March October

Just noticed how far behind the blog I've gotten - much to make up for. It's been quite a year - a God year; but then isn't every year? I will attempt to bridge the gap and be more faithful to the future.

The months that have gone by have been filled with family, commuting, and ministry. The husband and I have been heavily into photography; he has ’skilz’; most of our work is on flickr.com. (Clicking the pictures should take you to more pictures). We’ve spent time on the street where we live just enjoying our neighbors, celebrating birthdays, engagements, triumphs, losses – people we’ve known since we moved here.

There were graduations - Bridgette from UC Santa Cruz (with the colorful braids whizzing by in a sea of people), Antoinette from Cal State San Bernardino now living a while Paris, and our vivacious queen from high school heading to take Chapman College by storm! The kid had a stellar year in the 5th grade and now he’s in his final year of elementary. We had great concern when the Giant cornea was scratched; but God is good and he is healing nicely.

As pastor of Friendship Community Church, the husband performed his first baptism and it was for precious mom and daughter members whose family near and far came to witness it. We have watched our youth grow under the dedicated loving care of Mike and Norma, enjoyed the worship presence of Leon Patillo and his wonderful wife Renee, and enjoyed the love of our congregation throughout the year in trial and tribulation, as well as times of rejoicing.


The summer also was a time of more trips and reunions too. In addition to Santa Cruz, we skipped down to the Palm Canyon timeshare (pool below), and were in Ogden, UT for the husband’s family reunion the Juneteenth weekend (city celebration below), stopping at the Las Vegas timeshare for a hot minute. His high school had friends coming in from all over to descend upon The Westin Hotel, Pasadena – a wonderful weekend of fun.



We also surprised the kid in visiting the Ramona timeshare again enjoying two days at the San Diego Zoo, getting to see the Panda girls (one above) before they returned to China the very next day. We also enjoyed short little jaunts like the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Upland.

Overall while absent we have been experiencing reaffirmation, forgiveness, growth, replenishment, hard work and refreshment, His blessing and Hand in our lives … singing ‘if I Could Still I Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now.’ I’m recommitting to blogging. I’ve missed it. Thanks for sitting in.

Holiday Potpourri Weekend Bonanza

A weekend of holiday potpourri - Valentine, Chinese New Year, President's, Marriage Week - take your pick, and for us a birthday celebration for the youngest. We ended up with a five day weekend and picked the youngest after to school Thursday to head down to the San Diego area. We went to Crossroads CRC in San Marcos for the church denomination's local classis meeting. While the husband attended, I took the youngest one of his favorite eateries, Panda Express, to celebrate his birthday - it was fun finding where to eat on the GPS. I was also using it to listen to Octavia Butler's Kindred, which has me captivated; fortunately the youngest likes listening too.

The husband and I had spent the day preparing to leave. I had my hair done by Monique; Lynn is recovering from surgery - both very special ladies. The husband and I went to see the movie 'Avatar' we had attempted to see last month. That time something was wrong with the theater sound system and we ended up with re-entry tickets. We very much enjoyed the movie in 3-D, the effects, the story. Afterward we stopped quickly at Burger King, as the youngest's school was letting out.

Once the car was packed we set off east the 60 to the 215 south until it hooked up with the 15 and further. We veered off to check into the Riviera Oaks in Ramona and then headed back to San Marcos. I enjoyed seeing several of the classis attendees again - Lois Vanderpol and Mike, Neville Koch, Cor Pool; I missed the Karstens, Phil DuBois, and Al Breems - but while I met some new people too, the husband was able to meet with them all. He obtained good information about our denomination, much that would prove useful to our congregation and was encouraged. Afterward we headed back to our accommodations.

Friday we spent leisurely around the place taking photographs, the likes of which we only had to go out our door. Everywhere there were bees and other insects, a variety of colorful birds in an assortment of trees and bushes, horses, cyclists, and many flowers. I only saw a rabbit once. The youngest camera and DS along to amuse him; we never even hooked up the Wii we had packed. I've begun exercising and wanted the option just in case.

We took a ride into town, Main Street, and bought some groceries at the local Staters. We bring most of our groceries with us. Riviera Oaks has a fully equipped kitchen with stove and microwave, pots and pans, etc., and a barbeque; it also has a nice fireplace. We had sausage and eggs in the morning before and for dinner rice with lousiana hot link. On Saturday, we had breakfast of steak and eggs (which was going to serve us well for the long day ahead), before checking out and heading for the Wild Animal Park. These pictures will also be posted on flickr.

It took no time to pack at all, and we were on our way by 10:30, which was just on the way back several miles. Our destination was a surprise to the youngest, as part of his birthday celebration. He had been to the San Diego Zoo on a school field trip previously; but he quick concluded, and confirmed by the end of the day, this was much better!

We were not able to cover the whole place in the time we had - we saw the bird aviaries, the monkeys, the gorillas, the elephants, the meerkats and dik diks, lorikeet, and took the safari tour of the zebras, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, etc. We still had major areas like the botanical gardens yet to see when we return. It was a very full day of walking! My pedometer said it was. People watching was phenomenal as well - observing the dynamics of how well people take care or don't of their children was another study altogether ;-)

It was a very satisfied and tired family that left, stopping at MacDonald's before heading home. The youngest said "it's going to be tomorrow before we get home". What a sense of time! We even had time to put most everything away that same evening after the husband got us there safely.

Sunday, our day of worship service, was spent with our First Love and went very well. I enjoyed the worship and the Word and seeing the saints. One of the couples had celebrated Valentines Day at the Gold Classic Cinemas in Pasadena where they had a meal AND saw the movie 'Dear John'. They said it was most enjoyable. One of our newlywed couples had just seen Avatar, the frist time they had gone to the show with each other. I watched, while I was singing, the boyfriend of one young lady enter church with a bouquet of flowers, a stuffed animal, and such, and saw her face of surprise when she saw him as she mouthed 'oh my '! One dear couple is celebrating their 21st valentine anniversary! What a blessing! I love our church!

The afternoon we got the car washed, finished unpacking and relaxed. I marinated and cooked a tip round roast, served with mashed potatoes and a mushroom steak gravy. The husband made his delicious ice tea. In the time we had left, the youngest had visits from siblings remembering his birthday. He had some phone calls before the weekend started.

The last day of our time off, we've spent accessing our sore walking muscles and doing a few household chores, slowly coming back to reality. But all in all, it's been a very nice holiday potpourri weekend - one filled communing with Creator and His creation; love and nature; peace and relaxation; fun , family and fellowship - something we must do again real soon!

pre 2010 retrospect

At the end of 2009, I think what a decade! The husband and I, married in 1999, shared the decade with our youngest and all of the total eight of the family blend. We became home-owners by the grace of God and, in a decade ending in financial crisis, we are still here, better situated than when we started, and gainfully employed. While long we have walked with the Lord as best we could, this decade has taken us to a whole new level in that walk, with God fulfilling His promise to a 13-year-old me that I would be the wife of a minister.

While we have had trials along the way and we have had our failures, and disappointments, and have some yet to be victorious over; we have come so very far. In 1999 our family may have seemed a ragtag group but, now it 10th season, it has found its way. I'm proud of each and everyone of the children and the spouses of those that are married. We have had weddings, military enlistments, studies abroad, artistic performances, scholarships, academic achievements, graduations, and the care and passing of parents.

I marvel too at all the husband has accomplished in these the years we have had together. And together we have made many friends, and some precious lasting ones. I am thankful for those friends and for family - those of his I've met, and for my brother and sister and their families and our cousins, etc. Most of all I am constantly amazed at God in our lives.

What will 2010 bring? I don't know ... but I'm in for the long haul!

$30

the youngest couldn't breathe last night - woke me up at midnight, throat constricted, the coughing had taken it's toll. I did everything I knew to treat the situation. I surmised it wouldn't be necessary to go to emergency. This is the last of eight and not a new situation for me. But my prayers were constant and I stationed myself beside him once his breathing was settled; I was afraid to sleep - afraid if I did ....

come morning we scooted over to urgent care and his symptoms were treated. I placed his prescription; it was $30. $30! Usually I pay $4-$15. $30? There wasn't a generic form. I only had one to fill. I have $30. Had I been without insurance - $180. One time deal. I could come up with $180, to keep my loved one, more than one time .... My situation - minor.

I know people with chronic health situations, making medicine choices every day. I don't know people, mom's like me, trying to figure how to keep a loved one alive. I know they are there. Right here in the U. S. of A! People need health insurance - everyone! God help this country make away for everyone to have health insurance; for everyone to be able to sleep at night without that fear for someone's life.

the kid is 10

hummmin' to Michael Jackson music, the dog gone kid is 10. School starts tomorrow and the kid is in the 5th grade. He qualified for the GATE program, for which he is very jazzed. The teacher sent him a postcard letting him know how excited she is to have him in her class, which he has been carrying around showing to anyone who would look.


"the kid is mine; the dog gone kid is mine"

We prayed over his school year tonight after a steak dinner which he loves - his teacher, the school, his classmates and schoolmates, and him. He is a precious child.

Earlier today, I read two articles that blessed me. They may bless you as well.

The Most Important Thing to Teach Your Public-School Child
Teaching Kids to Love God: From Theory to Practice

summer settlin' ...

and the heat is on!

The kid is out of school the month of July. We a couple of days in Palm Springs the week of the 4th. This weekend's heatwave called for the husband's company party in the Palos Verdes Peninsula - a time of swimming, mingling, and food. We had a great time.

It conflicted with the train gangs summer birthday celebration, but Saturday there was a bbq replete with karaoke! Made some new friends - one couple met on the internet like us and had the same age differential; they also enjoyed photography.

The giant and his wife are back from Washington; it's nice to have them nearby. It's been a busy month and looks to continue that way. We manage to squeeze in episodes of the last season of Stargate Atlantis.

Turn'n Headz

Turn'n Headz
Originally uploaded by runz DMC

Last week I took the youngest to get a haircut and, although he often has a sort of frown on his face, he's playing his DS which can't be seen. I actually took this shot through a mirror which captures other mirrors. Count them :-). Whether or not the youngest is frowning, I can always smile at his handsome self when he's sat in the barber's chair.

It's another RDO and I actually, as usual, had my hair done. I've mentioned Turn'n Headz before - but on a day like today when I can go and relax and feel like a new me when I leave; it seemed to bear mentioning again.

Of course I went to Moe's and had my chicken breakfast. Now, I've gone through some pictures recently taken and uploaded some to the computer. Next for this RDO, I've got some work to do, blessing God that I'm employed.

rudimentary in ruidoso

We had a few days to ourselves before those Rodriguezes arrived ;-). They would be leaving for our parts Sunday around midnight and arriving near noon Monday. We just really enjoyed the time basking in our surroundings and each other's company. As I mentioned we had certain creature comforts of home - so the guys were playing their games y estudié el español. We brought a lot as we are in the habit of doing. We found the local store nearby - a Walmart - with everything else we would need. Amusingly enough, we made at least one trip every day - guess we're not used to not being at home; there was always something we thought we could use.

Oddly enough, I became very domestic - I made breakfast nearly every morning - hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and sausage - and kept the kitchen cleaned up. I walked around the facilities. I went over to the clubhouse every now and then to make sure all was right with the world on facebook and mobwars and the hubbi did some banking. But we also had cellular wireless connection which could be used right there in our accommodations.

The first day I had a headache - symptomatic of high altitude as we were 7000 ft up; after 24 hours I adjusted. We watched movies - The Mist (the book by Stephen King) - without the youngest; he was playing his games. What an intense (and I mean that in the most intense way imaginable) movie! I was pacing the floor and wondered how anyone could have sat through the amped up atmosphere of a theatre with that movie. It still was a great look at the human psyche under extreme circumstances.

By the time the Rodriguezes joined us we had regrouped from our long drive, were relaxed and acclimated. It would take them about a day and half to achieve the same. We had lovely weather - nice and warm fresh air slightly thin on oxygen. In the evening it cooled quite a bit and we cuddled up in our quarters by the fireplace - every day closer to Thanksgiving was a little cooler.

When they arrived, we watched a few more movies - Traitor, Hulk, Taken and Wall-E (the hubbi and I still have yet to watch this one). We played a few games - Carcassonne, Mille Bornes, and Spouse-ology. We enjoyed all the movie selections as well as the games. The Rodriguezes and the Normans tied in Spouse-ology. It was a lot of fun testing the strength of our marriages in this competition. The youngest learned and quickly grasped Milles Bornes, a game our family has played 3 generations now. We introduced the Rodriguezes to the intracacies of Carcassone on the initial level while indicating how enhanced it can become. The winner was undetermined, as we moved pieces off the board before it could clearly be determined.

That's pretty much it for the day-to-day activities. We made a couple of extracurricular outings - and those are yet to come!

the road to Ruidoso

We took off Friday morning hoping to have a couple of hours to spare before the offices of our accommodations closed in New Mexico. It was a pleasant ride - the youngest is a very good road buddy. We had food, we had music, we made restroom and gas stops - and we made away into the southwest - Blythe, Phoenix, Tucson, Las Cruces. I actually did a lot of the Arizona drive.

The scenery was indicative of an imaginative God with lively skies and wonderful mountainscapes and desert vegetation. The youngest can identify cactus. There was a section of mountains that the rock reminded me of "The Never Ending Story" - remember the rock guy - Rock Biter "Where-where-where I come from in the North, we used to have exquisite gourmet rocks. Only now... now, they're all gone." The formations had the same rounded shape. My S-I-L's favorite quote "They look like big, good, strong hands, don't they? I always thought that's what they were". A delightful movie; but I digress.

By Las Cruces, our Garmin was indicating our timing was tight - would we make it before Crown Point Condominiums closed. Oh yeah, we lose an our traveling into Mountain time. The youngest has been very amusing describing my stress as to whether we'd make and his dad trying to reassure me. A half hour away, I called to let them know our predictament; they were willing to make it so we could get a key to our place, even if they closed. However, in fact, we made it with minutes to spare.

We were using a timeshare with a full kitchen - so along with clothes, I packed a lot of things I preferred not to buy like seasonings, condiments, etc. You buy those things and you come back with double your need. Also while those places provide things like dish soap and stuff - usually more is needed, so I brought that too. So the Rondo (our car), same name as the Celtics basketball player, was packed to the gills with all the creature comforts of home - I even had a candle. I like places to have a familiar pleasant smell, so I bring my own. Didn't use it this time though, the clean fresh, woodsy air seem to more than suffice. I keep a bag with such things as these for when ever the ocassion arises - its filled with samples of things, like ketchup packets, lotion, aspirin, antacid, tissue - you name it. We unloaded Rondo and settled in for a night's sleep at Crown Point, Ruidoso, NM - our home away from home for the week to come - leaving most of the unrefrigerated fully unpacking for the next day.

Plum Loco RoadTrip

As I was lovingly reminded, it's been awhile since I've posted. I've actually penned one, but haven't uploaded it yet. But just back from New Mexico it's time to cover that trip. This is the first installment.

Plum Loco is a wine made in Deming, New Mexico. I actually acquired it in Alamogordo where wine is fine as well, along with pistachios. Tularosa wines were recommended too. I debated between my selection and a peach wine variety; the clerk convinced me to go with the plum. It's a sweet wine I found plum delicious. I'm intrigued enough to find some of these varieties online.

That intro leads me into our NM adventure. What a week! We traipsed into Ruidoso, also visiting White Sands Dunes, Capitan (did you know that was the origin of Smokey the Bear?), Fort Stanton, and old Lincoln NM. It turns out that New Mexico is a bevy of history and events that our travels only touched upon. I was quite impressed with that as much as its beauty and diverse people and landscape.

It proved to be an excellent opportunity to get away and relax, see some sights, enjoy family, and, well, take the new car out onto the open highway. Some might have thought our choice for a Thanksgiving week celebration was just plum loco; I think it was, as my dear son-in-law would say, Sweet!

The slides cover the aforementioned locations as well as the going to and fro and, well, our cast of characters.

the firm fishbowl ...

There is a world that exists ... many places of employment have a world ... but specifically the husband's company has a world unique unto themselves despite the similarities with Ohio and San Francisco offices, other firms, other jobs. And like the world of Stargate, Atlantis has visitors from outside - every now and then family and spouses enter the firm's world, or should I say off-world - most regularly twice a year for the Christmas and Summer event. I look forward to them.
This year the summer event was at the Aquarium, which is experiencing its 10th anniversary. The husband and I observed the otters, the urchin-like creatures, puffins, and the little jellyfish parachutes (remember 'Sphere') and explosions (well actually that was what the last two things looked like - you'll see them in the pix of the remains of the day). We also observed the shark tank and the pool where you could touch fish, some who looked like extras from 'Finding Nemo'.

Then we had dinner upstairs with all the attendees. Again, I was able to see people I've met over the years - Jillian, Darryl, Ana, Maria, etc. This world they've created has been 5 years in the making. The food was good, the company great, the day a success! I look forward to the next company event.

My thanks to Roni (Bless You!) - our youngest was turned into a pool shark while we explored the Pacific (pardon the billiards pun).

FCS Premiere's Tomato Sawyer's & Huckberry Larry's Big River Rescue

Once again we visited the Family Christian Stores for one of their events. Today they premiered the latest VeggieTale DVD - Tomato Sawyer & Huckberry Larry's Big River Rescue. It delivers a very resonating message to the viewers. Our Senior won the store event's raffle prize - the DVD itself. All the children received coloring pages, each family a poster, and also a DVD of Veggietales' Penguins to the first 9 arrivals (we were running late, but still qualified). We're home now with additional purchases, going through our loot. I was able to add The Power of Praying to my Stormie Omartian collection for $5 as a FCS Member.

Don't forget to check out the Veggietales Review and the opportunity to win the Big River Rescue.

I'll be your Huckleberry!

Wonder of wonders! The youngest and I were going to the Family Christian Store tomorrow to see the new Veggietale. Lo and behold today I came across this free offer on the internet. If you have veggietale fans, you might want to check out VeggieTales Review. It's only for a limited time, if you are interested. Enjoy Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry!

Civic Minded

Well no, the boy is not under arrest! LOL

He's on a field trip to the City's Lewis' library dedicated to King, the police department, and City Hall. The husband, Dad ,went too. Already a card carry member of the library and former attendee of City Planning Commission meetings, only the police department was new; praise God :-) Dad said it was quite a day, especially since the temperature was in the triple digits!

youngest closes third grade on a high

With one more day of school, the third grade rolled into the auditorium for awards. Two of our neighbors were amongst them. It has been a busy year - field trips to Mary Vagle Nature Center, San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Lewis Library/police department/City Hall with his former planning commissioner dad; talent show; being qualified to test for GATE; and monthly assemblies. Today lunch is being provided by In N Out. Tomorrow they will be watching the Spiderwick Chronicles.

But his class all sat to collect their awards for the year from his teacher and the new vice-principal with other classes; and he had three - Exemplary School Year Performance in Social Studies, Proficiency Award for the third trimester, and Outstanding Achievement for Academic Proficiency all three trimesters. Mrs. Rangel was an excellent teacher. It's been a good year!

an HP relay

Last night ended a series of Harry Potter viewings. We have a nice little clasped case that holds five years, an interactive game, HP bookmarks, bonus DVD and more. Prior to this I had only seen most of one. We still have to go through the 'extras' on the DVDs.

The husband came across "Harry Potter and the Way of Jesus" in the Banner, published for the CRC by Faith Alive Christian Resources, a member of the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association. I confess although I linked it here for reference, I haven't read the article yet. According to the husband however, as part of his sermon this past Sunday, the author J.K. Rowling is a christian. I wasn't aware of that. I recall all the hoopla about the books not to long back and the question of whether christians should even entertain this fantasy around sorcery. I leave that for a christian grounded in the Word, like myself and the husband, to decide for themselves. I know that some so grounded would conclude differently than I, some aligning it with the stuff one should flee. I constantly examine the issue, aware of how seductive things of darkness can be, especially for the children. If in fact you cannot prepare or arm, protect! FLEE!

While the husband and I participated in the relay, we waited until the youngest was indisposed to view it. Of the mind that we should not so much shield our children from this world, but arm them for it, we nevertheless feel that he'll need to reach a certain age of readiness to prepare him for all that the realm of sorcery entails and how its role in this 7-book series. Probably before the final two years become films, he will be ready.

So the two of us watched years one through five - The Sorcerer's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, and The Order of the Phoenix. As the story follows Harry Potter in these years at academy, like his age they become increasingly sobering. They deal with loss of loved ones, of aloneness, of friendship - the bond and its strengths and its struggles, of abandonment, of responsibility, of the triumph and trump card of love, and the usual good and evil, and so many of the things a child may experience as prepares for an adult life. There were some intensely spiritual moments. For these reasons and because it was so very well done, I thoroughly enjoyed the DVDs. Each one always captures your attention in the opening segment of the story. The serial does an excellent job of maintaining characters and introducing new ones, developing a story that is consistent while intertwining into the lives of this array of people in Potter's world.

I hope that you have a chance to read the article, I know I'll get around to it, and to enjoy the the Harry Potter series in one form or another. For me, its similar to the likes of the Lord of the Rings lore, and Lewis' Narnia - I love good storytelling. For the sure-footed who enjoys fantasy genre, this is 'good stuff'. I look forward to sharing it when the young one develops feet of doe. Meanwhile, we'll settle for the Prince Caspian premiere in a few weeks.

Let the games begin ...

Ever since the eldest and SIM introduced us to Settlers of Catan, the husband and I have been on a tangent. They having also given the youngest The Settlers of Canaan, we've acquired a taste and penchant for this type of game. Reading up on all of these games, we took a chance on Ark of the Covenant and were delighted. Ark does not have add-ons and, because of that, leaves you wanting still to play. It ends far too quickly.

We researched more and found ourselves wondering about the source game. These games were fashioned after Carcassonne, a game with many, many add-ons as is Catan. At boardgamerevolution, I found the bundle of a lifetime and the husband quickly maneuvered to get it as soon as possible - the basic game and river expansion as well as the four major expansions: Inns & Cathedrals, Traders & Builders, Princess & Dragon, and The Tower - for nearly half of the going price, needless to say far less than buying each separately. If you like board games, check Carcassone out. If you like this type of strategy game, the add-ons expands the appeal to whet many gaming appetites. We are looking into getting even more expansions. You can't beat what Boardgamerevolution offers.

The husband and I played this weekend starting with the base game and the river. Wow! We added inns and cathedrals. Woah! Then we added the princess and the dragon, and played that one with the youngest. The only one we have left to play is the tower. The game is designed for 2-6 players age eight and older. Finally so far we added traders and builders. Each expansion adds new dimension and playing time to the game. It requires intensive concentration but not beyond the abilities of an eight-year old. It has the element of chance as well as mental challenge. It whiled away hours in which I was experiencing unrelated physical discomfort. It was a delightful if not sometimes exasperating diversion. It was great to be able to put my mind on something else.

We've become passionate Carcassone addicts! We'll be playing for years to come! If I'm not blogging, answering my emails or phone, I'm probably gone ... deep into the roman and medieval southern french city of Carcassonne!

For tonight though we'll be pottering away at our Harry dvd collection. Stay tuned for the update. Toodles.

Take the Youngest to Work day

well child wise, there's only the youngest left - and he hadn't been to 'Take To Work Day' yet. He had severe stomach upset the day before, but he was feeling a little better that day. It was a good thing he did, because he had a wonderful day.

First we arrived about 6:15 a.m. We went to the cafeteria to have breakfast. He had ham and eggs and a donut, while I ordered a breakfast croissant. Guess he was feeling better. He made the first pot of coffee for the office, and threw out grains during the day. He met our section engineers. supervisors and managers, our support group for them, my supervisor, and manager.

There were things for the kids to do from 9:00 to 10:30. My secretary took him and four others around. I tried to catch up with them with yet another charge. The section was having a safety walkthrough which might not have been as stimulating to participate in. Instead a Mars rover rolled over him and he participated in a stage show about liquid and ice and how light bounces off of them, etc. to name a few.

He went to the employee store and saw all the things available there; my secretary came back with a bag of stuff for him. My secretary had him typing on a typewriter - he had never seen one - wow! He communicated with his B-I-M and dad on my computer. We picked up lunch at Panda Express and gased the commuter van returning to the office to share our meal. It was a busy day at the office for the youngest and his stomach was beginning to stir again. Home just in time!

fun and games

March is waning, as the foolishness of April makes way. Before it departed I wanted to couple of items.

The youngest was off track the entire month and after kicking it off with out Texas travels, it was post scripted in Palm Springs. P.S. He and I had a wonderful time there.I am not sure, though, why in all that wonderfully warm, breezy, fresh air, someone had to irritate my asthma with the chain-smoke of Benson & Hedges while having a deathly cough themselves - they ocassionally sip on I would presume a bottle of prescription cough medicine. *sigh* Making the best of things, I used those moments to be in the pool.

The Ark of the Covenant game arrived and the husband and I finally got the hang of it. We love playing it, even more than the Settlers of Catan. It employs strategy in a different way and widens the means by which you can score points to win. You're usually not quite sure who won until the points are tallied after the last tile is played.

I love spring and warm weather - I love greenness! The hills that surround our house (that not being our house in particular in the photo) are green this time of year, providing a lovely sense of, while most assuredly seemingly absurd, 'exurbia'! ;-)

TX trippin' - the final stint

Heading out of San Antonio, a week ago Saturday, we stopped for breakfast at the eldest's highly recommended Cracker Barrel - it was a restaurant and store - quaint and folksy. The husband didn't like 100% maple syrup - go figure ;-). I really liked the spicy sausage.

Then we seriously hit the road. We made our way much better than the trip south as we had very nice weather. The eldest pointed out for me in Dallas where the grassy knoll was from the freeway and other sights along the way like where athletes play ball. All and all, however, we were quite tired by the time we reached Denton.

The original plan was to take them home and then start on our way back to California until we made a stop for the night - at one point and time we had hoped to stop at the Grand Canyon the following day. But by this time that hope had faded in fatigue. Instead our stop for the night was once more their home, which was nice and cozy and familiar. It was a good decision.

Before we got there we had dinner at 'Raising Cane' - they have a entirely different spin on Chicken fingers - and were delicious. They had their own sauce which I liked - it was on a peppery bent from other finger sauces. The eldest however always takes her own barbeque sauce, as this is one sauce they don't offer. We really enjoyed the food and we saw the apartments they had lived in before they had bought their house. Then to their house we went with the setting sun. The snow that had chased us away was still upon rooftops and all around.

We awoke with a teary youngest in the pre-dawn of the morning to get on our way. With the earliest glimpses of sunlight, we packed the car and slipped out. Already we had lost an hour - it was daylight savings time Sunday. And so we headed home.

Despite all of our calculations, we didn't complete that trip until 3:30 the following a.m. Still, it was a good trip. I have to apologize to New Mexico - the landscape is b-utte'iful. I really enjoyed the countryside especially after the long flatlands of the Purple Heart Trail in Texas. I had hoped to get pictures of Arizona's landscape but it was becoming dark as we came upon it.

The greatest trooper of them all was the husband - he drove an endless amount of hours during the whole vacation - especially in all directions the drag of the final hours to each destination. He took us, by the grace of God, to and from safely. Thank you dear for a wonderful vacation. At 3:30 in the morning, man our bed looked great! House, we're home!