On Tom's "things I really want to do" list, going to the Alamo was one of the most important. Today we went. They have a really great plan going here. You can get a round trip ticket here at the campground for $4.00 that will take you to downtown San Antonio and back. You can also take any of the trolleys that travel around the city stopping at all of the touristy places. We left this morning about 10:30, and got home around 6:30.
We were really disappointed in the River Walk. We were expecting something different. The water was mostly drained, and it looked all muddy and filthy. We thought we would find some shops and different little places to go into and browse. All that was there were restaurants. What a let-down. We had already eaten. We walked for awhile, and then decided to do something else. I mentioned that I thought this market thing looked interesting, so we rode down to the market. Ta Da!! We found what we wanted. There was a magician. The kids were really enjoying him. The we saw a couple of mariachi bands strolling through a place to eat. Then there was a terrific pan flute player. He was accompanied by a guitar player. They were really a treat. The shops there had some cute little thing we found for Connor. Of course the post cards came home with us, too. Mom and Dad like to see them. So does Tom's mom.
The Alamo was better than we thought it would be. Tom has been a Davy Crockett fan since he was about 4 years old. He even had a coon skin cap and buck skins. Today he saw one of Davy's guns. Some of Jim Bowie's famous knives were also on display. It was neat to be in the same room where the women and children were found after the fighting was over. They even have the ring Travis gave the girl as a remembrance of the ordeal. Some folks say there is nothing great about going there. They say there is nothing but the front wall left. Not true. Some of the barracks rooms and hallways are there and some of the outside wall. Much more than we anticipated.
As I said, we ate. We ate a Pat O'Brien's. It was very similar to the one in New Orleans. Tom had gumbo and Jambalaya. I had a craw fish cake sandwich. All was very good. Just before we caught the bus to come back, we stopped and got some Blue Bell ice cream. Tom had banana split, I had some more of that great Moolenium Crunch. The perfect end of a great day.
I would be very remiss if I didn't mention that we had lunch yesterday with Ed and Hazel. Our new friends who were also volunteers at CARE. They had gone 2 1/2 weeks before we did. We were so happy to see them. They had been in Mission, TX to visit with Ed's parents. On the way back to Lampasses, where they are staying near their kids for the holidays, they were coming through San Antonio, so we made plans to go to lunch. Sometimes it happens that you meet people you feel like you've know all your life. That's how we feel about Ed and Hazel. We'll see them again in Arizona. They have a spot in Apache Junction. We might meet up in Quartzite, too.
Tonight we are feeling like we walked all day. Maybe cause we did!!! We are really pooped. It's so good to be tourists.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/DowntownSanAntonio
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Saying Good-bye and Ice Cream
Today we said good-bye to CARE. It was so easy to give hugs and kisses, but very hard to think it's the last time for quite a while. We know we'll go back next year. We're not sure right now when that will be. Some of the residents have become ill this week. They'll be in our thoughts till we know they are feeling better. Miss Ellie gave me her special kisses, so I'll be even-steven for a few days. We were off a little past 9:00 this morning.
Our first stop is in Brenham, Tx. Home of the Blue Bell ice cream factory. It's terrific ice cream!! We paid our admission, then went in the little store to buy something for Connor. We bought him a little ice cream dish shaped like an ice cream cone. I comes with a little spoon. Then our number was called, and we started the tour. It started out with a short movie telling us how the company was started, then we toured the factory. We saw how the process goes from start to finish. The best part was when we went to get ice cream at the end of the tour. I got what is called Moolennium Crunch, and Tom got White Chocolate Almond. YUMMY!!!!!
On the way home we stopped at Wal-Mart and picked up some food. We have to fix our own meals now. Of course we helped cook when we were at care, but that was different. Cooking for 2 is different from cooking for 80. We've had so much green salad that we probably won't but lettuce for about a month.
Right now we are at home hoping tomorrow will be a little warmer. It has been quite cold here. Now, I know that up north you folks are quite a bit colder, but for here it's cold. I guess I can't complain. Instead of living our lifestyle, I could be sitting home hibernating like I do every winter. This is much better. The forecast is for 60 degrees for Friday. Much better.
Tomorrow it's off to San Antonio. We hear the River Walk has been drained for cleaning. What a shame we can't see it the way it usually is. Oh well, there's always next year.
Our first stop is in Brenham, Tx. Home of the Blue Bell ice cream factory. It's terrific ice cream!! We paid our admission, then went in the little store to buy something for Connor. We bought him a little ice cream dish shaped like an ice cream cone. I comes with a little spoon. Then our number was called, and we started the tour. It started out with a short movie telling us how the company was started, then we toured the factory. We saw how the process goes from start to finish. The best part was when we went to get ice cream at the end of the tour. I got what is called Moolennium Crunch, and Tom got White Chocolate Almond. YUMMY!!!!!
On the way home we stopped at Wal-Mart and picked up some food. We have to fix our own meals now. Of course we helped cook when we were at care, but that was different. Cooking for 2 is different from cooking for 80. We've had so much green salad that we probably won't but lettuce for about a month.
Right now we are at home hoping tomorrow will be a little warmer. It has been quite cold here. Now, I know that up north you folks are quite a bit colder, but for here it's cold. I guess I can't complain. Instead of living our lifestyle, I could be sitting home hibernating like I do every winter. This is much better. The forecast is for 60 degrees for Friday. Much better.
Tomorrow it's off to San Antonio. We hear the River Walk has been drained for cleaning. What a shame we can't see it the way it usually is. Oh well, there's always next year.
Monday, December 31, 2007
A Little Bit of Christmas and Getting Ready to Leave
I know it has been a while since I posted. It is really hard to find something new to write when we don't leave the grounds. It would be pretty boring to keep telling you I cooked and visited with the residents. Although we have not been bored ourselves, folks reading the blog may well get tired of hearing of our everyday chores. So, I have waited till I have something different to tell you all.
Ed and Hazel left on the 16th, and it was terribly hard to say good-bye to them. They called us on Christmas night, and we were so pleasantly surprised. The Christmas Eve party was marvelous. Everyone had such a good time. Miss Kitty read the Christmas story, we sang carols, and played some cute games. Barbara and Jack Wade played some music for us, and Evie played her harmonica. Evie is visiting Jo and Fred Durham. She is blind, like Jo, and the 2 guide dogs would have loved some of the treats available. Everyone ate the great candies and cookies and other goodies made by all of us volunteers. The residents were all so happy we were willing to do it. Little do they know that we get more out of the doing than they get from us doing it.
Tomorrow is New Years' Day. We are having a special brunch and early supper. One of the repeat volunteers stepped up and came up with the idea. Everyone was in favor of the change in schedule. We'll have eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and all the fixings. Then at supper we will have turkey soup. We have frozen all the leftovers from Christmas, and it will all be cooked up into a great soup by Roy. Tom and I are on call all day. It's not recommended we do anything else while we are on call. We do have a few little things we need to do before we sit by the phone. All of us work really well together, so all will get done.
Today we did laundry. Lots of laundry!!!!We had 6 loads of wash to do. Then 7 dryer loads. Next came the Wal-Mart run. Just getting stuff for the trip west. We will be leaving here on Thursday morning. It will be a sad day. Saying good-bye will be very hard. So many of these precious folks may not be here when we come back. We will be back!!!! Then again some will have no memory of us at all. Like my 2 friends Miss Ellie and Miss Helen. Thanks to Miss Elie I will always be even-steven. (a kiss on each cheek) We'll go over for breakfast and then get going. We have been packing up things for a couple of days now. The tree is down and sowed under the bed. All of the Christmas things are put away. Now we are in count-down mode. We have one more day in the kitchen(Wed.), which is our last job.
We are headed for San Antonio. We will stop at the town of Brenham, where they make Blue Bell ice cream. We want to take the tour, of course. What happens after that is anyone's guess. We are so excited to be tourists. Now that we will be on the move, I will be sure to keep up with the blog so you all can all follow us around. Happy New Year to all.
Here's some Holiday Pictures. Better late than never.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/CARESPartyForResidents
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/XmasEveAtCARE
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/XmasDayAtCARE
Ed and Hazel left on the 16th, and it was terribly hard to say good-bye to them. They called us on Christmas night, and we were so pleasantly surprised. The Christmas Eve party was marvelous. Everyone had such a good time. Miss Kitty read the Christmas story, we sang carols, and played some cute games. Barbara and Jack Wade played some music for us, and Evie played her harmonica. Evie is visiting Jo and Fred Durham. She is blind, like Jo, and the 2 guide dogs would have loved some of the treats available. Everyone ate the great candies and cookies and other goodies made by all of us volunteers. The residents were all so happy we were willing to do it. Little do they know that we get more out of the doing than they get from us doing it.
Tomorrow is New Years' Day. We are having a special brunch and early supper. One of the repeat volunteers stepped up and came up with the idea. Everyone was in favor of the change in schedule. We'll have eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and all the fixings. Then at supper we will have turkey soup. We have frozen all the leftovers from Christmas, and it will all be cooked up into a great soup by Roy. Tom and I are on call all day. It's not recommended we do anything else while we are on call. We do have a few little things we need to do before we sit by the phone. All of us work really well together, so all will get done.
Today we did laundry. Lots of laundry!!!!We had 6 loads of wash to do. Then 7 dryer loads. Next came the Wal-Mart run. Just getting stuff for the trip west. We will be leaving here on Thursday morning. It will be a sad day. Saying good-bye will be very hard. So many of these precious folks may not be here when we come back. We will be back!!!! Then again some will have no memory of us at all. Like my 2 friends Miss Ellie and Miss Helen. Thanks to Miss Elie I will always be even-steven. (a kiss on each cheek) We'll go over for breakfast and then get going. We have been packing up things for a couple of days now. The tree is down and sowed under the bed. All of the Christmas things are put away. Now we are in count-down mode. We have one more day in the kitchen(Wed.), which is our last job.
We are headed for San Antonio. We will stop at the town of Brenham, where they make Blue Bell ice cream. We want to take the tour, of course. What happens after that is anyone's guess. We are so excited to be tourists. Now that we will be on the move, I will be sure to keep up with the blog so you all can all follow us around. Happy New Year to all.
Here's some Holiday Pictures. Better late than never.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/CARESPartyForResidents
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/XmasEveAtCARE
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/XmasDayAtCARE
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Coming Up On Christmas
We are well on the way to having a great holiday. With Christmas around the corner and the New Year fast approaching, we have been busy trying to get things going here and in the Center. Tom is driving folks to medical appointments, and I have been VERY busy in the kitchen. We now feed between 65 and 75 people every noon. Whether we have a cook or not. Right now we have no cook for Sunday. I have been doing the big dinner on Sunday for a couple of weeks now. Of course I have helpers, but they must think I know what I'm doing. How much food is 1200 hundred calories anyway? Oh well, no one seems to complain. On Friday I made my vegetable beef soup. It went over very well. Lots of compliments. Sunday was roast beef. That day didn't go quite so easily, but everyone of the residents was happy. We ran a little short on beef, but the volunteers all were very kind, and took only a little, and made up for it with potatoes and gravy. The menu called for brusse sprouts, but I also made a green bean casserole (my favorite), which went over better than the sprouts. We had just enough salad, and the dessert was also gone. I guess they will have to order a bigger roast next time!! I had 2 guys helping me. They were great. All in all, I think it all went well. I'm on the schedule for this coming Sunday, but I have a more experienced person helping me. Maybe I won't be as tired this time. 10 hours in the kitchen on Friday was enough for anyone.
Tom and I have started to geo cache. (geocache.com). We log onto the sight and find some clues, then go out to find it. It's kinda like a treasure hunt. When you find it you sign the log, put it back the same as you found it, and be on your way. We have found 2 so far. One hear at CARE, and one in the RV park. We have tomorrow off, and after the laundry and shopping, we would like to go into town where they have a few more. With only one day off we don't get to do much fun stuff.
Monday evening, Hazel and I went into Lufkin. We wanted to go to the Hobby Lobby. (craft store) It was the first time I have seen a Mall since I arrived in Livingston on October 28. If you want to go someplace besides Wal-Mart you have to drive about an hour. I was tickled pink. I got to use a JC Penny gift card I had, and we both had a great time.
On Saturday, Ed and Hazel took us to see the Liberty Opry. We had so much fun. It was country legends night. They were all so talented! This little girl of about 14 came out and she belted out Dolly Parton songs like you wouldn't believe. What a voice. I suspect we will be hearing about Kayla Woodson in the near future. You can check her out at Kaylawoodson.com for a sample of how good she is. All of the musician were terrific. We would go again in minute. Every Saturday night for $10.00, you can't get better entertainment.
We also went to a little sea food-steak place called Ann's. We got a great meal, and music we didn't expect to hear. Some folks were there from a near-by church. Some of the youth sang Christmas songs, as did the minister and his wife, while his brother and sister-in-law played guitar and keyboard. They food was good ole Texas cookin' at a reasonable price, and the children where just so adorable. We enjoyed ourselves so much.
As you can probably tell, we have fallen in love with these folks in east Texas. Everyone is so friendly and polite. You sit down in a doctor office waiting for one of our folks from the center, and someone you never saw before just starts talking, and before you know it you know there whole life story. They know how to take their time here. Everything is slow and easy going. Just the kind of place we have been looking for. No one is in a hurry. Unless they are driving. The speed limit here is 70 on roads that would be 50-55 at home. We just move over. They go around. Makes things interesting.
Out little tree is up, and we have lights outside. We brought some little things to decorate with from home. We look a little festive. Sometimes we only get a couple of hours to ourselves here in the motor home. At night when we come back, Tom goes on the computer, and I just sit and relax. Then we are off to bed. Tom sometimes gets up pretty early to get folks into Houston for appointments at the medical center there. So needless to say, we are pretty bushed by the time we come home at about 7:00. It's a good tired, though. We know we are doing something good, It makes us feel good and the residents feel good. That's what we are here for.
I can't believe that Hazel and Ed are leaving on Sunday. We'll certainly miss them. We have become such good friends. I feel like I've know her for ever. We have such a good time together. We work so well together, probably because we think so much of the folks here. They are headed off to spend the holidays with family, and then off to Arizona. We may catch up with them there. When they go 2 other couples leave, too. We will be short handed again, so that means more hours to put in for us that are left. I know we can make it till Jan. 4th. Then we can be tourists.
I can't believe it's been 6 months since we left home. Tom said it yesterday, and I was stunned. A whole half year! Time sure does fly when you're having fun!!!!!
Tom and I have started to geo cache. (geocache.com). We log onto the sight and find some clues, then go out to find it. It's kinda like a treasure hunt. When you find it you sign the log, put it back the same as you found it, and be on your way. We have found 2 so far. One hear at CARE, and one in the RV park. We have tomorrow off, and after the laundry and shopping, we would like to go into town where they have a few more. With only one day off we don't get to do much fun stuff.
Monday evening, Hazel and I went into Lufkin. We wanted to go to the Hobby Lobby. (craft store) It was the first time I have seen a Mall since I arrived in Livingston on October 28. If you want to go someplace besides Wal-Mart you have to drive about an hour. I was tickled pink. I got to use a JC Penny gift card I had, and we both had a great time.
On Saturday, Ed and Hazel took us to see the Liberty Opry. We had so much fun. It was country legends night. They were all so talented! This little girl of about 14 came out and she belted out Dolly Parton songs like you wouldn't believe. What a voice. I suspect we will be hearing about Kayla Woodson in the near future. You can check her out at Kaylawoodson.com for a sample of how good she is. All of the musician were terrific. We would go again in minute. Every Saturday night for $10.00, you can't get better entertainment.
We also went to a little sea food-steak place called Ann's. We got a great meal, and music we didn't expect to hear. Some folks were there from a near-by church. Some of the youth sang Christmas songs, as did the minister and his wife, while his brother and sister-in-law played guitar and keyboard. They food was good ole Texas cookin' at a reasonable price, and the children where just so adorable. We enjoyed ourselves so much.
As you can probably tell, we have fallen in love with these folks in east Texas. Everyone is so friendly and polite. You sit down in a doctor office waiting for one of our folks from the center, and someone you never saw before just starts talking, and before you know it you know there whole life story. They know how to take their time here. Everything is slow and easy going. Just the kind of place we have been looking for. No one is in a hurry. Unless they are driving. The speed limit here is 70 on roads that would be 50-55 at home. We just move over. They go around. Makes things interesting.
Out little tree is up, and we have lights outside. We brought some little things to decorate with from home. We look a little festive. Sometimes we only get a couple of hours to ourselves here in the motor home. At night when we come back, Tom goes on the computer, and I just sit and relax. Then we are off to bed. Tom sometimes gets up pretty early to get folks into Houston for appointments at the medical center there. So needless to say, we are pretty bushed by the time we come home at about 7:00. It's a good tired, though. We know we are doing something good, It makes us feel good and the residents feel good. That's what we are here for.
I can't believe that Hazel and Ed are leaving on Sunday. We'll certainly miss them. We have become such good friends. I feel like I've know her for ever. We have such a good time together. We work so well together, probably because we think so much of the folks here. They are headed off to spend the holidays with family, and then off to Arizona. We may catch up with them there. When they go 2 other couples leave, too. We will be short handed again, so that means more hours to put in for us that are left. I know we can make it till Jan. 4th. Then we can be tourists.
I can't believe it's been 6 months since we left home. Tom said it yesterday, and I was stunned. A whole half year! Time sure does fly when you're having fun!!!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Getting Ready for Thanksgiving
First let us wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Tomorrow we should all take a moment to think about what we are thankful for. My thoughts are a little bit different since we have been here. We are both very thankful for the opportunity to be able to do what we are doing. I think we have really taken CARE to heart. Some of the folks you can't help but love. I hope to have some pictures soon to introduce some of them to all of you.
Some of us lady volunteers have been very busy getting ready to give everyone a nice day. Jan and Lorna have made a bunch of pies, and roasted turkeys and hams. Today I peeled about 35 pounds of potatoes. That's only about half of what we will need. We have about 20 pies now. Some of the residents have furnished some. I'll make candies sweet potatoes, we'll also have plain for our diabetics. Lots of folks are bringing a dish to share. On holidays it's nice to have a favorite. Makes it almost feel like home. Someone is bringing rutabaga. Tom will be happy. You should see all the stuffing that was made today! All that was going on while I peeled those potatoes. Took me a while! It looks like we will have somewhere around 90 people to feed. The biggest they have ever had here. That includes family guests and board members. I'm really happy to be part of this. I miss cooking for family.
I almost forgot. Today I also cooked 77 hamburgers. That was dinner. Our main meal is at noon. With trying to get tomorrows dinner ready, and getting the regular meals together, we all chipped in to help. The week-day cook, Miss Terry, (every lady is Miss here), was helping all over the kitchen. I kind of just got stuck in front of the grill, with a big bowl of hamburger, and started to make them. The next thing I know, Miss Terry says to me, "Count them as you go. We have to have 75." Well, the big bowl made 77. Very proud of myself I am. I cooked 77 hamburgers.
As you can see, I have had a very busy day. Tomorrow looks to be even busier. I know at home the ladies of the church were having a pumpkin roll sale. I had shown them how to make them before we left in June. They have told me they had lots of orders. I hope all went well. Ladies....I have been busy, too. Just not making pumpkin roll.
Well, I hope you all get to have a good meal tomorrow, and to all of our friends and family we will be thinking of you all.
Some of us lady volunteers have been very busy getting ready to give everyone a nice day. Jan and Lorna have made a bunch of pies, and roasted turkeys and hams. Today I peeled about 35 pounds of potatoes. That's only about half of what we will need. We have about 20 pies now. Some of the residents have furnished some. I'll make candies sweet potatoes, we'll also have plain for our diabetics. Lots of folks are bringing a dish to share. On holidays it's nice to have a favorite. Makes it almost feel like home. Someone is bringing rutabaga. Tom will be happy. You should see all the stuffing that was made today! All that was going on while I peeled those potatoes. Took me a while! It looks like we will have somewhere around 90 people to feed. The biggest they have ever had here. That includes family guests and board members. I'm really happy to be part of this. I miss cooking for family.
I almost forgot. Today I also cooked 77 hamburgers. That was dinner. Our main meal is at noon. With trying to get tomorrows dinner ready, and getting the regular meals together, we all chipped in to help. The week-day cook, Miss Terry, (every lady is Miss here), was helping all over the kitchen. I kind of just got stuck in front of the grill, with a big bowl of hamburger, and started to make them. The next thing I know, Miss Terry says to me, "Count them as you go. We have to have 75." Well, the big bowl made 77. Very proud of myself I am. I cooked 77 hamburgers.
As you can see, I have had a very busy day. Tomorrow looks to be even busier. I know at home the ladies of the church were having a pumpkin roll sale. I had shown them how to make them before we left in June. They have told me they had lots of orders. I hope all went well. Ladies....I have been busy, too. Just not making pumpkin roll.
Well, I hope you all get to have a good meal tomorrow, and to all of our friends and family we will be thinking of you all.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Volunteering With Pleasure
This takes some explaining. When we first came to C.A.R.E., we were a bit overwhelmed with all of the rules, regs, and jobs we were to do. Let alone the hours we were to put in. Now I am reporting that all has changed. We couldn't be happier to be here. We have become good friends with other volunteers and many of the residents. Oops, they are participants. Everyone connected with this wonderful place is special. They all have their own stories. We have driven so many folks to appointments. Tom has been to Houston, Humble (pronounced Umble), and Cleveland, and more. We have visited Audio, orthopedic, podiatrists, hospitals, and you name it. Everyone is so grateful for anything we do for them. They are all wonderful.
Tom and I were talking today, we just don't know how we are going to leave here. Saying good-bye to these people is going to be really hard. We will be here till Jan. 3rd. It's hard to believe 1/4 of our stay is over already.
This morning when we were just finishing up our duties for the breakfast, the electricity went out. We had just turned over the phones about an hour earlier to Ed and Hazel. We had been on call for 24 hours. The phone started to ring. Some of the participants wanted us to know they had no electric. A couple of the regulars were outside, and heard a transformer go. Then we found out what really happened. A squirrel is now history. We all waited for about 45 minutes, and all was fixed. Tom and I came back to Emily, and settled in for the afternoon. We'll go back for super, and wipe the tables and chairs and vacuum the day room.
The reason we didn't eat Sunday dinner at the center, is because we had left-overs from Manny's. That would be Shrimp Boat Manny's. Tom ordered chicken and sausage gumbo. He also ordered a steak po' boy. I got fettuccine with craw fish. We also each had an order of steamed shrimp. He had hot, I had medium. All of this, after an order of mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce.....as opposed to that marinara everyone else serves with them. I guess our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Tom didn't even touch his sandwich, which came with fries. I also had food left. It wasn't as good today as it would have been then, but it was still good. I would recommend Manny's to anyone looking for food with the Cajun touch. If we have time while we are here, we will go again. Good service, good food, full tummies. Who could ask for more.
We had our first rain since we have been here. Thunder during the night wasn't to bad, and we really needed the rain. All is well now. Blue sky is coming back, and warmth has returned. How could it get any better? We have found a place that has good food, the most wonderful people, and we are learning from all the wisdom of the smart talented lovely folks we are here to help. We are truly blessed to be able to do what we are doing. I wish more could experience this. I think we have fallen in love with east Texas. Time will tell.
Tom and I were talking today, we just don't know how we are going to leave here. Saying good-bye to these people is going to be really hard. We will be here till Jan. 3rd. It's hard to believe 1/4 of our stay is over already.
This morning when we were just finishing up our duties for the breakfast, the electricity went out. We had just turned over the phones about an hour earlier to Ed and Hazel. We had been on call for 24 hours. The phone started to ring. Some of the participants wanted us to know they had no electric. A couple of the regulars were outside, and heard a transformer go. Then we found out what really happened. A squirrel is now history. We all waited for about 45 minutes, and all was fixed. Tom and I came back to Emily, and settled in for the afternoon. We'll go back for super, and wipe the tables and chairs and vacuum the day room.
The reason we didn't eat Sunday dinner at the center, is because we had left-overs from Manny's. That would be Shrimp Boat Manny's. Tom ordered chicken and sausage gumbo. He also ordered a steak po' boy. I got fettuccine with craw fish. We also each had an order of steamed shrimp. He had hot, I had medium. All of this, after an order of mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce.....as opposed to that marinara everyone else serves with them. I guess our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Tom didn't even touch his sandwich, which came with fries. I also had food left. It wasn't as good today as it would have been then, but it was still good. I would recommend Manny's to anyone looking for food with the Cajun touch. If we have time while we are here, we will go again. Good service, good food, full tummies. Who could ask for more.
We had our first rain since we have been here. Thunder during the night wasn't to bad, and we really needed the rain. All is well now. Blue sky is coming back, and warmth has returned. How could it get any better? We have found a place that has good food, the most wonderful people, and we are learning from all the wisdom of the smart talented lovely folks we are here to help. We are truly blessed to be able to do what we are doing. I wish more could experience this. I think we have fallen in love with east Texas. Time will tell.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Escapees CARE Center
I know this has been a long time coming, but we have been very busy. We came in on Nov.1, and have been on the go ever since. We did have one day off, which we spent running errands and catching up on personal jobs. For those of you who have no idea what CARE is, here is the scoop. This facility has been a God send for RVers, who for one reason or another can no longer travel. CARE gives them the opportunity to still stay in their RV together, and receive the care they need. I guess you could say, it's like an assisted living facility. We provide all meals, a snack in the afternoon, root beer floats one day a week, and birthday cakes for those who get to celebrate another year. We have nurses, CNAs, activities directors, and lots for the folks to do. Poker games and scrabble are big hits. There is also bingo, art, sewing, crafts, and more. Everyday there is something fun to do.
Tom and I have done so many dishes, and sanitized our little hands off. It's like a joke with the sanitizing. We help the cook, do pots, serve the food, do dishes, chop onions, do dishes, make coffee, do pots, wipe tables do dishes.......you get the point.
Sometimes, we are on call. That means we watch the phones all night. All of the residents have a connection to the center. All we do is transfer the office phone out to Emily, and we are all set. Then we get up and open the center in the morning. We had no calls. No problems.
The folks here are just great. There's Pete (who is really Davida) who is an author and PhD. We have Bob and Inez who are sweet as can be, and very knowledgeable about anything. We have Miss Ellie, who loves to give hugs and kisses. She has to get both cheeks. Then she asks if she hurt you. What a sweetheart. We have Kieth and Sophie. Keith just lost his eyesight, and has been taking trips to the eye doctor. So many wonderful people. They are such a joy.
The staff here is remarkable. The nurse who has been here for 4 years, just left yesterday. She is going for her RN. She will be missed. Since we have been here, 2 couples have left. They were such a big help to us. Les and Sharon Askew, and Jim and Bonnie Wert and Scoobie. They have passed the torch to us and Hazel and Ed, who came a few days after us. A few more couples are coming in in the next week or so. Two couples just for maintenance. Every resident couple has a shed, and they need to build 3 more new ones. This will be the most residents ever in the center.
Yesterday Tom took a couple to Houston to the hospital for some tests. It was a long day for him. I guess I didn't tell you we also drive folks to appointments, or where ever they need to go. Some of the couples still have cars, which one can drive. Other than that, volunteers take them. Tom will also take them next week one day for follow-up. The hospital here in Livingston, sent them there for more extensive work.
Speaking of Jim and Bonnie and Scoobie, We just fell in love with Scoobie. He is part Lab and part Chow. I think the only chow park is his tongue. It has black spots. He was wonderful. We even asked if they could get along without him. We wanted to keep him. I always have dog treats with us, and one day we opened the door, and he was sitting there looking in at us. It was hilarious. Wait till you see the pictures. What a great dog!!!
On the days we work, we get our meals. On our day off we fend for ourselves. Today we won't eat even though it's free. It's tamale pie. We don't eat Mexican food. Tonight is ham salad and chicken salad sandwiches. We'll pass on that, too. On Friday morning, we serve a great big breakfast for the whole park. The CARE center is part of Rainbow Park. Headquarters for Escapees. Folks can come and get eggs any way, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, grits, toast, all the coffee, juice and milk you can drink, all for $3.00. Everyone pays, even residents. All the money goes to the center. What a buy. Boy did I make lots of coffee today.
Tom will post pictures later. He is working at the moment. Pots for him today. More dishes for me tonight. They are all so appreciative of us all. Makes it all worth while.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/EscaspeeCARECenter
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/Scooby
Tom and I have done so many dishes, and sanitized our little hands off. It's like a joke with the sanitizing. We help the cook, do pots, serve the food, do dishes, chop onions, do dishes, make coffee, do pots, wipe tables do dishes.......you get the point.
Sometimes, we are on call. That means we watch the phones all night. All of the residents have a connection to the center. All we do is transfer the office phone out to Emily, and we are all set. Then we get up and open the center in the morning. We had no calls. No problems.
The folks here are just great. There's Pete (who is really Davida) who is an author and PhD. We have Bob and Inez who are sweet as can be, and very knowledgeable about anything. We have Miss Ellie, who loves to give hugs and kisses. She has to get both cheeks. Then she asks if she hurt you. What a sweetheart. We have Kieth and Sophie. Keith just lost his eyesight, and has been taking trips to the eye doctor. So many wonderful people. They are such a joy.
The staff here is remarkable. The nurse who has been here for 4 years, just left yesterday. She is going for her RN. She will be missed. Since we have been here, 2 couples have left. They were such a big help to us. Les and Sharon Askew, and Jim and Bonnie Wert and Scoobie. They have passed the torch to us and Hazel and Ed, who came a few days after us. A few more couples are coming in in the next week or so. Two couples just for maintenance. Every resident couple has a shed, and they need to build 3 more new ones. This will be the most residents ever in the center.
Yesterday Tom took a couple to Houston to the hospital for some tests. It was a long day for him. I guess I didn't tell you we also drive folks to appointments, or where ever they need to go. Some of the couples still have cars, which one can drive. Other than that, volunteers take them. Tom will also take them next week one day for follow-up. The hospital here in Livingston, sent them there for more extensive work.
Speaking of Jim and Bonnie and Scoobie, We just fell in love with Scoobie. He is part Lab and part Chow. I think the only chow park is his tongue. It has black spots. He was wonderful. We even asked if they could get along without him. We wanted to keep him. I always have dog treats with us, and one day we opened the door, and he was sitting there looking in at us. It was hilarious. Wait till you see the pictures. What a great dog!!!
On the days we work, we get our meals. On our day off we fend for ourselves. Today we won't eat even though it's free. It's tamale pie. We don't eat Mexican food. Tonight is ham salad and chicken salad sandwiches. We'll pass on that, too. On Friday morning, we serve a great big breakfast for the whole park. The CARE center is part of Rainbow Park. Headquarters for Escapees. Folks can come and get eggs any way, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, grits, toast, all the coffee, juice and milk you can drink, all for $3.00. Everyone pays, even residents. All the money goes to the center. What a buy. Boy did I make lots of coffee today.
Tom will post pictures later. He is working at the moment. Pots for him today. More dishes for me tonight. They are all so appreciative of us all. Makes it all worth while.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/EscaspeeCARECenter
http://picasaweb.google.com/tnank101/Scooby
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