Puerto Peñasco, Mexico... Day 4

 

   As we had no firm plans today we decided to take a stroll along the swimming pool and see about making a reservation for Whale watching.  We pretty much have this whole place to ourselves and booking a Whale watching excursion was easy. In fact, it was so easy that Eric the booker talked us into going out today!  So we did!

   In 15 minutes, Eric picked us up in front of the Mayan Palace and we were off to town. 

   The bot was nice and roomy; offering seating for about so dozen tourists. They provided drinks and snacks for a 3-hour tour. I don’t know the boat’s name but pretty sure it wasn’t the USS MINNOW!  

   In due time we spotted a group of Dolphins having a good time. We hung around and watched them for a while before heading on to bigger things. 

   Out a little farther we pulled up into an area where a couple other tour boats were parked. They had been watching a couple of Whales so we joined them. We spotted them a couple of times but we were not treated to anything spectacular. 

   It was a good trip. It was also good to pull into the harbor to catch our ride back to the Grand Mayan. We were all tired from the busy day’s adventure. 

 

 Puerto Peñasco, Mexico... Day 3

 

   The Grand Mayan is a huge condo structure that went up in 2016 and is still under construction. Only a handful of units are actually open. We have one on the first floor, #3111. The Pinkerton’s are down the hall in 3104. 

   Our patio balconies have a small pool of water that we originally mistook for a hot tub. It is, however, a summertime cool down pool. Right now the 40 degree water is uninviting. The tub apparently runs full of water. So much do that it overflows it’s rim and drains down to recirculating pumps. I can’t imagine the water is fresh and drains out to the sewer!  The problem with our tub is the noise. It makes a loud sound like when you drain a bathtub, only much much louder. It did no make this noise the first day. But it is now!  It started yesterday and has been gurgling all night!  It’s like a Chinese water torture chamber!  I barely got to sleep!  We’re notified maintenance 3 times. They came out the first time we called but the noise returned as soon as the guy left. Now we can’t get them to respond. We may have to take blankets down by the Lazy River tonight if we can’t get their attention!

   Debby made coffee this morning. The strange coffee maker is temperamental. She put in 4 cups of water and it yielded 2 cups of coffee. Now how does that work??

   When we checked into the Mayhan resort on Sunday afternoon, they told us they would upgrade us into the grand Mayan  if we would listen to a sales presentation. It sounded like something we wanted to do so we agreed. We made an appointment for Tuesday morning at 9 AM. Breakfast would be included. So today is Tuesday so we met our host in the main lobby. We walked to the only restaurant open for our breakfast in the beginning I have a sales pitch. We had to smooth talking salesman with us this morning. I figured it might be a hard day. I was right.

   Because our tiny waiting pool I was so noisy all of yesterday afternoon and last night, I made every effort and took every opportunity to tell them I was not happy with the unit and asked if we could relocate. Of course, they had nothing else. Come to find out, there was no heat In the regular Mayan so sticking us into the Grond Mayan was to their advantage anyway. They simply made it sound like they were doing us a favor by giving us a free upgrade if we listened to their spiel.  I asked Carlos how many units were available for people. He said a number more than 300. I asked what their current occupancy was. He said 38. I said, “So you have something else I can move into”?  He said no. I asked him if they had a special unit for the Presidente. He said yes. I said, “Well he’s not coming. Could I have his room”?  He didn’t answer me. 

   Francisco and Carlos treated us to a good breakfast with coffee and juice, omelets, sweet rolls and fresh fruit. They began to talk about the perks to being part of the Vidanta Resort to organization. After an hour or so we walked back to the office for more in depth information.

   It was a tough day. During the course of talking with these two guys, a more powerful salesman came over to financially help seal the deal. The presentation was intense and we felt the pressure.  The bottom line began at $87,000 plus   Over the course of 6 hours, the price was adjusted each time they felt we looked like we weren’t going to buy. The final cost toys was less than  $11,ooo for each couple. They would not let us take the contract back to our rooms and read it unless we paid their down-payment, signed the contract and left our passports with them. 

   Although we were on the fence a few times, good sense took over and we said “no”. After that, our “friends “, Francisco and Carlos did not say goodbye or anything!  

   Our final gauntlet was apparently the General Manager who tried to get on our good side by playing a better new friend than the other three. He even sweetened the pot with a few more perks. By the time this 4th salesman came along, we were toast!  Stick a fork in me...I’m done!  This whole day was short!  Time for dinner!

   I came back to our room, pulled the concrete lid off of the pool control box and closed the water valve. I doesn’t stop 100% of the gurgling noise but it did cut it down by 95%. 

   This evening, Toronto and I took a stroll on the beach. The tide was so far out that we couldn’t make it to the surf. There are literally thousands of various sizes and types of seashells in the sand. I picked up a few for souvenirs. 

   Toronto found one live animal in the sand. I couldn’t tell what it was. When I touched it with my finger, it moved a little, as of closing up.   It was mostly smooth and felt like really tough skin.  I took a couple of pictures but still couldn’t make out what it was. 

   I watched the sun go down taking a photo and headed back. It was dark before we got back but Toronto knew where he was going. I merely let  him lead. After all, that’s his job. 

 

 Puerto Peñasco, Mexico...Day 1

 

   Up at the crack of dawn, well, maybe a little later, we met up with Ron and Nancy for an 8:30 am breakfast at Denny’s. By the time  the second cup of coffee kicked in we were ready for that Home Run, or Slam Dunk or Grand Slam,... whatever they called it. 

   Following our private church service, we took our suitcases out front and met our lady driver for our shuttle ride to Rocky Point, aka Puerto Peñasco, about a4 hour drive from Phoenix. Lynelle started her shuttle business several years ago. She and her husband, Mike run five 15-passenger vans between Phoenix and Puerto Peñasco nearly every day. It was great having a professional driver pick us up at our Motel and drop us off at our Resort. Lynelle was extremely knowledgeable about the area as she has been going there with her family since 1967. She knew a lot about the sights along the way. Her stories made the trip seem to fly by. 

   We stopped in Ajo, AZ for gas and grub, learning much about the area copper mining and the Air Force flight training areas. 

   We had to walk through the Mexico border gate with our luggage. It was Toronto’s first border crossing. There were 7 of us tourists walking together. The single border guard asked if we were only carrying clothes.  We said we was and he let us all go through without so much as showing passports or anything!  Our driver net us on the other side and reloaded our luggage. 

   Lynelle dropped off her other passengers first and then drove us through Rocky Point, pointing out some cool places and interesting sight...like where Al Capone stayed when he came there. Also where John F Kennedy stayed. We stopped at a grocery store to pick up a few things for our condo, and then on out to the Mayan Resort. 

   We checked in and got our rooms in the Grand Mayan. The rooms are spacious with 19’ ceilings, a patio pool with a view of the Sea of Cortez and sporting more square feet than my first house!  

   After dinner in their huge restaurant, named Bakdl, we ended our day. No glitches. No hiccups. Smooth. Tomorrow we get to explore a bit. 

   

 

 

 Puerto Peñasco, Mexico...Day 2

 

   We spent a relaxing day around the resort getting to know the lay of the land and finding our way around. The most pristine area of the property is the South side along the swimming pools and the Lazy River. The landscape is well done. The lawn grass is well watered and manicured. The landscape is cultivated with various cacti, tropical plants and palm trees. There is quite a bit of pool shoreline with a host of lounge chairs and thatched-roof shelters that provide shade under the hot Mexican sun. Today however, the heat is not our problem. The low 60’s and gusty wind makes my jacket feel great!  It’s still a far cry from 19 degrees with a yard full of ice!

   As we walked around the area, we couldn’t help but take notice that the place was empty. We had it all to ourselves!  Toronto and I took a stroll across the sandy beach and walked along the shore of the Sea of Cortez.  I let Toronto off leash because no one but us was on the beach. He ran and jumped around like s spring Lamb and quickly scurried back as soon as his feet got wet!  

   I have taught Toronto to drop everything he is doing, sniffing or exploring and immediately come running to me when I call the name, “BEAR”!  He is kibble-motivated and he knows I always carry an ample supply in a pouch on my hip. More than that, he knows I treat generously when I call!  It works every time!

   This afternoon was spent relaxing and resting. Debby and Nancy walked down to the beach to catch some sun while Ron and I returned to our respective condos for som R & R and a nap or two. I’m not sure about Ron but I did not disappoint myself!

   Our evening lunch at the restaurant was a medley of hamburger, fries, a sandwich, loaded nachos and a couple of tropical fruit plates!  

   Our stroll around the pool and along the Lazy River yielded photos and my new ball cap. Back to our condo, I spent time trying to get maintenance to respond to the loud noises being made by our tiny patio pool. They failed to get it fixed. We will have to listen to it all night. 

   We finished the day by cutting open a fresh watermelon and talking about our day. 

 

 

 A Time to Thaw Out

 

February 2021.  

   Another international excursion for the Thomas and Pinkerton couples. Braving the fear of a year-long pandemic. It’s not quite so fearful for us because we’re had our Corona shots!  Yes!  That’s all there is to it!  Two shots of Corona and Bob’s your uncle!

   So after sealing the deal on our home inside the boundary of Johnson, Arkansas, we began the arduous task of giving it a new facelift. New paint within and without, new kitchen , master bathroom overhaul and new wood flooring.   We have had great help with this project!  Thanks so much to Steve & Rhonda for a ton of scraping, sanding, texturizing, priming and painting, including high work on Steve’s scaffolding!   Thanks Jeff & Cara for your help with electrical, plumbing and carpentry!  A big thank you to Debby’s sister, Sandi and her husband, Marvin for helping us with getting a new kitchen, bathroom, wood flooring, shelves, cabinets, countertops and much more!  Marvin is a master craftsman and we were lucky to have him helping us!  They also sent down some of their best help from Branson to install our kitchen and all the flooring!  Many thanks, guys!  A big thank you to Ron and Nancy. She is a great painter!  Dr. Ron was new to this kind of stuff but he worked hard and helped me immensely!  We scraped old glue off the floor, patched Sheetrock,  chipped up tile, mud and taped, sanded, removed old flooring and trim, covered floors, windows and trim for painters and installed a new toilet. For his hard work outside of his professional field of a podiatry, Ron has earned the coveted “ Carpenters Pencil.”  Next month we plan to have a pencil sharpening ceremony and catfish dinner!  Thank you, my friend!  Much thanks also to Brent and my son, Matt for coming all the way from Ok City to help us, even with ice on the roads!  Matt was great with the detail work we needed. Brent was our floor tile guy. He did a great job installing our bathroom flooring!  Also, thanks to Debby’s sister Teri and Sam who helped with some demo work; also to a friend of Sam’s who helped. Most of all, thanks to Debby for her labor with not only the demo and finish work, but shopping for everything going into our new home; new appliances, cabinets, flooring, paint color, and a million little things that takes a keen eye and determination to complete. 

   At our age, the physical workout has been over the top and we needed a break!  

   We did not expect record-setting cold temperatures, snow and ice to be a part of the mix. Arctic conditions puts a strain on a Codger’s energy level, not to mention all the work sucking us dry. 

   With all that said, we chose a resort in Mexico and planned our adventure. Puerto Peñasco, on the Sea of Cortez appeared to fit the bill.   We picked a date and time, bought airline tickets and made travel arrangements to cross the border into Mexico. We also contacted the resort management to see what we needed to do to bring my Guide Dog, Toronto. 

   Our traveling companions, Ron and Nancy Pinkerton used some of their air miles and flew American. Their trip was uneventful. Our trip was a bit different. 

   We flew United because we had some previously canceled flight credits that needed to be used. 

   United was 45 minutes late taking off. Part of that was having to de-ice the plane prior to takeoff. I’m sure every other airline in Northwest Arkansas had to do the same. They otherwise made no excuse. The pilot probably overslept. 

   We landed in Houston at the exact same time as boarding on our connecting flight began. We literally ran to get up to the sky train to go to another terminal!  Debby got a leg cramp, which made walking even more difficult. Although we were hurrying at break-neck speed, I noticed everyone else was passing us, even other old people!  A kind man driving a buggy stopped and gave us a ride to Gate 5, which was still a Codger mile away!  We barely made boarding. We were among the last to board. 

   We made good time to Phoenix and headed towards Baggage Claim. We stopped at a doggie relief station to give Toronto a chance to relieve himself. As usual, he was very reluctant to step foot on that plastic grass with the fake Fire Hydrant in the corner. I bribed him with a kibble to give it a go. He sniffed around a lot, made a couple of circles and stepped up on the turf. I rewarded him for being brave. 

   At Baggage Claim, we soon discovered that one of our 3 suitcases was missing. It was the one with all of our warm weather clothes we had packed for Mexico. I could just picture us lounging around the beach in our wool long-handles!  

   The baggage agent got on her computer and found our suitcase still parked in Houston!  Wonderful! Fortunately, she was able to get it on the next flight to Phoenix. She promised to bring it to us at the La Quinta about mid afternoon, which did actually happen!

   Tonight we rest. Tomorrow morning we catch a shuttle van to go to our resort in Mexico.   The shuttle will pick us up at 10:30 for the 4 hour trip. So what could go wrong?

 

 

To Arkansas

To Arkansas

   If you are a citizen of the U S of A, it is assumed by the government that you are not capable of doing anything on your own and are always in need of laws, directives and orders to tell you how to live your life. Such is the dilemma a we all find ourselves in these days. Because of the virus threat we are all isolated, quarantined, sequestered and confined to home except for getting out to buy essentials like food, fuel and anything else we want to get at stores like Walmart, Target or Lowe’s. Apparently abortion clinics and liquor stores fall into the "essential" category, as they remain open for business.  

   After three or four months of this seclusion, most of us are tired of being cooped up like caged rats in a laboratory. We are no different. So we decided its time to venture out. Fly the coop. Make like a tree and leaf. After all, if the airlines are running and restaurants across the country are opening, it’s time to go somewhere out of our locked down county and get a haircut or something!

   American Airlines was more than willing to accommodate us for a trip to the Midwest. So we flew. We took a 10 day vacation and flew into Northwest Arkansas. None of my friends wanted to take a road trip. Both of them were busy I guess.  

   Our flight was uneventful for the most part . We were required to wear masks all the time but there were no rules of social distancing on the planes.The stewardesses did not serve us the coveted pop and pretzels in flight but they did come around later with bags and pick up the trash.

   We bought an extra seat on this trip for Toronto,my Gide Dog. This way he had lots of leg room to stretch out.  

   An interesting thing happened on the plane ride. A man and woman couple in the seats behind us gave our granddaughter, Rosie a note and $60 for her to give to me, who is sitting next to Rosie. The lady probably figured if I was blind, I was also deaf so she had to talk to our 12 year old. The note basically said ‘thank you for your service and we wanted to treat you to dinner in a restaurant’. I soon found out what the note said and accepted the $60, then turned around. I tried to give it back; that it was nnot necessary. They insisted so I did keep it . I thanked them for what they did and told them that I do appreciate it.

   The whole experience seemed a little creepy because of the way it was handled. Debby was sitting across the aisle and saw the stranger talking to Rosie through the crack between the seats. Rosie sat by the window, I was on the aisle and Toronto’s empty chair was in the middle. The stranger sat behind us in the middle chair. She could have just as easily spoken to me through the other crack. 

   I noticed that stranger talking to Rosie and overheard her say, "...after we land." My first thought was her trying to lure my granddaughter into who knows what? Debby had the same thought and was standing in the aisle talking to Rosie. Every time they turned to look at the lady, she had her head back and her eyes closed. The stewardess cane and asked something was wrong. We said, "no". When Rosie produced the note and money to Debby, we grew less concerned but were still perplexed as to the way this lady handled everything. It was very odd. 

   Ron and Nancy Pinkerton, lifelong friends and world traveling companion, picked us up at the airport.     

   We rode in Ron’s quad cab pickup, massless and without taking our temperature.  

   On the way to the Pinkerton’s, we stopped off to eat dinner as we were hungry from not eating all day. Our destination was Cracker Barrel Old Country Store where we indulged in that old fried food for which they are so famous. My chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with white gravy and a side dish of okra went well with a big glass of real lemonade. We talked about the couple on the plane who gave us the money for this meal, albeit under strange circumstances, but that we appreciated it. It dawned on us that this was the same restaurant, where two years ago, a man paid for our meals for the same exact reason! I may have to come here more often!

   Ron and I relaxed around the house on Saturday while the girls took themselves out to find pedicures , hair cutters and all that’s stuff.  

   On Sunday we had church services via YouTube as did most folks across the country. Robinson Avenue Church of Christ will have their first in-house service starting July 5th, since the pandemic began.  

   Sunday afternoon we drove over to Siloam springs to spend the afternoon with their daughter’s family. We had a BBQ and sat around the swimming pool watching the kids swim , all without masks or much social distancing. The food was great and so was the sitting around!  

   A little later Debby, Nancy, Rhonda and Steve took off to go look at some property. Debby and I have been toying with the idea of selling out in Oregon and coming back to God’s country in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, where I grew up. It’s kind of like "roots". I do love this neck of the woods!

   We had previously became aware of a 4-lot piece of property with a large, turn of the century, home and about 400 feet of creek frontage for sale. It was on the edge of town and looked very promising for two or three family units. The price was less than $200k and within walking distance to downtown Siloam Springs. We also learned that someone had put down money on the old place and it was no longer available. Debby and Nancy wanted to check it out anyway. They found out that there was a deep, steep drop down to the creek from the top, virtually inaccessible as we had envisioned to be. It was also across the road from the local Sanatation Department. That would not be good on a hot,breezy day. No wonder the paint was peeling on the old house! So, this one would be a resounding "NO" in our book!

   On Monday there was much running around to do. Ron called out the backup barber and got us hair cutting appointments for one o’clock. We got ready and headed out to run a few errands before the appointment. Debby and Nancy were already out-and-about shoppping with Rosie. They were giving her pointers on how to shop. She is only 12 but they figure it’s never too early to learn. Nancy gave Rosie instructions and soon had her raising her right hand and vowing to "never pay full price" for anything sold in stores.  

   Our two haircuts took about an hour and a half. It was hard for granny to talk and cut hair at the same time...and she talked a lot! I didn’t realize mine was so bad! The lady who cut our hair was a grandma but did an okay job. I think I still wear the "hat wings" but with my vision, I don’t really notice. No one else has complained to me. For an hour and a half our granny barber never stopped talking about kids, husbands, permits and house remodels. Ron didn’t help natters any with all his questions! Apparently, I knew this lady since the early 80’s . I couldn’t place her name because I forgot and I didn’t recognize her face because I can’t see it. Besides, we’re both 45 years older!  

   On Tuesday, the girls were once again, out shopping. Ron and I took a small road trip and went up to Winslow, AR, at the top of a hill in the Boston Mountains. We wanted to check out a particular view called "Artist’s Point" and the Hummingbird store next door. Unfortunately the store was closed. This is one area that I would love to live in, although Ron says he wouldn’t like the winter ice and snow that tends to keep folks at home! I wouldn’t mind if my wood box was full and I had a warm fire burning in the stove. 

   We looked around at some of the other outlying areas and small communities for property. Many of them would be perfect. However, as my eyesight diminishes more and more, sidewalks are my friends! This area has no sidewalks except for downtown and some residential areas. No sidewalks means harder walking for me and Toronto. Walking the highways could be dangerous fir a blind guy and a distracted dog! !

   On Tuesday we relaxed for the most part. Nancy was cooking up a big meal in the crock pot of roast beef and potatoes. We had invited my Niece, Tina and Rod, to come over for dinner and a visit. We had a great meal and a great visit! I always like to be around Tina. She is a crack up and a lot of fun. She was excited that we were looking for property and the possibility of moving there. They will be building themselves a new house soo . She invited us to live in her music room. I told her that a duplex design would be a good idea.  

   

To Branson

To Branson

   We were up at the usual time on Wednesday. We finished packing our things and readying ourselves for a drive to Branson. Nancy and Ron drove us there . On the way we drove through some possible areas of future places to live; Elkins, Black Oak, Greenland, and a few other small communities near Springdale. Along the way we decided to stop for lunch. Granny’s Kitchen, near Huntsville, looked like a great place to stop for lunch, so we stopped and went inside.

   Rosie and I had a photo op with Granny to help remember her delicious food. Once again I sampled their chicken fried steak meal with Okra. It was the best I had eaten in a long time. The old country style atmosphere was quaint and the food was delicious. No one went away hungry.

   Along the way to Branson we stopped off in Alpena to see Nancy’s old home place and have a short visit with her mom. It was good to see her again. We couldn’t stay long but the visit was nice.

   In less than an hour we arrived in Branson. Ron and Nancy dropped off Rosie and I at the Majestic Theatre in Branson while Debby went on to Kimberling City where we would be staying. We would be attending a dinner theatre this evening. Teri works here and invited us to watch the production of a murder mystery. We had a great fried chicken dinner and sweet tea. The production used audience participation and Rosie was chosen as one of the guest actresses. Her stage name was Kay Marty. Personally, I think she was the best supporting actress for the evening. I may be a little biased. Not sure. 

   Afterwards, Teri and Sam took us to Kimberling City. This was the home of Sandi and Marvin, Debby’s sister and where her mom lives. Their home sits on a double lot along a hillside road overlooking a large wooded acreage , Kimberling City down below and beyond to a piece of Lake of the Ozarks. It is a great view. I spent most every morning having my coffee on the covered porch overlooking their huge deck, swimming pool and this vast view. There was something peaceful about this early morning view as the sun rose. 

   Teri, another sister, and her man, Sam, have a candle shop at Shepherd of the Hills, a tourist stop that spirts a few shops, a tower with zip line, horses and wagons and live performances. . Rosie and I took in a live performance there as they unfolded the history of Shepherd of the Hills. The Shepherd had a rough start as he worked to earn the trust of these hill folks. His name was Matt. The bad guys, known as the "Baldknobbers" made life difficult for this stranger but in the end, things worked out pretty good. There is a famous book written with this same title that you should read. 

   Rosie and I attended this evening performance. We sat in an assigned handicap section with no one even close to us! The play was well done. She was surprised and saddened when the Baldknobbers set fire to old Matt’s cabin. She couldn’t believe it actually burned!

   On Friday, Rosie also set up shop at Aunt Teri;s candle shop, painting smalll candle pots and personalizing them for tourists to buy. She was known as a visiting artist. She sold three or four while we were there that afternoon.

   Teri also did a demonstration for some visitors and made a patriotic candle that any veteran would appreciate. Debby bought it for me.

  Friday is also Farmer’s Market day. While Rosie did her thing, I bought some fresh peaches, tomatoes and cucumbers for the dinner table. There were also many things one could buy; some were hand made or hand grown. The Farmer’s Market is held every Friday featuring local farm fresh vegetables and crafts. 

   As I sat quietly at a picnic table near one of the tents, I overheard a funny conversation . A lady was walking around talking loudly on her cell phone. These kinds of people usually have egos that cast long shadows. You know the type. I had no problem hearing what she said, though the other end was quiet. At one point during her conversation, she said, 
"In California we have nighttime farmer’s markets and they are held at night". I don’t know who she was talking to but they must have had the brains of a fence post order for her to feel the need to explain that nighttime stuff happens at night. 😎

   I spent a lot of time with Rosie, helping keep her entertained while Debby spent more time with her mom. But Debby took a couple of hours off for all of us to attend a dog show in Shepherd of the Hills. Before the show, we were served a very good lunch of chicken and pork tenderloin, including all the trimmings and dessert! It was a great Neal!

   The show was a ventriloquist, named Todd Oliver, who had taught his small Terrier to flap his jaw as the man squeezed it’s back and talked for the dog. It was really quite funny, though I couldn’t see the dog’s jaw move.Rosie loved it! Even more amazing was that this dog sat attentively for nearly two hours!

   Uncle Sam went with us to Silver Dollar City on in Monday. We were required to wear our masks all day but it wasn’t too bad. On one occasion the mask police came by and told Sam to wear his mask. Sam said okay but he never did. That boy is a reb el!

  Rosie rode her first roller coaster at SDC. She was very nervous and apprehensive, to the point of sweating bullets, but she and Sam climbed aboard with Sam kidding her that "not very many people have died on this ride". Rosie said, "Wait! What do you mean by ‘not very many’?", followed by Sam’s laughter. . It was called "Wildfire" and had several loops that turned everyone upside down. She liked it so much she wanted to go again. ‘Sam was too queasy to go again so soon. During the day of fun she rode two more roller coasters! I think she is hooked!

   We ate lunch in a small outdoor eatery. I had my fix of southern Succotash, which is a favorite of mine, while Sam had a similar bowl of chicken and vegetables. Rosie gnawed away on a huge turkey leg. After Rosie got full, Sam spied meat still hanging on the bone and finished it off without even coming up for air! .  

   We picked a great day to visit SDC. According to our shuttle driver as we rode to the parking lot, only about 1000 people came today. Apparently this place is normal if it has about 15,000, even more on a great’ day! A thousand people felt like no one was even there. There were virtually no lines, no crowds and no one to bump into. It was great!

   My Guide Dog, Toronto, liked it. He is a great traveler; planes, cars or in parks. I think he just likes to be out working. We tried climbing aboard one particular ride and due pretty well getting past the first guy who directed us to a fate. The gate opened and the boss lady caught us climbing aboard. She might have had only one tooth but she had two good eyes! She hollered at her bouncer who cane over and told me that dogs were not allowed on this ride! Hey, it’s only a kiddie boat ride through the pirate’s cave. We had our own seat and Toronto was excited! The boss lady held up the boat until we got off and walked the path of shame to the exit door, in the dark, while everyone watched, perhaps wondering how this lady with probably one tooth and maybe a little facial hair could be this mean. Toronto glanced at the tattoo on her bicep as she pointed a bony finger towards the wooden barn door. Rosie kept saying she was sorry. She felt bad for us. Toronto headed for the exit with me in tow. 

   But Toronto did well. It was not a hot day nor was the sun out all day. It was just about right. He was content with people watching and kept alert by an occasional kibble. 

   Tuesday we stayed around the house while Rosie swam in the pool as much and as often as she wanted. The pool is not large but it is kept warm. She liked that. 

   About noontime on Saturday ,some friends of ours that I have known since 1960 came over from Ozark, MO to visit and have lunch. It was great seeing them again!  

   About 4:00, Rosie’s GGma and GGPa came over from Talequah, OK to visit. We had tacos for dinner and a great visit. These two run Burnt Cabin Christian Camp. But Rosie had a great visit and asked them lots of questions .

   On Sunday we attended curch in Kimberling City. This was the first indoor church service we have been to since the pandemic begaan back in March! It was great to be around them and hopeful that things will soon get back to normal.hechurch had two services this morning . We were in the second of about 40 people. We had to make reservations, wear masks and maintain social distancing but it was well worth it!

   After church we headed for Cracker Barrel for lunch but the lines were so long that we didn’t want to wait for an hour to get seated. Instead we stopped at a spaghetti place just down the street where there was no waiting. The indoor atmosphere is unique and the food is mediocre which probably explains the lack of lines! I treated everyone as was always the custom of Uncle Phil when he was alive. Whenever I can, I will always treat in his memory. After lunch, Aunt Leigh treated us to a Blizzard ice cream. 

   Our son, Matt, drove up from Oklahoma City Monday evening. We had a great visit. He took us to the Springfield airport early Wednesday morning. Our flight home had us changing planes in Dallas. Having to take the shuttle train to another concourse takes time. We barely had time to have a bathroom break! Along the way to our gate Debby found the Ladies room and told me the Men’s room was the next entrance on the left. As I turned and went inside I heard a man’s voice say, "Sir, that’s the women’s! That us the women’s room, sir!" It dawned on me that he was talking to he! Not to worry, I didn’t see all that much! Thanks, Debby. 

   We made home just after noontime. Mt Hood was a welcoming site. Pristine, snow covered; always beautiful.