Just got back from our annual trek back to Texas for the family reunion. Had a blast and made some lifestyle decisions that will be of interest to some.
Going home to Seguin, TX is always a highlight for me. Getting to see the extended family with my mom, siblings, all my uncles and aunts, and old and new nieces and nephews is a refresher (though being an aging codger, small doses are good). When we first arrived at my mom's house we were greeted by typical late fall Texas weather - rain. And lots of the wet stuff. We made it to the house alright, but then were land locked for 4 days until the flood waters subsided enough to let us cross the low water crossings.
On the fifth day though, the weather cleared up to a beautiful next few days, even if it was a bit breezy. Went around and visited old friends and even ran into one of my buddies I hadn't seen since High School, a real treat. Man I can't tell you how he has aged. He didn't keep himself young looking like me (smirk). Actually, Pete looked pretty good considering the gulf of years that has passed. He came over to my mom's and we all had a fine meal, reminiscing over old times (and putting Christa to sleep).
A couple of days later, Thanksgiving arrived with everyone present except for Becky and Rod (sister and bro-in-law) and my brother Blair. This year was Becky and Rod's year to travel to his folks for Thanksgiving (Kansas), and my brother Blair had to have back surgery in Montana. Fortunately everything turned out well. Becky and Rod got to take in some Pheasant hunting and Blair's surgery was a success. The rest of us just had to endure terrific foods and great company, Texas style. Yep, that means having the Thanksgiving Brisket (prepared by my brother Ben) and handmade tamales. Of course there was a big bird there and some glazed pork as well. And of course their was the dessert bar, wow. A whole lot of pies cakes, cookies, puddings, yadayadayada.
The following week we hooked up the camper and off we went to Rockport, TX to see another of my oldest and best friends, Dave and Debbie. Genuinely good Texas people. While in Rockport we stayed at the "Lagoons RV Resort," a beutiful and friendly park. Most everybody got to know Lucy (our pooch) by the second day. Clean with lots of activities going on. Alot of snowbirds down from the cooler north were enjoying some really mild late fall weather.
We always love to go and see Dave and Debbie whenever we get the chance. David and I have been like soul brothers for close to 40 years. One of those friends that are just comfortable to sit and talk (or not). Enjoyed some fine dining courtesy of Debbie (she knows everybody and all the best places to eat). The second evening Dave, Debbie and their daughter prepared a fantastic meal of shrimp and beef fajitas. Man, there's nothing better. As usual, just not enough time to visit with your friends as much as you like and the time to go arrived all to early. If only we could just stay a little longer, that would be great. Wait a minute. Earlier I mentioned a lifestyle changing decision.
Oh yeah, we made the big decision and traded up to a full sized class A motorhome. A big 'un. We have been batting around the idea of going "fulltime," that is live on the road, for a while. We could never take the plunge, well we did this time. Picked up a 37' diesel pushin, leather festooned home on wheels. We picked it up while visiting the Camper Clinic in Rockport and came across this rig that had been left for a consignment sale the weekend previous. Alot more than we were looking to spend, but it's pretty nice. I haven't taken pictures of it yet, but will try to get some posted soon.
Leaving Rockport, we went to Lake Corpus Christi to spend a couple of days with my Uncle Ray and Aunt BJ. We stayed at the park they semi fulltime at, the KOA at Lake Corpus Christi, just north of Mathis, TX. A beautiful lake that they winter at (they come down from Colorado every year) and do a great deal of catfishing on. Matter of fact, we had a fish fry while we were there with fresh caught cats. Some more real fine eatin'. A great evening of sittin', eatin' and talkin' while looking out over a beatiful sunset on the lake. It is not better than that.
The next day we were off again back to my mom's house where we stayed until about mid December. The night before we left, we went and had a Christmas Dinner at our old Disabled American Veterans Chapter house in Seguin. Chapter 61, headed up by Doug and Terri. A great couple that really work hard for veteran benefits. Some more really good food (including, of course, the Christmas Brisket, pepared by Phil) and great company. A really good time.
Finally the time had come to depart. We were sad to leave as usual, but mixed with excitement at the prospect of travelling in the new motorhome. The monster drives like a dream. It just glides over the rode and is surprisingly easy to handle. Of course, at the first fuel stop, my dream like trance of enjoyment was rudely slammed to full wakefullness when I had to pony up the bill. WOW!!! $160 a pop. Oh well, I get about 700 miles out of a tank, so it's not to bad. My previous rig (F250 and trailer) got about 10.5-11 mpg. Now I'm getting 8.5-9 mpg.
We're anxious now to get with the program. That means unloading the house, putting keeper stuff in storage, and selling everything else. We hope to be on the road by April and will be heading for Alaska by June.
Maybe we'll see you on the road.
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