Azeala Trail

Today Thelma and I went on the Azalea trail at Tyler , TX. We saw some of the most beautiful flowers Here are some of them

This is a house turned into a museum. They had a bunch of azaleas here

Here is the front of the house. Well maybe mansion would be a better word for it. It was closed when we were there Said they would be back at 1:00 It was just a little after 11:00 when we were there.

Here is Thelma setting on the front porch in front of some azaleas.


Here is a rose for you  Some more to follow

The first one is taken in a couples back yard. They let people walk back there and take pictures.

Another cheap house.  Boy somebody had money down here.

Azalea Tour   Here is the rest of the pictures aI took today I think there pretty good.  That's it for tonight  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

Pictures uploaded

Here is the link to all of the pictures I took this winter. After you get there just look at all of them. The link takes you to the San Antonio Zoo  Hope this works We are here in Mineola for the Yars rally. Leave on Friday to head home. Did laundry this morning. We have good wifi here at the civic center so uploaded all the pictures  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

We have moved

We are in Mineola, TX. We got here around 11:30 I think. We will be here till Friday morning and then leave for North Little Rock. I spent the afternoon sorting pictures. The air card here is really slow. Have a hard time doing anything. I think we have wifi in the building so tomorrow I think I will use it to upload some pictures or go to Mickey Ds which is in the next block. We are going to do laundry and hope then we can get through till we get home. We have tomorrow free and also Wed. So have  a lot of time to catch up on sleep.  Well that is it for tonight  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

A lot has happened

Boy have we been busy. Today is the last day. We have entertainment tonight and then the parade. This is where every state that is here marches across the stage and makes a bunch of noise. That will be the end. Last night was the King and Queen contest. A couple from Iowa won Conn. was runner up. We also had a lady as entertainment and also a reception for the King and Queen. Yesterday they did bean bag baseball and I forget what else. We had church this morning and then the drawing for our place in the parade. I drew # 1. So we will march behind Iowa as they have the new king and queen. I will take pictures of all of them. At noon they had a luncheon for all the workers. We are going out with the Indiana group for supper later this afternoon. We leave tomorrow morning for Mineola which is about 30 miles away for a mini rally. Be there till Fri and then start back to Ft Wayne. Figure to get back about Thurs or Fri. Hope it warms up. We might freeze otherwise. Well that s it for today. I will post tomorrow when we get to the next place.  Later Ron Thelma and Eli

Well almost over

We have two more days and then it is over. We have had a great time. I am doing it this afternoon as it seems I don't have time at night. Yesterday we had our first dinner that is included with what we pay. Here is the spread. We had sliced chicken and beef brisket. Cole slaw and potato salad some kind of cooked beans sorta like baked beans but not what we have. Also drink and roll.  It was good. Thelma brought a little chicken back for Eli. Here is the spread They were all pretty good. Here is a shot of a skit that some did. It was called Ma and Pa's camping trip

This morning they had the Red Hat luncheon They had one red hatter that was really ugly Here she is

The man was singing when she came out  Boy not sure where she came from. Well that is it for tonight. Just about ready for supper then back to the building for more entertainment. Tomorrow night we find out who our new Retiree King and Queen is. Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

Missed last night

Boy yesterday was a long day. We had a meeting last night at least I did. It was for Campvention 2011 in Ladson SC. It lasted till about 10:45. By the time I got back I was ready for bed Here are a few pictures from Tues and Wed. nights entertainment

This is Gordy and Debi They are a husband and wife that preform  in Branson in the summer and down in the valley during the winter. We heard them a couple of years ago at Sedalia for Campvention

this is Gordy singing to a lady from Michigan that we are friends with Her husband went on stage with Debi.

This is our coordinators for the rally They were dancing to some of Gordy and Debi's music They are great to work with. We have enjoyed getting to know them.

This is Sarah Getto. She is a great entertainer. She has been blind since birth but has gone to collage for music. You would not believe the voice she has. We have heard here in Sedalia Mo and also last year down at Louisville, Ky. At the rally. 
 I though I would post this afternoon as I might not have time tonight. We have 3 more days. I can't believe it is almost over already. We have a catered dinner tonight at 5 So need to get ready for that.
Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

A busy day

This will be short tonight Just got back to the trailer from entertainment. It was great Yes Paul I meant they did not make it to the meeting. Things went well for our Hospitality for our King and Queen. Had a  lot of people come through the line. I will try and get some pictures on here tomorrow. I am tired and ready to go to bed Tomorrow is another busy day. Not sure how many pictures I have taken I need to look. I have part of them on the computer but not today's yet. Well Tomorrow is another day See you then   Later  Ron Thelma and Eli

Tomorrow we start in earnest

I took some pictures today. Mostly it was of the Chairpeople. We had a meeting this morning and I did it after that. Then Thelma and I went to the laundry She did the clothes and I took the truck across the driveway and washed it. It was so dirty from the dust down here. I have never been in a place so dry. They sure could use some rain. Yes Bob the Monce's made it here this afternoon. Not sure exactly what time. I was sitting at the computer working on pictures when I seen a little class c go by and pull in right behind us. I thought that looks like Don's unit sure enough it was. We have chatted some. This afternoon we also had a meeting with some of the Indiana people here. A couple went to sleep in their campers and didn't make it. Tomorrow I will start taking a lot of pictures. A couple of things took place today that I will explain more about later. It pertains to next year's retiree rally. So far it is going great. We enjoy visiting with all our friends here. I think I do more than Thelma. She is a little laid back. Oh I am too. LOL. Well Guess that's it for tonight  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli.

An enjoyable day

Well today was a nice day. We had a church service this afternoon when our chaplain arrived. They had been to the board meeting in Dallas so didn't get here till later. We also had a short meeting for all the workers. Tomorrow we have a chairman's meeting at 8 in morning. I am taking pictures of all the chairman. Thelma is going to do the scrap book. They talked her into it. Tues is when it all starts . Will be busy for a few days. Not much else new tonight. Maybe tomorrow I will put some pictures up here. Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

Canton Texas

Well we made it here. Got here about 2:30 or so I think. Got set up and then went and registered. Had a friend come and visit for awhile. We then visited up in the building with some from Indiana that are here. We will have about 12 here I think. Will find out tomorrow I think for sure who all is coming. Tomorrow we have church in the morning and then a meeting for all workers. I will have a meeting every morning at 8. Boy I hate getting up that early. Think I will go to the meeting and then will eat breakfast afterward. It is only 915 here but I am about ready for bed. I think the driving tires me out. Not sure how long we were on the road today . At least 6 hrs maybe more. Well that is it for tonight  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli who is probably not looking forward to this rally. Yes he liked the steak. 

Georgetown Texas

We got here about 12>30 or so and got set up. Ate some lunch and Thelma did 2 loads of laundry. The laundry was free. Can't beat that. After she got done we into town which was about 7 miles away and went to the Cotton Patch Cafe. It was really good food. Thelma and I both had steaks Mine a 9 oz and hers a 6oz. I brought part of mine home. Eli will get part of that. We need to micro it a bit as it is a little too red for him. We also had some chips and salsa. Brought part of that home too. We both have taken showers and are ready to go in the morning for Canton. We will be there for a week from next Monday when we leave for Mineola. Well that is is for tonight. I tried to upload some pictures Got one album uploaded but having trouble getting another one done. Maybe have to go to a Mickey D's and use their wifi. Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

Last day

Well this is it Tomorrow we leave for northern parts. We will go to Georgetown for one night and then to Canton for the Retiree Rally. Today we went to the zoo. Boy what a trip. It is spring break down here and I think most of the people are staying here and doing stuff in town. They were packed. They said yesterday they had 17,000 people go through. Tonight they said about 15,000. Yea I believe them. Here are some pictures from our visit

The pink flamingos Stretching his wings

Komodo dragon if I remember right. Boy we saw so many animals. This is a great zoo

The Geiko He wouldn't turn around for me.

This is a squirell but can't remember what kind it is. We bought Eli one just like it the other day . Oh his was stuffed.

This is a fishing cat. They will go in the water to catch fish

Spotted leapard I think.

This is a scarlet ibid Look at the beak on this one

Amethyrst Starling

This is a parakeet Ringed neck

Now the Bird of America A bald eagle. There was supposed to be two of them but could only find one of them

Okay A couple of things I forgot the other night. We did not see CC the alamo cat. She is 15 yrs old and wasn't feeling well so was down in the voulunteers lounge. I talked to a lady there and she told me. Sop Barb we did not see her. Also to Ananomous. If you click on the picture you will see it is the Crockett Hotel. We did see the other one Saw a little inside it. Well We have had a great time here Wish we had more time. Some friends spent a month here a couple of years ago. Now I know why. Well that is it for tonight. Tomorrow we are to have good wifi so I will upload the pictures that I have taken here and down south in the Valley. I hope we have a little more room there.  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

A busy and tiring day

This morning we got up at 7:30 Ate breakfast let Eli out and started for town. We got to town about 8:45. Went to the Alamo first. Fairly short line They opened at 9. This building is considered a shrine so no  pictures inside.

This is the front. I took this when we left The line goes down the street and around the corner. It is spring break here and I think everybody came here. After walking through the grounds where we saw some beautiful flowers that are in bloom

Not sure what these are but they were vining on a fence. Thelma said she used to put them on here fingers for finger nails

This is the back side of the Alamo  This was originally a church or mission as they called it. From here we went to the river walk. We had tickets for a boat ride on the river

Here is the type of boat that we rode on. It was nice Following are some of the pictures I took. Wish we could have gotten a front seat. It would have been easier to get some pictures

Here is a shot of the Tower of Americas. We went on it after lunch and took the trolley tour to it

Here is a face on one of the buildings that we passed on the boat. It had these all around it

Here is a snowy egret that was on the place where they turned around to head back down river.
From here we ate lunch at Chili's  on the river Should have gotten a picture. We ate inside as it was a little cool today. It warmed up later After lunch we got on the trolley and head to the tower. Next up Shots from up on top

Not sure what this building is but it has a neat roof.

Here is the Alomodome. It is not used for much anymore. They tried to get a pro football team but so far no luck. They still have the Alamo bowl in it every year. Also some high schools use it.
Now for the last one for tonight Not sure why they call this hotel what they do. Just because it is across from the Alamo

Well that is it for tonight. Tomorrow we will get Eli groomed in the morning and Then do Walmart Thursday we are planning on the Zoo. I just love them. Friday we leave and go farther north for about 130 miles or so. Stay there Fri night and then to Canton on Sat. Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

Traders Village

Today we went to Traders Village. This is like a flea market but mostly new stuff. I bought a new western type belt and we got a couple of Prickly Pear Cactus plants. One for us and one for Gary's. I will have to take a picture of them. They are riding in the truck for right now. We did a lot of walking. We got home about 3 and sat and read the paper. Tomorrow we are doing laundry in the morning and then not sure what we will do after that. Tues we are going to the Alamo and the river walk and boat ride. The boat ride is already paid for. We hope to make the Zoo on Thurs. Wed. morning Eli has appointment to get clipped. He is getting really shaggy. He will look like a new boy. We will probably go to Walmart tomorrow after laundry is done. Oh this morning they had all the pancakes and waffles and sausage or bacon you could eat for 4.00. Not bad. Wish they did that every morning. Tomorrow I will cook breakfast again. Well That is it for tonight. Didn't take any pictures today. Later all Ron Thelma and Eli

A busy day

I missed yesterdays post. I was so tired last night that I didn't do it. Yesterday after breakfast we went to downtown San Antonio. We parked by the Alamo. We went to the visitors center and bought tickets to ride a trolley around town. You can get off and on at different places. We did the San Jose Mission

We have a couple of more to see if we can before we leave. This one is being restored at the church so we could not go in it.

This is the front of the church. This mission was used way back when Spain occupied what is now Texas. They got the Indians to come and stay here and build this mission. This is owned by the National Park Service.

This is some kind of cactus. Don't know what it is. But I like it I need a book on this flower stuff.

Here is a building in downtown San Antonio. I don't know what it is because we were a couple of blocks away Used the telle lens.

Now today we went to a breakfast here at the resort. They had Biscuits and gravy,  two eggs they way you want them two sausage patty's and coffee for 4 bucks apiece. Couldn't beat that. Thelma only ate one egg and brought the other back for Eli. He wouldn't eat it from her but did from me. He is so funny that way anymore. We then went to a wildlife ranch about 15 miles or so away. We really enjoyed this. You drive through the place. We went around two times. Here are some pictures

Think these are some kind of antelope. Twins I would say Momma is standing behind them. They were so cute Could have just put them in the truck and brought them home.

This guy stood right in front of the truck and would not move. He finally came around to my door and I reached out and fed him some pellets that they gave us. There were a lot of these on the ranch

Here are some lemur monkeys on the island. Playing around. They were funny jumping on each other.

Here is a flower on the grounds. I don't know what it is Was pretty though

Here is another one. This was a pretty neat place.

Another one Wish I knew flowers better. That's about it for today Tomorrow we are going to Traders World. I think it is a big flea market. We will go see the Alamo itself this coming week On forgot to say that on Friday we saw an IMAX movie on the Alamo. It was about the fighting for the Alamo. Was really good. Made you feel like you were right in the middle of it. Okay later all.  Ron Thelma and Eli

Fort Clark Pictures

https://picasaweb.google.com/ronstan67/FortClarkBraketvilleTX?feat=directlink

Here is a link to the pictures at Fort Clark Springs Lot of wildlife Also pictures taken along the road. Tomorrow we are going to the Alamo and the Imax Theater across the street. Not sure what else. We have to much to do and not enough time. If we were twenty years younger it would help. But then we would still be working and not able to do this. Hope the link works I need to learn how to put on here that it is Fort Clark and when you would click on it it will take you to the Picasa site. I new how once. But forgot. Today we went to walmart just up the road. Got some groceries. We were running low on some stuff. Got some meat and veggies. Also strawberries and angel food cake to put them on.  Well that's it for tonight. Oh Eli I don't think even saw the turkeys. He just went potty and then right back in. Good thing or he would have scared all the wildlife away. Later All Ron Thelma and Eli

Elmendorf TX

We got here south of San Antonio about 12:15 this afternoon. The spots are really tight I need to take a picture so you can see. They have some other spots that are not as narrow. Don't know how you get them. This morning when I was getting ready to take Eli  out Thelma looked out the window and said look at all the turkeys. So I put a leash on Eli and grabbed my camera and went out Here is the result

I have a lot more There were about 28 of them I think Then when I looked around the truck here is what I saw

Think is Momma and here kids. Maybe One is smaller than the other. Didn't see any bucks
We enjoyed the wild life here The fort thing was not what we thought we would see.  These deer are whitetail like we have back home we also saw some other deer Monday evening at the golf course. Here is some of them

These are Axis deer. There were about 20 of them on the golf course. They were eating everywhere.  Probably the only green grass around as everything is dry. We went to Del Rio on Tues afternoon. We did not have time to see everything  Here is a picture from down there

In the center is a butterfly. It was hard to see and photograph. He kept moving from bush to bush. Well guess that's about it for tonight. I'm using the air card as the wifi is not very good They have cable here too but couldn't get the TV in the living room to pick it up Not sure what is with that. It worked at the campground we just left. I will have to play with it. We can get a couple of channels on the air side.That will work. Not sure what we are going to do yet tomorrow. We need to plan where we are going for the next few days.   Well that's it for tonight  Later all Ron Thelma and Eli