The Adventures and Misadventures of Mr. & Mrs. Smith

The idea was to start a blog immediately following my retirement. I didn’t know that I would find even turning on a computer an impossible task. So here I am 6 months later and powering up.

I love our life. There are no expectations so every experience is a gift. Some would say they are simple – to me they are magical. It’s not that I haven’t seen or felt these things before its that I have the “time” to really experience them. I feel deeper – the warmth of the sun, the beauty of a sunset, the hug from my grandbabies. With no to-do list it’s easy to live in the moment.

I retired October 6th, spent several days in Massachusetts for my niece (Liz) wedding and Boston (cool city) then back to Houston and moved out of the loft. We worked on the flooded houses next. The idea was to start this journey right after retirement but Harvey put us behind.

November 22, 2017

We finally left town, spent several days in San Antonio and was in Wimberley with Bob and Susan when we were pulled back to Houston for a funeral. I drove back to Houston with Bob and Susan – Arnie continued in the RV to Midland which was our next stop. I flew to Midland and met Arnie but the weather was beginning to change and since the RV had not been winterized decided to wait until March or so to begin again. So back to Houston.

January 24, 2018

Bored with the cold decided to cruise with Kitsy and Van to Key West (did the Hemingway thing), Costa Maya, Cozumel and Cuba. Havana was our favorite by far. Of course had to go to the Tropicana one night. After the cruise explored Miami, Vizcaya, Everglades, Key Largo and Islamorado. We are thinking we will stay a month next winter in the Keys.

March 2, 2017

Spent a night in Lake Charles so Arnie could play poker. He always wins and at least pays for the hotel. Next day drove to NOLA for our sons (Dan) graduation! We are proud parents of this mastered genius.

March 6, 2018

Our new official start date. We spent a few weeks visiting and saying goodbyes with my sister Julie, Arnie’s Dad, Ginger, John, Ronnie and our daughter Emmie and grandson Tucker.

March 8, 2018

Great times with Peggy and Teddy in Austin. We enjoyed wine at the El Goucho winery, hiked in Krause Springs and drove their old stomping grounds. Their house is beautiful and they are wonderful hosts so I highly recommend staying with them. 😜

March 19, 2018

Our first stop was in Boerne to visit “Cave without a name”. The cave was discovered in 1938 by a few kids while their parents were away. They had left the 15 year old in charge – mistake. Spent the night along the Guadalupe in an RV park littered with antique RV’s.

March 20, 2018

We visited Stonehenge in Ingram. I have to ask why but guess the answer would be – because we can.

Our next drive was to Sonora and hiked the Caverns and found them pretty amazing at 150′ deep.

March 21, 2018

In San Angelo toured Fort Concho and walked along the river. Viewed some outdoor art in a city park and spent the night in San Angelo State Park.

March 22, 201

Midland- First haircut 31st

April 2, 2018

Made it to Carlsbad and ate a Cuban panini at a cute little dive named Yellow Brix. Since we had not planned a place to spend the night got to experience my first night in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It wasn’t bad believe it or not.

Hiked in and out of Carlsbad Caverns. This is a pic of a section of what they call “The Big Room” a natural limestone chamber almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high at the highest point and 750 feet below the surface. It’s crazy big!

Spent the night in Guadalupe Mountain National Park at a cost of a whopping $4. The hike alone was worth the cost.

April 5, 2018

Back to Midland for Greyson’s first birthday!

I have thoroughly enjoyed being with my daughter, Brad, Brooklyn and Greyson and must admit to a sense of loss as I pulled away from their driveway.

Okay call this the catch up blog. From here on out I’ll update as we go.