All is ok, other than having to put one of dogs down on monday, his hips finally gave out and couldnt get up anymore. sorry to say it was time. 
sad times right now at the house, especially for my wife. (it was her dog). other than that all is good, just trying to downsize a bit. but here is an email from chris about hico.Alan,
Here is the Hico directions. Obviously you can adjust them however you want. Tell Lisa, Mhannis and all “Hello!” I know I am no longer on a Duc but the same can be said for Rossi and people still love him.
A good meeting place is the Race Trac off Broad Street and 360 in Mansfield. There is a Starbucks across the street and the high school right down the street if you need a bigger parking lot.
Take Broad west to 287.
287 south to 157 south (first exit after heritage)
157 South thru Venus (watch out for PD in Venus) to 916 in Maypearl.
916 West thru Grandview ( pay attention to signs as you will have to go left at cemetery) to 171 South.
171 South thru Covington to 934 West (about 10 miles total and there is gas stop in Covington).
934 West to 309 South (309 is on left after the second hill) (be careful for farm traffic on 309 and slow down thru Wimberly)
309 South to 22 West (pretty boring and flat but you can spice it up if you go down to Aquilla Lake)
Get gas somewhere on 22!!! Or you better stop in Clifton…..trust me!
On the West side of Lake Whitney you will look for 219 West/South.
Turn Left onto 219 and set the cruise at 100mph plus.
STAY ON 219!!!! Thru Clifton, Cranfills Gap and Fairy all the way until you hit 281.
Shoot 281 north into town.
Places to meet
In Venus there is an Exxon on 157 and 67.
In Maypearl there is a stop sign at the turn.
In Grandview meet at the gas station after the freeway.
Meet at stop sign on 916 and 171.
Meet at turnoff for 309.
Meet at stop sign for where 309 and 22 meet.
Meet at stop sign where 219 and 281 meet.
Give me a shout if you have any questions. If they decide to go on it make sure someone has my number just in case.
Later,
Chris
