Leaving FL is never easy – as it means saying goodbye to my parents and my sister, but we had places to go, people to see and things to do!  Specifically, there was solar to be installed!

EXTRA, EXTRA – READ ALL ABOUT IT!

A few months back, we had a conversation with our friends, Cori and Greg, of RV Solar Solutions, about Bill becoming an official installer. They were looking to expand their business, and thought Bill would be a great fit. Bill has helped Greg on many installs over the years, learning a lot about it in the process. Bill started by doing extensive research before we had our own system installed, and keeps current on all the latest options.

Bill and I talked about it for about five minutes (if that), before we happily agreed to sign on! It was an easy decision for these reasons: 1) Greg does quality work, 2) Bill agrees with Greg’s work ethic and business model, and 3) We trust Greg and Cori. If only all decisions could be so easy!

MOVING ON – STOP IN LAKE CHARLES

On our way to TX, we stopped only two nights; the second was at our friends, James & Cindy’s in Lake Charles. You may recall, we recently saw them at the Tampa RV Show, but we also had stayed with them two years ago on our way westward. It was great to see them and we, once again, appreciate their hospitality!

TIME IN TEXAS BEGINS

We arrived at Lazy L & L Campground in New Braunfels and had a HUGE welcoming committee. Cori & Greg, Jo & Craig (who we hadn’t seen since August 2015!), and Steven & Linda! Bert & Kat were also there, but we hadn’t met them in person yet – but we took care of that quickly! Jo made her famous King Ranch Chicken for dinner for us, and invited Steven & Linda too, which was so sweet!  We all enjoyed a wonderful campfire (first one for us since Labor Day weekend in NJ), with everyone. JL, who was the owner of the travel trailer that was Bill’s first install, joined us also and brought his guitar and sang some songs for us. Kat got hers out as well, and together they entertained us well into the night.

SUPERBOWL

The weekend after we arrived was Superbowl, so you know what that means, right?  A PARTY! Bill & I generally don’t follow sportsball, but this year was particularly interesting, considering who we were watching it with. Cori & Greg hosted, and are Eagles fans, and Tracy (who drove up for the evening from her gate-guarding gig 1 1/2 hours away – leaving Lee home alone – missed you Lee!) is a Pat’s fan. What a great game, and even Tracy had to admit the Eagles deserved their well-fought win!

 

VISITING GATE GUARDING FRIENDS

We decided early on we definitely wanted to drive down and see Tracy & Lee, so before the next install was to begin, we make the trip down to Karnes City, TX. Tracy made a delish dinner, using recipes she is hoping to add to her new cookbook. We had a great time seeing them in action at their gate-guarding job.

COUNTY MUSIC

Another evening, we headed to Gruene (pronounced green) Hall to watch a Junior Brown concert. Jo & Craig and Steven & Linda were all thrilled, as they are fans.  Cori & Greg and Bill & I, while we appreciated the gentleman’s musicianship, we just aren’t country music fans. In spite of not being huge fans, we enjoyed the evening, experiencing how local Texans get their entertainment.

 

INSTALLING SOLAR

Bill sure did keep busy installing.  He completed JL’s travel trailer, then moved on to Paul & Nancy’s (of Our Someday is Now) 5th Wheel. They have a Landmark, so it was interesting to compare notes on mod’s and repairs.

While Bill was working on Paul & Nancy’s 5er, Bridget & Pat arrived in their brand new Augusta Ambition and got in the solar queue. We originally met them at the RV Dreams Reunion Rally in May of 2015, but hadn’t seen them since February 2016, when we stopped by their home near New Orleans, on our trip west. We had them for dinner on their arrival night, along with Jo & Craig and Cori & Greg. Love getting the gang together, even if it’s just part of it! Sadly, Linda & Steven had already moved on.

Bridget, after she retired from her career as a High School principal, started a cookie making business,  Cookie Cutters. She makes beautiful cookies – and BONUS! – they taste delicious too! I don’t know about any of you, but I’ve bought some really pretty cookies at the supermarket or even bakery, and they look wonderful, but are either tasteless or taste bad.

Bridget also practices yoga, and I’ve always been interested in trying that. She graciously talked me through a couple of sessions and also told me about a YouTube channel that she follows. The channel has a lot of videos designed especially for beginners, which is great. Hopefully, I can keep it going, as I really enjoy it!  Thanks Bridget!

While we very much enjoyed finally meeting Bert & Kat, it was short-lived time together, as they had to move on! We did manage to get a selfie before they pulled out.

After Bill completed Pat & Bridget’s rig, he moved right onto another, a DRV. The couple who own it have six (yes – 6!) kitties that they travel full-time with. They are interesting kitties, as they are all rare breeds. They have five Devon Rex and one Sphinx. The largest one, the male tuxedo, is only six and a half pounds. Callie, by comparison, is about 12.5 pounds – by herself! They are all completely adorable and I loved hanging out with them one afternoon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIEND VISIT

Friends, Mary & Rollie, who we met in Seward, AK, were nearby and came to visit! We had dinner at a local German restaurant – delish! It was so sweet of them to drive all that way!

Bill was busy everyday with the installs, but he loves it! February, his first full month, couldn’t have been better! (Well, except for the weather, which was uncooperative!)

WRAPPING IT UP

One of our last days, Greg drove us out to see the property he and Cori purchased. It still needs some clearing to happen, but when all is done, it will be a great spot to hang out and get some solar done!

After checking out the property, we met Cori in Gruene for dinner. We hadn’t really had any time with them, as she has been very busy taking care of her Dad. It was wonderful to have a relaxing evening, just the four of us, catching up on personal stuff, as well as getting some business finalized. Bill and I are thrilled to be working with RV Solar Solutions. We toasted to our new venture!

There you have it – out time in Texas in a nutshell (or blog post! – ha!)

Next up we will be in the AZ desert – attending an RV Dreams Boondock Rally, plus Bill had a couple of installs!

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