BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!

Howdy Folks,

So scary, many of our new friends are starting to make plans to return home. Our good friends Vic and Pat will be returning to Kentucky next week, they will cause a void in our lives and be missed by many others in the Park. They, like us, decided to buy a place and return in the Fall.

Since my last offering, when it was freezing, now it's very HOT in the 90's, we prefer the 90's.

We have been taking advantage of tours to local historical sites and current events. A tour through the 'Border Patrol' facility was an enlightenment of how big an operation it really is and the serious need of border protection. The 'Cartel' in Mexico seems to be more powerful than the Mexican Government in money, men and power. Illegal entry of poor Mexicans doesn't seem to be the major problem. Just recently an American agent was killed at a 'Cartel' road block. More and more visitors and locals are avoiding entry into Mexico to do their shopping.

Alamo, Texas is known as 'Two Summers' and cater to us 'Winter Texans' in a big way. The Town and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored an outside Winter Texan Appreciation Day BBQ/Entertainment party. We, Jane and I, even won a 10lb bag of oranges, as well as being fed and entertained for 4 hours.

We went on a 'Trolly Tour' through Rio Grande City and had lunch in a completely restored historical hotel, La Borge House circa 1887. I made a Photo presentation on my Picasa Site, (picasaweb.google.com/mcnpaul) hope you had a chance to view it.

We have been maintaining our Friday morning 'Bicycle to Breakfast' trips. Jane has graduated from a 'Car' member to a 'Biker' member, congratulations Babe. Last night a group called 'The Texas Grandma's' sponsored a fund raising dinner to support local underprivileged children and there are many along the Rio Grande Valley. They 'The Grandmas' put on a great meal and we all felt that we were able to give back something to the local communities that actually welcomes us "Winter Texans' who come and invade their territory.

Until next time....keep the rubber side on the road!

New owners

Yes, it's true, our money finally arrived, certified and paid. Just have to transfer and received title. This was one hassle that I would not want to live through again. Of course we did not plan on buying this year so that caught us off guard and unprepared, receiving bad advice, Amex screwing things up and the RV Park not accepting our Amex Card all worked out to confusion and chaos. Those involve turned out to be very helpful, sympathetic and patient.

The weather has not been terrific, we had a deep freeze and many plants, shrubs and trees where damaged. Some public landscaped parks where wiped out. We had every towel/blanket out on our plants and shrubs and still got some damage. Gave me the incentive to do some overdue thinning of the front garden.

I was able to hook up a google phone so much of my calling to CDN banks was free. Much of my time during the past couple of weeks was trying to settle this financial mess. I spent some time getting quotes for truck repairs and going back and forth to Farmers Mutual in Lindsay, that project is still a work in progress.

We took a tour of the original pump house that irrigated the Rio Grande Valley, that helped to bring in the new settlers to farm, the rest is history. Hidalgo County is surrounded with history and the County is dedicated to recondition the few remaining 'original' buildings. I sent out a notice to view pics on Picaso, let me know if you didn't see them and I'll send you a link.

The old shed has been torn down, debris removed and the newer shed has been moved to it's new home. Next year we will build a raised deck under the awning.

Jane fell off her bicycle 4 times and we finally bought her a 3 wheel trike B4 she hurt herself.

We made a visit to Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, Tx (10 miles) where most of our neighbours from our Lindsay RV Park go for the Winter. We had a bonus of having another Park neighbour visiting from Florida where they have a Park trailer.

Another visit to our favourite flea market found us coming home with a large salt lamp and more magnetic necklaces and pocket bullets, no more arthritis but a sore back from all this extra weight, LOL!

On Feb. 1st we took a trip over to Mexico via Progreso, where we parked the vehicle and walk over the bridge. We picked up some blankets and medication. Most Winter Texans go there for medications, dentistry and eyewear, plus the usual booze and smokes. Military personnel are very visible for our protection from their banditos. There are not to many safe crossings anymore. Last week was a bad disturbance by Brownsville, Tx which was unusual.

On Feb. 2nd we went to San Padre Island, the holiday place to be while in Texas but is $$$ expensive. It was a Snow Bird convention oriented towards Canadians and was a good show with all Canadian talent including Ronnie Profit, Rich Little and Rita O'Neil were cancelled. Unfortunately it was a terrible cold and overcast day so we had to use our imagination on the 'Fun of a Resort Island', temp never got over +1F. The Interstate hwy was closed that evening from freezing rain. It got as low as 25F overnight and many trees, shrubs and plants were lost from the frost.

On Feb. 3rd was the final shipment of our new leather living-room furniture and 50" TV so now we don't go anywhere, LOL! The Fri. Bike to Breakfast trip (Fri 4th) was cancelled as the roads were still to slippery. Sat. 5th I trimmed our shrubs and plants of the frost damage even though we covered everything with every available blanket and towel. I just did the same tonight (Feb. 9th), expecting 28F as a low.

Monday the 7th we made contact with a local Vet, Marco Polo needed medication for his hip displachia, the Vet we chose more than met our expectations.

Yesterday we finally paid for this home with a certified cheque so everyone is happy and a major monkey is off my back.

Till next time, stay warm and fuzzy

My OH! My, where is the time flying too! Last week we had cool wet weather and this week has been sunny and warmer. I finally dismantled the old shed and now have to figure out how to push the newer shed back to where the older one was, use the diesel , man power or maybe both? I have a mexican crew lined up to take the scrap to the dump. Once everything is in its place we will design our deck and private dog park from there. Last Monday we went on a boat cruise down the Rio Grande River and saw all the damage that was done last Spring when a hurricane in Mexico cause serious flooding. The water rose 18' and stayed there for 33 days and then it receded to a lower shore line level and stayed there for another 30 days. The water level is still above normal. Jane is still with her stained glass and I'm enjoying my Fri. bike rides to some local restaurants for breakfast. Instead of 'Soup' night this week they had 'Baked Potato' night instead. For $4.00 you got a huge baked potato, chopped beef stew, creamed broccoli, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, orange sherbet and a cookie too! WOW! What a meal. We also look forward to 'Peter Piper Pizza night' on Wednesdays, last wed. I won one of the door prizes, a cute little stuffer Garfield.

We visited the local flea market and ordered a vinyl skirt that goes around the front of the 5th wheel making it into a small storage room, about 5' x 8', enough to hold the bicycles, lawn mower and small BBQ, etc. It keeps the place tidy looking when we set up back in Ontario.

This Monday we are going on another tour to see some local land marks and historical sites, so that should be interesting too!

Stay safe friends!

View of the park from our roof

We are pretty well settled in. We received a partial shipment of new furniture on Tuesday, some more next Thursday and the balance on Feb. 3rd. I have started to demolish one of the two sheds (only allowed one) but we are not under pressure to do so, just get it done. Jane has already started on the 'job jar list' but I think the 'priorities' will keep me busy until next year. Yesterday was 'Peter Piper Pizza' night, which we enjoyed and tonight was 'Homemade soup night' which we missed. I love my soup too, but missed it tonight as I spent the afternoon in Pharr, Tx doing some shopping and had a late lunch. Jane is still experiencing migraines and today was no exception. In addition to walking the dogs twice a day we have been getting at least one bicycle run in a day. Tomorrow AM is our bicycle breakfast run and tomorrows trip is about 4 miles, one of the longer runs. Jane is coming but will be going by car, she is not very apt with the bike yet. We have signed up for a few local tours to some Historical land marks which I will share with you latter. The Weather is remaining hot (80's) and humid (85's) but hey, that's why we are here, to enjoy the Winter.

Boxing Day

We don't know what they do down here on the 26th but we are staying home. There were no shortage of shoppers down her for Christmas, the malls were packed. I had the impression that there was a major recession in the US, not so, business as usual and so glad to see that.
We are hoping to move into our new home this week and store the 5th wheel till April. We have the keys and have been moving some stuff over, the hold up is the slow transfer of funds from Canada to US banks, like 11 days, there must be a faster way? To speed things up I transferred funds to American Express and will find out tomorrow if I improved the funds transaction or made it worse?
Christmas in Texas is different than Ontario, we got over the lack of cold and snow real quick tho, LOL! It is a cool 42 F under Sunny skies today, we have the heater on???
We are hooked up to Skype and Google chat so we are able to call home economically. We may even get a visit from our good friends, Wayne and Lynda, in the New Year. It is nice to have a 2 bedroom home. We may have to hustle to upgrade some of the furniture.
The only complaint that we have is that the local Mexicans celebrate this season with firecrackers (day and night), the dogs are not happy and when they are not happy, neither are Mom and Dad. We have had a couple of sleepless nights and apparently this will keep up until New Years, Oh fun, maybe the new home will be more sound proof?
The Park put on a wonderful Christmas Dinner at noon and then we returned again at 5:30 to demolish the leftovers, then a band and dancing. We were to full and to tired (lack of sleep last night) to stay for the evening entertainment.
Best wishes to all!

We are staying in TEXAS

Slow down clock....time is going to fast. A week has gone by and some serious things have happened. Viewed some more Park model homes and actually noticed someone moving out, introduced ourselves and got a tour. A young couple moving their recently widowed father back North to be with his family. Sad but a happy ending. We have been walking the dogs at least twice a day, they have been so good adapting to where we are and what we are doing. We got some shopping in Walmart and thrift stores all over the place. I polished up the bicycles and I joined the bicycle club, we (30+ people) bike to a different restaurant every Fri. AM for a breakfast while Jane is at Stained Glass Class........and we bought a 16' x 60' Park Model home, actually the widowed gentleman's home that we just happened to be at the right place at the right time. We cashed in some RRSP accounts that we were saving for retirement.....well I guess we are retired and lucky enough to be in good health. I'll enclose a couple of pictures and try to get more onto facebooks. Until next time...Merry CHRISTMAS to you one and all.
PS: We have our very own orange and grapefruit trees, pick and eat, LOL!

Dec. 10th Update

Strange as it may seem, we have not tried the pool yet and this is day 10 at this Park?? I have to admit that it has been cooler than the last Park but not as windy either. Jane is at her Stained Glass Class and she brought her beach gear with her. I am nursing a cold that I picked up last Tues. I am slowly getting better, but not fast enough for me.
Since we last chatted we found a Sally Ann thrift store, went to a Pot Luck dinner, joined a group to Peter Piper Pizza, played Bingo and walked the dogs a lot. They are amazing, they have learned to hold themselves until we go to the dog compound where they relive themselves. I had to cancel our C/W dance lessons yesterday afternoon because I just am not up to full strength yet, and I was so looking forward to learn the Texas side step....next week!
We had a crew wash and wax the RV yesterday and it looks brand new once again, worth the investment.
I checked to see if we could stay for an extra 2 weeks but Jan. is booked out, darn. We have been viewing Park Models that are for sale and found one that we really like at a good price. We can't do anything about that until our business property (Balsam Station) sells, but at least we now know what is available and as well as the range of pricing. There are always new units coming on the market. We are very happy with this park and Texas too!