Minnesota heads to Texas

Funny how things work out in life.   For the last 7 years, I've been going up to MN to ride my Indian Motorcycle.  I've made a lot of friends over those years while there, from around the country, and of course, those in MN.  Some of these friendships have gone to the next level. For the last three years, some of the friends have come down to Galveston to visit during the latter part of winter.  This year was a blast as always

The Polar Vortex.  Winter Storms.   When did we start naming all this crap?  I lived up north for over a decade and we called it 'winter.'  Called it "COLD!".   Well, this year ...   is one of those years.  Hell, I was just up that way and came back before this latest plunge.   Then, it was down to Galveston where Rick and Holly Dittel, and Linda O'Brien flew into Houston to join us.  If we'd have been planning better, we'd have slid it to the right a week, but we still got a night of Mardi Gras in.   And most importantly, we had a week to visit, kick back outside, hit the restaurant scene and ...  the first night of Mardi Gras.

Winter in Galveston is hit or miss.  I've enjoyed weeks in the 70s and Sunshine.  Other times, it's
The FOG
actually snowed and had a freeze for a day or two.  This trip would be a week averaging around 60, but with a fog for almost the entire week. Hell, the entire Gulf Coast all the way up into Atlanta was shrouded in a fog for the better part of a week.  It had a cool factor but I wanted some serious sunshine for my winter friends.  But they had the right attitude, pointing out folks were freezing their asses off up North while we were in shorts and tee shirts.  My first day down I was out in my swim trunks getting a tan, but that'd change on day 2 ... the fog.

Gotta admit I've come to look forward to my time with my buddy Rick.  Our friendship took off several years ago and back in early '17, it went to a whole other level thanks to events going on during that time frame.  The crazier shit got, the closer we got.  Soon we were making R&R MC jokes on a daily business.   Enjoying our new found 'club' with Wolves and laughing at the 'sheep.' Most of that has gone by the wayside ( at least on a daily basis ), but no doubt we'll have that bit of history for decades. We laugh our asses off at the surrounding circumstances to this day.   When you know what really went down, and what is still happening on the periphery ... you just can't help yourself.

Anyways...   what a week.  We stocked up on a ridiculous amount of Scotch's and ... finished it .  All of it.  And more.  Nights were filled with stories on the back deck, sippn' scotch and smoking stogies.  My wife has become good friends with Holly and Linda and the whole week just flowed.  Every day, was spent scouting out a new restaurant in search of shrimp ..   crab .... crawfish ...   red snapper.   Even when we weren't out, relaxing evenings around the tube watching some flicks on TV.   Somehow, it all works and just flows.

Friday the weather warmed up and we headed down onto the Strand for the first night of two weekends of Mardi Gras Celebrations.   We lucked out into a perfect sitting area at Bubbas on the Strand with seating next to the sidewalk and easy access to the parades that night.  The bartender was just a few steps away, keeping the drinks flowing all night.  And before I hit the point of no return, we headed back to the house.  Saturday was the day for them to fly back North and doing it with a massive hangover.... aint' the best way to travel.


Saturday was the teaser.  As folks are headed out, the sun is breaking through the fog.  Temps are climbing.   Still, the weekend is 'over.'.  Leanne and I are relaxing all day, knowing we're headed home on Sunday.

Sunday.  Are you kidding me?  Sun is out.  Gulf is calm.  Not a cloud in the sky.  Where was this all week?  We're checking weather in Galveston and Grenville comparing notes....  turns out it's the same in both locations so .... we're off.   Another week of G'town in the books.  Damned I love Galveston.  I love Texas

God Bless Texas!







Comments

Rick said…
Great time as always Brother! And the farther back in the rear view mirror that events in the past get the stronger our friendship gets. Getting out of the cold is always nice. Hey I got sun burnt.

Thanks again. Mr & Mrs Lossner! Love you guys!
RickkciR said…
Good Times Brother! Gonna' be another crazy year... Hill Country Reunion ... Ozarks.. and come October, seeing the 'record' get kicked to the curb. Still need to need to get up your way ASAP for all those Kings Mountain parts.... soon!