Merry Christmas from Bandera, TX

This week has been stationery as we had planned to stay in Bandera through Christmas before moving on. We've taken it slow, done a little shopping, toured the countryside (including Medina Lake) and even done a little country-western dancing which we used to love. Our boots are loosening up again and we are convincing ourselves that this would be great exercise!

Tomorrow we will go to San Antonio to stay with my mom and dad on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Mom and I have planned a special feast that includes Beef Wellington and healthy side dishes. Calories are banned during the dessert, however!

So on 12/26 our travels resume. We will be heading west on I-10 and staying in Alpine, TX for about a week. My brother, Bob and his wife, Cindy will be joining us for the first couple of days and acting as tour guides. The McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis and the lights in Marfa on definitely on the agenda. We also plan to do a day trip to Big Bend while we are there. After that, we plan to travel north to the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico then will turn south and head for the Rio Grande Valley and the tip of Texas. There, we will join up with Dean's brother and his wife in Donna, TX. As the plans get a little more firm, I will furnish dates and better details.

By popular demand, I am also reporting on the progress of the third member of our family. Molly is a 5-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (big name, little dog) who thinks the motor home is her castle and we are her subjects. She is an excellent traveler who rarely lets us out of her sight. She doesn't seem to mind the change in venue but is having a little trouble adjusting to doing her business on the grass instead of concrete and pavement. After all, she was raised as a city dog; this country life offers a little too much freedom for her taste! If technology allows, I will post a picture of her.

Meanwhile, we hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday. Our hugs and best wishes are with you all!