"Big Bend" and me on a "hog" . . .

Steve and I recently travelled to "Big Bend National Park" with 2 other couples; they drove their "roadsters" (a Porsche 'Boxster' and a BMW 'Z3' - WE were the "chase car", loaded down w/the appropriate libations!). We spent the 1st night in Marathon, TX, at the historic "Gage Hotel", which was lovely, 1st class and great food (the "White Buffalo Bar" was a treat, too!). Next stop: Study Butte, TX (the locals pronounce it "studdie boot") where we drove all over the Park, enjoying the myriad vistas and staying in the local "motel/RV Park", complete w/wooden sidewalk, swirling dust and 100+ temps, but it DID HAVE air conditioning. We took a very interesting Jeep Tour onto a private ranch and saw many kinds of cacti, learning about the former mercury-harvesting industry there. On to Ft. Davis, TX and the McDonald Observatory where we took part in a newly-developing Moon Party; observed the moon and Saturn thru one of the telescopes - really phenomenal. We had an "interesting" dinner in Alpine - we had the "waitress from hell" and I was constantly at the Bar pointing out her insufficiency's which garnered Steve & me a free meal! On the return to the "Indian Lodge" where we were staying, we came upon 3 havilenas (ugly pigs that are very destructive) and were shinning the car headlights upon them, when a rather irate Park Ranger confronted us and suggested we leave! Don't think we'll be returning any time soon to that part of Texas! But a good time was had by all and we even stumbled upon some terrific b-b-q before landing back in K'ville - now: what's not to like??

A Texas-Style Block Party

Who says old people don't know how to party??

Some very creative neighbors held a Block Party in their backyards, complete with a live band, "The McKinny Brothers" (both of them). Grills were rolled in, fired up and we were invited to cook our meat of choice which we had brought and enjoy the "sides" that were provided, all for $5/ea - now you can't beat THAT with a stick!

Approximately 130 folks (most who traveled via golf cart!) gathered, visited, ate and listened to the Band until the wee hours - well, OK, we were home by 10:00 p.m., so maybe it wasn't all that late - but a good time was had by all.

Please note the "custom decorating" that adorned the pergula - no expense was spared!

This party will be a hard act to follow, but I'm sure someone is already contemplating the next event . . .stay tuned . .

A New Challenge

Hi & Welcome to our "blog"!

Steve & I thought we'd "join" the 21st Century with a blog of our own, and as Colby & Kris were just here for a few days, we asked them to set it up.

You will have to bear with us as we learn the "in's & out's" of blogging (is that a word??) and we will attempt to keep the postings interesting and not too wordy!

The Seattle twosome were here for a few days, hoping to increase their vitamin D intake (i.e. sunshine!) which they were able to do for about 1 1/2 days; then the much-needed rain began, but we were able to see & do some interesting "inside" things. This was also a "Bar-B-Que" tour for Colby and he has now changed his allegence from "Rudy's" to "Cooper's" (in LLano, TX). We dropped them off in Austin on Friday, to visit a few days w/Scott & Mindy and their 3 Scotties ("Gussie", "Pikl" and "Elliot").

We continue to hone our golf skills with lessons, practice and more practice and, of course, the several weekly games we are involved in - retirement continues to be agreeing with us!

I also am now "hooked" on Mah Jongg - Steve calls it a cult - and play several times a week. It is really a good game and mentally challenging!

All for now . ..
Until next time -
Linda