Well, Campers, another week down the tubes. A lot of phone calls between the contractor and us. This was followed by another phone call to one of the "Powers that Be" aka a desk warming bureaucrat, by us to get it done. So, nothing to report on the housing project.
But... on to the subject of this week's post. I don't know if I've properly introduced y'all to our adopted "children".
A little back ground, when my sister passed away, she left two Great Pyrenees (GP) Dogs that we adopted. Atticus and Gryndll.
(L) Atticus, (R) Gryndll
We were still living
on our 30+ acre property near Fredericksburg. They had plenty of room
to run around and howl at the cattle, deer or other beasts that got near
our property. Sleep was generally not interfered with.
The only downside we've discovered yet in our move to CStat is the rental house we're in is 1) small. 2) Quite close to the neighbors and 3) Near a highway and a Railroad track. Did I mention there are a lot of trains going by, many after dark.
All of those actions cause an "equal and opposite" reactions from the GP's. They are doing an excellent job of keeping the "bad guys" away from the house. Unfortunately, they are also disturbing our sleep. Bad enough!
But...it's also disturbing our neighbor's sleep. Apparently last Friday night, one of them couldn't take it anymore. About 10:30, Gryndyll was scarring off a deadly enemy squirrel or other animal when someone came knocking at the door. Mrs J and I were in our bed clothes and headed toward the bed. I turned around and went to the door.
It was a Police Officer. He explained that someone had complained. We explained our predicament with the trains and freeway noise keeping them alert. He was very nice about it after having been introduced to the twosome. However, he said we had to keep them inside at night. We explained the dogs also bark inside the house.
About this time, one of them kicked off barking, behind the closed door. The officer was impressed, but said we'd need to find a cure. Haven't found one yet. That night, Mrs J slept out in the living room with them. After a while, they quieted down quite a bit. We'll have to see how they'll handle it if they're alone in the living room.
Why don't they sleep in our room also? Well, we also have a cat. The Cat and Gryndll don't get along. So our room is the Cat's Kingdom while Gryndll primarily is limited to the rest of the house. Unfortunately, Atticus is also prohibited from the Master Bedroom.
Unfortunately, we're in a conundrum. When they're in the back yard, the house minimizes the loudness of that barking inside the house (obviously not enough to please the complainant) and Mrs J and I can get some sleep. The Police Officer ruled that option out.
When they're in the house at night and some sound gets them stirred up and barking, well, sleep is not an option. We're trying to train them. They don't like to be wet, so we've got a spray bottle with water. When they bark indoors, they get squirted on the head (no, not the eyes or any other part that could be injured). The problem is that when they're barking in the house and we're asleep, it involves getting out of bed, finding the squirt bottle, figure out who's barking, squirt him or them, and go back to bed.
Two things there. One, it's difficult to get back to sleep and two, something else will set them off.
Oh, and by the way, sleep for them during the day? No problema!!!
The real solution is moving in to the new house. Nobody is close enough to care about barking in the country.
I wonder if our construction supervisor can be talked into boarding them in his house....
House would be moved WAY up on the priority list.
But...we'll just have to gut it out. Now that my Monday post is published, I think I'll stop B,M,& C-ing and go take a nap!
OK Campers, we're getting closer to that big day, you know, Christmas! Where we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord, first and foremost. Then we open presents and have a big dinner with all the fixins and Friends and Family gather...to celebrate the Birth of our Lord.
Right?
Actual Christmas celebration this year will be Mrs J and I and my Brother (Note to self: Need to come up with a blog nickname for Brother. While "Hey Punk" has a history in our relationship, something tells me it won't work nowadays. Suggestions appreciated.)
MBD, The Rev and the rest of the Gang are celebrating Christmas with his family. The gang from the 'Burg will arrive at CStat on the 26th. Gift exchanging will take place at some point during the ensuing 3 days. Not quite the same, but pretty darn close. I guess we're kinda like the Three Magi, late to the party, but still remembered.
On the "WhatCha doin on the keeping busy" side of things, Mrs J determined that the temperature sine wave was going a little too much below the "comfortable" range. That range is about 40 degrees here, much below that and the dogs get pretty vocal. (Yes, Beans, I know Sarge regularly goes sunbathing at -40 degrees. What can I say?)
In any case, they like their role as guard dogs, hence they bark at the slightest strange sound. Which, if they're in the house, means we get no sleep either. So...
Mrs J determined that an investment in a canine apartment complex constructed on the back porch was a worthwhile expenditure of Benjamins.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
Oops, Typo, Sorry. A little Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner is good for the Christmas Cheer, No?
So ...
Hardest part of the project was moving the two boxes (1 each) from outside the gate to the back porch, very bulky and heavy. It is a two person job in putting them together, one to hold the pieces in position. The other to screw the bolts in.
First night trial, Atticus, the leader of the pack, slept on the patio couch. Gryndll, however, was nowhere in sight. There also was no barking in the yard, so the assumption is he was in his nice, warm, quiet bedroom.
Or at least we hope so. Maybe he'll convince Atticus that he can fulfill his guard dog duties and keep warm at the same time.
Again, we hope so.
Mrs J also took the opportunity to straighten up our patio, got a trip to the dump scheduled for today. But the back yard looks a heck of a lot better. My back and the words "lot better" are not orbiting in the same universe however.
Learned something else new. I mentioned a while ago that I had purchased a MacPro laptop. Well, this post is being written on my 10 year old PC. Seems Apple didn't mention that my version of the MacPro laptop has a battery problem. Went to write last week's posting and the laptop wouldn't power on. Tried hooking it up to electric power, no change. Took it to the local computer dude, he said he'd heard of the problem and I needed a new battery.
No, Beans, it's not covered by warranty. It's a refurbished computer. Looks like I"m gonna be out $250, plus labor to get back in the saddle. Just when I was getting used to Mac peccadilloes and forgetting those of a PC.
Ahh, Well! To end on a rather humorous note, I saw this sign this morning as we were walking back to our truck after a brunch downtown.
The sign was on the other side of the sidewalk and therefore the street, the difference between the two walls is less than 4 feet, so if a car could cross the sidewalk, well, I guess the car could serve as their BnB cause they ain't gonna be able to open the doors.
Well, Campers, had a pretty different week than usual here at Rancho Juvat. The Rev was asked if he could officiate a wedding down in Houston. The Bride and Groom were friends of MBD and he, so he said sure. The personnel and logistics aspects of the project (AKA Grandkids) required a bit of tweeking.
So, Mrs J, being the caring person she is, told them that she'd drive over and take care of the grandkids for the rehearsal day, the wedding day and the RTB day. Unfortunately, since we have 9 animals on the property, I was going to stay and handle their needs.
It was interesting, I don't know the last time Mrs J and I have been away from each other for more than a couple of hours. I gotta admit it was a bit lonely round these parts.
Spent a lot of time on the computer searching the internet and in so doing learned a thing or two. Now, I may have told you that I'm a big Jimmy Buffett fan, may he rest in peace. One of my favorites is also his first hit, Come Monday.
Did a little research on the background of the song (also known as clicking links on DuckDuckGo). Seems Mr. Buffett was having a bout with depression. He hadn't made it big yet but was traveling to various gigs. His Wife was staying at home. He had just finished one performance and gone back to his hotel. According to this article, he was seriously thinking of calling it quits, in the bad way, But, the lyrics came to him and in the course of the night the song was finished. And was an overnight hit. It was released when I finished HS and has been one of my favorites ever since. Glad things worked out and he changed his mind. As I said, I like his music.
Unfortunately, he has passed from Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
Damn!
My next most favorite musician is Toby Keith. I kinda think of him as a Country and Western version of Jimmy Buffett. His songs are lively and a lot of them are downright funny.
I can't think of one of his songs I don't like, but there is one that is my favorite.
Unfortunately he also died from Cancer. RIP both of you.
My own personal "Come Monday" with Mrs J in College Station wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. Not having any adult supervision within a couple hundred miles seems like it would be a thrill. Not so much.
Played quite a few games of "Bloons TD6" on my new iPad. Surfed virtually all the links on Sarge's site (Well those who have posted in the last month or so anyhow). Had a Steak and Baked Potato dinner the first night, and a Pork Chop and potato salad the next night. Tried to finish up the Book Box Christmas Gifts, but couldn't get the rubber edge trim to look right.
That's one of Mrs J's talents, so I waited until she got back.
My big requirement was caring for the animals. The two horses, Cabernet and Merlot are my usual routine so no big deal, hay and grain morning and evening. The two cats, Schmedley and MouseKa are also no big deal, Kibble in the bowl and water in the gravity waterer.
The five dogs however...
As mentioned here, 80% of them are generally calm, quiet and well behaved. Gryndll, however, seems to be changing the rules and attempting to seize power over, initially, the other dogs. But I can see it in his eyes. He wants to rule Rancho Juvat and all it's occupants.
First indication of this is any food in sight is his, at least, in his mind. The cat's food is safe for now as they're behind closed doors in the master suite. The horse's are also safe being in the barn/paddock. The other dog's food as well as the human food however...
We've achieved a temporary victory in the battle of the dog food. Each of the dogs is put into a separate room with the door closed. Other than scratch marks on the doors (Beans, on the inside, they want out, on the outside, Gryndyll want's in) this seems to be working. So we'll see how this ends.
The human food is another issue. As mentioned elsewhere, I am the cook. I like to try new dishes and I enjoy the cooking process. Mrs J seems to like the results so...so be it. However, I am notorious for turning my back on a plate of something as I'm doing a different preparation.
Yep, the first clue that I screwed up is a munching sound behind me. Son of a Bitch! (Literally, so not cussing.)
Just got to have more situational awareness of the location of the canine foe in the battle space. Probably need to invite Sarge down here to install some Radar and RHAW gear.
Or something.
Finally, we've been putting the GP's outside at night. Gryndlyll barks which irritates Atticus who barks. Usually this occurs right outside our bedroom window. While Mrs J was away, this happened both nights. Little to no sleep. This morning, I logged on to Amazon and took the advice of several commenters from the aforementioned post.
The Bark Collar is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.
We'll see how Gryndyll likes it.
And...Since yesterday (Sunday) was Mrs. J's Birthday and another decade in the record books, we opened one of my Dad's Pinot Noirs. I'd inherited them when he passed. Never could bring myself to open one. Got past that hurdle, finally.
Well, Campers, its been a very unusual week since we last talked. To use an Air Force Acronym for activities and projects, it's been "Alovnv*". But, that's ok, it just takes a lot of energy out of you.
First in the order of importance. Mrs J has her PET scan Tuesday (AKA tomorrow). With the Lord's help, we'll be through this "Big Adventure" with a clean slate. Yes, I know, regular PET scan's are still in her future, to make sure the Cancer stays gone, but a clean slate will reduce a lot of familial blood pressures.
As to the Big Week, (No Sarge it isn't THE Big Week in WWII, I mean where would we find enough B-17s to reenact?) this Big Week started last Monday with the arrival of The Rev and MBD and their two children, MG and Leon. The Rev and MBD were headed to a retreat in the Colorado Mountains. I believe it was church related and his parents attended also. The retreat started Tuesday and ended Saturday. So, with travel, Monday through Sunday.
Suffice it to say, having a 3 year old and an 8 month old in the house is a challenge. It's even more so with a 69 year gap between the youngest and oldest persons in the house. Sleep? We don't need no steenkin' sleep. Parents flew in today, Sunday as I'm writing this, Responding to comments tomorrow may be delayed somewhat. I intend to sleep.
All that having been said, I was very impressed with the 3 year old. Emotions and Self-control aren't up to maturity, but her intellect is pretty far up there.
She's gonna go far!
The 8 month old spends the majority of the day sleeping, but he's got a pretty good sense of humor as well as a need to explore. Yes, Mrs J and I have a hand off protocol when one or the other of us needs to do something.
He gave himself a shiner last Tuesday when we were watching TV. He walked up the the coffee table in front of the sofa, stumbled and fell on the corner. Fortunately, the corner was well rounded, but, nevertheless, we were concerned.
It's healing up nicely though.
You may have seen the Uniform that is required on the property, but just in case, let's take a look.
Yep, coming out in a flying helmet. He's also a pretty good eater for 8 months old. Most of it goes in his mouth.
Most of it!
Most went into his mouth, some went on the floors where 5 patient dogs were acting as floor cleaners. The rest went on his skin, clothes and tray. Cleaning the kitchen after meals takes a bit longer than it did week before last. Oh Well!
But, Mrs J and I as well as the rest of the family are ready for a bit o sleeping catch up.
Peace out, y'all! I'm going to catch an afternoon nap.
*A lot of velocity no vector. AKA we were going hard and fast and getting nowhere.
Well, Campers, another week in the books. I don't know about y'all, but I did enjoy Tuna and Sarge's reminiscing posts. Lot's of pictures and personal history that made them into the men they are.
'Splains a lot, doesn't it? (Yes, Beans, we're waiting for your version of the posting subject with bated breath). But, truthfully, one can read those and see how they got where they are.
All I can say is "Well done, Gentlemen!"
So, that outta the way, a quick update on the biggest thing in my life right now. Mrs J will get her next to the last chemo treatment this Friday. I think she handling it like a trooper, but each one gets a little more difficult to handle and some of the side effects are, well, difficult and not to be discussed in public.
Her Doctors are pleased with the results so far and we will be transitioning from chemo to radiation mid-March.
Again, Thanks to all y'all for the prayers and the kind words you've posted. They are very appreciated. While things are going well, we ain't out of the woods yet, so please continue.
We did get a bit of good news, or at least the starting point of good news, recently. Little J is, in fact, going to be assigned to Great Britain the summer. While, not officially approved yet, the probability of Miss B joining them is starting to look better and better.
She really is doing well on a lot of developmental fronts. Her vocabulary is improving daily, and while it's not really quite accurate ("Gog" being her version of a Canine but she does use it on all 6 or ours, so there's progress there).
Again, we're hopeful and prayerful that things will work out.
On the woodworking front, I got The Rev's birthday present finished this past week. His birthday isn't until mid-April, but it was a fun, yet, challenging project and I wanted extra time in case disaster happened. It didn't, Thank You, Lord!
No, Beans, he reads this blog, I'm not going to show pictures or give any hints. At least not until mid-April.
But, since it's done, I've got some time on my hands and, as the adage goes "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop." I've been researching other project ideas.
One of which is "Inside Out Ornaments". This looks like it might be pretty challenging, but since I won't need to produce a product until Christmas, I may (emphasis on "MAY") be able to pull it off
As has been written about before, when my Sister passed, we inherited her 3 dogs, a Golden Retriever and two Great Pyrenees. That brings our menagerie up to 6 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses. Unfortunately, the two GP's, being herding dogs, pretty much think they rule the roost. The two cats haven't left our bedroom since the GP's moved in in July. The three oldest dogs, the golden, the dachsund and Transylvanian Wolfhound are pretty much afraid of them. When they don't act the way the GP's seem to want them to, The GP's bark, snap and have bitten holes in ears.
I've had blood drawn trying to get them off their target. 2 minutes later, the GP's are meek as lambs. I've escorted them outside (which has resulted in a bit of bleeding on my part), and as long as the weather's ok, that's where they stay. We've put feelers out to some ranchers in the area as our Vet says they are bred specifically for herding and protection of the herd missions. Hopefully, some solution will present itself.
Please, Lord!
And another Milestone has been reached.
My 2016 Ford F-150 turned 130K Saturday. Still running great (Knock on wood). Think she's a keeper. (Yes, Beans, I know. It was a straight, flat, country road with no traffic. A scene in one of my groaner movies1 comes to mind. "...There was no danger...And broke a major rule of engagement..." Mea culpa!)
But, one final bit of good news and the reason this post was written Saturday is MBD, MG and León are coming for a visit. They should be arriving Sunday afternoon and will be staying for a few days. Really looking forward to that visit. Hopefully, it will restore some feeling of normalcy in Mrs J and my life right now.
Other than that...it is what it is and will be what will be.
I leave you with this. I like their music although they were some pretty screwed up folks back in the day.
Well, Campers, it's been a busy week. Mrs. J has been slowly getting the house ready for the familial invasion starting this next week. The pick up of Little J last week went well. He's now able to sleep through until about 4AM and doesn't necessarily need a nap in the afternoon.
However, just because HE doesn't need a nap doesn't mean that Miss B doesn't, so he tends to take one at the same time. Frankly, I'm jealous. LJW also seems to be a bit less stressed now that he's home. I can understand that.
On a related stanza in the song of my life nowadays, we are in the process of moving his family into my Sister's house on the property. It's quite a bit bigger, and although a mobile home, is much nicer than the cabin they've been living in for a year. With a little bit of luck, they'll be together in their next assignment sometime next year, but this should be a bit nicer quarters in the meantime.
Once they've moved into the new temporary home, we'll do a little bit of renovating on the cabin and return it to the B&B role it had before. Got to keep the Turista's happy and divest them of a bit of vacation cash.
Ain't America Great!
In the ongoing "I'm not the Executor, dammit, I'm the Administrator" saga, I am meeting with my lawyer as you are reading this. We're getting closer to closure on this excruciatingly painful period. My Sister's car is all but sold. I've got the cash in hand, but...
You knew there had to be a "but" dinch'a?
When we went through my Sister's papers, I found all sorts of certificates in a file, so I grabbed that file and put it safely away in my file cabinet at home. We're leaving to meet to exchange paper with the buyer and I search the file for the title.
You know what's next don't you?
All sorts of official papers in that file, except one. I asked my Sister several times that day to tell or show me where the title was as I searched her house for it. For some reason, she declined to reply.
So, off to the Courthouse. "Yes, Sir, for $42.50, we can get you a new title. You'll receive it in the mail in about two weeks." Fortunately, the buyer is a friend and knows where I live. She said "Keep the money cause it'll burn a hole in my pocket". So, thankfully, that bump in the road is not the Grand Canyon.
Yet.
On the Mrs. J front. She's doing ok, not great. A daily nap and reasonable bed time have helped. And the good news is she's finished her second cycle of Chemo (4 to go). The Doctors involved gave her an early Christmas Present. This time, she's got a two week recovery period instead of just a single one. No meds, no infusions, nothing but rest, recover and regain strength for two weeks!
I suspect that all involved in the process are celebrating Christmas and that might have had an impact on the scheduling. I'm ok with that, Mrs. J is also. Thank you Lord and Happy Birthday.
On the Dog Front.
Well, the melding of two dog families (three in each) has been an adventure. We've had to make a lot of compromises on all three fronts, the human front, the Black Dog front and the inherited dog front.
The Inherited dog front. L to R. Gryndll, Bentley, Atticus
The Inherited Dog Front are, based on size and age, expecting to be ruling the roost. As my Sister's sole duties were working and feeding the dogs that expectation could be understood. However my Sister's house is completely fenced in, so they're used to being outside when she's at work. Unfortunately, due to a poor fence design on my part, our fence has one gate and the fenced in area includes the garage. So, if we need to leave the house, we need to open that gate. Since the dogs love to explore our 40 acre property, they gleefully make a beeline for the open gate. Consequently, I've learned an awful lot about the layout and topography of the property as well as how effective Mesquite needles are at drawing blood. My duty for this week is to find someone who can fix this fence for less than a brazillian dollars.
But, it also has had an impact on the other dogs, making them a bit timid about going to "do their thing". Sometimes they're even artistic about it. For example, I don't think Rembrandt could do this as well as Annie did.
Dad! When I say I need to go pee, I need to go pee...NOW!
Oh well, I've gotten pretty efficient about cleaning up things lately.
On a separate note, I got invited to Lunch with the Old Gang from the IT department in the school district. Of the 5 people who attended, only one was still with the district. The last replacement they hired is getting paid $14/hour. That should tell you something about how things are going. Holy Crap! Only $2240 per month before taxes and such!
No wonder only one is left. That having been said, it was very nice seeing them and telling "Remember when..." stories. The one remaining at the school, gave me a small present. I had had it hanging over my desk when I worked there, but forgot it when I left.
I think it fits nicely on the door to my workshop, helps me get in the proper mood and relax.
I just figured out that next week's post will be on Christmas. Hope all y'all (especially you, Beans) have been especially good this year.
God bless us one and all!
Peace out Y'all!
*Just learned that another of my Heroes passed. Don Pardo of the Famous "Pardo's Push" has entered Valhalla. Never met you, but your story influenced me tremendously.
Hey juvat! Since you're reading this, I'll just give a subtle reminder that today is your anniversary. You'll be in College Station, take Mrs J somewhere nice for dinner.
Just sayin'.
It's been a very educational week since we last spoke. Early on in the week, I got to explore the entire perimeter of our property, almost a mile. Yes, I met my steps goal for the day, prior to lunch I might add.
When we built the new house, we had three, inside, dogs. As mentioned in previous posts that has now grown to 6 dogs, 4 of whom are large. Upon the advice of several of Sarge's readers, our 2 Great Pyrenees (GPs to use Suz's acronym), now spend a great deal of time outside. Mostly at night. Sleep is a wonderful thing.
However there is one downside to that.
This would be the view from our garage. The view includes three of my favorite things. My Truck, My workshop and my Barbecue Pit. Beans will no doubt coin a new verse to a Sound of Music song at this point.
Back on target, juvat!
On Target, Aye, Sarge.
Most of our readers will note that the only way to enter the house is through that gate which opens into the yard. That gate opens and shuts many times per day. I feed the horses, visit my workshop, go check the mail, go to HEB on and on.
It wouldn't surprise me if it opened and shut a couple of hundred times a day, which hadn't been a problem since our first 3 dogs were inside dogs. As mentioned above, 2 of the new ones are outside dogs.
So, there I was, heading to my workshop. Opened the garage door, hit the gate opener and the largest GP (Atticus) calmly walks out the gate. As he did so, he glanced over his shoulder, wagged his tail and barked an invitation to go for a walk.
Which we did although the closest I got was maybe a hundred feet to him. Learned/relearned a lot along the way. First, our property line fence is in generally good shape. I do know where both Whitehead and Axis deer enter and leave our property however. Useful info should I ever take up hunting. I relearned a very important lesson, that Mesquite trees have thorns and that my Blood Thinner meds are very effective at helping me bleed. Especially from the scalp. I think I could be a shoe in for a role in a horror movie.
Anyhow, after Atticus lead me completely around the perimeter, he then walked up to the gate and patiently waited for me to rejoin with him and open it, so he could go drink some water.
The episode reminded me of a back burner plan I'd had to modify the fence and the gate. I would fence in the two sides of the driveway and put gates on them. The garage would open to the driveway and no gate needed.
So, we looked for a fence builder online. Got a quick answer and a visit. Explained what I wanted. He did some quick figuring and said he could start the following week. I asked the really pertinent question and coulda swore he said 3 to 4 hundred dollars. I said let's do it. I also told him of another project involving fencing. I wanted a couple of thousand feet of fencing so the horses could graze and not be able to exit the property. Told him this was a ways down the road but would like a ball park figure to start budgeting for. He said ok.
Little while later, I get a ding on my phone. It's him. Quotes me a price of $3800. I ask him to confirm that is for the future project.
Yep, Beans, you guessed it. The quote was for my little 50' fence. Suffice it to say, "Thanks, but No Thanks" were the next words out of my mouth.
So, I think pounding t-posts and manhandling cattle panels is in my near term future.
But our project du jour will require us to head to College Station for a few days. MBD and The Rev have done quite a bit of excellent renovation work on their house and we're going to visit to see what we can do to help them finish. MBD and Future Grandson are getting close to the big event. Rightfully so, they'd like to avoid strenuous activities as much as possible.
Part of my role is working on a live edge mantle for their fireplace. Got all that I can do, without actually being there, done. Got the template made for hanging it. Just got to mount the brackets on the wall and stain it to their wishes and it'll be done.
The blue line is "The Target"
So, as I said, been busy, ups and downs, successes and not quite successes, exploration and learning. In short...SNAFU!
Miss B had an overnight visit to the Hospital this week. In this case, it was a planned visit to take a test. As we discussed a couple of weeks ago, she had pulled the oxygen tube out of her nose and slept through the night without the O2 Level tester's alarm going off. Her parents discussed that with her pulmonologist who ordered up a sleep apnea test. I've had a couple of those, no big deal. You go to sleep and they've got a tester on you that keeps track of your O2 level.
Well, according to the Doctor that monitored the test, she passed with flying colors. Of course, as with any bureaucracy, the data has to undergo review and the review has to undergo review and...and...and... So we won't know for sure for a while, but looks good so far.
And, of course, assuming she passed, then the gummint gets involved and has to decide if she and her mom can go overseas and be reunited as a family.
So, my prayers are now several Thank You's and a Please.
It's always something, ain't it?
On a different note, after the events of the past month, Mrs. J made an executive decision that the Family needed a getaway vacation. So, she did a little surfing and found a nice large home that had been turned into a B&B. It was named "The Jungle Haus"
A little kitsch-y perhaps
OK, maybe not a "little".
But it had 5 bedrooms and a dining table that sat 8. We had grand plans to go visit some new wineries, go out to eat, you know...Do that vacation thing. It has been a while.
Well, Mrs J had a diabolical plan for the weekend. It involved...
It being July in Texas, our plans to go out and about devolved quite quickly.
Miss B needed a little bit of encouragement but she and entourage were first in.
Shortly after this shot, the photographer (yours truly of course) decided to join them. Yes, Beans, the water was cool, not cold, and quite pleasant. Time passed quickly and by the time the College Station team arrived the desire to go out to dinner had waned. Take out pizza, wine and Mrs J's knockout cookies were the end to a perfect day.
Cabernet and Chocolate Chip Cookie? A match made in Heaven!
The following morning allowed me some time to explore the back yard a bit.
A nice little reading room with a Tuk-Tuk parked out front, but looks are deceiving.
I think Tuk-Tuk, in the original Thai, means Bar! However, it was a little early for enjoying a bar, so I continued my exploration.
Swing Sets sure have come a long way from when I played on them. Unfortunately, I'm too old for it and the grand kids are too young, so it didn't get much use. Further on in the tour, I came upon this.
Thought it was just a jungle themed storage shed. Nope!
It's a reading/play room for kids. Thought that was pretty cool.
About this time, MBD, The Rev and MG had arisen and I resumed my duties as swimming observer.
Even Miss B's Dad got involved.
Time passed fairly quickly and soon I had to turn in my Lifeguard whistle and don my Chef's Toque. Dinner was Juicy Grilled Shrimp Kabobs and Grilled Corn with Feta Cheese and Chive Butter. Quite delicious, quick to cook and, being cooked on the Barbecue, easy to clean up. Perfect Vacation Menu.
I did get a little time for a side trip. I decided I'd do a drive by of the Boyhood home of the third worst President in my lifetime.
Joe and Barry being #1 and #2 and compared to those two, Lyndon is a distant third.
Before we knew it, it was Saturday and we had one more task, vis a vis my Sister, to accomplish.
Grindle on the left, Bentley on the right were hers, Cooper at the top was adopted from MBD. Oskar, Annie and Atticus are around...somewhere.
Since Lisa's roommate has moved, we've adopted Lisa's dogs. We're now a 6 dog, 2 cat family. My sanity is in danger.
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