We left Austin on Dec. 29 and drove through blinding rain to Ft. Worth to pick up Kitty Lou at Rita's. Sheets of rain flooded the windshield so one truly couldn't see for a few seconds; part of the trip Pat drove at 40 miles an hour. It was really nice to get to Rita's especially since she and Kathleen had prepared lunch for us. Rita fixed crab chowder with artichokes which was very tasty. After the great lunch, we headed to Wichita Falls. We went to bed early that night and got up early for our drive home. It rained most of the way but at least not as heavy the previous day. We're readapting to the quiet and miss E, D, J and K already! Today it is snowing.