The Width of Texas

We entered Texas in El Paso with a wonderful visit with nephew Michael and his family, Stephanie and 4-year-old Parker. They have a beautiful new home that they bought this summer. Parker gave us the full tour! It was also an honor to see the awards that Michael has earned during his enlistment with the army. He leaves for a third tour later this month. Like El Paso wasn't hot enough in August, he is headed to the middle east!

Our next stop rattling down I-10 was Boerne. We have driven through many times, but finally stopped for a few days. We enjoyed cousins George and Sharon and friends Nick and Daffnes. We really enjoyed the beautiful town, river walk, and relaxing.

We got off the interstate at Flatonia and headed cross country through beautiful farm lands of central Texas. The fields looked lush compared to the burnt browns we had been seeing, but closer observation revealed the same drought conditions as the west. Arriving at Rainbow's End in Livingston, we were told "No outdoor cooking at all!"

This is our first time at the Escapees Park that serves at our permanent address. I had hoped to see the mail room, but didn't get past the lobby...bummer. Nice to be able to check our mail daily for awhile. We have gotten to put faces on the voices that answer our calls.

The park has the typical camp sites and picnic tables and so much more to make the large area a full community. The camp sites are spread out in three different areas, one is nestled in the pines. The difference here is that privately owned homes are situated throughout the park. Many homes are RVs or have space for one next to the house. Many of the homes have name signs and some have hung a shingle to advertise services they provide. There is also the Care Center. People who want to live in there RVs but can no longer manage the independence can settle here and have the care they need. They have a full care facility with state licensing. There are two activity centers and a nice pool. Of course, golf cart is the preferred mode of transport. Everyone waves and it is a very friendly place to be.

We also took advantage of the location to see some old friends. We enjoyed Diane and her family that had gathered for the 4th, and Mary and Russell, fellow RVers and Escapees members. Diane's parents and mine were friends long before either of us was around, so we grew up together. Mary and I met first day of 7th grade. These are 2 ladies I don't often get to see, so this was a real treat!

Our primary job this week was to fine tune a few things on the RV. Russell had an oil filter project to satisfy his suppressed desire to be a mechanic, even when everything is working fine. We also shook off some sand and dust from our months in the desert. I'd hate to say we were dirty, but some might. With the heat, this meant early mornings to take advantage of the coolest part of the day.

And now, a news break! We have found out that the Las Vegas condo sell has been approved. Closing is end of the month! Our trip has been curtailed somewhat. We plan to get to Vegas in mid August to get our stuff moved in and a few details worked out. We hope to be able to pick up the journey to the northeast in late September. We will have to make decisions about that as we get settled. We are looking forward to getting organized, or at least starting the process.