The week before Christmas

On Tuesday December 18th, we set out from San Benito heading to Tampa where our cruise is departing from. Our first night was in Lafayette, Louisiana where we met Doug and Sue Collins for dinner. They had left Florida on Sunday the 16th - the start of their trip to California. We had a wonderful visit with them at Fezzo's Cajun seafood and steak restaurant in Scott, Louisiana.

Wednesday was warm and sunny so we had a leisurely drive to Foley, Alabama - the home of a Tanger outlet mall. We did just a bit of shopping but we enjoyed supper at Lambert's Cafe, the home of the throwed rolls. We have now visited 2 of the 3 locations of this crazy restaurant. We had so much food left over that we had snacks for the next 2 days.

We decided to drive along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle on Thursday since this is a part of Florida we have not yet explored. That was fine while the weather was overcast but we decided to get on the I-10 when the rain started. The rain got worse and worse so it was a long difficult drive to Tampa. The sign below took us by surprise at one of the Florida rest areas. Perhaps it is necessary because of the pet walking area.

Friday we found a Camping World to buy a few RV supplies and look at the 5th wheels. We also stopped at Lazy Days RV center - something I would call a super mega center. Why they even have a fleet of golf carts for you to drive around their enormous outdoor showroom. Well if you want to see a particular brand, they have lots of models to look at! We must have looked at over 20 fifth wheels, but Jane wants to design her own rv taking the nicest parts of several different models. Since that isn't possible we will stick with our Titanium.

We then headed to the Tampa airport hotel,we had booked to await Jenn and Amy's flights from the north. Jenn arrived around 11:00 pm on schedule but at midnight we learned that after 6 hours at the airport, Amy had been sent back home. United Airlines now couldn't get her to Florida before Sunday afternoon so she booked a flight direct from Ottawa to Fort Myers on Westjet for Saturday morning. Although Westjet's inaugural flight to Fort Myers was late leaving, she made safely. Paul did the 2.5 hour drive each way to pick her up and now we just have to make sure United gives her a refund.

So Sunday we board the Carnival Legend and head to the western Caribbean.

Merry Christmas to all.

Second week of Christmas

During our lead up to Christmas we enjoyed our usual activities such as the Sunday night ice cream social and the Monday morning dance class which starts at 9:00 a.m. We had to pass on using the pool during the second week of December since a cold front came through early Monday morning. We saw the temperature fall over 15 degrees in less than an hour and we watched our awning get buffeted by the strong gusts of wind. We were lucky that it did not get damaged so Paul decided that he would have to roll it in before we left for Florida.

Tuesday December 11 we attended a demo of how to make different kinds of pesto given by the owner of the Blue Onion restaurant in Weslaco. After the demo, we got to sample the 6 kinds of pesto - what a treat! It was the first time the park has sponsored such an activity and we hope that they can find another restaurant to do something similar. On Thursday evening, we actually tried the restaurant - following a trip to the outlet mall.

Wednesday evening, Myrna and Dave invited a group of us to a pre-Christmas turkey dinner. Our contribution to the dinner were the margaritas and guacamole which all enjoyed despite the cooler temperatures. (I know all our northern friends are real sympatheic - since most of us were still in shorts! Ah what whiners we have become...LOL) Once the sun set, we retreated inside their house for dinner. We finished off the evening around Dave's propane campfire pit.

We started Friday the 14th at the Valley Baptist Hospital Christmas party for seniors. This is the way to a visit a hospital - breakfast, a Christmas concert by a local church's bell choir, and door prizes for all attendees. At 6:00 pm, we took the Fun 'N Sun train around the park to see the Christmas lights. It is amazing to see how elaborate some of the decorations are - especially on rv's with small storage compartments. After the train ride, we went over to the dance hall for the Texas Country Band.

Ah another week is done!

First Week of Christmas Season

Tuesday December 4 was a hot sunny day – a perfect swimming day. So by late afternoon the pool got really jammed with the people who wanted to float around the pool and Jane and her friends who were there for Aqua Zumba class taught by a young Mexican woman who comes into the park. The Zumba ladies had great fun and so did some of the by-standers although some complained that the Mexican music was too loud!!!

The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum’s opening reception for their decorated Christmas trees was later the same day – another fun part of the Christmas season in south Texas, especially when we were in shorts and sandals.

On Wednesday, Jane and Linda began their volunteer duty in the Fred Booth elementary school library in San Benito. The shelves are such a mess that they won’t work themselves out of a job until April. They also had a quick lesson in entering new books into the automated system.


Friday December 7th was a jam packed day which started at 8:45 a.m. when Dave and Myrna picked us up to go to the Welcome Back Winter Texans fiesta in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico. We started with tamales and Mexican beer and then sampled other Mexican dishes while we watched the Mexican cheerleaders and dancers. We bought a large bottle of Tequila and returned to the park in the early afternoon.

After a short rest and change of clothes, we headed to the front of the park to await the tour bus which was to take us to the Hildago Festival of Lights. The bus was late in arriving, so we were a bit rushed at our dinner stop at Taco Olé and also missed the beginning of the concert by Estudiantina Gudadalupana. However, we had a wonderful trolley ride and were totally impressed by the displays which contained over three million lights. We hear the festival grows each year, so we will return.

We ended our busy week on Saturday night with a rock and roll dance by a local DJ/ singer who manages to keep the crowd dancing and partying for the whole evening. The profits from the 50/50 draw went to support the local food pantry which experiences an increased demand during the Christmas season.

Can it really be Dec 1st Already?

Where did the last two and a half weeks go?

We quickly settled in on our site, rushed off to sign up for Internet and our newspaper delivery, got involved in Toys for Tots, Ipad user group, aqua fitness, Friday night Texas country dances, computer club, and even aqua Zumba - just to name a few of our weekly activities. We arrived at Fun N Sun just in time for the monthly Canadian club pot luck although it was quite a small turn out.

A week after we arrived, Jennifer flew down on Wednesday to spend Thanksgiving weekend with us. On Thursday our neighbors, Denny and Mary hosted our K street's Thanksgiving feast. Over 20 people attended and the food was varied and plentiful.

Friday morning we arrived at Kohl's at 7:30 a.m. to get some of the Black Friday deals. We finished there at 9:00 a.m. and headed to What a Burger - a Texas burger chain for breakfast. Since it was warm day, we took Jenn out to South Padre Island to enjoy the beach and the water (although none of us got into the water over our knees).





After a late lunch of seafood at Dirty Al's, we headed back to Fun n Sun for the Texas dance. Yes, Jenn came along and started to learn the basic Texas two step. A fun way to cap off a great day.

Saturday we headed to Las Vegas Cafe for a traditional Mexican breakfast. After breakfast we headed to the Don West Flea market and stopped at Costco to pick up some salmon for our dinner.

Jenn headed back home on Sunday morning and we went to Dave and Myrna's to watch the Grey Cup game.

This past week has seen us attend two Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in Harlingen - the neighbouring town. Friday night our friends Mitch and Connie invited a group of us over to the Elks Club for a BBQ steak dinner and dancing. We all had a good time.

Today started early with a community garage sale in the Rec Hall. We did part with a few treasures, but we also came home with some new ones! In all we were $3.00 ahead. After the sale, we headed to Jackson Street in Harlingen for their market day - an open air festival / flea market with many vendors, musicians,and food. On a warm sunny 85 degree day it really is fun.

Tonight we are happy to have a slow evening - why we even got to update our blog! Next week will be busy as the Christmas season gets into full swing here in Rio Grande Valley and as more of our friends arrive in the park.

Sitting at Fun N Sun - Our winter home!

Last Saturday we rested at Hollywood Casino RV park.  The day was beautiful and warm, and lucky for us, Sam's Town Casino was holding a Chili Cookoff. For a mere $2.00 we got to sample from the contestants and pick our favorite. What a great lunch.  

Later that afternoon we went back to Hollywood for their first annual hot air balloon festival.  Neat to see the balloons light up in the dark.

Sunday morning we left Tunica and headed for Kinder, Louisianna.  We stopped at the Coushatta Casino RV park - a good choice since our last hour of driving was thru a major rainstorm. At the Rv park all sites are concrete pads, so setting up is a breeze.

Monday morning we left Kinder and arrived in San Benito around 7:45 pm!  Our trip of over 2,300 miles was done!  We are home for the winter.  Now the activities begin - get out out calendar !

Hollywood Casino RV Park

Saturday morning finds us resting at the Hollywood Casino RV park in Tunica, Mississippi (Just south of Memphis TN).  We arrived late yesterday afternoon in time to unhitch and set up the trailer in the fading daylight.  Then it was off to the casino for a crab leg dinner. It was great to sleep in our own bed last night.  We will stay here until tomorrow (Sunday) before we head out on the next leg of our trip.

Was fun to finally switch into shorts and sandals yesterday!!!!

We're Back!!!

Where did the summer go??  We had great plans to keep you all posted with our adventures - 2 Titanium rallies, a cruise of the Greek islands, a golf weekend in Canton, cataract surgery, etc etc - but not one picture made it to this blog.  Oh well next year.  LOL

Perhaps we should call this a blog of our Texas adventures!!

In any case, we hitched up yesterday and drove to Sarnia, Ontario where we spent the night at a Super 8.  Early this morning (8am) we crossed the border and drove to Horse Cave, Kentucky.  This is just south of the time change line, so we actually gained an hour.  Nonetheless, it was still 8:30 our time and 12 hours on the road!

A quick dip in the hot tub helped chase away the aches!

Stay tuned for our next update.

Back Home In Ottawa

Our journey home ended on Monday evening - April 16th. 

We crossed into Ontario at Sarnia, and were not delayed at the border.  All the posts were manned, so we were processed quickly.  A nice treat after a long journey homewards.

Getting through Toronto was not such a treat - but it is quickly forgotten once we arrived on our street. 

We spent Tuesday unloading the fifth wheel and then on Wednesday morning, Paul took the unit up to it's summer home at McGowan Lake Campground.  Once it warms up, we'll be summer camping!!

Our next scheduled trip is at the end of May.  We will head to Kingston for the annual Titanium Owner's Rally.  Looks like a fun time, so we'll post some clips from the event.

Happy Summer!!

Casino RV’ing in Tunica, Ms

We arrived at the Hollywood Casino parking lot in Tunica, Mississippi late Monday night.  We put out our slides and called an end to a long drive.  On Tuesday morning we registered in the RV park and set up for the next three nights.  

Tuesday was ‘Senior’s Day’ at the neighbouring “Sam’s Town Casino” – so off we headed to get our free slot money and our senior’s buffet discount coupons. There were also hourly draws, so Jane made sure we were entered. The food at Sam’s Town is usually good – and the evening buffet did not disappoint. Heck for $5.00 each (including free beer ) – what a deal. The slots were ok – Paul walked out $10 richer and Jane was still looking to win.

 

Wednesday is Senior’s Day at the “Fitz Casino”. But before we headed over, we spent a morning around the trailer. Paul got out the hose and washed the front of the trailer and the truck. We certainly did a number on the butterfly population and all those yellow splats really didn’t look good on the black truck!! After lunch we headed over to the Casino Outlet Mall – very small by comparison to San Marcos, TX – but nonetheless Jane is not one to pass up on the chance to find a deal. We didn’t spend much time shopping and then we headed over to the Fitz Casino.

Slots were not so good, but Jane won a free buffet – Paul won a free night at the hotel (not much use to RV’ers). The evening buffet was ok – and this one only cost us $5.60 for both after the free coupon and the senior rate. After dinner we headed over to the Bally’s Casino – just to stretch our legs in a new setting.

On Thursday we drove part of the way into Memphis to buy groceries for the rest of the trip back to Ontario and also to pay our Kohl's bill.  We stopped for lunch at the Memphis BBQ Company where we tried their specialty - Nachos topped with pulled pork and lots of jalapenos.  We decided we like this better than last year's spaghetti topped with pulled pork. We aren't sure what kind of cheese they used but this is a dish we will try to duplicate once we return home.
 

We took a detour on our trip from Tunica to Terre Haute, Indiana on Friday so that we could eat lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, Missouri - the only home of the throwed rolls. Fortunately there were no tour buses there so we were able to easily get a table.
We weren't quite sure what they meant by "throwed rolls" but we watched as a waiter tossed the hot rolls to waiting diners.  Were they ever delicious as was all the food!! We bought a cinnamon bun for this morning's breakfast - it actually large enough to cover a small dinner plate. If you are curious about this eating establishment - check out http://www.throwedrolls.com/

 
Our last two nights on the road were spent in KOA campgrounds - in Terre Haute and Holly (near Flint) Michigan. Both had nice pull thru sites with good wifi. What more could we ask as we are getting tired and ready to end our trip.

 
 

A Visit with Mary & Marcus in Austin, Tx

Jane's college roomate (Mary Eckert) and her husband Marcus Felson have recently moved to a suburb of Austin Texas.  Here are some photos of Mary's house.  Note the longhorn emblem on the curb's street address.  Yes, Austin is the home of the Texas Longhorns. 

     
                             

On Saturday April 7th, Mary and Marcus picked us up at our campground and we headed out for a day of touring Austin. After a short drive, we ended up at the Whole Foods Market flagship store. We were able to sample some wine there and had a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we drove down 6th street - which has the largest conglomeration of bars and interesting watering holes in Austin. We stopped at the historic Driskill hotel and wandered through the lobby.
    
       

After visiting some eclectic neighborhoods, we drove to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. Check out the photo of the field full of Texas blue bonnets.  What a display of color.

            

On Easter Sunday, we started the day at the Cathedral for the 9:30 am mass.  We hooked up with Mary after the service, since we had been relegated to the cheap seats in the overflow area.  After mass we headed over to Mary's house for a brunch treat of soup with matzo balls (cooked by chef Marcus) and a lovely blueberry coffee cake.

       

After lunch while Mary cooked the lamb, Marcus drove us out to McKinney Falls State Park.  We toured the campsites and determined we could use this park for our fifth wheel.  We walked out to the river's edge and watched the locals swim in the currents.
  
       

Dinner at Mary's and Marcus' was outstanding.  After a leisurely dinner we bid our hosts a farewell and headed back to our campground to begin preparing for the next leg of our journey.

Monday morning we began our journey before 8am. The weather was perfect and the driving was good.  So 15 hours and 707 miles later we pulled into Hollywood casino in Tunica, Ms.  Since it was late at night, we pulled behind the casino hotel, extended our slides and called it a night.  Tuesday morning we registered at the RV park and here is a photo of our home for the next three nights.