December 31, 2004

New Year's Eve, 2004

C.A.R.E. & Livingston, Texas

DAY 196

 

Today was cloudy, hot and humid, temperature in the high 70's, with high humidity. Rather unusual for New Year's Eve, for us.

Six months ago, it was our plan to spend New Year's Eve on the Gulf Of Mexico in Galveston, Texas with Sep and Susanna Liang, our friends from Kingston, Ontario. Sep's work schedule did not permit that.

Today was a day of running errands around Livingston, mostly for Rodney Elam. First thing this morning we headed to Livingston with him. First stop was the Post Office, to see if our November mail forwarded by Sharon had arrived at General Delivery yet. It had not ! I'm concerned that a month's worth of our mail may be lost. Next stop was CVS Pharmacy to pick up a prescription for Helen Farrell, one of C.A.R.E.'s participants. Then on to three different shoe stores, in three different malls, trying to find a pair of slippers that fit Rodney. Having to go to three different stores in three different malls put us behind schedule, and Rodney's portable oxygen tank was almost empty. We headed back to C.A.R.E. to have lunch and pick up a full oxygen tank. After lunch, we headed back to Livingston, to Wal-Mart. We shopped for our own groceries and supplies, while Rodney did his shopping and had a prescription filled. By the time we returned to C.A.R.E., unloaded Rodney and his groceries, walked Ginger, returned the C.A.R.E. car, returned to our trailer, walked Bo, and put away our groceries, it was 4:00 P.M., and time for social hour. I was too tired. Joanne went by herself. Friday's social hours are "hosted" by Kay Petersen, co-founder of Escapees with her husband Joe. Joanne is a fan of "Miss Kay's" inspirational little stories.

At social hour Joanne reunited with Sandy and Peachy McGeachy, who have arrived here at Rainbow's End, from Rainbow Plantation in Alabama. After social hour, and my nap, we walked over to their rig with Bo, and introduced him to them.

Tonight was the Escapees New Year's Eve Party at the Activity Centre. It was hosted / sponsored by the Boots And Babes Square Dance Club. From 7:30 to 9:30 there was square dancing, and finger foods provided by the square dance club. At 9:30 the partying began, with a DJ playing recorded dance music. Alcohol was not allowed until 9:30, after the square dancing. Something to do with the square dance club's license. Joanne discovered when she went to buy a bottle of wine today at Wal-Mart ( yes, yes ... that is where one buys wine down here ), that one can not buy liquor in Livingston. Polk County is dry.

At midnight, we were served the traditional New Year's "Good Luck" meal of black eyed peas and corn bread. It was a great party, with great people. We really enjoyed ourselves.

DSK