Fall 2017 Fort Mill, South Carolina

Let's start with a shot of last night's coal fired oven baked calzone.  Absolutely delicious!

Today was all about mountains.  Yesterday and part of this morning we were gradually climbing.  Then we started the descent.  It went on and on for hours.

We passed three of these runaway truck ramps.  Thankfully none were used today.

If you can't go around the mountain, go through it.  We travelled through two tunnels under the mountains.  Actually felt weird to drive straight instead of twisty curvy.

Still practicing selfies.  The sign says "Welcome to North Carolina".  Someday I'll get the hang of it.

Chicken Fried Chicken with dressing, hash brown casserole and sweet potato casserole

Let's finish off with Cracker Barrel. We always eat here at least once per trip.  Today we ate at two different locations.  Mmmm!

Fall 2017 Bridgeport, West Virginia

Day 1 Arrived Safe and Sound

We closed up the house and hit the road at 4:30 am.  It was very dark and quiet.  Super easy drive to the border at Lewiston, New York.  We have never crossed here before.  Easiest crossing ever.

A great trip except for intermittent rain.  We stopped several times to stretch, grab a snack or pick up a map for a new state.  All new territory for us today.

Some pretty fall colours but a very dull gloomy day.

Because we left home so early, we arrived here in Bridgeport too early to check in to our hotel.  Ok then - is there a JC Penney nearby?  Why yes there is.  So off to shop we go.  I bought 2 tops and Wayne bought 6.  We spent less than $30 and saved over $150.  Woo hoo!

Later we are going to walk down the street to an Italian Restaurant for dinner.  And then I am sure it will be an early night.

Tomorrow on to South Carolina. 

Fun Times in Texas

Christmas was great.  Time spent with friends - new and old.  A Christmas feast that was delicious.

Then we got sick.  The usual Texas crud.  Cough, sore throat etc.  Had to cancel our New Year celebrations.  We were down and out for over a week.

Finally feeling better, Wayne and I just got back from a mini vacation in San Antonio.  What a beautiful city.  The Riverwalk is amazing.  In two days, we walked over 11 miles.  I have a huge blister and aching feet, knees and hips.  Oh the joys of fitness.  lol  We wandered all over the center of town  all along the river.  Tons of restaurants, bars etc.  We parked the car in the hotel garage and never used it at all.  Walked everywhere.

The Alamo

I got a new cowboy hat to replace the one lost in the tornado.

Tour boats on the river

Each bell represents a mission church in and around San Antonio

So very scenic.  Great break. (Cause you know our life is so stressful - not)

We've Been Busy

The days are flying by.  Wayne and I have been very busy.  He is working on his shed.  Big plans to transform it from a 10 by 10 empty space to a very efficient and fun "Man Cave".  Plans include an air conditioner and flat screen TV.  So far he's built a work bench with a peg board for his tools, installed a loft to store our bulky bits and pieces, and storage for our bikes.

Wayne's Shed

Lots of Storage

Love the Work Bench

Wayne will be watching the sales for air conditioner, TV etc.  I may never see him again.

I've been busy too - participating in some of the activities offered in the park.  Needlecraft, quilting and water aerobics.  Lots of fun.  We have met some of our neighbours, joining them for Thanksgiving dinner etc.  I went on a lunch/shopping day to Harlingen with Sue who lives two doors down.  We had a great time.  Wayne (yes, yet another Wayne) and Sue enjoy going out for dinner, we have plans to dine together on Wednesday.

The house is beginning to look like Christmas.  Concentrating on the indoors this year.  Will do the outside next season.

Our first full size tree since we retired

My Mom made these many years ago

Matthew made this in Grade Two

I would like to thank Wendi and Carmen, once again, for saving my tree skirt, stockings and Santa.  They pulled them out of the rubble after the tornado wiped out our RV.  Means so much to me.

The weather turned cool and rainy last evening.  After we do a short shopping trip to Lowes (Wayne needs more tools?) and Walmart, I am going to do some Christmas baking.  Wonder if there will be any Christmas movies on this afternoon.

Enjoy the season.  Until next time.

Kim

Recap of Kathy's Visit

Kathy flew down for a 10 day visit.  The three of us have plenty of room to live together in our new winter home.  Whew, that's a relief.  Always good to find out that theoretical plans really work.

The weather started off gloomy on the weekend, but was beautiful during the week.

We shopped, ate and went to the beach.  What a gorgeous day!

We were kept entertained by sand crab antics.  They scurry all over the beach.  Very cute.

We all enjoyed a Mexican feast at Chili's.  Fajitas, burritos and enchiladas.  Yum.

Kathy and I even did some gardening. 

We were sad to say good bye to Kathy, but she will be back later in the season.  No doubt there will be puzzles to do and the pool to enjoy. 

Lastly, to all our American friends, Happy Thanksgiving!  We are looking forward to the communal dinner here at Ranchero Village.

Settling In

Good Morning One and All.

Well, it's about a week since we arrived here in Weslaco.  Feeling pretty settled at our new home in Ranchero Village.

We found an outdoor table and chairs at a reasonable price.  Spent a morning setting up the patio.  Still needs a rug.  The house is really comfy.  It is much larger than any of our recent homes.  In fact, I am racking up step counts on my Fitbit just by puttering around the house.  I also walked from the clubhouse.  It is not as far as we had thought.  Just takes a few minutes.  On the other hand, the garbage bins are pretty out of the way.  We try to incorporate ditching the garbage with any errands we need to do.

We have checked out local grocery stores, restaurants and hardware stores.  Costco, Harbor Freight and Sketchers are about 15 miles west.  Harlingen is about 20 miles east.  We haven't ventured that direction yet.

Kathy is arriving on Wednesday.  We are planning to head to McAllen early to check out the mall before her flight arrives.  Very convenient, as the mall is across the street from the airport.  I am sure we will do lots of exploring after Kathy's arrival.  I foresee a trip to the beach, shrimp basin etc.

We are awaiting the delivery of a barbecue, freezer and some quilting tools that need to be replaced because of the tornado.  Wayne is waiting for a tool bench for his shed to go on sale.  After Kathy and I buy some flower pots, flowers and poufy things to add personal touches, I think we will be truly settled in our new home.

Election day is almost here.  I noticed on our trip south there were very few campaign signs anywhere for the presidential race.  Here in south Texas, there are elections every year.  Lots of signs for local contests for judges, sheriffs etc.  Nothing different from any other year.  Lots of commentary on the national news reports.  It will be over soon.  Yeah!

Tomorrow, I plan on getting involved in some of the many activities offered for our amusement.  For example water exercise, needle arts, quilting, blanket knitting and charity quilting.  Busy, busy.  Lots of things for Wayne to get involved with as well - should he choose to do so.

We met the first of our neighbours - Wayne and Sue from Saskatchewan.  And yes they are card carrying Roughrider fans. lol

I'm going to close now.  Think I will get dressed and go for a bike ride around the park.  Til next time.

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.