Friday was forecasted to be rainy – but all we got was sun rays. After a bike ride, we did head to the mall to check out the sales. At 4:30 pm we boarded a charter bus that took us over to McAllen for the Viper’s Basketball game. Vipers are the NBA farm team for the Houston Rockets. Included in our tour package was a meal stop at the Outback Restaurant, tickets to the game, and a Winter Texan Club T-shirt. The game was fun – the vipers won, and the fan entertainment off the court was enjoyable. It was a real treat to be driven back home after the game – although it was pretty quiet on the bus.
Saturday was a slower day. It started with a garage sale at the park – not too many bargains. We ate dinner in, and called it an early evening.
Today (Sunday) we headed off to South Padre Island for the 10th annual kite festival. It is held on the beach and it was well attended. After a few hours, we left and made our way to “The Margaritaville of South Padre Island” – or the Palm St. Pier Bar & Grill. We had a “Steamer Pot” for two – king crab, shrimp, clams, red potatoes & corn – served in a Bud Lite Bucket. (See our pictures) – It was great, oh yea, we finished with a Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. Then we headed back to Fun N Sun for the Sunday evening ice cream social and entertainment by Freddie & Shelia Pelletier, a Canadian group from Birch Hills Saskatchewan.
Think we need to hit the gym tomorrow……. :-)
To see some pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Week Three News
Last Thursday we went to another Winter Texas Expo and Health Fair in Pharr, Texas. We were amazed at the number of health care providers there are in the RGV and we were also amazed at how our blood pressure readings varied as we went from booth to booth. This show was a bit disappointing – no freebies - so we left and headed west to Camping World for more supplies. I was also disappointed to find that a specialty shoe store I had found did not have size sandals I needed. So we headed back east towards Donna, for lunch at a hamburger place that was written up in one of the Winter Texan newspapers. That too was a bust – we couldn’t find the restaurant since the paper gave out the wrong address, and the burger pit does not have a sign. It wouldn’t have mattered, we were later told by a friend at Fun N Sun that you have to be there by 11:00 a.m. because they close up once they run out of meat. By this time it was 1:00 p.m. so we headed to Harlingen to a dairy bar that serves hamburgers and great banana splits. After a quick trip to the mall, it was back for a swim and a BBQ.
Saturday we went to the Customer Appreciation Day at Ron Hoover RV dealership. I fell in love with the 43 foot motor home but not even the sale price of $302,000 could entice us to make an offer. We then headed to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico to buy some Tequila – our first bottles of the season. Back at the park, neither of us felt like cooking after our late afternoon swim so we tried the nearby Longhorn Cattle Company – lots of meat and Texas style beans on their menu. It won’t be a restaurant that we will take Jenn to when she visits.
The Cowboy and Hobo show featuring Cactus Willie, Boxcar Bob and the Drifter was Sunday night’s free entertainment. We had thoroughly enjoyed their performance at the Chicken House Opry in Misson last March and they didn’t disappoint us this second time.
Monday, the 25th of January was the most beautiful weather we have had in the RGV – 76 degrees and almost no wind. Calm gentle breezes don’t happen very often so we took full advantage of it with several trips to the pool. I also enjoyed being able to read outside without being blown away. Fortunately we had not planned any field trips to take us out of the park. It is too bad that the winter returned again the next day.
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce sponsored Welcome Back Winter Texans on Tuesday January 26. The local merchants had displays set up and gave away a number of door prizes. There are actually more merchants than we realized – there are actually two independent pharmacies plus Walmart in this small town. The entertainer, Will Yancy, was warmly received by the capacity crowd.
The Wednesday evening dance was the exact opposite with only 60 people attending. We had a good time visiting with friends we made from Illinois but we did feel sorry for the entertainer, Ron O’Neil – party of one.
Thursday was a slower day. Despite the wind, we have enjoyed the pool and Paul played golf. However, he did purchase a larger set of awning “deflappers” to try to keep the awning attached to the trailer. The forecast for tomorrow is for rain and cooler weather on Friday so we will probably head to the mall.
Saturday we went to the Customer Appreciation Day at Ron Hoover RV dealership. I fell in love with the 43 foot motor home but not even the sale price of $302,000 could entice us to make an offer. We then headed to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico to buy some Tequila – our first bottles of the season. Back at the park, neither of us felt like cooking after our late afternoon swim so we tried the nearby Longhorn Cattle Company – lots of meat and Texas style beans on their menu. It won’t be a restaurant that we will take Jenn to when she visits.
The Cowboy and Hobo show featuring Cactus Willie, Boxcar Bob and the Drifter was Sunday night’s free entertainment. We had thoroughly enjoyed their performance at the Chicken House Opry in Misson last March and they didn’t disappoint us this second time.
Monday, the 25th of January was the most beautiful weather we have had in the RGV – 76 degrees and almost no wind. Calm gentle breezes don’t happen very often so we took full advantage of it with several trips to the pool. I also enjoyed being able to read outside without being blown away. Fortunately we had not planned any field trips to take us out of the park. It is too bad that the winter returned again the next day.
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce sponsored Welcome Back Winter Texans on Tuesday January 26. The local merchants had displays set up and gave away a number of door prizes. There are actually more merchants than we realized – there are actually two independent pharmacies plus Walmart in this small town. The entertainer, Will Yancy, was warmly received by the capacity crowd.
The Wednesday evening dance was the exact opposite with only 60 people attending. We had a good time visiting with friends we made from Illinois but we did feel sorry for the entertainer, Ron O’Neil – party of one.
Thursday was a slower day. Despite the wind, we have enjoyed the pool and Paul played golf. However, he did purchase a larger set of awning “deflappers” to try to keep the awning attached to the trailer. The forecast for tomorrow is for rain and cooler weather on Friday so we will probably head to the mall.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Week Two Update
Last Friday morning, we went to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes, TX – which was hosting a RV show featuring vendors and dealers. The sun was shining and it was a fun outing and credit cards stayed in our pocket. In the afternoon we came back to Fun N Sun to attend the Canadian social, which turned out to be a full pot-luck dinner. It was fun to see a few people we had met last year.
Saturday morning started with the ususal pancake breakfast – and yes Jane was up early to make sure she snagged one of the home made cinnamon buns. Later in the day we headed to San Benito ( a real small town in the valley). The advertised open air market was sparsly populated, and it is really sad to see the small downtown area with mainly empty and boarded up stores. The effects of the recession are really vivid in a town that was already one of the poorest in the valley.
Sunday started with an expedition to a new church. There are at least five catholic churches in this area. We enjoyed this new one better than the one we frequented last year. After a quick breakfast at El Galito, we headed for the Don West flea market. Jane reconnected with her favourite French Canadian bathing suit vendor – and yes another bathing suit was added to her collection. Paul picked up another set of awning straps to help make sure the awning stays on our site. The RGV winds have picked up considerably, so we are testing the limits of the hardware. Sunday afternoon we actually made it into the pool for a swim. Weather is improving!! Sunday night was time for the ice cream social – better known as “all you can eat for a buck”. The evening entertainer was not our cup of tea, so we bailed.
Monday we dropped into the Winter Texan appreciation day in Harlingen – a free T-Shirt and coupons for the local HEB grocery store were given out – and all the local health care providers were making their sales pitches. There is someone for all your needs. Monday night we attended the Dinner and Show at the Fun N Sun Dance Hall. From Branson MI, musician John Tweed & his Daughter gave a concert mixed with Broadway, Country, and Gospel. Really enjoyable. Got the CD in case you’re interested…..
Tuesday we rendezvoused with our Titanium friends Jerome and Dara from North Carolina. We had a pleasant three hour lunch in Weslaco,Tx. Fun to see some of our Titanium friends. Last night we read that Glendale – the manufacturer of Titanium had filed for bankruptcy. Great – I have a GMC truck from a bankrupt car company, and now I have a trailer from a bankrupt RV company. As long as we don’t go bankrupt, we will be fine!! Tuesday evening’s entertainment was the Ball Ranch Family – singing country, western and gospel. Enjoyable – but no CD this time!
Wednesday morning saw Paul golfing 9 holes with about 90 to 100 golfers from the park. This will be a regular activity while Jane volunteers at the Toys for Tots group. The sun is shining beautifully so Jane made it to her first Aqua Fit class. Eighty degrees in the sun makes everything more enjoyable.
Tonight we are off to another 60’s dance at the Fun N Sun Dance Hall. A live band called the ‘Agency’ will provide the music.
Last week Paul hooked up our satellite dish thanks to getting the coordinates from new friends from New Brunswick – so it is sort of nice to keep tabs on the Canadian scene. Coverage of the Haiti crisis was certainly more in depth than what we found on the local news channels.
Have to go to the Activity office before it closes, so we can sign up for next week’s outings. Bye for now.
To see some pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/
Saturday morning started with the ususal pancake breakfast – and yes Jane was up early to make sure she snagged one of the home made cinnamon buns. Later in the day we headed to San Benito ( a real small town in the valley). The advertised open air market was sparsly populated, and it is really sad to see the small downtown area with mainly empty and boarded up stores. The effects of the recession are really vivid in a town that was already one of the poorest in the valley.
Sunday started with an expedition to a new church. There are at least five catholic churches in this area. We enjoyed this new one better than the one we frequented last year. After a quick breakfast at El Galito, we headed for the Don West flea market. Jane reconnected with her favourite French Canadian bathing suit vendor – and yes another bathing suit was added to her collection. Paul picked up another set of awning straps to help make sure the awning stays on our site. The RGV winds have picked up considerably, so we are testing the limits of the hardware. Sunday afternoon we actually made it into the pool for a swim. Weather is improving!! Sunday night was time for the ice cream social – better known as “all you can eat for a buck”. The evening entertainer was not our cup of tea, so we bailed.
Monday we dropped into the Winter Texan appreciation day in Harlingen – a free T-Shirt and coupons for the local HEB grocery store were given out – and all the local health care providers were making their sales pitches. There is someone for all your needs. Monday night we attended the Dinner and Show at the Fun N Sun Dance Hall. From Branson MI, musician John Tweed & his Daughter gave a concert mixed with Broadway, Country, and Gospel. Really enjoyable. Got the CD in case you’re interested…..
Tuesday we rendezvoused with our Titanium friends Jerome and Dara from North Carolina. We had a pleasant three hour lunch in Weslaco,Tx. Fun to see some of our Titanium friends. Last night we read that Glendale – the manufacturer of Titanium had filed for bankruptcy. Great – I have a GMC truck from a bankrupt car company, and now I have a trailer from a bankrupt RV company. As long as we don’t go bankrupt, we will be fine!! Tuesday evening’s entertainment was the Ball Ranch Family – singing country, western and gospel. Enjoyable – but no CD this time!
Wednesday morning saw Paul golfing 9 holes with about 90 to 100 golfers from the park. This will be a regular activity while Jane volunteers at the Toys for Tots group. The sun is shining beautifully so Jane made it to her first Aqua Fit class. Eighty degrees in the sun makes everything more enjoyable.
Tonight we are off to another 60’s dance at the Fun N Sun Dance Hall. A live band called the ‘Agency’ will provide the music.
Last week Paul hooked up our satellite dish thanks to getting the coordinates from new friends from New Brunswick – so it is sort of nice to keep tabs on the Canadian scene. Coverage of the Haiti crisis was certainly more in depth than what we found on the local news channels.
Have to go to the Activity office before it closes, so we can sign up for next week’s outings. Bye for now.
To see some pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/
Thursday, January 14, 2010
First Week Almost Done
January 14, 2010
We have had a busy time since our arrival at Fun N Sun, hence the delay in writing our next installment of the blog.
For those of you wondering, yes we made it to the pancake breakfast on Saturday the 9th, but not early enough to get a cinnamon bun. I guess a few minutes extra sleep is healthier for both of us. We bought some fruit and vegetables from the Veggie lady who comes to the park several times per week. We didn’t buy much at the craft sale because our rig is full enough and we had not yet unpacked.
Sunday morning we were off to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle, the shrine with the Mariachi band that we like last year. After a quick breakfast at a Mexican restaurant, we drove west to the Camping World to buy a patio rug to make us feel like we have a patio on our grassy site. We then spent an enjoyable afternoon with Ontario friends who hosted a group of us to an authentic down east fish and chips dinner. They had brought 7 pounds of haddock and lots of scallops in their RV’s freezer, but the fish and seafood had been caught by Judy’s cousins in Nova Scotia. After this feast, we had to pass on the usual Sunday evening Ice Cream social but did listen the singer who is from the RGV.
Monday’s Gospel music festival was well attended and it was nice to see that the proceeds were going to 4 local charities. We really enjoyed Tuesday’s entertainment – Tammy and Jay from Branson, Missouri, who winter in Texas. We had seen them perform at the Chicken House Opry last year and were glad to see them again.
Tuesday’s cloudy, rainy weather gave us the opportunity to head to the outlet mall – a mere 20 minute drive from Fun N Sun.
On Wednesday morning, I was off to Toys for Tots – a volunteer group making stuffed toys that are distributed by the fire department and rescue squad. Wednesday evening’s entertainment was a 50’s & 60’s dance with a local band who we remembered from last year. Today I enjoyed a “Ladies Afternoon Out” which included lunch, a Tupperware demo and a beauty products demo – not too stressful.
Those of you who followed our travels last year will notice no mention yet of Aquacise or swimming. The “freeze warnings” have disappeared, and the temperature has gone over 65 degrees but as I headed to find a bathing suit, it started to rain. A neighbour from Canada lent Paul a nice bike, but his daily bike ride through the park was also cut short by the rain. Fortunately there is a stretching class twice a week that I have attended and an exercise room that I will have to visit soon – especially since they are once again selling hot lunches three times a week. We have found the desserts a bit too tempting….
Tomorrow afternoon is the Canadian social which we plan to attend.
To see how we set up our site go to : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/setup
We have had a busy time since our arrival at Fun N Sun, hence the delay in writing our next installment of the blog.
For those of you wondering, yes we made it to the pancake breakfast on Saturday the 9th, but not early enough to get a cinnamon bun. I guess a few minutes extra sleep is healthier for both of us. We bought some fruit and vegetables from the Veggie lady who comes to the park several times per week. We didn’t buy much at the craft sale because our rig is full enough and we had not yet unpacked.
Sunday morning we were off to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle, the shrine with the Mariachi band that we like last year. After a quick breakfast at a Mexican restaurant, we drove west to the Camping World to buy a patio rug to make us feel like we have a patio on our grassy site. We then spent an enjoyable afternoon with Ontario friends who hosted a group of us to an authentic down east fish and chips dinner. They had brought 7 pounds of haddock and lots of scallops in their RV’s freezer, but the fish and seafood had been caught by Judy’s cousins in Nova Scotia. After this feast, we had to pass on the usual Sunday evening Ice Cream social but did listen the singer who is from the RGV.
Monday’s Gospel music festival was well attended and it was nice to see that the proceeds were going to 4 local charities. We really enjoyed Tuesday’s entertainment – Tammy and Jay from Branson, Missouri, who winter in Texas. We had seen them perform at the Chicken House Opry last year and were glad to see them again.
Tuesday’s cloudy, rainy weather gave us the opportunity to head to the outlet mall – a mere 20 minute drive from Fun N Sun.
On Wednesday morning, I was off to Toys for Tots – a volunteer group making stuffed toys that are distributed by the fire department and rescue squad. Wednesday evening’s entertainment was a 50’s & 60’s dance with a local band who we remembered from last year. Today I enjoyed a “Ladies Afternoon Out” which included lunch, a Tupperware demo and a beauty products demo – not too stressful.
Those of you who followed our travels last year will notice no mention yet of Aquacise or swimming. The “freeze warnings” have disappeared, and the temperature has gone over 65 degrees but as I headed to find a bathing suit, it started to rain. A neighbour from Canada lent Paul a nice bike, but his daily bike ride through the park was also cut short by the rain. Fortunately there is a stretching class twice a week that I have attended and an exercise room that I will have to visit soon – especially since they are once again selling hot lunches three times a week. We have found the desserts a bit too tempting….
Tomorrow afternoon is the Canadian social which we plan to attend.
To see how we set up our site go to : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/setup
Friday, January 8, 2010
Arrived at Fun N Sun, San Benito, Texas
At noon today, we arrived in San Benito and pulled into Fun N Sun - our home for the next three months. Actually no sun greeted us and the temp is only 37 degrees. They are calling for below freezing temps for tonight. Glad we have two full propane tanks and our electric fireplace. They say it will go back to 70 degrees next week. Let's hope they are right.
We were greeted with the social calander for January and are glad to see the pancake breakfast will be served Saturday at 7:30 am - so much for sleeping in, cause around here if you snooze, you loose!!!
It is nice to be set up and finally back to living in our Titanium - but must admit last night at the Hampton Inn sure was nice and warm.
Look at our campsite last night in Corpus Christi and our real site at Fun N Sun today. http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/arrived
We were greeted with the social calander for January and are glad to see the pancake breakfast will be served Saturday at 7:30 am - so much for sleeping in, cause around here if you snooze, you loose!!!
It is nice to be set up and finally back to living in our Titanium - but must admit last night at the Hampton Inn sure was nice and warm.
Look at our campsite last night in Corpus Christi and our real site at Fun N Sun today. http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/arrived
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Almost there
Thursday night (Jan 7th) finds us bunking down in Corpus Christi Texas. With the arctic blast coming into the area, yesterday we made a run from Madison Georgia to Lafayette Louisiana.... a distance of over 700 miles.
The freezing weather has had strange effects. The homes and businesses are not built for the cold. We stopped at a Flying J in Alabama - only to find the restaurant closed due to broken water pipes. These folks just can't handle the cold.
Today's drive was a reasonable ten hours. Jane pleaded for one more night of luxury and with the low temp tonight of 29 degrees Farhenheit, she won the case over freezing water hoses. I think a warm indoor pool also helped her case.........LOL
Tomorrow we will arrive at Fun N Sun by early afternoon, so we will set up for the next three months - hopefully of warm weather.
The freezing weather has had strange effects. The homes and businesses are not built for the cold. We stopped at a Flying J in Alabama - only to find the restaurant closed due to broken water pipes. These folks just can't handle the cold.
Today's drive was a reasonable ten hours. Jane pleaded for one more night of luxury and with the low temp tonight of 29 degrees Farhenheit, she won the case over freezing water hoses. I think a warm indoor pool also helped her case.........LOL
Tomorrow we will arrive at Fun N Sun by early afternoon, so we will set up for the next three months - hopefully of warm weather.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Texas 2010 – Here we come!!
After a New Year’s turkey dinner with family (where two year old Kasey stole the show) we took down the Christmas tree and packed away most of the decorations and leftover Christmas goodies. Our next job was to remember what we need to take for the next four months in Texas and pack it away in the truck.
On Sunday January 3, we left Ottawa at 7:40 a.m. The roads were snow covered and slippery all the way to New Jersey. We were amazed to see the number of 5th wheels and motor homes on the road – and we were thankful ours is safely parked in South Carolina. We couldn’t believe the driver of a motor home who was towing a Mazda Miata convertible without any kind of protective cover. The Miata was covered in snow and ice and we suspect its convertible top won’t work the way it should once they arrive at their destination.
Despite the snow and wind, we had a good trip and arrived at Jenn’s in New Jersey in good time. The truck looks like something out of the ice age. We switched into her car and headed to central New Jersey for dinner with friends.
Monday morning we left NJ and drove to Fayetteville NC. Still cold here. We chose a Comfort Inn because it advertised a free carwash for guests – hummm, too bad they don’t know how to run a carwash when it gets to freezing temperatures. So no car wash and poor truck really looks sad.
On Tuesday, and two carwashes later we finally recognized it. Picked up our Titanium and headed west to Madison GA. where we camped at a Wingate Motel……….. with a lovely hot tub. Camping can wait – until it gets above freezing and snow is out of the forecast.
Check out our pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/Jan10
On Sunday January 3, we left Ottawa at 7:40 a.m. The roads were snow covered and slippery all the way to New Jersey. We were amazed to see the number of 5th wheels and motor homes on the road – and we were thankful ours is safely parked in South Carolina. We couldn’t believe the driver of a motor home who was towing a Mazda Miata convertible without any kind of protective cover. The Miata was covered in snow and ice and we suspect its convertible top won’t work the way it should once they arrive at their destination.
Despite the snow and wind, we had a good trip and arrived at Jenn’s in New Jersey in good time. The truck looks like something out of the ice age. We switched into her car and headed to central New Jersey for dinner with friends.
Monday morning we left NJ and drove to Fayetteville NC. Still cold here. We chose a Comfort Inn because it advertised a free carwash for guests – hummm, too bad they don’t know how to run a carwash when it gets to freezing temperatures. So no car wash and poor truck really looks sad.
On Tuesday, and two carwashes later we finally recognized it. Picked up our Titanium and headed west to Madison GA. where we camped at a Wingate Motel……….. with a lovely hot tub. Camping can wait – until it gets above freezing and snow is out of the forecast.
Check out our pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/Jan10
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