Eager beginnings, iffy moments and happy endings

Brother Don, his daughter Becca, my Ginger

We just completed a whirlwind of a (driving) trip to Georgetown, Texas. Prior to leaving, Mr. Ray wasn't feeling the greatest, what with a bad cough & all. So we dutifully doctored up & got all the meds (we thought) he would need and headed east... after picking up Ginger, Bob and Gus. However, as we progressed in mileage, Ray felt worse and by the time we got there Friday night, it was obvious to anyone who ever knew Ray Huecker that he was not himself. So, Niece Teresa (aka Angel Girl) took us to the ER and patiently waited with me while they did a multitude of tests, most of which ruled out any bad stuff. Turns out, along with the (by now) terrible cough, the Mr. was also dehydrated, so very soon after the IV fluids went in, he began to look and sound like his real self (thank goodness). Long story short... he got a lot better and continues his recovery even now.
We have that and many other things to be thankful for now that we are back home with our cats and chickens. For starters, we are just so glad we were able to be in Texas to observe and celebrate my brother's 80th birthday, and the fact that he had made it to that ripe old age without becoming a curmudgeon.** We are surely grateful to his wife, his kids and his kids-in-law for putting the party together in a (seemingly) effortless way. Food, drink and entertainment all coming our way ad infinitum, with plenty of time to relax, visit and reminisce.
Brother Don and wife are thankful for the beautiful weather which allowed folks to sit outside all day & into the evening... thus saving wear and tear on the rugs & furniture inside. Don likes to take credit for that, claiming he has an "IN" with certain forces of nature.
On a personal note, the Mr. and I are so glad Ginger, Bob & Gus were able to be with us on this journey, giving moi much relief from driving duties... and we are eternally grateful to whatever forces (heavenly or otherwise) that kept us safe even as we were hurtling across the Arizona desert at 85 (or 90) mph when moi was not behind the wheel.
Final thought: getting together with loved ones at every opportunity is an effort richly rewarded. I recommend it.

**This is the perfect spot for a snide remark but today I am feeling kind (and don't want to chance that maybe he really does have an "IN" somewhere).