Sunday, February 23, 2014

What A Shock!

Post Heart Attack
So we left off with Wayne dressed in drag.  It was so shocking to his system that he had a heart attack or MI (myocardial infraction) as it is technically called. 

He was going to buy me flowers for Valentines Day but the price was so high that it gave him an attack.  At least that's his story.

Wayne woke up on the 14th with indigestion (so he thought), but soon decided that he might be having a heart attack and woke me up.  We called 911 and they arrived less than 20 minutes later.  By 7am Wayne was in the emergency department of the Mission  Regional Hospital.  By 10 am he had  balloon angioplasty with a stent and was settled in the ICU department.  Great service.  One artery was 100 % blocked.  Another two have lesser blockages.

He was in the hospital for three days and is now recuperating at home.   Feels well but gets tired often. 

Thanks to all friends and family for all the kind thoughts and wishes.

Before all the excitement, we went on a field trip to Brownsville.  We visited a costume museum displaying native clothing styles for North, South and Central America.  Gorgeous.

Outside the museum in Brownsville



The museum wasn't very large.  It was an annex attached to a Children's Museum.  The  display was so beautiful and colourful.  It showed an amalgamation of traditional clothing and European influences.  Well worth a visit.

We had lunch at Luby's which is a Texas institution.  Luby's is a cafeteria style restaurant chain that is known throughout the state.  We enjoyed the daily special.  It's kind of fun to pick and choose what you want.

Next on the agenda was a stop at a shrimping company to learn all about the wild shrimp fishery.  It was very interesting and detailed. Included was a tour of a shrimp boat and fresh boiled shrimp to taste.  Yummy!  Way more flavour than farm raised shrimp and better for your health too.

Wild Gulf of Mexico Shrimp

Checking out the boat

View of the Shrimp Basin
The shrimp boats are manned by 3 to 6 man crews and stay out at sea for 30 to 50 days per trip.  No way would I want to do this job.  It's heavy, stinky hard work mostly done at night with little time to sleep or eat.  The kitchen and head were very tiny and had only very basic amenities.  Not my thing.

Wayne continues to improve and we are eagerly awaiting Kathy's arrival later this week.  Stay tuned for some Texas fun in the sun.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Chimney Park Hat Rock Cafe Ladies Luncheon

One of the main events each season, is the Ladies Luncheon.  This year I was on the planning committee.  It was a lot of fun and I think the event was enjoyed by everyone. 
 
Each year is a different theme.  This year we decided to focus on hats and music tied together as "The Hat Rock Café".  Pun totally intended.
 
The decorations were amazing.  Our decorating team did a fabulous job.  Wish we could keep the décor forever.

Waiting for Our Guests
 
 
 
Door Prizes
Our Chairperson - Rosemary
We kept the food fresh and simple.  Some catered and some prepared by the committee.  Our menu consisted of  chicken salad on a croissant with both a green salad and a fruit salad.  Dessert was carrot cake.  Very yummy.

Of course, every successful luncheon should have some entertainment.  A fashion show should fit the bill. 

Granny, our MC.  Could she be more stylish?

 
Direct From Fashion Week - Our Gorgeous Models




What can I say.  I laughed so hard that my tummy hurt.  Thanks guys.  You are all good sports and either really brave or really silly.  Maybe both.






A good time was had by all.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

The Fun - It Never Ends

It's party time At Chimney Park.  We had a Bbq and band last week.


Sausage, ribs and all the trimmings.  Yum Yum!


Great party, company, food and weather.  Thanks Wendy and Lloyd.

Been busy with preparations for our Ladies Luncheon and a park open house.  But not too busy for lunch and a shopping trip with my friend, Judith.  Got some great bargains at Marshalls.

I also went to a Lutheran church conference about mission work in Texas, Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua.  It was very informative.

We had some excitement near the park the other night.  The border patrol were looking for somebody.  The helicopter was so loud, I couldn't hear the tv.

Vehicles and flashing lights on the levee.
 
Today, of course, was Super Bowl Sunday.  We watched the game enjoying a great pork loin dinner and lots of snacks.  I enjoyed the commercials and Wayne's team won - Seattle Seahawks.  Good time all round.

The weather may not be as warm and sunny as last year, but we are enjoying ourselves immensely.  I think that each season is different but all are fun.