We spent Friday night in Ozone Texas. It is not a big town, but it did have a nice hotel. We had to laugh. George went in to book the room. He asked for a senior discount. they didn't have one, but the lady behind the counter told him to ask for a veterans discount so he did and she gave it to him. Yes, he was in the service, but we never think to ask for these things. After a good nights sleep and a nice breakfast, we got on the road at 8:30. We expected to be at Tanner's by noon, but the gps on my phone kept rerouting us. Eventually I worked out that George had hit the "No highways" button. No wonder we went down a dirt road yesterday!
When we arrived, we were greeted with a big hug from Tanner followed quickly by one from Kathleen. When we went into the kitchen we saw a slew of friends we haven't seen in years. Perry, Robert, Matthew and Eric were all in from the local area, Brent flew in from Nashville, and Lee flew in from Portland. It was great to see such a crowd of people.
We spent the afternoon puzzling and catching up. After all, it had been over 3 years since many of us saw each other. Lee brought a bunch of puzzles for people to take home, He also delivered clutch boxes to us here. As with every other puzzle person we have seen, we made a short video of him discussing a project he was working on. Sadly, he doesn't want me to publish it. It is safe for us to say now that it was used in Christmas Chronicles 2 and in the most recent Glass onion. Well, a portion of it that is. You will recognize it I'm sure.
Eric brought along a number of his fractal prints that he and Bob Hearn have been working on. He very kindly gave us all one and even signed them for us.
Kathleen has been working with Lego as well and was thrilled to know that it's not just her who has been enjoying them. Perry brought some lovely little cakes and a beautiful wooden puzzles along to show everyone. Matthew brought what he called tiny pies for all to share in. We had wonderful conversations with Brent and Robert. And a good chuckle over George forgetting that Brent has been to Boca to see us before.
They put on a massive BBQ spread and there were left overs to last days! It was a very good day. I would have to guess that around 10 most people had headed back to their hotels. Tanner, Lee and I stayed up for a while and chatted by the puzzle pit. Around 1 George called and told me I needed to sleep. He was right of course. All that driving did me in. We awoke the next day at 10!
Matt came over and we all had a nice brunch of eggs and leftover meats. Matt and Tanner worked on a project of his while George putt a Coffin puzzle through Burr tools. Geneva, Jessie, and I went into Austin to a Daiso and a few other asian stores to se if there were any petit blocks that I don't have. Score! But even better, they discovered a new place to shop, an amazing asian grocery store, and I have never laughed that hard. It was a wonderful afternoon. We also saw a rabbit sculpture that tickled Geneva.
At the asian grocery we bought food for dinner and put on a real feast. The guys went back to 3d printing. I think George gave Tanner a few lessons on using CAD and printing. Jessie got Geneva ready for bed and I cleaned up the kitchen. By 10 we were all in bed.
On Monday we had another lie in for a few hours then got up and George spent the morning working on burr tools, Tanner had a doctor appointment and Jessie, the poor dear, had to work. I did the dishes, our laundry and put together a few Nanoblocks. In the afternoon George and Tanner went to the asian grocery we found while Jessie and I did a bit of shopping. I really liked the wine selection at the HEB and I wanted to pick up a few gifts for some kids along the way.
We had a very late lunch after which George and Tanner took naps. When Geneva came home from school we put together a Lego rabbit that we gifted her. All in all it was another fun day. The only downside? I messed up on some of my dates, but it all worked out in the end.
Tanner very nicely made dinner for us and it was delicious! Shrimp with coconut milk over rice. He's a fantastic cook.
The next day we spent puttering around the house, George and Tanner again did some work on the computer. After school we went to Geneva's gymnastics practice. The kid is good. All in all it was a great fun trip. On Wednesday morning We had to say our goodbyes. That was a sad day. But we shall see each other again in Italy.
