Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 55 degrees, high 77 degrees, cloudy, winds to 20 mph
We made an extremely hard move of at least four miles today. It had to have taken every bit of 15 minutes. Actually, the hardest thing about the move was breaking camp and setting up again. And even that was not hard. This is the shortest move yet for us.
We moved to Riverside Rv Park, located on the Colorado River. The park is owned by the city of Bay City, and is not anything to brag about. However, it will do us until we leave here. It is hard to believe, but every park in the area is full or close to it. One good thing about this park is that it is not close to a railroad. In the park we just left, our space was located about 75 feet from the railroad tracks. There are several crossings in the area, and the engineer has to blow his horn at every one of them. Even though we would be expecting the horn to blow, it still jolted us. It even startled us when we were in a sound sleep. Sometimes, it sounded as though the train was coming through the RV.
After moving and getting set up, it was time to go to the RVers' mall, WalMart. It had been almost two weeks since we bought groceries, so it was time to stock up. While at WalMart, we took advantage of the food court, which consists of MacDonald's and their dollar menu. Can you believe we ate lunch for $4.87? What a deal! In addition to taking advantage of the food court, we got some cash from the Bank of WalMart. Isn't WalMart a great store? If they don't have it, you don't need it. By the way, Carolyn doesn't share my enthusiam for WalMart.
After getting home and putting everything away, I changed from long pants into walking shorts, loaded my golf clubs into the truck, and went to the golf course. Terrell and I played another 18 holes, and it was good fun. I found more rust, chipped more rust, and seemed to accumulate rust where I didn't expect it. But you know what they say? A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work.
I'm not sure what we will do tomorrow, but it will be interesting to see how we sleep without a train coming through the RV.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Perry, Florida: Share Our Good Nature
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Old Friend Bo
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear, light breezes
Tonight I went out to dinner with an old friend from my working days, Bo Garrett. He is working on a project in the area, and may be here for another couple of years. We went to dinner at a seafood restaurant in Van Vleck, and caught up with what is going on with each other and common acquaintances. The food was excellent, but the company was outstanding. Thanks for dinner, Bo, and I look forward to getting together with you in the fall when we pass through here.
This morning, I talked on the phone to Ray Richardson, another working buddy. Ray is a great person and I always enjoy talking to him. After talking to Ray, we drove down to Palacios to see if things have changed down there. The drive from Bay City to Palacios did not show much change. In Palacios, it seems like there is more traffic and construction. We almost saw a little traffic congestion, where there were about 15 cars in a wad. There seems to be more energy in the town. There were some vacancies in the RV parks, but we don't want to be that far away from Bay City while visiting family and friends. We plan to spend some time in that area in the future.
Carolyn says I need to talk a little about the flowers and trees that are blooming. Wildflowers we have seen include blue bonnets and Indian paint brushes. The azaleas are really something this year. The tulips, daffodils, lotus trees, wild plum trees, flowering pear trees, peppermint lilies, star lilies, primroses, and red buds are all beautiful. Spring is such a beautiful season. For those in the Granbury area, you would be amazed at the amount of rain the area has had, and how much water is standing in the ditches and fields. Can a prime hatch of mosquitoes be far behind?
Our rent at the RV park runs out tomorrow, and there are not any vacancies due to all the work in the area. We have been looking for another spot to light for another four days or so, but were not having any success. Finally, Carolyn asked whether there might be some vacancies at Riverside RV Park, which is owned by the city of Bay City. We drove out there today, and they do have some vacancies. We made reservations for a spot that will carry us through Sunday night. We will be leaving Monday morning, making our way (slowly) to the northeast.
This afternoon, we went over to Lori's house to visit. While I was gone with Bo, Carolyn went with Lori and the grandkids to Victoria's for dinner.
Tomorrow we will make a hard pull of about four miles over to Riverside Park. For a long pull like that, we will have to be ready to go early, like by 1000 hours. Just kidding. Once we get moved and set up, Terrell and I are going to take another try at golf. Should be interesting to see if I remember the good things I did on the golf course on Monday, and forget the bad things. Looking back at the past when I used to play more. it seemed like the bad habits always seemed to dominate.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town -Brookings, Oregon: Where Flowers Meet The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear, light breezes
Tonight I went out to dinner with an old friend from my working days, Bo Garrett. He is working on a project in the area, and may be here for another couple of years. We went to dinner at a seafood restaurant in Van Vleck, and caught up with what is going on with each other and common acquaintances. The food was excellent, but the company was outstanding. Thanks for dinner, Bo, and I look forward to getting together with you in the fall when we pass through here.
This morning, I talked on the phone to Ray Richardson, another working buddy. Ray is a great person and I always enjoy talking to him. After talking to Ray, we drove down to Palacios to see if things have changed down there. The drive from Bay City to Palacios did not show much change. In Palacios, it seems like there is more traffic and construction. We almost saw a little traffic congestion, where there were about 15 cars in a wad. There seems to be more energy in the town. There were some vacancies in the RV parks, but we don't want to be that far away from Bay City while visiting family and friends. We plan to spend some time in that area in the future.
Carolyn says I need to talk a little about the flowers and trees that are blooming. Wildflowers we have seen include blue bonnets and Indian paint brushes. The azaleas are really something this year. The tulips, daffodils, lotus trees, wild plum trees, flowering pear trees, peppermint lilies, star lilies, primroses, and red buds are all beautiful. Spring is such a beautiful season. For those in the Granbury area, you would be amazed at the amount of rain the area has had, and how much water is standing in the ditches and fields. Can a prime hatch of mosquitoes be far behind?
Our rent at the RV park runs out tomorrow, and there are not any vacancies due to all the work in the area. We have been looking for another spot to light for another four days or so, but were not having any success. Finally, Carolyn asked whether there might be some vacancies at Riverside RV Park, which is owned by the city of Bay City. We drove out there today, and they do have some vacancies. We made reservations for a spot that will carry us through Sunday night. We will be leaving Monday morning, making our way (slowly) to the northeast.
This afternoon, we went over to Lori's house to visit. While I was gone with Bo, Carolyn went with Lori and the grandkids to Victoria's for dinner.
Tomorrow we will make a hard pull of about four miles over to Riverside Park. For a long pull like that, we will have to be ready to go early, like by 1000 hours. Just kidding. Once we get moved and set up, Terrell and I are going to take another try at golf. Should be interesting to see if I remember the good things I did on the golf course on Monday, and forget the bad things. Looking back at the past when I used to play more. it seemed like the bad habits always seemed to dominate.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town -Brookings, Oregon: Where Flowers Meet The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Grilled Hamburgers
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 70 degrees, cloudy in the morning, mostly clear in the afternoon
Today was a day to get some chores done that we needed to do. First thing was to change the bed clothes. After that, we went to the laundry for that drudge job. This time it wasn't too bad, since the laundry was not busy and there were enough machines so we could wash all our clothes at one time. Then, we brought the clothes home and put them away. After the clothes, I took the truck to the Ford dealer to have the transmission serviced. While there, I had a recall item (cam position sensor) taken care of. I asked if I could have the old part, but they said they had to send it back to Ford. That's too bad. I was not having any problems with the old one, and I thought if the new one went bad, I could put the old one back in.
This evening we went to Terrell and Kathy's house for grilled hamburgers with all the fixins. We had a nice visit and laughed a lot. We enjoyed it.
Tomorrow night is the last night we are paid for in the park. If there is not a vacancy, we will have to either move to another park or move on to the north on Thursday. If nothing opens up here, I will try the Palacios area tomorrow. Either way, we will know what we will be doing by this time tomorrow. We wouldn't mind spending a few more days here.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Poughkeepsie, New York: The Queen City on the Hudson River
Not all who wander are lost
Monday, March 10, 2008
Golf
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 62 degrees, cloudy early, rain on and off from noon until dark
It rained like cats and dogs here Thursday afternoon after we arrived. Today, it rained, although not as hard as it did Thursday. We had forgotten how humid and wet everything gets when it rains here. We're hopeful that the next few days will be drier.
Weather: low 59 degrees, high 62 degrees, cloudy early, rain on and off from noon until dark
It rained like cats and dogs here Thursday afternoon after we arrived. Today, it rained, although not as hard as it did Thursday. We had forgotten how humid and wet everything gets when it rains here. We're hopeful that the next few days will be drier.
When we lived here before, my brother Terrell and I used to play golf together a couple of times a week. Since we moved away, we had not played together since the summer of 2005. I had not played at all since September of 2005 because of a shoulder injury. I saw a doctor about my shoulder back then, and he sent me to a physical therapist in an attempt to not have to perform surgery on it. Luckily for me, the therapy worked and I was given some exercises to do on a routine basis to ensure that my shoulder continued to feel good. Today was the first time I have played golf since the injury, and it was fun. My game, as expected, was rusty, but by the end of the round the rust was starting to flake off. It was a fun round. We finished just as the rain started.
We had several tasks we wanted to get done today, but the golf and weather got in the way. Of course, there is always tomorrow. I'm retired. Yeahh!
The park we are staying in is full, and if nothing changes by Thursday, we will either have to move on down the road or find another place to stay. There is nothing available in Bay City or Matagorda. We may be able to stay in Palacios, which is about 30 miles away. I'll check on that tomorrow. If nothing comes up, we'll move on Thursday.
Among the unique things we like about the little towns are the hardware stores that some of them have. Bay City has one of the old style stores that I like to browse through and see what they have that I might need. It has been in business for about 60 years, and has survived in spite of the WalMart Super Store that has been built. Here's a picture of the one in Bay City. Note the mural on the side of the building.
Tonight we went to the Waterfront Restaurant, located at the Boat Harbor in Matagorda for dinner. We try to go there everytime we are in town. While there, we checked the RV parks to see if they had any spaces available, but they don't.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town -Buffalo, New York: American Masters, American Treasures
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Pictures of Bay City, Texas
Bay City, Texas
Did you notice that the azaleas are blooming? Below are some pictures of the courthouse square. The courthouse is more modern than the courthouses in most small towns. I like the old ones best.
Weather: low 55 degrees, high 72 degrees, partly cloudy, windy
Today was another quiet day in Bay City. Carolyn, Lori, and Zoe went to the scrapbooking store located on the square in town. While they were gone, I watched a basketball game on TV. After that, I set up our sewer hose, since we have not dumped our shower and kitchen tanks for a few days.
This morning when I took a walk, I took the camera along to take some pictures of what I thought might be interesting. Below are a few pictures of some of the nice old houses in town.
Did you notice that the azaleas are blooming? Below are some pictures of the courthouse square. The courthouse is more modern than the courthouses in most small towns. I like the old ones best.
Here's a memory of the past.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Folkston, Georgia: Gateway To The Okefeenoke Swamp
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Old Friends
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies
I am still having problems with the Internet connection, but hope to have some help with it by the end of the week. In the meantime, I was able to finally add some pictures to the post for 3/6/08, if anyone would like to see them.
This was a fairly quiet day for us. After all, it is the weekend. Carolyn went to Lake Jackson with Lori to shop, but did not find anything she wanted. While they were gone, I went to the Bay City Service Center and donated blood at today's blood drive. I try to donate when I can, but with the traveling and so on, it has been almost a year since I did. After visiting the blood drive, I came home and happened to see two people in the park that I used to work with. It was great talking to them and finding out what they have been doing. I don't miss work so much, it is the social interactions I miss associated with work. I expect to see these two fellows again, plus others that I worked with before we leave.
When I went for my morning walk, I tried to look at everything from the perspective of a new person in town, rather than someone who lived here for 15 years. Based on that new perspective, I saw beauty and things of interest I had never noticed before. Tomorrow I will take the camera and share what I see with everyone.
Tonight we went out for dinner with Lori and her family. Pizza was the choice today, and was not bad. As usual, we had food left which we will eat tomorrow.
On Wednesday when we did some sightseeing in the La Grange area, we found a Catholic church which is one of The Painted Churches. This is a group of four Catholic churches in the area that are considered to be decorated beautifully. They are functioning churches that are very much a part of the communities, and are open for the public to view and admire. Below are some pictures of St. Mary's Church, located in High Hill, Texas.
The pictures don't really do justice to the beauty of the church.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Georgia: The City of Murals
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Taxes
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 50 degrees, winds up to 35 mph, cloudy early, clear after mid-morning
The weather was colder than we expected this morning. When I went for a walk, the wind made it seem even colder, with a wind chill of about 31 degrees.
I saw our CPA this morning about our tax matters. We had a nice conversation, since we have known him about 18 years. He always seems interested in what we are doing and where we are going next. Nice fellow.
After seeing the CPA, I went home and we had lunch. Then I went to the Bay City library to see if I could send some pictures out on the blog. I was able to use a computer, but they do not have cd drives, so I struck out in the effort to send pictures out. I'm still working on it, even to the point that I have starting looking for a signal booster to add to our air card. Supposedly, the air card and wi fi signals are enhanced with the booster. I'll probably decide in the next few days on which way to go. The slowness and lack of dependability of what I am having to work with at this time is frustrating. One thing I did find out at the library is that they expect to be upgrading their computer and Internet systems within the next two years. That means they will be joining the rest of the world with up to date technology.
We ordered our mail to be sent from our mail service provider, since it has been two weeks since we have gotten it. Our mail service is through the Escapees RV Club, located in Livingston, Texas. Livingston is also our address of record.
This afternoon, we went to see my brother Terrell and his wife Kathy. She looks good, especially considering the battle she has been having with cancer. Terrell retired from his job a week ago, but will be doing some consulting after they take a few weeks of vacation. We wish them a long and happy retirement.
Tonight, we went to dinner at Victoria's Mexican Restaurant with Lori, John, Julian, and Zoe. The food was good, as was the company. After dinner, we all went back to the RV to visit for a while. It was nice to reminisce about old times. The grandkids are growing up fast.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Georgia: Small Town Living At Its Best
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 50 degrees, winds up to 35 mph, cloudy early, clear after mid-morning
The weather was colder than we expected this morning. When I went for a walk, the wind made it seem even colder, with a wind chill of about 31 degrees.
I saw our CPA this morning about our tax matters. We had a nice conversation, since we have known him about 18 years. He always seems interested in what we are doing and where we are going next. Nice fellow.
After seeing the CPA, I went home and we had lunch. Then I went to the Bay City library to see if I could send some pictures out on the blog. I was able to use a computer, but they do not have cd drives, so I struck out in the effort to send pictures out. I'm still working on it, even to the point that I have starting looking for a signal booster to add to our air card. Supposedly, the air card and wi fi signals are enhanced with the booster. I'll probably decide in the next few days on which way to go. The slowness and lack of dependability of what I am having to work with at this time is frustrating. One thing I did find out at the library is that they expect to be upgrading their computer and Internet systems within the next two years. That means they will be joining the rest of the world with up to date technology.
We ordered our mail to be sent from our mail service provider, since it has been two weeks since we have gotten it. Our mail service is through the Escapees RV Club, located in Livingston, Texas. Livingston is also our address of record.
This afternoon, we went to see my brother Terrell and his wife Kathy. She looks good, especially considering the battle she has been having with cancer. Terrell retired from his job a week ago, but will be doing some consulting after they take a few weeks of vacation. We wish them a long and happy retirement.
Tonight, we went to dinner at Victoria's Mexican Restaurant with Lori, John, Julian, and Zoe. The food was good, as was the company. After dinner, we all went back to the RV to visit for a while. It was nice to reminisce about old times. The grandkids are growing up fast.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Lakeland, Georgia: Small Town Living At Its Best
Not all who wander are lost.
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