Texas

We went to Texas to visit Allen and Krysta. They knew we were coming, but didn't know Deanne was coming. What a sweet surprise! 

We had straight  through flights to Dallas, rented a vehicle and drove to Beaumont. As Dea was attempting to program the route on the screen in our rental van I WhatsApp'ed Krysta and asked if she had an address for us. 

At the same time Dea said, "This thing is taking us to Mexico!" 

I got done recording my message then exclaimed,  "Do you think she heard you?" 

"Cancel it, quick!"

"Oops, she already read the message!"

She didn't ask any questions so we said nothing and traveled on our merry way.

Five hours later we met Allen and Krysta at Cheddar's. They had gone early to get a table and found out there was a wait time of 45 minutes or so. Good thing they got their name in. When we arrived  Ellis parked and we jumped out while Dea stayed hidden in the van. Allen was waiting for a text to say it's our turn to go in. It got chilly standing there in the breeze so we hopped in their jeep. At last we got the text and started in, Dea trailing along behind us. In the entrance we waited to be seated, Allen and Krysta, Elllis and I with Dea just arriving in the doorway. Krysta turned to us to ask a question and her eyes got as big as saucers.

"What?! How did you get here?!" :)

It was very satisfying! 

What a lot of activities were squashed into a very short time. We flew down there Thursday. Friday we got up in time to have an early breakfast and devotions with the staff and volunteers. After dishes we helped Krysta with her daily cleaning job, vacuuming the hall and rec room and cleaning boys and girls bathrooms. 

Krysta and Dea put together a gigantic recipe of cole slaw for the evening banquet. I had promised to help with that, but felt pulled in two directions because Ellis wanted to find some thrift stores and antiques. And he thought I should go with him. 

We found a couple stores. Ellis found some trivets (he collects them) and a bell ( we collect them) I found a lovely old linen napkin (no stains or holes) By that time we saw a Sonic restaurant and pulled in for lunch. You order on a screen beside your window and a waitress brings out your food - like A&W restaurants in MN. 

By then it was time to go back to the base, pick up the girls  and head out to see the house Allen and his crew are working on.

It is fascinating to see the work on these houses. Sometimes the house has been fixed up then another storm comes with torrential rains and floods it again. 

After walking through that house we got ice cream at the Sonic restaurant then drove to Cattail Marsh and walked along trails where we saw alligators, flowers and ducks of all kinds.

I should ask Dea if she will share her alligator picture. Ellis and I turned around and went back instead of going the full circle. Krysta and Dea kept going and saw quite a gigantic alligator sunning itself just off the path, out of the corner of their eyes after they had passed it. They got a picture before they turned and got themselves out of there. 

In the evening there was a banquet for staff, volunteers, home owners and visitors. Delicious food, good company, interesting stories ... it was an excellent event to end the day.