FALL UPDATE!!

Well, we had a busy summer and fall.  

We (and the rest of our neighbors) ran out of water this summer. No rain, too many people and too many wells and tanks being constructed.  We had to drill deeper and put in some new pipe.  We have added some more collection barrels to the property but probably need to add some serious collection equipment for the future. 

It looks nice and tidy now.  It was a royal mess while the big trucks were here for three days! But that wonderful cool hill country water is flowing freely now. 

We took a trip to Cozumel in August. Didn't scuba dive but we did snorkel with the whale sharks.  These creatures are unbelievably huge when you are next to them in the water!!

Finally, our really big trip was the 9 days we spent at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October.  We have always wanted to go. This year we volunteered in exchange for free camping.  It was great even though it rained frequently and some events were cancelled.  On the two days prior to the start of the Fiesta, we worked on constructing the arches that covered the entrance gates. That was very hard work. OSHA would have been dismayed at us being on scaffolds and ladders with no safety equipment, training, etc! 

In return for our volunteer work, we were able to camp for free.  It was camping in a parking lot with no facilities.  We we parked extremely close to where the fireworks were located.  They were stupendous!

I can't say enough about the balloons and the many nice people we met.  The balloon pilots and their crews were friendly and loved to talk about their balloons.  These are just a few of the millions of pictures we both took!

                    This one actually had a cute little VW horn that honked just like the real VW buses.  

                                 Until you stand under these, you have no idea how really big they are.  

Now, back to real life.....

  We participated in the Huffines Art show in Arlington in October.  Then we took a quick trip up to VA to see the youngest daughter and her family.  Thanksgiving was held here at home with our oldest and her family.  Now... we are busy getting ready for Christmas orders!!