The fort was having its monthly board meeting this morning, so we decided to get up early and attend the meeting. Since we have been gone from here for over six months, we thought this would be a good way to catch up on what has been happening around here. It also provided a way to visit with friends we haven't seen for a while.

After the meeting, we headed over to Unit 37 to see Ralph Ramsey. We spent almost an hour with him before stopping in to see Wallace and Becky. Upon reaching home, we remembered we still hadn't done any grocery shopping, so it was back into Brackettville to get just a few staples to hold us over until we can get to Del Rio on Monday. Following lunch, I got the kitchen area cleaned, started the grocery list and got some of the clothes put away. John hosed off the deck and set up all the outside furniture. This morning started out cloudy and cool, but this afternoon was very sunny and warm--John just had to break out the shorts.



Many of our plants died over the summer, but the cactus grew like crazy. The cactus in the picture had only two paddles when we left here last April. Look at it now!


We had a pretty steady stream of visitors this afternoon--folks just welcoming us back. Our pastor dropped in and invited us to the community Thanksgiving service at the church this evening and to also let us know there will be a potluck dinner after church tomorrow. We timed our arrival just right--they have super potluck meals.

It was a very nice service this evening followed by snacks in the Fellowship Hall. We find we are settling back into fort life very quickly. It's almost as if we were never away.