Stay-cation....

Pretty much for the last 2 - 2 1/2 months these four walls and the TV have been world. Back surgery is not fun, I knew it would be hard, but had no idea. Other than a visit from my kiddos, grand angels, family and my high school reunion, in June, I haven't been ANYWHERE !

Then to add to it, we have had some household emergencies that meant any time Gary was off, he was working hard to get things repaired.

Two weeks ago I saw the surgeon and he was thrilled with my progress. I started physical therapy and was told I could begin to "wean" myself off my back brace. That being said.....this week on Gary's day off, we decided to do "something", "anything" .......so we did a day of not worrying about calories, exercise, honey do's,or  responsibilities !!!

We started our day out with the only good way to start any day is breakfast at Ole South Pancake house......yum yum

Then we decided to do a "touristy" thing. We went to visit the federal treasury - The Mint...where money is made. Very cool......only 2 places in the USA that money is made....Washington, D.C. and right here in Fort Worth, Texas. The tour is free and there was that smell of "new money" everywhere. !

Then we just kinda of drove and decided we would do whatever we found along the way. First stop, Costco.

 

We always like to find new and different places to eat - today we we found Deb and Steve's......it was so good.....as you can see - I ate the whole thing!!

As we made our way back west heading home, we stopped at a Goodwill store. We love to browse and almost always find "something" that we must have. We had made a donation earlier in the day and now we stop to add more "stuff" to our house....

 

 

Our next stop was Academy....Gary insisted....



 

Our last stop was at Braums for some cool, refresing ice cream.....

 

It was a full day, waaaaay better than looking at the same walls and TV



A New Home

Wheatie and I have been talking for sometime that once I retire - we wanted to move a little further south - maybe even the coast. In March, we went to Rockport, TX and checked it out. We immediately fell in the love with the town and the location. After alot of discussion, we decided, for the time being, we would move our camper down there to a RV park and leave it for a couple of months. Spend some true time in the town and learn a little more before taking such a big step.

Chad and the kids met us down there and we had such a GREAT weekend.......

We got the camper moved new it's "new" home

Rockport was having their annual arts feastival and even tho it was sooooooo hot, we braved it and enjoyed. The kids found the KID ZONE right off!!

We ate out, we ate in and of course visited the beach......

We will be visiting the "new home" several times the next couple of months and see where it takes us........

40 years....

It's hard to believe, but this past weekend, I celebrated my 40th year high school reunion !!!

We had an amazing committee, that put in long hours and lots of love!!

 

 

 

Friday night was a casual gathering. As one of my former classmates put it, the waist lines are little larger, the hair a little thinner, some a little more gray, and gravity has taken it's toll on us all. But it was like we haven't been apart at all. Friends from elementary and middle school (junior high back in those days) It was a good time....

 

 

 

Saturday night was a dinner/dance. We still got the moves !!

 

 

Of course we had the BEST food ever. J.R. by co-worker and catering buddy, cooked up beef and chicken fajitas with all the fixins', , tamales, rice, beans, chips, salsa and the YUMMIEST homemade pralines!!! Compliments all around

 

 

 

Sadly we have lost 49 classmates. In their memory we had a MEMORIAL ROOM...

Sunday was picnic lunch at a local lake/park.....

WHEW......what a weekend. It was a blast and just think - we are gonna do it all over in 5 years (we think 10years might be pusing it - we ren't getting any younger!!)

 





 



All Balls 2013

It is that time of the year again when my brothers and their families join together for a reunion. We are now spread out all over Texas and Maryland...so needless to say, this time is very, very special to me. I have such a grand family that because of my recent back surgery..they all came to me at my house.

I had all 4 of my grand angels for the week - you are looking at one happy happy Boo!!

There were visit to a trampoline park, Six Flags, Ranger game, time in the pool and hot tub and the movie before the reunion even got started.....

 

 

 

 

 

All Balls "officially" began on Friday night with hamburgers, hot dogs and fried catfish. Everything in Texas is BIG and there is no lacking in the food department when it comes to that !!

 



 

 

Saturday the "boys" played their golf game

and the girls and kiddos hung out at the house. It was  Cody's 8th birthday - so since we didn't go anywhere special - Pops and I ordered a bounce/water slide house. WHAT FUN !!! Even the big kids joined in on the fun - hard to resist!!

 

 

 

There is nothing better than family time.......

 

The day always ends with our "awards".....which if you are a recipient - you my friend ROCK !!!

 

The WINER award from me to Diane !!

 

The WEINER award (sorry about the sideways) ...it goes to that golfer that gives it his best - but fails....the award went from Gary to Bill (sorry Bill - I failed to get a pic of you receiving it !!)

The "family" plate....this plate was made several years ago and has all our "thumbprints" on it. It's quiet the honor to display it proudly in your home. Again, Diane gets the award. Robyn was the giver and managed to get it here in one piece from Maryland....good job Robbie !! Looks like the Bill and Diane Haines house has lots to display this coming year.

 

And last- but not least is the CADDY award. This, my friend is the award of all awards. it comes from the golf game and is decided upon by the golfers. Caddy is unique and one rule is that he must be displayed in a very important area of your office (or home in the case of those that don't work) and you therefore must answer all the questions when people ask..."what the hell is that ?"

This year Caddy was given to Ray. Cayla was the proud owner for the last year and while she was off vacationing in Lake Tahoe (we missed you) her dad had the honor of passing Caddy to his new home for the next year !!

 

 

Gary surprised all the "Haines's" with a gift (outdoor lighting) that he made with his very own hands....Thanks - we love them!!

 

 

 

And when the weekend comes to an end....this is what happens......what a crazy loving bunch of family !!

 

Can't wait till next year....love you all!!!