Year #3 in the Rio Grande Valley

Blog No. 1-Alamo Texas 2012

In 2010 we liquidate our sticks and stones home, bought a 39' Titanium 5th wheel/truck combo and became Gypsies. Our 5 year plan was to travel East to West (USA) and West to East (Canada) and settle in a Mobile somewhere in Southern USA (Arizona was considered) and a Mobile somewhere in the Lindsay area of Ontario.

Mobile in Alamo, Tx

As of August 4th 2012, we bought a Mobile in Alamo Texas (2010), sold the 5th wheel in 2012, bought a Mobile in Ontario as well as a 23' Class 'C' Motor home for travelling. We did our 5 year plan in 2 years.

We are finding it inconvenient not having a small car down here, we will tow Jane's PT Cruise next year and buy a Dodge Caravan (Van of some sort) for the next Summer in Ontario.

New deck w  Pergola 

Mobile in Lindsay, Ont.

New Motor home

We arrived on Nov. 3rd after 3 long days on the road, the last day being 16 hours, arriving around midnight and to bed by 2AM but we were so glad to have arrived and safely.

We had some mechanical problems on our 1st day out at mile 132 where  we lost power and gear shifting. We lucked out at a country garage and found out that the vehicle was in top shape but there was moisture in the module panel of the auto transmission (probably from not being ib use for awhile). We lost about 90 mins. and knew what to do if it reoccured, which it did. Then in Arkansas we blew a tire (safely) early evening on a busy highway. It was dark and scary too. We were able to get to the shoulder and call for help. John and his huge tow truck came to our rescue within the hour and had us on our way shortly thereafter. I should point out that we started off with 6 brand new tires, we are bringing back the flat and hope for an adjustment. Rather that take another day we decided to catch up on the lost time on our last day. Once again the highways and weather were just awesome. We took 3 different routes coming down here over the past 3 years and all the US roads were fantastic, some construction of course, but sure puts Ontario/Toronto to shame.

We have been here 3 weeks  and can't believe all that we have done already, and we came down here for a rest, lol!

Over grown garden

There were hornets nests too!

Papaya Tree

Our priority was to cut down the front garden so we could get into the house. The Papaya tree, that I thought I killed, came back. Last year it was almost to the roof level and full of mature fruit. It has a nice tropical leaf but unfortunately it is not suitable for a front garden. The fruit is not to tasty, for me anyway.

Next was people food, dog food, then TV and Internet. Our TV/Internet provider went bankrupt but the RV Park arranged for Time Warner to take over. We were able to get a tire replacement at our local Walmart store. Walmart's can be found within a 5 miles radius from wherever you may be. Walmart and H.E.B are the 2 main grocery outlets here in the Valley and both are very good, although Walmart has everything you need under one roof. We probably will shop more ar Walmart this year because we just have the Motor Home for transportation.

I washed and vacuumed (mostly dog hair) the Motor Home and found an empty lot nearby for temporary storage.

We lost 3 of our 4 fruit trees because our lawn care service removed my sprinkling system and forgot to put it back after cutting. They replanted 3 new trees this morning but no oranges this year, we still have some grapefruit though.

 Last year we lost our flowering bushes in the front garden so we replaced them with a hardy local flowering bush that keeps blooming all seasons long.

We were fortunate to get 7 chain link gates which were excess from Pat and Vic's (our friends from Kentucky) new Mobile. I was able to make an enclosed dog run for the guys to do their business without getting tangled up with a rope.

 It turned out to be both practical and attractive, the red chips help keep it nice and clean.

We are back on the 1st Responders Team and our day of duty is 7AM Sat. to 7AM Sun. We are fortunate to have friends (Pattie, Vic & Pat) loan us their golf carts for our day of duty. There is a large heavy kit including a defibrillator, back board and first aid stuff that could be required on a call, plus we need to get to where going FAST.

We got a quick trip to Don West flea market, one of the largest in the RGV (Rio Grande Valley). A good place to pickup fresh fruit and things you don't need. This week we are going to Mexico on Wed. and a local Hispanic (my favourite) flea market.

We have been helpers for the Saturday night Texas Western Dance, played bean bag baseball and Jane has been at the pool whenever the Sun shines. The weather was great when we arrived, then cooled off (70ish) and now back up into the 80's, Sunny and 88F for tomorrow....certainly worth waking up for, lol!

TTFN

P&J

Getting Antsy for TEXAS

The cold weather has arrived in this part of Canada (Lindsay,Ont.) There is a frost warning for tonight. Time to blow this joint, lol! Unfortunately we still have a month to go. 

We arrived on May 1st and spent the day in emergency @ Lindsay Hospital. Jane's whole body became swollen, after a full bank of tests they determined that maybe it happened because of the confinement in a vehicle for such a long time??? We did have some difficulty finding lodgings in Sarnia and had to travel to London, Ont. which added to an already long day. Fortunately Jane had a complete recovery within 24 hours.

Opening up the 5th wheel, stocking the 'galley' and renewing my expired drivers license (April 28th) were top priorities. May 15th was the closing of the sale of our Commercial property and Jane was out hustling for a part time job for the Summer. She was hired to work as a sales person with "Hamilton Creek', a high end ladies clothing store. She had a great season with them and she expects to be back there next year. The nice thing is being only 6 mins. from home.

Last Fall we changed parks so that we could have an extended season, most parks close on Thanksgiving and that's to soon for us. Riverwood Park has both seasonal and an all season section. We were fortunate to have purchased a Mobile Home in the all season area. If we can't travel, now we have a place to stay for the Winter.

24 Homestead Drive

We are very pleased with this unit. It has been renovated recently, new bathroom and appliances, clean and bright. I'm just finishing building a side deck with a pergola over the top by the Sun Room. We hope this will help keep the Sun Room cooler during the Summer months. This year the room got so hot we were unable to use it. There is a propane fireplace to keep it cozy in the Winter.

In the rear we will have a 20 x 16 raised deck into an enclosed yard for the dogs to enjoy some freedom.

I have been active in my Handyman business (that I closed down) but the phone keeps ringing from my old customers that can't find reliable workers. I booked in 14 days of work which did help with the furnishings of the new home and deck lumber.

There are many activities for both seasonal and all season tenants; we got to the pool once, bingo once, pot luck once and a charity yummy spagetti dinner. On Canada Day they had a BBQ followed with a fireworks display. We missed so many activities that we wanted to attend to mix and get to know people faster....maybe next year. We can't believe how fast the Summer has gone bye. This has been one of the hottest Summers in my memory (?), water shortages and burnt out lawns.

Jane's Workplace

Lindsay City Hall

Jane at Work

Lindsay Parade

On May 31st I went to Town to see this parade and also surprise Jane at work, she didn't look up until the flash went off.

It was so nice to see family and old friends again. Last year was such a rush, with tearing my Achilles tendon, working and camping out at the Chip Truck and not being able to drive for the Summer. We did rush to see most of our friends before we left for Texas, all in one week.

Sean and Anne

 We took the 5th wheel to Ottawa, Canada's Capital and my hometown, for 4 days to attend my nephews wedding. It was an awesome wedding for 2 beautiful people.

Brother and Sisters
Rick, Lu, Jean, Carol & Paul
(Bro. Tom is missing)

Paul and his bride of 25 yrs Jane

The wedding took place in a historical Church with the reception at Ottawa's famous Chateau Laurier Hotel.

Paul and Jane

We don't usually get good pictures of us together. I'm usually behind the camera.





It has been a fun, hot and fast Summer. We seem to unpack, pack, teardown (deck), rebuild deck, shop for household bargains (Internet, buy/sell shops, flea markets, Sally Ann's, antiques shops and furniture clearing house). Now if we can sell the 5th wheel were done, if we don't then we can do some Summer travelling too!

We accomplished our 5 year plan in 2 years so we are way ahead of ourselves. We did find out that we prefer to travel from point 'A' to point 'B' rather than travel continuously.

TEXAS HERE WE COME!

Final Countdown to Home!!!

Hi Y'all!

My beautiful cactus flower, lasted 2 days

Twelve days to home bound. The park is basically empty, except a few late travelers like us and of course those that stay all year, about 50 sites.

The park is under construction, the crews are here digging and installing pipes and cable to upgrade all the sites to 100 amp service. Most of the digging is complete. They were wise to hold off until all the guests left as there was constant noise and dust. I must say that the Hispanic' workers worked diligently through the heat of the day, most days from dawn to dusk. Much of the digging of the 4' deep trenches through the lots to the electrical panels were by hand. This coming Fall when we all return everything should be back to normal.





The Park already re-surface the shuffleboard game area.  They always seem to have many projects, new and old, to do during the Summer.

Campeko Party Room

We were invited to an end of season BBQ at a nearby (Alamo Palms) RV Park by our friends (Jack and Dorothy) that we met when Jane was acting in the 'Play'. Jack was Jane's husband for the month and he went and gave her back. I guess having one at home was enough, lol!




We have return to their Park on several occasions to utilize their large dog run and enjoyed coffee, friendship and home made biscuits by Dorothy. We brought grapefruits from our trees for Jack, Dorothy and Mary (who was Mabel in the play).

Mary, Jack, Dorothy & Jane

Dog Run

Last Saturday we had them over to our Park for a brunch and good bye's. Always a sad time of the year.

On April 5th we had our annual 'Adios Amigos' dinner with Ted and Connie (Ted went to Fisher Park HS with me) at 'The Texas Roadhouse'. We hope to meet up with them in Ottawa this Summer.




The Spring Flowers are out and new fruit is on the trees. My neighbours Pecan Tree is blooming, the leaves fall off in the Fall and looks dead all Winter. The grapefruit and orange trees are loaded  with new small geen fruit.
I wonder what happens to them in the Summer??

Orange fruit still green

Next week I must start planning for close down, we spray the inside to control the Texas Beatles, bugs and ants. We spray under the mobile for carpenter ants, all ants and creepy crawllies. We turn off the water and electricity. We cover all the furniture with sheets. We put saran wrap over all areas where water may evaporate, sink, bathtub drains, toilets shower drains and then we put kitty litter (in containers) throughout the house to help control the humidity. Finally we lower the outside hurricane awnings, lock up, say a prayer and head home.

For those we don't see over the Summer we wish you Health and Happiness and for those we will see Big Hugs coming your way.

Paul & Jane

Mass Exodus Under Way!

Mass exodus, but we haven't seen anything yet! On April 1st it will not be safe to walk by the EXIT gates. LOL!

It is getting to that time of the year when we start seeing our new found friends heading home, many have left and many more are leaving soon. Our ETD is on or about April 27th in time to be home for our park opening on May 1st.

Hopefully without the snow!

This will be our 1st year in this park and we are looking forward to it. Especially me as I expect to enjoy a Summer after working 'The Work's' Chip Truck daily over the past 7 years.

Jane is in search of Summer employment, she is hoping to find something closer to Lindsay but Bigley's in Bobcageon , Ont. is her backup.

On March 4th, we had a warm send off of our good friend Anne Marie. I'm sure she was as exhausted as we were after a busy 10 days of 'Fun 'n Sun'.

Paul Pagel and Ben Alexander

On March 6th we had a 1st Response fund raising evening of entertainment, cake and drink. The event was a total success with the help of two local entertainers, Paul Pagel and Ben Alexander who donated their time and talent.

The whole Team

Our group (Monday & Wed. duty days)

Cake for all

Casa del Valle Dancers

On March 8th was the Parks Appreciation Day, we were fed all day with donuts and coffee in the AM and a great Chicken feed for lunch. In between we had the Presentation of each State/Province Flags, loads of prizes, more entertainment by Paul & Ben and the Casa del Valle Line Dancers.

Canadian Paraders (I was busy carrying the Ontario Flag)

On March 11th we celebrated our 2nd annual 'Canadian Pot Luck' Dinner. Most States do the same thing and seems to get more popular each year.

Food for an army

Our Table (I was busy with the camera)

Dr. Jamie Olivares, Dentist
Progresso, Mexico

On March 13th we were back to Mexico to finish Jane's fillings. If I didn't mention it, it was Jane's 1st visit to a dentist in 25 years, She had 15 small fillings and we did it in 2 app't's. Dr. Jamie did well $$$ by us this Winter as we both did some major chair duty, but at a small fraction if we were in Canada, like 75% less.

On March 14th we had our final Park Meeting, concluding with best wishes to all for a safe trip home and an enjoyable Summer with family and friends.

On March 15 to 17th we did multi-tasking for St. Patty's day. Everyone was wearing the 'GREEN', even those 'non-Irish' were GREEN with ENVY. LOL!

On the 15th we had an awesome 'Corn Beef and Cabbage'  Dinner. 

On the 17th at 9:30 AM we had the 'Doggie Parade'. Daisy was the only Irish Setter, I don't know about the cat though??? There were 36 dogs and 1 cat, bless his/her soul and it seemed to fit right in too!

On the 17th at 2:30 PM we had the Cart and Bike Parade, had to be 3 hours long (Just kidding).

For more punishment Don, I, Garry and Dalmar went to the Stock car Races in McAllen.

Our (Green table)

Awesome 'Corn beef and Cabbage'

Just for Laugh's - A Texas Limousine!

Our Daisy

36 dogs and 1 cat were in the competition

Trixie and Daisy

Here they come!

From our driveway!

We had a great display, a great day and a full turn out.

Feast On!

On March 16th, Vic and Pat had a little going away party. It was Pot Luck and I left with a bigger pot than when I arrived, lol! This is as bad as going on a cruise.

Violet and Jane

Lot's of food

 On March 20th, it was a struggle but we made it to the final 8AM Pancakes and Bacon Breakfast.

On March 22nd at noon Jane and my pal Don went for their final message at the message school down the road, both came back like they came from heaven.

At 5PM we had our final soup night as well as a celebration for Sam (Our maintenance man) He's retiring on March 31 and getting married on June 6th. His Bride must be some special gal, the deal was 'Me or the Harley', the silly boy is selling his Harley.

At 6:30PM we played our final beanbag baseball game for the season. My team lost again, each week were draw for red or black team, it DON'T matter which, I still loose. They let me come back and play each week tho! They are such nice people down here.

On Friday we did out final 'Bike to Breakfast' to Martha's Vineyard, a joint venture with a restaurant and a flowers and tree nursery, quit a nice serene spot. 

The Bike Club collects all the park pop cans, cash then in and share the revenue to buy supplies for all the clubs, charities and Christmas stockings for the local kids.

I would like to point out that Janice (Front row centre) will not be returning next years after being "The catalyst" of many functions for many years. She is a loving person and will be missed by all.

Today was the final 'Biscuit and Gravy' morning which I wanted to go to, BUT, 8 AM still found me sleepy bye's, maybe I'll make it to one next year????

Paul without his Camera!!!

It has been a very busy and fun month, we are so sorry to see it come to and end and more sorry to see our friends leave. It would be nice if we were the first to leave, but not so. It seems that we will be having a busy Summer coming up, one wedding and one 50th anniversary so far, plus a long over do visit to my Home Town Ottawa and all my family.

Till next time, stay safe out there my friends!

Paul & Jane