I wish I had a really exciting blog post to share with you. But we are definitely in a routine based period in our lives due to this stupid hip of mine. Luckily I’ve got a Doctor’s appointment coming up this Wednesday and we should be moving forward with hip replacement surgery soon. Then maybe we can get back on the road. Although with the past few months and the economy turning south, maybe being stuck in Brownsville may not be such a bad thing after all. Gas prices have gone through roof as you are well aware I’m sure. Down here today gas prices are at $3.94 a gallon at Sam’s Club. Can’t believe that only a year ago it was $1.65. You can’t tell me that the oil companies are gauging us. But that’s another rant for a different blog post.
River Bend is devoid of most of its Winter Texans so the usual block parties are few and far between. We did have a wonderful gathering a couple of weeks ago at our friends spot 4 slots down from us, Dan and Becky. They went all out with the roasted animal flesh to not only include burgers and dogs, but also BBQ Bambi, which was delicious. Everyone brought a side dish and we sang our lungs out to the oldies from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. (Dear God!! Those are oldies?!?!?) We didn’t discuss politics, current events, or get so blitzed that arguments erupted, instead we talked of good times, joyful events, and simply danced and sang into the late evening. It felt so good just to laugh and smile and lower all our defenses. This park definitely has it’s interesting folks who can sometimes be a challenge to live with. There are a pair of couples who constantly drive around in their golf cart and look for violations of the HOA’s and then report them to the management.
Case in point, we had set up our screened room so we could sit outside and enjoy the evening sunsets and breezes. Set up in the back of our lot as we wait for our screened room to be built. The que is somewhat long as many of our contractors have also left for the year as well. Any who, we knew that it is against the rules, but thinking it is only temporary, we’d be okay. The manager of the park had seen it and didn’t seem to mind. After about a week though, the manager knocks on our door, apologizes, and says we have to take our room down because someone had complained. Seriously? Why can’t people just MYOB. But I guess that’s some people’s joy in life, butting their noses into other people’s business. So we took down the room and fight the mosiquitos.
One of our greatest joys is getting to watch our two grandsons playing baseball and football. Emmett is becoming a young star in both Little League and Select Baseball, while Oliver is dominating the trench wars in 5v5 spring football. Oliver started not knowing a thing about blocking or attacking on the defensive line to becoming a terror on both sides of the ball. Emmett is flinging BB’s to opponents from the bump while hitting singles and doubles with stunning regularity.
Vicki is doing well although there is something in the air that is reeking havoc with sinuses and upper respiratory system. She sees the doctor next week and hopefully will find some relief.
Elisabeth and Justin are doing fine as are Josh and Annalise. Nothing to much else to report other than we are still loving retirement.
