I got up at a reasonable hour and reluctantly crawled out of bed. It was another bright and sunny day although we did not have any plans to go anywhere or do anything special. My very good friend, Daniel, had delivered several loads of mulch which I happened to mention to him. I was just asking where I could get it and lo and behold, it appeared as though by magic. Now, I do have a project and that is to spread the stuff on the garden. Later… 

We harnessed up and I did the bird feeder thing before we went out for that first walk of the day. Today was also refill the feeder’s day. We usually tour the park first just in case something is different and then we hit one of the outside roads. Today, we did the giant oak walk and managed to cover a mile, which is a good start to the day.  

We got back from the walk and the same piles of mulch were staring at me. They need to be spread so I guess I have the rest of my day already planned out for me. Thanks, Daniel. 

I fixed our breakfast not in any hurry to get outside and do the hard labor. This is not a chain gang thing after all. I also worked on the blog for a while until I was caught up. Then with a deep sigh, I put on my boots, grabbed my shovel, and went outside to start work on spreading mulch. 

It was not a difficult task, and the only real hard work was breaking up the clumps that had formed with the mulch sitting in a pile at Daniels spot for so long. I worked on the four piles that Daniel had delivered to me and had them levelled pretty quick, but I was short of mulch, enough to finish the project. 

Daniel stopped and took one look and said, “Grab your shovel” and off we went to the compost pile by his RV. We loaded out another three loads and dumped it where it was needed and then between us, quickly levelled it out.  

I thanked Daniel for his help as it went so much quicker with the two of us working. Now, all I got to do is replant the plants that died from the frost or were eaten by the deer. The next ones I plant will be deer proof. Yeah, right although I do have a couple that the deer do not touch. I just got to find a few more of them. 

The rest of the evening was spent in the usual fashion with food all around and then TV for me. Incidentally, the dogs do not watch TV, they usually snooze. 

Written March 6, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com 

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Thursday 03/08/2024

I must be getting into a “get up early” schedule as I was out of bed by 8:00 am and ready to go. After bringing out the feeders, I harnessed up the dogs and away we went walking in the park. We wandered around without any real purpose in mind but only managed to cover a half mile. Still, better than not walking. Incidentally, it had turned cold again as the wind blew in. 

I fixed breakfast and the good news was that both dogs ate theirs. I heated up a burrito for myself but gave half of it to the dogs. It just did not taste right but the dogs ate it. Good for them. 

Back in the RV, something was niggling at the back of my mind, but I could not put my finger on it. Then, as I was reading emails, I spotted a reminder from my Dentist telling me that I had an appointment today. Luckily, it was not until 12:30 pm so I had some time. I finished what I was doing and told the dogs I would see them in a while, stepped out of the RV and jumped into my car. 

The drive-in was uneventful. Good job as I had cut it very tight and pulled into the Dentist office with 5 minutes to spare. Too tight for comfort but as it happened, I had to wait 5 more minutes before getting in the chair. The Dentist Assistant started work almost immediately preparing my mouth for what was to come. 

Then the Dentist showed up and the fun really started with injections to numb the mouth and so on. They are probably the worst part of the ordeal as I wait for things to numb up so the Dentist can really start work. The point of the exercise was to re crown a tooth that had been crowned before and was failing. 

Between him and his Assistant, before they broke out the old tooth, they took casts of the tooth to send it back for a new tooth to be made. I have not mentioned that this Dentist has expanded his practice to where he no longer sends casts out for the new teeth to be made by someone else but remakes them here in his office. Compared to his original practice, this is a significant improvement. The only problem from the customer’s point of view is having to sit in the chair waiting for the replacement to be made, which would be longer with more of them. I only had one and I sat there waiting for an hour. 

Finally, it was done and the Assistant, who was a cute and funny thing on her own, bounced back in with the replacement in her hand showing it off. From that point, everything moved on smoothly as the tooth was replaced along with whatever else they had to do. 

Finally, I got up with everything finished and paid my bill which was not cheap. My share alone was over a $1000.00 and I have no idea what the insurance paid. 

I drove home what I call the back way as when I left the office which is just off Mopac, traffic in all four lanes was bumper to bumper and was crawling along. At the first opportunity, I hit the road leading to Bee Caves and it was much smoother sailing. That is what I call, The Back Way. 

I stopped at HEB on the way for some groceries and beer. Anyone who follows these blogs might think that alcohol is especially important, but nothing is further from the truth. I just want to make sure I can offer any visitors who choose to stop by a beer. I drink wine for my bad habit and usually. just a single shot in a very small bottle at a time and only one of them. I had other things like food that I needed so it was not just booze. 

Back at the RV, I was greeted by my dogs as though I had been away for a week instead of a few hours. They are both so affectionate. After putting the groceries away, we went out for the final walk of the day and just wandered around the campgrounds. We stopped at Larry and Crystals RV to say hello and for the dogs to get their treats which Crystal always gives them. I must be careful not to walk past their RV too often as Sandy makes a beeline for it dragging the both of us with her. She is such a piglet. Anyone would think that she does not get the same treatment at home. 

We finished our walk and sat on the deck with one of those small bottles of wine we mentioned earlier until it started to get dark. Thena, as usual, I brought in the feeders, and we shut up the outside shop for the evening. 

The rest of the evening was spent catching up with the blog, then food and television. I dropped off to sleep in my chair and woke up at 11:30 pm with the TV still on. Oh well, at least I got some sleep before going to bed to get more sleep. 

Written March 7, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

This month has only just started, and I feel like it is already flying by. Spring is due to start here on the 19^th of this month, but I get the feeling it has already arrived. Things are busting out all over with new growth and many trees have their leaves and flowers on them. This is a wonderful time of the year as Nature comes back to life.  
 
We went out walking after the usual hanging of the bird feeders and this time, we took the bottom road walking it’s full length and back before turning into the park and wandering back to The Caboose. Altogether, we covered 1.3 miles, not bad for that first walk.  

Back at the RV, I fixed the usual breakfast for us all. Sandy had one of her days and did not eat any of hers. Mikey did his usual Mikey thing of saving his for later. I had a couple of slices of toast, one with Marmite and the other with jam on it. They were both OK but certainly not going to set the world alight. 

Then it was time to work on the blog. I posted a picture of the six girls that came to visit yesterday and sat and reminisced of times gone by. It was so nice to see them, and I thanked them for taking the trouble to come and see an old man. 

Outside, the weather has turned hot again with today’s temperature forecast to reach 81 degrees, not bad for March. Then again, this is Texas, and we never know what is around the corner weatherwise. At least, our frosty days are over for this winter. I am more concerned that we have not had any rain for several weeks and this is already Spring when we need it the most. 

I sat around for a couple of hours really doing nothing at all. The dogs were in 7^th heaven having me all to themselves until I decided it was time to go walking again. We harnessed up and took the road leading to Hwy 290 and managed to cover 2.1 miles for the day. 

Back at the RV, we sat outside on the deck until it started to get dark and then it was time to bring in the feeders. We shut up the outside shop, so to speak, and adjourned indoors for the rest of the evening, which comprised of the evening meal and television. 

Written March 4, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Tuesday 03/05/2024

I got up before 8:00 am which is almost unheard of and went about the business of getting ready for another day. Next move was to bring out the bird feeders as we usually do and then we went out for that morning walk. We did not do so good and only covered 7/10 of a mile. Neither of the dogs was in a walking mood and kept hanging back on me se we completed the circuit and headed back to the RV. 

I fixed breakfast for us all and Sandy did her not eating routine. I keep trying different things but to no avail. I would not mind her not eating as she is a fat little thing anyway, but her medication is mixed in with her food and without crushing them up, the pills are too big to force down her throat. Incidentally, I have tried “Pill Pockets”, but she ignores them. 

Today, Mikey made up for her and ate his food as soon as I put it down. Maybe, that has something to do with his bathroom habits as today was the first day, while we were out walking, he has pooped in three days. What a subject to talk about, dog’s bathroom habits but it is one of the things I keep an eye on when we are walking. It is a good guideline if the dog is under the weather. 

I fixed three slices of toast for myself all with different toppings for variety and had regular coffee. When I was in town last time, I bought a different blend of coffee in the hope it would be more flavorful which it is. Still something missing though. 

I had started a load of laundry, and it was doing its thing as I ate and worked on the blog. I just love having my own washing machine. It makes life so much easier. 

There was a knock on the door which set the dogs off barking. I opened it and it was Peggy who had come over just to chat. I asked her why she was home, and she told me that she had had an accident with the sewer hose, and it had come disconnected while it was draining, and she never caught it in time. She had spent part of the morning cleaning up the mess and consequently had missed going to work today. At least, the mess was outdoors, not like when I left the faucet running while cleaning the tanks and had water running through the RV. She had already cleaned up the mess so there was nothing I could do to help her. She left, and I returned to working on the blog. 

It was funny when she told me about it but in reality, it is not a bit amusing. Who wants to clean up human waste? 

I worked on the blog and brought us up to date and then looked around for other things to do. I decided to go into town to do some grocery shopping as there were a couple of items I really wanted. First, I went into The Home Depot as I needed a part to help me repair the door blind pull rod which had broken on me. I could not find what I was looking for but while walking around and thinking about the problem, I thought what might work plus the only thing I needed to buy was a tube of glue. 

Our next stop was HEB where I wandered around going up and down the aisles just in case my brain might kick in and tell me I need this or that. I bought the usual HEB stuff like chicken for the dogs and of course beer for both me and whoever drinks it. 

The drive home was uneventful, and I was welcomed back by Mikey and Sandy who spent the next 15 minutes with their noses in the shopping bags as I put the groceries away. When we were finished with groceries, I harnessed them up and we went out walking the park and the outside roads altogether covering 2.6 miles some of which was in the two big stores.

We sat on the porch for a while drinking a beer and just reminiscing about our current life and how wonderful it is, especially the people I spend time together with. I am one lucky man. 

Finally, we shut up shop for the day and moved back indoors for the usual evening meal and entertainment. 

Written March 5, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I slept well but managed to wake up early and lay there deliberating as to whether I should get up or just be a lazy bum. In the end, after laying there and considering the question for 30 minutes, I crawled out of bed and went through the usual morning ablutions as I got ready to face the day. 

With clothes on and cold water on my face, I was ready to go, sort of. The first thing was to harness the dogs and tie them up outside. Next was to bring out all the feeders and then finally, we hit the road carrying our small bag of trash. This meant we headed for the dumpsters and then started walking around, taking our time as we were not in any hurry. Well, maybe Sandy was a couple of times but that was only to reach the next great smell so just a few steps at a time. We actually managed to cover 1.2 miles. Not a bad start to the day. 

Then, it was back to The Caboose for breakfast. Today was a good day as her majesty ate all her breakfast while Mikey saved his for later as he usually does. My own breakfast was a bacon sandwich which was OK but next time, I need to use the entire package of bacon in one sandwich to make it worthwhile. Today, I drank coffee this time black without any milk and it was just OK. The jury is still out on the best morning drink. 

I turned my attention to the blog and played catch up with yesterday and then today and then sat there considering just what we should do for the rest of the day. With nothing coming to mind, I sat on the couch with a dog on either side of me with my eyes closed. I did not go to sleep, but it was kind of peaceful. 

After a while, I decided to go into town for groceries. My list was very small as I really did not need much and used the shopping thing as an excuse just to get out of the house. I wandered around HEB and a few things, $160.00 worth, found their way into my shopping cart and that did not include any beer. Guess I needed stuff after all.  
 
The drive back was uneventful and of course, I got a lot of help from my furry friends to unload everything. They also helped to put the groceries away. Yeah, right… 

We harnessed up and went out for the final walk of the day just wandering around walking very slowly to accommodate Sandy and her nose. Me and Mikey just follow along like the good little helpers that we are. 

The rest of the day was spent in the usual fashion of the evening meal and then watching a soccer game. 

Written March 1, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com   

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Sunday 03/03/2024 
 

These are a few of the girls that came to visit me, all members of the best team I ever coached.

Another day, another dollar as the saying goes. Not sure if that applies to me as I rely on different pensions that I have earned during my working life enough for me to live comfortably. Actually, my needs are very few, food and drink and occasionally buying something nice whether I need it or not. 

Today was going to be different because I was expecting a visit from some of the women on the team I used to coach. It was one hell of a team, and they were indeed wonderful soccer players. We travelled a lot and played in tournaments around the southern part of the US and even made it to the National Finals only to lose that game. Still, National runners up ain’t bad at all. They are older ladies now and no longer playing but we can still re-live the glory days. 

We harnessed up as we normally do and wandered around the park covering a little over a mile for the morning walk. Then, it was back to the RV for breakfast and coffee and to await the visit from the ladies. I had no idea how many were going to come and was hoping for a large showing but as it happened, 2-3 backed off at the last minute and in the end, six of the ladies showed. 

We gathered in the Commons and the ladies put out all the goodies they had brought, and we proceeded to pig out. They were so busy talking to each other that they forgot about me completely and I hung around on the perimeter very occasionally putting in a word here and there. Actually, that was a good thing as I would not have been able to conduct a conversation with all six of them. They spent a couple of hours visiting among themselves while I sort of watched on from afar, at least, that is how it felt. Eventually, they decided it was time to leave and one by one, they said their goodbyes with the promise to do it more often. 

I sat on the deck for a while after they had gone contemplating years gone by when Daniel walked up and sat at my outdoor table followed by Malinda and then Dolores and we sat and chatted drinking the few beers I had in my refrigerator. I was not prepared for that number of company, but we had enough beer to make it through the visit, just. 

We talked for a while and then decided to adjourn to the Commons as there was more beer in the fridge. The group included Daniel, Malinda, Peggy, Delores, and me. We sat and chatted but not really drinking up a storm. I had one beer and it lasted me through the entire conversation as did everyone else. 

Finally, Daniel suggested it was time to go, which we all agreed on and made our way to our individual destinations. The other three went back to their own RV’s and I went inside in my case, to be met by two very excited little dogs. I made a fuss of them and then went about the business of feeding them. 

Then it was time to settle down in front of the computer to play catchup with the most recent happenings. With that finally all done and as I had already eaten as had the dogs, I sat and watched television for the rest of the evening. 

Written March 3, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com   

Rain, real rain. Unfortunately, not of the recent variety.

Today is March 1. Seems like only yesterday, it was January 1. Oh well, I cannot stop time so might as well enjoy every minute of it. After all, for us Hooman’s, it only comes around once and in the big picture, gone in the blink of an eye. 

Date or no date, our routine hardly changes, at least the morning part of it. I wake up, I get up and go through the usual morning ablutions, I dress in my trademark shorts and tee shirt, I put on my walking boots and harness up the dogs and then we go walking. On the walk, we dispose of our small bag of trash and even that is subject to change depending on the amount of trash. Usually, no more than a small plastic shopping bag full and sometimes not worth disposing until later. 

Usually before the walk, I tie the dogs up to the table and they watch as I bring out the bird feeders, filling them as necessary. Then, we hit the trail or in our case, the park with a circuit around most of it. Sometimes, we pass other campers who are being led around by their dogs just as Mikey and I are. Some people have big dogs, and you can see the effort they put into controlling them. Thank goodness for my two little ones. 

This morning, we almost covered a mile on our first walk which is what I shoot for. We returned to The Caboose, and I went about feeding first the dogs and then me. They both have their favorite eating spot. Sandy is always on the bed and Mikey is in the chair next to me. 

By now, it was almost 12:00 pm. With the dogs fed and watered (sorry, that seemed to fit right in), I looked for something to eat for myself and settled on a package of cheese ravioli which I warmed up in the microwave. It actually was very tasty and went down well. I even resorted back to coffee, but the jury is still out on that. Maybe, I need a different brand of coffee, something with a better coffee taste. Or back to tea or maybe even orange juice. Now, there’s a thought. 

I glanced up at the clock and it said it was 2:20 pm. Somehow, 2 hrs. had gone by just like that. It does not matter as I have no plans for the rest of the day but it sure is an indication of how fast my life is slipping away to that inevitable end. I wish I could say that I was going to live forever but we all know that just ain’t so. 
 
We sat around for a bit doing a whole lot of nothing except to relax with the dogs. They appear to really enjoy these quiet times as do I. By then, it was almost 4:30 pm and so we harnessed up again for that final walk of the day. We wandered around with no purpose in mind except to enjoy being alive and managed to cover 1.5 miles for the day. 

I put the dogs back in the RV and then wandered over to Malinda and Daniels RV to sit outside and shoot the breeze with them. Malinda had misplaced her most favorite pocketknife and was busy searching high and low and doing a lot of backtracking as she retraced her steps for the day. Incidentally, that was a lot of steps over an exceptionally large area. When I left, she had not yet found it. 

I wandered back to my RV, and we sat outside for a bit before adjourning back indoors for the day with the usual food and television.

Written March 1, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com   

I managed to sleep really well and even got up at 8:00 am all bright and cheerful and ready to face the day. I took a shower which got me even wider awake before throwing on some clothes. Then I fed the dogs and Sandy ate most of hers while Mikey did his Mikey thing of leaving his food until later, much later, usually around 6:00 pm. His breakfast becomes his dinner! 

Then it was the usual bird feeder activity although I did not have to refill any of the feeders. Like I said yesterday, the number of birds has dropped quite considerably. I tied the dogs to the table while I was doing the bird feeder thing so at least they could feel a part of it. 

With the feeders all taken care of, it was time to go walking. There had been a drastic change in the weather with the wind gusting up to 34 mph making it very cold as we walked around the park.  There was no sign of rain, just the drop in temperatures and wind. We did not walk very far as it was too uncomfortable. Even the dogs were ready to come back indoors. 

I sat here writing and the wind was quite literally howling around the RV. It is quite a cool sound just as long as I am indoors in the warm and I have no plans to venture out except for dog walks. 
 
I sat and watched as a squirrel climbed onto the bird feeders. He appeared to be only interested in the seed cakes, so I let him eat his fill which was not very much. I like squirrels as well as birds. 

I worked on the blog as I usually do, bringing us up to date and then looked around for other things to get up to. I did a couple of household chores and a lot of sitting around with a dog on either side of me. 

Then it was time to go walking again and we walked the outside roads. There were no exotics to look at, so we just wandered around managing to get in a mile on a very cold and windy day. 

There was no sitting outside because of the cold temperature and I shut up shop after bringing in the bird feeders and adjourned back indoors to the warmth of the RV for the evening meal and television. 

Written February 29, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com

I was up at a reasonable hour and after a change of clothes, was ready to face the world. It was a cloudy day but no sign of rain. After the usual bird feeder hanging which included any necessary refills and some re-arranging of the feeders themselves, we went out walking.  

We took the outside road which is the real Henly Loop and walked down the hill in the direction of the giant oak tree. Today we went all the way to the bottom of the hill before turning back to head home. Altogether, we covered 1.2 miles for the morning walk. 

Back in the RV, I fixed breakfast for the dogs and Sandy was a good girl and licked her bowl clean, Mikey did his usual Mikey thing of ignoring his food. He will eat it this evening as he usually does. He is a one meal a day dog. His choice! 

I had a couple of RV things to take care of before making my own breakfast which today was a couple of waffles with syrup on them. Very tasty. I stayed with the tea to drink. 

Then, as usual, it was blog time. I managed to remember what happened yesterday mainly because not a great deal had occurred except the trip for groceries and the couple of beers in the evening with my friends. I started on today but again, nothing much has happened so far. 

The sparrows must have found a better site that feeds them as they have really slacked off and there have been very few of the bird visitors to talk about. 

James, the RV repair man was on site. I had a request to repair the toilet where the flapper arm does not hold liquid as it should. Maybe, he will fix that while he is here. I kept an eye on him as he moved his van to different sites until, finally, he pulled up outside of mine. 

We chatted as he worked on the unenviable job of replacing the rubber gasket that seals water in the toilet. He had previously put on rubber gloves for this task. My part of the job was to hold the plastic bag open to receive the old gasket which he deftly dropped in and then I disposed of it.  

I squared away with James, and he went on his way. At least now, the toilet will hold water for a while to act as a buffer to prevent sewer gas smells wafting into the bathroom. This is a weak point in the sewer system, that and solids blocking up the tank and pipes which require constant attention and treatment. 

Then, it was time for one more walk around the park. We usually make good use of walking by taking our one small bag of trash with us as we pass the dumpster anyway. Incidentally, I re-use the plastic shopping bags for indoor trash and have a hanger that allows me to keep the bags stretched open while in use. A very quick and simple way to handle the trash system inside the RV. 

We managed to cover 2.4 miles for the day as we wandered around the park. It was a pleasant day, and the sun had some heat to it. I even dug out my Stetson hat to shield my balding head and received a couple of comments from other campers all being smart alec’s about the hat. I am definitely not a cowboy. 

We sat outside following our walk and drank a beer and munched on potato chips and watched the world go by. Not that there was much in the way of activity. A couple of cars and then a couple of people walking dogs or not, as the case may be. 

We finally moved back indoors, and the rest of the day spent in the usual way. I watched the latest version of “All Quiet on the Western Front” which was one of the best movies I have seen in a while as I munched on the evening meal. 

Written February 28, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I got up at a somewhat reasonable hour for me and after following the usual morning routine, went out walking the dogs. First though, I brought out the bird feeders none of which needed refilling which has to be a first. We walked around the park and the outside roads, but Sandy wasn’t into it, so we did an about turn back to the RV. We did manage to cover 1.5 very reluctant miles.  

One of the dogs, probably Mikey, had an accident in the night on one of the removable carpets. I took it outside and hosed it off and then hung it to dry. It is no good getting mad at whichever dog did it as they do not know better and when ya gotta go, ya gotta go! 

I sat and wrote in the blog and caught us up to date. This month is almost over as they just fly by although this is the shortest month in the calendar. It does make me understand that for me, time is running out, so I plan on making the most of what is left.  

It is surprising how long blog writing takes, especially if, for whatever reason, I fall behind. Then, I really must wrack my brain trying to remember what happened. With the blog up to date, I looked around for other things to get up to. 

It really was a quiet day, and I did a lot of sitting around which meant I did a lot of nothing. I did do some work on my taxes but got frustrated. That is why I pay someone else to do them. My frustration was in trying to locate a missing form which I still haven’t found. In the end, I put the taxes back on the shelf to work on another day. After all, I still got a month and a half… 

We wandered around for the last walk of the day going nowhere in particular. It’s not like there are many choices unless I jump in the car and go walking in the park in town. We did manage to cover 2.1 miles for the day. We sat outside for a while enjoying a cold beer until it started to get dark. Then, I brought in the bird feeders, and we shut up shop for the evening which was spent in the usual way. I did watch the latest version of  

Written February 26, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Monday 02/26/2024

 I slept well for half of the night and then tossed and turned for the other half. When it got light enough, I was ready to get up to welcome the new day. We followed the usual morning procedures and finally ended up dressed to face whatever fate would bring us. I usually pull up the blinds to welcome the new day, but the East side is governed by the sun rising every morning. If it cloudy or raining, then it matters not if I raise the blinds. If, on the other hand, it is a sunny day, then I keep the blinds lowered on that side to help shield the indoors from the suns heat. Warm is OK, hot is not good as then I have to turn on the A/C. RV’s are not renowned for their insulation qualities. After all, the walls are only 2 inches thick, and you can’t squeeze much insulation in that small space plus, there are several large windows that are on the sun side. 

First thing was to harness up the dogs and grab the small bag of trash that we dispose of every morning. Second thing was the usual bird feeder routine, followed by walking around the park with a stop at the dumpster to get rid of that small bag of trash. This morning, we covered almost a mile which was a good start to the day. 

Back at the RV, I fixed breakfast all around. Mine was a Burrito which was OK. I stayed with the tea as a beverage. Mikey ignored nis food as he does on many mornings. Sandy licked her bowl super clean, so I guess she enjoyed cleaning up the package the chicken came in. 

Then, it was time to write the blog. I managed to remember what happened yesterday and completed that before starting in on today. The day was not very old and apart from walking in the park, we did not have much to write about. 

We have no plans except, I may go into town grocery shopping. 

I happened to look out of the window and noticed that the four donkeys from across the street were wandering around the camp site. Apparently, the owners had been doing some work putting in new driveways for a couple of lots and the four donkeys had got out. They must have found the campsite more interesting as they wandered around eating the grass and anything else they could find, 

Malinda contacted the owners and before long, a couple of workers were here and drove the donkeys back across the street. The donkeys did not really want to go and put up a bit of a fuss, so I wandered over to be a helping hand. At least, I helped guide the donkeys in the right direction and between us, they were put back inside the fence on the right side of the street. Incidentally, those donkeys are the friendliest you can imagine. 

I chatted to the hired help for a bit before going back glad for a break from our usual routine. Today, it included that trip into town to the HEB store where I wandered around putting things in my basket that were not on my list, I read somewhere that the reason for the list is to control the urge to throw everything and anything in the cart. Well, it does not work for me as I ended up with several items that were not on my list. Maybe I really needed them and just plain old forgot to write them down. Yeah, right…I do need visual reminders most of the time and that is my excuse, 

I checked out of the HEB store and seriously thought about a Starbucks coffee and then decided that I really didn’t need one and drove home instead. A few months ago, that coffee would have been considered essential, but my tastes have changed, including the need for the stuff. 

Back at the RV, I got a lot of help as I usually do from my two little friends in putting the groceries away with noses buried in each bag just to check them out. With shopping complete for a couple of days and everything put away, it was time to go out walking the dogs again. 

We wandered around as we usually do, going nowhere in particular and taking a long time to do it before returning to The Caboose to sit outside with a beer watching my part of the world go by. I heard a whistle from Daniel and then an arm waving which meant to come over for a beer, 

The Contractor was on site working on the new parking lot and had blacktop left over, enough to take care of Daniel’s site and Daniel had moved his RV to a temporary site for that reason. We sat at the old site as his outside table and chairs were still set up. He plans on moving the rig back and resetting it in a couple of days when the new blacktop has had a chance to harden. 

We sat and drank a couple of beers, and were joined by our new neighbor, Gina, who has just moved in. Apparently, she has some problems with her RV and both Daniel and Malinda were helping her fix them. The two of them are so helpful when it comes to the tenants here in the park. 

I bid them all “Goodnight” and wandered the 25 yards back to my RV where both Sandy and Mikey made a fuss of me. I fixed them their evening meal and then fed myself before settling down to watch television to finish off the evening, I watched “All Quiet in the Westen Front” and was very impressed by it.
 
Written February 27, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I had another one of the mixed-up nights sleeping like a baby at times and at others, wide awake wishing it was morning. Of course, when it really was the morning and around my normal time to get out of bed, I was fast asleep and snoozing my fool head off. Eventually, I got up and we went out for the first walk of the day. 

First, I brought out the bird feeders and did some different re-arranging of them to spread them out a little more. I even filled the water feeder but for some reason, it drains out. Then it was time for the first walk of the day, but we did not go very far and barely covered a half mile. 

Back in the RV, I fixed the dog’s breakfast and then fed myself. As it was close to noon time, mine was a ravioli frozen dinner. Incidentally, I stayed with tea as it was not bothering my stomach. This was followed by the usual blog session as I scratched my head trying to remember what happened yesterday. 

I worked on my taxes for a bit but am having trouble finding everything needed. One more thing to worry about. I fiddled around doing this and that but really nothing too important, but it killed time until we went out walking again. We went on our usual route only this time walking past the huge oak tree and managed to cover 1-6 miles.  

Sandy is not very good at this walking thing. She thinks it is for her to smell EVERY possible smell out there. Consequently, we wander around in a general direction with a lot of stops and starts. She has an endless bladder and pees on everything she can smell. Sometimes Mikey will follow suit, but he is not as bad as she is. His problem is that he tends to lag a lot and the leash is rubbing against my leg which, with just wearing shorts, is very aggravating. So, I am constantly saying, “Come on, Mikey”. He gives me a look, catches up for a half minute and lags all over again. 

In his earlier days with a different owner, he may have been trained to walk to heel as it is firmly ingrained in his brain. 

When we got back, we sat outside for a while drinking a beer which does not seem to bother my stomach as the wine now does. It slowly got darker, and I brought in the bird feeders for another day, and we went back inside the RV for the rest of the evening. 

Written February 25, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

 

I had a very restless night tossing and turning and awake more than asleep. Some of the time, I lay there with my eyes closed but my mind was wide awake and at others, I managed to doze off. Needless to say, when morning came, I was fast asleep and it was 10:30 am before I actually crawled out of bed and even then, very reluctantly. Good job, I have nothing planned for today. 

I wandered around raising the blinds to let the sun in and noticed that it was already warm in the RV. I changed the thermostat to air and with a welcome roar, the A/C kicked. Then, I lowered the blinds on the sun side. 

Only in Texas do you need AC and heat on the same day but then again, only in Texas do temperatures fluctuate so much and go from one extreme to the other. 
 
The next move was to bring out the bird feeders, making sure that they had seed in them. I tried a different arrangement of the hangers to see if I could even out how the birds eat. I have two identical large circular feeders that hold a lot of seed. Yesterday, I noticed that one was almost empty and the other almost still full up and they are right next to each other. Go figure… 

I found a little bundle of feathers by the deck and checked it out. It turned out to be a sparrow that had probably run into the glass door of the RV and was dazed from the crash. It was still alive, so I kept my eye on it and gradually it recovered. It was gone by the morning either of its own volition or an animal of the night might have got it. I am hoping for the former. 

We went out walking but did not go very far and only covered a half mile. Still, we have all day to make it up. Then, it was back indoors for breakfast which Sandy ate. I don’t mind if Mikey doesn’t eat breakfast as he is a light eater anyway, but I do worry about Sandy as her very expensive medication is mixed with the food. She is supposed to take it twice a day and sometimes, it is only once. I fixed my own breakfast and today, I had a couple of waffles covered in syrup along with the tea I have switched to at least for breakfast. 

Then, it was blog time which meant, scratching the memory to remember what happened both yesterday and today up to the present moment. Because I had finished yesterday’s blog last evening, it was easy to remember what had happened so far today, mostly because it was not very much and almost a repetition of yesterday except for the getting up very late bit. 

Luckily, I do not have any appointments of any kind today although I am thinking of going into town and after much consideration, that is exactly what I did. I needed to change all of the ink cartridges on my printer and that was my main reason for going into town. Of course, being in Walmart’s, I wandered around and bought a few other items. Some of it was food but I did buy four new Tee shirts. Then I spotted a pair of boots that I liked and found a size that would fit me. My others are pretty old, and I have had the soles replaced once before. Now, even with inserts, they are not very comfortable so maybe a new pair is in the offing. 

The ones I picked out were comfortable and a different color than what I am used to. I bought them anyway and considered it money well spent. I made my way to the check out and would you believe that there was no wine in my cart? This is so unusual for me, but I have to let my stomach settle down before drinking that stuff again. Beer appears to be OK. 

I drove back to Henli and considered stopping at Starbucks but found the idea very unappealing and drove straight home to be met by Sandy and Mikey. As usual, they helped to put the groceries and such away, but I never got any feedback from them on the new boots. 

It was almost 5:00 pm when I got back, and we went out walking the last walk of the day before shutting up the outside shop and retirng indoors for the usual evenings food and entertainment. 

Written February 23, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

It was a funny old night. At times, I slept like the proverbial baby and at others, I lay there, wide awake. I glanced at the clock, and it said 7:00 am and I thought to myself, I can’t possibly get up at this god forsaken hour, just five more minutes…I managed to stretch it out until the clock said 7:30 am and crawled out of bed. 

I took a shower and put on a complete change of clothes because it was due. I like to change every couple of days this time of the year. Hot and sweaty summer weather is a daily change. I do have a doctor’s appointment today, but it is not the kind where I take my clothes off as it is with my eye doctor. That is not until 1:40 pm. 

We went out for the morning walk after I had refilled the bird feeders with the seed I bought yesterday. It is amazing how much seed the birds go through with the deer acting as the cleanup crew at night. It was chilly enough that we only did one circuit of the park which included a trip to the dumpster. 

Back in the RV, I fixed breakfast of a taco that Peggy had given me as we walked around. It was meant for Daniel, but he had already left for places unknown. I accepted it gratefully. One man’s gain is another man’s loss and so on… 

With both the dogs and me taken care of breakfast wise, I settled down to catch up with the blog trying to kill time before driving into Austin. Having a midday appointment is good in one way but it does mess up the day somewhat. 

I got tired of sitting around waiting for the time to pass and after saying goodbye to my little furry friends, I drove into Austin for my 1:00 pm appointment, The traffic wasn’t too bad and I made good time which was a shame because after I arrived and walked in the door, the receptionist informed me that my appointment was for 1:40 pm. There was nothing else for it but to sit and wait and people watch. 

Eventually, the eye testing person came and led me back to the area where they make things happen and went ahead starting in on a whole bunch of different tests. After about an hour or more of testing by a couple of different technicians and another much younger Doctor, everyone disappeared and finally Dr Tybor came in and did yet another bunch of tests. Two hours and forty-five minutes later, I walked out of there with the testing complete. The bottom line is that my eyes have not altered since the last testing and there was nothing that needed to be done this time around. 

I paid my bill and said goodbye to everyone as I walked out of the door clutching a business card with my next appointment in August. 

The drive home was straightforward, and I decided to go home a different way for a change, eventually arriving back at The Caboose to be met by my two dogs. We immediately harnessed up and then wandered around the park for a bit before returning back to the RV where I played blog catchup. 

Then it was time for the last walk of the day which led us to Daniels and Malinda’s RV where they were sitting outside with Remington. When we first walked up, Remi was all happy barks to see the dogs but as we sat and chatted, she got more and more frustrated and, in the end, Malinda put her back inside their RV. I stayed for a bit longer and then we continued our walk around the park.  

Incidentally, I refused the offer of a beer as I am still trying to discover the reason for my upset tummy. I am pretty sure that it is the wine as I tried a beer when I got back to my RV and there were not any side effects. Darn, one less bad habit to break. 

I brought in the feeders and shut up the outside shop for the rest of the evening. I fixed us all food although Miss Sandy has one of her fussy moods on, again. Still, she eventually ate her food. 

Then it was the usual sit and watch a Premier League game and this time, I got to watch Brighton and Hove Albion win by a 5 goal margin. Solly is out for the rest of the season. 

I went to bed at 8:30 pm, an unheard-of time for me. 

Written February 20, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Tuesday 02/20/2024

I got up around 8:00 am. I must be getting into an early rising habit. Yeah, right… 

The first thing was to bring out the bird feeders and filling them as needed and then that daily walk. This time, we took the outside road leading down the hill. It had warmed up and the sun was shining brightly as we wandered around. We walked all the way down the hill to the bottom and then back up again to return to The Caboose and managed to cover 1.3 miles. Not bad for that first walk. 

Then it was indoors for the usual breakfast but today, I chose to drink tea instead of coffee. It went down just fine along with a meat pie that I decided to eat. The dogs had their own food which neither finished. Their loss. 

This was followed by working on the blog until we were all caught up. I looked around for other things to do differently than the normal run of the mill housekeeping chores and found a couple of things. 

I decided that I should go into Dripping to do some grocery shopping and harnessed up the dogs for a short walkabout. Then, I hopped in the car for the short trip. One reas0n for the trip was because I was out of doggy poop bags and had to leave one of those delicate morsels where it lay after Sandy had done her business. I try to pick up after the dogs and be a good steward of the park. Besides, it’s the rule around here that you pick up your dog’s poop. 

I wandered around HEB clutching my very short list and found the poop bags grabbing two packs which will last me probably at least three months. I had other things, but my list was pretty short. I wandered around to get in my walking miles as well as to buy a few groceries, 

When I left the store, I contemplated on whether to buy a Latte, but it was not appealing. Boy, have I changed? Once upon a time, I could not pass a Starbucks without buying a Latte. Oh well, like everything else in my life, time marches on. 

Back at the RV, I got all kinds of help with the groceries although some of it was questionable to say the least. After everything was put away, we harnessed up and went out for the final walk of the day. We ran into Greg who was following Olive around and trying to get her to walk in a somewhat straight line. Olive did not have her stick with her this time. Then we stopped at Crystal and Larry’s RV where both dogs were given a bunch of treats. Incidentally, they both know the way to this RV and drag me to it so they can get all of those goodies. 

We finally ended up back at The Caboose and chose to sit outside for a bit before eventually going back inside for the evening. Following the evening meal all around, we sat and watched a Premier League game, but I started nodding off again and switched off the TV and we went to bed. 

Written February 21, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

It was a strange night with periods of being awake and others of dozing off. I have no idea why I was so restless. Well, maybe I do because I had an upset stomach which was painful enough to keep me awake. This has happened a few times recently and maybe a trip to the Doctors is in my future. As it began to get daylight, I lay there feeling sorry for myself before deciding to get up. Incidentally, I had taken several stomach pills and I suppose that in the end they worked as the discomfort went away. 

At that point, I got up and wandered around The Caboose pulling up the blinds to let the morning in. Then it was on with the harness and out the door to be met by a frigid blast of very cold area. The temperature was 31 degrees with an absolute howler of wind making it feel even colder. 

We wandered around just long enough for the dogs to do their business and then made a beeline back indoors where I fixed us all breakfast. It was nice and warm inside the RV, so different than outside and I had no plans to go anywhere even though the sun was shining. Dog walking was the extent of my outside activities, and they would be short. 

I turned my attention to writing the blog to keep caught up as much as possible and even then, I had to wrack my brain to remember what had happened in the past 24 hours. Most days are very repetitious with very little change in our routine, Sometimes, I will go into town grocery shopping or to my doctor’s office but most of the time, we walk for entertainment and exercise. 

The rest of the day was spent in the same way and was very restful and come to that, very peaceful. At one point when I was sitting on the couch making a fuss of the dogs, I dozed off for a short time. I even seriously considered taking a nap but, in the end, just lay there with my eyes closed, relaxing. 

Then it was time for the afternoon walk around the park. In the end, we got in exactly a mile for the day. Better than sitting but still not far enough. I used being as cold as it was as the excuse, and it had nothing to do with my laziness. 

I brought in the feeders noticing how empty some of them were. I had filled them this morning, but I guess the birds were hungry. I have a flock of sparrows that use the feeders. The flock is probably 50 birds strong, so I am feeding a big family. I know what one of my chores is tomorrow morning… 

We went back indoors for the evening meal followed by the usual television. This time, I did not drink anything as I usually do in the hope of helping out my stomach. It worked this time around and as I suspected; the wine is a part of the problem. Darn, it looks like I must forego my evening nightcap.at least for a while. 

Just as I did the night before, I dropped off to sleep in the middle of a movie and so went to bed. 

Written February 17, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Sunday 02/18/2024

I awoke at a reasonable hour following a good night’s sleep without an upset tummy. So, it appears that alcohol may be the cause of the problem, darn it. Now, what do I do? 

I lay there for a while noticing how cold it was anytime, I poked out from under the covers. I figured that the gas bottle was empty, which always happens at night. Eventually, I crawled out from under the covers and dressed and went outside, braving the cold blast that hit me when I opened the door. Sure enough, one of the bottles showed zero gas and I switched to the other bottle after changing out the empty for the spare I usually carry. The only time I don’t have a spare is if I am waiting for Daniel to refill the empty bottle which, by the way, is never longer than a day or two. 

With the gas hooked back up and the empty placed where Daniel can see it, I went back indoors and waited for the heater to kick back on. Sometimes, it needs persuading to do just that which usually consists of shutting the gas off and then reopening it again. Generally, though, turning the thermostat off and then back on, will do the trick. 

We went out walking as we usually do and just wandered around. It was very brisk out and Mikey wasn’t too happy being out in it. Sandy was in her element and pulled and tugged us in every direction. I had forgotten the phone and guessed we covered around a half mile before heading back to The Caboose.  

There, I refilled every feeder and rehung them using up my supply of seed which means a trip to Tractor Supply for more. At the rate the seed is disappearing from the feeders, that means today. 

Back inside the RV, I fixed breakfast all around. Mikey ate his and Sandy ate half of hers. I had a burrito which was OK and the all-important coffee, which was also, just OK. Then, it was blog time as I racked my brain trying to complete yesterday’s blog. Luckily, I managed to remember the important stuff. 

I watched as the birds swarmed all over the feeders. Most of them were sparrows and the flock was at least 40 birds strong. No wonder, the feeders are empty every evening. They are a pretty jumpy lot, and the flock is always taking off and then re-settling as something real or imagined, goes by. I have eight feeders that are basically open holes in a tube with perches for the birds. These are very popular with the birds as they squabble over whose turn it is. There is one feeder that has a long perch the length of the feed tray on either side and for some reason. is not as popular as the others. Oh well…It means that I do not have to fill so often. 

Incidentally, this is the feeder that I drove into Tractor Supply to get different seed for. I am going to put nothing but Millet in it and leave all the mixes in the other feeders. Maybe, I can get more birds to eat out of it. There was a non-stop stream of birds around the feeders, mostly sparrows. We did have a pair of doves and even a friendly squirrel today. 

We went out for another walk and just wandered down as far as the Giant Oak before heading back. Altogether, we have been out walking three times today and covered about 2.5 miles. I say about as one walk, I forgot the phone. 

After the last wander around, we adjourned back to The Caboose and brought in the bird feeders. At least, I remembered this time. With all the outside chores taken care of, we shut up shop and settled down for the evening meal and to watch the English Premier League At least, that was the plan but an hour later, I woke up from dozing and figured that if I was that tired, we should go to bed. It was only 8:30 pm but I guess I needed to sleep and so we did. 

Written February 18, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I had gone to bed early last night after all of the excitement of the day although, I awoke early as unknowingly, I waited for yesterday’s alarm to go off which it did. I had no reason to get up early and tried to go back to sleep but to no avail. So, there was nothing else for it but to crawl out of bed to face the day. 

I decided to take a shower and then put on a change of clothes which was a good start. Feeling a little more human, I harnessed up the dogs and then tied them up as I attended to the bird feeders. Then it was time to go walking but first, as I usually do, I spent time refilling them. It is amazing just how much get wasted on the ground. Well, maybe it is not wasted as the deer do a very good job of vacuuming up the seed during the night. They certainly keep the place tidy as by morning, it is almost shipshape ready for the cycle to start all over again. 

We went walking and took the road that leads to nowhere that runs past the RV Park. This road is one long slope and depending on which way you are walking, coming or going always seems to be uphill. It is quite a climb which is why I do not like walking it. The dogs did not care although Mikey had one of his lag behind days and I was constantly chiding him to “Come on”. He would hustle for a dozen steps to catch up and then drop back again. Maybe, it was some of his original training, if he had any, reminding him to walk to heel. 

Back at the RV, I fixed the dogs their breakfast and then found something for me to eat. I have trouble finding food that I find both tasty and interesting enough to eat but this morning, I heated a packet of Cheese Ravioli in tomato sauce which was very tasty, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was almost lunch time anyway. 

I worked on the blog and brought it up to date and then posted it and looked around for other things to do. I decided to go into Dripping and go grocery shopping. I did not need very much but top of the list was beer for the campground, my contribution to our parties. 

I wandered around HEB and found all of the things on my list plus a couple more, of course. On the way home. for the first time in a while, I stopped at Starbucks and bought a small Latte. 

Back at the RV, I got a lot of help from the dogs unloading and then putting away the groceries. Sandy was demanding to go walking so we went through the harness routine and started to wander around for a bit and on the way back, Daniel called me over for a beer. Jeff and Terri were sitting there, and I walked in the direction of their RV. Remi was barking up a storm and I dropped the leash and the dogs both raced over to Remi who greeted them with lots of barking and nose rubbing. Dogs have it made. 

After a while, both Jeff and Terri left and the three of us sat and chatted for a bit until Daniel suggested we go to Henly to eat. That sounded fine to me, and Daniel told me that he was driving but in my car as his had a trailer hitched to the back of his. I did not care and happily put the dogs inside The Caboose and jumped in the passenger side of my own car. 

Daniel made good time on the drive and commented on the Jeep and how well it drove. I think he was serious and not just being polite. The Restaurant was busy but not crowded and we sat and enjoyed a very nice meal. As usual, my Haddock and rice was way too much food and I ended up having a “to Go” box. Daniel had ordered a pitcher of beer and between the two of us, we finished it up. Malinda had a different drink. 

The drive back was uneventful but fast with Daniel driving again. He parked the Jeep in front of my RV, and we said our “Goodnights” following a very enjoyable evening. My two little friends jumped all over me, glad to see me back as was I. 

We sat and watched television until I awoke again after having dropped off to sleep and we went to bed. 

Written February 15, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

Living in an RV Henly RV Park Friday 02/16/2024

I awoke early and even made myself get up instead of just lying there. The intention was to go out for a bit longer walk and so I harnessed up the dogs and off we went. I did not even spend time on the bird feeders figuring I would work on them when we came back. 

We wandered around the park and on the outside road in and some instances, covering the same ground twice. There were a few people out and about, some with dogs and we went through the usual dog meets dog routine. Either that or quickly change direction to avoid the encounter altogether.  

Back at the RV, I worked on refilling the bird feeders which empty pretty darn quickly. Especially the big ones that hold a lot of seed. On the other hand, I have a couple that have the same seed in them as the rest, but the birds will not eat out of them. Go figure… 

Back inside the RV, I fixed the dogs breakfast, made my coffee and then re-heated the left over from yesterday evening’s meal from The Boil Shack and had a fish breakfast. I cannot remember ever having had fish for breakfast before, but it did not taste any different than if it had been lunch or dinner. 

Then it was time to wrack my brain trying to remember what happened yesterday and last evening. I sat for a long while catching up with the blog and then looked around for other things to do. I thought about going into town but in the end, put it off for another day as I really did not need that much. 

We went out walking and had not gone very far, only to the girls RV, and I saw they were sitting outside along with Malinda and Daniel. The dogs spotted them when I let them go and they galloped off to meet the Hooman’s and of course Remington. I finally caught up and took the beer that had been thrust in my hands.  

We sat outside for a bit, and it suddenly started to rain resulting in a mad dash to get indoors. The girls have a big RV and they had seats for all of us as we sat and chatted and drank a couple of beers. We listened to a number of funny stories from Daniel and Malinda, not to be outdone, came back with stories of her own. All in all, it was a fun evening. 

Daniel and Malinda headed back to their RV, and I sat and chatted for another 30 minutes or so before we headed out the door. Only then, did I realize that I had not brought in the feeders. They were still all intact as the deer had not yet visited. I brought them all in and put them away and we headed indoors to shut up shop for the night. 

I fixed our evening meal and as we usually do, we sat and watched TV for a while cut short by me dropping off to sleep, again. An hour or so later, I awoke from my uncomfortable position in the armchair, and we went to bed. 

Written February 17, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

Happy Valentines Day 

I got up early as I was well aware that today, at least for us, was going to be a busy one. The morning started off as it normally does except this time, I had set the alarm to wake me at the god-awful hour of 7:00 am. I hardly know that time exists except on days like today. 

I had a couple of important things to do, and it started with the dogs jumping in the Jeep and us taking the drive into Dripping Springs to the dog groomers located there. We have been here before, for a Sandy haircut. This is a first for Mikey who does not need trimming anywhere near as much as Miss Sandy. I chatted to the receptionist and then they carried the dogs to the back. 

I walked out of the door feeling a little lonely without my two buddies and made the drive back to the RV. My next appointment was also very important, as I had to drive to Austin to get my Driver’s License renewed. Hopefully, it will go well as my age is now a factor. 

Back in the lonely RV, I fixed breakfast and thought about the day ahead. I knew it was going to be busy with a lot of sitting around and just waiting because of the appointment for the Driver’s License renewal. The drive in was uneventful and I decided to stop where I had hit the deer in the hope that I might find the missing license plate from the Jeep.  

Needless to say, there was no luck in that direction, so we headed on into Austin. On the way, I stopped at the Jeep place and ordered the part to replace the one broken by the dogs leash. It was not cheap, nearly $400.00, but what the heck? I will take it out of the dogs allowance.  

From there, I headed into Austin to the Driver’s License Department to renew my own license. I have reached the stage in my licensing career when I can only renew for two years at a time. 

As expected, the place was absolutely packed with a waiting list a mile long. Still, I had to renew to be legal and went about the business of filling out forms and then just sitting around waiting for my name to be called. There were around 50 people waiting as was I. 

People were coming and going, and the wait went on forever like the best part of three hours before I finally walked out of there. At least my license was renewed for a couple more years and a lot can happen in that time. If I am able to renew again, I will be 90 years old. I can already hear the comments…I struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. She too was an older lady but not yet my age, so we had that in common and we chatted to pass the time. I was one number ahead of her and the last I saw of her was in the Parking Lot as we both got into our cars. 

The drive home was long but uneventful, but I did go around in a couple of circles finding my way out of Austin. On the way to the groomers in Dripping Springs, it was bumper to bumper traffic especially through Oak Hill where the road construction is ongoing. 

I stopped to pick up my two little buddies who were as pleased to see me as I, them. They both looked pretty sharp with their new haircuts. Sandy was cut short as she tends to tangle a lot. Mikey was just a trim which suited him just fine and he looked good. 

As expected, both of them squeezed onto my lap for the drive home in bumper to bumper traffic and gratefully jumped out when we reached the RV. As they were already harnessed up, we went out for a walk around the park stopping at Crystal and Larry’s for their usual treats. 

Back in the RV, I tied them up so they could watch as I brought in the feeders for the night. Then we adjourned to The Caboose for the usual evening meal. All in all, a busy but productive day. 

Written February 14, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I lay in bed all warm and snuggly with two dogs for company. None of us wanted to get up and so we just lay there until finally, I crawled out. We have nothing planned for today but tomorrow is going to be a busy day with the dogs going to the groomers and me having to renew my driver’s license. Both are very important. 

It was still a bit blustery outside but not quite as cold as yesterday and the first job of course, was to bring out and then re-fill the feeders for our feathered friends. The dogs are of no help in this operation except to sit and supervise with Sandy muttering under her breath, “Why can’t he hurry up. I gotta “go”. 

With the birds finished for another day, we wandered around with Miss Sandy leading the way as she usually does. Every now and then, Mikey takes it into his head to be lead dog, but he quickly reverts to form and joins me as we trudge along behind the Boss Lady. 

We wandered around and then headed back to The Caboose for breakfast and for me, coffee and toast. Then it was time to play catch up with the blog but luckily, I am not behind except for the normal one-day lapse. Good job as with my memory, I would have to make things up. 

After working on the blog, I sat on the couch with the dogs which was my first mistake. The second one was closing my eyes and although I did not sleep, I just stayed there very comfortably sitting on the couch with a dog on either side of me. 

We stayed that way for an hour or more until Miss Sandy started getting restless because she had to “go”. We harnessed up and went out walking the park and hit the road all the way down to the Giant Oak Tree. Altogether, we managed to cover 1.5 miles for the day. Not bad for walking with a sore knee. I hope the damn thing gets better soon as it is very restrictive. 

Back in the RV, we sat outside for a while although it was a bit on the cool side, just drinking a beer and relaxing. I seem to do a lot of that. Most of the time was spent watching the birds and their antics on the feeders and when we came back inside, the birds continued to amuse me. After a bit, I went back outside and brought in the feeders for the night to keep them away from the deer. Actually, the deer in their own way are very helpful as the birds make such a mess and the area below the feeders is covered in seed and such. The deer did a good job of vacuuming it up. 

Back indoors, I worked on the blog and brought it up to date before the usual evening meal and television and food for my little friends. 

Written February 13, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com 

I got up early and heard the wind howling around the RV and just knew that our walk was not going to be that comfortable. It was chilly out and I was glad of my heavy jacket. The first thing was the bird feeders both filling and hanging before we went out to wander around. We only made one loop of the Breakroom before returning to the warmth of The Caboose. Even the dogs were glad to get back inside. 

I fixed us breakfast and then went about the task of folding yesterday’s laundry and putting it away. Then I spent time on both the computer and the phone first making sure the current Jeep insurance policy was in effect before cancelling another one that I had taken out thinking that the original was out of date. For some reason, I had tried to insure the Jeep twice, which of course is a waste of money and probably illegal. Besides, the Jeep is not worth that much except to me. 

With that business taken care of, I looked around for other things to do. Then I remembered that Sandy was out of her very expensive pills, and I called the Vet to make arrangements for me to pick them up later today. My Vet is almost into Austin, and I racked my brains to see if there was anything else I needed that called for a trip to Walmart’s as I was so close. I could not come up with anything and so drove in just to pick up her pills. 

The trip both there and back was uneventful, which is the way I like them. Just for a change, I decided to take the long way back as it was quite pleasant driving inside the warm cab. Not so much outside as the wind was still blowing very strong plus it was cold. 

I arrived back at The Caboose to be met by my little friends and we immediately harnessed up and went out wandering as we usually do. It had warmed up quite a bit, but the wind still had a chill to it. We wandered around for a bit but finally found ourselves back where we had started. 

Back indoors after unharnessing the dogs, I sat down and caught up with the blog. By now, it was almost 5:00 pm and would be dark in an hour. We had no reason to go back outdoors for today so we “shut up shop” lowering the blinds and such and turning on the indoor lights and the fireplace which is such a cheerful sight. 

Then, it was, feed the dog s time and finally feed me. Sometimes, I wish I did not have to eat as more and more, food to me is not enjoyable. Probably an age thing. I eat because I must eat not for pleasure. That is probably the reason why I have kept my weight to 165 pounds. The only difference now is once there was muscle and now there is fat…Big sigh. 

I watched television accompanied by Mikey sitting in the recliner alongside me. Sandy was off on her own, which is the way she likes it. She is very reluctant to jump up on my lap most of the time and then doesn’t stay there very long.  

The next thing I remember is watching a football game, English style and then waking up at half time. That was it for us as we wandered off into the bedroom for that well-earned rest. 

Written February 12, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I awoke after a very good night’s rest and the bedside clock said it was 10:35 am. I had to do a double take as I could not believe my eyes that was really the time. Luckily, we had nothing planned and I crawled out no more rejuvenated for the late start than at my “normal” time. That damn bed can be so comfortable and inviting sometimes, especially if I have nothing planned for the day. 

The first course of action after the usual morning ablutions was to harness up the dogs so they could watch as I brought out the bird feeders. The feeders were still pretty full from yesterday so I did not have to refill anything. It had rained overnight and there was a lot of standing water everywhere. We need the rain plus a lot more. 

We wandered around the park not really going anywhere except the dumpster which is usually the first thing we hit every morning. We managed to cover a half mile and even Sandy was not into walking. We came back to The Caboose, and I fixed our breakfast.  

Then it was time to work on the blog and I spent the next hour or so doing just that. It came on to rain which was most welcome and as we did not have anything planned, it did not interfere with us at all. It really was a dull and gloomy day, and I was glad that we did not have to be outside for any reason except the dog walks and I could pick and choose their timing. 

I got a text message from Peggy reminding me of the dinner planned for this evening in the Commons. Good job she called as I had forgotten all about it. Tonight, we are having spaghetti and meatballs, one of my all-time favorite’s foods. 

I took the dogs out one more time and we wandered around and managed to cover a mile for the day, which is our daily goal. I like the days I am in the big stores as I can really rack up the mileage just wandering around. I put the dogs back in the RV and wandered over to the Breakroom where the usual crowd was gathered. Much to my surprise, instead of a beer, I had a cup of coffee pushed into my hands. I had no problem with that as coffee mixes better with food than beer does. 

The girls had cooked up spaghetti and meatballs and it was delicious. There was ice cream for dessert, another one of my favorites so all in all, I made out very well. 

Malinda was babysitting her three grandkids, the oldest, a girl, being around nine going on eighteen and the youngest of two boys I believe is six. They interacted very well with the adults, a sign of a good all-around upbringing. 

I finally left and wandered back to my RV and watched a Premier League game after feeding the dogs. 

Written February 10, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com

Living in an RV
Henly RV Park
Sunday 02/11/2024

Today, I awoke at a reasonable hour and jumped out of bed ready to go. Well, in my mind maybe. I sort of laid around before finally getting up and taking a shower which felt so good that I overindulged and spent a lot of time (and water) standing under it. 

I finally got out and dressed ready to face another day, sort of. It was a cold and blustery outside and I was reluctant to go out but had to knowing that the dogs had to go. Well Sandy had to go as Mikey had an accident overnight and pooped in the house. He sometimes will do that if his tummy is upset. One of the prices to pay for having pets. 

It was cold out and very blustery and not a bit comfortable, but needs must as the saying goes. We wandered around with Miss Sandy taking us here, there, and everywhere as she usually does. We actually did pretty good and walked a mile, (in my own shoes). 

On our return, I started the usual things like getting breakfast and that all important coffee. I have two coffee machines. One is the type that froths the milk for a Latte in one action and makes coffee in another. It still froths the milk but for some reason definitely unknown to me, will not brew coffee so I had gone out and bought a small coffee maker to do that part of it. Well, today that small coffee maker thing blew up in my face. Well maybe, blew up is too strong a word but it definitely stopped working after making several strange clunking noises and a couple of bangs. I could not get it to work and as coffee is an important part of my day, decided that there was nothing for it but to go into town and buy a new one. I jumped in the Jeep and made the short trip to HEB as that is where I had bought the original one. Sure enough, they had one exactly the same which I grabbed and then looked around for something for breakfast, finally settling on bacon to put in a sandwich. 

Back in the RV, I washed the new coffee maker as per the instructions and then brewed coffee with no surprises. I had the bacon in the microwave doing its thing and eventually ended up with a bacon sandwich and coffee. I really had to work hard for that one with the trip into town and all. 

I had started a load of laundry remembering to open the drain lines, and the washing machine was working hard all the time the bacon sandwich saga was going on. I also had some meat cooking in the countertop cooker, so we were busy on several fronts. Just as well as it was too cold and very dull and blustery to be doing anything outdoors. Not that I have anything that needs doing as I had refilled all the feeders this morning. 

With the writing all caught up, I looked around for other things to get up to, not very successfully, I might add. With the wind blowing and the drop in temperature, I was very happy to be indoors in the warmth. 

Later on, we went out for another walk and just wandered around. With the trip into town, I managed to cover 2.3 miles for the day. Love walking the Big Box Stores. 

The rest of the evening was spent watching an English Premier League game. 

Written February 11, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com

We got to see this guy the other day and again, he was all by himself. The deer were probably close by as they usually are, but we did not see them.

I had a terrible night, tossing and turning and because I was awake, several trips to the bathroom. Finally, I could stand it no longer and got up to face the day. Again, we have nothing planned and getting up early did not count for much. I harnessed up the dogs and they sat tied up to the table as I went about the bird business. I ran out of seed but had enough to re-fill all the feeders. A trip into town is called for if only to get the seed. 

We walked around the Park but did not go far, just enough to get us started. Both of my knees are sore for reasons unknown except old age and walking was not much pleasure. We did cover 0.6 tenths of a mile which is not very good by our normal standards. The trip into HEB, Home Depot and Tractor Supply will help later today. 

I caught up with the blog finishing and posting yesterday and brought today up to date. By then, it was already 1:00 pm. I had a couple of other chores which I took care of and then took the dogs out for another walk. I had decided that the trip into town was now a necessity hence the dog walk. 

When we returned to the RV, I put the dogs inside, hopped in the Jeep and away I went into the wild blue yonder. Wait a minute, that is a World War 2 song, and I was driving a Jeep not flying an airplane… 

My first stop on the way in was at Tractor Supply for bird seed. I bought two 40lb bags of the stuff. Probably, the birds will waste one bag and eat the other one. Wasteful things, birds. Usually, the deer eat the dropped seed off the ground, overnight. Even though Mother Nature’s clean-up crew are at work, it is not a good thing as it keeps bringing the deer back. 

With the seed safely tucked away in the back of the car, our next stop was HEB. I did make a stop at The Home Depot along the way but only to enquire if they sold printer ink (which they don’t) so I moved on. I wandered around HEB and managed to spend $170.00 on everyday things. The only luxury item was a case of beer for general consumption back at the RV Park. My small contribution to our wild and crazy get togethers. 

Back at the RV, I unloaded the groceries with a lot of help from my two little friends whose noses were going a mile a minute at all of the wonderful smells. The roast chicken especially was very attractive even to me. 

We went out for another walk, this one for the dogs and just wandered around. Daniel spotted us and waved for us to come over. Both Daniel and Malinda were there along with Terri although Jeff was nowhere in sight. We sat there with a beer and chatted about everything and before long Donna joined us followed by “The Girls”. We chatted for a long time before BJ said she wasn’t feeling well and went back to her RV. Her leaving started a general movement back to our own RV’s and with “Thank You’s and “Goodnights”, we went on our way. 

I really am lucky guy to have found such a wonderful group of people plus the ones that were not there last evening like Gary, Jeff and Delores. We are there for each other and help is always only an ask away. 

I had managed to consume three beers during the course of the evening. That would have been four except the dogs knocked a half full can over and I did not notice it in time for the rescue. Oh well, three beers are good. 

Back in the RV, I found food for the dogs and then something for me to munch on as I tuned in to yet another English Premier League game. When I awoke, it was half time in the game, and I had missed it. I gave up watching as a bad job and we went to bed to fall instantly asleep. 

Written February 9, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

I slept like the proverbial log except for the bathroom calls, one of the banes of getting old. Stil, if making frequent trips is the price to pay for growing old, I’ll take it. 

I got up late around 9:30 and we went through the usual morning procedures of bird feeders and harnessing up the dogs. Then we walked around the park. We only crossed paths with one other dog and its owner. I tried to walk the outside roads but there was no shelter from the wind which was blowing up a storm this morning. We turned back into the park where the RV’s and trees act as windbreaks which made for much easier walking. We only walked a half mile. 

Back in the RV, I fixed us breakfast and then hopefully devised a new way for Sandy to take her medicine, First, I gave her some of the meaty portions of her food for her to eat which she did. Then, I repeated the process only this time added her crushed up pill to it. Incidentally, she eats on the bed which of course is in the other room so I never know what I will see when I check. Lo and behold, she had cleaned up her bowl. Yay, something going right for a change. 

We sat and worked on the blog which did not take long as we have been keeping up to date. Most of everything we do happens in the morning and unless I go into town or something similar, the afternoons are usually the same day in day out. Mostly, doing nothing. 

I was looking through some documents that are on my computer and noticed that my car insurance was due for renewal and spent some time working on it. Incidentally, I looked around for a new insurance company as the current one wanted to charge me $1000.00 a month. I ended up going back to one of my original companies for half that price. I expect to pay more because of my age but a thousand dollars a month was ridiculous. Incidentally, I do not drive very much anyway, just the occasional trip into town for groceries and an odd trip into Austin and that is about it. The Jeep does a lot of sitting and waiting. It is very patient about it though with no complaints… 

We went out for the afternoon walk and just wandered around. We stopped at Larry and Crystals for the dogs to get their usual treats and then at the Office for more, this time from Terri, the Office Manager. We were at the Office checking our mailbox which is located outside. We wandered back to The Caboose and shut up shop for the evening after sitting outside for a while and then bringing in the bird feeders. This is generally the last thing we do every day, unless I forget. I know that the deer will have emptied them by the time I get up and go outside in the morning. 

Written February 8, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com  

The Tree.

I slept well waking up a little after 8:00 am and made a big effort to actually get up. Once, out of bed, I put on my jacket remembering how nippy it was outside yesterday morning. It was a sunny day outside and we harnessed up for the usual morning chores like bringing out the bird feeders. Altogether, I have eleven feeders hanging up around the RV. Two are in the tree, two are on the deck and the rest are on hanger poles. In the spring, that number will increase as I will have at least four hummingbird feeders hanging up. 

I had not been out very long before I discovered that the sun had some heat to it so off came the jacket while I finished re-filling the feeders. Today was a “big” day as just about every one of them needed topping up. 

With the birds all set for another day, we wandered around the park with no specific direction in mind but for some reason, none of us were into walking and we only covered a half mile. 

Back at The Caboose, it was the usual breakfast all around. Neither Mikey nor Sandy ate theirs. It is so aggravating as they ate the same stuff yesterday. For a change, I ate sardines on toast which was very tasty although I prefer the sardines to be in Tomato sauce, and these were in oil. Still, I ate them anyway. 

Then it was blog time and I sat writing for a while bringing us up to date or should that read, up to the minute? 

It was a very slow day with not much of anything going on. The high point was the walks around the park although it was quiet with only one new RV pulled in. The usual dogs and their people were out walking. We must all be on the same timetable. 

We did a lot of sitting around and I tried to take a nap but all I managed to do was sit there with my eyes closed. Still, even that was restful and peaceful, and we managed to pass a couple of hours this way. Then it was time to walk again, and we just wandered around going nowhere, fast. 

The rest of the evening was spent in the usual way. All in all, a very quiet day. 

Written February 5, 2024, read my other blog at https://pondblog2011.com