of the cold gloomy day to "house" clean.  By end of the day we had a lot more rain and it was 45.  Started the morning off with the air conditioner on and ended the day with heat from the fireplace.  On Saturday the 23rd the cold front hit us hard - 41 with chill factor of 37.  Looks like we'll have several days of this.  This is not the norm here - we just have to be patient.  Lee made use of the gloomy day also by making a huge pot of homemade soup.  We do extra and freeze it via seal a meal.  Our neighbors have a ranch with 87 apple trees in Minnesota.  They brought hundreds and are kind enough to share.  I made good use of a few by making an apple pie.  Homemade soup and apple pie - can't get better than that.

As of Monday the 25th the cold front had not left.  Anxiously await the weekend - predicted to be in the 70's with a lot of sunshine.  Lee started off the day with the men's coffee meeting and as usual, I met him at 9:00 for the walking class.  It's starting to get a bit easier.  Later we headed over to Dan & Karen's place.  Dan needed help with his new Iphone.  Had a fun visit as always.  Tuesday the 26th - SUNSHINE.  Still cold.  53 expected for today with a lot of wind.  I don't care as long as the sun shines!!!!  We've had 4 days of cloudy, rainy days - enough already!!!  After our walking class on Wednesday, Lee got the primer on the rods that he'll install on the trailer.  While they dried, we went to WalMart for print cartridges for our printer.  Had dinner at Pizza Hut with the Heartland folks.  Our group is up to 12 folks now.

Thursday the 28th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!  Woke up to a beautiful sunny - warmer - day.  Once awake - I made a German Chocolate Cake.  We stayed in Rockport for Thanksgiving.  The RV park puts on a lunch.  They do the turkey and the rest of us sign up for different dishes/desserts.  It turned out fantastic!!!  Back to the rig for a nap and watch football.  Friday - the usual - Lee went to men's coffee and we did the walking class.  After breakfast we started on our Christmas decorations.  Anxious for the sun to set to see how everything looks with the lights on.  Sundown -- looks GREAT!!!  Our end of the park is know for our light and decorations.  FUN FUN FUN!!!

Saturday the 30th -- beautiful day!!!  Opened the door and windows.  Joined in the resort's hot dog lunch and corn toss.  You're paired up with someone other than your spouse.  Lee and his partner got 2nd place.  Lots of fun.  This event is every other Saturday.  I guess we'll go back and try our luck again.  I could use a lot of practice.  Lee finished out the afternoon working on the kayak trailer.  It's really taking shape.  I read and watched football.  Sunday the 1st was definitely a day of rest.  I wasn't feeling up to par.  Dan & Karen came over for a visit.  Beautiful weather to sit outside -- high in the 70's.

Well folks - this does it for another month.  Take care - until next time.