From Polka Fest to Mardi Gras!

Our traveling life has been a little slow these last few months, but don't worry!  The days just keep flying by with small adventures and good quality time with family and friends. The first of February we made a move out to the San Bernard River to our friends' river lot. Thanks Donna and Greg!  Now it seems like we're camping once again.  Ron, bless his heart, is following through on his commitment to work a small turnaround at the refinery. He should finish up mid-March and we will be glad to get back to traveling and exploring.  The good thing is that I'm having a blast spending this extra money!  It's all going to either (a) doctor bills (yes the old ankle is healing well) and insurance premiums and (b) our epic upcoming Alaska trip - making reservations and buying new "toys".

And this is a benefit of life on a river!

One of the things I enjoy watching go by on the river are the tugs pushing the tankers up the river to the Phillips Terminal.  Here's a couple of pictures to give you an idea of the river we are on (can't compare to a Texas clear, tumbling river) and the size of the barge.

Headed for the terminals upriver.

This can be a busy river sometimes, especially on weekends with skiers.

One Sunday we struck out to Taiton Hall for their polka fest.  I have really missed going to these.  Here's what we always observe, and what I love about these things.  Observation will show that a large majority of those that attend arrive and park in the handicap parking places. They shuffle slowly up the ramp (not the steps) into the hall. Then a miracle happens!  Those canes and walkers are discarded and these folks can dance!  They will waltz, polka, two and three step around the floor just as smooth as ever.

All ages come here to have a great time!

At this event, there were 3 bands that performed. They were all good and they all had different styles.  We were even honored to have the Polka King and Queen there, along with the Polka Prince and Princess.  The polka dance club is a big thing!

On a Saturday we went to La Casona, not necessarily to eat but we did. One of the local bands we like was playing!  Triple Play consists of 3 really great people!  Fred was my journalism teacher back in my high school days. Later on in life when I worked as the technology coordinator for the district, he became my boss.  Was a really great time!

Carol and James have a great time.

Donna what kind of tea is that? Oh, "technology tea". The best!

Gary, Cindy and Fred. The best.

And then there was Super Bowl! We hung out with Ron's twin Don and wife Rene'. We had a great menu!  Jalapeños with cheese wrapped in axis back strap, pulled pork nachos and wings!  And beverages.  It was a really great game.

What a feast, even if on a Christmas plate!

Aiden is playing basketball so on Saturdays we get to go watch him.  He's good! I have to say that my grandkids are both artistic (thanks to their moms). Check out these Valentine boxes!

Went to a crawfish boil and had a blast visiting with old friends!

Our Texas weather has just been crazy.  I am glad we won't be here this summer.  It's hot already. Can't imagine this summer. We headed to Galveston Island to watch some of the Mardi Gras parades. They are pretty colorful, very entertaining, and the safest way to catch beads!!!  We stayed at the State Park on the island.

My "score"!

Lots and lots and lots of bands!

Everyone gets beads!

Loved this band!!!!

Our next trip will be back out to the hill country to catch some wildflowers, go to a few more dance halls, seek out some new breweries, get a good hamburger and spend some time on the river. Until then......

Great meal on the island! Glad we split the plate!

Making kolaches with the last of the apricots from Capitol Reef.

Trail rides heading into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo got in my way.

Oh and have to mention Aiden shot his first deer!