A Western Gathering?

A -21

If you haven't made travel and hotel arrangements yet,
get cracking!

Among the quiet amusements available at Corazon are Chess, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuits, dominos, Uno, and card games. We have a closet full of games and puzzles, but those listed seem to be most often resorted to by our guests. A little penny-ante poker, anyone? I'm a terrible player, but always enjoy the game ... when I can find anyone to play.

In anyone just happens to bring along a set of workcloths, they could work in one of the gardens, or hoe weeds down on the lower property. I hate to see good labor go to waste, and the State won't send the chain-gang here anymore. They say we work them too hard!

For some reason our grandchildren are resisting the idea that they come for a visit this summer. Last year our grand daughter was excited by my announcement that there were a couple of horses out in the garage that she could ride anytime. In return, she had to keep the garage swept and clean. I think she was a little disappointed to find that I was refering to a couple of saw-horses I occasionally use.

Gets harder to con the kids every year, doesn't it?

Yes, and they seem to get better every year in devising "Granny Traps". The grandson is going on ten, so I suppose I'll soon have to start working on a West Point appointment. It never ends.

I once got my hopes up. Autumn was becoming evident when I sat down in my study to begin writing college checks for our youngest son's schooling. It suddenly dawned on me that he had graduated the preceding Spring! It was like getting a fourteen thousand dollar increase in our income stream. Wow! I hadn't been so happy since the children moved out and I could transform their rooms into useful space for our books. That was really great, since it meant that we would no longer have to hunt for places to sit in the living room, or walk funny down the hallway. Real bookshelves and a desk to sit at. Who could ask for more, and now I was freed from writing those damnable checks.

The older boy, discovering my new wealth, decided that it was time to start a family and I've been mostly broke ever since.

ok, I reserved a room at the HoJo Panamerican. Looking forward to it. This should be great fun!

Roger, I've been inviting him to come with me for the past 34 years! He gets this wild look in his eyes but says, nonchalantly, oh no, that's alright, somebody's got to stay with the dog.
I have to admit, our dog Sam is great company.

Asherman, I haven't played Uno since my sons were little. I might try to talk you into playing a game with me. I play bridge, but rather poorly. Will you teach me poker?

poker? someone say poker? um

Hey! I need lessons first.

Bridge, I play bridge Diane now we only need two more for a couple of rounds. But you know I have not played face to face for several years only on the net.

poker? don't know how to play poker....................uno? never played that either

Me neither, but I used to play a mean hand of Go Fish, till I forgot how to do it.

I am an expert Uno player - I play often with a six year old.

I want to play, and I want to go to your gathering, whahhhhhhh!

Oh yeah, there's a very nice public golf course just down the road from Corazon. I pretty sure there are tennis courts even closer, though we aren't tennis players. Horseback riding can probably be arranged at from a local stable.

I think there is more possible activities than anyone could possibly do even if they stayed a week. Ya' gotta pick an' choose, get yer priorities straight.

A -20

Transportation and hotel arrangements should not be put off until the penultimate moment. Getting to Albuquerque isn't really that much trouble from most cities in the Western hemisphere. At a bit under $40/night the Howard Johnson's on Pan American may fully booked well before the weekend of 23-25. The total trip, excluding airfare, can probably be done for as little as $150 ... Time to make up your mind is growing short.

A personal message, if you intend coming, would be appreciated. Without some idea of how many will be coming it is difficult to estimate how much provender to provide.

hard tack and sow belly will suffice for the city slickers

WHAT?

Sounds like a saddle that needs oil and a nasty big-bellied fella!

Surely you westies do not eat such?

well of course we do, that and pemican and the eternal pot of beans (although i would prefer veal oscar, steamed asparagus with potatos au gratin)

oscar is my cat's name......anxious looks....


LOL

Hot chilies, anyone?
lowan, Asherman will eat almost anything if it has lots of hot chilies in it. Just don't give him rice, he hates rice.

You must engage Ash in a game of dominos. He usually beats Natalie and I.

Does anyone like to play Scrabble or apollo? What about Pinochle?

I can't wait for Ash to show you McGinty's bar downstairs in his family room. Ash has written several stories about the denizens of McGinty's. You should ask him to post them if he hasn't already done so. They always have a touch of O'Henry at the end.

-----BumbleBeeBoogie

Will there be any rash behavior?