Tour de Brown/Mat

Up and walking.  My hip had sharp tiny pain every so often.  Lord, what's that about??  I had the same pain a couple days before Mandy came to visit, but it went away. So now what???  Denny nd I went for cash and then left on tour van with 8 others from the park.  We toured the 2 towns.  Our driver gave a lot of information.  We ate at Garcias.  At home we took naps.  406 took Desi until they went to play bridge, then she went to Shelly and Glens.  We stopped and got her as we walked home.  Jean called to find out what time we were having supper.   When we were eating, Fay dropped off cheesecake for us to share.  Others went to play cards and we walked Desi.

Relax

Up and walked 45 because my knee was a little sore.  Then walked Desi around for RR break.  I went with Jane and Jean to Fay's back yard to watch birds.  It is such a pretty yard.  I read in the hammock.  Jean and Jane brought down their extra food that we ate some of for lunch.   We had left overs for lunch.  (Like Nancy's 1 1/2 inch BLT leftover from Pier 19).   In the afternoon I went to lay out on the deck.  When I came in my eyes felt wrong.  Some now I was missing some of my vision.  It returned later as we went down to supper. 

Sisters get together

Up and trudged 45 minutes.  Then gave our new house guest a walk.  Desi did her job.  It's a rainy early am, but hopefully the drips will stop by 9:30.  And they did.  We had 17 sisters here for a salad lunch at 11.  Us 5,    Linda,Nancy,Sally,   Janet, Nel    Gloria, Dawn    Fay, Aline   Donna, Gail   Karen,(without Leann)  We had Nancy's amazing salad, Bread and GS cookies from Gail, Pea pickers, Rchata and cleanup Jean / Jane.  AND much laughter and visiting.  Nice time.  They took miniflower bunches with them.   I used Gail's 2 new beach coverups that she got when we were thrifting and 8 of her navy plates.  I took a nap in hammock in afternoon.  At 5:30 we went to Pier 19 for supper.  Our 7 plus Fay and Jerry.  Gail and Bruce set it up.

Happy birthday to me!!!

Up and walking my 45 minutes.  I started devos in the hammock and then got a great phone call from Jensens.  It was so good to hear from them.  I went to pickleball next.  At 10:30 Jane, Jean, and Julie went to the mall.  Julie and I went to the movie, Run the Race.  It was really good.  At home, Denny was cleaning.  I sprayed off the dock.  Jean, Jane and Gail were going thrifting and so I joined them.  Before potluck we went to Jean's deck and visited.  Potluck at 6.  I left early and picked some Texas bluebells and dill weed.  Denny picked out music for tomorrow.  I put together tiny arrangements for tomorrow.

Port of Brownsville tour

Up, Devo, work on blog, out to trudge, back to bed.  At 8 we went to SPI to get on a Port of Brownsville 5 hour tour.  It was so fun, lots of good food and information.  Nice to just watch and visit with people from the park.  We went to the beach after the boat ride; Denny slept in the warm Prius, I lay down on the beach and watched people.  It was a chilly 60 degrees, but so much nicer than in Iowa.   Mandy had Eli and Anna P. stranded at their home.  At night I went to Trivia.  AND was on the second place team.  AMAZING!!! Jean,Me,Gail,Leann and Fred from lot 3.

Early present

Denny worked on the deck!!!  :)  I had told him we could go after wood, but when I went out to look at the project ... HE ALREADY HAD DONE THE BENCH EXTENTION!!!! Hurrah!!!  We went to Home Depot and got some more wood to repair/replace supports and some floor boards.  He worked on it and Jane went on a kayak ride.  When Denny was done we chilled together out looking at the dock.  At 6 the park had a dinner and show, Dave and Daphne.  They were amazing and had blinking hats!! We really enjoyed it.  Denny ended up getting four 8th day t shirts.

Pickled

I was up early and trudged 45 minutes.  Gail and I left at 7am for the hour and 15 minute drive in the fog to McAllen for the Golden Age Olympics Women's doubles in pickle ball.  It was an experience. We played at 9 ... won against sisters ... waited.   Played against team from Atlantic  ... lost ... the gal was overjoyed because she has never beaten Gail.  Waited.  Played against team from Algona ... Won in a come from behind.  Waited ...  Played another game  Won in a come from behind.   Had to replay the team from Atlantic ... Bummer !!!! We lost!!! 14 to 16.  So I am sure the gal from Atlantic was walking on air winning over us 2 times.  It was a fun, long day.  High light was when Wendy L.'s mom Nancy P. came to say Hi and watch a little pickle ball.  I can't imagine how tired Gail was after  driving and playing the day before.  She is amazing!!!  I was happy I played ok, but hated to lose to that gloating gal from Atlantic TWICE!!!  Life .....    It still is good.  We have so much to be thankful for.  We tried to find a ropa store in Hildago before we headed home ... but NO luck.  At home I was so tired sitting on the deck with JND, I didn't even notice the dock transformation.  Early Birthday present.  JUST WHAT I WANTED!!!!

This is a copy and paste from Hannah's facebook page about her up and coming book:

Editing is complete!! I absolutely underestimated the amount of mental work and time this part of my book was going to take. But man am I thankful for professionals who know what they are doing and are patient with those of us who don't have a clue. Plus, having the best editor ever helps.
One step closer to getting this baby printed!

"It can be very uncomfortable consciously walking into something that feels out of your realm of abilities. Just remember being in a vulnerable place with God is just about the safest place you can be-because you are putting all the responsibilities on Him. He's not going to fail you. If the Lord has lead you there (like motherhood  (or in my case going to Nepal, because I am a mother and want to see where my chicks are)), believe that He want to help you carry out that commission well."
-White-Knuckled Mothering
#comingsoon

This day was good

Up and trudged 45 minutes.  I relaxed in the hammock and did my study.  At 9 Gail came to visit before heading to McAllen for Mixed Doubles pickle ball touorney.   After she left, I headed to play pickle ball at 4 Seasons.  Denny went to help Bill, but Bill didn't have the corners that he needed to put siding on the garage, so they only did what they could.  At 12:30 there were 10 of us for study.  Hilda, Wendy, Kay, Julie, Gladys, Julie, Barbara, Becky, Nancy.  We went toYoga at 4.  Around 5 Jean and Jane brought over supper for Denny to grill.  Great Burgers.  We watched home videos and then Top Chef after Nancy got back from joker game.  Gail and Bruce got second at pickle ball doubles after much waiting and the tourney only having small, medium, and 3 X shirt available.  Kind of a rookie deal.  Not Gail and Bruce getting second ... The shirt size fiasco.

Walk on the beach

I slept crummy last night.  To bed at 10, RR at 1, Awake so I got up and read devos, back to bed until 7, but Denny slept terrible with me up and down.  At 10 Jane and I  went to the island.  We stopped at Port Isabel market to see what it was like.   I got 2 capris, and a swing dress.  At the island I got 2 tops to wear with the outfits.  We walked 3 miles on the beach.  Back at the park we played pickle ball at 4 and went to C&C wings for supper.  Afterwards J,J,and N went Lowes and Denny and I stayed home.  Picture from SPI beach earlier:

Golf

Up and early walk.  Devotions.  Finished the invites and took them around the park.  At 11 N,J,J, and I went to ladies luncheon at Frontier.  Gail, Faye, Aline and I went golfing.  It was not sunny, but warm and overcast and VERY nice.  We stopped back in the kitchen after golf, plus Denny and Nancy, plus Bruce, and Jane and Jean.  We ate pull out meal of leftover Mexican, Jicama, and broccoli and Cheese.  Stayed around to watch TV.

Gray drippy day

Up and trudged the whole 45 minutes.  Gail, Jean, and I went to Texas Thrift store, spent $15 and were back by 8:30.  I ate breakfast and went down for pickle ball.  I helped Gail in the library.  Denny, Nancy, Jean and Jane went to Sable palm.  I got stuff ready for making potluck casserole.  I went to the other thrift store and spent $31.  At 4 we went to Karen's and I brought her a small arrangement.  Potluck was at 6.  Back home to watch a movie.   Decided on next Tuesday for a lunch for sisters.

Day of rest

I walked in boots again, but afterward my big toes hurt a little.  Good to try them out.  I"ll see if trimming my toenails will help ... TOO much information.  I read devotions out on the hammock.  It was a warm misty am.  No SS at Arthur and so I gave Susan a call and had a nice visit.  Just relaxed after church, reading,napping, watching a movie, and making guacamole.  At 4 we went to Bert and Dan's for a Mexican get together.  Nice time visiting with people from the park.  Trivia ... Yup I was on the 3rd out of 5 place team.

Full Day

Up and walked in boots getting ready for trek.  At 7:30 Jane and I went to yoga at FM.  Back for donuts and to have a family phone conference call.  I played pickle ball until 11.  Denny was helping Bill put windows in the garage.  I went over to watch.  At 4 we were invited to Les and Julie's.  They planned at thank you meal for people who had helped them and Denny had helped them move things from one place to another, so we had a lovely time and great food. 

Golf

Up and trudged about 1/4 of my 45 min walk.  Played 9 holes of par 3 golf at 9 with Jackie A. Mary Kay, Jim C. Jim H and John.  It was fun and a beautiful morning.  Afterward we ate at Cobblestone.  I got soup to take home for Denny who was out on a 17 mile bike ride.  I read in the sun for a while and then joined Denny napping.  Evan's secondary school put on a music night. After Nancy came back from the island we talked Denny into making pico de gallo.  Jane and Jean joined us on the deck and then Jane fixed a great supper.

Happy Valentine's Day

Up for trudging ... the whole 45 minutes.  Devos, Fix strawberries with Whipped cream as valentines for family.  Pickle ball at 9.  I did the study lesson in the hammock.  Denny was cleaning.  At 12:30 7 were here for study.  Hilda, Julie D. Nancy, Gladys, Julie M. Barbara, and me.  We went down to the dinner after 4.  Nice table of 5.  The dance was fun.  Jane took at picture of beautiful sunset and Denny and me on the dock.  Matt called on his way home.  We had a phone call from Missy talking about possibly trekking when I am with her.  Now that sounds interesting.

Meet Nancy P. in Mexico

Up and walking for 45 minutes, devos, and back to bed until 7:45 when Mandy called for a quick visit.  At 9 Jean, Jane, and I went to Progresso.  I met Wendy L. mom Nancy P.  She lives in Colorado and has been coming to Mission, Texas for about 29 years.  They help with mission work.  We met at Arturos and visited for over an hour.  Then we went to the dentist where her friend was.  We met J&J and ate at Red Snapper and headed home after shopping at El Disco.  Denny and I went to Lowes, WalMart, and Home Depot.  Got lots of stuff.  Including 2 12 ton jacks for raising the trailer and leveling.

Rose is 2!!!!! Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Sweet Rose.   We are so thankful to have you in our lives.  It was so much fun to have you in Brownsville visiting us.  Everyone in the park LOVES you.   May God bless you your whole life.

Valentine pot luck at church:
Up to walk about 6:45.  I joined Gail for the first part of it.  It had rained so no pickle ball.  I went to Port Isabel with Jean and Nancy.  They picked up their winnings from the raffle.  We tried to get our vases from the flower design exhibit, but the case they were in had to be opened by a couple guys who weren't there.  We went to the movies in Brownsville.  I saw Instant Family.   Denny listened to a couple you tubes on playing a guitar.   At 4:30 Denny and I left for a potluck.  Randy and Julie sang and played at it.

Monday

I was up and walking my 45.  At 8:30 there was pickle ball.  After pickle ball we practiced for the Jam session.  Nancy and I made salads for potluck.  Denny helped Bill with his place.  At 1 we went to the jam session.  We took orange juice, but when we added a creamy juice it curdled. Uffta!!   Potluck at 6.  Denny stopped at John T. afterwards to work on computer/phone stuff.  I called Nancy P. and set up a time to meet in Progresso on Wednesday.  Bill let Denny take his guitar back to our trailer because Denny said sometime he might like to play guitar.

Sunny Day .... YES

Well, I was just happy to be able to be out in the sun after church.  I walked in the am and it was still chilly enough for a fleece and coat.  After devos I went back to bed until 8.  An ambulance came in the park about 5 am.  A neighbor had fallen and they took him to the er/hospital.  Missy texted today and said that I letter I had sent about January 10th got to them about a month later.  :)  After church I listened to a book on the computer.  Denny washed the car.  At 5 there was pickleball.  Denny picked me up about 5:30 to go to a concert at church.   YUP today I realized I had not greeted Anabel on my blog on her birthday.  Matt, you are not the only one I forgot.  Uffta!!

Pastillos and jam

Walked to treadmill and walked 45 minutes.  Talked with Missy before I went out.  Back home for devos and to go to breakfast.  No ice-cycle pickle ball.  Only 40 degrees.  I walked to Fays and helped her crimp pastileos.  At home Denny was cleaning.  I helped some what.  Then I went to take a bag of clothes to good will.   At 2:45 we headed to Finchers.  The guitar players were there.  Jeff, brother-in-law Phillip, and Jim.  - It was a fun time with lots of laughter and songs.  The dance was at 7.  It was a nice time.  Great day in the Valley.

100 year old Brooks celebrating 100th day of school:

Chilly Gray Day

It was so windy and chilly, I started to walk, but decided to walk the 45 on the treadmill.  Denny worked on the computer downloading bank statements.  We had a big salad for lunch about 2.  Then we watched The Stray.  At 5 we headed to church to get our pictures taken for the directory.  We stopped at the ice House, but no one waited on us so we came home and visited with Jean and Nancy.  Linda called and they may be at our place about next Sunday.  Sounds good.

Bill's roof goes on

Walked early am.  45 minutes and walked the last 20 minutes with Gail.  Now I was missing my little gal this am.  First time in a week that I haven't spent the first 2 hours of the day with her.  Then Luke and Karen sent the snowy picture of her.   Uffta!!  It makes the chilly 50 degree day here tomorrow look like a heat wave.  In am I moved stuff around in the closet.  I remembered about pickleball at 9 and headed down there.  Denny went to help Bill with putting the roof on his garage.  There were 10 of us ladies for Bible study: Julie M. Julie D, Sharon, Kay, Wendy, Barbara, Mert, Becky, Hilda.   After study I went to Bill's, most of the roof is on.  Yoga was at 4.  Denny grilled wonderful pork chops that Nancy had gotten on sale: 4 chops that only cost $3.17.  So good. I played ponytail after supper and at home we watched Top Chef.

Karen and Rose go north

Rose woke before 7, we shared a banana and grapefruit and headed out on the bike.  Gloria's light was on, John was up, Gloria said she was awake and so she got up to make coffee, nice visit.  We started to ride again and then I stopped at the card room and watched the 7 am news.  Rose played with the candles, glass nuggets and figurines.  It was so cute.  Karen took breakfast out to the deck.  I had started to think it was a little chilly ...BUT the weather here is a heat wave when compared with Karen going home to Minneapolis tonight.  So we happily ate outside on the deck.  Rose and I went to the pool to swim for 30 minutes.  The water was warm and she loved it.  She was SO cute laughing, bouncing, kicking , and splashing in the water. We left for the ladies luncheon, Of course  Rose was a hit.  The food was good, but it took a while for Nancy and Jean get theirs ... so they took their food to go.  We left for the airport and the drop off went well.  It has been so great to have them here for a couple extra days.  Thank you Jesus.   We got the second night table for out bedroom at the mini mall.  This proverb might be our wellness challenge motto!!!!

I didn't do a fact check on the lower picture, but the whole concept is so sad I can hardly bear it.  I am so glad the horror of the law was addressed last night.  Lord, help and heal our land. 

a