Sunday, August 3
Instead of going to Rim Rock Cowboy Church this morning, we agreed to attend Harvest Acres Baptist in Mineola with Edith, Ernie, and Billee. Though the people were super friendly and the service was good, Jim and I found ourselves missing the fire and spirit that we felt at Rim Rock.
After church, T.J. met us at Paredes Buffet for a lively lunch with much discussion and eating going on before we all adjourned to our own homes for a much needed nap!
After resting for a while, Jim and I decided to get out of the blistering heat of the motor home (with 100+ temperatures outside, Big V struggles to keep the inside half way cool even with the use of 3 fans!) so we headed off to find an internet site where we could check email and etc. This task proved beyond our abilities so we returned home for a hot game or two of washers.Jim: We didn’t realize how much we are tethered to our laptops and the internet until we moved out to the lake. With no service around us, we are limited to the odd hotspot that we might find as we are driving, or going to B & B Legal Grounds, the converted law office, in Mineola.
We’ve gone to Legal Grounds on Sundays in the past and sat at the tables out front to check our mail. Today though, we found that there was no signal and no connection. So, we decided we were just out of luck until tomorrow. That was too bad, since we actually had last week’s edition of the journal ready to post and send.
Because the afternoon temperatures were so stifling, we took off during the evening to try to find a cool spot that might also have a wi-fi hotspot…even drove as far east as Gladewater, but all we found was a Dairy Queen that was closing even as we drove up.
With temperatures in the upper 90’s after 9:00 p.m., we took our time driving back toward the lake. We stopped at Sonic in Hawkins for a bite of supper and tried our previous hotspot at Fred’s, but couldn’t get a useable signal, so we just went back to Big V and called it a night.
Monday, August 4
Happy 1st Anniversary to Barbara and Warren in San Antonio!
Barbara: Since I was still feeling a little under the weather, Jim headed down to the lake alone for a morning swim while I stayed home and prepared a rather big breakfast for us.
When we finally ventured out to Mineola today, we found that the Legal Grounds, our favorite internet café, is closed on Monday’s (along with almost every other business in town!) Therefore, we did some other chores before heading over to Edith’s for a visit.
After checking in with TJ, Jim and I headed to Tyler to find a Denny’s with internet service. Well, we found Denny’s easily enough but were disappointed to find that they were one of the few we’ve found that did not offer the internet. However, we lucked out to find that right next door, the DQ was an internet site; so that’s where we partook of a late lunch (early dinner?) as we caught up with family and friends through the computer.
Eventually, it was back to the home site to put up the hummingbird feeder that Edith has given us from her yard. Then it was sit back, watch, and wait, hoping for customers! And, it wasn’t long before we were rewarded with the arrival of hummingbirds. Though the photo isn’t the greatest, it’s with pride that we show off our first visitor!
Another round of washers before going in to watch Facing the Giants, a DVD Edith loaned us. What an inspirational movie! One interesting side note to our viewing this…David’s father (the man in the wheelchair) reminded us immensely of our friend Steve in California (minus the wheelchair!) And, ironically, the actor’s name was Steve. Honest…we checked.
Tuesday, August 5
Okay, we think we’re finally getting the hang of this life out at the lake and are setting up a routine…
Spend the early morning hours sitting outside enjoying the view, reading a book, or whatever suits our fancy. Then after breakfast, we make a trek to the lake to swim and exercise in the warm water. Next, it’s time to really start the day by cleaning up and heading into Mineola to check snail mail, internet mail, and a visit with Edith, Ernie and Billee, and sometimes T.J. And, eventually, heading home to sit outside or play washers. Rough schedule, don’t you think?
Actually, the only rough part is being without instant cell and internet service…we’re still adjusting to the feeling of isolation…
Wednesday, August 6
So much for schedules! We were thrilled yesterday to find that Ernie and Billee were bringing Edith out today to visit and play washers with us. No, Edith didn’t play, but she did sit outside in a lawn chair and watch us for about 5 minutes before taking a little nap out in the fresh air!
Before we could finish our second game of washers, rain began falling which sent Edith, Billee, and I inside Big V while the guys stayed outside under the awning. The rain was short-lived, but we never returned to our game. However, Billee and I did wander outside where we discovered a bridge that led us to a trail around the RV park. What adventurers and explorers we are!
Since I had a chicken cooking in the crock pot, the crew decided to join us in a tasty lunch.
After lunch, we were delighted when Edith asked if she could walk to the beach from our house. Unfortunately, this would require going down some steep steps, but we told her we’d drive her down there once the kitchen was cleaned. And, we did. But, more importantly, once we got there she walked out to the edge of the beach where she could view the water, sand, and trees for herself! What an improvement she has made in the last 6 weeks or so!
Around 1:00 or so, Edith declared that it was time for her to go home and have her real nap…the one where she lays in her own bed with the puppies next to her!
After a short trip into Mineola to pick up mail and check our email, Jim and I spend the evening doing the usual routine of washers and watching another movie we borrowed from Edith…The Pacifier…this was definitely a “fluff” movie and very contrived, but we did watch it to the bitter end!
Thursday, August 7
Jim: One of the things we’ve learned in the last week is that our routines hardly ever become routine. We had decided yesterday that we’d take our time getting around and then go out relatively early for a morning swim before settling in for the other activities of the day. But, this morning we decided that we needed to ditch that idea and get into town relatively early and do our laundry, since Mother would be off on an adventure with T.J. and Madeline. We could wash clothes and have a nice visit with Ernie and Billee.
Well, we didn’t get around so quickly, probably because I was up from midnight until 3:30, and Barbara was up from 3:30 until nearly 7:00…we just can’t get into a routine with our sleep patterns.
After a couple of rounds of washers, we came back inside and had a great breakfast and then started getting ready to go to town. We finally got away around 11:00 (not as early as we had planned), stopped to check the mail at the post office (nothing there), Took a few minutes to visit the local used book store, and then went to Mother’s house where we got the clothes going and spent a couple of hours visiting with Ernie and Billee.
Mother and T.J. came back from their adventure around 2:00. They had taken Madeline up to Mount Pleasant so she could show off her house that she’ll live in when she goes off to college next week. On the way back, they drove through Pittsburg to look at houses that some of their aunts and cousins lived in many years ago. Mother and T.J.’s family goes back many years in this part of the state, and I’m sure we have cousins hidden all over the place that we may not even know about.
Anyway, it was another great day and new adventure for Mother, who is looking great and getting around very well since her move down here. She’s been out and about much more in the last six weeks than she has been in the last year.
Barbara and I went on down to Legal Grounds to check email and surf the net for the latest news (not much in the way of radio signals around the park and, although we get the three major TV networks and an area Fox affiliate, there’s really not much worth watching.
After a quick run to T.J.’s house to visit a while, we headed on back to Lake Hawkins to spend the evening…great meal of leftovers from yesterday’s lunch, a couple of games of washers, and a walk around our “neighborhood” before calling it a day.
Friday, August 8
Jim: Wouldn’t you know it…today was the day that we all worked out for Heather and Andy to bring Alexander and Abby over for a visit. We had planned all week for a big day of swimming in the lake and enjoying the beach. Instead, we woke up this morning to clouds and sprinkles.
So much for schedules! We were thrilled yesterday to find that Ernie and Billee were bringing Edith out today to visit and play washers with us. No, Edith didn’t play, but she did sit outside in a lawn chair and watch us for about 5 minutes before taking a little nap out in the fresh air!
Before we could finish our second game of washers, rain began falling which sent Edith, Billee, and I inside Big V while the guys stayed outside under the awning. The rain was short-lived, but we never returned to our game. However, Billee and I did wander outside where we discovered a bridge that led us to a trail around the RV park. What adventurers and explorers we are!Since I had a chicken cooking in the crock pot, the crew decided to join us in a tasty lunch.
After lunch, we were delighted when Edith asked if she could walk to the beach from our house. Unfortunately, this would require going down some steep steps, but we told her we’d drive her down there once the kitchen was cleaned. And, we did. But, more importantly, once we got there she walked out to the edge of the beach where she could view the water, sand, and trees for herself! What an improvement she has made in the last 6 weeks or so!
Around 1:00 or so, Edith declared that it was time for her to go home and have her real nap…the one where she lays in her own bed with the puppies next to her!
After a short trip into Mineola to pick up mail and check our email, Jim and I spend the evening doing the usual routine of washers and watching another movie we borrowed from Edith…The Pacifier…this was definitely a “fluff” movie and very contrived, but we did watch it to the bitter end!
Thursday, August 7
Jim: One of the things we’ve learned in the last week is that our routines hardly ever become routine. We had decided yesterday that we’d take our time getting around and then go out relatively early for a morning swim before settling in for the other activities of the day. But, this morning we decided that we needed to ditch that idea and get into town relatively early and do our laundry, since Mother would be off on an adventure with T.J. and Madeline. We could wash clothes and have a nice visit with Ernie and Billee.
Well, we didn’t get around so quickly, probably because I was up from midnight until 3:30, and Barbara was up from 3:30 until nearly 7:00…we just can’t get into a routine with our sleep patterns.
After a couple of rounds of washers, we came back inside and had a great breakfast and then started getting ready to go to town. We finally got away around 11:00 (not as early as we had planned), stopped to check the mail at the post office (nothing there), Took a few minutes to visit the local used book store, and then went to Mother’s house where we got the clothes going and spent a couple of hours visiting with Ernie and Billee.
Mother and T.J. came back from their adventure around 2:00. They had taken Madeline up to Mount Pleasant so she could show off her house that she’ll live in when she goes off to college next week. On the way back, they drove through Pittsburg to look at houses that some of their aunts and cousins lived in many years ago. Mother and T.J.’s family goes back many years in this part of the state, and I’m sure we have cousins hidden all over the place that we may not even know about.
Anyway, it was another great day and new adventure for Mother, who is looking great and getting around very well since her move down here. She’s been out and about much more in the last six weeks than she has been in the last year.
Barbara and I went on down to Legal Grounds to check email and surf the net for the latest news (not much in the way of radio signals around the park and, although we get the three major TV networks and an area Fox affiliate, there’s really not much worth watching.
After a quick run to T.J.’s house to visit a while, we headed on back to Lake Hawkins to spend the evening…great meal of leftovers from yesterday’s lunch, a couple of games of washers, and a walk around our “neighborhood” before calling it a day.
Friday, August 8
Jim: Wouldn’t you know it…today was the day that we all worked out for Heather and Andy to bring Alexander and Abby over for a visit. We had planned all week for a big day of swimming in the lake and enjoying the beach. Instead, we woke up this morning to clouds and sprinkles.
Now, don’t get us wrong – we desperately needed the rain for the moisture and to break the heat wave we’ve been having, but it sure got in the way of our plans. Oh well, I used to tell the faculty at LHS that sometimes the best-laid plans are only well-laid plans.
We started our day by getting a big pot of pinto beans going for dinner tonight and then gathering everything around the site and loading it in the car for a move to another site. When we set up our original reservation, we were supposed to be in a site up the hill and quite a way from the beach; but, when we got here last Friday, the man who checked us in said that he’d just gotten a cancellation for a much better site, and we could have it if we wanted it. The only condition was that we would have to vacate to another site by noon today, since the people who were supposed to be here last weekend also had the site reserved for this weekend.
We didn’t like the idea of moving, but this site was perfect for us, so we decided we’d stay for the week and then move if necessary. So, this morning, still hoping for a reprieve, but anticipating the reality of the situation, we put all the “outside stuff” in the car to transport it to the new site. I also started disconnecting the water and sewer lines in the event the weather got worse before we made the move.
Around 10:15 we went to the office to see if we were going to have to move, and they told us we probably would, since they hadn’t received a cancellation. We decided we’d better call the kids to let them know what the weather was like, so we rode around the park until we finally found a cell signal strong enough to make a call. It turned out the kids were already on their way from Richardson; we told them what the weather was like and voted that if it was too bad when they got here, we’d visit for a while and then drive back to Mineola to spend the afternoon with Mother before going to T.J.’s house for the big dinner we planned.
After calling the kids, we called T.J. to let her know what was going on out here and to let her know the kids were still coming over for their visit today, albeit with the strong possibility of plans for alternate activities. As we were talking to her, I noticed the park manager standing just outside the office. As soon as I hung up and started to leave, he waved us over and told us he had just received a cancellation call for the site we were in…we could stay in the site until noon Tuesday…talk about a huge “Thank You God!”
We quickly called T.J. back to let her know that we weren’t going to have to move after all and then hurried back to Big V to do some cleaning and straightening to prepare for the kids’ arrival. With no wind blowing, we were able to open some windows, something we haven’t done in the six weeks we’ve been in East Texas, and take down the insulated reflectors that have been in nearly all the windows for a month; Big V really felt like home again!
Heather, Andy, Alexander, and Abby arrived shortly before 11:00 and the party began. It was still raining, so we all came inside to visit, get caught up on what everyone has been doing since the last time we saw each other, and have some lunch. We were a little short on staple goods, but managed to put together a pretty good mix of grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and salami and cheese slices.
Around 12:30 the rain slacked off to intermittent light sprinkles, so we decided to don our swim gear and head down to the lake. Our site is less than a three-minute walk to the beach – maybe a little more today because Alexander and Abby did some exploring along the way, but it didn’t take any time at all until we were entering the water and having a great time.
We started our day by getting a big pot of pinto beans going for dinner tonight and then gathering everything around the site and loading it in the car for a move to another site. When we set up our original reservation, we were supposed to be in a site up the hill and quite a way from the beach; but, when we got here last Friday, the man who checked us in said that he’d just gotten a cancellation for a much better site, and we could have it if we wanted it. The only condition was that we would have to vacate to another site by noon today, since the people who were supposed to be here last weekend also had the site reserved for this weekend.
We didn’t like the idea of moving, but this site was perfect for us, so we decided we’d stay for the week and then move if necessary. So, this morning, still hoping for a reprieve, but anticipating the reality of the situation, we put all the “outside stuff” in the car to transport it to the new site. I also started disconnecting the water and sewer lines in the event the weather got worse before we made the move.
Around 10:15 we went to the office to see if we were going to have to move, and they told us we probably would, since they hadn’t received a cancellation. We decided we’d better call the kids to let them know what the weather was like, so we rode around the park until we finally found a cell signal strong enough to make a call. It turned out the kids were already on their way from Richardson; we told them what the weather was like and voted that if it was too bad when they got here, we’d visit for a while and then drive back to Mineola to spend the afternoon with Mother before going to T.J.’s house for the big dinner we planned.
After calling the kids, we called T.J. to let her know what was going on out here and to let her know the kids were still coming over for their visit today, albeit with the strong possibility of plans for alternate activities. As we were talking to her, I noticed the park manager standing just outside the office. As soon as I hung up and started to leave, he waved us over and told us he had just received a cancellation call for the site we were in…we could stay in the site until noon Tuesday…talk about a huge “Thank You God!”
We quickly called T.J. back to let her know that we weren’t going to have to move after all and then hurried back to Big V to do some cleaning and straightening to prepare for the kids’ arrival. With no wind blowing, we were able to open some windows, something we haven’t done in the six weeks we’ve been in East Texas, and take down the insulated reflectors that have been in nearly all the windows for a month; Big V really felt like home again!
Heather, Andy, Alexander, and Abby arrived shortly before 11:00 and the party began. It was still raining, so we all came inside to visit, get caught up on what everyone has been doing since the last time we saw each other, and have some lunch. We were a little short on staple goods, but managed to put together a pretty good mix of grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and salami and cheese slices.
Around 12:30 the rain slacked off to intermittent light sprinkles, so we decided to don our swim gear and head down to the lake. Our site is less than a three-minute walk to the beach – maybe a little more today because Alexander and Abby did some exploring along the way, but it didn’t take any time at all until we were entering the water and having a great time.
Barbara’s new swim suit has a short skirt sewn onto it, something Alexander had evidently never seen before. When she stood up once, Alexander asked, “Why are you wearing a dress in the water?” She answered, “It’s not a dress, it’s an old ladies swimsuit.” To which Alexander immediately asked, “What – did you borrow it from her?” That kid is just too quick for Grams and Gramps!Alexander and Abby love the water and do really well in it. They both loved the floats we bought last month and enjoyed riding them out away from the shoreline. It goes without saying (so why are we saying it) that Grams and Gramps had an absolute ball playing with the little ones. Heather and Andy took their turns with them also, and Alexander got a great kick out of having Andy and I toss him around in the water.
Abby got a little concerned when a school of fish came close and nibbled at us a few times, so after a while she talked Grams into taking her back to the “truck” (motor home). The rest of us stayed in the water quite a while (a quick check in the mirror would suggest that we stayed way to long) before we decided it was time to carry everything back to Big V, get cleaned up, and make the drive back to Mineola for tonight’s festivities.We all drove to Wal-Mart to gas up the vehicles and then the kids went off somewhere else for a few minutes while Barbara and I went into the store to get a loaf of French bread (I was supposed to bake a loaf of bread today, but forgot all about it in the rush of our activities). Then, we were off to Mother’s house to bake some potatoes and warm the bread.
The kids came by Mother’s house and visited for a few minutes and then we all loaded up and made the trek over to T.J.’s house for our evening meal. And what a meal it was – T.J. fixed a brisket and tried out a new cheese and grits casserole on us. We brought the bread, pinto beans, and baked potatoes, and for dessert we had ice cream cups and pound cake. No one said anything about going away hungry, but if they did, it was their own fault!
After supper we all sat around and visited. Alexander and Abby wanted to get in the wagon and have me pull them down the road a few lots so they could see the cows, something they remembered doing several years ago. It was some good exercise for me, and gave Barbara and me some great photo opportunities.
On the way back, Alexander wanted me to pull them fast. I was pretending to run fast, but he thought that wasn’t good enough for him. Finally he said, “I know you’re old, but you’ll just have to try harder!” Out of the mouths of babes…when I finished laughing, I picked up the pace enough to satisfy him and got them back to T.J.’s house, where we found Ernie changing a tire on her car…seems she had picked up a nail somewhere and needed a spare until she could get the tire fixed. 
When he was finished, we all went inside to talk a little more and get together for our group picture before saying our goodbyes for the evening, sending the kids back home to Richardson and the rest of us to our respective homes and our own beds after a very busy day.
We resumed the “vacation mode” that we seemed to be in before we were interrupted to get ready for the move out to Lake Hawkins.
The rest of the evening was spent just kicking back and relaxing, watching TV, and working at the computers, trying to get this edition of the journal ready to send out.
Saturday, August 9
This was definitely a “slow” day…had to have time to recuperate from all the activities of yesterday. Plans for the day included going to Wal-Mart in Lindale to find a place to get haircuts (either that or going to the vet in Mineola to get our shots and a set of dog tags). Then, off to DQ for lunch and some internet time…we didn’t make it to the internet café yesterday, so there was quite a bit of mail, real and junk, to catch up on and/or delete.
After lunch we went to Mother’s for a quick visit and then back to Big V for naptime and general downtime in the evening…no excitement, and that’s a good thing.
The Mike and Kelly Story
Exciting news for the week included receiving our formal invitation to Mike and Kelly’s wedding, along with directions for keeping up with developments through their web page. For those who know Mike and/or Kelly, or feel that you almost know them because of what we’ve written, we encourage you to go to the following site and read their stories about how they met and their journeys to where they are now. We think you’ll like it.
www.theknot.com/ourwedding/kellyJividen&MikeLittle
“Life is a journey. Let faith be your guide.” – Church Signs
Enjoying even more family time in East Texas,
Jim & Barbara
We resumed the “vacation mode” that we seemed to be in before we were interrupted to get ready for the move out to Lake Hawkins.
The rest of the evening was spent just kicking back and relaxing, watching TV, and working at the computers, trying to get this edition of the journal ready to send out.Saturday, August 9
This was definitely a “slow” day…had to have time to recuperate from all the activities of yesterday. Plans for the day included going to Wal-Mart in Lindale to find a place to get haircuts (either that or going to the vet in Mineola to get our shots and a set of dog tags). Then, off to DQ for lunch and some internet time…we didn’t make it to the internet café yesterday, so there was quite a bit of mail, real and junk, to catch up on and/or delete.
After lunch we went to Mother’s for a quick visit and then back to Big V for naptime and general downtime in the evening…no excitement, and that’s a good thing.
The Mike and Kelly Story
Exciting news for the week included receiving our formal invitation to Mike and Kelly’s wedding, along with directions for keeping up with developments through their web page. For those who know Mike and/or Kelly, or feel that you almost know them because of what we’ve written, we encourage you to go to the following site and read their stories about how they met and their journeys to where they are now. We think you’ll like it.
www.theknot.com/ourwedding/kellyJividen&MikeLittle
“Life is a journey. Let faith be your guide.” – Church Signs
Enjoying even more family time in East Texas,
Jim & Barbara
