January 21st to January 27th 2013

January 21st    Monday

It was 53 degrees out and the sun came up so bright and sunny...  We had a breakfast this morning again with our HOC friends. There were about 14 of us.  It sure if fun to hear the tales of what had been happening since we last seen them... Of course we all have our own story and which we can add or delete what we want.   I t sounds like there are a few others that want to join us next year when we go on another cruise..Ron has the Texas Krud and is resting and trying to get over this so we can all have a good time in Mexico and on the cruise.. Dan has the cough and runny nose.  Went to Linda and Gene's for Happy hour tonight and seen Marcy's haircut.  

Also Linda's Amaryllis that is in bloom.. It is beautiful...

January 22nd   Tuesday
Another nice morning with the sun shining brightly.. 54 degrees and rising. Dan and Ron took off to run some errands and then Eileen and I went to Rockport.  I was on a mission to find a pair of dress slacks to take along on cruise.  We stopped at some shops in Old Town Rockport, and found out that the Austin General Store is closing.  The owners are retiring.  It was such a nice store with a large variety of items.
We got back to the park and I took Herbie for a walk and visited people that were sitting outside enjoying the warm sun.
Later we decided that we would go out for dinner and we went to A1 Texas Steakhouse in Portland. It was yummy.. I brought a piece of meat back for Mr. Herbie and he was happy to see me.  Kicked back for the rest of the evening.


January 23rd   Wednesday

Up early and got ready to leave for the valley.  We dropped Herbie and Molly off at Salty Dogs for boarding and then we headed South.  We had planned on stopping in Kingsville for breakfast at Big Brunch Burger only to find out that they were closed and it looked for remodeling.. So we found our way back to the Hwy and found an I-HOP. We ate and was on our way. Arrived at Don-Wes flea market.  Ron and Eileen went their way and we went ours and we met at the courtyard where the live music was.  Dan bought me a nice RED jacket with red and black beading on it.  We left and headed to the Hotel.  We stay at The Dury Inn in McAllen.  Got settled in our rooms and then met for popcorn and Pop.  They have a Kick Off dinner with free cocktails, beer or wine and good food. After dinner we went to our rooms and kicked backed and watched some TV and checked out emails.  I fell asleep again reading my book...   See  ya in the morning

January 24th  Thursday

Foggy this morning in McAllen, we are up early and ready to go for breakfast and then heading to Progresso.. This is the first time Ron and Eileen are going to Mexico other than when they were on vacations to Cozumel.

We had a great time and we walked the streets (2-3 blocks only), went into shops.  I tried on some cowboy boots, but my instep is so high, it just did not work..  Ron bought himself a cowboy hat. He wanted to join the rest of the cowboys in town..

Stopped at the bakery for coffee and a doughnut and music.

We walked past this inside mall and Dan seen that some man was getting a pedicure and he decided that he wanted one.  So, he had gotten one.  His first one and surprising he loved it..  He is hooked and his toes looked magnicifient.  Ron did not want one, but he did get a hair cut.

Went to Jessie's Pharmacy and got our meds,

and then went to Disco and bought a few trinkets. Stopped at the Vet pharmacy and Eileen got some meds for the dogs and Ron went to the leather shop and bought a new Harley vest.  Went to Arturo's for lunch. After wards we headed back across the boarder.

January 25th  Friday
Here we are, finishing up all the last minute details and getting ready to leave in the morning for Galveston.. Went out for dinner. Not much else happening.


January 26th   Saturday
Up again early and got things all ready to go to Galveston.  All the luggage was in the truck, Herbie was all packed and ready to go to Salty Dog's  I feel really confident that he will have a good time.  His girlfriend Molly will be there and also will Marcela.. Seeing Herbie is a Mommy dog, he tried to give me those sad eyes..  I gave him a hug and kisses and off we went.

We are staying at the Water's Edge Hotel tonight, so we can get to the ship early.. It was nice rooms and great price compared to the rest of them.


January 27th   Sunday
Had a great continental breakfast and off we went..

We are in Galveston,  heading for The Carnival Magic,  which is going to the warm waters of The Caribbean..  

It was cool and windy in Galveston and I did not have a sweater or jacket.  Had to wait until we left port and were in international waters when the shops opened up so I could buy a sweat shirt..
Now the fun begins, trying to find my way around the ship.  I was getting the bow and stern confused..  Our rooms were on the 7th floor, just below the bow..
Now the fun begins....