This cool snap of a windy 70 degrees is coming down from the North. We much prefer the gust of warm weather from Mexico thank you very much!
We have been on the quiet side of late, no tours and pretty well staying close to home. We are limited to the amount of funds to play with this year, being in a cast and paying for staff to run the Chip Truck last Summer, has reduced our 'fun' money to just about zero. We have everything on site to keep us busy 24 hours a day so there is no need to travel to far from home.
Jane and I are active with the 1st Response Team, we are on call 2 days a week and last Mon we went to a refresher course on CPR. It was more than a refresher for me since it must be close to 25 yrs. since my last training, and there were many changes/improvements. I hope that I don't have to use my new found skills, but if I can help save a life, at least I'm willing, able and prepared.
We have a local clinic come in and do a quick medical check (mostly blood work and blood pressure) every week for those that want it. We check Jane's blood once a month as there is a concern with her red/white blood cell count so it is nice this service is available.
The Park has a monthly General meeting to bring us up to date with the good and bad things that are happening in the park, mostly good. Some people still don't clean up the 'poop' from their dogs!!! Can you believe! Some people try to drive out the 'IN' side of the entrance. Can you believe! Jane was singled out at the general meeting, as being 'one of our own' having an acting part in a public little theatre in the neighbouring Town of Pharr, Texas. Jane is doing a lot of line and rehearsal training for her up and coming theatrical debut in Feb. She was asked to changed to a larger part because she has a nice singing voice. I will try to create an interest in our park and Carol, the director would be happy to arrange for a presentation of the play, on our stage, in our park.
There are loads of top entertainment every week, usually Tues, Fri. and Sat. and they always get a great turnout. Where else can you get 2 hours of high end entertainment for $5 a head. Jane and I volunteer wherever we can. Square and Line dancing are also very popular in South Texas.
Luckily I don't have a problem bicycling and look forward to our 'Friday, bike to breakfast trip'. Jane is better on the bike this year and has been out on a few trips or follow with other non bikers in vehicles. We are known as a 'Social Club' not an 'Endurance Club'. Our longest trip is about 4 miles and that's about my limit, especially when bicycling into the wind. The RGV, Rio Grande Valley, is about 85% Hispanic so the menus have a good assortment of Spanish/Mexican dishes, I like to experiment.
In Donna, Texas they converted a house in to a burger place. They have a limited menu.....burgers, but not just any burgers, these suckers are a full 16 oz's of pure beef, one burger is suggested for two people. Their onion rings are the best I, as a professional burger guy, has ever tasted. I heard that they bring in about 75 lbs of fresh ground lean beef from their farm daily and when it's all sold they close for the day. It was well worth the trip.
Our next big even is going to a 'ropa' warehouse. Here they open huge bales of end of line mixed clothing; Mixed, like mixed sizes, type and young and old gender. You fill a bag/pillow case with the treasures you find and cash-out by paying so much per pound, about 30/35 cents a lb.This month is coming to an end which means that we are 1/2 way through our Winter Retirement. We love it down here and at this point in time are not looking forward to returning home. That could be from the weather reports that we are receiving. LOL!
Our upcoming excitement is of course Jane's play; 'This River is Gold', a visit from Jane's 'Maid of Honour' at our wedding (Anne Marie) and possibly my brother Rick.
Still lots of 'Fun-n-Sun' ahead, so stay tuned!
Paul & Jane
