Out and about in San Angelo

Belinda tried on her 'princess' look this afternoon at Michael's

in San Angelo!  A real vision!!!

A chilly day in west Texas

Charles took advantage of the cool weather here in west Texas with a round of golf at the Quick Sand Golf Course in San Angelo. It was a chilly 70F at the first tee, and with a strong breeze blowing all day long, it really felt like autumn!

A treat today was the sighting of lots of Monarch Butterflies, part of the fall migration. The bulk of the migration is still to come, but it really added to the enjoyment of today's round of golf!

Today in San Angelo

Lots to be done in the big city of San Angelo! In the historic area of Angelo are a number of murals painted on the sides of some of the buildings. It really adds to the experience of the place.

Back at Rio Concho West, the Thursday afternoon beading class met at the club house, and the work these ladies are producing is stunning!

Our Wednesday in McCamey

Our backyard is a fun place to visit throughout the day! There was a beautiful sunrise on Wednesday morning, followed by a sighting of an American Goldfinch (non-breeding) later in the morning. One never knows what will be on hand for viewing!

Happiness is contagious!

Charles' Trip to Florida and Back!

Charles spent his last morning in Florida at his mom's before leaving for home in Texas. This morning a game of Scrabble was in order between Charles and his mom and then it was off to the airport in Tampa. As the jet took off over Tampa Bay Charles got to see the Sunshine Skyway bridge that crosses the entrance to the bay from the Gulf of Mexico, cool!

It was nice to go and nice to come home to Belinda!

Charles in Florida, day 4

Today was given to tending to some "at home" chores, well, sort of! First up was breakfast with Mom, Tom and Jackie. Then Charles got Tom's car cleaned up (Charles had done his mother's car the day before) and then he returned to the condo on Millstream Lane to clean out the storage shed (for his mom's condo). It is great to have the time and manpower to get these things done! Jackie lent a hand and Mom and Tom were on hand too, making sure things were just so!

Charles had a treat this afternoon/evening when a thunderstorm rolled through the Tampa Bay area. Great to see/hear nature and to know that this helps makes the area so green.

This evening, Charles joined the rest of the family at brother Joe's home in Holiday (just north of Dunedin in Pasco County) for supper. Joe whipped up a fantastic lasagna and his daughter Madison contributed a salad and garlic bread. Jackie brought some delicious pie and everyone shared stories about each other (much to the children's enjoyment!).

Charles' trip to Florida, day 3 (part 2)

After his round of golf in Tarpon Springs with Joe, Charles joined family and friends of his mother at her favorite restaurant, Kally K's, for a celebration marking her 80th birthday.

Following dinner we made our way back to the condo for home-made chocolate/raspberry cake and blueberry-topped cheesecake, both home-made by Charles' brother Joe. Joe is an amazing cook and loves making treats for his family.

Charles gave his niece and nephews (Joe & Jody's children) a ride home via way of the Dunedin marina. It is nice to have children to spoil and Charles loves being the "fun" uncle!

Charles trip to Florida, day 3 (part 1)

Day three was cooler and wetter, thanks to an early morning thunderstorm. Charles took off to play a round of golf with his brother, Joe, at the Tarpon Springs Golf Course. They had a great time, loosing only a few balls along the way! One special aspect of Florida is the wide variety of bird life to take in (see yesterday's third entry). Today during the round Charles spotted a Bald Eagle, two pairs of Sand Hill Cranes, and a flock of Monk Parrots.

Charles in Florida, Day 2 (part 3)

In addition to the beautiful flowers he saw, Charles captured some beautiful birds (in pictures)... and others that he couldn't get in focus.

Charles in Florida, day 2 (part 2)

Along with searching with Jackie for geocaches, Charles took lots of pictures of some beautiful flowers (Florida is Spanish for "land of flowers").

Charles in Florida, day 2 (part 1)

Charles had an interesting day on his first full day on Florida's Gulf Coast. After a slow start to the morning Charles, his sister, Jackie, and their mom's husband, Tom, went out for breakfast before Jackie and Charles set out on a day-long adventure.

Jackie is into the world of "Geocaching" in a BIG way and wanted to share the adventure with Charles. They spent nearly eight hours criss-crossing central Pinellas County looking for items that had been hidden. Imagine if you will an adult version of scavenger hunt - that geocaching.

They spent a lot of the day in Largo where they saw their many places familiar from their years in that community. One of the places they were looking for just happened to be next to their old home on 9th Ave., NW! They also ended up looking by their grandparents former home and in Taylor Park, the site of many a picnic!

Charles' trip to Florida

Charles had a good trip back to Florida today where he'll spend the next few days visiting his mother and other family members. His mother's 80th birthday is on Wednesday. Belinda is the meanwhile is enjoying a visit with her mother in San Angelo.