Saturday - Nov 8, 2008 - Arrived early at the Houston Space Center. Took a little field trip around the grounds and snapped some pictures at the entrance. A lady got out of her car and offered to take a picture of us together - There are great people where ever you go. Got right in on a morning tour that takes you on sight to the Johnson Space Center which is where the real things are going on. They about strip search you to go on the tour - they check you in and out and take your picture which they try to sell you when the tour is over. At our age you don't want to pay $25 dollars to see how beautiful you are! The tour takes you right into the real control rooms. One was set up historically for the moon landing and the other was the one they are using for the Shuttle. We got a preview of the Houston side of the launch of STS 126 which we will be observing. They other major attraction feature the Saturn V rocket used in moon launches with a history of the Apollo program. Got some great pictures - especially of Apollo 11 (first men on moon) and Apollo 13 ( Houston we have a problem). As we exited we say a clump of oak trees - one is planted for each astronaut that died - it was a reflective moment. We checked out the exhibits in the visitors center and then found a beautiful picnic spot for lunch - it was a beautiful warm day. We then departed for Mandy and Christian Richard's home which is located north of Houston. We arrived at about 3 pm to a warm welcome. Their house in a beautiful wooded area know as The Woodlands. Some of Houston's wealthiest live in the area. Mandy and Christian have a nice two story but have recently had some disasters. During hurricaine Ike a tree fell and punched a hole in the roof which let the rain down pour cause some damange. To add insult to injury they had a grease fire in the kitchen which totaled the stove, microwave, cabinets and wall. They are awaiting the contractors to get them back in business. They are camping out kitchen wise and are dealing well with adversity. We packed up the family and went out to dinner at a very nice Italian Restaurant. Had a good meal and conversation to end a great day.