We Arrived on Friday - No Internet

Friday's drive from Victoria to Weslaco went well.  We did hit a bit of rain, thus upholding the tradition of the last 4 seasons.  Every time we return to Texas, it rains on the day we arrive.  Could be the middle of a drought, it will still rain. 

We don't have internet service yet.  Won't be for a couple more days.  I'm using the clubhouse wifi.

Our house is great.  Will post pictures later.  We are almost unpacked and organized.  A few issues.  The fridge doesn't work.  A repair person is supposed to arrive today.  The park manager arranged for a loaner fridge to be put in our shed.  A little inconvenient but it is workable. 

The dryer wasn't working either.  Wayne checked and realized that the vent hose was capped shut.  Therefore no moisture was being vented outside.  It is supposed to be fixed today.

Last issue is a leaking walk in shower.  Letting it dry out and then Wayne will recaulk.  (Kathy we have to use your shower)

All in all not too bad.  Nothing to lose sleep over.

The weather is very hot and humid.  I think a trip to the pool is in order. 

Will post a more comprehensive entry when the internet is hooked up.

Almost There - Victoria, Texas - Day 4

Full tummies, jammies on - check.  One more sleep and we will be done travelling.

Today was the longest day of all.  Definitely our max limit.  Eight hours of driving.  We were on the road by 6:30 am.  It was pitch black and anyone who knows us, knows we don't like to drive in the dark.  However we were on Interstate 30 for the first hour, there were so many transports on the road that the lines and signs were very visible.  The rest of the day we were travelling through small town central Texas.  Settled in now at a Comfort Inn.  Lovely new motel.  The room is much small than our other ones.  Still very nice though.

Tomorrow is only a half day of driving.  Then we need to check the house, unload the van and start unpacking.  Yeah!

Supper this evening was at the Olive Garden.  One of our favourite restaurant chains.

One dulcine left.  It's a race to get it.  Not really - we shared.  The dessert was even more delicious because we had a phone coupon and it was free.  Hooray for customer loyalty programs.

We haven't indulged in some of our other US favourites such as What A Burger or Chick Fil A.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Texarkana, Arkansas - Day Three

Another long travel day.  The weather is warm and sunny. But no humidity, so even though it is in the high 80's F, it is comfortable.

Supper tonight was at Copelands of New Orleans.  Yummy.  Wayne found a new Texas stout and I enjoyed a peach bellini.

Steak and mashed sweet potatoes for Wayne, fried jumbo shrimp, onion strings and hush puppies for me.  Oh and a piece of chocolate cheesecake.  I forgot to take pictures again.  Trust me - delicious.

We crossed the Mississippi River today.  Always a thrill.

Tomorrow we head south to Victoria.  Getting closer all the time.

Marion, Illinois - Day Two

Short and sweet tonight.  The drive seemed fairly long from Middlebury to Marion.  I think it was because we had a time change today.  We lost an hour switching to Central time.  When the GPS said we would arrive by 2 pm., it didn't mention the extra hour we needed to drive.  Oh well we arrived safe and sound.

Supper tonight was at Cracker Barrel.  Again we just needed to walk across the parking lot.  Kind of nice getting a bit of exercise after sitting in the van for so long.

Did remember to take food pics tonight. We also shared a piece of carrot cake.  One of the best meals I've had at a Cracker Barrel.  Love having supper and then browsing the gift shop.  Bought a little something for the new house.

The weather here in Marion is very mild.  Tomorrow we are ditching the long pants. 

Time to relax. ttfn

The Leaves Are Falling and There's A Chill In The Air - Time To Head South

Crossing the Blue Water Bridge to Port Huron.  It is such a pretty town as seen from the bridge.  Once through customs it was smooth sailing.  We made great time and arrived at our destination with lots of time to shop.  Hehe!

We are staying at Das Essenhaus  Inn in Middlebury, Indiana.  The inn has extensive grounds with 5 or 6 shops, a huge restaurant and a bakery.  It is very beautiful and peaceful.  We wandered the grounds and checked out the shops before supper.

There are many cozy seating areas sprinkled throughout the motel.  Of course quilts are prominently featured as we are in the heart of Amish country.  The carpet was custom designed.  You can see a bit of it in front of the wing back chairs.  The design is a double wedding ring.  It is a classic quilt design.  Very effective.

I love this little framed quilt  The sunflowers are gorgeous.

Wayne relaxing in our very large but cozy room.  Why is he so happy and relaxed, you ask?

Why because he is back in the land of MeTV.  His favourite oldie channel.  Memorable TV even.

I'm also happy.  Why?  I nabbed some new quilting stash.

A pack of 6 fat quarters, a kit to make little felt mitten Christmas decorations and 2 stencils to use on my Lone star quilt.  Whoooee! Love it!

Supper was a great buffet.  Broccoli or chicken noodle soup, homemade rolls, yummy selections on the salad bar and chicken, beef or ham with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, noodles and many vegetable choices.  I didn't have everything, but what I did try was delicious.  We topped it all off with a piece of pie.  (I forgot to take a picture)

Before heading home, we made a pit stop in the bakery.  But we were so full that nothing needed to come with us.

So all in all it has been a great first travel day.  Tomorrow we head to Illinois.