A whirlwind visit through Texas fills me with both shock and love!  In an attempt to see as many of my amazing friends as possible while still making it to all of my necessary doctor appointments proves difficult – but I am up to the challenge!  I stop in both San Antonio and Austin an relish in the love showered upon me by all of my friends.

San Antonio Celebrations

I start my Texas holiday off in San Antonio with our good friends Wayne, Shawn, Sharon and their family.  Sharon gets me up and walking 3-4 miles each morning while they feed me like royalty!  Man oh man nobody goes hungry in the Melnar house!  Two of their three kids are home with their respective girlfriends and Shawn’s parents “Hank and Darlene” come by for a visit on the 4th.

The men BBQ’d a brisket and tons of ribs.  Is literally was a massive feast!  We were rewarded with a beautiful fire work show at the end of the night as we overlooked the valley.  Superb visit!

Players: Top: Me and Sharon; Sharon, me, Shawn, Uncle Sam, Wayne.  2nd Row: Me & Wayne; Hank & Darlene; Mason and Alejandra.  Bottom Row: Mason at the grill; Dylan and Kate

After a few short days, I headed to Austin.

Austin Bound

My dearest friend Jamie flew in from Oklahoma to stay with me at our beloved friend’s Michelle, Jeremy and Jake home.   The weather was mild for Texas at a balmy mid-80’s for most of the week.  Humid, yes.  But, pleasant enough.  It had the potential to be hideously hot.  The only complaint I had was the cedar which kicked up my allergies to an all time high.

It was pure bliss spending time with two of my dearest and best friends.  I am so grateful to have these ladies in my life.

Most of my days were full of errands and doctor appointments which is never fun, but certainly necessary.  By the time I leave the U.S. I will have visited the optometrist (got new glasses), gastro doc (colonoscopy), oncologist (labs, exam, prolia shot), Family Doc, had a bone density and was stuck a bunch of times for draws and tests.   For the most part, got the thumbs up.

Shock and Awe

We went by our old house on Sugar Shack (in Austin) and were totally surprised to see this “remodel” which basically removed all the walls and floors.  But you can really see why I called this our “tree house.”

Shock and Awe

So what was so shocking to me?  It seems I have lived my life in a bubble or with my head in the sand.  I thought I was “pretty up to date” with news as I read the Huffington Post and Skim, but “NOT.”  My friend’s filled me in on the drama, which I am sure you are aware.  But, for those who are not…here are the highlights:

• Property (houses) prices are through the roof.  If you don’t bid a minimum of 30% over the asking price you have no chance of buying a new house.    Austin has become one of the most competitive housing markets in the country with prices said to have risen over 30% in the last year.
• Staffing shortage:  Many, if not most, eateries and retail establishments have signs up stating “Reduced hours due to staffing shortage.”  That is if they made it through the pandemic.  Some of our most iconic restaurants closed including Shady Grove.
• Minimum Wave:  In Tx, the minimum wage is $7,25 an hour. Yes, a travesty as it is $14/hr in California.  But, in order for fast food restaurants and retails to get staff, they are offering over $20/hr plus full benefits, paid vacation, sign on bonuses, and even pet insurance.
• Shortages:  A manufacturer of chips in Taiwan is unable to produce the chip required for automobiles (all cars, trucks, SUVs) so there is a 4-6 month wait.  Paint, cushions for furniture, curtains, and more are all back ordered 6-8 months.  The supply chain was broken during the pandemic and industries are struggling to get back up and running.
• Construction: Lumber was about $300 a pallet and jumped up to well over $1000 for the same amount causing builds to go up.  A chip for air conditioners is back ordered so developers/builders are unable to move people into their homes until they can get the AC’s working.  
• The list goes on and on and one so I won’t bore you. These are just some of the more astonishing things.  

Austin Celebration

Heather Newby and Heather Drew put together a fabulous get together at Heather Newby’s house.  They invited the entire gang and had libations, pizza, and special treats.  It was so fabulous to see everyone.  

Our group of Austin friends:

The ladies of Austin:

Top: Aimee P, Missy, Heather N., Me, Tiffany, Barbara, Heather D.

Bottom: Aimee P., Barbara, Heather D, Diana, me, Missy, Tiffany and Jenifer and Carina top row.

I just love me ,my Austin friends!  Blessings all around.

Top Photo: Sharon, me, Shawn, Sam, Wayne.  Bottom Photo: Karl, Missy, Me, John

Puppy Love

My dad just bought a malti-poo

My friend’s in Gambier resupply me with more pearls