Eye Surgery Udate

Carmel has now had surgery on both eyes, a week apart, and both surgeries were successful. That's really an understatement. Carmel now has 20/20 vision in both eyes, and sees better than I do. No contacts, no glasses. This is a dream come true for Carmel who has had to wear very thick glasses since she was a child. Thanks to Dr. Sam Yankelove and his staff of Houston, for a job well done !

Eye Surgery

Well, the Dutch Star is parked at the West Houston RV Park in Brookshire for December. This because Carmel was advised to have eye surgery earlier than expected. The park is well run, close to the outpatient surgical center and the surgeon's office, and it's in a nice little town in which to get some rest. Some great restaurants around town and it's close to the Katy Mall which allows for some Christmas shopping.

Big Bend National Park

We have lived in Texas many years. Carmel is a native Texan and Jim arrived in 1979. Neither of us had any idea that Texas had this rugged beauty. We decided to make Big Bend our first stop as "full timers" since moving out of our Richmond, Texas home. We stayed three weeks at a RV park in Terlingua, Texas. It was not a RV Resort but was quiet, friendly and provided easy access to the park and to other area attractions.

We just cannot say enough about the beautiful park and the area scenery. It truly is a must see. We have visited several national parks, and Big Bend competes with them all and out shines many. It's not just the scenery. It's also the feeling that you are truly in a remote, untouched area that is very close to the way it was for centuries. All this under a blanket of stars that you can't imagine.

We took many photos and wish we could share them all. November is a great time to visit. Beautiful weather, little traffic and few people on the hiking trails.

Be aware that Big Bend has bears and mountain lions. Read the warnings and ask advice.

Downsizing

Jim finally retired in late July 2008 and we began the process of downsizing so we could move into the Dutch Star. The process was both physically and emotionally difficult and at times felt impossible. However, after three garage sales, and seven trips to a women's shelter with hundreds of donated items, we finally put the must keeps in storage and moved into our coach. The house was left with a realtor with instructions to sell or lease.

Old West Comes Alive in Langtry, Texas

Langtry, Texas, should be on the “must see” list of those who have an interest in the “Old West” and it’s truly original characters. To say that Judge Roy Bean was one of those characters is an understatement.

I won’t go into great detail about Langtry and Judge Roy Bean’s saloon/courtroom. Others have posted very interesting articles on the subject. I’ll simply say that the Texas Department of Transportation has done an outstanding job of preserving the site. It is well worth a stop for those in the Big Bend area.

Langtry is a small village, but those traveling in assorted RVs should be aware that near the visitor’s center is a community parking lot that offers entrance, exit, and turnaround for motor homes / fifth wheels and trailers.

Treat yourself to a glimpse into the old west through the Langtry lens provided by the good folks at the Texas Department of Transportation. The 3D Holograms in the visitor center make you feel like you are traveling back in time to be with the Judge.

Langtry is a great stop on the road to or from Big Bend.

Alaska-2008

In early August, 2008, I was a few weeks into retirement and not doing well with the new status. Carmel decided I needed a vacation and treated me to a month in Alaska. It was my second visit to this great state. We rented a SUV, drove the loop and stayed at B&Bs and Inns, and some hostels. We had a great time and are tempted to relocate there as we truly feel "alive" there. We took around 2000 photos and have provided a few here. We hope to visit again in the Dutch Star.

Russia in Winter

On my last overseas assignment, I was posted in Tatarstan, and also spent a few weeks in Moscow. Prior to leaving Russia, Carmel joined me for a few days in Moscow. We then took the night train to St. Petersburg where we had the services of a local tour guide for a few days. We enjoyed Russia very much. The people are warm and friendly and want to share their great country with Americans. I encourage everyone who can to visit those two cities in Russia. It's expensive, but well worth it. You'll never be sorry.