Back in TX

Kristin and Kari got us to the airport about 10:30 on Wednesday, we got checked in in record time, got something to eat and had a couple hours to wait for our flight to Atlanta and then McAllen.  Minneapolis airport was surprisingly quiet but while waiting we met two couples – one also on their way to McAllen and the other on their way to Costa Rica.  We had a lot of laughs in the two hours we waited for our flight.  Bob and Qwen have been coming to the valley for 38 years, they are from Duluth and the other couple owns a resort just south of Duluth.  So we had something in common with both and the conversations really flowed for a couple hours.

Our layover was only 30 minutes in Atlanta so we were a little concerned about making our connection and were told our luggage probably wouldn’t make the transfer.  The luggage part wasn’t a concern since we had most everything we needed at the house but if we missed the connection we knew we’d probably be spending the night in Atlanta.  Well, we got into Atlanta about 20 minutes early, rode the tram to the other terminal and found our gate.  According to the monitor the flight to McAllen was about ready to board so yeh – we made it. 

After about 15 minutes they announced that they were waiting for the pilot and crew. They must have rounded up a crew from somewhere – we heard one flight attendant say she was scheduled to go to DesMoines and now was on her way to McAllen – we did get into McAllen on time!  Lloyd and Myron were there to pick us up but we waited for nearly an hour for our luggage.  Guess there was a problem with the luggage system  - the McAllen airport is not that big and I think most people were ready to walk around the back of the building and pick up their own bags from the tarmack!

Got to the house about 9 – just in time for a late happy hour.

Our first day back in TX was a rather lazy day.  Was up early getting a few things organized around the house and stuff put away.  Was off to the grocery store shortly after 8 and returned home with a gazillion little white bags.  HEB stores use the smallest bags and puts only 3-5 items in a bag. We have several mesh bags so we need to remember to take this with us and leave the plastic bags at the store.

After that we headed over to DonWest market to pick up fresh fruits and veggies.  Since only the produce stand is open on Thursdays that didn’t take long and we were home in an hour – just in time for a nap.  Guess  a week of retirement parties, Christmas celebrations, working our last day at the bank and the anticipation of getting here really wiped us out as we both slept for over an hour.

Went to happy hour, dinner and cards at some friends house at 4 but we were home by 7:30 and I was in bed before 9. Was up at 5:30 but I guess if I get tired, I can just take another nap today – isn’t that what retirement is all about?

Day three of retirement here we come!