Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 10, Jan 10, 2010: A Day of Variety.....(fun!)
OK.....for some damn reason I was awake at 6am this morning.....UGH!!!! NOT what I wanted to do, but my body is more in control than my "wants". Soooo, I laid there as quietly as I could and finally eased the sagging hulk of me over the side of the bed and as quietly as possible(NOT), went downstairs. Turned on the coffee maker.....and very soon, the wonderful aroma of that magical, dark elixir of my French Roast coffee was drifting into the living room. HURRAY!!!!! I could now finally get myself going!
I did some reading of the Sunday papers that are online....and then before 8am....the 1st Lady was stirring upstairs and very soon, she was downstairs putting on the water for her morning cup of tea. After the morning rituals upstairs, I came down, had some breakfast, and then we began to get in order the pictures we brought of Jeremy, which needed to be organized to scan and then get them to Anne-marie to be used at the wedding festivities in two months.
After scanning almost 100 pictures, we had to stop and get ready to leave at 12:45 for the western end of the RGV. Today a group of sq. dancers and friends of one of the square dance callers had put together a BIG suprise for Willey Hutchinson of Iowa......as he has been now calling dances for FIFTY....yes,...50 years!!! And it WAS a surprise.
We took Doug and Diane(she had NOT paid attention to the time and was a wee bit late).....and then I was following Doug's advice and expertise on how to get over to Casa del Valle....and OMG, we found ourselves driving through fields of cabbage, some not so desirable living areas, and then.....we drove through a herd of goats!!! Yep....we were STILL in Texas, but Doug managed to give us many laughs as he took us over dirt roads and many potholes as he played navigator.....and took us on the "scenic route"!!
Nevertheless, we did get there in plenty of time. There were over 226 COUPLES that showed up to honor Willey....and he WAS surprised when some friends of his ushered him into the dance hall!!!!!! And, then for the next two hours.......he was honored with stories of events and funny happenings in his Life....his 50 years of being a square dance caller, not only here, but across the country.
Throughout the two hours, the several hundred fans flocked to the hall's dance floor and many callers from the RGV called the dances for everyone. Cake, punch, and coffee were there the several hundred people.....and it was a really nice tribute to a wonderful, wonderful caller!!! He is sooooo smooth, so even tempered, and we really do love to dance to his calls!!!!!!
Afterwards we found ourselves at Doug's mercy, directing us the wrong way.....once again....as we went to the rv park where Katherine and Charles, our good friends from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.......where they are spending the winter in their brand new Carriage Cameo 5th wheel RV. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! GORGEOUS!!!!! They are very proud of it..and, rightly so!!! Wines from Canada were served along with an appetizer plate......and besides of the four of us, Dave and Jean from Ontario were also there.
Oh my......but, the 1st Lady and I were in the minority this afternoon.......three couples from Canada and then there was.....us!!! GREAT FUN!!!!!! We drank a bit, ate a bit, and laughed and laughed until we had tears running down our faces!!!!! Such a fun group of friends we have.......sooooo much fun to be together with them!!!!! The only person missing this afternoon was.......Laverne, the Mexican waiter from Nuevo Progreso(an inside joke!).
We returned to Llano Grande RV Resort about 5:30........and so, the 1st Lady and I continued our work on the scanning of the pictures. OHHHHH.....I will say that the 1st Lady spent the afternoon sitting at the celebration for Willey........she is not allowed to dance just yet....doctors orders!!!!
And sooooo, another great day......a day, finally, of a bit of warmth with bright blue sky and very warm sun.....up close to 60 degrees today!!!! And, as always......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
I did some reading of the Sunday papers that are online....and then before 8am....the 1st Lady was stirring upstairs and very soon, she was downstairs putting on the water for her morning cup of tea. After the morning rituals upstairs, I came down, had some breakfast, and then we began to get in order the pictures we brought of Jeremy, which needed to be organized to scan and then get them to Anne-marie to be used at the wedding festivities in two months.
After scanning almost 100 pictures, we had to stop and get ready to leave at 12:45 for the western end of the RGV. Today a group of sq. dancers and friends of one of the square dance callers had put together a BIG suprise for Willey Hutchinson of Iowa......as he has been now calling dances for FIFTY....yes,...50 years!!! And it WAS a surprise.
We took Doug and Diane(she had NOT paid attention to the time and was a wee bit late).....and then I was following Doug's advice and expertise on how to get over to Casa del Valle....and OMG, we found ourselves driving through fields of cabbage, some not so desirable living areas, and then.....we drove through a herd of goats!!! Yep....we were STILL in Texas, but Doug managed to give us many laughs as he took us over dirt roads and many potholes as he played navigator.....and took us on the "scenic route"!!
Nevertheless, we did get there in plenty of time. There were over 226 COUPLES that showed up to honor Willey....and he WAS surprised when some friends of his ushered him into the dance hall!!!!!! And, then for the next two hours.......he was honored with stories of events and funny happenings in his Life....his 50 years of being a square dance caller, not only here, but across the country.
Throughout the two hours, the several hundred fans flocked to the hall's dance floor and many callers from the RGV called the dances for everyone. Cake, punch, and coffee were there the several hundred people.....and it was a really nice tribute to a wonderful, wonderful caller!!! He is sooooo smooth, so even tempered, and we really do love to dance to his calls!!!!!!
Afterwards we found ourselves at Doug's mercy, directing us the wrong way.....once again....as we went to the rv park where Katherine and Charles, our good friends from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.......where they are spending the winter in their brand new Carriage Cameo 5th wheel RV. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! GORGEOUS!!!!! They are very proud of it..and, rightly so!!! Wines from Canada were served along with an appetizer plate......and besides of the four of us, Dave and Jean from Ontario were also there.
Oh my......but, the 1st Lady and I were in the minority this afternoon.......three couples from Canada and then there was.....us!!! GREAT FUN!!!!!! We drank a bit, ate a bit, and laughed and laughed until we had tears running down our faces!!!!! Such a fun group of friends we have.......sooooo much fun to be together with them!!!!! The only person missing this afternoon was.......Laverne, the Mexican waiter from Nuevo Progreso(an inside joke!).
We returned to Llano Grande RV Resort about 5:30........and so, the 1st Lady and I continued our work on the scanning of the pictures. OHHHHH.....I will say that the 1st Lady spent the afternoon sitting at the celebration for Willey........she is not allowed to dance just yet....doctors orders!!!!
And sooooo, another great day......a day, finally, of a bit of warmth with bright blue sky and very warm sun.....up close to 60 degrees today!!!! And, as always......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Day 9, Jan 9/2010: A relaxed day but oh soooo beautiful
WOW......this is the prettiest day we have had since we arrived last Sunday afternoon. BRIGHT blue sky, BRIGHT sun, no clouds, and a bit of heat from the sun. The temps rose into the 40's today after a cold 27 degrees last night which included a hard freeze. I have not heard if the groves and groves of orange and grapefruit trees survived, but we have one more night with another hard freeze, however only 30 degrees....supposedly.....tonight. Temps will rise up into the 60's and low 70's this week......YEAH!!!!!! THAT's more like it!!!
OK....the 1st Lady??? She is doing just fine. Following the Dr.'s orders and staying off of her feet(right leg). I did the running for her today, going upstairs to get the things she needed, etc., etc. I made a run to the post office this morning, went on my first trip to the local fresh fruit/veggie market and picked up some of each: incredible Mars oranges which are soooooo damn sweet and juicy, HUGE red peppers for a few little dimes, a magnificent cauliflower...about the size of a basketball......yep, honest to God.....wonderful sweet carrots, and a few other items. Then, after filling the tank with diesel, I returned. The local propane company came through the resort and would fill any propane tank, if we just set it along the curb.....we pay, of course. BUT.....only $18 for a 30 lb bottle....a dollar and a half more than if I would go have it filled, but worth that so that I didn't have to drag it out and into the truck and then in reverse after it is filled a mile from here.
The afternoon was just relaxing.........and we were invited over to Doug/Diane's for pizza and drinks during the late afternoon. The 1st Lady carefully descended the steps from the RV and we walked the very short distance to their motorhome. Pizza was great....GREAT....and the conversation was even better......we just seem to laugh more when we are with them!!!
This evening, she just remained inside TheHowserHouse while I took the laundry to the closest laundromat here in the resort....there are three of them.....and took care of getting things washed and dried....and folded.
During the day/evening we have had tons of phone calls and emails and visits from friends and relatives all over the country and Canada who all voiced their concerns for her and expressed their well wishes to her. Soooooooo wonderful of everyone to be so concerned....and we both are sooooo appreciative of this. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
And soooo, another day here in the RGV has passed quickly......and, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
OK....the 1st Lady??? She is doing just fine. Following the Dr.'s orders and staying off of her feet(right leg). I did the running for her today, going upstairs to get the things she needed, etc., etc. I made a run to the post office this morning, went on my first trip to the local fresh fruit/veggie market and picked up some of each: incredible Mars oranges which are soooooo damn sweet and juicy, HUGE red peppers for a few little dimes, a magnificent cauliflower...about the size of a basketball......yep, honest to God.....wonderful sweet carrots, and a few other items. Then, after filling the tank with diesel, I returned. The local propane company came through the resort and would fill any propane tank, if we just set it along the curb.....we pay, of course. BUT.....only $18 for a 30 lb bottle....a dollar and a half more than if I would go have it filled, but worth that so that I didn't have to drag it out and into the truck and then in reverse after it is filled a mile from here.
The afternoon was just relaxing.........and we were invited over to Doug/Diane's for pizza and drinks during the late afternoon. The 1st Lady carefully descended the steps from the RV and we walked the very short distance to their motorhome. Pizza was great....GREAT....and the conversation was even better......we just seem to laugh more when we are with them!!!
This evening, she just remained inside TheHowserHouse while I took the laundry to the closest laundromat here in the resort....there are three of them.....and took care of getting things washed and dried....and folded.
During the day/evening we have had tons of phone calls and emails and visits from friends and relatives all over the country and Canada who all voiced their concerns for her and expressed their well wishes to her. Soooooooo wonderful of everyone to be so concerned....and we both are sooooo appreciative of this. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
And soooo, another day here in the RGV has passed quickly......and, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
Friday, January 08, 2010
Days 7-8, 2010: LOTS to discuss, including 1st Lady's chest pains!!!!!!!
Oh my....where DO I begin tonight???? I am totally, TOTALLY exhausted but need to get a few words written on here to let some of you know what has happened in the past two days.
Yesterday??? We were up and going early....and by 10 AM we had picked up Doug and Diane and we were heading to the border. Well, as some of you know, this is NOT a lengthy drive.....only about 4 miles or so...NOT a major expedition. Before getting to the parking lot at the border, we made a stop at one of the large pottery shops along the highway. We walked through the rows and rows of different pots that are for flowers and shrubs......and tried to decide which one(s) would look good on our new RV property out in Wyoming. Not being sure exactly what we want, we just looked....and decided to keep looking since we will be here for two months.
Arriving at the parking lot, we had no problem getting a place to park this truck. And...then we walked across the bridge which spans the Rio Grande River which is the border with Mexico at this point of our country. A terrible eyesore and a point of big irritation with the 1st Lady and myself is that god-awful George W. Bush fence which has been erected along parts....yes, PARTS of the border. I need not express myself here again as I have give this same speech last year and it only upsets us both to even talk about the billions that have been wasted on this fence.......soooo brings back memories of the Berlin Wall!!!!!!
After reaching the Mexican side, we made a few stops at some of the MANY farmacias.....pharmacies.....to get prices on the meds which my mother-in-law and brother-in-law want us to purchase for them. OMG....they are soooooo damn much cheaper over here for the same amount of dosage......and the same meds!!!! We always check the dates to make sure they are new........and then we bought seveal packs of the ones we needed. Not enough for the upcoming year, but we will probably return to Mexico at least once per week.
We also checked on prices of eye glasses as the 1st Lady and I both need some new ones.....these are over two years old and I KNOW that my vision has gone down hill since then! Perhaps next week we will get serious about getting some!!!
A few shops later, we were then carrying two liters of liquor.....the incredible "1921" Creme de Tequila which we first bought in Mexico last year...and needed to purchase some more since there are only six...yes, I said SIX places in the entire USA where this can be purchased. I also purchased a bottle of "Tia Maria", a wonderful liquer that goes soooooo wonderfully when poured over Vanilla ice cream, and accompanied by a very warm dark chocolate brownie with nuts in it......OMG, I am getting hungry!!!
Then.....we decided it was time for lunch, so we went to one of our favorite places....Elsa's. When you stop there, it is on the right side of the main street as you walk south....and be sure and continue ALL the way through, veering left into the little bar and 2nd room of the cafe. Usually they have someone entertaining with live music, but yesterday must have been their day off......no one performing. We had the same waiter as last year.....such a friendly guy with a great smile. Ordering Margaritas all the way around........they were brought along with fresh, hot fried tortillas quartered into small pieces for dipping into the really spicy hot salsa!!! Again...my mouth is watering just writing about them. The Margaritas were just great....and we ordered another round with our lunches.......all were Mexican plates with various enchiladas, tamales, tacos, etc. dripping with goodness!!!! For the 1st Lady and myself, the four Margaritas and two large lunchs.....our bill was only $14.00!!!!!!! WOW...what a bargain!!!
Finishing with lunch....and just a bit tipsy as those Margaritas were stronger than we though, we came outside to a strong northern wind and quickly dropping temperatures.....sooo, we quickly made our way to the bridge, going through passport control and re-entering the states. Yes....you do have to pay Texas state taxes on each bottle of liquor....but that tax is only $1.25 per bottle.
We returned back at the Resort in short order......and the 1st Lady stated that she was really tired so she was going to go upstairs and lay down for awhile. About an hour and a half later, she came down, we ate a quick bite of supper, and then prepared to leave for a square dance on the western end of the valley. We went with Doug and Diane and had a great time. The hall where the dance was held was in the same RV park that friends of ours from F'town are staying in. Soooo, I called them and they came up and spent the evening with us.......Alma Asher and her friend Doyle. It was great to see them down here!!!! We also ran into friends from Ontario, Canada.....Jean and Dave Palmer, who are square dancers and we had not seen them since last year.
We head back and returned home a bit after 10 last night. We had no more than got inside when the 1st Lady sat down and told me she was having chest pains!!! Felt like something was pressing very hard on her chest!!! We discussed this a bit......I gave her a baby aspirin...the same type I take each day.....and I then began to look up med facilities in the area....and decided that the McAllen Heart Hospital would be the one I would take her to, if necessary. Well, after about 45 minutes, she was not any better, sooooooooooo, I got her into the truck and off we went up the valley to McAllen. My iPhone gps got me there without any problems.....and as I pulled up to the Emergency Room entrance, she got out and I went to park the truck.
Going inside I helped her sign in, and then she went back behind the closed doors. And....I began a wait.....which lengthened into over 30 minutes. FINALLY the Dr. came for me.....and he then told me that in the process of getting her wired up and IV's in her, that he bp began to go down and her heart rate became slower and slower.....and finally she bottomed out. They got her heart started again........and gave her stimulates and when I got to her bed...she was doing ok it appeared.....just seemed a bit weak.
Well......they worked with her, giving an EKG and other tests......and then the Dr said that she would remain there in the ER, but they would put her in a private ER room. Soooo, after they got her settled, her heart rate was up around 88-92 and her bp was ok in the range it was at.
They told me that I could go on back to the RV resort if I wanted to get a few hour sleep. They had called a Cardiologist who would see her in the morning. Soooo, she seemed to want to sleep, so I left around 2AM....and returned to the Resort.
This morning....I got up at 6AM......and was over at the Heart Hospital by almost 7:15AM. She was same, except her heart rate was down a bit. Around 9am the cardiologist came in and looked at her, her charts, etc., etc. ....and said that he was going to just bypass the normal stress tests and go right to the angioplasticy this morning. He also said that had that drop in her bp and heart rate happened at home or on the street she would not have survived.
At noon, they took her into the operating room.....and it took about 45 minutes to complete the procedure. The Dr came out and talked with me saying that everything looked really good....that she does have about a 25% blockage in one artery, but that was not anything out of the ordinary. He said that there was no reason why should couldn't return to the RV this afternoon......as to her bottoming out last night, he believes that it was caused by the stress of the moment, the emotion that she has when injected with needles.....has always passed out when she gets a shot....and that there is not problem with her heart. We still wonder about the chest pains......????
This McAllen Heart Hospital is the top heart hospital in all of Texas......so, I guess we should feel good that I did pick this one out of the others in the Yellow Pages. The people there were really wonderful, very efficient, and so considerate.
Soooo, to make this long story as short as possible, we returned to the RV Resort around 5pm this afternoon. She is to do nothing this weekend, we she can return to sq. dancing on Monday, if she wants.......which she does!!!!
I am dog tired....can barely keep my eyes open right now. Just the stress and being in a hospital, standing around ALL day has really worn me out. The cold weather will break some all time lows for this date ....and will will get down to the middle to lower 20's tonight. I have left the water dripping in each faucet to keep water coming through the hose to the connections and into the RV. Hope it works tonight!!!!!
And soooo, a very busy, fun, and STRESSFUL two days post!!!!! Think I will turn in before long....will try to get some pics posted this evening. As always.........
LIFE IS GREAT!!!!!....And, I hope it is for all for you, also!!!!!
Yesterday??? We were up and going early....and by 10 AM we had picked up Doug and Diane and we were heading to the border. Well, as some of you know, this is NOT a lengthy drive.....only about 4 miles or so...NOT a major expedition. Before getting to the parking lot at the border, we made a stop at one of the large pottery shops along the highway. We walked through the rows and rows of different pots that are for flowers and shrubs......and tried to decide which one(s) would look good on our new RV property out in Wyoming. Not being sure exactly what we want, we just looked....and decided to keep looking since we will be here for two months.
Arriving at the parking lot, we had no problem getting a place to park this truck. And...then we walked across the bridge which spans the Rio Grande River which is the border with Mexico at this point of our country. A terrible eyesore and a point of big irritation with the 1st Lady and myself is that god-awful George W. Bush fence which has been erected along parts....yes, PARTS of the border. I need not express myself here again as I have give this same speech last year and it only upsets us both to even talk about the billions that have been wasted on this fence.......soooo brings back memories of the Berlin Wall!!!!!!
After reaching the Mexican side, we made a few stops at some of the MANY farmacias.....pharmacies.....to get prices on the meds which my mother-in-law and brother-in-law want us to purchase for them. OMG....they are soooooo damn much cheaper over here for the same amount of dosage......and the same meds!!!! We always check the dates to make sure they are new........and then we bought seveal packs of the ones we needed. Not enough for the upcoming year, but we will probably return to Mexico at least once per week.
We also checked on prices of eye glasses as the 1st Lady and I both need some new ones.....these are over two years old and I KNOW that my vision has gone down hill since then! Perhaps next week we will get serious about getting some!!!
A few shops later, we were then carrying two liters of liquor.....the incredible "1921" Creme de Tequila which we first bought in Mexico last year...and needed to purchase some more since there are only six...yes, I said SIX places in the entire USA where this can be purchased. I also purchased a bottle of "Tia Maria", a wonderful liquer that goes soooooo wonderfully when poured over Vanilla ice cream, and accompanied by a very warm dark chocolate brownie with nuts in it......OMG, I am getting hungry!!!
Then.....we decided it was time for lunch, so we went to one of our favorite places....Elsa's. When you stop there, it is on the right side of the main street as you walk south....and be sure and continue ALL the way through, veering left into the little bar and 2nd room of the cafe. Usually they have someone entertaining with live music, but yesterday must have been their day off......no one performing. We had the same waiter as last year.....such a friendly guy with a great smile. Ordering Margaritas all the way around........they were brought along with fresh, hot fried tortillas quartered into small pieces for dipping into the really spicy hot salsa!!! Again...my mouth is watering just writing about them. The Margaritas were just great....and we ordered another round with our lunches.......all were Mexican plates with various enchiladas, tamales, tacos, etc. dripping with goodness!!!! For the 1st Lady and myself, the four Margaritas and two large lunchs.....our bill was only $14.00!!!!!!! WOW...what a bargain!!!
Finishing with lunch....and just a bit tipsy as those Margaritas were stronger than we though, we came outside to a strong northern wind and quickly dropping temperatures.....sooo, we quickly made our way to the bridge, going through passport control and re-entering the states. Yes....you do have to pay Texas state taxes on each bottle of liquor....but that tax is only $1.25 per bottle.
We returned back at the Resort in short order......and the 1st Lady stated that she was really tired so she was going to go upstairs and lay down for awhile. About an hour and a half later, she came down, we ate a quick bite of supper, and then prepared to leave for a square dance on the western end of the valley. We went with Doug and Diane and had a great time. The hall where the dance was held was in the same RV park that friends of ours from F'town are staying in. Soooo, I called them and they came up and spent the evening with us.......Alma Asher and her friend Doyle. It was great to see them down here!!!! We also ran into friends from Ontario, Canada.....Jean and Dave Palmer, who are square dancers and we had not seen them since last year.
We head back and returned home a bit after 10 last night. We had no more than got inside when the 1st Lady sat down and told me she was having chest pains!!! Felt like something was pressing very hard on her chest!!! We discussed this a bit......I gave her a baby aspirin...the same type I take each day.....and I then began to look up med facilities in the area....and decided that the McAllen Heart Hospital would be the one I would take her to, if necessary. Well, after about 45 minutes, she was not any better, sooooooooooo, I got her into the truck and off we went up the valley to McAllen. My iPhone gps got me there without any problems.....and as I pulled up to the Emergency Room entrance, she got out and I went to park the truck.
Going inside I helped her sign in, and then she went back behind the closed doors. And....I began a wait.....which lengthened into over 30 minutes. FINALLY the Dr. came for me.....and he then told me that in the process of getting her wired up and IV's in her, that he bp began to go down and her heart rate became slower and slower.....and finally she bottomed out. They got her heart started again........and gave her stimulates and when I got to her bed...she was doing ok it appeared.....just seemed a bit weak.
Well......they worked with her, giving an EKG and other tests......and then the Dr said that she would remain there in the ER, but they would put her in a private ER room. Soooo, after they got her settled, her heart rate was up around 88-92 and her bp was ok in the range it was at.
They told me that I could go on back to the RV resort if I wanted to get a few hour sleep. They had called a Cardiologist who would see her in the morning. Soooo, she seemed to want to sleep, so I left around 2AM....and returned to the Resort.
This morning....I got up at 6AM......and was over at the Heart Hospital by almost 7:15AM. She was same, except her heart rate was down a bit. Around 9am the cardiologist came in and looked at her, her charts, etc., etc. ....and said that he was going to just bypass the normal stress tests and go right to the angioplasticy this morning. He also said that had that drop in her bp and heart rate happened at home or on the street she would not have survived.
At noon, they took her into the operating room.....and it took about 45 minutes to complete the procedure. The Dr came out and talked with me saying that everything looked really good....that she does have about a 25% blockage in one artery, but that was not anything out of the ordinary. He said that there was no reason why should couldn't return to the RV this afternoon......as to her bottoming out last night, he believes that it was caused by the stress of the moment, the emotion that she has when injected with needles.....has always passed out when she gets a shot....and that there is not problem with her heart. We still wonder about the chest pains......????
This McAllen Heart Hospital is the top heart hospital in all of Texas......so, I guess we should feel good that I did pick this one out of the others in the Yellow Pages. The people there were really wonderful, very efficient, and so considerate.
Soooo, to make this long story as short as possible, we returned to the RV Resort around 5pm this afternoon. She is to do nothing this weekend, we she can return to sq. dancing on Monday, if she wants.......which she does!!!!
I am dog tired....can barely keep my eyes open right now. Just the stress and being in a hospital, standing around ALL day has really worn me out. The cold weather will break some all time lows for this date ....and will will get down to the middle to lower 20's tonight. I have left the water dripping in each faucet to keep water coming through the hose to the connections and into the RV. Hope it works tonight!!!!!
And soooo, a very busy, fun, and STRESSFUL two days post!!!!! Think I will turn in before long....will try to get some pics posted this evening. As always.........
LIFE IS GREAT!!!!!....And, I hope it is for all for you, also!!!!!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Day 6, Jan 6/09: Another great day in the Valley!!
WOW.......a great day....warm-up to 70 degrees...and now at almost midnight it is still in the 60's!!!! We ARE enjoying it as we know that the door is open north of here...and soon we will be overcome with frigid air down here along the border....DAMN!!!!
After three cups of Fr Roast coffee....and the 1st Lady had her hot tea, she left for her first intermediate Line Dance class......1.5 hours of instruction which she returned saying that it was much more difficult!!! Myself????? I went over to Doug's motorcoach and helped him fix a leaky drain in the kitchen sink.......took a bit longer than we anticipated as we had to do it twice....the 1st time was a screw-up by putting one of the parts in wrong. BUT...the good news is that it now works perfectly without dripping water under the sink....YEAH!!!!
Then after a quick lunch, the 1st Lady and I went back to Lakewood RV Park for what was listed as square dancing mainstream and plus review lesson. Well.......it was ALL mainstream.....the beginning part of the square dancing lessons.....and we have already finished the plus....the second on the tier. But........it just wasn't what we had expected and we were not too happy with the two hours of doing the same thing over and over.....ugh!!!
Returning to the Resort after a quick stop at the local H.E.B.......a grocery chain that dominates the food scene here in the 50 mile valley......we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine with some appetizers, then fixed a great salad for dinner.
The evening was full of laughs...and more laughs....as we went over to Doug/Diane's motorhome and played Sequence for a few hours.......a real riot!!!!!! A bit more wine....some popcorn...and a few chocolate bites.....and we probably gained another pound....or two!
Tomorrow.......we are going over to Mexico as the 1st Lady needs to get some meds for her mother and brother. Last year they were much cheaper than here in the states.....so, we will see how the prices are this year!!!! Anxious to go over......it has been two months since we were in Puerto Vallarta....and we do miss the Mexican/Latin culture.....miss it a lot!!!! Can't wait.....plant to have lunch and a few margaritas while over there.......WOW!!!!
Tomorrow night we will be square dancing....and hope to see our friends from Canada....Charlie and Katherine, Pat and Tom from Kansas, and Dave and Jean from Canada!!!! We have missed them a lot over the past 9 months.......just amazing how close we all have become after being here in the RGV for three years....this winter being our fourth one!!! We have such an amazing time all together!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do now have the pictures up and going from the past evening, etc., etc. Just needed to purchase some more storage so that I could post the pics on my blog. Not a problem......just a few little dollars to get more pics on here.
And so.....it was a great day....the sun was nice and warm...and we enjoyed it as much as possible as the weather, as I said, is going to make a change for the worst......the temps dropping rapidly during the day tomorrow.
Oh yeah......we did get our modem hooked up and now do not have to depend on the park wifi which is getting slower and slower as more and more rv's arrive for the winter. It IS good to have a much better access to our own wifi within TheHowserHouse on wheels, with the use of the modem.
Soooooo, another day of our winter has passed all too quickly......but, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
After three cups of Fr Roast coffee....and the 1st Lady had her hot tea, she left for her first intermediate Line Dance class......1.5 hours of instruction which she returned saying that it was much more difficult!!! Myself????? I went over to Doug's motorcoach and helped him fix a leaky drain in the kitchen sink.......took a bit longer than we anticipated as we had to do it twice....the 1st time was a screw-up by putting one of the parts in wrong. BUT...the good news is that it now works perfectly without dripping water under the sink....YEAH!!!!
Then after a quick lunch, the 1st Lady and I went back to Lakewood RV Park for what was listed as square dancing mainstream and plus review lesson. Well.......it was ALL mainstream.....the beginning part of the square dancing lessons.....and we have already finished the plus....the second on the tier. But........it just wasn't what we had expected and we were not too happy with the two hours of doing the same thing over and over.....ugh!!!
Returning to the Resort after a quick stop at the local H.E.B.......a grocery chain that dominates the food scene here in the 50 mile valley......we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine with some appetizers, then fixed a great salad for dinner.
The evening was full of laughs...and more laughs....as we went over to Doug/Diane's motorhome and played Sequence for a few hours.......a real riot!!!!!! A bit more wine....some popcorn...and a few chocolate bites.....and we probably gained another pound....or two!
Tomorrow.......we are going over to Mexico as the 1st Lady needs to get some meds for her mother and brother. Last year they were much cheaper than here in the states.....so, we will see how the prices are this year!!!! Anxious to go over......it has been two months since we were in Puerto Vallarta....and we do miss the Mexican/Latin culture.....miss it a lot!!!! Can't wait.....plant to have lunch and a few margaritas while over there.......WOW!!!!
Tomorrow night we will be square dancing....and hope to see our friends from Canada....Charlie and Katherine, Pat and Tom from Kansas, and Dave and Jean from Canada!!!! We have missed them a lot over the past 9 months.......just amazing how close we all have become after being here in the RGV for three years....this winter being our fourth one!!! We have such an amazing time all together!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do now have the pictures up and going from the past evening, etc., etc. Just needed to purchase some more storage so that I could post the pics on my blog. Not a problem......just a few little dollars to get more pics on here.
And so.....it was a great day....the sun was nice and warm...and we enjoyed it as much as possible as the weather, as I said, is going to make a change for the worst......the temps dropping rapidly during the day tomorrow.
Oh yeah......we did get our modem hooked up and now do not have to depend on the park wifi which is getting slower and slower as more and more rv's arrive for the winter. It IS good to have a much better access to our own wifi within TheHowserHouse on wheels, with the use of the modem.
Soooooo, another day of our winter has passed all too quickly......but, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Day 5: Jan 5/10: Sq Dancing, Harlingen, Happy Hour!!
The sun came up in a nearly cloudless sky here in the Valley, but that sight didn't hold up for long.......as it soon became overcast and that lasted for the rest of the day...albeit a very few bright moments. Temps???? In the upper 50', flirting with the goal of 60 degrees, but I don't think it made to that far....unless in one of those bright moments when there was a hint of that huge and bright ball in the sky.
After a couple of cups of Fr. Roast coffee, a toasted ciabatta roll, and my multi-vitamin.....we were soon picked up by our great Canadian friends, Doug/Diane.....and off we went to Lakewood RV Resort for two hours of some very, very fun square dancing. OHHHH, what fun it was....and what it is to spend two hours of mental focus combined with physical exercise.....and having such great fun at the same time!!! I know I have written about how amazing it is to learn to square dance....it is so stimulating and you feel soooo incredible after those two hours, or more. NO....it is NOT fun to be a perfectionist in this activity, as there are some who certainly are that way....and they never smile, they never act as if they are enjoying the challenges that the caller gives to everyone.......they just want to NOT make any mistake. And......what enjoyment they appear to be missing..........
Being only a couple of miles from Harlingen, we stopped at the Tourist Office....and then returned a couple of miles west to the Lone Star of Texas restaurant.....a BBQ place that has wonderful, wonderful food!!! I ordered some of their great onion rings.....if you go there, do not take the onion loaf which is on the menu, but request the onion rings.....WOW...WOW!!!! Then we all four ordered their special of the day..... an amazing sandwich....of BBQ'd pulled pork on a ciabatta bun. The flavor was/is sooooo intense, the bun sooo fresh.....and the portion is HUGE!!! Of course......as I always write.....DO NOT WAST TIME....GO THERE QUICKLY AND ENJOY THIS RESTUARANT on Business 83 just west of Harlingen!!!(I'm not being pd. for this endorsement!).
Then......off we went back into town and the Bicycle Shop on Sunset Strip. We were there 30-45 minutes as the 1st Lady was busy selecting a new bike, getting the correct size for her body, and the instructions by a great young man who I purchased my bike from two years ago this month. She rode it up and down the parking area....and I think she may get it in the next couple of days.
Then we rushed back to Llano Grande RV Resort.....and an hour later we were all over at one of the motorhomes down the street from TheHowserHouse....enjoying drinks and hot chili with lots of finger foods which everyone brought. FUN TIMES!!!!!!!!! The air and breezes became much cooler as the afternoon rushed away.....and soon we became chilled....even with lots of hot chili inside.....and gradually everyone began to leave for the warmth of their rv's.
As I write this, I am also enthralled by the movie on the tellie...."The Soloist". Why have I not seen this before now????? I don't know....but it is a very moving film, and a true one at that. Another film you should see if you haven't seen it.......you won't forget it!
COLD weather is approaching....after tomorrow's predicted high of 70 degrees. Not certain it will make that....but the breezes will come out of the southeast, so it could. This winter, so far, is certainly different than last year's when at this time of the month I was in t-shirt and shorts.
But....every day, every year is different. How boring it would be if Life was the same day after day after day.....right??? We need change.....we need problems to make us realize how boring Life could be, don't we?????
And as always.........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
After a couple of cups of Fr. Roast coffee, a toasted ciabatta roll, and my multi-vitamin.....we were soon picked up by our great Canadian friends, Doug/Diane.....and off we went to Lakewood RV Resort for two hours of some very, very fun square dancing. OHHHH, what fun it was....and what it is to spend two hours of mental focus combined with physical exercise.....and having such great fun at the same time!!! I know I have written about how amazing it is to learn to square dance....it is so stimulating and you feel soooo incredible after those two hours, or more. NO....it is NOT fun to be a perfectionist in this activity, as there are some who certainly are that way....and they never smile, they never act as if they are enjoying the challenges that the caller gives to everyone.......they just want to NOT make any mistake. And......what enjoyment they appear to be missing..........
Being only a couple of miles from Harlingen, we stopped at the Tourist Office....and then returned a couple of miles west to the Lone Star of Texas restaurant.....a BBQ place that has wonderful, wonderful food!!! I ordered some of their great onion rings.....if you go there, do not take the onion loaf which is on the menu, but request the onion rings.....WOW...WOW!!!! Then we all four ordered their special of the day..... an amazing sandwich....of BBQ'd pulled pork on a ciabatta bun. The flavor was/is sooooo intense, the bun sooo fresh.....and the portion is HUGE!!! Of course......as I always write.....DO NOT WAST TIME....GO THERE QUICKLY AND ENJOY THIS RESTUARANT on Business 83 just west of Harlingen!!!(I'm not being pd. for this endorsement!).
Then......off we went back into town and the Bicycle Shop on Sunset Strip. We were there 30-45 minutes as the 1st Lady was busy selecting a new bike, getting the correct size for her body, and the instructions by a great young man who I purchased my bike from two years ago this month. She rode it up and down the parking area....and I think she may get it in the next couple of days.
Then we rushed back to Llano Grande RV Resort.....and an hour later we were all over at one of the motorhomes down the street from TheHowserHouse....enjoying drinks and hot chili with lots of finger foods which everyone brought. FUN TIMES!!!!!!!!! The air and breezes became much cooler as the afternoon rushed away.....and soon we became chilled....even with lots of hot chili inside.....and gradually everyone began to leave for the warmth of their rv's.
As I write this, I am also enthralled by the movie on the tellie...."The Soloist". Why have I not seen this before now????? I don't know....but it is a very moving film, and a true one at that. Another film you should see if you haven't seen it.......you won't forget it!
COLD weather is approaching....after tomorrow's predicted high of 70 degrees. Not certain it will make that....but the breezes will come out of the southeast, so it could. This winter, so far, is certainly different than last year's when at this time of the month I was in t-shirt and shorts.
But....every day, every year is different. How boring it would be if Life was the same day after day after day.....right??? We need change.....we need problems to make us realize how boring Life could be, don't we?????
And as always.........
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Monday, January 04, 2010
Day 4-Monday, Jan 4th: WOW...this was a busy day in the RGV!!!
A great night's sleep.....could it have been that dark red medicine that I drank over at Doug and Diane's last night??? Hmmmm.......doesn't really make a difference.......it was just nice to know that I didn't have to drive down the road today.
I did some chores around TheHowserHouse......and then after our coffee and tea, we walked over to the Activities Center where we signed up to use the gym, received our key cards, and then looked over the bulletin boards. We saw a tour to Guadalajara, Mexico that is for 5 days and four nights for a really great price! Giving it some consideration...
We then had a light lunch.....and very quickly afterwards, we were off to Tip of Texas RV Park for some review lessons on the second level of square dancing...."Plus" lessons. The next two hours were soooo much fun.......we were with some old friends from here whom we had danced with before.....and we were laughing most of the time caused by the mistakes we made in following the calls!!! GREAT FUN!!!
Afterwards at 3pm........we went to Sam's Club to do some shopping. Then next door to Walmart to pick up some small items, not what Sam's Club has in stock! Then.....back to Llano Grande where we are spending the winter.....and a great dinner here in TheHowserHouse.
It appears that by the end of the week it will be below freezing here....WOW!!!! THAT will be a first for the two of us since we have been coming down here in 2007. And....it appears this cold wave will last from Thursday evening until Saturday...whew!!!! Will have layer some clothes as I didn't bring that kind of COLD clothing with me.......
After driving over to McAllen area this afternoon, I realized that it doesn't appear that there is very much, if anything, new since last year. That's ok........this is a very busy, busy area...and there is certainly plenty to do and plenty of places to shop......EXCEPT the food markets/grocery stores. There is only Walmart and many H.E.B. supermarkets. NO choice, really. I think that some upscale supermarkets would have a place here.....and would be welcomed. We didn't make it to the fruit and veggie market today....but will go over there on Wednesday of this week.
And sooooo, we feel at home here in the Valley!!!! It feels like our second home....and that we do like. Now.....of course, we have another "home" in Wyoming since we purchased an RV lot in Star Valley Ranch RV Resort this past summer. Soooo, I suppose we now have three "homes"....even though two of them are the RV...haha. A great way to enjoy the last years of our Lives....right???
And, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
I did some chores around TheHowserHouse......and then after our coffee and tea, we walked over to the Activities Center where we signed up to use the gym, received our key cards, and then looked over the bulletin boards. We saw a tour to Guadalajara, Mexico that is for 5 days and four nights for a really great price! Giving it some consideration...
We then had a light lunch.....and very quickly afterwards, we were off to Tip of Texas RV Park for some review lessons on the second level of square dancing...."Plus" lessons. The next two hours were soooo much fun.......we were with some old friends from here whom we had danced with before.....and we were laughing most of the time caused by the mistakes we made in following the calls!!! GREAT FUN!!!
Afterwards at 3pm........we went to Sam's Club to do some shopping. Then next door to Walmart to pick up some small items, not what Sam's Club has in stock! Then.....back to Llano Grande where we are spending the winter.....and a great dinner here in TheHowserHouse.
It appears that by the end of the week it will be below freezing here....WOW!!!! THAT will be a first for the two of us since we have been coming down here in 2007. And....it appears this cold wave will last from Thursday evening until Saturday...whew!!!! Will have layer some clothes as I didn't bring that kind of COLD clothing with me.......
After driving over to McAllen area this afternoon, I realized that it doesn't appear that there is very much, if anything, new since last year. That's ok........this is a very busy, busy area...and there is certainly plenty to do and plenty of places to shop......EXCEPT the food markets/grocery stores. There is only Walmart and many H.E.B. supermarkets. NO choice, really. I think that some upscale supermarkets would have a place here.....and would be welcomed. We didn't make it to the fruit and veggie market today....but will go over there on Wednesday of this week.
And sooooo, we feel at home here in the Valley!!!! It feels like our second home....and that we do like. Now.....of course, we have another "home" in Wyoming since we purchased an RV lot in Star Valley Ranch RV Resort this past summer. Soooo, I suppose we now have three "homes"....even though two of them are the RV...haha. A great way to enjoy the last years of our Lives....right???
And, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Sunday, Jan 3, 2010: Arrived in the RGV of south Texas!!!!
Ahhhhh......2.5 days and 1145 miles....and we have arrived in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas this afternoon. Grey weather with occasional misty rain.......low 60's. Not the best, but definitely not like Misery is experiencing these last few days.
Yesterday we left Texarkan, Arkansas, about 8:30am and arrived in San Marcos, Texas....about 30 miles north of San Antonio around 3:30pm. Checked into an nice rv park....and then immediately we went to this incredibly HUGE outlet mall there. We had been there a few years ago, but it seemed even larger this time. Enjoyed the evening shopping at some wonderful shops/stores there.....I think this outlet mall must be one of the largest of these types of malls in the country......just amazing!!!!
Returning to the rv park, we soon called it a day.....and before too long, it was TODAY:
Again, we left around 8:30 and arrived here in the Valley at 1:45pm......after another 300 miles. It has been a relatively easy trip down here....and we were soon setting up the RV to enjoy as our home for the next two months here. I have some work to do....washing it, waxing it, as well as the truck, but all of this will be done as time permits, as well as the weather. If you have kept with us over the last three winters, you will remember that we love to square dance....and there are many places to do so each day here in the Valley.....and we will do so this week!!!
Of course, we had not been here but a few minutes before friends of ours from Canada were at our site.....hugs and welcomes and big smiles!!!! SUCH great friends......and Doug and Diane are just special people!!!!!! After we had our rig set up.......we then went to their motorhome....and we were guests there for drinks and dinner. AND....some wonderful laughs and conversations as we "caught up" on each other's lives from the past 8 months or so. Doug and Diane stopped in Fredericktown at our stick and brick, parking their motorhome in our driveway overnight as did some winery visiting.....all of this was last April.
And soooo, we are here! Can't wait to see our many friends from across the USA and Canada who have arrived or are going to be coming down this week. More tomorrow when I have a modem as the wifi is very slow for posting pictures.......but, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Yesterday we left Texarkan, Arkansas, about 8:30am and arrived in San Marcos, Texas....about 30 miles north of San Antonio around 3:30pm. Checked into an nice rv park....and then immediately we went to this incredibly HUGE outlet mall there. We had been there a few years ago, but it seemed even larger this time. Enjoyed the evening shopping at some wonderful shops/stores there.....I think this outlet mall must be one of the largest of these types of malls in the country......just amazing!!!!
Returning to the rv park, we soon called it a day.....and before too long, it was TODAY:
Again, we left around 8:30 and arrived here in the Valley at 1:45pm......after another 300 miles. It has been a relatively easy trip down here....and we were soon setting up the RV to enjoy as our home for the next two months here. I have some work to do....washing it, waxing it, as well as the truck, but all of this will be done as time permits, as well as the weather. If you have kept with us over the last three winters, you will remember that we love to square dance....and there are many places to do so each day here in the Valley.....and we will do so this week!!!
Of course, we had not been here but a few minutes before friends of ours from Canada were at our site.....hugs and welcomes and big smiles!!!! SUCH great friends......and Doug and Diane are just special people!!!!!! After we had our rig set up.......we then went to their motorhome....and we were guests there for drinks and dinner. AND....some wonderful laughs and conversations as we "caught up" on each other's lives from the past 8 months or so. Doug and Diane stopped in Fredericktown at our stick and brick, parking their motorhome in our driveway overnight as did some winery visiting.....all of this was last April.
And soooo, we are here! Can't wait to see our many friends from across the USA and Canada who have arrived or are going to be coming down this week. More tomorrow when I have a modem as the wifi is very slow for posting pictures.......but, as always.....
LIFE IS JUST REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Friday, January 01, 2010
01-01-10: Trip to Texarkana.....
We managed somehow to get away by 8:30 this morning. I had to pull out with a tail light out.......had no bulb, not time to find one, and most stores closed in the area. Sooooo, each time I had to brake or pull into a right lane, I did so with great caution!!!
A quick fuel stop south of Newport, AR......where we also made a sandwich....and then back on the road again. We arrived at an fairly new RV Park just a couple of miles east of Texarkana, AR about 4pm.......and before long, we had been escorted to our rv site.....and began the task of setting up. I decide, after listening to the weather/temp forecast tonight that I would not hook up to water or the sewer dump. After getting unhooked, we went to Flying J about a quarter of mile up the frontage road.......filled the tank again....and then found the light bulb I needed for the rear right light on the RV. Returned to the rv park....installed the light bulb...and voila...I now have both tail lights on the RV working 100%.
I must say....the rest room facilities, which we do not normally use at rv parks since we carry our own restroom and shower facilities, .....these restrooms are immaculate!!!!!! Brand new...heated....and beautiful. THE very best that I have ever seen in any rv park/campground....bar none!!!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!
Watched some TV......the wifi here is horrible......either too many using it, or just not good...period. Using my iPhone on 3GS is much, much better than the wifi here!!!! Sooo, I am not sure this will get posted tonight.
We are going on either to San Marcos or on down to San Antonio tomorrow, depending on the time we arrive in the San Marcos area. Would like to check out...again...their wonderful outlet mall there, but might go on to San Antonio just so we can be an hour closer to the Valley for our final day of traveling.
And sooooo, as always....even with a very chilly evening here...29 degrees.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!(HAVE A GREAT YEAR!)
A quick fuel stop south of Newport, AR......where we also made a sandwich....and then back on the road again. We arrived at an fairly new RV Park just a couple of miles east of Texarkana, AR about 4pm.......and before long, we had been escorted to our rv site.....and began the task of setting up. I decide, after listening to the weather/temp forecast tonight that I would not hook up to water or the sewer dump. After getting unhooked, we went to Flying J about a quarter of mile up the frontage road.......filled the tank again....and then found the light bulb I needed for the rear right light on the RV. Returned to the rv park....installed the light bulb...and voila...I now have both tail lights on the RV working 100%.
I must say....the rest room facilities, which we do not normally use at rv parks since we carry our own restroom and shower facilities, .....these restrooms are immaculate!!!!!! Brand new...heated....and beautiful. THE very best that I have ever seen in any rv park/campground....bar none!!!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!
Watched some TV......the wifi here is horrible......either too many using it, or just not good...period. Using my iPhone on 3GS is much, much better than the wifi here!!!! Sooo, I am not sure this will get posted tonight.
We are going on either to San Marcos or on down to San Antonio tomorrow, depending on the time we arrive in the San Marcos area. Would like to check out...again...their wonderful outlet mall there, but might go on to San Antonio just so we can be an hour closer to the Valley for our final day of traveling.
And sooooo, as always....even with a very chilly evening here...29 degrees.....
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY GREAT!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!(HAVE A GREAT YEAR!)
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