Saturday, March 27, 2010

The Americans are Leaving Town

The weather this week has finally cooperated. Our trips to the pool deck have increased to twice daily.

This week we have seen a constant flow of trailers heading north. Many of the mid-western folks are heading home to get ready for planting season on their farms, and others want to be home for Easter Sunday. The population in the park has already dropped from 1100 to 752 as of last night. But I’m hearing that in the next three days there will really be a mass exodus.

Only folks left here will be the 300 year round residents, and all the Canadians who are waiting until after Easter to travel!!

Many activities wound up in the park this past week. Each day one could find small ‘pot luck’ farewell dinners / lunches in several areas of the park. Reminds us of our summer season at McGowan Lake when September rolls around and we say goodbye for the winter. Here it’s bye for the summer and see you in November.

With all the eating, our diets have to wait another week… 

Last night we got out our jeans and Texas gear and strolled over to the dance hall for the final Texas Country Band dance for this season. Since it was the only dance this week, we decided to try it at least once this season. Our ‘waltzing around Texas’ needs some serious help if we want to keep up with these folks. Oh well there is always line dancing classes next year.

Today we will be heading for South Padre Island – since it is forecasted to be in the mid 80’s and sunny. We will have to pass on the Onion Festival today in Weslaco – but a hot day at the beach rules over a festival in the onion field.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Luau and St. Patty’s Parties

This week has been a really busy one with RV Park sponsored events and local street gatherings. It is getting closer to the end of the month of March, and many of the northern folks who farm – are packing up and heading home to start the planting season. Each day brings more empty lots – can’t wait until the end of the month when the only ones left here will be permanent residents and Canadians who are waiting till mid April to start the treck north.

Last Friday night our Titanium friend Doug’s wife flew in for her March break vacation. So early Saturday morning, they were touring the park. Saturday was a beautiful hot day. After the arts & crafts show in the rec hall, they headed off to Padre Island, and Jane & I headed to the Don Wes flea market. I ordered a sun screen for the awning, and of course, Jane visited her favorite bathing suit vendor. Then we headed to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico (a short 15 minute drive from Don Wes). We were running short of Tequila, so what better place to stock up than Mexico. After that it was back home and over to the pool.

Sunday morning was our usual church and Mexican breakfast at different restaurant. There is no shortage of new places to try! In the afternoon, we had Doug & Sue over for happy hour and BBQ. We managed to eat in time to attend the evening ice cream social – who needs to plan dessert when there is ice cream being served in the rec hall. After the social, Patty & (Tall) Paul joined us back at the trailer and the six of us had an enjoyable evening.

Monday’s big event was the Luau Party and Dance. Being elected Luau King and Queen is apparently the highlight of the RV season (we’re still learning….LOL). People had spent Sunday and Monday decorating their tables with all sorts of lighting and other effects. See pictures to understand. We were sitting with the 2002 Luau King and Queen – a couple in their late 80’s who have been married close to 70 years. We certainly enjoyed getting to know them and their friends who have been here close to 20 years. The park Hula Dances and Warriors were fun to watch along with the other Luau festivities. This was followed by a dance where the Cruisers band played.

Tuesday was a cloudy, rainy day. Fortunately we had booked a tour of the Hidalgo Pump house built in 1909 which is about 45 minutes west of here. The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse museum tells the story of irrigation that changed the Rio Grande Valley from a no man’s land to a major agricultural region in the 20th century. We also enjoyed a trolley ride through the historic town but the rain prevented us from going to the river bank to see the modern day electric pumps. We also missed touring the world birding centre that is located there but we know we can return next year on a sunny day.

Tuesday evening there was a Saint Patrick’s Day eve party which we passed on knowing that there was a Saint Patrick’s Day party on Wednesday evening. Wednesday morning Paul drove Doug and Sue to Harlingen to catch their tour bus to Mexico. He then went golfing, back to the Don-Wes flea market, farther west to the Camping World in Mission and then to several store looking for a green shirt to wear to the dance. While he was gone, Jane went to Toys for Tots and then enjoyed the park’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade – few decorated golf carts. The dance wasn’t too well attended but we enjoyed the Agency band – complete with the guitar player from Newfoundland.

On Thursday afternoon we went to a pot luck lunch / dinner in the rec hall for Father Isaac, the priest the Catholic church we attend. About 60 Winter Texans from the park hosted to the party to thank the priest for making us feel welcome here.

Later this afternoon, we will go to the Canadian pot luck supper. Next week we will have to start diets if we want to be able to fit into our clothes.

To see our pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Week of March 7th

After Sunday church and breakfast at another Mexican restaurant, we tagged up with our friend Doug and headed to Hidalgo for an afternoon at Borderfest. The highlight of our day was seeing Charro for the second year in a row – yes the “cuchi – cuchi” girl is still going strong at age 59. We tried a few snacks from the food court, looked at the Australian exhibit and then headed back to the park for the evening’s ice cream social.

Monday morning we headed off in two directions – Jane to Stretch class and then Aquacise in the pool and Paul to the computer club meeting. Late in the afternoon, we headed to the Dance Hall for the State Fair – the first time that it has been held in the park. Each state set up displays with tourist literature and “give-aways” as well as draws for various prizes. Quebec, Ontario and Canada each had a table so the Canadian snowbirds were well represented. Bo Rivers, a singer who does lots of Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison songs, was the evening entertainer - http://boriversmusic.com/
We really like him and hope to get to see him again next year.

Tuesday was a busy day. Jane started her day with a “Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast” then we were off to the U.S. Border patrol station for a tour / indoctrination. A bit Rah Rah, but it was very interesting to see how the resources are deployed to stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling from Mexico to Texas. After a quick stop at our favorite HEB grocery store, we headed back to the RV Park for a 3 pm “Cajun Gumbo” feast and pot luck. The food was delicious and it was fun to meet some new people on the other side of the park. Unfortunately during the festivities, word came that one of our friend’s mom had passed away in the local hospital.

On Wednesday morning, Paul went golfing and Jane to Toys for Tots and then to Aquacise class in the pool. We were thrilled that the Texas hot weather arrived and it finally hit 94 degrees!! What a glorious day. At noon, Jane went to a ladies style (fashion) show and luncheon in the dance hall while Paul headed to the pool to cool off. Late in the afternoon we went back to the pool for another swim – it is a good thing that Jane has a large supply of bathing suits. Although it was tropical heat during the day and evening, it cooled down at night so we slept comfortably with the windows and vents open.

We awoke Thursday to heavy thick fog. When the fog started to lift, Paul took advantage of the overcast sky to wash the trailer – First time since we’ve been in the park! The sun broke thru before Paul was finished, so it was off to the pool to cool off when the job was done. Today’s a bit cooler than yesterday – but mid 70’s and sunshine are great.

To see our pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Into March Already

Monday morning started with Paul going to his computer club meeting and Jane off to Stretch class. Jane then joined Paul at the computer club since the guest speaker’s topic was E-Books. Patty (our friend from the cruise) was speaking and demonstrating her Kindle. Very interesting way to carry and read books…… hmmm do I sense a potential gift here? – so I can lessen the weight in the trailer of course!!

The rest of the day we spent by the pool and then finally decided to go out for a quick Mexican dinner – since we had not stocked the fridge yet!

Tuesday Paul puttered around the trailer, putting the awning back up with all the straps and clamps needed to withstand the Texas winds which do gust up to 40 miles per hour. Jane skipped water aerobics since the pool heater was not working. But later in the afternoon, we both went for a dip which cooled us off nicely. That night we took our friend Doug out to dinner at the Longhorn Cattle Company. Yesterday (Monday) was his birthday, so we treated him to dinner, and the restaurant even provided a free dessert – but we spared him the pleasure of the singing waiters and wearing the longhorns.

After dinner we came back to Fun N Sun for the Las Vegas night. Doug was the big winner with two prizes, Jane didn’t win, and I used my dollar to buy an ice cream bar – so at least I got to eat my winnings.

Wednesday morning Paul skipped golf (40 degrees at 6:30am was not motivating) Jane went quickly to her Toys for Tots and then we both headed off with Doug to Victoria Palms RV Park for the 11:00 am Titanium Luncheon. About 140 people attended the luncheon. The food and conversation were excellent. We were glad to see our friends that we only get to meet at rallies and luncheons – and we made some new friends. We even met a couple from Silver Lake, On – they live right on Hwy 7, and have had a 2001 Titanium for sale all last summer. We have driven past this unit and it was fun to meet the owners. Apparently they had bought a new unit from Winter’s in Napanee, and he refused to take their 2001 unit as a trade. Hmm, does that make you want to buy there??

Wednesday night we were back at Fun N Sun for a dance featuring the Agency Band. It is really fun to have live bands playing several times a week here at the park. Our dancing may not be getting better, but we are having fun faking it… LOL

Thursday morning we went to the Koffee Klatch – to hear what’s new in the park for the upcoming week. This was followed by health exhibition and screening sponsored by the Valley Baptist Hospital. We both got our blood pressure read, cholesterol, and then we waited for an ABI test (Ankle/Brachial Index – which is a simple comparison of the blood pressure readings of the arms and legs, using a Doppler instead of a stethoscope. This is an accurate indicator of common circulatory problems in the extremities). Paul passed with flying colors, but not so for Jane – which may not be surprising with her arthritic knees and joints.

In the afternoon, we headed to Hildaglo – to Borderfest. This is the festival held by the border towns of Hildago Tx, and Reynosa, Mx. A real cultural experience – this year’s theme is Australia with animals and exhibits from down under. We enjoyed seeing these exhibits – especially the baby kangaroos. It was not as much fun as last year – probably the cold weather put a damper on staying out in the evening and not all the musical groups were playing. We plan to head back again on Sunday and will remember to take our camera with us.

Friday was overcast and dull. Paul finally washed the truck and we just took it easy during the day. Kind of a retired day. After supper we headed over to Harlingen to the Christian Fellowship Church for a Neil Diamond tribute. This act is from Branson which has been touring the RGV. The show was excellent – and we even got birthday cupcakes after the show to celebrate the star’s wife’s 50 birthday. During the door prize draws, Jane won free tickets to a show in Branson. Guess we will have to head that way either going home or coming down next fall. Yes we are coming back. We have put a deposit on our friend’s lot (Greg & Linda) – since they bought a manufactured home. Greg gave us first dibs on the site which Linda has landscaped. Guess I’ll have to hire her as my Mexican gardener!

Today started with an exhibition of all the arts and crafts and hobby groups at Fun N Sun. It is really amazing to see all the talent in the park, and to realize how many activities we can choose from to fill our leisure time. Our friend Doug took excellent pictures of all the tables, so I’ll “borrow” his link to let you see the pictures.

To see Doug's pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/collindo99/20100306001/

This afternoon, we are off to Brownsville – to visit a flea market we have not yet seen. Then it will be back to BBQ a steak and accompaniments.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Caribbean Cruising

Saturday Feb 20 – we left San Benito and drove 6 1/2 hours to Galveston. We checked into the Grace Manor bed & breakfast – an early 1900 building in the historic area of Galveston. Our friends (Pat & Paul- also known as "Tall Paul" due to his 6'7" frame) from Fun N Sun were also staying at this B&B, so after a great meal at Gumbo Bar & Grill, we got together for a nightcap.

Sunday morning started with a home cooked gourmet breakfast which was preceded by champagne mimosas. What a luxurious way to start the day. Before we checked out Pat used her laptop to check on our cruise – only to find out that the ship, Voyageur of the Seas, had not arrived in port, but was stuck in the fog out in Galveston harbour. Our thoughts of an early check in went out the window. After much delay and confusion at the port caused by two ships disembarking and embarking passengers, we did board around 7:30pm – and the ship did leave port around 3 am. This ten hour delay the captain was able to make up during our two days at sea.

Our first two days were spent at sea. Paul made friends with a deck chair by the pool and they got along spectacularly. Jane kept up her busy pace by attending the shopping show, exploring the ship and joining Paul by the pool – or more like the hot tub.

Wednesday morning we arrived at Roatan, Honduras. Since it was formerly a British Colony, all the residents speak English – which made getting around very easy. We headed off to a small resort in Half Moon Bay – with a rented van and driver. "Tall Paul" & Pat had been there before and we all enjoyed the day by the water.

Thursday morning we arrived in Costa Maya, Mexico. What a paradise! Again the four of us headed to the boardwalk area. Sheryl’s sister in law Diana had recommended a spot, and we spent the day at the Coco Corona Sports Bar & Cantina. They provided a table & chairs, plus four lawn chairs right on the white sand beach. As long as we consumed their food & drink (6 beer on ice plus 4 tequila shooters for $10.00) – the chairs were ours for the day.

Friday morning we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. Jane had planned this as our shopping stop, so along with the passengers from 7 other cruise ships, we all hit the pavement of this little town. After a busy morning of walking for miles, we returned to the ship for a late lunch followed by Jane relaxing on the pool deck. Paul had to make a quick return trip to the shopping mecca to scoop up a deal.

Saturday was spent at sea as we headed back to Galveston. Unfortunately the winds were very strong and the seas were rough – so the captain closed the upper decks to all passengers. It was a shame to loose the tanning time, but it was not safe to be up there.

Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas was an impressive ship. We enjoyed our stateroom, the on board ice skating rink which featured a show, the daily evening entertainment, the casino, the dining rooms, and yes …… too much food! Our evening dining table mates were from Arkansas. Jim & Nancy were an interesting couple who have done a lot of cruising. At one point last year they went on seven back to back cruises. I don’t own that many outfits!! If Jane had this much trouble packing for our one week cruise – there is no way she would have survived packing for seven weeks. LOL.

Sunday we disembarked and headed back to San Benito, arriving at Fun N Sun by 5:30 pm. – in time for the evening ice cream social!!!

Today, Monday was a beautiful warm day at Fun N Sun, so we spent the day by the pool and just slowly getting back into the swing of things at the park. By tomorrow we will be back at all our activities.

To see our pictures click here : http://picasaweb.google.com/pjkralik/