GO’s Sand Bucket  By Georgia Osten
Casually sitting around a table the other night at another function, discussion came up about HEB. I think what actually brought it on was the cake we were having at Dennis & Elaine’s Moving Away Party. The cake, which, by the way, was delicious, happened to come from HEB. I usually use a lady from Port Bolivar to bake our cakes, but this time, I ordered the cake for Veteran’s Day from HEB.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Actually, while talking about the cake at the party, Cathie told us she now shops at the HEB in Port Neches, Port Acres or Port Arthur, one of those eastern off-the-wall places unknown to most of us. I’m reluctant to admit I grew up in Port A., and I don’t mean Port Aransas … Anyway, Sherry & I almost immediately chimed in “We want to go next time you go!” What was Cathie to do? We invited ourselves and even scheduled an upcoming date to go on this little adventure.

I was going to take a vacation day last Friday, but then I found out it was a holiday. Happy Days! We met at Cathie’s house on Friday morning. Well, we thought it was Cathie’s house?? I called Cathie to tell her I was downstairs, then Sherry drove up and parked next to me, she called Cathie too. Cathie called Sherry back, “Where the hell are you?” Seems as if we were parked at the wrong house. First blunder of the day … it happens …

Cathie drove, I sat in the back seat because I’m not a “front-seat rider.” I’m better if I can’t see what’s going on if you know what I mean?!?

There it was, HEB in all her glory! We each grabbed our own cart and headed out in separate directions with our shopping lists. First stop, Ladies Room, there was Sherry already talking to someone. You see, Sherry still frequents these eastern parts, so of course, she found someone she knew. “Edgar, you remember Georgia Reynolds?” Lo and behold, it was someone I knew from my way back past! He didn’t remember me, but I remembered way too much about him!

So, I picked up the cake I ordered and while I was there, I picked up a turkey and ham for the peeps here at the station. “Buy a ham, get the first 12 pounds of a turkey free.” Bingo! Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving all taken care of for peeps at work! Only a few things for me, knowing I would be going to Sam’s on Sunday after church.

Really hungry work, for the three of us, so Sherry suggested “The Wheelhouse” on the Neches River for lunch. Delish, but no, we didn’t see Lance there. Memories flooded in because I used to waterski on that river, pretty creepy, always praying I wouldn’t fall off the skis.

Sherry suggested another way home, much more scenic and a little longer with more memories of places I will always be familiar with. I guess you can’t take the Port A. outta the girl.

Looking forward to the next trip. This may be the beginning of another social outing for “the girls.” We may need a mini van, there are more “girls” who would like to join us!

There’s always something new/old/familiar to look forward to!

GO’s Sand Bucket is only one beach bum’s journal of life at the beach, probably something each of you can relate to. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts, visions and/or feelings of just exactly what the beach means to you. Email: [email protected]

[GO: Nov-14-2023]