Arthur's Theme: The Best That You Can Do

Hello from a new location!!!

Link to a GREAT Yacht Rock Song

Bella and I have moved to our new location in TX with the aid of my parents and oh-so-helpful sister. My job begins tomorrow.
We left my things in Tyler TX and drove home for about a week and a half stay during which I mostly cleaned/organized and caught up with some friends (I'm sorry I couldn't see more!). I missed my little house in Bevo but not the poor water pressure that's for sure. Visited with the family and took as many naps as possible.

Peggy J riding in style at Grandma's

Leslie and Mom also riding in style on a bicycle built for two. 

St. Louis sunset over St. Matthews (?) Cemetery near my house. 

 Read on for location/job update.

Bella on the road. 

Undoubtedly enjoyed the drive the most. 

Bella and Leslie are officially frenemies. Bella growled at her and attempted to bite but thankfully Leslie did not bite back as she has more teeth than her. 

Look at this sainted face. Who could hate her?

So my devoted mother and loving sister drove down to TX from STL with myself and said sainted dog. We would meet with up with my Dad in Tyler who insisted on going ahead of us to pick up my stuff.

I think to say that Mom and Leslie enjoyed their trip down to TX would be an understatement. They'll probably try to tell you it wasn't fun but don't let them fool you. They had a blast driving in a cramped car with an anxious dog for over 10 hours. 

It all started when I was an hour late to pick them up- which I was constantly reminded of. Mind you I did text them AND I was the one packing up my life but whatever. And then because I chose to drive us a route that was slightly longer (by 30 minutes) BUT was more interstate driving. I'll leave out all the nagging and teasing they did over some of my habits. 

We stopped at a rest stop (in Arkansas? MO?) and this lady came over to us and asked if she could bless the dog. Well, of course you can! No holy water or anything but a nice saying and now my dog is officially blessed. Not that it makes my sister or mom like her more. 

I can;t recall at this moment more specific or exciting moments other than they were ALL GREAT because we were together... The fun just never ended. Well it may have a bit when Bella's sedative wore off. 

We spent the night in Tyler after cleaning out my apartment and I got to share a room with my sister like old times!! She was SO excited. The poor dear didn't sleep well though because my Holy Dog's Holy Snoring kept her awake. Not mine (hearsay, of course), but my dog's. She was such a crab- even tried to quiet her by 'gently' placing a pillow on top of her. 

The 5 of us (Holy Dog included) drove down south to my new abode in PORT ARTHUR TX! Not an ideal destination in this big-ass state but there is a job that can pay bills so here we are. No offense to anyone from this area or surrounding areas by any means. Coming from Tyler to here is a big change and I had a hard time finding a nice place with a short-term lease. I'll be working in Vidor and Beaumont (about 20-30 minutes away) at 2 skilled nursing facilities (SNF for those not in the know). Googling any of these three towns brings up Harvey damage mostly and crime. Therefore I wanted to find a safe place to live for myself and my sainted dog (I mean, a blessing can only take you so far). So here I am in a nice gated apartment complex on the second floor. Really nice apartment with a guest bedroom (I'm sure everyone will be scrambling for an invite!) and drumroll please.... washer/dryer! I couldn't be happier. 

I don't know where I'd be without Leslie's 'eye for design'- she was a great help in setting things up. She has hit her manual labor goal for the year though so don't ask her to do anything else. 

 a HUGE THANK YOU to my parents and sister for helping with the move and enjoying the journey on the way. It was hot as the dickens and I was worried about my folks but they persevered because my dad is stubborn. I mainly stayed inside with the dog and moved boxes and such because no one else wanted to be around my dog.

Parents and Leslie stayed in PA Thursday night with Leslie staying in the apartment with me- about 90% of the time she is hilarious. She can't wait to visit again- I just know it. She is really just concerned about me messing up her decor. We went to a steakhouse and it was yummy! I've been craving a steak since Tyler but thought it was kinda lame to go to a place like that alone.

Truly grateful to have family willing to move me- bonus that we're all funny! Dad not pictured. He's still off the grid.

So Dad drove off Friday morning back up towards East TX and it was my job to send Leslie and Mom off to Houston Hobby Airport to fly home. It is about an hour and a half to Houston from here and traffic is a bitch getting into and out of there. We drove a coastal way into town and don't let them tell you they didn't enjoy it! Maybe I'm dumb but I really didn't think about refineries being down here which of course then affects air quality and beaches and so on. This whole area is still rebuilding in many ways since Hurricane Harvey last year. I think that probably only half of my apt complex is full because they had about 12" of water in the first floor apartments.

Surrounding refineries 

I can see the lights from one from my balcony (not this one). 

Fred Hartman Bridge into Houston from the bay route.. resembles the Sunshine Bridge in Tampa Bay. No talking while Mom is driving on this bridge. 

After my lovely and lively family members left I've been trying to get everything settled and organized for the apartment and for work. I want this dog to not freak out when I'm gone so we've been practicing short-term absences. Tomorrow she's going to get a happy pill so the maintenance men can come by (nice guys- already met them) and she be chill (fingers crossed). 

I haven't done too much exploring. Driving back out of Houston was stressful. Yesterday went to scope out both SNFs and took the scenic route home. We drove home over the Rainbow Bridge (not that bridge) over the Neches river back into Port Arthur. 

Rest of this weekend has been cleaning, laundry, napping, and walking. 

Moon was beautiful- this was the "blood moon' night (or whatever)- harder to see in best light due to pollution. 

Storm clouds- don't remember an actual storm though. 

Sunset tonight.

Work starts tomorrow. Once I get settled into work I'll start exploring. Stay tuned.

Peace, love, and Trazadone,

ME