Because it’s HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Do not reread the title and sing it. (But you know you will…cue diabolical laughter) We now understand why there are Winter Texans and why everyone abandons south Texas in summer. OMG!!! We’ve been in the high 90’s with 50%+ humidity and no wind to speak of. Being stuck here waiting for surgery has been trying at its best, but we’ve cleared all the hurdles and I should be getting a new hip tomorrow. The process was definitely a challenge, but Vicki and I lived up to it at every step along the way. From lab tests, to X-rays, to questionaires to insurance interviews, we have defeated the bureaucracy. I’m under the knife tomorrow. I will spend a night in hospital and then 4 weeks of rehab before we can get on the road to Washington.

We have been able to have some wonderful get-togethers with our crew. Even though its roasting, we’ve gone to Padre Island and spent the day. From Vicki metal detecting to a wonderful breakfast with our friends Dan and Becky Bailey. We waded in the Gulf of Mexico, watched wild bikinis roaming free on the sand, ate a delicious meal a-fresco, and then had an afternoon cocktail and people watched on South Padre Island. Such a people watchers paradise is Padre Island. Many folks are very confident, and some should rethink their swimsuit choices. I just leave that to your imagination.

Have been trying to fix issues on the property. Did have a bad experience with trying to level the driveway. Tried using the self-leveling concrete for the first time. Discovered that the time you have in the heat is only minutes before the stuff starts to set. Got the first bucket half poured and it dried and hardened so fast that level and smooth is one thing it is not!!! So embarrassing that I won’t send pictures but suffice to say will need to be broken up and redone. Live and learn.

Having been here for an extended period of time, we have a small rodent problem now in the rig. Yup mice! And the little rat bastards have chewed through our televator wires, so I now have year another electrical repair to do. Should be an easy fix, it’s just going to take a while as I’m not supposed to move my hip past 90 degrees. This should be a challenge.

Josh and family did a SoCal whirlwind vacation. Hit all the major theme parks, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Huntington Beach and two baseball games. They got back to Washington to recover from their vacation and get some rest at work. Emmett’s travel baseball team won its last tournament and has a record of 30-6. Not to bad for a group of small town 9 year olds. He also started his Little League playoffs and has won his first two games. He has a big game Monday and you can watch the game on Facebook.

I’ll try give another update on Wednesday to let you know how surgery went. Other than that, we are doing great and did we mention, we still love retirement.