It's Cold Season Again!

It's been a busy week, at least for me.  We went to Houston last weekend to visit our kids and take part in Ben's 3rd birthday.  The trip down was made via Hwy. 6 and turned out to be quite pleasant, avoiding the hustle of the larger towns on the way.  Ben, the birthday boy, was amazingly patient.  He knew it was his birthday and we were going to have a special dinner for him, but he was never demanding and kept a fantastic attitude all weekend.  The day of the party was his brother's (Colby, age 4-1/2) day to shine.  Colby would patiently watch Ben open each and every gift with no impulse to interfere or show of jealousy.  At one point, he even helped assemble one of the gifts.

When you haven't seen them in a while, they're anxious to sit with you!
This is Colby with his latest LEGO creation

Logan & Colby...Cousins, just hangin'

Ben, patiently anticipating.

The "wait"... Yes, it was worth it!

Saturday night, we made the trip down to Seabrook to spend Sunday with Michelle and Logan.  After church, Logan and I headed out to do some "man shopping" for computer components and a gift for his Mom's birthday on the 5th, while Judy and Michelle "birthday shopped".  That done, we met for dinner at Pappa's to get some "real" Gulf Coast seafood.
Yes, Judy, there is a severe difference in the frozen, pre-breaded shrimp found in Waco, and the hand-breaded, delicious flavor of fresh shrimp available throughout Southeast Texas and South Louisiana.  I'm not showing any prejudice here, am I?  We have never been disappointed with Pappa's, and this occasion was no exception.  My favorite dish is the Shrimp Acapulco Cocktail.  The combination of boiled shrimp, diced tomatoes, avocados, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice is pure heaven.  It's an absolute must have for anyone eating there. 

Logan & Shelly at Pappa's.  Logan with his new book we gave
him for a perfect straight "A" report card!

This was Logan's Halloween costume for school dress-up day.
He went as Indiana Jones.  Grammy and Grampa forgot the whip
could be considered a "weapon".  Our bad!  No repercussion, though!

Monday morning, we saw Shelly and Logan off to school, packed up and headed back.  This time via I-10 (with a short stop at Camping World in Katy ) and Hwy. 71 to Georgetown to see our long-time friends Skip and Kathy Mayer, who are soon to become RVrs themselves. 

There's still a burn ban in much of Texas.  This is a good example of why.  Just east of Austin near Pfleugerville.

Long-time friends, Skip & Kathy and new friend "Coco"

Afterwards, we decided to drive on to Waco and have dinner at "On the Border".  All in all, a great trip and lesson on how to turn a 3-hour trip into a 13-hour journey.  But what the hey, we don't have a J.O.B.
Tuesday night, Judy and I were making a gumbo when Joe came over and got an impromptu invite for supper.  We learned that Dave, another of our fellow "workampers", was "batchin'" it while Sue, his wife, was visiting at home in Minnesota, so we had Joe fetch him for some additional company.  No pics, unfortunately, but a good evening with great company!


Wednesday morning, Judy woke up with the making of a cold so I took her shift this week and now, Sunday, it has basically run its course and she is on the road to recovery.  We don't have to show up at the store until Thursday, so we have a good part of the week ahead of us to relax and do our thing.  ~dick~