We have Bananas

Jim, Jacob, and I departed Colorado Sunday afternoon and pulled into the driveway of our Texas house Monday evening. Upon our arrival, Jim was eager to show us the fruit that he had recently discovered growing on our banana tree. The three of us scurried to the backyard to marvel at the wonder of nature - imagine, our banana tree was actually producing bananas! Well, one clump anyway. As we stood admiring the splendor, I began to feel stings on my flip-flop-covered feet. I glanced down and noticed that ants - many, many fire ants - had crawled onto the bare skin of my feet and were having a field day biting or stinging or whatever it is they do. I hopped off of the grass swatting at the critters, and saw that Jacob was doing the exact same dance simultaneously. Jim, wearing shoes and socks, looked on amused and without sympathy. He did go out and purchase some fire ant repellent to put on the lawn. Note to self: watch where you walk and never go barefoot.

Other than dealing with creepy bugs in Texas, we are having a great time down here. Our pool temperature hovers around 90 degrees, and contrary to popular belief, that does cool you off. We have had a number of chores to take care of both inside and out, and it is especially nice to jump into the water after working in the sweltering yard. Among other things, the wooden pole holding up our mailbox rotted, broke, and tipped over the other day, so we had to go out to buy a new post last night. Until Jim finds time to install it, our mailbox is out at the curb precariously perched on two old milk crates. Yes, we are the classy neighbors.

The bananas.

We got in 18 holes of putt-putt before we left Colorado.