2/12/07 Heading back to Texas

Hi Everyone....

It was Monday, February 12th and we all were getting ready to head back to our homes after the wedding.

Dave & I took Angie & David W. out to lunch. We headed to the Lake Worth area and found a cute out of the way place called Sharky's. It wasn't the Sharky's we were looking for, (Dave had heard about one that was on the beach- I think it's on the west coast- Sue & I had gone to a beach one day and there was a Sharky's there) but it was getting late so we decided to try it. We all laughed and had a good time. The food was very good so was the company! Then we dropped Angie & David back at their hotel (their flight didn't leave until 7:45 p.m.- back to Mass.)

Then Dave & I headed back to drop the rental off and have them drop us off at airport. We were running close!!! We got to the airport at 1:40p.m. and Dave's flight was to leave at 2:30 p.m. But he made it!! I went along and got my bags checked and my tickets too (though my flight didn't leave until 5:40 p.m.) I was able to catch up with Dave one more time before his flight left- I got my hugs and kisses!! It was great seeing Dave twice in the past two weeks- I know it will be a long while before I get to see him again!

I went to a pub in airport to fortify myself for the flight !!! LOL I don't like flying....

The weather was rainy with T-storms- so I knew the flight was gonna be bumpy! We took off on time and landed safely in a very bad T-storm in Houston. As I was departing the plane I said to the pilot thank you for the safe flight- he said, "my pleasure and that there wasn't any extra charge for the bumps!!" Well needless to say that got the rest of the passengers waiting to get off a good laugh!

The flight from Houston to Killeen was not as smooth operation wise....they had us change terminals while waiting for flight to leave, and once I got to Killeen, I realized the airlines had lost my luggage!!! But what the heck I made it back in one piece- that is what I was truly grateful for!!!

Well that will be it for a few days now. I will be going to Houston & Longview Texas before I start towards Arizona......

My tentative plan is to leave Killeen on the 20th of February.... I'll keep in touch.

So until next- take care of yourselves- Love Donna

Tags: West Palm Beach FLA to Texas

02/11/07 Amy & Nelson's Wedding

Hi Everyone......

Sunday "The Big Day" was finally here!!! It was sunny and about 78 degrees. The wedding of Amy & Nelson was beautiful and fun. Everyone had a good time. There was good food and lots of dancing too.

I hope you enjoy the pictures- Love Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #66:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880

Tags: West Palm Beach, FLA

02/10/07 Plane ride to West Palm Beach

Hi Everyone,

On Saturday morning Lee Ann dropped me off at Killeen airport at 4 a.m.

My flight left at 5:40 a.m. My first stop was in Houston, then onto West Palm Beach. I got to thinking about it- there are some who have never been on a plane, so I decided to take some pictures from my window- so those who have never flown can see what it looks like.

The flights were great no problems....that was until we landed in West Palm Beach. Just before we landed the airport was shut down for security measures. We ended up sitting on the run way for 1hr, before the airport was reopened and we were allowed to taxi up to the terminal. We could see the bomb squad and security personal, and fire trucks out on the run way near us.

After getting in we heard that there was a bomb scare. All of this caused a domino effect on the rest of the flights coming in and going out!!! It was a mess- and before all was said and done, there was a 3 hr back up!! Dave and Desi (Amy's youngest) were coming in on a different flight- they landed at 11:50a.m. but did not get off plane until 1:30 p.m. Amy and Chy (Amy's oldest) were on another plane- landed at 12 noon and didn't get off plane until 1:50 p.m. !!!!

By the time we got everyone together, and found all the luggage and rented at car it was 3:20 p.m.!!! One very long stress filled day!

Dave & I arrived at our hotel around 4:30 p.m. We relaxed and had some dinner. The report below was about the bomb scare at PBI.

PBIA Back at Full Speed

Manny Fantis

February 10,2007

Palm Beach International Airport was on Code Orange securtiy alert Saturday morning. Airport officials say TSA officials were checking a bag that contained a "magician's props." Those props were deemed dangerous by inspectors and they eventually lead to the evacuation of the terminal. All passengers on incoming flights were forced to wait on board of their flights for up to two hours until the investigation wrapped up. All outgoing flights were also delayed. A total of 16 incoming flights were held on the runway, full of curious travelers. Airport officials say the terminal is now back at full speed, but passengers will experience delays throughout the rest of the day.

Ok well I'm off to get the last of the pictures on...see you again soon- Love Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #65:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880

Tags: West Palm Beach, FLA

02/09/07 Rodeo

Hi Everyone,

On Friday the 9th, Lee Ann & I went to a rodeo in Belton, TX.

The rodeo started with the 1st Calvary putting on a demonstration. The 1st Calvary is the unit Lee Ann & Tommy belong to. The have a horse detachment that has about 20 members. They put on demonstrations and serve on official occasion. This horse unit dress in the uniforms that were worn in the Civil War.

After the military demo the rodeo started. There was bronco riding, bull riding and calf roping. There was a part too where kids came out and had to get hold of a calf and get a halter on it and lead the calf to center of ring. It sounds easier than it is- cause these calves don't want to be caught!!! LOL

I was hoping for better pictures, but between the lighting and where we were seated- not many came out.

After the rodeo Lee Ann & I went to Silver Wings to have a couple of drinks and shoot some pool.

We left the bar at 2a.m.- I went back and finished packing for my trip to Florida that morning.

Well off to get some more pictures- Take Care-Love Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #64:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880

Tags: TEXAS

Going to Austin with Jack

Hi everyone......

Today I went down to Austin, with my buddy Jack. He gave me those puppy dog eyes as I was leaving the house.....so I just had to take him with me!! LOL

It was a beautiful day today- sunny, warm- high 60's. We left to go to Austin around 10 a.m. It takes almost 2hrs to get there. Once there I parked the car- and I didn't forget the name of the street this time!!!! LOL

Jack & I were walking around taking pictures of the buildings- the State House, when I noticed a few guitars around the area. These guitars are like the Cows in Boston, MA; Whales in Cape Cod,MA; Clowns in Sarasota, FL; and the Carousel Horses in Meridian, MS....... So we were now on a mission to find guitars!!! I found 6 of them, but could only get pictures of 5 of them. The 6th one was at an intersection where there was no place to pull over & the traffic was kind of heavy. But I did get 5 so enjoy them! I wonder what I'll find in the cities to come!!! Well like I said earlier I managed not to loose my car this time so Jack & I were back in Killeen by 2 p.m.- It was a fun day.....

This Friday LeeAnn & I are going to a rodeo- that should make for some good pictures!! LOL Then on Saturday a.m. I am flying out of Killeen to West Palm Beach for Amy & Nelson's wedding. So I will not probably post anything until I get back from Florida-

Until then- take care everyone- With Love Always-Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #63:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880

Tags: TEXAS

Remember the Alamo!!-Now where have I heard that before?

Howdy Ya'll.....

This past Saturday (the 3rd) I went down to San Antonio. It was a sunny day in the high 50's. Everyone was running around in winter gear except for me!! LOL

I started my day taking in the Alamo. I didn't realize that it sat right in the middle of the down town area. It was interesting to see the mix of very old; old; and new buildings all together. There were a lot of people visiting the city that day. A lot of Air Force personnel were there. I know that there is a base near by. I learned an interesting point about the downtown area & the Alamo. There is a city ordinance that prohibits any building from casting a shadow on the Alamo out of respect for those who died there. That is why most of the buildings in the area are short & wide- as opposed to tall & thin. There is one tall building in the area but where it is located it never will cast a shadow over the Alamo! (see pictures # 7- # 23 )

Then I made my way to the River walk. There is a man made river system that connects with a natural river- which runs through out the city. You can go down to the river area from street level- by using one of the many walkways/stairs. Down on the river level there are many shops and restaurants for you to visit. There is also a riverboat ride that lets you take in all of the river ways. I took this ride- it wasn't expensive ($7.00) and it lasted about 45 mins. The tour guide has a lot of tidbit info about the city that they share during this ride. (see pictures #29 - #60 ) After the ride I had lunch at The Republic of Texas Restaurant & Bar. The food was very good and the wait/staff was friendly and helpful!! It was a bit busy there when I first arrived. Evidentially there was a cheerleaders competition going on near by, and all the little cheerleaders (ages 10-14) were out with their parents getting something to eat at the same time!! LOL

I had been walking around the city for 3hrs by then and decided I better head back to my car, and call it a day. Well I sort of ran into a problem at this point...LOL {I, Donna had my 1st real senior moment!!!! } I couldn't for the life of me remember the name of the street I parked my car on !!!! LOL So I spent the next 3hrs trying to find it. I saw way more of San Antonio then I had planned on. I finally found a parking lot attendant (at around 6pm) that knew the parking lot I was describing. His name was Rene', and I was very grateful to him for helping me out!! I guess I looked like I was in pain (my back was not happy after walking for 6 hrs), so he offered to drive me to my car. He told me I wasn't too far away. With in 2 mins I was at my car and very, very happy!!! I thanked Rene' very much, and hopped into my car for the 3 hr drive back to Killeen.......

The next day I was talking with a friend, Steve and told him what had happened- he suggested I not put it into the blog. I told him sure I am- I love a good laugh even if it is at myself!

Well I hope you enjoy the pictures- I'll be back in touch soon. - Love Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #62:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880
Tags: Texas

1/25/07 - 1/30/08 David comes for a visit!!

Hi Everyone.....

Well it's been an interesting week. On January 25th, my son, Dave came for a visit. He arrived around 6:45 p.m. It was great seeing him- it's been 4 1/2 long months!!

On Friday, we hung around and ran some errands. We then emptied out my car- as we were heading to Mexico in the morning, and I didn't want any problems going thru customs with a car filled to the brim with stuff!! LOL

We got started around 10 a.m. on Saturday. It was sunny and in the 60's!! Our first stop was in Georgetown, TX. Here is where the Inner Space Caverns are located. This was a very cool place. They take small groups of visitors down into a cave. This cave runs 69 feet below the surface and runs under I-35. It was discovered by accident during the construction of I-35. There are many different types of rock formations down there. In all the pictures you see- it is rocks you are looking at- not water or ice- but rocks!! Our guide was very good and explained everything to us as we went along- he made the trip very enjoyable. The tour lasted 1.25 hrs, and I would highly recommend this type of trip for everyone!! (pictures # 1 - # 38 ) After leaving there we headed to Laredo, TX. This is where we would spend the night.

Shortly after passing San Antonio, we came to a rest area that was beautiful. The buildings and tile work were very nice to see. And to top it off as we were leaving there was a great sunset!!! (pictures #39 - # 53)We arrived in Laredo about 6:30 p.m. We got settled and went out for dinner.

The next morning, Sunday- we were on the road again- on our way to Mexico. It was 9:45 a.m.- sunny and about 60 degrees. We entered Mexico at Laredo, crossing over the Rio Grand. When you first cross over what strikes you is how very poor this area is. The town is small, run down and very congested. We found route 2 and was headed to Del Rio. On route 2 it was basically open ranges- we saw : ranches, ranch entrances (many with shrines built into them- as you'll see in pictures) scrub brush, cactus, cows, a few homes & businesses. We came across 2 check points manned by the army. At these check points you have to get out of your vehicle while they search it. At both check points they were concerned by my car not having a back seat !!! LOL They checked and re-checked for hidden compartments! At the 1st check point I made a slight mistake! I took a picture of a sign...well it wasn't so much I took a picture of the sign, as the fact one of the officers was in the picture. This is a BIG NO NO in Mexico come to find out!! It caused quite a commotion....men with guns came up to our car. It took us about 15 mins to figure out what the problem was. (cause we didn't speak Spanish, and they presumably, didn't speak English) Dave finally figured out what they were upset about and deleted the pictures from the camera. This made them happy and they let us go on our way. DAVE WAS NOT VERY HAPPY WITH MOM AT THIS POINT !!! LOL When we got to the 2nd check point I made sure camera was tucked away safely!! We made it thru just fine.

We were originally going to exit in Del Rio, but decided to leave at Eagles Pass, as there really wasn't much to see. It wasn't a total waste of 3 hrs- I considered it a learning experience- but do not recommend this area for sight seeing. If I were to return to Mexico, I think I'd go with a tour group. This way you would be able to see the best places to visit, and I would also most definitely learn basic Spanish before returning!! (pictures #54 - # 65) As we crossed back over to the US we went thru - the US customs. This went much easier- though they too wondered about the fact that I didn't have a back seat!! LOL We explained and they passed us on through....what a day!

On the way back to Killeen we passed a large group of horses & riders. It was the group called "The International Trail Riders Association" They were doing a special ride, and had trucks, trailers, and supplies following them along the way. (much like runners & bikers who go cross country do). It was neat to see this group making their way along the highway. I was able to get a few pictures as we passed by. (pictures #66- #75)

We stopped in Austin for dinner and to get out of traffic for a bit. Austin is known for it's traffic problems on I-35!!! We finally made it back to Killeen around 9:30 p.m. WHAT A VERY LONG DAY!!

Monday we relaxed and repacked my car. Dave had to leave the next morning at 7:15a.m.

Early Tuesday we were off the the airport....I'll miss Dave, but no for long. LOL We are both flying to West Palm Beach on 2/10/07. We will be there for the weekend. A friend of ours Amy- is getting married!! Congratulations to Amy & Nelson!!!! So we'll be in West Palm Beach 2/10 - 2/12. So much is going on!!! Never a dull moment!

Well until next time- Take care everybody- Love Always-Donna

SEE PICTURES IN ALBUM #61:http://picasaweb.google.com/Pandadmd5880

Tags: Texas, Mexico