Grapevine (DFW) Conference time

Yes we are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Like Phoenix there are like 25 cities with in local area. Each is centered around major cities with some of the cutest smaller locals nestled into every available acre. Here in Grapevine we have had to make local runs and with each we seem to cross into a new jurisdiction. (M: in the tourist booklet, there was a coupon for 20% of at a tourist joint that offered... you guessed it.. CROCS! none I could use but I got a deal on my Croc butter)

Grapevine is a beautiful city with Lake Grapevine which is between the Grapevine Campground RV Park and the Gaylord Texan, where the conference was held. It was so handy being a mile and a half between the RV and the hotel. Yes, I did need to run back and forth several times for things we forgot or didn’t think we would need. Petsmart, WalMart and all he places we met with groups were within 2 miles, except one. Perfect.





We arrived several days early to settle in and prepare for the conference. This also gave us time to collect some mail that we had forwarded to Hayley. She came out and met us at one of the many malls in the area. Here she is trying to look petite like Michelle, but her legs did give her away. (M: I felt like her lil walking stick or something. Tall, thin, gorgeous, with that big ol' Texas smile!)




The next day (Friday) we met up with Paul P at the Cracker Barrel. We met Jeriline, Esther, Val and Rick and Karen and a camera shy Paul. We had a great meal (Cracker Barrel is one of Michelle’s favorites) and spent time sharing stories and enlightening Jeriline & Esther as to what post op life was like. I hope we didn’t scare you too much.












Paul was so worried that the lack of the number of those coming out to meet us would be a disappointment. Trust me, it is never disappointing to us when even one person comes out. The more the merier, yes, but if only one comes out, it is always an inspiration and encouragement for us. Paul, a very sincere, “Thank you”.



Monday, we met with Hayley again and a group of crazies. Wow, we had a ball …. I hope the pre-ops didn’t get scared away.

















I don’t think Hayley’s surgery caused her to be a goofy as she is. It must be a natural state for her. I was so impressed with the success I saw around the table. I’m not talking about just the Texas beauties, but the health these gals have and show.










Terry and Hayley measuring up to Michelle. Hey just because she is vertically challenged, doesn't mean she isn't as cute as a bug.







That evening we were invited to a dinner/birthday party for Dr Marchesini. For those who haven’t had the pleasure to meet him, he is a wonderful surgeon offering bariatric surgery in Brazil. We met him last year and have become a fan ever since.




His wife, Ilvira and daughter Simone joined him on this trip to the states. Michelle has been given a year to become conversant in Portugese so they can go shopping next year. I think eliminating the language barrier would open a warm relationship between our two beautiful wives. Turning them loose in a mall might be hazardous to our finances. Simone and Dr M who have good English skills and did a lot of inturpeting. (M: I taught her critical language skills: shopping, mall, Crocs - she knew that one-, CUTE EARRINGS! Cute SHOES! She taught me: shopping, shoes. The very basics.)

Unfortunately, I had to leave a bit early so didn’t get as many pictures as I hoped to get. I would love to record and share the love and respect Dr Marchesini and his patients share. I wasn’t feeling too well so the few pictures I was able to get were a bit fuzzy, so don’t adjust your monitors. It was an honor to be included with his patients to celebrate his birthday. Thank you ever so much.