Home Base...Isaac Pryor Dr.

We've been at Barri's place since December 20, on duty, taking care of their pets, a dog and

two cats. John and Joan are at the Condo but we get to see them daily. Last night we had dinner

with Ann and Tom Bickley, John, Joan, Judy and Bill Evans. Quite a family congregation. Judy

picked up the tab which was mighty nice of her. Tonight, we get to see Robin, another of Annabelle's nieces. Tomorrow, John and Joan depart then I pick up Barri and family who are

returning from their visit to snowy Michigan.

We have about 2 more weeks before departing for Ft. Lauderdale and our journey on the

QM2. I still haven't received information about getting shots for yellow fever which may or may not be required in South Africa. Since we will be flying on a small plane from Johannesburg to Kruger, we will have to carry minimal baggage so somewhere along the route we'll have to locate a place to stow most of our gear. I'm thinking of leaving my Mac home since it is one more item to carry and watch while we navigate our way Cape Town, etc.

The other day we did visit the LBJ Museum with John and Joan. It's a commanding structure

and certainly befitting a larger than life Lyndon Baines Johnson. Too bad he got so embroiled

in the Vietnam fiasco. Instead of remembering his Great Society contribution most people

think of the war. Too bad these presidents get involved in these no win wars and never learn

that even the best militaries can't overcome insurgencies. That's how the infant US was able

to gain independence from the best military and naval forces at that time, the British Empire.

It seems that each new president as Commander-in- Chief thinks that he must show his

military prowess or lack of it by stepping into the same quicksand. Tis a pity and we all pay

the price.

We are back at 360 after dropping off John and Joan at the airport and picking up Barri

and Walter. Today, Adrienne, Jon and Alexander came to visit. Adrienne is Judy's

daughter and Alexandra is Judy's grandchild. Now if you are still with me, Annabelle

is Alexandra's Great Aunt.

Alexandra is an active 2 year old and it was a considerable challenge for all of us trying

to keep her interested in the very few items we have in our small apartment, however,

she did find some pleasure in our furry sofa pillow.

It's New Year's eve Barri is throwing her annual celebration but we decided to do our

partying at home and if we can stay up until midnight to watch the fireworks near

Lady Bird lake. We have a front row seat from our balcony if we can stay awake.

Tomorrow, we plan to spend part on New Year's day with Barri, John, Aubrey and

Walter. Of course, we will help consume the remains of tonight's party.

New Year's day, a beautiful one in Austin. The Lady Bird Lake was glittering in the bright

sunshine. Although the temperature was still quite cool, we warmed up during our walk.

The area looked fairly clean after last night's fireworks celebration.

It's less than two weeks before we depart for Ft. Lauderdale and the Queen Mary 2.

We plan to stay in Florida for several days before boarding the ship and spend two

days with Pete and Debbie who will be coming to see us from their place in St. Petersburg.

Hopefully, I can decide how much clothing to leave behind before flying out of Austin.

This is the first time we will be leaving the QM2 at a foreign port and not returning to

the ship which means that all the fancy dress gear for life on the QM2 must be carried

during our stay in South Africa. This involves flying in small aircraft with their weight

limitations.

Around Austin

We're getting to know our way around town, at least to the places where we go frequently;

Costco for the weekly hot dog, H.E.B. for grocery shopping and the library. Of course,

the walk on the trail around the lake that takes us over the 1st street and Pfluger bridges,

is a short distance from the 360 Condos. So far we've been able to walk that 1 1/2 almost

daily since we arrived here in November.

Some documents have arrived both from Cunard and Liselle of Sunsafaris. Fortunately,

John Trapp installed a printer in 1303 so I've been able to download all the necessary

vouchers and electronic tickets for the trips. The other day, we made a trip to Passport

Health, an outfit that provides consultations regarding vaccines, etc. for the various

places you plan to visit and also gives you the appropriate shots. We particularly needed prescriptions for Malaria since it is prevalent in the eastern part of South Africa where we safari. Along with the pills, we bought clothing sprays and Deet to ward off the biting bugs.

We also have hat nets to keep the mosquitos away.

Sunday, December 19 . Took our morning walk around the lake and spoke to Lauren.

She's still getting acquainted with Panama, however, she is running into the usual problems

found in 3rd world countries; Bureaucracy at its finest...no one knowing exactly how to

answer your inquiries. In the meantime, we're checking out things to do when John and

Joan arrive December 24. Looks like one activity will be the LBJ Museum near the

University.

Our trip preparations for Cape Town is complete. The final documents for the QM2

arrived the other day including the ID tags for the baggage which had to

be printed from my computer. The tags seemed rather flimsy since they were made on

the usual computer paper, however, you were required to fold the paper in a format that

added to their strength, I hope. All the tickets, vouchers, etc. from Sunsafaris and QM2

were E-mailed and I often wonder how people are able to plan things at this time

without considerable computer skill. I guess they just have to go the old fashion way,

by travel agents.

Thanksgiving in Austin

Jenny, Peter and Anna arrived in Austin on Tuesday, November 22, and stayed at 360

until this morning, November 25 then headed back to Minnesota. Annabelle and I

stayed with Barri and John during that time. The weather cooperated for the whole

time, temps in the mid-70s until last night when it dropped to 50. We were able to

go for long walks along the lake. Thanksgiving dinner, prepared by John, Barri and

the kids was a real treat. Lot's of turkey and the trimmings in abundance. John certainly

has a knack for making a tasty turkey dinner. After we ate, the crowd took a fast stroll around

Isaac Pryor Drive, we all sat down for dessert, pecan, key lime and,of course, pumpkin pie.

I'm getting acquainted with the highways around Austin. When John and Joan come for

their visit in December, I should have the routes down pat. In the meantime, I know the

way to most of the essential destinations; Walmarts, Costco, and H.E.B. Whole Foods

is just a short walk from the Condo. Annabelle received her library card from the

main Austin library, also not too far distant from 360. I'm sure that Joan will want to

examine the Austin library in detail.

Today, I sent in our final payment to SunSafaris for ZAR 81,604. You'll have to check

the currency conversion calculator to find out the dollar amount.

360 Nueces in downtown Austin

It's 7:00pm in Austin, Texas and we're in our apartment 1303 at the condominium. It's a

beautiful evening and the lights of downtown Austin are practically in our face. The Frost

Tower just ahead of us is striking with its bright bluish lights on the top. The weather has

been clear and brisk. This morning we walked on the Lance Armstrong trail along the

river and we even spotted a heron just as he was darting through the nearby shrubbery.

Last night we had dinner at Garridos( a Mexican restaurant) with Bill and Judy Evans.

they were our first visitors to the Condo. They brought a bouquet of Chrysanthemums,

wine and other goodies which we had before dinner.

We've been getting acquainted with the highways in and around town. Found our way

to Costco (and a hot dog) and Walmarts. Bought a few dozen items to make our stay

more comfortable. This is really an ideal spot to live. So many things to do around the

area. Of course most of the occupants of 360 are young, yuppie types who probably

work in nearby offices. Not too many old timers like usums. Be that as it may, we have

managed to fit in to the neighborhood. Barri, Aubrey and John have done yeoman's work

in putting all the furnishings together.

The most difficult part of living in 360 is the security arrangements. To get around, you

have a code button which allows you to enter the building. Then to get to your floor

on the elevator, you must code in to your condo level. Your code button only allows

you to your level and doesn't work for any other floor. If you drive to your parking

spot in the attached garage structure, you have an opener which activates a gate to

allow you to enter then quickly closes after you drive in.

A strange thing happened to us the other day while walking along the river trail. Annabelle

noticed a young, slim runner flexing his leg muscles a short distance ahead of us. She said

that he looked like a marathon runner trying to keep in shape. when we approached him

and mentioned that fact, he said he won the New York marathon in 2009 and came in 6th

this year. His name was, Meb Keflezighi, formerly from Eritrea who now lives in California.

We had a nice conversation and then he invited us to attend a book signing event at a

runners shop, Lukes Locker in the afternoon. We found our way there and he autographed

his book for us and wrote some nice words about our meeting that day. Annabelle is

reading his book at this very moment.

This morning, Friday, Nov.19, we used the Condo fitness center on floor level 9. They have

a full array of equipment, everything from treadmills to a weight room. Since most of the

people here leave for their jobs in the morning, most of the equipment is available to use.

There is a full kitchen for use by the tenants whenever they plan to have a number of

guests. There is also a fairly large theater, a swimming pool, a billiard room and an outside

green area where guests can grill their dinner or just sit and admire the city below.

Later on we ventured forth to find a Target. Quite a risky adventure since I'm not sure of

the traffic flow around town. However, after a few narrow escapes, we managed to get there and back to the 360 without damage. Tomorrow, we're going to try our luck to Isaac Pryor,

Barri's house. Keep your finger's crossed.

Three Months in Paradise

We have been enjoying the perfect weather in Maui for almost 3 months and will plan to leave in mid-March. Our routine
has been rather simple. a two mile walk daily and at least swimming at the YMCA pool twice a week. We also attend
programs at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center whenever something interesting is scheduled. Yesterday we sailed on
the America 2 yacht to whale watch and were surprised how close we came to the pod of Humpback whales in the area
off the coast of Lahaina. The whales even swam under our vessel, perhaps the closest we ever came to whales. The
whales in Maui this time of year give birth to young and find mates. They don't feed since there is little for them to
eat in the warm Hawaii waters. When the calves are mature enough, the mothers and calves head North to the colder
waters near Alaska where food is available.

We are enjoying plenty of good food here in Hawaii. Of course, the great Maui gold pineapples are always available and the
tomatoes and other vegetables that grow in the Kula area upcountry. On other occasions we have our fish and chips at
Eskimo Candy where they make ONO tastes so good, not to mention the french fries. Then there's Costco and its
hot dogs and pizza, a weekly adventure. Not to forget Kerry' cooking which beats all of them. She brought us a dish
of lamb lasagne, oolala! So you see life is not too tough when you're old timers, that is if you follow all the rules, and
are lucky to boot.

If there is heavy snow on the ground in Sandia Park in March, we may fly directly to Austin for a look at the Condo
we recently bought. Barri picked it out for us, and with Aubrey, is selecting the furnishings. I thought it was the right
time to make such a move while the market has bottomed and it will be a new adventure to keep us lively.

This is my initial posting of a new blog which will follow our trip to Africa next year. The trip starts with a voyage from
Ft. Lauderdale on the QM2 to Cape Town, South Africa, where we'll stay for a week at a place I haven't booked, as yet.
Then on to join a Safari either in Tanzania or Kruger National Park. At this point, I am researching a number of different
outfits that cater to clients who are in their upper 80s. We don't want to be left in the bush running from the wildlife
although Annabelle always wanted to run with the lions.

Tomorrow, the Ides of March and we leave Paradise for the Mainland. Yesterday, we took our last trip to Paia, the
home of the Ono Burger. I've been packed since last week and Annabelle has just finished her packing. Tonight,
we've been invited to have dinner with Paul and Kerry. We will certainly miss them, but may get to see them in Austin
before next year rolls around.

The Safari Adventure is slowly being fleshed out. Our contact in South Africa, Liselle Raath, has prepared a 16 day
schedule which also includes at least 6 days in Kruger National Park to view the wildlife. We are staying at a couple
of high end camps from which we can take daily sightseeing trips to the Park.