Turista Day in Nuevo Progeso

Monday March 21st was Turista Day / Winter Texan Appreciation Day in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico so Tall Paul, Patty, Paul and I headed across the bridge to enjoy the festivities. The main street was turned into a pedestrian mall with vendors and open air patios lining both sides of the street. We joined hundreds of other Winter Texans going into the shops and checking out the side-walk vendors. After more than an hour of walking, we decided it was time to find a place for a drink and snack. The Red Snapper restaurant was full so we continued walking until we found Rudy and Inga (friends we made on the cruise) on a patio with empty chairs and tables so we decided to join them. We soon found out that the quarts of Mexican beer were free; we only had to tip the waiter so we settled in to enjoy the music and chat. A few minutes later, we realized that we were sitting outside one of the new “Gentlemen’s Clubs” in this small Mexican town.

After several quarts of beer, we decided to head farther down the street to Arriba’s (a Winter Texan haunt) so that we could get something to eat. There was live music so we were able to dance while we waited for our food. On our way back across the bridge, we stopped to make a few last minute purchases – Tequila, a knock-off purse and vanilla.

Park Activities are Winding Down but we are still busy

In the two weeks since we returned from the cruise, we have started saying goodbye to friends who are already heading north. We have also noticed that organized park activities have much smaller attendance and most will end in the next two weeks.

On Tuesday March 7, we went to the Mardi Gras dance but did not dress up. It wouldn’t have been hard to win a prize because there were so few people in costume. The band, the Bottom Line, was good.

Thursday evening we went to our second dance lesson – couples two step and waltz with a few line dances thrown in at the end to confuse us. Hopefully the Jerry & Betty Jo will be back next year so that we can continue with the same teachers.

Friday we started the day at the Volunteer Breakfast (Jane’s weekly Toys for Tots) and ended the day at Dave & Myrna’s house warming party just down the street.






On Monday the 14th, we went to the State Fair / Travel show here at Fun N Sun. Although there were fewer states represented than last year, the Canadians had a great table with representation from 4 provinces. We left early to go to Harold & Marilyn’s for a delicious BBQ dinner which we were able to eat outside since the wind died down. They were expecting Harold’s mother to fly in the next day from St. John, N.B.

Wednesday night, we went to Line Dancing class (same teachers as couples dancing). We found this class quite challenging so Paul was glad he could bring a few beers with him to enjoy during the breaks. On Friday night we went to the Texas Country Dance so we could practice a few steps that we had learned.

The park held a St. Patrick’s Day parade which consisted of the Fun N Sun train plus numerous golf carts all decorated with green paraphernalia.

 

 

Later in the afternoon, we went to Harold’s mother’s 85th birthday party. Marilyn was able to organize a pot luck dinner at a friend’s house for close to 40 people and still keep it a surprise. We had a great time as did the guest of honor!!.

 

 

 

On Friday the 18th, we attended the last Canadian pot luck dinner of the season. The food was great and the organizers provided several cakes decorated in red and white. Canada Day here we come – just a few months early. We then headed home to change for the dance although several of our friends opted for the swimming pool instead since it was well over 80 degrees when the dinner ended.




On Saturday we went shopping again– we are trying to snag some deals before we head home. After a swim and dinner, we went to the Cowboy and Hobo show in the Dance Hall. The show featured Boxcar Bob, Cactus Willie and Wil the Drifter, a group which we have heard before and really enjoyed. First was the rousing song, “Good-Hearted Woman” which put the crowd in a lively spirit. This was followed by “On the Road Again” another Willie Nelson song. Cactus Willie sounds a bit like Willie Nelson when he sings it so we were glad he closed with another Willie Nelson song. Their singing was interspersed with some jokes – all in all a fun evening.

When we returned to our 5th wheel, we joined a number of neighbours all trying to photograph the Super Moon. Paul managed to get several photos before the clouds rolled in.

 

Relaxing in Paradise

Well, we spent the last week aboard the Voyageur of the Seas in the western Caribbean. We went on this trip with 14 couples from Fun N Sun Resort. It was really fun to know so many people on the ship and to do some group activities. We were blessed with perfect cruising weather – seven full days of sunshine. This made up for the confusion at the port of Galveston. Fog had delayed the arrival of the returning ships, so for the second time in two years, it was mass confusion with delays checking in with Royal Caribbean International. Our friends Wayne and Carolyn, who accompanied us on the trip to and from Galveston, were glad that Paul was driving and knew how to find the baggage drop-off and port parking lot.

The first two days were spent at sea, so we got a real chance to explore the ship and partake in many ship events. It didn’t take Wayne and Carolyn long to start enjoying the ship – and it sounds like they will book their second cruise in the future. On our trip we visited Cozumel, Mexico – Grand Cayman Island – and Falmouth, Jamaica.





Since we have been to and shopped in Cozumel on previous trips, we opted for a day at the beach. We went to Mr. Sanchos – an all inclusive beach club. Your admission included all you can eat and drink, beach chairs, snorkeling equipment, two swimming pools and lots of white sandy beach. Our group did have a great time.










At Grand Cayman, we couldn’t decide which tour to take – so went to the on-ship tour desk as soon as it opened on Wednesday morning. We ended up booking the Taste of Cayman tour. We quickly headed off to the buffet for breakfast and then ran down to jump on a tender boat. Our tour ended up being excellent. It started at the Cayman Islands Brewery, then headed off to the Tortuga Rum Cake factory where we sampled their 8 different cakes as well as their flavoured rums, and finally ended up at a distillery where we tried Seven Fathoms Rum! We had a great time. When the tour ended, what did we see but a Diamonds International store across the street from the distillery? Jane now has a lovely souvenir from the Cayman Islands.






Our third port was Falmouth, Jamaica. Falmouth is a brand new port that Royal Caribbean is in the process of building to allow their largest ships to dock. It is half way between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Falmouth is a National Heritage Site that is being restored with the help of the University of Virginia. We were only the fourth ship to visit, so the port is very much under construction. We booked a Historical Highlights and Beach Break tour. Falmouth is very small and very poor, so although interesting, it did not take long to view. We were glad our tour was on a bus instead of a walking tour since many areas were questionable. The beach club was located on a warm sandy beach, and our tour included a lunch of jerk chicken. Following our relaxing day at the beach, we enjoyed a margarita at the pier while listening to the reggae band and watching the carnival dancers and other entertainment.

The last two days were spent back on the ship as we sailed back to Galveston. We were very impressed with the entertainment on this cruise. Each night after dinner we were able to find a bar with music that we could dance to, and we seemed to never make it back to our rooms till after midnight.












We made it back to Fun N Sun at 5:30pm on Sunday – in plenty of time for the Ice Cream Social – what a supper!!

From Cirque de Soleil to a Western Saloon

On Friday many of our friends were in the shuffle board tournament – which ran most of the day. To congratulate those who won and console those who didn’t win, we decided to host an afternoon happy hour. With it being on the chilly side, we hosted in our Titanium – guess what – ten people fit very well! Happy hour stretched into the evening and a good time was had by all.





Saturday afternoon fourteen of us headed over to Hildago to the State Farm Arena for the Cirque de Soleil performance “Alegria”. Jane wanted to go for Valentine’s Day, so she spoke to two friends who spoke to two more – and first thing you knew Jane was voted the K street coordinator and she arranged for the tickets and then found a restaurant that would take a reservation for 14.




The Cirque show was fantastic ( sorry no photos since no cameras allowed) and the dinner at Tony Roma’s was delicious. Think Jane & Paul will have the left over ribs for Valentine’s day dinner.



On Sunday afternoon, we headed out of the park with ten of our friends to “Harley’s Country Store & Beer Garden”. It was described as “The Best Watering Hole tucked away off the beaten path in Deep South Texas”. Every Sunday Harley and the Bayview Bushriders play live music, host a donation only BBQ at unique location. More like a ramshackle Texas saloon that is filled with Winter Texans, bikers and old bikers, all who get together on the tiny dance floor for a good time.











What a hoot!. We had an absolute ball – thank goodness Jane volunteered to drive our full truck home!




Valentine’s day was a perfect day of sun and 80 degree weather. Paul did his computer club, Jane did her stretch class and aqua fit. Nice to have decent weather to allow us to be in the pool. Paul decided to work on his truck and he finished installing the Banks Speed Brake which will help in braking while towing. By the end of the afternoon he looked like a grease monkey and headed off to the community showers for a through degreasing. After dinner Jane & Paul headed over to the dance hall for the Valentines Day dance which featured the “Agency” band – one of our favorites.

Tuesday the sun hid behind the clouds, so it did not succeed in getting to the forecasted high temp. So it was a good day to do some gardening and clean up our flower beds. We went to the evening performance of the 6th annual Fun N Sun Gospel Music Festival. The performers all volunteered their time to benefit 4 local charities including the San Benito Food Bank and Shoe Bank for local children.

Wednesday started with Paul golfing and Jane going to volunteer at Toys for Tots. The Titanium Owners luncheon was held at Victoria Palms RV Resort. About 110 owners were in attendance. It was a good chance to visit with Titanium friends who are spread all over the Rio Grande Valley. One of the new Heartland Titanium toy-haulers was brought to the luncheon by a local dealer. It was fun to see one of the new models.

Thursday night Jenn will be arriving for a short visit to celebrate President’s Day weekend.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Thursday night we went to sleep with the freezing rain! Paul had disconnected the outside water hoses from the trailer. We awoke to a winter wonderland – or wasn’t that what we drove 2600 miles to escape!! Our trailer steps were so covered in ice that Paul had to get out the hammer to break off the ice.



By Friday at noon time, the sun had come out, the ice was melting, and the temperature had risen to 45 degrees F so Dave and Myrna decided to accompany us to the State Farm Arena to pick up our tickets for the Cirque de Soleil show – Alegria which we will see on February 12. Although the Expressway was supposed to be open, the barriers were still in place so traffic was backed up along the frontage road for miles. We finally found an entrance ramp where someone had pushed the barriers aside so that traffic could enter. After picking up the tickets, we headed to Camping World so Dave could buy a few things.

After supper at El Gallito, we joined 4 friends at the shuffleboard courts. Another Canadian couple joined us so that the men and women could play separately. Jane and Paul definitely need practice – will have to investigate the beginner lessons.

Late Saturday afternoon, Patty and Paul hosted a pre-cruise party so that we could meet the others couples who will be on the cruise with us. Several couples have joined the group in the last few weeks so there will be a total of 28 of us heading out of Galveston on February 27.

Sunday morning Jane woke up with another head cold so she spent a quiet day enjoying the sunshine and return to warm weather. Paul is now feeling better so he took advantage of the time to wash the truck and the front of the Titanium. We were sorry to have to miss the South Padre Island Kite Festival and the Los Fresnos Rodeo but we decided it was better to take it easy. We did get into the pool for a short swim and were glad the hot tub has been fixed.

We both went to the Ice Cream social but Paul escaped along with 90% of the others in the Rec Hall to return to the Super Bowl game. Shelley Torres West, a jazz and Christian singer from near Dallas, had an excellent voice but she performed for a very small audience. Hopefully she will return another year when there is a larger audience.

Monday evening’s entertainment called One More Time – a husband and wife musical and comedy team – was not a favourite with the audience – a large number of people left at intermission. We stuck it out hoping for the improvement that never came.

By Tuesday Jane’s cold was back with a vengeance so she decided to hibernate for two days hoping to finally get rid of it once and for all. Finally by Wednesday night she was feeling well enough to go the free concert in the Rec hall. The singers were park residents plus the granddaughter of some residents. They singers were excellent – better than some of the paid entertainment!!!

On Thursday, Jane went to the Stained Glass Workshop and started making a small piece of stained glass. Friday morning another instructor showed her how to complete the project. We are lucky to have so many activities here in the park which we can enjoy during the poor weather. Our friends even invited us back for our second shuffle board session – soon we will be pros!!

Ok so is it April fools day – or Groundhog day????

Saturday we ventured into Harlingen for the ‘Shop Hop’ – a tour of small local shops that were having open houses while raising money for Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley which is a non-profit agency that offers the homeless and needy a place to go to restart their lives in a caring and supportive environment. It was a great opportunity to see some of the local antique stores and clothing boutiques that are housed in historic buildings and which form part of Harlingen’s urban renewal project.

At night we went over to the Dance Hall for a performance by “Gold Wing Express” also called “Three Indians and the Little White Man. Originally from Oklahoma, the group now resides in Branson, Missouri and is touring (in their Prevost bus) the Rio Grande Valley for the first time. The group consists of a father and his three sons who are half Creek Indian. Their music performance consists of bluegrass, country and gospel music interspersed with comedy.

Sunday and Monday were slow days as we enjoyed the sun and the park pool. We wanted to take advantage of the sun and water while it was still warm. We had heard of the artic cold that was heading our way. Of course, we didn’t miss Sunday evening’s Ice Cream social.


Tuesday we headed over to Padre Island for the Canadian Snowbirds Association’s Extravaganza – a combo vender show and a musical entertainment show.





We ran into our Fun N Sun neighbors so we all headed over to Pier 19 for an enjoyable lunch.




In the afternoon Paul went back to the doctor for a follow-up visit. He is recuperating very well and should be his old self in a few days. There is a cold snap coming tonight – so Golf is cancelled for Wednesday morning due to the weather. As a precaution, we disconnected our outside hoses to protect the systems.

Ok so is it April fools day – or Groundhog Day???? Wednesday we woke up to ZERO Celsius (or 32 F). Of course we ran out of propane around 5:00 am, so Paul had to make the quick tank switch-over in the dark. Wednesday was also Western Day in the park, so we broke out all our western gear and took part in the activities – which fortunately are being held indoors! Jane opted for her Australian leather jacket and hat since it kept her warm!!! The benefit of the day was the San Benito Boys and Girls club so we were happy to purchase raffle tickets and even happier when we won some prizes. We plan to wait a few weeks, however, before we use the South Padre Island boat cruise tickets when hopefully we will return to warmer weather.

We know we won’t get much sympathy from those of you suffering with lots of snow and cold up north but really, 28 degrees F with freezing drizzle is hardly what we bargained for. This is what we are experiencing today (Thursday) so we cancelled our trip to Camping World in Mission. We are not sure what kind of equipment the Texas road division has in this area, but parts of the main highway closed this morning due to ice. Guess the one pickup they own ran out of road salt…..??

Is there a doctor in the park??

Here is a picture of our site at Fun N Sun.



Sunday evening’s musical entertainment was The Ball Family Singers, who come from Abilene, Texas. During the summer and fall, they host chuck wagon suppers with Western entertainment on their Ball Ranch and in the winter they tour the Rio Grande Valley. We certainly enjoyed their renditions of old cowboy songs.

Monday morning after stretch class, Marg, Myrna and Jane headed off to a Tupperware party hosted by the park and given by a local distributor. Although Jane has never been a huge buyer of Tupperware, she finds it works well to keep cereal and crackers fresh in the RV - as long as it fits in the pantry. The party even included lunch so the girls were happy.

The San Benito Chamber of Commerce hosted a Welcome Back Winter Texans event here at Fun N Sun on Monday evening. Chamber members set up displays and donated many prizes (no we didn’t win anything). They also sponsored the evening’s entertainment – Walter Plant who performs Gospel and Country music using 4 keyboards. He is a great entertainer and we were glad to be able to see him once again here in the Valley.

On Tuesday morning Jane decided to try Line Dance class which was fun but a little more advanced than she had hoped. She did learn that there is a beginners class earlier in the morning which she will have to attend if she hopes to progress. Late in the afternoon Jane went to yoga class where they played a tape that the teacher had made before she returned to her home in Alaska in December. It was fun although it would have been preferable to have had the teacher there.

Wednesday morning Paul decided to skip golf since he was battling a bad chest cold. Jane went off to Toys for Tots where they had a large turnout of new people. Even though Jane is hardly an expert in making lap robes for the local nursing homes, she was recruited to show several French Canadian women how to lay out the squares that make the front of the robes. Unfortunately she does not know any sewing terms in French so there was lots of pantomime.

The highlight of the week was Wednesday evening’s 50’s – 60’s bash sponsored by the CRABS (Conservative Retired Adult Bikers) which featured the music of the Agency Band that we really enjoyed. Supper consisted of root beer floats and then hot dogs, chips and popcorn.


Myrna and Jane entered the hula hoop contest but were quickly eliminated. We danced right until the band ended and they were ready to close the dance hall – our McGowan Lake friends know that never happens during the summer but the dances at the lake don’t end at 10:30 p.m.!!!



Paul tried his hand at a Harley. Ah memories of his old college days. The park's CRABs are really an active group in the park, sponsoring events like tonight's dance.

By Thursday, Paul was not feeling too well so we had a really slow day. Friday morning he decided that he needed to see a doctor although he wasn’t keen to figure out how to find one and make our way through the travel insurance system. Fortunately getting insurance approval was straightforward and he found a very nice doctor at the local San Benito Medical clinic. He was diagnosed with a bronchial infection, left the clinic with 2 prescriptions plus a puffer and instructions to return for a follow-up visit on Tuesday afternoon. The doctor had put him on a breathing machine for 15 minutes which started to help his breathing immediately so he was able to join Jane at the Heartfelt Café and gift shop for a late lunch. We also explored the local library which was right next door and used the photocopy machine for the medical receipts.