December 31, 2009

We are back home in Florida now and are really enjoying the nice weather. It is supposed to be in the 70’s tomorrow. But like all good things this will end and the temperatures will start declining tomorrow night. We are expecting some mid to upper 30’s during the nights and lower 60’s during the days through the weekend. We are thinking the same as you – what miserable weather. Oh well, I’m sure we will make it through until it warms back up into the 70’s. Such is life in Florida.

Char and I have been talking about this past year and all the good and not so good things we have experienced. The first part of the year was difficult because of Char’s stroke. The summer was great as we traveled around visiting family and friends. In the fall Char had her cataract surgeries. And finally, December was outstanding as we traveled to Texas for Mike and Tammy’s wedding. This has been a good but challenging year. We are very thankful that things turned out so well and are now looking forward to next year.

We are planning to travel again during the summer and perhaps this will be the year we will stop in your area to visit. We do have lots of friends around this great country. We will start working on our trip plan and stopping points in the next few weeks. We are thinking that six months on the road will be good this time. And of course, Texas, Colorado and Indiana are must stops. This leaves lots of area in between to explore and we will try to find many exciting and out of the way places to visit.

We wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

December 24, 2009

We are setting here looking out the front window of our RV watching it snow. This will be our first “White Christmas” in many years. The forecast is for 1 – 3 inches by this evening. The wind is blowing 20 – 30 miles per hour and is supposed to get a little stronger later in the day. The temperature is on the way down from the 40’s this morning to the mid 20’s tonight. The best thing for us is that we are near Mike and Tammy this holiday season.

Our car and motor home aren't used to this.

Mike and Tammy’s wedding went very well yesterday. The ceremony was conducted at the Rose Chapel in Fort Worth. This was a magnificent place for everyone to witness the marriage of a very beautiful bride and handsome groom.

Inside the Rose Chapel.

Mike arriving.

Tammy being escorted down the aisle by Dr. Ron Westbrook, a dear friend.

The Ceremony.

Tammy’s Bridesmaid, Karen and her family. Left to right: Karen, Robert, Emily and Amanda.

The photo tribute to the Grandparents.

The Groom’s cake was German Chocolate.

The Bride’s cake was Red Velvet.

Some of the many guests at the reception.

Mike and Tammy just prior to cutting the cake.

Kevin, the Best Man, giving a toast.

For more and better pictures you will need to plan a trip to Texas and a visit with Mike and Tammy to see the wedding pictures taken by the professional photographer. They should have them soon.

December 21, 2009

We are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area near Roanoke, Texas visiting with Mike and Tammy. It is a little cooler here than in Florida but we are doing fine and keeping warm. We’ve had some days in the mid sixties and nights in the upper twenties. It is supposed to be cold with no snow for Christmas. The forecast is warm with rain for Wednesday’s wedding. I think almost everything is ready. The “Best Man” flew in from Florida this morning and Tammy’s friends from Tennessee arrived by car and motorcycle today for the joyous occasion. Mike and Tammy have only two more days of nervousness and anticipation.

We have been here just over a week and Mike and Tammy are keeping us busy. We been to the Galleria Mall and watched the skaters glide around the magnificent five-story tall Christmas tree. Visited the Rose Chapel where they will get married. Stopped in the South Lake area to see some great light displays. And shopped many stores to find the last things needed for the wedding.

The Galleria Mall Christmas tree.

Even while entertaining us they still handled arrangements for the wedding.

Skaters at the Galleria Mall.

Lights at a South Lake shopping area.

A few days ago we went shopping with Mike for the perfect Christmas tree for their apartment. After looking at a few Mike found a tree he thought Tammy would love. He was right.

They invited us over for pizza and let us help decorate their tree.

Tammy had lots of wonderful decorations and as you can see the tree is beautiful.

December 3, 2009

We have had a busy couple of weeks. Char had cataract surgery on her left eye on November 17th and on her right eye on December 2nd. I watched the surgery on closed circuit TV and I am amazed at the terrific things that surgeons can do. She is doing very well. Her distance sight is good but she is having difficulties focusing on reading yet. She may glasses for reading. We will learn about glasses in a few weeks. She says now colors are brighter and whites are whiter. Her best time of day is in the evening after sunset and before it gets dark. We can walk around the Park and she doesn’t need to wear the large sunglasses that protect her eyes during the day.

On the day after Thanksgiving, Mike and his fiancée, Tammy, drove out of our Park with his truck and 5th wheel trailer headed for Keller, Texas. They drove for three long days and were happy to get to Tammy’s apartment. The first day they had trouble with the valve stems on three out of four tires on the trailer. After having all the tires checked and repaired they continued without any more problems. We are planning to leave for Texas next week to attend Mike and Tammy’s wedding on the 23rd of December.

Today Char and I worked on our Christmas cards for friends and family. This year we are using computer-generated labels. Even though it was hard for Char, she signed the inside of all the cards. Hopefully no one will be disappointed that Char didn’t write her usual personalized message to you. She is doing extremely well and we feel very good that she could sign the cards this year. She really enjoyed putting our Christmas cards together. We had a lot of fun.