More Family Fun

Here are more pictures of our fun family weekend. Everyone has remarked about how great it was to be together. A price tag can't be placed on the value of family. The love, support, trust, and the bond that holds us all together can't be measured on a monetary scale. We are rich, indeed.Here's Angela towering over Donna, who towers over me. Yes, we're all related!


Juliet came to me several times wanting to play. When I suggested painting her nails, the biggest smile spread over her princess face. Before long, all three girls were lined up to get their nails done. Juliet picked out the polish, a rich hot pink. Thanks to Dee for the idea. It went over fabulously.Sophia beamed and felt as big as the other girls as she patiently waited for me to finish turning her nails into a sea of pink.
Juliet showed off her nails and even though she doesn't look all that pleased with the results, she really was.
Finally, Baylee got her turn. All three girls were good sports. I'm not the best at applying polish, even with my granny glasses on.
Kids galore! When we opened the front door to see my parents and Donna off, you'd think we opened the floodgate. Happy little feet were everywhere. Sophia was out there, too, just didn't make it into this picture. But more to come tomorrow. I'm drawing this out a little so I can savor it longer.

Inept at Blogging

A new post appears UNDER the tribute to my cousin, Lou. I'd saved it as a draft but when I published it, it went by the date of the draft. Is there a way to change the date of a post so I can do some ahead of time? I searched the help menu and didn't find an answer. Am I too old to learn new tricks?

Farewell to Lou

The feisty Lou that we all loved and admired passed away today at the young age of 59. She'd been in the hospital for a few days, suffering with many complications, including tumors and a bad infection. I understand that she fought until the very end, which does not surprise any of us. Lou was fearless, except for needles, and that fear might have prevented her from getting the help she needed much earlier.

I had the privilege of growing up with Lou and playing with her when I'd spend summers with my grandparents. It was not unusual for us to get into trouble. Once, we aggravated my grandparents so bad that they threatened to put me in the cellar, and sent Lou home. She cried all the way home because she feared that I was locked in a cellar with snakes and spiders. When we connected again in later years, I assured her I had never gone to the cellar. I came close, though.

A roadside park separated Lou's house from my grandparents' home/grocery/and gas station. She was my Dad's cousin, but only three months older than me so we became fast friends. Lou was born with Charcoal Marie Tooth, a debilitating neuropathy that causes weakness and atrophy in the hands and legs. When I met Lou, she was still able to walk using braces and we often met halfway in the roadside park. I was so young and unfamiliar with her affliction that I thought if she'd just stand up and put one foot in front of the other, that she could walk as well as anyone. She told me a year ago that my grandfather came to her house every day to fit her into her braces and she called him a saint, and a perfect human being that she loved so much. They spent a lot of precious time together.

Lou and I lost touch after our childhood and found each other again a few short years ago. We picked up where we left off, and laughed over childhood antics and caught up on each other's life. I learned that she'd lost her precious daughter, Patricia, to pneumonia and Lou was currently raising her grandson, Jonathon. She reminded me of so many things I'd forgotten, and shared her rich knowledge of the family through the years. She was possibly the backbone of the family, keeping us all together.

Lou did an online newsletter to keep us all abreast of the latest happenings within our growing family. Her computer was her world. She could go anywhere, do anything, as long as she was connected to the internet. But being bound to a wheelchair did not keep Lou from experiencing life. She wheeled all over Hot Springs, much as we do in our cars. This is another example of her fearlessness. She was out and about so much that she became as much of Hot Springs as the bath houses and the National Park. Everyone knew this tough little lady who wouldn't let a minor thing like CMT keep her confined to four walls.

It was this whirlwind in a wheelchair that did all the "foot" work for our family reunion over a year ago. She planned the location and took care of all the details. Her hard work paid off and she had the time of her life. I remember her waiting by the hotel's parking garage for me to arrive. I jumped from the car the moment I saw her and was greeted with a big smile. She was appropriately honored for pulling us all together for a weekend to remember.

I'm certainly no authority on Lou or her life, but I know how she touched my own life. I have laughed so hard with her. I will miss that. I will also miss the inspiration she has been to me and many who knew her. She found so much to live for amid her disease and losses. When life handed her scraps, she made a quilt. This is how I saw Lou and how I will remember her. She was strength personified.

Lou will be put to rest between her sweet daughter and her cousin, George, whom she loved so much. Gone much too soon, but loved so much. Goodbye, Lou, until we meet again.

Brief...But Beautiful

I just received the best medicine for my heart! Angela was here for dinner and she brought Ashton and Juliet, leaving little Callan home with his Daddy. Then, to surprise Angela and add more joy to my heart, my parents and Donna came for dinner, too! We had eight adults and six children and the happy noise level was high.Here I am with my parents, sister, and my three children. Am I blessed or what?
This picture shows some of the laughter that filled our afternoon together. My family has a sense of humor and uses it constantly.
My Dad, Mother, Ron, Donna and me. What a happy day for all of us.
My handsome son, Ron, and my beautiful sister, Donna. This aunt and nephew make a striking couple. Donna's always been the best aunt ever and the nieces and nephews love her dearly.



It was a brief visit but more pictures to follow. I had a happy heart this weekend!

Rhyme Time

The following poem was written in the mid 1980s as I reflected on my marriage. I wish every marriage could be this rich, this lasting, and this fulfilling. I am privileged to have been the other half of a union that worked so well. This is for you, Chezzy, with love.

Through The Years

The towels we received at our bridal shower
Are now discolored and worn.
The easy chair and the sofa
Look tattered and one is torn.

The carpet already has been replaced
And the roof has sprung a leak.
But our marriage shows no wear through the years,
It's better and complete.

The house has been painted, both inside and out,
And several windows have been redressed.
The repairs on the washer and dryer
Haven't left me very impressed.

Two rooms have seen new wallpaper
And another is over-due.
But there's newness in this love we share,
Every day I spend with you.

Wedding gifts and houses
Do not improve with time.
There's replacing and repairing
To keep them working fine.

How glad I am this love of ours
Is stronger in every way.
For you don't repair something that's better
Than it was on your wedding day.

Pumpkin Patch

Ron and Thomas completed the corn maze while at the Pumpkin Patch. He said it took awhile.
Here's Thomas as a rough and tough cowboy. Check out those ears!
Thomas spent a lot of his time helping other children up the jungle gym. The parents were so impressed at how he would gently put his hand on the child's back and guide them up the ramp. Thomas has a big heart.

A Night on the Town

Patty and I enjoyed a delightful evening in Fort Worth with dinner and a concert. We arrived early to make sure we found a parking space, then walked downtown in search of something to eat. We ended up at a corner cafe for chicken salad sandwiches. Yes, it hurt to by-pass Del Friscos and Ruths Chris, but the money we saved on the sandwiches eased the pain a lot.After dinner, it was concert time with Michael Buble! He really put on a show! I so admire young men like him and Josh Groban who aren't afraid to bring back the older tunes, sing words that can actually be understood, and don a real suit and tie. I know I'm showing my age here, but even as a teenager I was conservative in my music. The wild stuff grates on my nerves.

We found Michael to be very charismatic and full of humor. He made us laugh, he made us swoon, he made us clap and tap our foot. And he was very personable. He spotted two young sisters in the audience who were dressed alike in plaid dresses. He commented on it, asked their names, then went to the aisle for a picture with them. As he turned to go back to the stage, a woman he had teased earlier stood up and hugged him, then grabbed his tush with both hands. There was a roar of cheers and laughter. This was an older woman, older than I am, and her husband was with her. Now I don't feel like such a perv.

Of course, a night can't be perfect. That would be asking too much. We all know to never wear a brand new pair of shoes on a day when you plan to walk a lot. My sister gave me a darling pair of Crocs with a wedge heel and they looked so good with my jeans. After walking awhile, I felt blisters coming on, so Patty swapped shoes with me. Thank goodness we wear the same size. It was a few blocks later that Patty began limping. Her blisters were worse than mine. I took my shoes back and we continued to the parking garage after the concert, vowing to break in the next pair of shoes a little at a time.

So, we emerge from the parking garage and I am watching signs that will point me to the interstate. I don't drive downtown in a big city very often. It's on the same scale as a root canal. I finally see the sign I need and try to veer to the left as it instructed, I'm so busy making sure the lane is clear for me to move over that I go straight through a red light. Patty told me quickly that I just ran a red light. I felt like saying, "oh, am I driving?", but instead I jerked my head around to see if we had narrowly missed another car. We hadn't. God was truly watching over us!

Needless to say, we began laughing and wondering if a picture of my car with two grandmas with eyes wide like a deer's in the headlights, will appear in my mailbox. If it does, the night was still worth it. We had a ball. Thank you, Patty, for treating me!

Cheryl Was Here!!!

Cheryl and Sid are in town for a relative's wedding and she managed to squeeze in some quality time with me. We spent the day together yesterday and threw together a small group for Girls Night Out. We had a fabulous time.Cheryl has become an important part of our family and shares her love with everyone. Here, she is enjoying her meal with my sister, Donna, who has also adopted her into our family.
I sat across the table with Patty and continually counted my blessings. It's a rich feeling sitting there with my two best friends, my sister, and my daughter, Allison. The only thing that would have made it better would be for Angela to be able to join us.
Allison and Cheryl took advantage of our brief visit to catch up on each other. After dinner, Cheryl and I stayed up until 2:30 a.m., playing Yahtzee, talking and laughing. This morning we played some more while having coffee.
When Sid came over to pick her up, the four of us went to a late lunch. Afterwards, we sat on the patio with the pleasant breeze and talked about everything, including politics. That gets interesting when each couple is a different political party supporter! But we've never let that interfere in our friendship.
Robin enjoyed his moment between two women. He told Sid to take his time snapping the picture. He was such a good sport when he went to bed and told us to keep throwing dice on the tiled table top, that he'd sleep through the racket. Of course, we added laughter to the mix.

The visit was much too short but I am blessed to have the time with Cheryl that I had. She's an incredible friend, and her support and unwavering belief in me means more than she will ever know. Love you, BB!

Happy Birthday, Clayton!

You have many things to be thankful for on this birthday. Praise God your cancer is gone and you and your family can resume your normal lives. It's truly a day of celebration. Enjoy, and have a happy birthday!

Bon Voyage!

Patty called me last night and told me I needed to get a passport. I knew what that meant. She was ready for another cruise. I tried to tone down my excitement long enough to ask if we had time to get a passport. Since the law now requires a passport for those countries that once settled for a birth certificate, the wait can be horrendous. She assured me her husband was checking into it.

Her husband. That's when I told her if he'd like to go on this cruise or if she would rather have his company, I totally understood. She said she had asked him and even though he'd enjoyed the one they took last February, it wasn't exactly his cup of tea. So, I'm the lucky one who gets treated to a 5-day cruise, complete with penthouse and balcony and room service and relaxation and reading and shopping and napping. Whew!

Patty called again today to tell me she had checked with two travel agents who told her a passport wasn't necessary since we were leaving and returning to an American port. However, if one of us got sick in another country, a passport would come in handy. With my track record, we'd better get passports. Although, I told her I'd met my quota and it was her turn to get sick. Not a nice thing to say to someone who is treating me to a cruise!

We are looking at April and will book it once we learn more about the length of time it takes to get a passport. We are really looking forward to this and always have so much fun. The cruise will be on the heels of a 10-day trip to Bandera, scheduled for January. It really sounds like I'm making out my bucket list!

Heart: 3-Month Checkup

My cardiologist gave me a clean bill of health this morning. His nurse took another EKG and he compared it to the one taken in the hospital and told me it was much better. There's still some concern about tension and anxiety and he wants me to see my regular doctor to discuss a change in medication. If the tightness in my chest continues after altering the meds, then we will do another stress test, either the walking one or one done in the hospital. He seems to think that since the tightness eases upon awaking after a good night's sleep that it is tension related.

My other concerns were:

Plavix - the doctor said I only needed it the past three months because of the kind of stents I have. They are non-medicated and my need for Plavix is over. I wanted his opinion on this because my pharmacy has told me I should be on it for life. Not necessary. That's good news since Plavix is pricey stuff.

Dentist - I don't need to be on an anti-biotic before my dental visits. There's no risk right now.

Permanent heart damage - my heart isn't functioning at full capacity and never will. But because of the design of the heart, no one's heart is 100%. I'm at 50 - 55%, but he's pleased with how I'm doing.

Unless there's further tightening or chest pain, I don't go back for six months! Praise the Lord!

Girls Night Out

There were eight of us who joined the fun last night and we officially named ourselves the "Texas Divas" party. Having a great time are Jan, Deborah, Donna and Paula. We heartily welcome Jan to our fun group. She is mine and Donna's ex-sister-in-law but a forever sister. We really enjoyed her and are excited that she is one of the Divas!
On the other side of the table are Paula, Allison, Me, and Patty. Having Allison around keeps us all laughing and young at heart. We think it's wonderful that she has so much fun with us older gals, but she probably needs the outing more than we do since she has three children at home.
A nice lady at the opposite table offered to take this group picture. If we add any more Texas Divas (and I hope we do!), we might have to rent the entire restaurant.
It's hard to tell from the picture but Patty's dinner roll had an unusual appendage, one that had us all cracking up. Here, we are pretending it's a huge nose.
And of course, here, it's obvious what we think it looks like since Patty has her knife poised, ready to chop it off.

Silly, silly girls. We laugh at anything and everything and have the absolute best time!

Rhyme Time

I was happily married and sharing the love in my heart with my husband when I wrote the sequel to A Girl's First Love for my Dad, Sugar, in honor of Father's Day.

Still A Girl's First Love

It's been over ten years ago
Since I wrote the poem for you,
That said you were a girl's first love
And today it still holds true.

Although my teen years are over,
It makes no difference that I'm grown.
I still cherish very deeply
The love you gave me there at home.

I'll always be a Daddy's Girl,
Though years come and go.
My love keeps getting stronger
For one of the dearest men I know.

Although you aren't the only man
Who's in my heart today.
You fill the same special spot
And there you'll always stay.

So often I get on my knees
And thank the Lord above,
That I've been blessed with Sugar
Who's still a girl's first love.

Peggy Chrusciaki, Circa 1976

Timberrrrrr!

Robin and I were outside last night when this tree in a neighbor's yard decided to come down with a thunderous crash. It didn't startle us, even though the crash that followed the first one was so loud it shook the earth. No, we'd been watching this tree since late August when we heard a loud crack and saw the damage. Every morning while having coffee on the patio we'd hear more cracks, some faint, some loud. Within a few weeks, the tree had split in half at least three feet and would have tumbled down if not for other trees holding the weight. But last night the other trees grew weary and weak under the weight of this larger tree and they all came crashing down.This heavy limb that broke apart is not through doing its damage. It's still pulling away from the tree with constant creaks and groans, and will do further damage if it isn't corrected in time. The neighbors tried to bring in a small crew with chainsaws today, but other neighbors weren't home and the damage involved three other properties besides their own. They needed consent before they could clear this out.
This is the small corner of our yard that is affected. A portion of the tree fell over the fence and is resting in our yard. The fence behind it is swaying and will fall soon enough.
This yard is next to the one whose tree fell. The white crushed metal under the limbs used to be a shed. It was flattened. Other loose limbs are still caught in other, stronger trees and will fall with the first wind. It's a real mess.

So why didn't we warn these neighbors about impending disaster? We don't know them, but that's no excuse. We had a similar problem once with another one of their trees that came through the fence. We called to see how they wanted to handle it. We were told that it would cost $900 to cart away the tree and mend the fence. He said he would split the cost with us. We told him it was his tree. He told us there was no point in one person carrying the whole expense. So, we fixed our own fence and let him worry about the limbs on his side.

When we noticed another one of his trees meeting a similar doom, we just watched and waited. Five weeks later it caused damage in four yards. Extensive damage. Maybe this neighbor is ready to mend fences.

Rhyme Time

I'll be sharing poetry every few days and giving a brief history about each one. This one, A Girl's First Love, is probably not the first poem I ever wrote, but the first one I kept. I was sweet 16 when I wrote this in honor of my Dad and slipped it under his bedroom door after he went to bed. I awoke to his hugs and kisses the next morning, assuring me how much he appreciated it.

A Girl's First Love

They say a girl's first love is a happy one
Filled with everything nice and gay.
They say it happens in her teenage years
On a very special day.

But a girl falls in love when she opens her eyes
And looks in her father's face.
A man who dressed his baby girl
In flannel gowns and lace.

A man who spent each spare moment
Teaching you how to sing.
A man who's brought more happiness
Than any man can bring.

You love this man who spent a day
Teaching you how to ski,
And you burst with pride and glad to say
He really belongs to me!

He's watched you grow out of some childish things
That we all must overcome.
He's watched you bite your nails, tease your hair,
And smack a wad of gum.

He's also sat through a long row of hours
While you were on a date.
Maybe he's afraid that little boy
Has taken your heart to break.

Your tears may fall, your world turns sad,
You think life is wrong.
But Dad is waiting patiently
To cheer you up with a song.

Oh a girl's first love never dies,
It lingers on forever.
Because a girl's first love is her father,
And he will leave her never.

Peggy Chrusciaki 1966

Mammary Dairy?

PETA, whose views are sometimes extreme, really knocked the socks off of me today. They wrote a letter to the owners of Ben & Jerry's Ice cream and suggested that they substitute cow's milk with breast milk. Huh? They reported about a company in Switzerland who is doing that very thing. And, of course, PETA bemoaned the fate of baby calves who had to give up their milk for human consumption, and relayed the health risks associated with dairy products.

Now, I have nothing against breastfeeding. I've always been a strong proponent, having nursed all three of my children. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and provides a wonderful start in a child's life. Nursing is usually convenient and the mother/child bonding can't be matched. I'm totally in favor of breast milk. I just don't know that I want it in my ice cream.

The letter went on to say that cows had to be impregnated too often so their supply of milk would be readily available, citing the stress this places on cows. Again, an animal has been exalted to a supreme plane, far above that of the human race. What about the stress on women's bodies? Would they, too, need to be impregnated every nine months to satisfy our sweet tooth? Do we take milk away from our babies so calves will have enough? Aren't there milk substitutes that would work as well as mother's milk? We're talking ice cream, folks.

I'm having a hard time picturing a herd of lactating women being hooked up to industrial breast pumps. And what if those pumps just so happens to malfunction? Does it become a manual job? Oh, the poor guys who have to work at the Mammary Dairy. I'm sure Robin would apply.

Although I could sing the praises of breastfeeding all day long, I just don't want to pump me up a warm glass of the stuff to have with my oatmeal cookies. It's a mental thing. I'm used to pouring milk on my Cheerios and adding it to the freezer when I make homemade ice cream. It's always been that way and I'm used to it. I'm not used to thinking about breast milk being an important ingredient in the foods I eat. It just doesn't sound right. Ewww. Also, I'd rather have a grilled chicken breast than the obvious alternative.

Fortunately, Ben & Jerry's declined the thoughtful suggestion and will continue using cow's milk. That's a relief. I don't know where they would find that many lactating women who would be willing to part with the juice anyway. During my nursing days there were times when I could have fed four sets of triplets and have milk to spare. Then, there were the times when the well was running dry. For those like Cheryl who need a daily ice cream fix, a dried up woman would be a license to kill.

Thanks, but I'll stick with Elsie.

This is Too Creepy

I learned some disturbing news from my Mother today. It seems they have an unwanted visitor in their home. My Dad was in the basement today and spotted a 2 1/2 to 3-foot long snake skin on the lower kitchen floor. The snake that lost its skin could not be found, even though my Dad and one of my brothers did a thorough search of the house.

The most disturbing thing about all this is my Mother appeared undisturbed. One daughter-in-law told her that most women would refuse to live in the house until the wretched thing was located. Not only located, but the entry point was also discovered and sealed. Mother laughed it off. She's never been one to squeal and carry on about things. I've never been one to squeal and carry on about things, either. Unless it's a snake.

During one of my many childhood trips to the lake, I remember how we were all sitting by the campfire one night. Mother calmly announced that a snake was crawling over her feet. All eyes turned to her just in time to see her raise her feet as the snake slithered off. She didn't scream. She didn't refuse to camp out again. She didn't even run. She just calmly made a statement as if to say the moon was exceptionally bright that night.

Then, two years ago, the day before her 80th birthday, she told my Dad as they went to bed that a mouse scurried across her arm. He told her she was dreaming. It happened again and she told him a second time. He turned on the light just as the furry imp jumped off the bed. Again, no theatrics from my Mother. And more recently, they found a live frog in one of their houseplants. I'd be demanding to know how this many unsavory creatures found their way into my home. And I'd be staying at the Hampton Inn until it was found and fixed.

Now, I'm not afraid of mice or insects. But I do get startled easily if something like that catches me by surprise. But I'm not one to squeal and flap my arms if I happen to see a spider on the wall. I have no problem disposing of it. Snakes are a different story. I'm terrified, and won't even get close enough to dispose of it. There's just something so hideous about them. I don't like the way they look. I don't like the way they move. They have no redeeming qualities. And one is loose in my parents' home and they have not vacated the premises.

I can understand why Dad, being the big, tough man of the house, is staying there and refusing to let a harmless little snake force him from his own home. Providing that it is, indeed, harmless. They live in a rural area where venom can be found. But venom or not, a snake is a snake and my Mother should be concerned when she crawls into bed tonight. I am not my Mother's daughter. That disturbs me the most.

My "Dream-on" house

by Dee

Sunday my hubby and I had a double date with our friends, the Ramseys. First we went to brunch! I know, don't be jealous! Then it was off to a million dollar home tour. And what a tour it was. These homes ranged from the high 1 million all the way up to 2.7 million. The outdoor living spaces were so beautiful! I want an outdoor kitchen! I want a pool house! I want a jacuzzi located in the garden of the master suit! I want to make the money required to maintain a home like that!!!

One of the houses had the coolest princess room. This little girl's room was so fantasy fantastic, I even wanted to sleep in it. The room is painted in chalk board paint and the murals are done in...are you ready for this...chalk! The bed was the coolest. It was a play in the princess and the pea story. The bed was hanging from the ceiling with multiple colored thin mattresses stacked on top of one another. The bed was a swing! Not good for a precocious boy's room but perfect for a little princess who would never think of making this swing really work and taking it for a real test drive.

I could not imagine being able to live in one of these homes! And what kind of children would mine become after living a life like this? Would they grow up and graduate from college expecting to maintain the same lavish life they have become accustomed to? Or would they live in a modest 1 bedroom apartment and work their way up like their good hard-working parents did? That is why here and now I will proclaim that I will never subject my children to such a dilemma! Yes, that children's book is going to sell and make my sister and I multi-millionaires but I will stay in my same cookie-cutter home in the burbs with my 2 car garage. My garage will NOT be climate controlled, with a chandelier and better textured floors than the rest of my home. I will NOT have a media room that rivals the Cinemark I use to go to every Saturday night as a teen. In fact I will reward my hard work by blessing my mom with all these luxuries.

That's right Peggy Poet, pack your bags! You are moving on up!

A Date with Michael

Patty surprised me with tickets to a Michael Buble concert. We will be jazzing it up on October 11. I don't know what it is about me and these younger men! Oh yeah, I like their voices in song.

Nearing Hunting Season - Woman Style

Patty and I are already counting the days to hunting season. It officially opens on November 1. However, if one enjoys bow season, the fun begins a month earlier. The Great White Hunter bought a crossbow recently so I am assuming Patty and I will have an extra month to enjoy.

Contrary to what the picture of me depicts, I will not be spending my weekends at the deer lease. I don't shoot Bambi. I don't eat Bambi, either. And a gigantic drawback to hunting is that you can't wear perfume. It alerts the prey of your presence. Therefore, deodorant is taboo, also. Cooking is allowed and I don't get that. Grilling a thick venison steak should scare off the deer more than the scent of Burberry. Then there's the accommodations. An outdoor shower in November? Even worse, an outdoor bathroom? An old, musty camper? No internet connections? Cooking in cramped quarters and sleeping near the hunter who left his deodorant at home? No, thanks. I'm not a happy camper.

Oh, but I love slumber parties! And that's exactly what Patty and I do every hunting season. We luxuriate in the absence of a schedule - meals, laundry, etc. - and indulge in free time and all that we enjoy filling those minutes with. It might be shopping (we usually fit in some Christmas shopping), reading, playing games or doing puzzles. The point is, we don't have to be doing anything unless we want to. That's the beauty of it.

I know we just finished a week in a condo with total freedom to be lazy. It wasn't enough. I think my body is trying to tell me it is time to retire, to sleep late and stay up all night with a good book, to laugh often with friends, to empty my mind of any and all distressing things. I plan to listen. Sorry Bambi, but I love hunting season.

The One That Got Away

The Great White Hunter nabbed another critter, Rocky Raccoon. This big guy had attitude. He hissed and growled each time we got near his cage. After a night in confinement, he was mean and angry. City animal control tried to get him from our cage to theirs, but he fought hard. Since no one wanted an encounter with his teeth and claws, he managed to escape during the transfer. I don't think he will fall for the bait in the trap again. I hope, at least, he chose another back yard in which to take up residence.

A Design Snafu?

Before our trip, Patty and I were looking at pictures of our condo online. We were shocked to see the picture of the master bedroom and bath. As it turned out, while in Galveston we were placed in the Presidents quarters which are spacious. But our condo in the Hill Country had the odd bedroom and bath design.The bed is on the right and what is next to it, on the left? The bathtub and shower. It is only separated by a half wall, a plate of clear glass and a shower curtain. Oh, and mirrors on two walls just in case you didn't know how awful you looked in the nude while showering.
This is a close up of the shower that could actually be used as a nightstand. It's that close to the bed.
There is absolutely no privacy. Sure the curtain is drawn while the shower is running, but you step out of the shower and wallah! You are suddenly in the master bedroom with only a towel and an embarrassed look on your face. This design might be perfect if one is sharing the room with a husband or wife. But friends? Not so much. No wonder Patty wanted her own room.

Canyon Lake, Part 5

Our final day at the condo was bittersweet. Home sounded good, but so did a few more days of not having to think about anything but having fun and relaxing. When all the luggage and sacks were loaded into my car, we went back inside for pictures of the condo as clean as we found it. OK, there were piles of dirty linens and towels, crumbs on the floor, and a few toenails from our pedicures, but it really didn't look too bad.This was my comfy perch the whole time we were there. I was often curled up with a blanket and a good book, or watching the news, or playing a hand-held electronic game.
Patty had the sofa as she enjoyed the above-mentioned activities.
This was the view from our patio. Not exactly the view from our balcony in Galveston, but quiet and serene.
Patty on our patio with the lovely view of the fence. At least we could sit out there without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.

This was Patty's bedroom. I offered her the master bedroom but she wanted this one. It had a small kitchen for the times it is leased as an efficiency. Of course, the kitchen wasn't used. We were on vacation.
This is the main kitchen, used only to keep things chilled or a random use of the toaster. The stove and oven were never turned on. What a waste.
Notice the sleigh coffee table in our living room.
The TV stand shows just how rustic the Hill Country decor can be.
More of the kitchen and the table. What a fabulous trip! We're all ready to go again!!

Canyon Lake, Part 4

We had so much fun playing miniature golf that when we finished the 18th hole, we played another game. I got a hole in one on the first game and Patty got one on the second. Aside from those two great accomplishments, it was downhill all the way. And, oh, how we laughed!
We both took turns hitting the ball totally out of the greens. Wouldn't Tiger be proud?

It was not unusual for the ball to roll backwards to its original starting position.
I'm right-handed but have always felt more comfortable playing golf left-handed. Go figure.
Patty taking a small reprieve as we crossed a bridge for the next hole.
This is Patty's putting iron. No, she didn't get mad and fling it. No, it didn't just whirl out of her hands as she hit the ball. She merely leaned it against the bridge so I could take her picture and the iron fell through the cracks. She had to climb down there to get it. Her ball also ended up in a water hazard. Unfortunately, we were too busy cracking up to think of the camera.
Obviously, I learned from Patty's mistake and kept a firm grip on my iron for the picture taking.

Canyon Lake, Part 3

Canyon Lake is gorgeous. I've never seen such turquoise water in a lake. An ocean, yes. A lake, no, not before this. Absolutely beautiful!
We traveled the "dam" road to get this picture of the dam. The back sloped wall is enormous.
Patty with a view.
Patty snapped this picture as a huge hawk flew overhead. We need to submit this one to National Geographic Magazine!

Now the big news: I carried out our trash in broad daylight, wearing pajamas, NOT wearing makeup, and deposited it in the receptacle down from our condo. Actually, it was a few yards from our porch, but still ... one for the record books.