Monday , 6 November, 2017: Alvin, Texas

Charlsy's daughter Rey was in the hospital so she's been spending a lot of her time running up and down the freeway trying to be everwhere for everyone.  Her granddaughter Chloe has been staying with Uncle Harold and Charlsy; thank goodness Chloe's drive into Pearland High School is not too far.  

Uncle Harold spent most of the day on his tractor clearing in a
back ravine and pushing brush into a fire. 
Is there anyplace he'd be happier?

Charlsy asked us to help get the Christmas stuff down for her.  Justin and I made several dozen trips from upstairs in the garage into the garage in the house to help.  We also set up the tree. With a wedding in west Texas this weekend, and the need to be with Rey when she gets released from the hospital, Harold and Charlsy will find that it is really will be time to decorate soon.

Thought of Dave and Teru Gay when
we stopped here for a test drive.

Justin noticed that we had a crack in the moon roof in our car and we weren't willing to drive it into Mexico broken.  I spent a lot of time today in communication with our insurance folks and the claims agent to get the ball rolling for repairs. Meanwhile Justin called glass shops to learn that replacement glass alone is over $2,000.  Add the wait for the parts to come in to the added cost for installation and we were really glad to have 100% coverage.  We've been talking about a new car and now that conversation has taken on a new sense of urgency.  We took the short drive to Dickinson to look at KIA Niro's before dinner.  Justin has a saying about when you look for property -- you will find it.  Are cars the same way?  If we look, will we find one to buy?

I was driving yesterday when we crossed the border on I-10 from Louisiana into Texas.  The road is pretty crappy right there, but it meant I was home.  There was no denying that pang.  This morning when I walked outside, that same sense of familiarity and peace washed over me, as I was assaulted by the hot and humid air and the sunshine beating on my face.  Peace and assault?  Contradictory? Yes, but it is home.